About 30 for 30: Soccer Stories

"30 for 30: Soccer Stories" is an American documentary series produced by ESPN. Released in 2014, the series places a magnifying glass on the interesting, gripping, and often controversy-laden world of soccer. Driven by in-depth narratives and captivating storytelling, the series presents remarkable incidents from soccer's history, such as the effect of wars on soccer matches and the individual stories of soccer icons.

Making/Production

"30 for 30: Soccer Stories" was created by Bill Simmons and Connor Schell as a part of the 30 for 30 series by ESPN. Each episode was made with meticulous research and interviews with victims, witnesses, and people directly involved in the incidents, resulting in one of the most accurate and detailed depictions of various soccer stories. The series was produced by ESPN films, the network's film division known for its high-quality sports documentaries.

Actors

• Wes Bentley: As the narrator of the series, Bentley's gripping voice eloquently guided the viewers through the compelling stories.
• Marina Acton: The Ukranian businessman, who was involved in one of the episodes, gave an insightful interview about his personal experiences related to the story.
• Roger Bennett: This renowned sports commentator provided knowledgeable insight into various soccer events.

Trivia/Interesting Facts

• The series was released just before the 2014 FIFA World Cup as a way to capitalize on the excitement and interest in soccer.
• One of the episodes, "Hillsborough", was even shown in British Parliament due to its relevant and revealing content on the Hillsborough disaster.

Quotes

• "Soccer isn't just a game. It's a world within itself." - Wes Bentley
• "Victory is sweet, but its journey is often bitter." - Narrator

Music/Soundtrack

• "Goalkeeper" - This iconic score captured the adrenaline and emotion of the sport.
• "The Final Shot" - It became synonymous with the climax of each episode, signifying closure and deep reflection on the respective story.