Subbuteo - in pictures

Goal-line dispute, Chianciano Terme, Italy, 2011 Photograph: Tom Groves

Frameries Major, one of Europe’s largest tournaments, Belgium, 2012 Photograph: Tom Groves

Italy's Massimiliano Nastasi v Spain's Carlos Flores, World Cup final, Palermo, Sicily, 2011 Photograph: Tom Groves

Daniele Bertelli and Massimo Bolognino after winning the World Cup for Italy in the team competition, Palermo, Sicily, 2011 Photograph: Tom Groves

Belgian tension, World Cup final, Manchester, 2012 Photograph: Tom Groves

Alan Collins, honourable life president of the Federation of International Sports Table Football, referees a close game at the Cardiff Grand Prix, 2011 Photograph: Tom Groves

Each player has a unique team box decorated with stickers and memorabilia, Chianciano Terme, Italy, 2011 Photograph: Tom Groves

A last-second goal from world number one Carlos Flores wins the World Cup for Spain in Manchester, 2012 Photograph: Tom Groves

Enzo Ricco at the Italian championships, Chianciano Terme, 2011 Photograph: Tom Groves

Friction between Italy and Spain at the World Cup in Manchester, 2012 Photograph: Tom Groves

A well-stocked team box, Chianciano Terme, Italy, 2011 Photograph: Tom Groves

Massimiliano Nastasi scores in a penalty shoot-out in the grand masters tournament at Ashton Gate, Bristol, 2010 Photograph: Tom Groves

A near miss, National League, Leicester, 2011 Photograph: Tom Groves

A competitor takes a rest during the Italian championships, Chianciano Terme, 2011 Photograph: Tom Groves

The first aid area, for modifying and fine-tuning the figurines, Chianciano Terme, Italy, 2011 Photograph: Tom Groves

Two of Belgium's top players battle it out at the Berlin Grand Prix, 2010 Photograph: Tom Groves

A competitor takes a rest during the Italian championships, Chianciano Terme, 2011 Photograph: Tom Groves

Serie A champions ASD F.Lli Bari Reggio Emilia, Chianciano Terme, Italy, 2011

These photographs are taken from In The Box, by Tom Groves, a limited-edition photobook priced at £25 plus p&p and available from intheboxbook.co.uk

Follow Tom Groves on Twitter @t_gPhoto Photograph: Tom Groves