For football fans, it often does not take much for them to tag their favourite side with the 'worst team in the world' label. Of course, such claims are usually incredibly hyperbolic.
Unless they are American Samoa supporters that is.
Some of you may not be all that familiar with the tiny pacific island territory, which is an unincorporated territory of the United States located just southeast of the island country of Samoa. It is a beautiful part of the world, but one where football has not always thrived.
In fact, American Samoa hold the less than desirable record of having suffered the biggest defeat in international football history.
It came in a World Cup qualifier back in 2001, where their national side fell to a scarcely believable 31-0 loss to Australia. In fairness to them, having shipped 16 goals in the first half, they did manage to tighten things up a bit after the interval by only conceding 15 from that point onwards.
That result has gone down in infamy, with the record unlikely to be broken anytime soon. Now, American Samoas's story has arrived on the big screen.
Based on a true story, Next Goal Wins tells the hilarious story of maverick coach Thomas Rongen (played by Michael Fassbender), who was appointed as manager of American Samoa in 2011, a decade on from that record loss to Australia.
It was released in Irish cinemas today, December 26th. Tickets are available here.
With just a few weeks weeks of preparation, he is given the rather unenviable task of whipping the team into shape ahead of their World Cup qualifying campaign.
Directed by Academy Award Winner Taika Waititi and based on the documentary of the same name, Next Goal Wins is a humorous recounting of the pursuit of the team's ultimate aim: can they score a goal? Better yet, could they do the unthinkable and actually win a game?
It is a touching underdog story that blends together all the best aspects of football, team spirit, inclusivity, Polynesian culture, and that all important never say die attitude.
You can watch the trailer below.
Inspired by a true story that pretty much actually happened. @TaikaWaititi's NEXT GOAL WINS, only in theaters November 17th. #NextGoalWins pic.twitter.com/Q3lyYnj4Xd
— Searchlight Pictures (@searchlightpics) April 26, 2023
Searchlight Pictures describes the movie as:
Directed by Academy Award Winner Taika Waititi (Jojo Rabbit, Thor: Ragnarok) and based on a true story, NEXT GOAL WINS follows the American Samoa soccer team, infamous for their brutal 31-0 FIFA loss in 2001.
With the World Cup Qualifiers approaching, the team hires down-on-his-luck, maverick coach Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbender) hoping he will turn the world’s worst soccer team around in this heartfelt underdog comedy.
Any of us who have been part of struggling teams in the past are sure to relate to aspects of the story.
You can get your tickets here.
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In partnership with Searchlight Pictures. Next Goal Wins opened exclusively in cinemas on St Stephen's Day.
