Next Goal Wins

By far and away this is one of the best documentaries I've ever watched. I loved every minute of it. The story follows the American Samoa soccer team, which for 17 consecutive years was ranked dead last in the FIFA world rankings. In fact the most notable thing the team had ever achieved was a 31-0 loss to Australia in a World Cup Qualifier game (the worst lost ever suffered by any International team). It's amazing how for 17 years being the worst team in the world, they never gave up. In a world where soccer players are increasingly seen as overpaid divas, here is a group of players that are playing only for pride and passion for the sport.This a very well produced documentary with as much passion as the players they cover. It is a great achievement for the film makers to make someone like me with no connection to American Samoa feel invested to the point I was crying tears of joy for the team at the end of the film.Wonderful story. Great film-making. Authentic people. Heartfelt Moments. True story. "Next Goal Wins" has it all.

This movie was more like a documentary of the team rather than a,movie. Great shots of them playing soccer but no plot.Just documentary facts.

This is a really great soccer story. It's about the American Samoa national soccer team, known as the worst in soccer. It's the story of the players, who work so hard, and the coach that they hire, with a story of his own, and the efforts he makes to turn them around. The team is trying to qualify for the World Cup, and with that just behind us, this gives a look at what goes on behind the world stage, especially in a little country. This is an inspirational story, and those who love soccer - and even those who don't - will enjoy this movie.

Good film, both my daughter and I enjoyed it and got something from it. The film's gift is the feeling it places in ones heart of the grit it takes to overcome your limitations, and accomplish something - a gift that has kept on giving.Note that for young kids the language is a little strong in a couple of parts.

A remarkable and enjoyable film that celebrates the indomitable spirit of a soccer team in American Samoa. It is a true story, and not just another sports story, it glorifies the old values of hard work and diligence, cooperation, respect for one another, discipline, loyalty, appreciation of differences, and the belief that all dreams are possible. It is too bad it has not received more publicity. You do not have to be a sports fan to enjoy it.

I started watching this because I really like watching sport documentaries, specially soccer ones, but this documentary actually ends up transcending the sport itself and brings out what i think the point of being a person within a team, community, and country and the world is truly about! Love for others, understanding, love and pride for country while remaining inclusive but at the same time preserving ones cultural beliefs and customs. It was a really good watch...I may just buy an America Samoa jersey next world cup.

this documentary is so good. Its a little slow to start but its so worth the time. I laughed, I cried and in the end its a beautiful story of perserverence and acceptance! its beautiful and you don't even have to like soccer!

This is the absolute best documentary ever made about football. The great coach Thomas Rongen is shown in all his faces, love, anger, pettiness, fear, all of it coursing through this beautiful film. I was enraptured by this film, I have watched it at least 5 times, and I see something new every time, it is raw emotion. A true story of a mans redemption, and a teams redemption. Nothing comes close to this in the genre.

This is a fascinating, spirited and in many ways uplifting look at the lower levels of international football. A love of the game probably isn't required to enjoy it as its as much about the people and honest endeavour as anything else.The doc follows the American Samoa international football (or soccer if you insist) team over a relatively short space of time. Early footage shows them getting walloped 31-0 by Australia and we hook up with them whilst they are still officially ranked as the worst team in the international game. The team are heading into a World Cup qualifying campaign - Can they qualify? Can they win a game? Can they even score a goal?An eclectic group of characters make up the team and the film. There are standout turns from Thomas Rongen the motormouthed Dutch coach, Nicky Salapu the veteran semi-retired keeper who shipped those 31 goals and Jaiyah Saelua the transgender defender breaking new ground. As well as the on pitch antics we get a look at life on this small island nation - the culture, customs, religion etc.The team have many hurdles to overcome and it's an engrossing story, at turns hilarious and heartbreaking but always entertaining. Perhaps a few big names on BIG salaries from the world of football could have a peek at this. Just a thought but this isn't really about them, it's about a group of non pros playing for the pure pride, passion and love of the game. Refreshing.

This film is more of a feature length documentary, I saw it at the cinema and absolutely adored it. Now firstly, don't be put off it you don't like football, I can't stand it but I LOVED this film. It's a great underdog story about an amazing group who men who are so passionate about football. It's a lovely story that really touched me, i have recommended it to so many friends. A must see and one of fav films of 2014

Wonderful movie! True story of a truly awful football team who become a little less awful thanks to a hard working, no messing Dutch coach. But it's beautiful though, somehow - very human and caring. Totally refreshing to see a national football team without all the nonsense of celebrity that we have in Europe.

Lovely true life story, with affirming messages about being the underdog, leadership and community. A fascinating insight into Samoan culture and celebrating difference. You don't need to like football to enjoy this film.

If you love football you’ll love this film. Amazing story & will have you cheering them on to the end.