Next Goal Wins is an inspirational story about the power of hope in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, and an abject lesson in what it really means to be a winner in life.
In 2001, the tiny Pacific island of American Samoa suffered a world record 31-0 defeat at the hands of Australia, garnering headlines across the world as the worst football team on the planet. A decade after that humiliating night, they remain rooted to the bottom of FIFA’s World rankings, having scored only twice in seventeen years. Against this backdrop of serial underachievement, the team face the daunting prospect of a qualification campaign for the upcoming 2014 World Cup in Brazil. It would take a miracle-maker or a madman to turn the team’s fortunes around – and in maverick Dutch coach Thomas Rongen the islanders somehow find both.
A film for non football lovers and football fans alike, Next Goal Wins is a classic underdog story set amongst the beauty and tribal magic of the South Pacific. Giving a unique insight in to the Samoan way of life, the film brims with infectious personalities, not least the stunning, six-foot centre-half, Jaiyah, the world’s first professional transgender footballer, and Thomas Rongen the brash outspoken high-level coach who undergoes a remarkable epiphany.
Next Goal Wins is the debut feature documentary from directors / producers Mike Brett & Steve Jamison.
Next Goal Wins will be released by ICON FILM DISTRIBUTION in cinemas on 9 May 2014
