American Samoa's national football team suffered a 31-0 defeat to Australia in 2001, the worst loss in international football history.
“Without A Win. But Never Without Hope.”
Synopsis
American Samoa's national football team suffered a 31-0 defeat to Australia in 2001, the worst loss in international football history.
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Synopsis
Jaiyah Saelua has been a member of the American Samoa national football team since 2003. The team, known for its struggles, suffered a historic 31-0 defeat to Australia in 2001. In an effort to improve their performance and qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, the Football Federation American Samoa hired coach Thomas Rongen. Over three weeks, Rongen trains the players, including those based overseas, as they prepare for the OFC World Cup Qualification. The film captures their determination and the challenges they face on and off the pitch.
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The GuardianA transgender centre-back is the star of Mike Brett and Steve Jamison's documentary about the world's worst international football team• Watch the trailer for Next Goal Wins.
Deep Dive
Why Watch
- Meet Thomas Rongen, the coach who transformed the team.
- Find out how American Samoa faced their historic defeat.
- See Jaiyah Saelua break barriers in sports.
Did You Know
- American Samoa lost 31–0 to Australia in 2001, the worst loss in history.
- Jaiyah Saelua is the first transgender player in a FIFA World Cup qualifier.
- The film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival on April 19, 2014.
- Next Goal Wins won the Best Documentary award at the British Independent Film Awards in 2014.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What was the score of the worst loss in international football history?
American Samoa lost 31–0 to Australia in 2001, which is the worst loss in international football history.
Who was the coach hired by the American Samoa football team?
Dutch-born, America-based coach Thomas Rongen was hired to help the American Samoa football team.
When did Next Goal Wins premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival?
Next Goal Wins premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival on 19 April 2014.
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