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Next Goal Wins

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United Kingdom · 2014
1h 37m
Director Steve Jamison
Starring Thomas Rongen, Jaiyah Saelua, Nicky Salapu, Nicky Salapu
Genre Documentary

This documentary follows the American Samoa national football team's efforts to qualify for 2014 FIFA World Cup, despite widely being considered one of the weakest teams in the world. An inspirational story about the power of hope in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, and an object lesson in what it really means to be a winner in life.

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What are critics saying?

80

Variety by

No sports film is short on pep talks, bonding sessions and heartfelt analogies to family kinship, but the teammates’ easy acceptance of Saelua — and her robust performance on the pitch — give the proceedings an extra kick.

70

The New York Times by Anita Gates

In some ways, this is just another underdogs-go-for-it sports movie. In others, it is as sensitive and observant as an Edith Wharton novel.

80

CineVue by Joe Walsh

Tender, charming and made with substantial care, Next Goal Wins celebrates the cliché that it's not about winning, but the taking part.

75

Portland Oregonian by Marc Mohan

Next Goal Wins isn't the most slickly made documentary, and its chronology can be confusing at times. But, despite a bit of salty language, it's an inspiring, never-say-die chronicle for all ages.

60

The Dissolve by Scott Tobias

Next Goal Wins could stand to go deeper into game strategy, or local customs and living conditions, or any number of personal stories, but the victories it does achieve are enormously satisfying.

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