Next Goal Wins

In 2001, American Samoa faced a catastrophic defeat against Australia, ending with a score of 31-0. This loss not only harmed their morale but also solidified their position at the bottom of the FIFA rankings, earning them the unfortunate title of the worst football team in the world.

Over the next seventeen years, American Samoa struggled to better their standings, managing to score only twice in competitive matches. Their continuous inability to win fed into the narrative that they were doomed to remain at the bottom of international football.

As they prepare for the 2014 World Cup qualification campaign, the team is faced with the daunting challenge of transforming their image and performance on the field. They embody a sense of desperation that causes them to seek an unconventional solution to their misfortunes.

Dutch coach Thomas Rongen, known for his wild and daring methods, arrives in American Samoa. He is both a beacon of hope and a risk for the struggling team, coming with a wealth of experience from playing alongside legends like George Best and Johann Cruyff.

Upon his arrival, Rongen is faced with an unsettling reality. He quickly realizes that the standard of football is incredibly low, and only half of his squad is physically fit enough to endure a full match, presenting a monumental obstacle in the team's preparation.

As he works with the players, Rongen learns about the emotional scars that many carry. Notably, the goalkeeper who was on the field during the infamous 31-0 match against Australia ten years earlier struggles with the weight of that defeat.

The team features a unique member from Samoa's third gender community, the fafafine, who embraces their identity openly. This diversity within the squad adds another layer of complexity to Rongen's coaching strategy as he seeks unity among the players.

Complicating the situation further, the team's top player is stationed 6000 miles away serving in the U.S. military. This absence highlights the challenges of assembling a competitive team in the face of geographical and sociopolitical barriers.

With only one month left until the World Cup Qualifiers begin, Rongen is under immense pressure to shape this group of players into a cohesive unit. He must work not only on their physical capabilities but also on building their confidence and team spirit.

As Rongen endeavors to coach the team, he embarks on a personal journey of self-discovery. He grapples with his own perceptions and limitations while trying to understand the rich background of the players he aims to unite for their common dream.

Rongen rallies the team, urging them to work together and trust in one another. He emphasizes the importance of each member's contribution as they set out to change their narrative and aim for something beyond mere survival in the sport.

As training progresses, the players begin to show signs of improvement and determination. Rongen's unorthodox methods start to resonate, sparking a sense of hope that perhaps their legacy of defeat can be rewritten.

With the qualification matches looming, anticipation builds as both players and coach prepare for the ultimate test of their mettle. The outcome of these matches will determine if they can finally shake off the shadows of their past failures.

As the matches begin, doubt still lingers in the back of their minds. Each game serves as a reminder of their troubled past, yet they step onto the pitch with newfound resolve, hoping to change their fate.

The conclusion of the qualification campaign leaves the team at a crossroads. Whether they succeed or fail, the journey and the experience have the potential to redefine their legacy, establishing a new chapter in American Samoan football.