Next Goal Wins

NEXT GOAL WINS

Directors : Steve Jamison & Mike Brett
Year : 2014
Genre : Documentary
Rating : ****

I have no interest in football whatsoever. In fact, I purposely go out of my way to avoid the sport because I am fed up to the back teeth of reading countless newspaper headlines saying how Joe Bloggs of Whateverland United is being paid ten squillion pounds a second purely because he can kick an inflatable sphere around a bit of grass. However, Steve Jamison and Mike Brett's utterly delightful 'Next Goal Wins' is the first time a piece of film has ever made me understand the power and importance that a game like football can and does provide for millions upon millions of people around the world.

Telling the true story of the American Samoan team who endeavor to restore national pride and qualify for the 2014 World Cup after being dubbed 'the worst team in the world', 'Next Goal Wins' is a complete triumph of a documentary that takes a topic I couldn't care less about and to my surprise, makes me care. Deeply. Filled with unbelievably likable characters, a wonderfully optimistic and emotionally laden saga as well as an unmatched passion and dedication that is missing from almost every match played in the UK today, 'Next Goal Wins' is a testament to true sportsmanship and the unmitigated power of self belief; the perfect antidote to the inevitable cynicism and sycophantic vanity of the upcoming World Cup tournament. If only the rockstar football players of today were as humble, as charming and as determined as the American Samoan football team; people who don't play for wealth, for attention or for stardom but simply for their undying love of the game and the country of which they are so proud to represent.