An Interview with Thomas Rongen and the Directors of Next Goal Wins

America Samoa is famously known for the 31-0 thrashing that they received in 2001 from Australia. Directors Mike Brett and Steven Jamison traveled to the island in 2011 to  go beyond the scoreline and learn more about the soccer culture on the island. The pair was there to film the team as they prepared for World Cup qualifying.

The record that was produced is nothing short of inspiring. The players of America Samoa were able to erase the ugly memories of their defeat by earning their first World Cup qualifying win, a 2-1 result over Tonga.  The squad has unique personalities, including Jaiyah Saelua, a transgender player, and Nicky Salapu, the goalkeeper in the infamous loss. The hard-nosed Thomas Rongen oversaw the squad’s development.

Seth Macomber talked to the directors and Rongen about the movie and soccer life on America Samoa on a special edition of the Olimpico.

More information about Next Goal Wins can be found here:

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