While sporting movies throughout history have always followed the loser, the underdog, the man-against-the-world who doesn’t have a hope of success, Next Goal Wins is something different; a football documentary about the world’s worst football team (officially), American Samoa, how their humiliating 31-0 defeat at the hands of Australia tainted their name forever, and how the team strive to redeem their reputation, and in order to celebrate the release of Next Goal Wins on DVD (on September 1st), we caught up with goalkeeper Nicky Salapu for a short interview.
I know its the question you probably most asked about when you do interviews, so allow me to put a different slant on it – How far do you feel American Samoan football has changed since that one night against Australia and with the release of ‘Next Goal Wins’?
Nicky: After the game against Australia, I felt embarrassed for our team, and for American Samoa. I felt like I was carrying this embarrassment on my shoulders for such a long time, and it never dulled, until 2011. In 2011, we were able to show the world that we were an improved team. Next Goal Wins did an amazing job of showing our improvements and progress.
Do you think you’ve shed off all the indignity the team has always carried after that game?
Nicky: Yes. An amazing weight was lifted off my shoulders when we won our match against Tonga in the World Cup Qualifying Match.
Do you feel the film gives a fair representation of the challenges American Samoa has to go through?
Nicky: Yes. The film did a wonderful job of portraying American Samoa. I think the fact that the filmmakers spent time in American Samoa, helped them in portraying it properly as well.
From the film I can tell that you yourself are a very loyal man to the cause. What drove you to be a part of the national team for so long?
Nicky: I wanted to be a role model to the younger generations, and to show them that we could change the history of American Samoa Soccer.
I imagine it was quite a hard decision to return and play again for American Samoa?
Nicky:It was really hard to make the decision to come back. Taking care of my family in Seattle has always been my number one priority. After talking with my wife, we made the decision together, that there would be regrets if I didn’t go. And so I went back, in hopes of redeeming myself.
How did you feel with the inclusions of cameras following every inch of you and the team? I imagine the concept myself to be very alien.
Nicky: It was a little hard to get used to in the beginning. After the first few days, it just felt like a normal part of the process.
Is it a struggle you feel for Jaiyah to overcome narrowmindedness to her gender in soccer?
Nicky: My respect for soccer does not see color or gender. I would hope that others that share my passion for soccer, would feel that way as well. Jaiyah will always be my #1 defender.
Thomas Rongen is probably one of the most intense and colourful football coaches I have ever seen. He actually wouldn’t go out of place in a James Bond movie as a villain with his intensity! What do you think drives him to keep going in coaching?
Nicky:His passion for soccer. I think he is driven and motivated to take teams to a higher skill level.
What impression do you think the film leaves of American Samoa to the world as a whole? It certainly looks a laidback and peaceful island from the film.
Nicky:I think your impression, is the same impression the film leaves the rest of our audiences with. American Samoa is truly the most respectful, peaceful place I have been to in my lifetime.
Looking back on the documentary and the critical success it’s had, what are the aims and challenges for you and American Samoa going forward?
Nicky:We definitely are aiming higher for the next round of World Cup Qualifying in 2018. The challenge we face is to make sure that we stay fit and continue to prepare individually, until we are able to be together again, and train as a team.
4 points and being unlucky not to get out of your qualifying group is a terrific platform for AS to build on. Do you think you can dare to dream and get into the next round? Even further?
Nicky: Of course! That is my dream. I think we have a great chance of making into the next round, and possibly further. I feel that 2011 showed up what we are capable of, and has made us hungry for so much more.
Any chance of a follow up film?
Nicky: I hope so. I would not be surprised to get a call around the time of the 2018 Qualifications.
Where do you put Next Goals Wins against other football movies? What are your favourites?
Nicky: I might be a little biased, but I think that Next Goal Wins is the best movie I have ever seen. My favorite soccer movie is Shaolin Soccer.
Next Goal wins is out now on DVD.
