The Taika Waititi-directed Next Goal Wins has begun to play in theaters and people are wondering where its story has been inspired from. Is it based on a true story and a real soccer team? Or has it adapted a novel? Here’s all you need to know about its inspiration.
Is Next Goal Wins based on a true story and real soccer team?
Next Goal Wins is a sports comedy biopic that is based on a 2014 Documentary of the same name, but also a true story of real-world events.
Waititi and writer Iain Morris adapted their screenplay from Mike Brett and Steve Jamison’s documentary movie, which released on April 19, 2014. In it, the Dutch-born American-based coach Thomas Rongen was appointed to work with the American Samoa soccer team, who were known for their infamous 31-0 loss against Australia in an international match.
With Rongen being down and out himself, he turned what was arguably the worst soccer team in the world into a team of winners. Having the goal of qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in mind, he turned his and the Samoan team’s fortunes around with his inspiring and innovative training tactics.
He introduces a few new overseas-based players and even includes the first transgender player, faʻafafine to compete in a FIFA World Cup qualifier.
The Killer’s Michael Fassbender plays Coach Thomas Rongen. Besides him, this underdog movie stars Elisabeth Moss, Will Arnett, Oscar Kightley, Uli Latukefu, Rachel House, Kaimana, David Fane, Beulah Koale, Chris Alosio, Rhys Darby, and Taika Waititi himself.
The official synopsis of Next Goal Wins reads:
“Next Goal Wins follows the American Samoa soccer team, infamous for their brutal 31-0 FIFA loss in 2001. With the World Cup Qualifiers approaching, the team hires down-on-his-luck, maverick coach Thomas Rongen (Fassbender) hoping he will turn the world’s worst soccer team around in this heartfelt underdog comedy.”
For more entertainment updates, check out the trailer of Percy Jackson and the Olympians. Also, find out when it begins streaming.
