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American Samoan goalkeeper Nicky Salapu is a record breaker, though his record is not one footballers want to have. He was the goalkeeper during American Samoa’s best known match, against Australia, a 31-0 defeat. It was the worst of an unending series of losses, the team had never won an international match. However a new coach Thomas Rongen inspired them to victory.

Nicky and Thomas share with us their very different journeys, Thomas having played in the US leagues with world famous players before turning to coaching, and Nicky growing up in the South Pacific, from playing football barefoot to achieving fame with a team of footballing underdogs.
The story of American Samoan football is now the subject of a film and documentary, both called Next goal wins.

Presenter: Seyi Rhodes
Producer: Julian Siddle

(Picture: Nicky Salapu, Thomas Rongen and the American Samoan football team: Credit: Thomas Rongen)