Next Goal Wins, DVD review: A deeply moving, satisfying and life affirming film

(15) Mike Brett, Steve Jamison, 95mins. Starring: Thomas Rongen, Jaiyah Saelua

This charming documentary focuses on the world’s worst international football team, American Samoa, a side who slid to the heaviest defeat (31-0 to Australia) in a Fifa match in 2001.

The abiding image is of their proud, capable goalkeeper pounding the turf in despair.

They don’t score goals and obviously never get results, so enter abrasive-but-loveable Dutch coach Thomas Rongen, who has three weeks to turn this likeable rabble – including transsexual defender Jaiyah Saelua – into a competitive team before their World Cup qualifying campaign.

A deeply moving, satisfying and life affirming film – the exact opposite of watching England play.