The least FIFA ranked national soccer team in the world recorded a historic first ever victory in its 17 years of existence. American Samoa's players raised their arms and fell to the ground, as if they had won a major championship.
It was only a 2-1 victory over Tonga in the start of Oceania World Cup qualifying, but for one of soccer's worst national teams it was a triumph like no other.
Led by former U.S. Under-20 coach Thomas Rongen, American Samoa won its first international match after 30 consecutive defeats over 17 years. American Samoa is a U.S. protectorate in the South Pacific with a population of about 55,000.
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| American Samoa |
American Samoa, tied for 204th and last in the FIFA world rankings, had been outscored 229-12 since starting international play in 1994, including a world record 31-0 loss to Australia in a World Cup qualifier in 2001. Coach Thomas Rongen said the victory would now be "part of soccer history".
"Maybe we have a chance to do something special here beyond this one game, but let's enjoy this one right now," he said.
