HOW close does a game have to be before it ceases to be called a sport?
As the goals fly past you, how many times of picking the ball out of the net would it be before you felt like giving up?
More importantly, at what point would you actually give up the game?
Coaches often tell players that persistence is vital, ‘never-say-die’ – but for how long do you believe them?
Well, for all of you reading this who have given up in a match, or retired as you were no longer able to compete, take a look at the football team of American Samoa – and at their goalkeeper, Nicky Salapu, in particular.
Salapu has been custodian of the world’s worst side. American Samoa has recorded statistics over the last few years of played 20, lost 20, goals scored 12, goals against 229. This included the largest-ever international defeat where the 31-0 score line could have easily represented the opening partnership for their opponents (Australia) cricket team.
Salapu was between the sticks as Australian striker, Archie Thompson, hit a record 13 goals. Remarkably, it is the goalkeeper who is the only survivor in the side today.
After 30 successive losses, and 10 years on from that record defeat, American Samoa finally got not only their first point, but their first win.
Last week the tiny US protectorate beat Tonga 2-1, hanging on in the final minutes as the Tongans pounded the Samoan goal, forcing Salapu into some magnificent saves.
Believe it or not, two days later they followed this result with a 1-1 draw against the Cook Islands.
OK, so we are not talking about major football nations. But when you are ranked as the lowest football team in the world by FIFA any result is a bonus.
American Samoa is now hoping to qualify from Stage 1 of the Oceania World Cup Qualifying Group. Reports suggested that, after their first victory, the players celebrated as if they had won the World Cup itself!
