This was a good movie, regardless of whether it was about soccer or not. The movie had good actors, and some surprise actors (Gavin Rossdale, John Harkes, etc.) and was a good "person" movie. It did do a good job of telling about the 1950 upset victory for the Americans, and it was good that it stopped right there and didn't include the following matches in that World Cup for the Amerians of losing to Spain 1-3 and Chile 2-6. So it ended on a good note. I actually had a comment about one of the user comments....the one gloating about his daughter's soccer team and how good they are because they are Arizona state champions. I have lived in Ohio most of my life and lately I have lived in Arizona....I am sorry to break it to him, but Arizona soccer is terrible. Teams in Arizona would get crushed by teams in Ohio. A state champion of Arizona is a mediocre Ohio team. Or MIssouri, or Michigan, or California, or Florida.

Even though we know what happens (so how can you have a "spoiler"?), I found the overall tone of the film a little flat. Yet it's a great introduction to what happened back in 1950, even if not 100% accurate. I'd like for the film to have told me that most of these players had played together before in previous international matches, that the USA had lost all its other games in the pool, and that England did not advance to the elimination round either. Sure that one game is the focus of the story, but I'd like to have seen it in better context.

I thought the action was very well done. Gerard Butler certain did Frank Borghi proud and was totally believable as a world-class goalkeeper and team leader. The best scene in the film had to be his slow mo prowl in front of the goal during the practice game in the rain against England's second team. Borghi was justifiably angry at himself for allowing so many goals, even in such horrible playing conditions.

I recommend this film to soccer fans and nonfans alike. It has some faults, but its well worth watching.

This is a likable depiction of a little known event in American sports history; the defeat of soccer superpower England at the hands of an unknown, underfunded U.S. team (most of whom are sons of Italian immigrants) during the World Cup in Brazil in 1950. The film defines the characters, showing their Italian roots as well as their pride at being Americans without crossing the line into stereo-type. Their are a couple of moments that appear as if they're heading in that direction but, then the film deftly veers around it. The scenes on the pitch are exciting and compelling, particularly the ultimate match with the English. Even though the outcome is a matter of record, I was still captivated. Part of the reason for this might be all those shots of walking pheromone Gerard Butler as goalie Frank Borghi. (Disclaimer:Mr. Butler was the real reason I picked up this little film.) *Spoiler*I'm glad they included the real players that were still alive at the time of filming in the final scene. I'll watch this again. I rented it last night, bought it this morning.