Watch Goal! The Dream Begins

Goal! The Dream Begins, released in 2005, is a sports drama film directed by Danny Cannon. The film is the first installment in the Goal! film trilogy and showcases the passion and determination of a young footballer who dreams of playing professionally. Santiago Munez, played by Kuno Becker, is a Mexican immigrant living in Los Angeles who works in his father's restaurant and plays football on the side. One day, he gets spotted by Glen Foy, a former Newcastle United player, who offers him a chance to attend a tryout for Newcastle United in England.

Despite financial difficulties and his father's disapproval, Santiago takes the opportunity and travels to England with the help of Foy. Once there, he faces numerous challenges, including homesickness, language barriers, and the pressure to perform well in the tryout. He also meets a kind-hearted nurse named Roz Harmison, played by Anna Friel, who offers him support and encouragement throughout his journey.

Along the way, Santiago makes friends, including Gavin Harris, played by Alessandro Nivola, a talented player who becomes both a rival and a mentor to Santiago. Santiago's story is one of perseverance and hard work, as he navigates the twists and turns of a professional football career.

The film showcases several football matches, with impressive and authentic portrayals of the game, including Santiago's first match with a local club in Los Angeles and his encounters with Newcastle United's academy players. The film also features cameos from real-life footballers, including David Beckham and Zinédine Zidane, adding to the authenticity of the football scenes.

Goal! The Dream Begins is not just a sports film, but also a story about dreams, family, and identity. Through Santiago's character, the film explores themes of cultural identity, the immigrant experience, and the importance of family support. Santiago's father, played by Tony Plana, initially disapproves of his son's dreams of playing football professionally, but comes around and supports his son after seeing the sacrifices and hard work he puts in.

The film also delves into the personal lives of the characters. Santiago falls in love with Roz, but struggles to balance his priorities and dreams with his romantic feelings. Gavin, who initially seems like a brash and arrogant player, is later revealed to have personal struggles and insecurities of his own.

The film's soundtrack features several popular songs, including "Club Foot" by Kasabian and "Beautiful" by Moby, which add to the energy and emotion of the film.

In summary, Goal! The Dream Begins is a thrilling sports drama that showcases the determination and grit required to pursue one's dreams. With authentic football scenes, compelling characters, and heartwarming storytelling, the film is a must-watch for sports fans and moviegoers alike.

Goal! The Dream Begins is a 2006 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 58 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 53.