We Must Go

Dave LaMattina and Chad Walker's documentary focuses on the unlikely common ground between the Arab Spring political uprising and soccer mania. At the center of the film is Bob Bradley, the former U.S. Soccer manager recruited in September 2011 to take over leadership of the Egyptian National Soccer team. The hiring of an American manager was highly unusual from a sports perspective and a bit dicey from a political one—especially after unrest in Egypt saw the toppling of Hosni Mubarak's dictatorship in favor of a Muslim Brotherhood leadership that, in turn, was ousted in a military coup. Bradley avoided getting involved in politics and, to his credit, seemed to rise above the growing level of anti-Americanism that permeated Egypt during this tumultuous time. (Many Egyptians admired that he chose to live in their country and learn their language and customs.) Bradley's efforts were instead concentrated on bringing the Egyptian team to the 2014 FIFA World Cup, and the film details the training and strategies behind this difficult goal. Unfortunately, Egypt was eliminated by Ghana in the third-round playoffs of the qualification matches. But Bradley's insights regarding soccer and Egypt offers a unique perspective on contemporary Egyptian society. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)