Despite a hefty runtime and some unimpeachably glossy craft, the film is a mis-hit spike, delivering far less penetration than its toned, muscular surface promises.

Like the sports movies of the 80s aims exclusively at entertainment by creating heroes under any circumstance, while the matches themselves are so impressive, that will remain in the memory of any viewer long after finishing the film.

A breathtaking look at the sport and politics.

Practically all of its big emotional beats depend on a sense of national pride or, at the very least on viewers identifying with the fictional characters to the extent that they want them to win, but character is exactly what it's lacking.