The FIFA Development Officer for Oceania, Glenn Turner, says the Oceania qualifying tournament in Samoa last week has helped elevate the game of football in the region, and garnered attention from across the world.
American Samoa had their first win at the international level in 31 games when they beat Tonga 2-1.
The FIFA official says the world media attention after that historic win shows that there are great opportunities in football for the smaller playing nations in the Pacific.
Turner was full of praise for the players.
"We believe it's brought together countries that are developing football, we saw the heart, we saw the passion, we saw the interest and you people provided it."
FIFA's Glenn Turner, who flew to Samoa over the weekend for the American Samoa verse Samoa championship match, which the hosts won.
