When it comes to inspiring and motivational speeches, the US are undisputed world champions.
So when The Rock decided to give the US women’s football team a pre-match pep talk ahead of their World Cup final against Japan, it was always going to be spectacular.
Movie star Dwayne Johnson didn’t let his country down with a speech that could have come straight out of one of his Hollywood films.
“This is not to inspire you – you’re already there. You know the opportunity that’s in front of you” the Rock booms. “This video is just to let you know how much you have inspired me.
“You guys have inspired an entire country with your passion, discipline, dedication and hard-ass work.”
“Remember that you guys are the greatest in the world at what you do. You have earned it. You guys are rock stars. You guys are warriors.
“You guys are 23 of the biggest badasses walking God’s green Earth. Go handle your business, push the pace, dominate the game and bring it back home. Achieve that greatness.”
Everyone in the JOE office was up, hand over heart, singing the Star-Spangled Banner after that.
With a pre-match speech that rousing , there was no way they could lose.
And they didn’t – the US team crushed Japan 5-2, including a hat-trick from Carli Lloyd, with this wonderful strike the pick of the bunch.
Here’s the glorious video…
They call him #Electrifying, #PeoplesChamp, a #Baller–he calls the #USWNT inspiring. WATCH! @TheRock is FIRED UP!https://t.co/VORgrLDCpi
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) July 5, 2015
JOE wanted to know how the Rock’s pre-match speech ranked with some of Hollywood’s finest. Have a look at this lot…
Any Given Sunday (1999)
Al Pacino delivers one of the most magnificent sports film speeches you will ever clap eyes on in this American Football film. “We can fight our way back into the light. We can climb out of hell, one inch at a time…”
Miracle on Ice (2004)
A hockey film about a bunch of amateurs taking on the mighty Russian professionals, what could be more inspiring? “Tonight we are the greatest hockey team in the world…” Stirring stuff.
Invictus (2009)
“Do you hear? Listen to your country. Seven minutes. This is it, this is our destiny…” If Matt Damon had a finest hour, this would probably be it.
Mighty Ducks (1992)
“Ever seen a duck fight? No, because the other animals are afraid.” If you can inspire a bunch of no-hope kids that the duck is Mother’s Nature’s greatest creature, you can do anything…
BASEketball (1999)
“Listen to me you little b*tch, you either go out and make that shot or I’m going to shove your head so far up your f**king ass, you have to wear yourself as a hat.” The hard-man approach also works…
