So, with the World Cup being in full flow now, but slightly disappointing in the lack of thrills so far, I had to bring up an interesting theoretical question. Which of the following teams, based on the showcase ads from the two big sports companies, is better?

I guess Team Adidas is at an immediate disadvantage because they don’t have a goalie. And they decided to give up on a defensive line and load up the midfield. Still, having Messi and Villa up front, supported by Kaká probably means they would control the ball and run away with it. And even though he is retired, Zidane would be awesome off the bench.

One thing there is no doubt about – Nike’s “Write the Future” is definitely the better ad by miles. And Messi is the most awesome, unselfish soccer player on the planet.

You know World Cup mania is approaching fever-pitch when the requisite Nike ad comes out. And the 2010 WorldCup edition is absolutely brilliant. Not only is the soccer imagery dazzling, it mixes in today’s soccer greats like Rooney and Ronaldo with non-soccer greats like Kobe, Federer and Homer Simpson(!). And the Facebook “like” button makes it in there as well.

Nike Write The Future from Wieden + Kennedy London on Vimeo.

Write The Future from Nalden on Vimeo.

The Wayne Rooney segment is just hilarious, but given the way our stock markets have been (mis)behaving recently, some of it hits a little too close to home. And it’s obvious that Nike couldn’t predict Ronaldinho not making the Brazilian squad, or they wouldn’t have featured him so prominently. I only wish Messi (the world’s greatest player right now, without doubt) were in the ad too. Oh, and as a Manchester United fan, I miss Ronaldo and I hate Ribery!

“Write the Future” indeed. I cannot wait for the World Cup to begin. Should be amazing.

Watching coverage of Euro 2008 this month, I have seen this ad over and over again. But I don’t mind, because it is the best ad ever.

I wonder if I can sue Nike for infringement, because it does feel like they literally downloaded the dreams I had growing up (and still have sometimes) onto film, down to the last free kick, foul and kiss (I attribute the minor rewrite of our protagonist getting selected for Arsenal instead of my beloved Red Devils to some stupid ad executive somewhere).

The ad is completely brilliant, and literally transports me back to a time when I didn’t care about technology, career, blogging, 401Ks or family responsibilities, just girls and glory (well, not everything has changed). I’m sure a lot of guys had the same dream growing up (just substitute your choice of sport). But for me, this ad is perfect. I used to be a pretty good soccer player growing up, and maybe if I had been able to buy some magic Nike cleats back then, well, who knows…

I feel like working out nowadays. I’m sure the feeling will pass soon.

I just watched [tag]AC Milan[/tag] absolutely dismantle my beloved Red Devils in the [tag]Champions League[/tag]. Man U got outplayed so comprehensively, it was embarassing. The Italians showed the same solid defense that won the national side the last World Cup, not letting anything through. I don’t think I saw even one serious shot on goal by Rooney or Ronaldo in the entire game.

I hope they can hang on for the permiership title at least.

[tags]Manchester United, Soccer[/tags]