Thursday, November 13, 2014

Battle of the balls: Nike refuses to let Adidas take all the glory

With much fanfare, Adidas last week unveiled Brazuca, the official match ball of the 2014 World Cup. The ball boasts a an all-over swirl of red, blue, green and black. The pattern suggests the traditional multicolored wish bracelets often seen on the wrists of Brazilians. It's also meant to reflect the fun and energy associated with the sport in Brazil.

Adidas already has a number of integrated efforts to promote the ball, a film showing Brazuca in action on the field and in the streets, set to The Kinks' "All Day and All of the Night." It's accompanied by a 360-degree interactive version. Also as part of the ball's introduction, Adidas is indoctrinating new football fans extremely early on with a promotion out of MSLGroup Espalhe that promises free Brazucas to newborn babies.

But in what's coming to be a World Cup tradition, Nike all but streaked across the pitch. It too unveiled its own new ball. The launch spot for Nike's Ordem ball stars soccer player Wayne Rooney going head to head with pro golfer Rory McIlroy-on a golf course. For unfamiliar ground, the soccer athlete has impressive skills, even skipping the ball over a water trap. Throughout, both players are pretty neck and neck until the final shot is made-by none other than Brazilian soccer legend Ronaldo.
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