The spot, created by Amsterdam-based 180/TBWA, features US football star Aly Wagner and Chinese player Sun Wen. It plays on tensions between the USA, the current champions and World Cup hosts, and China, who are challenging for the cup.
In the ad, Wagner is shown sleeping at the US training camp when she wakes to a loud thumping noise. It is the Chinese players doing their drills, a mixture of Chinese Wu-Shu kickboxing, tai chi and soccer moves.
Wagner goes to wake her teammates, who rush out to see what is going on. The ad highlights the differences in culture betweeen the more individual Americans versus the disciplined Chinese.
Sun Wen then challenges Wagner to some one-on-one football, bringing the spot to a close with a to-be-continued moment, which sets the scene for the on-pitch battle in the tournament.
The ad was written and art directed by 180/TBWA's Andy Fackrell under executive creative director Peter McHugh. It was directed by Lance Acord through Park Pictures.
There are two different executions, one lasting 60 seconds and the other 30 seconds. It will run in China starting this week and in the US from September 20 until the World Cup final on October 12.
Adidas renewed its sponsorship deal with the China Football Association earlier this year and will sponsor the men's and women's national teams in the next two World Cup tournaments. China is due to host the women's World Cup in 2007.
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