Farewell Brazil: Brand moments that defined the Fifa World Cup 2014
Germany last night trumped Argentina, winning the World Cup 2014, with a sublime Götze volley in extra time.
However, which brands' real-time ads struck the back of the net - and which ones didn't?
First, there was the official sponsor Adidas’ ‘All in or nothing’ campaign. This saw many of the competition's best athletes being involved in quick videos about their passion for the game.
The ads provided previews and summaries for the biggest matches. The final preview video has over half a million viewers.
The post-match clip, congratulating Germany on their historic victory has notched up almost half a million views in 24 hours.
However, the #Allin campaign had its issues. Physical ads showing a toothy Luis Suarez snarl were manipulated by fans after his infamous third bite against Giorgio Chiellini.
A billboard near Copacabana Beach became a tourist attraction with fans queuing to take a Suarez bite selfie. Adidas removed the ad - but not until hundreds of fans had their fun.
Suarez adidas ad on Copacabana Beach becomes Brazil's newest tourist attraction http://t.co/rncs0OBn4r pic.twitter.com/ZZvr0XYELN
— Meredith Frost (@MeredithFrost) June 26, 2014
Bloody hell that Suarez gets everywhere ! Can't even walk along Copacabana in peace. pic.twitter.com/MqgswkL9MC — Sam Marchiöne (@sammarchione) June 26, 2014Even pundit Chris Kamara even got in on the action.
Chris Kamara getting involved #suarez pic.twitter.com/THMCbNSYf2 — Footy, Bets & Bant (@TipBanking) June 26, 2014England had a poor tournament - brand chat regarding the side was minimal after the side's defeat to Uruguay which essentially eliminated the team. Morrisons was briefly involved in the chatter, rooting for England against Uruguay, although its predictions seemed ill-fated.
Who do you think will crack under pressure tonight? We know who we're rooting for! #England #Brasil2014 pic.twitter.com/0QuP4Wm5JQ — Morrisons (@Morrisons) June 19, 2014Paddy Power defined many of the tournament’s twists and turns, first stating its highlight as England physio Gary Lewin's ankle-breaking tumble during the Italy game. The injury was both horrific and ironic.
#GER fans are cock-a-hoop today, but every country had their World Cup highlight. This was #ENG's... #BrazilNuts pic.twitter.com/WbD0OYr0eT — Paddy Power (@paddypower) July 14, 2014The betting firm also spread Germany striker Thomas Müller's celebratory dance after Brazil's shocking annihilation.
Thomas Muller celebrating Germany's World Cup win tonight! http://t.co/nvVN3t4HS8 — Paddy Power (@paddypower) July 13, 2014Next was the fake story that took the internet by storm. North Korea reported they were in the World Cup final – despite not even qualifying.
So apparently North Korea are going to win the World Cup. Cruised their group. #POR up next! https://t.co/5ALDTvceOM #BrazilNuts — Paddy Power (@paddypower) July 12, 2014Another highlight was USA keeper Tim Howard's heroic performance against Germany which saw #ThingsTimHowardCanSave trend, with brands also getting in on the dialogue.
McDonalds relied on a weak but correct pun.
This is HOW-ard do it! NICE save, @TimHowardGK! #McdOneGoal #USAvsBEL pic.twitter.com/9pQDpnQOEL — McDonald's (@McDonalds) July 1, 2014ESPN simply saluted the USA hero who encouraged millions of Americans to get into "soccer".
Despite the loss, Tim Howard’s record setting performance was monumental. pic.twitter.com/eaqF2Whkxq
— ESPN (@espn) July 1, 2014
An anti-gambling ad in Singapore showing a young boy hoping Germany win the tournament - because his father bet all his money on them - was the biggest fail.
This prediction was correct and the father would have been very well-off afterwards, perhaps even encouraging more gambling.
This anti-gambling poster has backfired a little. #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/hLjJYwdQ4a — Mike Clarke (@Mr_Mike_Clarke) July 14, 2014
The National Council on Problem Gambling did have a witty save for the campaign though. The ad was later updated with the conversation:
“Your dad’s team won. Did you get your savings back?”
“No, dad never stops. He wants to bet one more time.”
Finally, Budweiser celebrated pop star Rihanna's enthusiasm for the game during the final, calling her the "man of the match".
Thanks for keeping it safe! MT @rihanna Man of the match goes to.... pic.twitter.com/BSRTwz8AJ2
— Budweiser (@Budweiser) July 14, 2014
Many of these memories will live long in fans' hearts. Bring on World Cup 2018.