world cup

It’s a huge international competition which takes place every four years and involves the biggest footballing stars on the planet. The stakes are high with prestige and big rewards for those who succeed.

No I’m not talking about the FIFA World Cup in South Africa, I’m talking about the battle to create the most successful World Cup TV advert.

If the World Cup is a unique sporting event, it’s also a unique marketing opportunity. It’s estimated 25 million of us will be sitting down watching TV at the same time over the coming last weeks.

So which are the ads lining up to do battle?

You can always tell when a major football tournament is around the corner when there is a massive drama surrounding the availability to a key England player.

Just to clarify that I am not talking nonsense and that there is, in fact, a curse on us, here are some are the biggest storylines to appear in this soap opera that has haunted England in the last 10 years:

2002:

I was listeining to 'Bowtime' on the way home today with Adrian Durham and ex-footballer Ray Houghton and they were discussing how Thierry Henry would be remembered after he hangs up his boots.

As many of you will know, Henry handled the ball in the build to a goal that eliminated Ireland from the World Cup. If your memory is a bit foggy, I suggest you talk to Mr. McGuinness about it who, judging by his Facebook status, isn't quite over it yet.