Before this summer’s World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, movie stars Rob Lowe and Danny Dyer appear in a humorous new Paddy Power commercial.
The “football vs. soccer” argument, which has raged between the nations across the Atlantic for decades, can be seen pitting the acting couple against each other.
From confetti cannons and fireworks to half-time performances with cheerleaders and marching bands, Lowe showcases the gloss and glamour of how Americans view the beautiful game.
Dyer, meanwhile, demonstrated the authentic British culture that surrounds the game. The EastEnders icon flaunted England’s “mystery pies” while going topless in a crowded pub with a group of friends.
In the advertisement, the two are joined by former Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy, who delivers his now-famous “it can” statement, and former England striker Peter Crouch.
Ultimately, Lowe gives up to Dyer and joins him in a British pub to watch the never-ending action.
No one is a better football player than the United States?
18+ GambleAware #FIFAWorldCup #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/YWCDFNdZ5h @RobLowe | @MrDDyer | @petercrouch
In Paddy Power’s World Cup commercial, actors Danny Dyer and Rob Lowe discuss “football vs. soccer.” Lowe remarked, “Nothing compares to a home game in the Premier League.” As a lover of the British game myself, it’s difficult to top that.
“And it’s difficult not to be swayed by Danny Dyer, isn’t it? I think I put up a pretty good fight in terms of America’s supersized creds for World Cup.”He has a certain British edge, and it was simply a pleasure working with him.
Lowe hopes that his fellow Americans will be able to accept England and Scotland’s support system when they travel across the pond. The advertisement effectively illustrates the differences in fan culture between the US and the UK.
“I hope they’ll love it, because it’s extraordinary,” he continued. In all honesty, one of the reasons I adore British football and the Premier League is the fans.
We have it to some extent in our nation, especially around college [American] football. It’s the fan experience, the culture, the tradition, the history, and how important it is to individuals. It’s not at all how it is here, yet it feels somewhat similar [in England]. I’m hoping we can pilfer some of the valuable items!
In the advertisement, Dyer exposes his chest to highlight the lifestyle of British football fans.
Peter Crouch, a former striker for Liverpool and England, also makes an appearance in the commercial.
Danny Dyer stated in the advertisement, “Listen, I’m just not having it called ‘soccer.” It’s football. The right kind of football.
“Give me a packed drink, a dodgy pie, and pints flying any day of the week; that’s the real game we all know and love. No fireworks, no foam fingers.”
Rob Lowe is a great guy, but I told him straight up that all that Hollywood sparkle disappears if you put him in an English bar for a last-minute winner. The gravy is unusual.
