As we await the return of soccer, we’re scouring every possible source in search of someone – anyone, really – kicking a ball around to satiate us. Old advertisements have proven particularly useful in filling the void.
And there’s none better than Nike’s iconic 2002 World Cup spot featuring the underbelly of a rickety cargo ship, an enclosed miniature pitch, an Elvis Presley remix, and 24 stars competing in a covert three-on-three event. The Secret Tournament – or, simply, The Cage – was more captivating than many of the real matches that were played before or after this came into our lives.
In the absence of live action, we’re using this opportunity to imagine what the competition would look like using current players. With the caveat that we’re not limiting participation to Nike-sponsored players – why restrict the field? – here are eight new teams, each retaining some link to the originals who came before them 18 years ago.
Tutto Bene
- Original team: Fabio Cannavaro, Rio Ferdinand, Tomas Rosicky
- New team: Virgil van Dijk, Sergio Ramos, Santi Cazorla
This “Tutto Bene” squad never made any sense, tactically. Fabio Cannavaro and Rio Ferdinand were excellent defenders, but …read more