Nike’s one-off Euro 2008 ad airs tomorrow. Directed by Guy Ritchie, it puts you in the shoes of a rising soccer star, writes RIDZWAN A. RAHIM.

The new T90 Laser II boot.

IF you have always wondered what it’s like to be a top-notch footballer, then be sure to catch Nike’s Euro 2008 TV commercial tomorrow night over TV3, ntv7 and 8TV.

Called “Take It To The Next Level” and directed by Guy Ritchie, the ad uses a first-person narrative. From the word go, it puts the viewer in the shoes of a player as it charts his progress from youth to competing for his country.

The viewer is at the heart of the action in a way most people can only dream about.

In fact, things are not confined to just action on the pitch. The viewer also gets to see the footballer’s antics, parties, girlfriend and fans.
Among the world’s top players who appear in the ad are Cristiano Ronaldo, Cesc Fabregas, Ronaldinho, Wayne Rooney, Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marco Materazzi.

The two-minute production starts with the player/viewer getting spotted by Arsene Wenger when scoring the winning free-kick for his local team.

The whirlwind then begins. The days of watching Arsenal play on television is now over — he is now a player!

He quickly discovers the need to adapt and to develop commitment in training.

Feel the passion of screaming fans packing football stadiums during Arsenal-Manchester United clashes. Savour the adrenaline rush of European action as Arsenal face other giants of European football like Inter Milan and FC Barcelona.

Witness first-hand the power of Rooney’s kick, the accuracy of Ibrahimovic’s shot, the dazzling skills and incredible pace of Ronaldo and Materazzi’s man-marking. Shake Ronaldinho’s hand and watch him smile knowingly during the line-up at Camp Nou.

The experience culminates in a dramatic final between Holland and Portugal, where the viewer now dons Holland’s kit and teams up with Van Nistelrooy against Ronaldo-led Portugal.

The ad will air only once during the first commercial break of the 8pm news.

Also from today onwards, check out www.nikefootball.com.my to see some of the players from the commercial join forces with other footballers making a rallying call for players to take their game to the next level.

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OF POWER BOOTS AND COOL KITS

IN the run-up to football’s most anticipated competition this year, the European Championship or Euro 2008, Nike has released its new Total 90 Laser II boots as well as the Euro home kits of Croatia, Holland, Portugal and Turkey.

Like its predecessor, the new Nike Total 90 Laser II is engineered to increase both the accuracy and power of a player’s shots. The precision rings that provided the T90 Laser with the largest sweet spot in football has now been increased, while the enhanced Shotshield technology on the front of the boot provides cleaner ball contact.

The T90 Laser II also features an integrated offset lacing system that provides maximum boot-to-ball contact, minimises uneven ball strike and allows greater control, accuracy and swerve.

The material used is called eVent membrane and offers players comfort and protection with its permeability and water resistance.

The Total 90 Laser II is worn by players like Wayne Rooney, Fernando Torres and Florent Malouda, as well as Malaysia’s own Mohd Aidil Zafuan.

Available at Nike Concept Stores and Al-Ikhsan outlets nationwide, it costs RM699.

The home kits are made using Nike’s Dri-Fit technology that is said to keep players drier and cooler. It achieves this by drawing sweat away from the body to the fabric’s surface for fast drying, while its three-dimensional construction allows for more air space around the skin to reduce clinging.

The new kits cost RM259 each and are available at Nike Concept Stores.