Film stars Danny Dyer and Rob Lowe feature in a hilarious new Paddy Power advert ahead of the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico this summer. The acting duo can be seen going head-to-head over the 'football vs soccer' debate, one that has raged on between the countries across the Atlantic for decades.
American Glitz vs British Tradition
Lowe shows off the glitz and glamour of how the Americans see the beautiful game, from confetti cannons and fireworks to half-time shows featuring cheerleaders and marching bands. Meanwhile, Dyer showcased the true British culture surrounding the game. The EastEnders icon went topless in a fully-packed pub with a group of friends, while also flaunting England's 'mystery pies'.
Cameos from Football Legends
The duo are also joined by former England striker Peter Crouch and ex-Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy in the advert, with the latter delivering his now-famous 'it can' line. In the end, Lowe concedes defeat to Dyer, joining him in a British pub to soak up the endless action.
Lowe's Admiration for British Football Culture
'Nothing compares to a home game in the Premier League,' Lowe said. 'It's pretty hard to top that as a fan of the British game myself. And while I think I put up a pretty good fight in terms of America's supersized creds for World Cup, it's hard not to be swayed by Danny Dyer isn't it? He's got this very specific British edge to him and it was great working alongside him, literally.'
The advert truly showcases the difference in fan culture between the US and the Brits, and Lowe is hoping that his fellow Americans can embrace England and Scotland's way of support when they make the trip across the pond. He added: 'I hope they'll love it, because it's extraordinary! In all seriousness, the fans are one of the reasons that I love the Premier League and love British football. It's the fan experience, the culture, the tradition, the history of it, and how important it is to people. We have it a little bit in our country, particularly around college [American] football. It feels a little bit like it [in England], but nothing like it is here. I hope we can steal some of the good stuff!'
Dyer's Passionate Defence of 'Proper Football'
Speaking on the advert, Danny Dyer said: 'Listen, I'm just not having it called 'soccer'. It's football. Proper football. No fireworks, no foam fingers… give me a packed boozer, a dodgy pie, and pints flying any day of the week; that's the real game we all know and love. Rob Lowe's a top fella, but I told him straight: stick him in an English pub for a last-minute winner and all that Hollywood glitz goes out the window. It's different gravy.'
