Nike Thinks A Soccer Loss Can Devastate a Country's Economy

OK. So let's get this straight. Maybe we're in a bad mood or something but what's up with the outpouring of love for Nike's new "epic" three minute commercial featuring a who's who of world famous soccer players? Oh it's well shot and meticulously produced (maybe even epically so) but it's as if Nike wants us to believe wins and losses effect the very fiber and economic health of a nation.

The film (correction, commercial), directed by Hollywood director and producer Alejandro G. Iñarritu (21 Grams, Babel), features Cristiano Ronaldo, Didier Drogba, Wayne Rooney, Fabio Cannavaro, Franck Ribery, Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas, Theo Walcott, Patrice Evra, Gerard Pique, Ronaldinho, Landon Donovan, Tim Howard and Thiago Silva. As well as cameos by tennis legend Roger Federer, basketball's Kobe Bryant and Homer Simpson. Say what? Yes, it's true.

Soccer (football) is, no doubt, a big deal. But a loss isn't going to make the stock market crash and an entire country devolve into a post-apocalyptic lifestyle. Are we being too literal? Are we over-reacting? Probably but we're allowed to here. You can too in the comment section so feel free to skewer us.