Germany’s early exit from World Cup vindicates Singapore’s anti-gambling PSA from 2014

Photo: Video screengrab
Photo: Video screengrab

A Singapore anti-gambling ad that was globally mocked during the last World Cup is finally getting the respect it deserves.

In the 2014 public service ad from Singapore’s National Council on Problem Gambling  — which aired during that year’s World Cup — we see a group of carefree children wearing soccer team jerseys, excitedly discussing their predictions about who will win that year’s tournament. But the fun ends abruptly when a kid by the name of Andy is asked about who he thinks will win.

“I hope Germany wins,” says Andy as the camera zooms in on his face, and the heartbreaking piano music starts. 

“My dad bet all my savings on them,” he says, as the caption appears on screen: “Often, the people who suffer from problem gambling aren’t the gamblers.”

Crushing.

While problem gambling is a genuinely devastating condition for compulsive bettors and their families, the ad became an international laughing stock when Germany eventually won that year’s tournament — an outcome the council could not have known when it was produced. The irony that Andy and his dad would have become rich and temporarily happy was not lost at all. 

A BBC story headline on about the ad read “Singapore Own Goal as Gambling Advert Backfires”. Comedian John Oliver dedicated a segment to the commercial on his HBO show, Last Week Tonight. Someone remixed the original PSA with a glorious ending.

But fate finally smiled on the well-intentioned NCPG ad this year when the almighty German team suffered a devastating upset against South Korea last night, losing 2-0, sending them packing in the group stage.

If Andy’s dad had bet on Germany thinking they were a sure thing, he would have lost big. And he would not be the only one disappointed.

The shocking loss was the earliest World Cup exit for Germany team at the World Cup since 1938, The New York Times reported. NYT’s Christopher Clarey wrote that the loss “seems even more distant when you consider Hitler was then the country’s leader and only 15 teams participated.”

 

South Korea wins, but Mexico’s the victor

But while Germany’s stunning defeat is a downer for the country’s 82 million people, there is a silver lining for another nation just 9,529 kilometers away from Berlin.

Due to the particulars of the tournament’s point system, Germany’s loss has suddenly brought Mexico back from the dead, allowing them to advance to the round of 16. And boy, are they grateful.

According to Reuters, cries of joy erupted in Mexico City last night, as the country’s ecstatic fans made their way to the South Korean embassy to thank the country for beating Germany and opening up the spot for them to stay in the Cup.

Celebrating crowds mobbed the diplomatic staff, cheering “Korean, brother, now you’re Mexican!” Reuters reported.

“There’s no distinction between Mexicans and Koreans today. We’re celebrating together,” said South Korean consul-general Byoung-jin Han. Presumably after downing a tequila shot or two. 

And the National Council on Problem Gambling can celebrate a win too. Their ad warning about the dangers of betting is now eerily accurate.

We think it’s time for a reboot for the PSA that was clearly ahead of its time.



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