The FIFA World Cup is arguably the largest sporting event every 4 years and this year was no exception. With our German office celebrating (and our Brazil office commiserating their first loss on home soil since 1975 – with a 62 game unbeaten streak) we decided to run a “Cup” of our own. To highlight the global frenzy, we asked our community to illustrate their favorite moments from the tournament.
We are now pleased to announce our 6 Gold Medalists in no particular order:
BATHI: Tim Howard
Highlight: The USA Goalkeeper sets the record for most saves – 16 – in their Round of 16 loss to Belgium
BATHI’s explanation: One impression that inspired me was Howard as a formidable fighter.
Boris Jovanovic: Brazil
Highlight: The crazed atmosphere of Brazil
Boris’ explanation: So while working on this contest and seeing those turnovers in the big teams as well as the crowd, the big variety of cultures, and lot of people out on streets, I came up with something like this. I like to combine various items and subjects in my illustrations to get one new form.
Cross the Lime: World Champions
Cross the Lime’s explanation: Being German, this was of course a truly exhilarating exciting World Cup for me! Ever since we hosted the World Cup in 2006, we were singing a song consisting of all the years we won the World Cup – ’54, ’74, ’90 – hoping to add that next date!
Now it finally came true, that fourth star on our jerseys. But it came with a price – Bastian Schweinsteiger had to be stitched up during the match after a nasty cut underneath his eye… so truly, that is the metaphorical fourth star, at least for me.
RWD�: The Flying Dutchman
Highlight: Van Persie’s diving header goal against Spain’s Goalkeeper, Casillas
RWD�’s explanation: Why does soccer attract so many fans? Why do we keep watching a game even though our team is losing? My interpretation is Hope. I interpreted this feeling from a kid’s perspective. The dream, the fantasy, the hero (like an astronaut). The hero figure, in my opinion, is very related to soccer players.
Asael Varas: The Bite
Highlight: Luis Suarez gets kicked out of the tournament for chomping down on the Italian player, Chiellini
MackLeon: Neymar’s Broken Back
Highlight: The devastation it caused for the team and the Nation for their remaining games in the tournament
MackLeon’s explanation: I took the topic of ‘Brazil’s devastating loss’ because more than 50% of the people in the world are fans of Brazil and this design reaches the majority of public.
