Americans have some things to learn from our brothers across the pond from making commercials. Ever since MLB stopped airing classics such as “Chicks Dig the Long Ball” and “Traded for a Side of Rice Pilaf”, things have gone down hill. So here’s a quick advertising lesson for MLB, NFL, and NBA courtesy of our soccer loving friends.

More Videos after the jump.

This next clip is called “The Secret Tournament” and was directed by Terry Gilliam (of Monty Python fame) for the leadup to the 2002 World Cup. Eric Cantona is the host/referee/all-around-badass.

Secret Tournament Rematch, featuring the final two teams from the last tourney after fans were less than pleased with the finale of the 6 part original.

This one made it over to the states and was pretty popular for awhile and inspired a remake featuring Terry Tate, Office Linebacker.

Probably my favorite of the videos here, if you have to pick one team, club or national, to base a commercial around, it has to be Brazil. And if any of you out there know where to find those Blue Nike Brasil t-shirts, let me know, I’ve been looking forever.

Suspense is a lost art in commercials. Good for Umbro for growing a pair.

And to finish off, it’s only appropriate that we have another commercial featuring soccer players abusing those stupid little dogs.

And what did we learn today? Throw in the best athletes in the sport, some sweet freestyling moves that leave your jaw hanging open like sleeve of wizard, add just a pinch of animal abuse and you have an ad campaign to be proud of.