H.G.Nelson has been revealed as the face of the AFC Asian Cup Australia 2015 TV advertising campaign as venue packs for the tournament go on sale.
The proud, passionate and fearless commentator has celebrated by predicting an historic Australian victory in the first Asian Cup on Australian soil.
The comedian, writer and actor, one half of the celebrated sports duo Roy and HG, is also ecstatic about ticket prices, which allow fans to see Asia’s best 16 teams from $5 for kids and $15 for adults.
The ads, airing nationwide from today, feature cameo appearances by leading football identities including Italian great and Asian Cup global ambassador Alessandro Del Piero, former Socceroos Brett Emerton, Mark Bosnich and Alan Davidson, Matildas star Kyah Simon, former Socceroos coach Rale Rasic and Sydney FC’s Ali Abbas, an Asian Cup winner with Iraq.
HG said it was a dream come true to be the face of the campaign.
Michael Brown, CEO of the AFC Asian Cup Local Organising Committee, said HG was the ideal person to lead the advertising campaign because he was well known to all Australian sports fans, regardless of their preferences for individual sports.
“He transcends all codes,” said Mr Brown.
“And his stature underlines the size of the AFC Asian Cup, which will be the biggest football event Australia has ever hosted, with more than half a billion people expected to watch on television.
“The advertisements are a nice blend of Australian humour in the Asian context.
“Viewers will see that they pay homage to Asia’s rich football heritage, while appealing to the sense of excitement and fun of the broader Australian sports fan.”
The AFC Asian Cup is Asia’s biggest football competition and was established in 1956.
Fifteen nations have already qualified – Australia as hosts, defending champions Japan, Korea Republic and 2012 AFC Challenge Cup winners DPR Korea, along with Bahrain, China, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Uzbekistan.
The final spot will go to the winner of the AFC Challenge Cup for emerging nations decided later this month.
The tournament is being financially supported by the Australian Government and the NSW, Victorian, Queensland and ACT Governments.
Fox Sports will broadcast the AFC Asian Cup throughout Australia.
For more information on AFC Asian Cup Australia 2015 visit www.afcasiancup.com
To buy Venue Packs or for details of ticket prices visit www.afcasiancup.com/tickets