The ads at the European Cup changed from Volkswagen to BYD

  VW's cost cuts left room for a massive marketing offensive from competitors.

  Byd attracts customers with ferry cars and table football.

When the German national football team plays out in Borussia Dortmund on saturday, the sidelines will stage a geoeconomic game beyond the European championships. While fans watch the outcome of the race against Denmark for a place in the quarterfinals, China's BYD hopes to take a marketing hit at Volkswagen's home ground while deepening Germany's dependence on China.

The Chinese brand is stepping up pressure to sponsor the tournament as Wolfsburg-based Volkswagen struggles over its electric vehicle strategy. In addition to providing ferries for about 300 cars, BYD also displays vehicles in fan areas across Germany, displays features such as on-car kara OK, and gives away tickets through social media