THE FANS

The World Cup is far more than just a soccer tournament. It is a celebration of the sport and its universal appeal. The impact was well-described recently by Eric Wynalda, a forward on the United States team.

“It’s Cinco de Mayo, Mardi Gras and (Rio de Janeiro’s) Carnival all in one,” Wynalda said.

Indeed, so exuberant and colorful are the fans that they are as much a part of the event as the soccer itself. They sing and dance inside the stadiums and out. They paint their bodies in the colors of their favorite team. They wear outlandish clothing. Win or lose, they party far into the night.

The streets of the nine World Cup cities will be filled with unimaginable scenes. Anything goes in the World Cup. The emphasis is on having a good time.