In warm-up matches for the World Cup last year, players complained about the deafening roar of the plastic trumpets, known as vuvuzelas, blown by rowdy South African fans. FIFA officials considered handing out earplugs.
During the World Cup, that kind of exuberant cheering will be on display in virtually every corner of the globe. In a sport where face painting and costumes are standard fan attire, everyone is a superfan.
MORE WORLD CUP
Ladies on the sidelines (photos) | Top 5 World Cup commercials | Soccer’s biggest fakers (video) | When to watch |+ more