Lyari Kicks Its Troubles Aside as World Cup Mania Strikes 'Mini Brazil'

As the FIFA World Cup draws near, the streets of Lyari, a neighborhood in Karachi notorious for its past struggles with crime and turf wars, are buzzing with an infectious football fever.

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But now, you’ll find the lovers of football here associating with particular players rather than teams. The fan following for a player is what brings them closer to the teams.

Known locally as 'Mini Brazil,' Lyari finds unity in its shared passion for the sport, a stark contrast to the divisions often highlighted by negative headlines. The narrow alleys echo with the sounds of children and youth practicing short passes and showcasing impressive dribbling skills, their style reminiscent of Brazilian players. This resemblance extends to their appearance, with many youngsters sporting the hairstyles of their football idols, particularly Neymar.

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For example, the Neymar fans are drawn to Brazil, the Messi fans cheer for Argentina and the Ronaldo fans are all for Portugal. That’s how the craze for Brazil in Mini Brazil has dropped from 100 per cent to 80 per cent.

Giant screens are being installed across parks, grounds, and intersections, transforming the neighborhood into a vibrant hub of World Cup anticipation. Local painter and decorator Abdul Rasheed dedicates his time to painting national flags on walls, with Brazilian flags often adorning entire buildings. He also paints portraits of star players from various teams.

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Every four years, as the football World Cup approaches, Lyari’s entire mood changes. The place just comes alive like no other. With big screens installed in all the grounds, parks and even at intersections and crossroads, we forget all our troubles to just enjoy the game despite there being no scope in football in this country.

Abdul Waheed, a local football coach and entrepreneur, observes a shift in Lyari's football fandom. While Brazil was once the undisputed favorite, allegiance is now increasingly centered around individual players. "For example, the Neymar fans are drawn to Brazil, the Messi fans cheer for Argentina and the Ronaldo fans are all for Portugal," he explained, noting that Brazil's dominance has decreased from 100 percent to 80 percent. Despite the lack of professional football opportunities in Pakistan, the quadrennial tournament ignites a unique spirit in Lyari, allowing residents to momentarily forget their troubles and immerse themselves in the joy of the game.

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Brazil has its own charm but I do paint other flags too besides painting portraits of various star players of different teams.