World Cup ignites excitement among fans in Pakistan's "Mini Brazil".

Karachi (Reuters) Flags of some of the countries competing in the World Cup fluttered as boys in a dusty alley in the southern Pakistani city of Karachi kicked a ball around in a fever of excitement.

The football-obsessed Lyari neighborhood is also known as "Mini Brazil," and this year a mural featuring sports stars, from Argentina's Lionel Messi to Brazil's Neymar and Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, is the center of attention.

"The football frenzy here is so intense that it feels like the World Cup isn't being played in Qatar, but in Lyari," Waseem Sarbazi, a member of a nearby football coaching academy, told Reuters.

Pakistan has never qualified for a World Cup, but many young people still enroll in football academies to train for hours every day in Lyari, one of the poorest areas of the port city, hoping to one day step onto an international pitch.

"We want FIFA to get involved in football activities in Lyari," Sarbazi added. "They should have an event here because there are countless players and spectators here."

Thousands attended "Mini Brazil" last Monday when Brazil played against Switzerland, wearing the classic green and yellow colors of their favorite team as they gathered in front of large television screens to the sound of loud music.

The fans erupted in joy and danced when Brazil secured their place in the final stage with a 1-0 victory over Switzerland.

"I went to work wearing my Brazil jersey and now, tonight, I'm still wearing it during the match," said another fan, Mohammad Yasin.

"I'm going to keep wearing this shirt, whether they win or lose. I'm not taking this shirt off under any circumstances."

Brazil's success will draw thousands more to "Mini Brazil" this Friday when the team faces Cameroon. A draw or a win will secure Brazil's lead in Group G.

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