New Delhi, June 6 -- In the heart of the Brazilian rainforest, residents and shop owners are feeling the World Cup anticipation.

As residents decorate Rua 3, a street in downtown Manaus, an open-air party sends the sounds of Brazilian music wafting through the air. Oversized flags representing the 48 qualifying nations in the soccer tournament are painted on the surface of the street, while the same flags, crafted of paper and string, form a canopy overhead.

Some people say they hope to watch some of the games beneath the flags when the tournament kicks off on June 11.

"The rain prevented us from finishing the work. But now summer has arrived and we can finish, complete the work calmly . and cheer for the national team," said Aldri Tav...