Midtown Manhattan watering holes, typically home to quiet business lunches, got a jolt this month as the World Cup kicked off, drawing suited professionals and colourfully dressed tourists alike for afternoon matches and beers. Bars strung international flags and lured passers-by with drink specials while crowds inside erupted in sporadic cheers.

Brazil's inaugural match against Croatia kicked off the time that comes every four years when Americans tune in to global affairs to place their bets on which country will emerge victorious from the soccer - sorry, football - tournament.