CHARLOTTE, North Carolina, and SÃO PAULO, Brazil -- Electrifying players and crazy drama are all part of the World Cup -- but what really makes this thing go is the fans.
En route from San Francisco to Manaus this week, your humble reporter got to see many smiling faces full of hope, optimism and good cheer heading to Brazil to root on their favorite teams. The Charlotte and São Paulo airports, in particular, served as impromptu United Nations of fans, jerseys and national team apparel.
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But among the diversity everyone shared one thing: A love of soccer and excitement about the month ahead. So, before hopes are dashed and dreams deferred, here are 11 shots of soccer pilgrims making the trek to Brazil. Who knows? Some of them may even head home with a World Cup title to boast about.