Every time Brazil is in possession of the ball, traditional Balochi music blares out in the area surrounding Gabol Park in Lyari. Neymar doesn't even need to score a goal to send the hundreds gathered in raptures. A mere glimpse of the young Brazilian forward is enough for the men squatting in front of a huge screen, one of a dozen around the streets of Lyari for the Samba Boys' 99th appearance at the World Cup against Mexico .

Few can match the passion of the football aficionados in the violence-plagued area of Karachi, but locals say it would be nothing compared to the emotion that would be on display if Pakistan, one day, qualifies for the World Cup.