A festival atmosphere has been palpable on the streets of Ho Chi Minh City recently, as the infectiousness of World Cup 2010 fever has swept away sports fans in seemingly every shop on every corner of the city.

Two residents talk about World Cup matches on the sidewalk. (Photo:SGGP)

The schedule of matches is pasted on innumerable walls around the city such as offices, restaurants, shops and private houses so fans may conveniently keep track of the current event anytime, anywhere.

Many have advertised products and reeled in profits, thanks to the event.

The Youth Cultural House and Phan Dinh Phung Sport Center equipped itself with a big screen TV to serve its many football fans. Coffee shops brought in big screen TVs to attract business.

The joyful and disappointed cries from the crowds of street-side eateries and beer houses can be heard after each shot on goal and every other dramatic moment during the games. Even supposedly boring matches have attracted rowdy drinkers, swept up in a football reverie.

This year’s World Cup has created many moments that will be difficult to forget and since it is not over yet, many more are sure to come.