World Cup fans are expressing their love of the game in wild ways, wearing patriotic nail polish, dressing up dogs with jerseys and showing their passion under the sheets with Brazil-inspired condoms.
The usual football frenzy fashion is on full display in the South American host country's streets and stadiums, from the inevitable replica team jerseys to colorful wigs and flag-themed face paint.
But pet owners, fashionistas and love-struck fans have found their own ways to wear their team colors, with Brazil football kits for dogs, designer clothes for women and caipirinha-flavored condoms for couples.
In the sprawling business hub of Sao Paulo, World Cup souvenirs -- from the kitschiest to the trendiest -- can be found anywhere, from upper-class neighborhoods to bustling street markets.
In one well-to-do district, the MVet pet store sells a yellow, round doggie poop bag dispenser with a football printed in the middle.
But the hottest-selling item is the USD 14 yellow dog shirt with the number 10 printed on the back, just like Brazil's star forward Neymar. Eighty have sold so far.
"It's cold here now and he looks cute, and we're in the middle of the Cup," said Regina Saccarelli, a 34-year-old architect who bought the outfit for her Maltese.
Around the corner, women get discounts to paint their nails in the colors of their favorite team, with Brazil's yellow, green and blue the most popular.
A manicure with two nail appliques (choices include Rio de Janeiro's Christ the Redeemer statue or leopard prints) goes for USD 13.
"In addition to dressing up for the games, we always want to have our nails done," said Marina Jorkevics, the 28-year-old marketing director of the Nailsxpress salon.
"This is another reason to have them done and it looks nice."
- 'Nothing is kitsch' -
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Local fashion designers have joined the party, making blouses, purses and dresses for women who want to show team spirit without having to wear a football jersey.
"Anything goes at the World Cup. If it's to celebrate, cheer, it's worth investing in fun objects," Paula Acioli, a fashion consultant and professor at Getulio Vargas Foundation University, told AFP.
"Nothing is kitsch.
