IT’s that time again, where once every four years the world seems to pause, and forget about most of its ills to bask in and enjoy the beautiful game — football — on its biggest stage.

You do not have to necessarily be a football fan to enjoy the World Cup, but the excitement, and camaraderie is sure to pull you in, and have you watching the games with as much suspense, animation and excitement as a seasoned football lover.

So for those of us who are not in Brasil to experience this exciting fete of football, do not be dismayed, you can have a great World Cup experience anywhere you are; it is all about the atmosphere you create and the right people to share it with. Here are five things that you can do to enhance your World Cup experience:

1. Invite friends over, and watch the game together

Watching the game together with friends will certainly make watching the game more exciting and fun. More people equal more excitement, and more excitement means more fun. You and your company, especially vibrant company will debate plays and share the ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ of the game. Therefore, you don’t have to be alone and bored. So invite some people over to share the experience.

2. Make it a party

You can take it a step further by not just having friends over, but hosting a “World Cup viewing” house party. It does not have to be a big thing, just a few friends will do. You can either provide snacks or go the easier, ‘bring-your-own snacks approach. Play some music before the game (that is, if your neighbours approve) and discuss the game. It is bound to be exciting as you share your television set(s) that you purchased especially for the World Cup, or otherwise and share those moments together. And after the game, you can turn up the volume and have fun (even if your team lost). Another option would be to attend one, if you do not have the capacity to play host or hostess.

3. Watch it at the theatres

If you cannot host a party or invite friends over, you can watch the World Cup at the movies. Yes, at the theatres! Some theatres, such as the Carib Theatre in Kingston are now showing the World Cup games live, daily. This must be the total dream for football fans. You can even invite friends out to watch the games. So get to the theatre, get your popcorn and enjoy the experience in ultra high definition, and a huge screen at the theatres.

4. Engage in discussions about games before, during, and after games

Always endeavour to be a part of peaceful discussions about the World Cup with friends or just other football fans. Such discussions will serve to invigorate the excitement of the games, and create more suspense for the one before. Use social media platforms such as Facebook to join discussions. While engaging in such discussions, however, do not get carried away, and if you see it blowing up into an argument, just back down as support for a team may turn to anger which may not end well. It is also a good idea to listen to analysts to hear their professional opinions on the games, which may inform your opinions.

5. Become ‘all decked out’ in your team’s colours

You can always buy merchandise and paraphernalia supporting your favourite team. Team jerseys are a good idea for when you are watching games; while headbands and armbands are also popular. If not, just wearing the colours of your favourite team is sure to get you in the mood. Added to that, you may decorate your space, that is, the place in your house where you watch the games, with flags, banners etc. of your team.