Every four years the football World Cup weaves its spell on places where the game is not the number one sporting attraction. In most other places it is number one and while the World Cup is the pinnacle of its competitions it has many others that command attention. But none of the others entice as many New Zealanders to take a look at the world's most popular game.
The special magic of the World Cup is undoubtedly its global scale. It brings the best national sides from every corner of the planet to a tournament that is easy to follow and well produced. Whatever scandals and corruption darken the image of its governing body, Fifa, all are forgotten during the compelling festival Fifa never fails to produce.
A World Cup in Russia should be especially haunted by the host's recent behaviour on sporting fronts, but Russia is staging an untroubled and quite brilliant spectacle. The results of pool matches so far are a promoter's dream with upsets of favourites Germany and previous winners Argentina and Spain. Even Brazil is struggling.
The enthusiasm of fans and the excitement of crowds adds to the spectacle, as always. Sports followers in this country who tune into football only every four years may be amazed that a game so intricate and low-scoring can be watched so passionately by so many people around the world.
It is a game of few rules, compared to rugby, deft ball skills, players' uncanny anticipation and different patterns of play. It rewards a close study.
