Naomi Sui Pang

The ongoing Algeria-Lawrence lovefest has gained international attention, but a loss Saturday evening could end the affair while it's still getting started. Despite the big crowds and sometimes snarled traffic, pregame vibes in Lawrence are immaculate.

The Kansas town's affections for Team Algeria have been a bright spot in the World Cup, with one resident going viral thanking the team for making its home base there. Algeria play their first match of the tournament at Kansas City Stadium on Tuesday night.