Brazilian fans started doing it last year, and supporters of Chile and Colombia have picked up on the idea. With no music in the background, hearing tens of thousand fans sing together has caused goose bumps for many in the stadiums and shocked players from opposing teams.
Before both of Chile's World Cup games, fans sang for nearly 30 seconds after FIFA cut off their anthem-- the chorus of which says Chile will be the tomb of the free or the refuge against oppression.
"The way they sing the national anthem is impressive, spectacular," Chilean federation president Sergio Jadue said.
Colombian fans put on a spectacle in the match against Greece in Belo Horizonte, loudly belting out "Oh Gloria Inmarcesible!" ("Oh Unfading Glory!") for nearly 30 seconds after FIFA stopped the music inside the packed Mineirao Stadium.
Brazil's anthem normally lasts almost four minutes and has an introduction of nearly 20 seconds before the lyrics start. FIFA said the Brazilian federation provided a 60-second version. After the music ends, Brazilian players and fans continue singing even louder for nearly a minute, belting out the lyrics, which include a reference to "the resounding cry of a heroic people." The sing-a-along ignites the crowd and motivates the team.
