Google Maps kicks off the World Cup with Street View flair

To attend the World Cup in person you need to either be loaded or have some cash saved specifically for it. So, for this year's world cup games in Brazil, Google wants to let soccer enthusiasts take part in some of the fun without actually having to break the bank.

The Web giant released a Google Maps Street View package on Thursday specifically for the World Cup. The new feature lets people explore all 12 of the World Cup stadiums -- from Manaus' white dome in the Amazon to Rio de Janeiro's Maracana set among the city's jungle-covered hills.

Additionally, users can check out Brazil's painted streets -- a World Cup tradition -- and many of the country's top tourist spots, like Iguaçu National Park and the famous St. Michael of the Missions.

While these maps could be great to people who are far from Brazil, Google has also rolled out a few features for those fans who have actually traveled down south to see some live goals.

The company amped up its mobile app to include transit data in all of the 12 World Cup host cities -- this could come in handy when dense crowds make catching a cab near impossible. And, it also added some indoor maps to more than 100 venues across the country, including malls, airports and inside the World Cup stadiums.

"The World Cup is the biggest global sports tournament," Google Street View program manager Deanna Yick wrote in a blog post. "And whether you're enjoying the games from the comfort of your couch or packing your bags for Brazil, Google Maps is your ticket to the World Cup."