In the following passage some words have been deleted. Fill in the blanks with the help of the alternatives given. Select the most appropriate option for each number.

Allegiance to one’s favourite team is something that sports fans 1 ______ over a period of time. They are so attached to their favourite teams that they could display 2 ______ emotions, not just during the course of the match, but much after the actual event is over. This phenomenon, 3 ______ common across the globe, is more seen in countries like Brazil, India, the US and even the UK, where the favourite sport may not be the same in each of these nations. In spite of this craze and hysteria, sport has 4 ______ a long way. It is accepted as one of the world’s most 5 ______ pastimes ever

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 1.