Lots of reasons for that.
For some part it has of course has to do with the host country, but I don't think that on it's own has a real impact on potential WC fever.
But as a result of the country, lot's of sponsors decided not to do merchandising around the world cup, fear of a bad impression.
Besides that we are in the middle of the fall here. Normally we do watch the games from the Red Devils with friends outside someone's house. Due to the weather this isn't possible.
Add to that the preparation time between the world cup and the pause of the competition and there is just no time to build up some world cup atmosphere!