Brazilian World Cup Stadiums for WC 2014

Brazilian World Cup Stadiums

With football being a way of life in Brazil, there is no shortage of stadia that will be capable of hosting matches when the World Cup begins.  FIFA’s rules state that no city may have two stadiums hosting matches and eight to ten cities must provide the stadia.  Brazil however have appealed to FIFA to allow them to use twelve host cities.  As yet, the venues haven’t been decided but nineteen stadiums have been put forward on the shortlist. 

Estadio do Maracana (Estadio Jornalista Mario Filho)

City: Rio de Janeiro
Clubs: Fluminese & Flamengo
Current Capacity: 95,000
Record Attendance: 199,500

The Maracana Stadium is one of the world’s most famous stadiums.  It has the pedigree of already hosting a World Cup Final when Brazil and Uruguay faced off in the 1950 final.  It can also boast the biggest crowd ever at a football match when nearly 200,000 people watched the afore mentioned final.  It would be a major surprise if the final was not held in at the famous venue and it would place it alongside the Azteca Stadium in Mexico city as the only stadium to host two finals.

The Maracana was completed in 1950 and was the centre piece for the 1950 tournament despite not being entirely finished.  It is the eleventh largest stadium in the world and the largest in South America.  The famous ground is owned by the Rio de Janeiro State Government and is the home ground of Fluminese and Flamengo, arguably the biggest derby match in Brazil.  The opening match at the stadium was contested by Rio de Janeiro All-Stars and Sao Paulo All-Stars with the home side winning 3-1.  In 1969, an astonishing 177,656 people turned up to see a Fla-Flu derby, which must be a local derby record crowd.  The Maracana has hosted some memorable events post the 1950 World Cup Final.  It was at this stadium that Pele scored his 1000th professional goal in front of 125,000 people and in 1989 Zico scored his 333rd Maracana goal whilst playing for Flamengo.  The stadium has fond memories for England football supporters too.  It was at the Maracana where John Barnes waltzed through the Brazil side to score a Brazilian style goal and give England a one nil win.

In 1992 a tragic accident occurred at the stadium and 50 people lost their lives.  The stadium was closed and converted to an all-seater stadium which massively reduced its capacity and between 2005 and 2006 the stadium underwent further renovations to bring it up to standard.

In addition to high profile football matches, the famous old stadium has also hosted high profile music events, seen the Harlem Globetrotters strut their stuff and had a visit from the Pope.

Mangueirao (State Stadium Edgar Augusto Proenca)

City: Belem
Clubs: Paysandu Sport Club and Club do Remo
Current Capacity: 45, 007
Record attendance 65,000

The Mangueirao Stadium played host to its first match in 1978 when an all star team from the Para State region took on and beat a Uruguayan International youth team four nil.  Originally its attendance was 70,000 but was re-inaugerated as an Olympic Stadium in 2002 and the capacity was reduced to its current level.

Estadio Mineirao (Governor Magalhaes Pinto Stadium)

City: Belo Horizonte
Clubs: Atletico Miniero & Cruziero Esporte Clube
Current Capacity: 71, 680
Record attendance: 132, 843

The Estadio Mineirao was built and opened in 1965 and is one of the favourites to host World Cup matches in 2014.  The state built stadium was celebrated by an inaugural match between the Minas Gerais State team and Argentinean powerhouses River Plate.  In 2004, FIFA decreed that the capacity be reduced to its current size.  Two teams currently call the stadium home but a third, America Mineiro has also played there.  The Brazilian national team has played at the Estadio Mineirao which will improve its chances of hosting matches when the finals get underway.

Estadio Mane Garrincha

City: Brasilia (capital)
Clubs: Brasiliense Futebol  Clube
Current Capacity: 45, 200
Record Attendance:  51,000

The Estadio Mane Garrincha was built and opened in 1974 and is owned by the Department of Sports, Physical Education and Recreation of Distrito Federal.  The Stadium was named after the Brazilian legend Garrincha who starred for Brazil in the 1958 and 1962 World Cup triumphs.  Garrincha played 50 times for Brazil and is rated as Brazil’s second greatest player behind Pele.  The stadium opened with a match between Brazilian heavyweights Corinthians and local side CEUB which resulted in a 2-1 win for the more famous club.  The Stadium was home to Brasiliense Futebol Clube from 1996 – 2003.

Morenao (Pedro Pedrossian University Stadium)

City:  Campo Grande
Clubs: Operario & Esporte Clube Comercial
Current Capacity: 45, 000
Record Attendance:  38, 122

The Morenao stadium opened in 1971 and is owned by the Mato Grosso  do Sul Federal University.  It is the largest University stadium in Latin America.  The city of Campo Grande is nicknamed Cidade Morena (Brown City) and it is from this nickname that the stadium took its moniker.  The first match held at the Morenao was between Flamengo and Corinthians which resulted in a 3-1 win to the former.

Verdao (Estadio Governador Jose Fragelli)

City: Cuiaba
Clubs: Mixto
Current Capacity: 47, 000
Record Attendance: 44, 021
The Verdao Stadium was built in 1976 and is owned by the Government of the State of Mato Grosso.  It is a multi-purpose stadium but is mostly used for hosting football matches.  It was named after Jose Fragelli, who was governor of the state when the Stadium was built.  The first match was played between home side Mixto and Dom Bosco.  The home team were inspired by their new surroundings and won the match two goals to nil.  It was in this first match that the current record Attendance was set.

Arena da Baixada (Estadio Joaquim Americo Guimares)

City: Curitiba
Clubs: Atletico Parananense
Current Capacity: 25,272
Record Attendance: 31,740

The Arena da Baixada was built in 1914 and is the home stadium of Clube Atletico Parananense.  It was demolished in 1997 and rebuilt in 1999.  In 2005 the name of the stadium was changed to the Kyocera Arena as the Japanese company, Kyocera, bought the naming rights.  The sponsorship deal expired in early 2008 and was not renewed and therefore the stadium reverted to its original name.  The first match staged at the stadium was in 1914 and contested between Flamengo and Internacional, who were the home team at the time, and resulted in a 7-1 win for the away side.  When the stadium reopened current home side Atletico overcame Cerro Porteno of Paraguay by two goals to one.

Estadio Orlando Carpelli

City: Florianopolis
Clubs: Figueirense Futebol Clube
Current Capacity: 19,908
Record Attendance: 16,842

The Estadio Orlando Carpelli opened in 1961.  Construction on the stadium began in 1940 and took twenty one years to build.  It is named after former club president, Carpelli, who donated the land to enable the stadium to be built.  The first match after construction was completed took place between Figueirense and Aletico Catarinense.  The home side struggled and was beaten by four goals to nil.  The record Attendance of 16,842 was set when the home side faced Vasco de Gama and drew 0-0.  The stadium became all-seater in 2005.

Estadio Castelao

City: Fortaleza
Clubs: Ceara Sporting Club & Fortaleza Esporte Clube
Current Capacity: 69,000
Record Attendance: 118,496

The Estadio Castelao was opened in 1973 and is the home stadium for two teams.  It has also hosted the Brazil national team and it was a match between the Brazilians and Uruguay that recorded its biggest ever Attendance in 1980.  The stadium is owned by the Ceara State Government and is officially named after Placido Alderado Castelo who was State Governor for five years.  The first match played at the stadium was contested by the two resident teams who fought out a nil nil draw.  In 2000 the State Government decided to renovate the stadium and the capacity was reduced to its current level.  When the stadium reopened in 2002, the first match was between the Brazil national team and the Yugoslavian national team.  The Brazilians responded to the new surroundings and overcame the Europeans thanks to a solitary goal from Luizao.

Estadio Estrela dos Reis Magos

City: Natal
Clubs: n/a
Current Capacity: 65,100

The Estadio Estrela dos Reis Magos is yet another proposed stadium.  Once again it was proposed that it would be built if the Brazilian bid was successful.  If built, the stadium will seat over 65,000.

Estadio Beira-Rio (Estadio Jose Pinheiro Borba)

City: Porto Alegre
Clubs: Sport Club Internacional
Current Capacity: 56,000
Record Attendance: 106,554

The Estadio Beira-Rio was built in 1959 and its official name came from a Portuguese engineer who oversaw the building of the Stadium, yet died before the stadium could be finished.  The stadium takes its nickname from its location.  Beira-Rio literally translates as “River Bank” as Sport Club Internacional play the home matches along the River Guaiba.  He first match staged at the Beira-Rio was between the home side Internacional and Portuguese giants Benfica.  The Brazilian side won the match by two goals to one.  In 1972, the Brazilian National side took on a Rio Grande do Sull All-Stars eleven and drew three all.  The exhibition match attracted over 106,000 spectators which is a record for the stadium.  To be sure it is up to scratch for the finals, the stadium is to be renovated to  ensure it matches FIFA’s criteria.

Arena Recife-Olinda

City: Between Recife & Olinda
Clubs: n/a
Current Capacity: 48,500
Record Attendance: n/a
The Arena Recife-Olinda stadium is another proposed stadium that will be built for the 2014 World Cup.  When completed the stadium will seat over 48,000 spectators.

Arena da Floresta

City: Rio Branca
Clubs: Rio Branca AC
Current Capacity: 20,000
Record Attendance: 12,088
The Arena da Floresta or Forest Arena in English was built in 2006.  It is owned by the Acre State Government and Rio Branca AC play their home matches there.  It s the smallest of all the proposed stadia and would have to have its capacity significantly increased if it is to host matches.  In its first ever match, Rio Branca AC entertained the Brazil under 20 national side and emerged victorious by two goals to one.  In 2007, the stadium recorded its highest Attendance when Fluminese defeated Associacao Desportiva Senador Guiomard as 12,088 people attended the match.

Arena Bahia

City: Salavdor
Clubs: n/a
Current Capacity: 44,100 – 60,000

The Bahia Arena has yet to be built.  It is another  venue that was proposed would be built in the event that Brazil was awarded the finals.  When completed it is said the stadium will seat 44,000 to 60,000 people.

Estadio do Morumbi (Estadio Cicero Pompeu de Toledo)

City: Sao Paulo
Clubs: Sao Paulo FC
Current Capacity: 80,000
Record Attendance: 138,032

The Estadio do Morumbi opened in 1960 yet it wasn’t fully finished until 1970.  Its formal name comes from the Sao Paulo FC chairman who was in charge of the team during the majority of the construction.  The stadium, unlike so many in Brazil is owned by the team and not by the state.  The first match staged at the ground was between Sao Paulo and Sporting Lisbon of Portugal and the Brazilian side ran out winners by a goal to nil.  In 1970 the stadium was finally completed and the capacity rose to 140,000.  The  Attendance record was set in 1977 when over 138,000 people filed in to watch Corinthians defeat Ponte Preta.  As well as being home to Sao Paulo, the Morumbi Stadium has hosted some of the worlds biggest music stars including The Rolling Stones, Queen, U2 and Michael Jackson.

BBC Best 10 goals of World Cup

World Cup 2010 - Highs and Lows

Highs


1. Paul the psychic octopus

Boasting the prolificacy of David Villa, the accuracy of a Gio van Bronckhorst 40-yarder and the sheer star quality of Diego Maradona, there is no doubt that Sea Life Oberhausen's Paul has captured the imagination over the past four weeks with his spookily accurate World Cup predictions. Born in Weymouth, Paul rivals Howard Webb as England's most successful (and undoubtedly most popular) participant at the finals having correctly predicted the result of all of Germany's games including the third-place play-off - a probability of 1 in 128.

But what is the key to his success in deciding which Perspex box to delve into for a tasty mussel? Stefan Porwoll, the Sea Life Aquarium manager, explains: "Paul is such a professional oracle he doesn't even care that hundreds of journalists are watching and commenting on every move he makes." With that kind of coolness under pressure and his highly-perceptive mind, it is no surprise that Paul is already being labelled the most famous water-dwelling being since Jaws.

2. The rise of the underdogs

France's dramatic implosion, Italy's ineffectual performances and England's rank ineptitude ensured this was not a World Cup for the historic European powers. In their stead we saw Ghana's romantic ride to the quarter-finals, Uruguay reaching the last four - through means foul or fair - and Slovakia sneaking out of the group stage. Even the South American royalty of Brazil and Argentina failed to reach the semi-finals, helping ensure that a new name will be etched onto the World Cup trophy on Sunday.

North Korea's 7-0 rout at the hands of Portugal aside, the less fancied countries also acquitted themselves creditably, perhaps most notably when the aforementioned Chollima performed valiantly in a 2-1 defeat to Brazil - a display that should have required no censorship on the part of state TV in Pyongyang. Japan and South Korea both reached the second round for the first time on foreign soil and special mention should go to New Zealand who, if Netherlands are defeated on Sunday, will be the only team to end the tournament unbeaten. The kings are dead, long live the kings?

3. Diego Maradona

El Diego came into the World Cup having incurred a FIFA ban for instructing journalists to, erm, pleasure him, and with a reputation for being a train wreck of a coach, ready to explode at any minute. But the Argentinean nation's faith was, for four glorious games, vindicated. The Albiceleste performed with real panache and hopes were raised that the man, the deity, who almost died in 2007 due to problems related to obesity and a lifestyle of excess would instead follow in the footsteps of Mario Zagallo and Franz Beckenbauer in becoming the third man to win the World Cup as both player and coach.

Those dreams would disintegrate the first time Maradona was pitched against a decent team with a tactically-proficient coach, Joachim Low's Germany side winning 4-0 in the quarter-finals, but with his emotional outbursts on the touchlines, his unconventional training methods and oversubscribed press conferences, Maradona was the story of the tournament while Argentina remained in South Africa. Telling Pele to "go back to the museum" and warning opponents that to beat his "23 wild cats" they would have to "put all their beef on the grill" certainly helped.

4. Siphiwe Tshabalala's goal

In the build-up to the first World Cup to be held on African soil, it was feared that a poor South Africa side would embarrass the nation with some mediocre performances in Group A. But although Bafana Bafana did eventually become the first host nation to fail to reach the second round, a thunderbolt of a strike from Siphiwe Tshabalala in the opening game against Mexico set their supporters, and the tournament, alight.


Just like Philipp Lahm four years before him, and following an opening ceremony that featured a particularly memorable dung beetle, Tshabalala galvanised the home country with a wonderful effort as he struck the Jabulani firmly across goal and into the far corner. South Africa went on to draw 1-1 and then beat France, so although their tournament ended prematurely, Bafana Bafana still had fond memories to draw upon. Chief amongst them was the searing effort from the midfielder. "It was my first World Cup, the first in Africa (and) I scored the first goal," Tshabalala said. "This is the highlight of my career so far."

5. Unfounded fears

Reading some reports prior to the start of the tournament, you could have been forgiven for thinking that Sepp Blatter and FIFA had gifted the World Cup to a country in collapse, an active war zone. Such fear mongering was misguided. Though there have of course been isolated incidents of crime and disorganisation, despite Paris Hilton's best efforts the World Cup has largely steered clear of controversy and demonstrated that a country like South Africa does have the ability to host such a sporting spectacle.

Months and months of relentless cynicism from certain sections of the European press led FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke to exclaim in March: "Don't kill the World Cup before it starts. It's unfair and it's really sad." Four months on, and it is clear that the tournament has breathed life into Africa's standing on the global stage. FIFA must consider this a real success.


Lows


1. The scourge of simulation

The World Cup is supposed to be the four-yearly event in which football enchants the world, demonstrating just why it is beloved of billions across the globe. Sadly, certain events in South Africa threatened to provide ammunition to those who maintain footballers are nothing but a bunch of preening prima donnas. Perhaps the most notable, and most infuriating, was the reaction of Ivory Coast's Kader Keita as he threw himself to the floor after walking into Kaka, earning the Brazil playmaker a ridiculous red card. While Brazil were incensed, the mind immediately wandered back to 2002 in Ulsan and Rivaldo's deception to get Hakan Unsal sent off.

In 2010, Keita was far from the only offender. Swathes of players were sent sprawling to the turf, tenderly clutching their faces, as replays revealed the merest of brushes from an opponent's shoulder. Time and again, games witnessed more theatrical spills than Oliver Reed on a particularly unsteady night out. Let's name and shame a few: the Italy defence against New Zealand, Arturo Vidal getting Valon Behrami sent off and Switzerland's Steve von Bergen embarrassing himself in the same game were all notable examples of behaviour that must be eradictated.

2. FIFA's Black Sunday

As staunch opponents to the introduction of technology, FIFA's bigwigs must have been shifting uncomfortably in their executive seats, prawn sandwiches left uneaten, when two glaring mistakes from match officials left a black spot on the competition on June 27. Firstly, and most notably, Frank Lampard's shot clearly crossed the line against Germany, only for Uruguayan referee Jorge Larrionda to wave play on, sparking confusion in pubs across England. Replays confirmed the horrible truth, and surely moved the game a step closer to welcoming technology, rather than fearing it. However the suspicion remains that Sepp Blatter will continue to be the John Connor to Hawk-Eye's Skynet.

In the evening kick-off, Carlos Tevez then scored a blatantly offside goal as Argentina defeated Mexico 3-1. Somehow, the replay was broadcast live to the Soccer City crowd so referee Roberto Rosetti immediately knew his assistant had made a horrendous call. Aware of the grievous mistake but bound by the rules to ignore the evidence in front of his eyes, the Italian had no option but to ignore Mexico's pleas to disallow the goal. Not a great day for the governing body.

3. Vuvuzelas

We understand the argument that the vuvuzelas are part of South Africa culture and a legitimate way to express delight at a sporting occasion, but they are, in a word, annoying. Drowning out chants and songs from supporters inside the crowd, the constant drone from the dreaded horns came to infuriate television spectators as well. They were especially irritating when played in unison to create a pulsing sound; like having a particularly nasty migrane while sitting in a beehive.

After the opening game, South Africa goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune even had the cheek to complain that the vuvuzelas were not loud enough. Abu Dhabi officials had the right idea when issuing a fatwa against the instruments on Thursday. We now fear a vuvuzela influx in time for the new domestic season.

4. Empty seats

These were a constant source of frustration throughout the tournament. There really should be no excuse for failing to fill a stadium for a World Cup game, and we are talking semi-finals as well as Slovakia v New Zealand here. If there are tickets remaining, FIFA should have given them to local schoolchildren rather than letting them lie fallow.


FIFA will say there are mitigating circumstances, with the global recession playing a part, transport problems highlighted and no-shows in the corporate seats having a significant effect, but the failure to sell out games is a disappointing one. Games between Algeria and Slovenia, and Japan and Cameroon had in excess of 10,000 spare seats going - a fact that reflects badly on the organising committee and indeed the tournament.

5. The Jabulani

The advent of every major tournament sees goalkeepers complain about the state of the official ball, no doubt looking to get their excuses in early when a shot squirms under their body, but this year was different. Goalkeepers, outfield players and coaches all lined up to lambast the Jabulani. Brazil midfielder Felipe Melo described it as "horrible", Iker Casillas said it behaved like a "beach ball" and, perhaps most damning of all, USA 'keeper Marcus Hahnemann simply said: "Scientists came up with the atom bomb, doesn't mean we should have invented it."

And when play got underway, there was something not right about the much-discussed ball. The vast majority of long-range shots were awful, accurate free-kicks were few and far between and even cross-field passes looked a real effort at times. However, Fabio Capello's attempt to blame the Jabulani for Robert Green's inability to grasp Clint Dempsey's shot was fairly laughable.