2014 FIFA World Cup Venues

Each edition of the “Cup of Life” leaves us with indelible memories. The 2014 version promises some “Joga Bonito” at its unadulterated best. The fact that it is in Brazil, where in the streets, the beautiful game is as popular as the gentleman’s game is in Indian gallis, adds to the charm.

Here is a list of the venues where all the action will come from-

1. Estadio Nacional de Brasilia, Brasilia

• The Estadio Nacional is the second largest of the stadia hosting the World Cup.
• This stadium will host seven matches at the World Cup.
• It features a new construction design which offers unobstructed views of the pitch from each seat.
• It has a seating capacity of 68,000.

2. Arena de Baixada, Curitiba

• The Baixada Arena was originally built in 1914.
• After renovation in 1999, this stadium has been one of Brazil’s best.
• Four group stage matches will be played at the Baixada Arena
• After renovation, it will boast a seating capacity of 40,000.

3. Arena Amazonia, Manaus

• The city of Manaus is located in the core of the Amazon rainforest.
• The Arena Amazonia will be enclosed by a metal structure resembling a straw basket, a product for which the region is known.
• Four group stage matches will be played here.
• It has a seating capacity of 42,000.

4. Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre

• The Beiro-Rio is the home ground of Brazilian club Internacional.
• It has hosted 4 Copa Libertadores finals and will now host 4 group stage matches and a Round-of-16 clash at the World Cup.
• It was opened in 1969 after taking about 10 years to get built.
• It is the largest stadium in Southern Brazil with a capacity of 50,000.

5. Estadio do Maracana, Rio de Janeiro

• The Maracana was built for the 1950 World Cup.
• It staged the unforgettable final of the 1950 edition, with Uruguay causing one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history by beating Brazil.
• It has a seating capacity of 75,000 and is the largest stadium in Brazil.
• It will play host to four group stage matches, a Round-of-16 tie and inevitably, the final.

6. Arena de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo

• The Arena de Sao Paulo is still under construction.
• On completion, after hosting the World Cup, it will become the home ground of Corinthians, the widely supported Brazilian Football Club.
• It will host the opening match of the World Cup along with 5 other matches which include a semi-final clash.
• The seating capacity is estimated to be 65,000.

7. Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte

• Built in 1965, the Estadio Mineirao is one of Brazil’s most historic football venues.
• It is home to Brazilian football clubs, Atletico Mineiro and Cruzeiro.
• It will host six matches at the World Cup which include 1 semi final tie.
• It has a seating capacity of 57,000.

8. Arena Pantanal, Cuiaba

• The Pantanal Arena has been specifically built for the World Cup.
• Four group stage matches will be played at the Pantanal Arena.
• The stadium’s air and soil quality is invariably measured, earning itself the nickname “O Verdao” which means, the Big Green.
• It has a seating capacity of approximately 42,000.

9. Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza

• The Castelao was built in 1973 and is home to Fortaleza’s two big football clubs, Ceara and Fortaleza.
• It had been entirely renovated before the Confederations Cup.
• It has a seating capacity of 63,000.

10. Estadio das Dunas, Natal

• The Estadio das Dunas is a stadium under construction.
• The stands of the stadium are structured to look like sand dunes which are a great tourist attraction in Natal.
• It will host four group stage matches.
• It has a seating capacity of 42,000.

11. Arena Pernambuco, Recife

• The Arena Pernambuco was constructed last year and was used in the Confederations Cup.
• It will host four group stage matches and a Round-of-16 tie at the World Cup.
• Currently, it hosts the home games of Brazilian club Nautico.
• It has a seating capacity of 43,000.

12. Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador

• The Arena Fonte Nova was built last year and hosted some Confederations Cup matches.
• The stadium has been designed in such a way that it pays tribute to the stadium which stood in its place.
• It will host four group stage matches, a Round-of-16 tie and a quarter-final.
• It has a seating capacity of 56,000.