MEMOGRAPHER | Travel Photo Journal

The Estádio do Maracanã (Maracanã Stadium) is the Cathedral of Futbol Religion in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The stadium’s name is derived from the Maracanã River, whose point of origin is in the jungle covered hills to the west of the stadium. It was opened in 1950 to host the FIFA World Cup, in which Brazil were beaten 2–1 by Uruguay in the deciding game. That Brazil’s loss at Maracanã Stadium is considered to be the biggest upset in football and has gone down in history as the “Maracanazo”. Being the world’s largest stadium by capacity (200,000) when it was inaugurated, the stadium currently seats 78,838 spectators, making it the largest stadium in Brazil and in South America. The “Maraca” has always been a temple of emotions and many joys. In 1969, it has hosted the largest audience in the history of soccer during Brazil-Paraguay game – 200,000 people (!). Pelé has scored here his thousandth goal. In addition to spectacular football games and tournaments, many unforgettable shows have been hosted here, like Frank Sinatra, Madonna, and the Rolling Stones.
I was lucky to be able to purchase a ticket for Belgium v Russia World Cup match played on Maracana Stadium on June 22nd. 73,819 football fans, mostly wearing red and tricolor outfits, had come to the arena to support their teams. The Belgian-Russian “costume party” was almost as good as Brazilian Carnival. So much fun and joy! In the end, the Belgian Red Devils celebrated ‘1:0’-victory of their national team, the Russians got a taste of “Maracanazo” experience.

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gmeanm3r

Maracana Stadium. 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil. Belgium v Russia

Gooooooooooooooooooooal!

Maracana Stadium. 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil. Belgium v Russia

6 Comments

Katie says:

July 1, 2014 at 17:22

Your pics of the World Cup really capture the feel and excitement of it. Love all the costumes… That stadium is huge! 200,000 people – wow!
Katie recently posted..The quiet beach village of Pemuteran, Bali

- Memographer says:
  
  July 1, 2014 at 23:51
  
  Thanks, Katie! The stadium currently seats 78,838 spectators (after FIFA remodeling).
  Memographer recently posted..FIFA World Cup Brazil. Dreams Do Come True!
  
Mike says:

July 2, 2014 at 13:26

These were amazing, Alex! I think I mentioned before that I’ve never been much of a soccer fan. But, ya know what? I’ve had the matches on the tv or my cell phone app EVERYDAY! Not just for the U.S. where I live but for all of the countries. Every moment is riveting! Great post :)
Mike recently posted..Cancer Free Contest Winners!

- Memographer says:
  
  July 7, 2014 at 07:42
  
  Thanks, Mike! I hear you. I see how the Americans have changed in the last decade and especially during this World Cup games. I am so happy to see European football in the USA.
  Memographer recently posted..All In One Rhythm: Fans of the World Cup Brazil
  
Marisol@TravelingSolemates says:

July 12, 2014 at 16:32

I enjoyed the feeling of excitement and passion as well as color in your photos. Made me wish I was there myself.
Marisol@TravelingSolemates recently posted..Beautiful, Romantic Bora Bora

Illia says:

July 12, 2014 at 16:34

Great post, your pictures perfectly convey that feeling of excitement!
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