It is not surprising, that the stadium “Maracana”, which once contained the largest number of fans, has the name of journalist. This is Brazil, where the journalist was even a head coach of the national team. The journalist Joao Saldanha prepared the national team of Brazil for the World Championship 1970, then he was replaced by Mario Zagallo, who led the team to gold medals in Mexico.

The official name of “Maracana” is “Mario Filho (Estadio Jornalista Mario Filho). Its construction began in 1948, in preparation for the World Cup 1950. “Maracana” is the name of a small river, which streams nearby. The construction of the stadium completed in 1965. It has become the national stadium of Brazil. Although it should replace the old stadium of “Vasco da Gama”. It was built by the government expenses and still remains the property of the city.

Its official name “Mario Filho” it got after the Brazilian journalist, who embodied the project. The official opening took place in 1950, when it was a match of Rio de Janeiro and San Paulo teams an the first goal was scored by Didi.

“Maracana” is the home arena for the football clubs “Flamengo” and “Fluminense”, as well as the Brazilian national team and all Brazilian age teams. However, two other giants “Botafogo” and “Vasco da Gama”, which has their own stadiums, hold “Superclasico” matches with other teams at “Maracana”. The arena, which once contained 200000 fans, hosts the Carioca finals every year.

The first important matches at “Maracana” took place at the World Cup 1950. This stadium is the biggest disappointment for the Brazilian national team, which lost to Uruguay 1:2 and lost the golden medals in the decisive match of the Championship. The record number of fans (199850) attended this match.

In 1963, the record number of fans (177656) gathered at “Maracana” to watch the match of “Flamengo” and “Fluminense”, which is also unbeaten. At the International meetings, 180000 spectators were gathering here, and in 1980’s the average attendance was 13000.

In 60’s, “Santos”, where Pele was shining, hold Intercontinental meetings at “Maracana” against “Benfica” in 1962 and against “Milan” in 1963 and in both cases was successful.

Previously “Maracana” was the world’s largest stadium and contained 200000 spectators, but after FIFA requirements, the seats reduced at the expense of “Geral”. “Geral” is a standing place behind the door and there was even chairs for the poorest fans. The price of ticket was a dollar. It was a symbolic price, which allowed everyone to attend the match of their favorite team. “Geral” considered as the most democratic place at the stadium and was part of the Brazilian football culture. However, after the reconstruction of the stadium, “Geral” did not disappear and those fans who previously occupied the places in “Geral”, now watch the game sitting.

According to FIFA request, the number of spectators at “Maracana” has been reduced to 82000, but after the Championship, it will be increased to 95000.

After the Mexican “Aztecs” “Maracana” will be the second stadium, which will host two World Championship finals.

Lasha Tabagari, special correspondent of worldsport.ge from Rio de Janeiro