First 2014 stadium opens as Fortaleza’s Castelão Arena is inaugurated

Castelão Arena is the first of twelve stadiums in Brazil to be inaugurated ahead of the 2014 World Cup. President Dilma Rousseff was the first person to kick a football at a ceremony held in the new arena at Fortaleza. The Mineirão Stadium in Belo Horizonte is the next stadium due to be opened, with […]
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sambafoot_admin
2012-12-17 17:30:00

Castelão Arena is the first of twelve stadiums in Brazil to be inaugurated ahead of the 2014 World Cup.

President Dilma Rousseff was the first person to kick a football at a ceremony held in the new arena at Fortaleza.

The Mineirão Stadium in Belo Horizonte is the next stadium due to be opened, with preparations expected to be completed as early as next week.

These two stadiums are amongst the venues for the upcoming Confederations Cup and authorities are rushing to prepare the remaining four for the traditional curtain raiser.

Ms Rousseff told reporters at the ceremony that the success of Corinthians against Chelsea in the Club World Cup proved that Brazil could compete with the best on and off the pitch.

Brazil’s preparations have been heavily criticised in recent years but in recent weeks FIFA officials have let it known that they are optimistic that all twelve venues will be ready in time for 2014.

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