Brazil has successfully completed its second stadium as the Mineirão reopens in time for the 2013 Confederations Cup in June.
The completion of the $250m three-year project at the Belo Horizonte stadium was recently announced by the president.
President Dilma Rousseff told reporters at the opening ceremony: “Seeing the Mineirão transformed into this beautiful and modern stadium to me is an example of the capability of the Brazilian, as well as the people from the state of Minas Gerais of achieving great things.
“Six months before the Confederations Cup and 18 months before the World Cup, we in Brazil are showing the world what we are capable of.”
Brazil’s Sports Minister Aldo Rebelo added: “Minas Gerais shows its force, discipline and vocation for greatness by delivering this stadium.
“It does not surprise me that the state of Minas Gerais turns this renovated Mineirão into a renewal of Brazilian football, strengthening our clubs and the game.”
The Mineirão will reopen with England slated to be the first visitors in a friendly currently being arranged by the CBF.
