On Sunday Brazil inaugurated its ninth World Cup stadium. Manaus’ Arena da Amazônia hosted a Copa Verde quarter-final clash between Amazonas side Nacional and Pará outfit Remo.
Yesterday’s 2-2 draw and consequent elimination from the competition was not the result Nacional were hoping for but they do now have an ultra-modern stadium with levels of safety, convenience and spectator comfort to rival some of the finest venues in the world.
The 46,000 capacity stadium will host four group-stage fixtures: the eagerly awaited clash of England and Italy on 14 June; Croatia and Cameroon on 18 June; USA and Portugal on 22 June; and Switzerland and Honduras on 25 June.
Many hope that the stadium encourages a brighter future for the state’s football.
“I’d love it if the Arena Amazonia helped boost the quality of Amazonian football,” said one local resident in attendance at the match.
“I think it’s a real possibility, mainly because visiting teams now have a modern stadium to play in. That should motivate them to come here and test themselves against our sides.”
