World Cup Final at Maracanaã, opening in Sao Paulo

ZURICH - historic Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, will host the 2014 World Cup finals, while the opening party will be held in Sao Paulo stadium. It was announced by FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke on Thursday.


Opening match took place on June 12, while the final on July 13. While the semi-finals will be held in Belo Horizonte on July 8, and the struggle for third place in Sao Paulo on July 12.


FIFA expressed concern over the process of renovating 12 stadiums to be the World Cup, but the President of Brazil, Dilma Rousseff confirmed since mid-August, that the workmanship will be in accordance with the schedule.


Selection of mythical Maracana stadium full of pounds as the final place is not a big surprise, but the renovation of the arena is located in Rio that had colored labor strike for 19 days. They are protesting over low wages, poor working conditions and inadequate health insurance.


Local officials hope to work quickly, following the commencement of 1000 days countdown towards the implementation on 16 September. Maracana renovation costs estimated £ 660 million U.S. dollars.


In mid-September, the Brazilian government made assurances that the arenas in 12 cities have been on schedule in the construction or renovation and will be ready by December 2012.


But the government also acknowledges that the work has not been started in five of the 13 airports that will welcome millions of tourists and fans.


Brazil also had to spend more than 11.4 billion U.S. dollars to repair roads, improve security and the country's telecommunications infrastructure. The calculation is based on a study by the Getulio Vargas Foundation and Ernst & Young consultants.


Overall, the Maracana will host four group games, the last 16, one quarterfinal and the final itself.


Sao Paulo will host the opening match, the other three group matches, one match in the last 16 as well as the semi-finals.


Capital of Brasilia gets four group matches, the last 16 and third place playoff.


In Belo Horizonte there will be four group matches, the last 16 and the semi-final second.


Salvador presents four group matches, the last 16 and quarter-finals, while Fortalezza has four group matches, one 16 and the quarter-finals.


Porto Alegre was awarded four group matches, the last 16 and quarter-finals.


Recife has four group matches and round of 16.


The cities of Cuiaba, Curitiba, Manaus and Natal each have four group matches.