Brazil, England to open remodelled Maracana

After an embarrassing brush with cancellation, the iconic Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro will host its first official match since an extensive renovation programme when Brazil tackle England on Sunday in a glamorous friendly. A local judge ruled on Thursday that the game could not go ahead as it did not meet minimum safety requirements, only for the decision to be overturned after city authorities scrambled an appeal. The Rio State government later explained that a mandatory safety report had not been sent to the relevant local authority due to a "bureaucratic failure". The cancellation saga was the latest unedifying setback in the story of the stadium's refurbishment, which has been beset by delays and disputes since works costing close to $600 million (460 million euros) began 30 months ago. The stadium was officially opened on April 27 when teams led by Brazilian greats Ronaldo and Bebeto played an exhibition match in front of a limited crowd of 25,000, but Sunday's game will be the first time that a full audience of paying spectators is admitted. The arena retains its famous circular shape and monolithic concrete shell, but it has a new roof and its two tiers have been replaced by a single tier of vibrantly coloured yellow, sky blue and white seats. Built for the 1950 World Cup, in which the hosts succumbed to a traumatic 2-1 defeat by Uruguay in the deciding game, the stadium has witnessed some of the greatest feats of Brazilian superstars such as Pele and Zico. The renovated ground has an all-seater capacity of 78,838 -- having accommodated crowds of up to 200,000 in its heyday -- and is scheduled to host four matches at this month's Confederations Cup, as well as seven World Cup games next year, including the finals of both tournaments. Brazil's preparations for the World Cup have been dogged by concerns about the nation's readiness to host the tournament, but there are also fears that the team itself may not be ready in time. Luiz Felipe Scolari, who led Brazil to World Cup glory in 2002, returned as national coach late last year following the dismissal of Mano Menezes, but he has overseen just one win in his five matches to date. With Brazil spared from the gruelling CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying competition by virtue of being hosts, Scolari has only the Confederations Cup and a scattering of friendly matches in which to hone a team capable of claiming the country's sixth World Cup. After playing England on Sunday, Brazil meet France in Porto Alegre on June 9, with further friendlies against Switzerland, Portugal and Argentina scheduled after the Confederations Cup. On Sunday, star striker Neymar is expected to make his first appearance for the national team since the revelation that he is to join Spanish giants Barcelona from Santos in a transfer that is reported to be worth up to $60 million. Scolari's first game in his second stint as national coach was a 2-1 loss to England at Wembley in February, and Brazil defender David Luiz, who plays for English club Chelsea, anticipates another testing assignment when the teams resume hostilities. "It's a team of great players, which mixes experience and youth," he said. "It's going to be a tough game. I think they will defend more because the sun will be strong." England's last game in Rio was a 2-0 friendly win in 1984 that featured a stunning solo goal by former Liverpool winger John Barnes. Mark Chamberlain, father of current England winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, played in that game and his son said he was thrilled by the prospect of walking in his father's footsteps. "There is nothing better than being able to go and play at the Maracana," said the Arsenal winger. "It's amazing." England were criticised for an uninspired display in Wednesday's 1-1 draw with the Republic of Ireland at Wembley but manager Roy Hodgson has defended his players. "Do I believe, from what we saw against Ireland, that we are on the right track? The answer is yes," he said. "Other people will have other opinions. They're entitled to them and welcome to them. We will wait and see." Source: AFP