Curitiba and the 2014 World in Brazil

The green capital of the south of the country became well known for its concern over sustainability and urban planning, which could be proven by the efficient public transportation system. Its innumerable parks and green spaces, like the Botanical Garden with its native forest, delight visitors. There are innumerable cultural attractions, but to highlight but a few, there's the Arame Opera House, with its tubular structure and transparent roof, and the Oscar Niemeyer Museum and its work "The Eye" , which just cannot be missed.

Botanical Garden, photo by wikipedia

Oscar Niemeyer Museum, "The Eye', photo by wikipedia

Tingui Park with Ukranian church

Soccer in the state of Paraná has a national presence, although the territory has intense rivalries between local clubs. Coritiba, Atlético Paranaense and Paraná are the triad that always compete for the state title.

Coritiba, at over 100-year old, calls the Mayor Antônio Couto Pereira stadium home, and has won three consecutive state titles until 2013, and this year has lost its supremacy for small local squads, such as Londrina and Maringá.

Arena da Baixada, Curitiba city, photo by Danilo Borges

With its large capacity for 41.456 spectators, the modern Baixada Arena will host games just in the group stage, with the privilege of receiving the current world champion: the feared Spain. The stadium belongs to Atlético Paranaense, one of the main forces in the city, with a relevant presence in the national league.

June 16^th – Monday - 04:00pm - Iran x Nigeria (group F)

June 20^{th –}  Friday - 07:00pm - Honduras x Ecuador (group E)

June 23^rd – Monday - 01:00pm - Australia x Spain (group B)

June 26^{th –}  Thursday - 05:00pm - Algeria x Russia (group  H)

Nigeria squad profile

Russian squad profile

Eliana Souza - SPin Brazil Tours

Brasilia and the World Cup in Brazil

The center of decision making in the country, the capital planned by recognized architects Lúcio Costa and Oscar Niemeyer is the mirror of modernity and boldness that took control of the country in the middle of the 20th century. You can visit many important buildings shaped by Niemeyer, such as the Palácio do Planalto, where you can admire Brazilian works of art, furniture by the architect Sérgio Rodrigues and, with any luck, the office of president Dilma Rousseff.

Brazilian flag in the Brazilian political capital

 National Congress building

 Esplanade of Ministries, photo by Beth Castelo, RJ

Palácio do Planalto

One of the attractions of the city is the national Stadium of Brasília, Mané Garrincha, opening stage for the Confederations Cup, on June 15th, 2013 – tournament won by Brazil two weeks later. With 72.788  seats, the field will host seven matches in the FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014.

Mané Garrincha stadium in Brasília, capital of Brazil

Although Brasília is not one of the largest soccer centers in the country, the local rivalry between clubs is still strong. Gama and Brasiliense, for example, have already had big moments in national tournaments, while Ceilândia has risen as an emerging force in the region. The new arena strengthens the competitive scenario in the federal capital, which already counts on the stages of Serejão and Bezerrão, recently reformed. Since 2013, the Mané Garrincha Stadium, which name honors one of the best players in Brazilian soccer history, has been hosting important matches in the national league.

Brasilia will host the local squad in the group stage, in a match against Cameroon. Passionate fans will experience the unique feeling of having the five-star team playing in one of the most important cities in the country. Other six games will transform the atmosphere in the federal capital, featuring Portugal, Colombia, Switzerland, Ecuador and Ghana. The arena hosts decisive matches in the round of 16, quarterfinals and third place decision.

June 15^th – Sunday - 01:00pm – Switzerland x Ecuador (group E)

June 19^th  –Thursday -  01:00pm - Colombia x Ivory Coast (group C )

June 23^{rd  -}  Monday - 05:00pm - Cameroon x Brazil (group A)

June 26^th – Thursday - 01:00pm - Portugal x Ghana (group G)

June 30^rd  – Monday - 01:00pm – 1^st Group E x 2^nd Group F (round of 16)

July   7^th  – Monday  - 01:00pm – 1^st Group F x 2^nd Group H (quarterfinals)

July 12^th -  Saturday – 05:00pm - Decision of third place of the tournament

The Brazilian young talented star Neymar and his tricksy style 

Eliana Souza - SPin Brazil Tours