RIO’S FABLED Maracana Stadium reopened on Saturday after a multimillion dollar makeover that will make the legendary arena the showpiece venue of the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics.
A limited crowd of approximately 25,000 spectators thronged the fabled venue, which hosted a world record audience of more than 200,000 for the 1950 World Cup but has now had its capacity reduced to a maximum of 82,238.
Spectators for the test event watched a friendly exhibition match between select teams led by Brazilian World Cup winners Bebeto and Ronaldo.
And the three-time World Player of the Year, now 36 and retired from the game, rolled back the years with a super goal in the 8-5 win over his former Brazilian team-mate’s side.
YouTube credit: ReplayGols