On 1 January 1502, the Portuguese explorer Gaspar de Lemos brought his ship into a bay on the Brazilian coast, which is now called Guanabara Bay.
Built for the 1950 FIFA World Cup Brazil, and the setting for that year’s unforgettable decider between the hosts and Uruguay, the Maracana is set to play a starring role again at Brazil 2014.
The silhouette of the carefree footballer balancing a football on his neck forms a heart which symbolises the people’s deep love of football in Rio de Janeiro. Football is at the centre of their world, an idea which is conveyed by the depth achieved through the various layers. Each layer in turn stands for one aspect of Rio de Janeiro: the beach, the mountains, the Sugarloaf, the sea and the sky.
The colours and vibrancy of the layers portray the energy and pace that are typical of Rio de Janeiro and football. Upon closer inspection, behind the individual layers you will find a smile, an invitation to share in the city’s joie de vivre, the thrill of those who cheer with all their heart, and the satisfaction you get from a kick-about at the end of the day. You cannot avoid feeling the positive vibes and the beat of the music all around you. Those who meet a true Carioca (native of Rio) soon realise that’s what Rio de Janeiro is really made of.
Brazil: For World Cup fans, plenty of other action in Rio de Janeiro
World Cup 2014: Soccer fans can take in Rio's famous beaches and its cosmopolitan neighborhoods.
By Vincent Bevins
3:20 p.m. CDT, March 28, 2014
RIO DE JANEIRO — As you roll into this urbane beach city you can easily understand why most soccer fans will choose to be based here, if possible, during the FIFA World Cup, the sport's premiere international competition that begins June 12.
Brazil's former capital and a resurgent cosmopolitan city, Rio has most of the urban offerings you would expect in a major destination, such as museums, restaurants and night life.
But it's really the city's natural beauty and bright blue skies that make the trip worthwhile and make visitors more likely to forgive the high prices, lackluster service and spontaneous logistical breakdowns. Many cariocas, as Rio residents are known, expect something to go wrong during the Cup. But they also expect to keep smiling and enjoy themselves.
A Brazil fan waits for the start of the group A World Cup soccer match between Brazil and Croatia, the opening game of the tournament, in the Itaquerao Stadium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Thursday, June 12, 2014. (Photo by Felipe Dana/AP Photo)
Japanese fans with their faces painted in the colours of their national flag await the kick-off of a Group C football match between Ivory Coast and Japan at the Pernambuco Arena in Recife during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 14, 2014. (Photo by Javier Soriano/AFP Photo)
Fanny Neguesha, fiancee of Mario Balotelli of Italy, looks on in the crowd during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group D match between England and Italy at Arena Amazonia on June 14, 2014 in Manaus, Brazil. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
A Colombian supporter waits for the start of a Group C football match between Colombia and Greece at the Mineirao Arena in Belo Horizonte during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 14, 2014. (Photo by Eitan Abramovich/AFP Photo)
An Argentina supporter waits for the start of the 2014 World Cup Group F soccer match between Argentina and Bosnia and Herzegovina at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro June 15, 2014. (Photo by Michael Dalder/Reuters)
A Brazil fan with painted face soaks up the atmosphere inside the Itaquerao stadium ahead of kick off in the opening match of the 2014 World Cup vs Croatia 2014 FIFA World Cup, Group A, Brazil v Croatia, Arena Corinthians, S„o Paulo, Brazil, on June 12, 2014. (Photo by Kieran McManus/BPI/Rex Features)
England fans with their faces painted in the colours of their national flag cheer before the kick-off of a Group D football match between England and Italy at the Amazonia Arena in Manaus during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 14, 2014. (Photo by Giuseppe Cacace/AFP Photo)
Fans of the Netherlands look on before a Group B football match between Spain and the Netherlands at the Fonte Nova Arena in Salvador during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 13, 2014. (Photo by Javier Soriano/AFP Photo)
A fan of Bosnia and Herzegovina reacts after Argentina scores a goal during the 2014 World Cup soccer match, at the main square in Sarajevo June 16, 2014. Argentina won 2-1 in their opening Group F match on Sunday at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro. (Photo by Dado Ruvic/Reuters)
Japanese supporters wait for the start of the Group C football match between Ivory Coast and Japan at the Pernambuco Arena in Recife during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 14, 2014. (Photo by Toshifumi Kitamura/AFP Photo)
Fans wait for the start of a Group F football match between Argentina and Bosnia Hercegovina at the Maracana Stadium in Rio De Janeiro during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 15, 2014. (Photo by Gabriel Bouys/AFP Photo)
A Colombian supporter waits for the start of a Group C football match between Colombia and Greece at the Mineirao Arena in Belo Horizonte during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 14, 2014. (Photo by Pedro Ugarte/AFP Photo)
A fan with face paint stands outside Maracana stadium where the first 2014 World Cup match for Argentina's national soccer team will take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Sunday, June 15, 2014. The Maracana is the spiritual home of Brazilian soccer, where record attendance was attained in 1950 when Brazil lost to Uruguay in the Cup finals. (Photo by Dado Galdieri/Bloomberg)
A Brazil fan smiles before the Opening Ceremony of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil prior to the Group A match between Brazil and Croatia at Arena de Sao Paulo on June 12, 2014 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
Masked fans from Uruguay wait for the start of the group D World Cup soccer match between Uruguay and Costa Rica at the Arena Castelao in Fortaleza, Brazil, Saturday, June 14, 2014. (Photo by Natacha Pisarenko/AP Photo)
Fifa World Cup Brazil 2014: Crazy fan watch, Day 6
June 17, Day 6
South Korean football fans react during a public screening in Seoul of the South Korea vs Russia football match at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, early on June 18, 2014. Giant television screens were erected around Seoul ahead of the country's first game at the 2014 Brazilian World Cup. South Korea drew with Russia leaving both countries trailing Belgium who head the Group H table after beating Algeria 2-1 earlier. (AFP)
South Korean football fans react during a public screening in Seoul of the South Korea vs Russia football match at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, early on June 18, 2014. Giant television screens were erected around Seoul ahead of the country's first game at the 2014 Brazilian World Cup. South Korea drew with Russia leaving both countries trailing Belgium who head the Group H table after beating Algeria 2-1 earlier. (AFP)
Brazilian fans react as they watch a live broadcast of the 2014 FIFA World Cup group A football match between Brazil and Mexico in Rocinha, the largest favela in Rio de Janeiro, on June 17, 2014. (AFP)
A masked girl poses for photo surrounded by Mexico soccer fans as they watch their team's World Cup match with Brazil on giant television screens in Mexico City's main square, the Zocalo, Tuesday, June 17, 2014. (AP)
A performer dressed as Elvis Presley dances along Paulista Avenue, where soccer fans gathered to watch on a big screen the 2014 World Cup soccer match between Brazil and Mexico, in Sao Paulo June 17, 2014. (REUTERS)
Brazilian fans react to a missed goal, as they watch the screening of the match between Brazil and Mexico, before the 2014 World Cup Group H soccer match between Russia and South Korea at the Pantanal arena in Cuiaba June 17, 2014. (REUTERS)
Russian fans pose for photos before the 2014 World Cup Group H soccer match between Russia and South Korea at the Pantanal arena in Cuiaba June 17, 2014. (REUTERS)
Mexican soccer fans throw a man in the air as they celebrate the 0-0 draw between Mexico and Brazil in their 2014 World Cup soccer match, at the Angel of Independence monument, in Mexico City June 17, 2014. (REUTERS)
Brazil fans react as they gather to watch a telecast of the 2014 World Cup Group A soccer match between Brazil and Mexico at a fan fest in Manaus June 17, 2014. (REUTERS)
Fans watch a live broadcast of the 2014 FIFA World Cup group A football match between Brazil and Mexico near the FanFesta area at Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro on June 17, 2014. (AFP)
June 16, Day 5
A group of Ghana fans get in a festive mood at halftime gathered with US fans to follow the action off a big screen from the pier at Hermosa Beach, California on June 16, 2014, as the United States defeated Ghana 2-1 in their first round World Cup match in Brazil. (AFP)
Iranian and American soccer fans pose for the picture holding their national flags during a live broadcast of the World Cup match between Iran and Nigeria, inside the FIFA Fan Fest area on Copacabana beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Monday, June 16, 2014. (AP)
Soccer fans celebrate Germany's victory at the end of a live broadcast of the World Cup match between Portugal and Germany, inside the FIFA Fan Fest area on Copacabana beach, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Monday, June 16, 2014. Germany routed Portugal 4-0 in their group G opener on Monday. (AP)
Fans watch the 2014 Brazil World Cup Group G soccer match between Ghana and the U.S. at a viewing party in Hermosa Beach, California June 16, 2014. (REUTERS)
Michelle Lopez, 14, (R) and her brother Erick Lopez, 12, watch the 2014 Brazil World Cup Group G soccer match between Ghana and the U.S. at a viewing party in Hermosa Beach, California June 16, 2014. (REUTERS)
Fans watch the 2014 Brazil World Cup Group G soccer match between Ghana and the U.S. at a viewing party in Hermosa Beach, California June 16, 2014. (REUTERS)
Fans cheer during the 2014 World Cup Group G soccer match between Ghana and the U.S. at a viewing party in Hermosa Beach, California June 16, 2014. (REUTERS)
U.S.A fans wait at half time for the 2014 World Cup Group G soccer match between Ghana and the U.S. at the Dunas arena in Natal June 16, 2014. (REUTERS)
Fans of the U.S. wait for the 2014 World Cup Group G soccer match between Ghana and the U.S. at the Dunas arena in Natal June 16, 2014. (REUTERS)
Soccer fans, many supporting Germany, raise their arms and cheer at the FIFA Fan Fest area on Copacabana beach, after Thomas Mueller scored Germany's fourth goal against Portugal on Monday, June 16, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, during Germany's World Cup soccer match with Portugal.(AP)
June 15, Day 4
Ecuador soccer fans arrive at the national stadium to watch their team play Switzerland in a 2014 World Cup match, in Brasilia June 15, 2014. (REUTERS)
Fans of Switzerland cheer during the 2014 World Cup Group E soccer match against Ecuador at the Brasilia national stadium in Brasilia, June 15, 2014. (REUTERS)
France fans pose before the 2014 World Cup Group E soccer match between France and Honduras at the Beira Rio stadium in Porto Alegre June 15, 2014. (REUTERS)
Fans take photos as Argentina's national soccer players arrive ahead of their 2014 World Cup Group F soccer match against Bosnia at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro June 15, 2014. (REUTERS)
Fans wait for the 2014 World Cup Group F soccer match between Argentina and Bosnia at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro, June 15, 2014. (REUTERS)
Bosnian fans celebrate a goal against Argentina during the 2014 World Cup soccer match against Argentina, at the main square in Sarajevo June 16, 2014. Argentina won 2-1 in their opening Group F match on Sunday at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro. (REUTERS)
The bus carrying the Brazilian team is surrounded by fans outside the Granja Comary training center in Teresopolis Brazil, Sunday, June 15, 2014. Brazil plays in group A of the 2014 soccer World Cup. (AP)
Soccer fans smile as they wait for the start of the group E World Cup soccer match between Switzerland and Ecuador at the Estadio Nacional in Brasilia, Brazil, Sunday, June 15, 2014. (AP)
Bosnian fans cheer during a Group F football match between Argentina and Bosnia-Hercegovina at the Maracana Stadium in Rio De Janeiro during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 15, 2014. (AFP)
Fans wait for the start of a Group F football match between Argentina and Bosnia Hercegovina at the Maracana Stadium in Rio De Janeiro during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 15, 2014. (AFP)
Argentina's fans cheer before the Group F football match between Argentina and Bosnia-Hercegovina at the Maracana Stadium in Rio De Janeiro during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 15, 2014. (AFP)
Argentina's fans kiss a fake trophy before for the Group F football match between Argentina and Bosnia-Hercegovina at the Maracana Stadium in Rio De Janeiro during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 15, 2014. (AFP)
Argentina's fans cheer before the Group F football match between Argentina and Bosnia-Hercegovina at the Maracana Stadium in Rio De Janeiro during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 15, 2014. (AFP)
Argentine fans cheer for their team before the start of a Group F football match between Argentina and Bosnia Hercegovina at the Maracana Stadium in Rio De Janeiro during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 15, 2014. (AFP)
French fans cheer before the group E World Cup soccer match between France and Honduras at the Estadio Beira-Rio in Porto Alegre, Brazil, Sunday, June 15, 2014. (AP)
June 14, Day 3
Costa Rica fans cheer as they watch the 2014 World Cup Group D soccer match between Costa Rica and Uruguay at the Castelao arena in Fortaleza June 14, 2014. (REUTERS)
Italy fans celebrate after Italy won their Group D football match against England at the Amazonia Arena in Manaus during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 14, 2014. (AFP)
A man driving a Beetle painted with the colors of the Brazilian flag drives by Argentine fans gathering at Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saturday June 14, 2014. (AP)
Italian fans cheer before the group D World Cup soccer match between England and Italy at the Arena da Amazonia in Manaus, Brazil, Saturday, June 14, 2014. (Antonio Calanni)
Fans wait before the 2014 World Cup Group D soccer match between England and Italy at the Amazonia arena in Manaus June 14, 2014. (REUTERS)
Uruguayan soccer fans watch an open air broadcast of the 2014 World Cup Group D soccer match between Costa Rica and Uruguay in Montevideo June 14, 2014. (REUTERS)
Italian national football team fans arrive to the Arena Amazonia in Manaus, Brazil, on June 14, 2014, for the FIFA World Cup 2014 match against England. (AFP)
Japanese football fans pose prior to a Group C football match between Ivory Coast and Japan at the Pernambuco Arena in Recife during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 14, 2014. (AFP)
Japanese fans cover protect themselves from the rain prior to the start of a Group C football match between Ivory Coast and Japan at the Pernambuco Arena in Recife during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 14, 2014. (AFP)
Japanese football fans pose prior to a Group C football match between Ivory Coast and Japan at the Pernambuco Arena in Recife during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 14, 2014. (AFP)
Japan fans cheer prior to the start of a Group C football match between Ivory Coast and Japan at the Pernambuco Arena in Recife during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 14, 2014. (AFP)
Soccer fans pose in front of a giant screen during the World Cup football match Italy vs England in central Rome's Piazza Venezia on June 14, 2014. (AFP)
