Maracana: from populist temple to elitist arena

The Maracana stadium, a footballing theatre which every fan dreams of visiting, has morphed into an ultra-modern, sustainable and safe arena, albeit one with elitist traits, compared to the populist temple it once was.

Though the stadium has twice been extensively remodeled since, all Brazilians know it as the place where a nation's dreams died on July 16, 1950, when Uruguay wrecked the party with a 2-1 win that gave it the World Cup trophy.

Alcides Ghiggia's 79th-minute winner ensured Brazil, the overwhelming favorite, was undone in its own gigantic bowl of a stadium.