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Is Arena Corinthians ready?

Cape Town - With seven days left before Brazil and Croatia kick-off the SWC in Sao Paulo, is the Corinthians stadium ready? 

Location: Sao Paulo

Official Capacity: 68 034

Interesting Fact: Sport Club Corinthians Paulista is arguably one of the biggest teams in Brazil, yet until the construction of the Arena de Sao Paulo the team had never owned a stadium.

With 20 000 temporary seats being installed, those who have seen pictures of this stadium have referred to it purely as a "masterpiece".

Brazil and Croatia take centre stage on the opening day of the FIFA World Cup shortly after the opening ceremony within this beautiful arena situated in one of Sao Paulo's most deprived areas.

It wasn't certain, though, this stadium would be used after construction plans were only signed off once Morumbi Stadium - Sao Paulo’s other stadium - failed to provide proof they could fund a stadium renovation.

An unfortunate tragedy hit the stadium in November 2013 when a crane carrying part of the roof crashed to the ground, killing two people. Although this unfortunate event was a major setback to all those working on the site, it hasn't stopped construction workers in their bid to get this magnificent stadium ready for the FIFA World Cup where its set to host six matches including a semi-final.

What is interesting to note that the Arena de Sao Paulo is clearly not ready after some adjustments have been delayed and it is not the biggest stadium in Brazil.

The Estádio do Maracanã however has a capacity of 78 838 and has been increased a 96 000 seater because of the SWC and 2016 Olympics which Brazil will host. The Maracanã stadium, located in the beautiful city of Rio de Janeiro, seems like the right capacity for an opening of the biggest footballing event in the world.

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