On this day in 1904, Brazil’s Botafogo were founded as a football club by a group of teenagers following a maths class. First known as Electro Club, a merger with the Botafogo rowing team would see them rise to become one of Rio de Janeiro’s big four.
It’s ironic that the reopening of Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana Stadium with Brazil vs England should be overshadowed by accusations that the venue isn’t ready. It’s merely a case of history repeating itself. In the second instalment of The Brazil Series, a collection of articles inspired by the world’s greatest footballing cradle, Póg Mo Goal looks at the storied past of the iconic ground that holds a special place in the heart of all Brazilians.