South American Debate: What Is South America's Greatest Stadium?

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Bombonera

We provide you with 18 options of the stadiums we believe to be the most important of the continent. If there are any others out there that you believe to be as important please let us know...

Argentina

La Bombonera - Boca Juniors' fortress. The atmosphere generated in La Bombonera is daunting. In decisive Copa Libertadores matches, visiting teams have often admitted that the noise and passion in the stadium is difficult to cope with. It is without doubt the most intimidating stadium in world sport. And yes the stands do shake!

Estadio Monumental de Núñez - Home to River Plate and the Argentine national team. Argentina's largest football stadium, and venue of the 1978 World Cup final when Los Albicelestes defeated the Netherlands. Arguably the greatest atmosphere in the history of a football match was when River defeated América de Cali in the 1996 Copa Libertadores final. These days it is in much need of a paint job.

El Cilindro de Avellaneda - When packed to its capacity it is one of the most spectacular stadiums in South America. The atmosphere at this venue is amazing, particularly in derbies between Racing Club and Independiente. In the past matches have been suspended because the ball isn't visible to the players because of the amount of confetti on the field. The Intercontinental Cup final between Racing and Celtic was played at the venue in 1967.

Estadio Gigante de Arroyito - One of the venues Argentina played at during the 1978 World Cup. Rosario Central own the stadium, and it is said to be one of the most intimidating in Argentina for visiting teams.

Estadio José Amalfitani - Perhaps the best kept stadium in Argentina. Vélez Sársfield have found great success at the venue over the years, and the atmosphere during match day is very impressive. The stadium is generally the first choice neutral field for decisive final matches.

Brazil

Maracanã - The legendary and world-famous Brazilian stadium situated in the heart of Rio de Janeiro. Site of the largest attendances between both two nations and two clubs in history: over 200,000 attended the 1950 World Cup final between Brazil and Uruguay; 194,603 in the derby between Flamengo and Fluminense in 1963. In recent years it has undergone a massive face-lift and its capacity was restored to almost 100,000.

Morumbi - Only second to Maracanã in terms of popularity. A huge 80,000 capacity stadium located in the posh Morumbi district of São Paulo, an area filled with mansions. São Paulo, Brazil's most successful club, have won several important titles here. The seleção regularly play at the stadium.

Mineirão - The people of Belo Horizonte see it as their version of Maracanã . In 1997 132,834 fans attended the match between Cruzeiro and Vila Nova at the venue, a massive crowd considering that the capacity of stadiums have been reduced these days. Now it holds 75,000 fans, and it is often the first preference for the Brazilian national team.

Estádio Beira-Rio - Gaúcho fans are amongst the most passionate in Brazil, as they tend to be more like their Argentine and Uruguayan counterparts. The climax at the Beira-Rio (or even at the Estádio Olímpico) is intense during the Gre-Nal derby, one of the biggest rivalries on the continent.

Uruguay

Estadio Centenario - Although owned by the Uruguayan government both Peñarol and Nacional often play at the venue. Site of the first ever World Cup final back in 1930. Only Argentine stadiums compare to the atmosphere in the Centenario when Nacional and Peñarol clash in the Uruguayan clásico. Although it seems to be falling apart from the outside, it is one of the most spectacular stadiums in South America from the inside.

El Parque Central - The first World Cup game was played at this venue in 1930. Over the years Nacional have opted for the Centenario instead, but since El Parque Central was renovated a few years ago it has returned to being Nacional's home. The capacity of the stadium will increase from 22,000 to 35,000 next year.

Chile

Estadio Nacional de Chile - The biggest stadium in Chile with a capacity of 67,000. It is the first choice stadium for the Chilean national team, and the atmosphere created during big games is amongst the best in the world. The stadium became infamous because it was used for internment of opponents by Augusto Pinochet during the dictatorship.

Venezuela

Estadio José Encarnación Romero - Was the venue of the 2007 Copa America final between Brazil and Argentina. It was reconstructed for the tournament, and is one of the most modern stadiums in the continent. The Venezuelan national team frequently play here.

Colombia

Estadio El Campín - The most important stadium in Colombia has traditionally been home to Millonarios and Independiente Santa Fe. Colombia lifted the Copa América for the only time at this stadium in 2001 when they beat Mexico in the final.

Ecuador

La Casa Blanca - Liga de Quito's impressive 55,400 capacity stadium. Liga proved unbeatable at this venue as they lifted the 2008 Copa Libertadores, becoming Ecuador's first team to do such a thing.

Peru

Estadio Monumental “U” - The third largest stadium in South America with a capacity of over 80,000. It is the most modern stadium in Peru and home to Universitario de Deportes. Currently hosts the Peruvian national team, because they are against using the Estadio Nacional because of its artificial surface.

Bolivia

Estadio Hernando Siles - Not only is it Bolivia's largest stadium, and the stadium where the national team play, but it is one of the highest stadiums in the world at 3,637 metres above sea level. In 2007 FIFA contemplated banning the venue for World Cup qualifiers, because of the influence it has on the outcome of matches.

Paraguay

Defensors del Chaco - Although it only fits a capacity of 40,000 fans, it is Paraguay's most important stadium, and home to the national team. Over the years its popularity has grown, because of the success of the Paraguayan national team. Several Paraguayan clubs play at the venue.

We want you to tell us which is South America's greatest sporting venue? Make sure you take into consideration the history of the stadium, and perhaps which decisive matches have been played there.

Gregory Sica