There are stadiums. There are famous stadiums. And then there is the Estadio Azteca. FIFA World Cup Against South Africa on Thursday, this majestic giant in the heart of Mexico City will do what no other football stadium in the world has done – host the World Cup opener for the third time in history. Often referred to as the “Colossus of Santa Ursula”, construction on the iconic venue began in 1961 and was completed five years later, with more than 107,000 fans attending the inaugural match between Club America and Torino, Italy. اگلی چھ دہائیوں میں جو کچھ ہوا وہ غیر معمولی سے کم نہیں تھا۔
The yellow and golden final of 1970
At the 1970 World Cup, as Mexico became the first country to host the tournament outside of Europe and South America, the Azteca stood as a showpiece stadium. It hosted 10 matches, including the biggest ever – Italy beating West Germany 4-3 in a thrilling semi-final. Brazil then beat Italy 4-1 in the final, with a young Pele parading the Jules Rimet trophy around the pitch. “ازٹیکا کے بارے میں کچھ خاص بات ہے،” برازیلی لیجنڈ نے مشہور کہا تھا۔
Maradona Divine madness
Diego Maradona Produced two of the most famous moments in football history, first smashing the ball into the net with his left hand forever known as the “Hand of God”, then completing a mazy solo run past several defenders to score the ‘goal of the century’. Argentina defeated West Germany 3-2 in the final to win the World Cup in Mexico City. میراڈونا خود اسے کبھی نہیں بھولے۔ “This stadium is the cathedral of my life in football,” he said during a visit in 2000.Now, after nearly two years of renovations that included new seating, upgraded locker rooms, improved lighting and a rebuilt pedestrian bridge, the great lady is ready again. The historic venue will host five matches during the 2026 World Cup, including the opening ceremony.
