My girlfriend and I just returned from a trip to Brazil. While in Rio, we took a 1/2 day tour that included a stop at the Maracana, the stadium built for the 1950 World Cup. The Maracana, which used to seat 200,000 (it is being renovated and will seat 120,000 once work is completed), also hosts a Brazilian football museum.

Outside the museum was a Hollywood-style walk of fame, with footprints of Brazilian footballers throughout history (from Pele to Ronaldinho) on commemorative blocks. The exception was the keepers, which of course had handprints.

Other highlights included the number of plaques commemorating Brazil’s first World Cup win, in 1958 (”We thought it would never happen again,” said the 50-something female tour guide, laughing), and the guide’s amusement / surprise at how I recognized a number of the Brazilian stars of yesterday (”How do you know Tostao?”). I learned that there is both a Zico and a Zito in real life. Also, FC Camena Winning 11 managers, we should look into acquiring “Vava” next season - our tour guide indicated that he was very good.