Population mobilizes to keep name of stadium in Brasília

The population of Brasília does not seem to be satisfied with the name of the new city stadium for the 2014 World Cup. With works on strike since last Wednesday (26), the arena suffers from resistance of some residents who promoted a petition to keep the name Mané Garrincha rather than the new denomination, Estádio Nacional (National Stadium). The information is from the newspaper "O Estado de S. Paulo."

According to the newspaper, the movement "Keep Mané Garrincha", led by district secretary of the Brazilian College of Sport Science Pedro Fernando Athayde, is collecting signatures for the purpose of, according to him, "rescuing the image of one of the greatest players in history." "Garrincha is the best example to summarize the term soccer-art," he said.

Garrincha's widow, singer Elza Soares also spoke in favor of the movement. "It is very sad to see that Brazil is a country without memory. It does not remember its heroes and idols," she said.

Among the 12 World Cup host cities, three more cities, besides Brasília, will see their new sports arena being named differently. In Cuiabá, Jose Fragelli, or Verdão, will give way to Arena Pantanal. In Natal, Machadão has been demolished for Arena das Dunas to take shape. In Manaus, finally, Vivaldão will be replaced by Arena Amazônia.