Ranking the 12 World Cup 2014 Stadiums

Brazil continues to gear up for World Cup 2014.

Stadiums are being constructed to ensure the tournament runs as smoothly as possible, with city infrastructure and local communities feeling the full heat of change. Which stadiums have us most excited? Let's establish simple criteria before moving forward.

Originality and visual splendour will be prioritised, as will historical value and the stadium's ability to aid the community in which it stands. Got that? It's time to read on.

12. Estadio Mineirão, Belo Horizonte

The home of Cruzeiro has received a number of changes to make it ready for the 2014 World Cup. Although many of Brazil's tournament stadiums feature memorable architectural designs, Estadio Mineirão's renovation has focused on making games safer and more watchable.

Priorities included lowering the pitch and ensuring the stadium would be able to sustain its current quality for years to come. Its 62,547 capacity crowd will also be able to access their seats with greater accessibility and can watch the game on two big screens that feature at either side of the pitch.

A functional, if underwhelming, start to the list, Estadio Mineirão is the first solar-powered stadium to open in time for the competition.

11. Baixada Arena, Curitiba

Beautiful in press shots, Atletico Paranaense's residency is another aging stadium that has been chosen to host games at the 2014 World Cup.

Arguably one of Brazil's more modern reboots, the original structure was built in 1914 and will welcome football's premier tournament 100 years after construction. Extra seats will be added alongside the pitch to ensure a 40,000 capacity crowd.

10. Fonte Nova Arena, Salvador

Built in Brazil's first capital, Fonte Nova Arena offers a modern adaptation of the historical stadium that was built in 1951.

Unfortunately for organisers, the 48,747 capacity venue has recently hit headlines after part of the roof collapsed. This needs to be ready for the Confederations Cup and is a physical representation of the country's struggle to finish each project in time. Check out the damage via this BBC report.

As per FIFA, the stadium "will house a panoramic restaurant, museum of football, car parks, shops, hotels and a concert hall."

Once completed, it should be an excellent addition to the tournament's lineup.

9. Castelão Arena, Fortaleza

Fans of Ceara and Fortaleza will be thankful for the massive effort to rebuild Castelão Arena and its surrounding area. Although a new roof covering the entire ring of seating is perhaps not the most exciting addition, the biggest changes are most appropriate to players, media and those journeying to the venue.

"As well as having its capacity increased to 64,846, the revamped stadium will boast an underground car park with 1,900 spaces, executive boxes, a VIP area, media centre, mixed zone and fully refurbished dressing rooms," reads the stadium's profile on FIFA's website.

Castelão Arena is also built to deflect the pulsating heat and cool fans with a "glass skin" that plays more than an visual role.

8. Beira-Rio Stadium, Porto Alegre

The Beira-Rio Stadium is located on Brazil's idyllic coast and is the home of Internacional.

Originally built in 1969 alongside the help of Inter's community, many fans used to arrive in the area to cheer builders through their work.

This arena features a rather spiny design that differentiates it from Brazil's numerous bowl venues. Its 50,287 capacity will be protected by a new roof and is likely to be used for concerts after the tournament.

Take a look around the refurbished building here.

7. Amazonia Arena, Manaus

One of the tournament's more inspired designs, the purpose-built Amazonia Arena is currently under construction to look like a straw basket; the region's most famous product.

Situated in the urban heart of the Amazon jungle, this is the tournament's most northern venue. The 42,377 capacity building has been created with natural resources in mind and features plant screens that will simultaneously keep energy costs low and ensure a cooler stadium.

Rainwater will also be used to hydrate the pitch and fill toilets, while the scorching sun "will be harnessed to generate clean and renewable energy," according to FIFA's website.

Also, special props for featuring a monorail service to the stadium, an open invitation for us all to enjoy this video. If that doesn't get you dancing, check out a virtual Amazonia Arena tour here.

6. Pernambuco Arena, Recife

Pernambuco Arena is an excellent example of old meeting new for the Brazilian public. This stadium originally hosted Chile's 5-2 thrashing of of the USA at the 1950 World Cup, but will be updated to meet all the demands of next summer's tournament.

Similar to the Castelão Arena, the surrounding area of Recife will receive a splashing of investment alongside the new building's opening. New restaurants, cinemas and shopping centres will pop up, breathing fresh life into "an area which is considered to be economically deprived," as FIFA's website describes it.

Most importantly for sweat-ridden tourists, the stadium features escalators for all. Tired of walking around Brazil all day? These will feel like divine intervention for those who aren't used to such heat.

For an in-depth look at Pernambuco Arena's recent opening, check out B/R writer Karl Matchett's article.

5. Pantanal Arena, Cuiaba

Purpose built for Brazil 2014, Pantanal Arena ditches the circular design of the country's other stadia for an interesting box choice.

Nicknamed "The Big Green," this venue is all about the environment. Although many of the competition's stadiums have focused on recyclable materials and ensuring nothing is wasted, Pantanal Arena utilises wood from "certified sources" and features technology that can monitor air and soil around the park.

Although the 42,968 capacity may be reduced after the competition, this arena is an ideal place to host exhibitions and events. Look out for the stadium's brightly-lit border when darkness descends upon Cuiaba.

4. Dunas Arena, Natal

Sometimes, a stadium just needs to take inspiration from its environment. Scheduled to be completed in December 2013, Dunas Arena is an absolute beauty and is designed to mimic the formation of Natal's sand dunes.

When crammed full of fans and ablaze with light, a beautiful shadow should be created through the cracks in the building's stands. Real thought has been put into Dunas Arena's creation, and it's sure to become one of Brazil 2014's most recognisable attractions.

You can take a look at the venue's original model here.

3. National Mane Garrincha Stadium, Brasilia

70,042 fans will head into the Garrincha Stadium for each of the seven games across Brazil 2014.

Completed in 2012, this is the most bowl-like of the bowls we've seen, featuring an extremely tight roof that will shade the masses from Brasilia's relentless heat.

This stadium will host the opening match of the 2014 Confederations Cup and will be utilised for events after the World Cup. Reminiscent of a smaller Wembley stadium, this inauguration video highlights the immense shade and intensity of stands that sit right next to the pitch.

Expect a fantastic atmosphere in this one.

2. Corinthians Arena, Sao Paulo

Undoubtedly the most visually breathtaking stadium of Brazil 2014, Corinthians fans will call this one home well after the tournament's conclusion.

Featuring two completely open sides, it's amazing how a reduction in capacity can make the arena look so stunning. This is a deep construction that sinks into the ground; its press shots making the 65,807 look rather smaller.

To get a real feel for the scope, take a look at this.

Most importantly. Corinthians Arena takes second place for invigorating a poor community. As noted on FIFA's website, "A total of close to 6,000 people will be employed either directly or indirectly over the course of the construction process."

1. Maracanã, Rio De Janeiro

How can the Maracanã be summed up in one word? Iconic.

One of the world's most famous footballing venues heads to the top of the list for many reasons. Its impressive overhaul will invite 76,935 fans to each match, including the World Cup final on July 13. New seats add improved visibility, and rainwater will be collected on a specially-built roof.

Spectators can even watch from the Torre de Vidro (Glass Tower) and the stadium can be custom-tailored to any event's needs, as showcased here. If Brazil 2014 is going to be remembered for one moment, it's likely that will take place in the venue where Pele scored his 1,000th career goal.

Which is your favourite stadium from the 2014 World Cup in the Brazil? Let me know in the comments section below and be sure to follow me on Twitter right here:

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