GlobeStadiums

Estadio Centenario is a stadium in Montevideo, Uruguay used primarily for football. Built with a capacity of 100,000 not only to host several matches in the inaugural 1930 FIFA World Cup, including the final which was won by hosts Uruguay, but also as a celebration of Uruguay’s 100 years of independence. It is listed by FIFA as one of the world’s classic football venues along with Maracanã, Wembley Stadium, San Siro, and Santiago Bernabéu Stadium to name a few.

The Uruguay national football team is always a threat when playing in their home stadium, consistently beating top teams. Even the top ranked Brazil national football team has only managed 2 wins in 20 opportunities. As a curious fact, because of the Centenario’s location next to other smaller stadiums, when Central Español and Miramar Misiones play home matches simultaneously one can watch all three games from the top of the Amsterdam stand. Uruguay played Australia in the 2002 World Cup Qualifying Playoff and for the 2006 Playoff again in November 2001 and 2005 respectively. In 2001, Uruguay lost in Melbourne at the Melbourne Cricket Ground 1-0 and then defeated Australia at Centenario 3-0 to qualify for the 2002 FIFA World Cup. In 2005, Uruguay defeated Australia here in the first leg 1-0. In Sydney at Telstra Stadium on November 16 2005, Australia defeated Uruguay 1-0 to go to extra time and defeated Uruguay on penalties 4-2 to qualify for the 2006 FIFA World Cup

[Source: Wikipedia]