THE first sign that you are about to reach one of football's most iconic amphitheatres comes in the form of Brazilian commentator Luiz Penido's voice: "Everyone get to your feet, it's coming! The best in the world - the Maracana!" is his cry as the metro approaches the stadium.

Opened in 1950 when Brazil last hosted the World Cup the stadium's first taste of history came a few in the tournament's finale when Uruguay upset the hosts to claim a 2-1 victory in what was nicknamed Maracanazo (Maracana Blow).

That day the official attendance was a remarkable 173,000, these days the capacity is about 100,000 less but its magic is not lost.

It would have been hard to pick a better venue for my first taste of World Cup action, Belgium v Russia on a beautiful winter's day in Rio.

On first glance the stadium isn't the most striking, but the concrete girders and grey concourse are soon brought to life by the throngs of football fans bearing the colours of every nation, from Panama to Sweden, Turkey to England with a generous sprinkling of yellow Brazil shirts too.

During its first two games the Maracana has already had its fair share of drama; Lionel Messi's wondergoal, the demolition of world champions Spain and a media centre breach by desperate Chile fans who managed to get through the stringent security.

More of the same was hoped for today but on the pitch the game failed to provide much entertainment.

A Mexican wave took centre stage early on with one excitable American exclaiming "Wow, dude this is already the best game I've ever been too!".

The now ubiquitous sporting chant Seven Nation Army was also sung by the majority in the hope of inspiring the players after a tepid first half but to little avail.

And the boos started to ring out in the second half as an expectant crowd - all of whom had paid over £50 for a ticket - were faced with the prospect of going away without even a goal.

Luckily Belgium substitute Divock Origi found the target the relief could be heard in the celebrations as everyone got to their feet to applaud the winner.

As the stadium emptied to reveal the blue and yellow mosaic seats, it's a real shame that England won't get the chance experience this wonderful place in the last 16.