Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez , commonly known as Estadio Metropolitano , or colloquially, El Metro , is a multi-use all-seater football stadium in Barranquilla , Colombia . It is the home stadium of local football team Atlético Junior . It was built with a capacity of 46,788 for the Colombian World Cup bid in 1986. The stadium was inaugurated that year with a game between Uruguay and Junior, which the Uruguayans won 2–1. It is the largest stadium in Colombia , after the Estadio Deportivo Cali 's renovation. The first official name of the stadium was Estadio Metropolitano , which was changed around 1991 in order to honor the Colombian footballer Roberto Meléndez . This is the official stadium for the national football team of Colombia .
54-460: Estadio Metropolitano ( Metropolitan Stadium ) may refer to: Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez , Barranquilla, Colombia Estadio Metropolitano de San Cristóbal , a multi-use stadium in San Cristóbal, Venezuela Estadio Metropolitano de Madrid , former home stadium of Atlético Madrid, used 1923–1966 Estadio Metropolitano de Mérida ,
108-464: A capacity of 90,000 when first fully opened. The stadium hosted several matches in the 1930 World Cup , including the final, which was watched by a crowd of 93,000. First played in 1902, the "Clasico de Rio de la Plata" with Argentina is the oldest international derby in world football outside of the UK. Both teams have played in historically significant matches, such as the two world finals of 1928 and
162-479: A competitive generation through the 1960s and into the early 1970s with players from Nacional and Peñarol , who had won several continental and club world titles during that time. In 1962, Uruguay had a relatively poor World Cup, being eliminated in the group stage after a dramatic last match against the Soviet Union . In 1966, Uruguay reached the last eight after drawing hosts England beating France in
216-461: A draw against Argentina, to win their first major tournament. At the 1917 South American Championship , Uruguay hosted the competition and retained the title by winning every match. The 1919 Copa América saw Uruguay's first loss in the tournament, a 1–0 defeat in a playoff with Brazil which went to two periods of extra time, the longest Copa América match in history. After winning the 1924 South American Championship , Uruguay traveled to Paris as
270-792: A football match ever (173,850 people at the gate). Additionally, Uruguay has won the Copa América 15 times, second only to Argentina for the most titles in the tournament's history, winning their most recent title in 2011 . The first official match played by Uruguay was held at the Paso del Molino on 20 July 1902 against Argentina. In that match, Argentina beat the Uruguayan side 6–0 in front of 8,000 spectators. Prior to 1916, Uruguay played more than 30 matches, of which all but one were against Argentina. The inaugural Copa America of 1916 saw Uruguay win against Chile and Brazil , along with
324-461: A football stadium in Cabudare, Venezuela Metropolitano Stadium , the current home stadium of Atlético Madrid, used since 2017 Estadio Metropolitano (Madrid Metro) , a station on Line 7 Topics referred to by the same term [REDACTED] This disambiguation page lists articles associated with the title Estadio Metropolitano . If an internal link led you here, you may wish to change
378-712: A football stadium in Mérida, Venezuela Estadio Metropolitano de Techo , a multi-use stadium in Bogotá, Colombia Estadio Olímpico Metropolitano , a multi-purpose stadium in San Pedro Sula, Honduras Estadio Metropolitano Ciudad de Itagüí , a multi-use stadium in Itagüí, Colombia Estadio Monumental de Maturín , the largest stadium in Venezuela Estadio Metropolitano de Fútbol de Lara ,
432-399: A goalless draw against France, followed by wins against South Africa (3–0) and Mexico (1–0) respectively, finishing at the top of their group with seven points. In the second round, they played South Korea, defeating them 2–1 with star striker Luis Suárez scoring a brace and earning Uruguay a spot in the quarter-finals for the first time since 1970. Against Ghana, the match finished 1–1, forcing
486-479: A grand opening was held on May 11, 1986 with a folk show in which 5,000 artists, an awards ceremony for VIPs Sport Colombia, a giant ball that left 200 white doves and the holding of an international friendly match. The opening match was played between the teams Junior and Uruguay national team , led by coach Omar Borrás, which was preparing for 1986 FIFA World Cup . The match ended with Uruguay's victory 1-2, goals scored by Enzo Francescoli (the first goal scored in
540-476: A profound paradigm shift with the hiring of Oscar Tabarez as manager. From there, Uruguay would finish semi finalists of the 2007 Copa America , and successfully qualified to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. In 2010, a new generation of footballers, led by Luis Suárez , Diego Forlán and Edinson Cavani , formed a team that finishing fourth in the 2010 World Cup . Uruguay opened the tournament with
594-522: A proper extension to the scenario, it was decided that the best solution was to design an entirely new football stadium for the city. In 1979, the governor of the department of Atlántico, Pedro Martín Leyes presented President Julio César Turbay the project to build a new stadium in Barranquilla, supported the idea of doing a host of World Cup 1986 to be held in Colombia. The project is approved and
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#1732765371384648-499: A security camera system, renovation of electrical systems and communications among other improvements. Estadio Metropolitano is located in the south of the city, heading for Transport Terminal and the municipality of Soledad , near Shopping Centers and Metropolitan Metrocentro. Currently the gallery is constructed in the commercial public sector north side of the stadium (crossing the Avenida Las Torres). The crossing of
702-491: A successful World Cup qualifying campaign, finishing second, Uruguay made it to the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Uruguay won its group after three victories, and advanced to the quarter-finals after a 2–1 win over Portugal . However, they were eliminated 2–0 in the quarter-finals by the eventual champions France . At the 2022 World Cup , Uruguay was drawn into Group H with Portugal , Ghana and South Korea . They started
756-662: Is administered by the Uruguayan Football Association , the governing body for football in Uruguay . Uruguay has won four world competitions organised by FIFA : two Olympic titles and two FIFA World Cups . Their first two senior world titles came at the Olympic tournaments of Paris 1924 and Amsterdam 1928 , two events that were directly organized by FIFA as open tournaments that included professionals. In 1924, La Celeste beat Switzerland 3–0 in
810-656: Is still considered one of the best matches in World Cup history, as La Celeste dramatically tied the match 2–2 late after trailing 2–0 at halftime. Uruguay would finally lose 4–2 in extra-time in what was their first-ever loss at the global stage, a thirty year record that started in January, 1925. Afterwards, Uruguay would fail to qualify to the World Cup for the first time in the 1958 CONMEBOL Qualifiers after losing 5–0 to Paraguay in Asuncion . From there, Uruguay maintained
864-529: The Maracanazo in front of a record paying crowd of 173,850. Though, historical estimates indicate that the crowd reached well over 200,000. This feat became an integral part of Uruguay's football identity and a source of inspiration for upcoming footballers with each passing generation. In the 1954 World Cup, Uruguay reached the semi-final for the fourth time after a notable campaign beating Czechoslovakia, Scotland and England. The semi-final against Hungary
918-537: The 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification matches against Colombia and Brazil on 15 and 19 November 2024 respectively. Caps and goals correct as of 19 November 2024, after the match against Brazil . The following players have also been called up to the Uruguay squad in the past twelve months. Champions Runners-up Third place Fourth place Tournament played fully or partially on home soil Below
972-466: The World Cup of 1934 due to the refusal of some European teams to participate in the 1930 edition. For the 1938 World Cup , France was chosen as host, contrary to a previous agreement to alternate the championships between South America and Europe, so Uruguay again refused to participate. Uruguay's golden generation retired after winning the 1935 South American Championship , beating Argentina 3-0 in
1026-562: The decisive match 3–0 in Montevideo to qualify to their first World Cup since 1990. The campaign itself proved a frustrating affair, as Uruguay were narrowly eliminated in the last group match against Senegal after drawing them 3–3, after being down 3–0 at half-time. The 2006 World Cup qualifying campaign saw another international playoff against Australia. This time, La Celeste were eliminated on penalties in Sydney . This loss led to
1080-435: The inaugural World Cup final in 1930 . They also disputed 8 South American Championship title deciders between 1916-1967. Although Argentina has an overall better head to head record, Uruguay have a better tally when it comes to international title deciders with 10 wins and 1 loss. Uruguay vs. Brazil dates back to the 1916 South American Championship. Both teams have since competed in several Copa America title deciders and
1134-538: The 1935 South American championship, held in Santa Beatriz in Peru , which Uruguay won. It was not worn again (except for a 1962 FIFA World Cup match, against Colombia ) until 1991, when it was officially adopted as the away jersey. Uruguay displays four stars in its emblem. This is unique in world football as two of the stars represent the gold medals received at the 1924 and 1928 Summer Olympics, which are
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#17327653713841188-434: The 1980s, which began with Uruguay winning the 1980 World Champions' Gold Cup , a tournament that pitted past World Cup winners together in celebration of the tournament's 50th anniversary. Afterwards, La Celeste went on to win the 1983 and 1987 Copas America back-to-back, only losing 1–0 to hosts Brazil in 1989's decisive title match. After failing to qualify for the 1982 World Cup , in 1986 , Uruguay were eliminated in
1242-676: The 1983 and 1995 editions, while Brazil won in 1989 and 1999. Also in the 1990s, in a decisive World Cup qualifier, Brazil eliminated Uruguay in Maracana from qualifying for USA 1994 . Since the 2000s, they have met mostly in the Copa América, as well as the regularly scheduled World Cup qualifiers . The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled. Win Draw Loss Fixture The following 24 players are called up for
1296-466: The Brazilians when they beat the reigning world champions to win the 1995 Copa America in Montevideo. Later, Uruguay were eliminated from the 1998 World Cup as they finished in seventh place in the first time qualifying had been done in one group. For the 2002 World Cup qualifiers , Uruguay managed to advance to a final playoff round against Australia to reach the finals . La Celeste would win
1350-566: The Round of 16 against eventual champions Argentina after a group stage that included West Germany, Denmark and Scotland. In the 1990 World Cup in Italy, Uruguay were eliminated in the Round of 16 against hosts Italy 2–0 in Rome. Afterwards, Uruguay would fail to qualify for 1994 after losing 2–0 to Brazil in decisive match at Maracanã Stadium . La Celeste would win their next big encounter against
1404-808: The avenues and Circunvalar Murillo is an easily accessible, both avenues have enough availability of transport. At this point, is widening the carriageway of the road from the Avenue Circunvalar cordiality. Other gateways may be Boyacá Avenue and Avenida Las Torres. In Murillo street Transmetro , the mass transport line is an alternative access at Joaquín Barrios Polo station. 10°55′36.7″N 74°48′02.6″W / 10.926861°N 74.800722°W / 10.926861; -74.800722 Uruguay national football team The Uruguay national football team ( Spanish : Selección de fútbol de Uruguay ), nicknamed La Celeste (The Sky Blue), represents Uruguay in international men's football , and
1458-506: The biggest downturn in the country's footballing history as they were eliminated in the group stage of the 1974 World Cup , and failed to qualify to Argentina 1978 . It wasn't until the late 1970s that Uruguayan football began to see hope as their under-20 team won four consecutive South American titles from 1975 to 1981, as well as reaching the U20 World Cup semi-final in 1979. The success of this young generation would bare fruit in
1512-581: The construction of Estadio Metropolitano, the city only had the Romelio Martínez Stadium , which was built in 1934 with a capacity of 10,000 spectators. Since the advent of professional football to Barranquilla in 1948, it became evident the need for a sports arena that would house the football fans. In the early 1970s, the expansion of the Romelio Martínez Stadium was projected with the construction of new bleachers for
1566-469: The final, Uruguay inadvertently invented the tradition of the lap of honour to thank the fans in Paris. In the 1928 Olympic football tournament , Uruguay would retain their world title after beating Netherlands , Germany , Italy and lastly Argentina 2–1 in the replay of the final (the first match was a draw after extra time). Following the double Olympic triumph, Uruguay was chosen as the host nation for
1620-468: The final. Then, in 1928, Uruguay repeated the Olympic championship by beating Argentina 2–1. They then secured a third consecutive title at the inaugural FIFA World Cup in Montevideo , where they beat Argentina 4–2 in the decisive match. Uruguay's fourth title came in 1950 after beating hosts Brazil in the final match 2–1, a match that still holds the record for the highest official attendance for
1674-399: The final. This was this generation's overall 7th title, which is still the record for most major titles in international football history, counting the 4 South American (1917, '23, '24, '26) and three world titles (1924, '28, 30). In the 1940s, Uruguay achieved early success in a decade largely dominated by Argentina by winning their eighth South American championship in 1942. As the World Cup
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1728-710: The first South American team to compete in the Olympic Games . The 1924 Olympic Football tournament also had the distinction of being the first ever "open" championship for professionals, as well as directly being organized by Caetano Heras Manuel Fiochetta and FIFA. Hence, the tournament would be recognize at the time (and posteriorly) as equivalent in value to the FIFA World Cup . Uruguay would eliminate Yugoslavia , United States , France , Netherlands and finally Switzerland to become football's first senior professional world champions. Moreover, after winning
1782-476: The first three, Colombia qualified for the final tournament after 28 years of absence. It also hosted the qualification matches for 2014 FIFA World Cup where Colombia qualified again after 16 years of absence. It hosted the farewell match for Carlos Valderrama on February 1, 2004, which was attended by players Diego Maradona , José Luis Chilavert , Enzo Francescoli , Alberto Acosta , Mauricio Serna , Faustino Asprilla , Arnoldo Iguarán , Leonel Álvarez and
1836-594: The foundation stone for the building is placed on December 7 of 1979 in an area of 30 hectares, located on the avenue Circunvalar with Murillo Street, donated by the Instituto de Crédito Territorial (Inscredial). For its construction the firm Metrofútbol was formed, led by architect Jaime de Biasse. José Francisco Ramos was appointed as architect of the stadium, awarding construction to engineer Julio Gerlein and electrical Engineer Luis Gonzalo Prada Ch. The construction of Estadio Metropolitano lasted six years, after which
1890-486: The game into extra-time. Both sides had their chances at extra time but Suárez blocked the ball with his hand in the penalty area, earning Suárez a red card and earning Uruguay universal scorn. Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan missed the subsequent penalty, forcing the game to go into penalties where Uruguay would win 4–2, sending them into the last four. They played the Netherlands in the semi-finals but were beaten 3–2. For
1944-511: The group stage. A controversial quarter-final loss against West Germany marred what had been seen as a positive campaign. La Celeste would end the decade winning their 11th South American championship in 1967 by beating Argentina 1–0 in Montevideo. In 1970, Uruguay established themselves again as one of the world's best teams when they advanced to their fourth World Cup semi-final in Mexico 1970 , losing to eventual winners Brazil. After that came
1998-573: The iconic 1950 World Cup final match , where Uruguay lifted their second FIFA World Cup in front of a world record crowd in Maracana . The only other time they met in a World Cup was the 1970 World Cup semi-final where Brazil won 3-1 in Guadalajara. Since the 1980s, the two sides met in several title deciders, such as the 1980 World Champions' Gold Cup final (won by Uruguay), and the 1983, 1989, 1995 and 1999 Copa América finals. Uruguay would win
2052-481: The inaugural FIFA World Cup held in 1930 , the centenary of Uruguay's first constitution. During this tournament, Uruguay won all its matches against Peru , Romania and Yugoslavia . In the final, La Celeste turned a 1–2 halftime deficit into a 4–2 victory against neighbours Argentina at the Estadio Centenario to capture their consecutive third world title. After this tournament, Uruguay would boycott
2106-490: The last 16. During the match against Italy, forward Luis Suárez bit Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini on his left shoulder . Two days after the match, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee banned Suárez for nine international matches, the longest such ban in World Cup history, exceeding the eight-match ban handed to Italy's Mauro Tassotti for breaking the nose of Spain's Luis Enrique in 1994 . Suárez
2160-412: The link to point directly to the intended article. Retrieved from " https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Estadio_Metropolitano&oldid=978928632 " Category : Disambiguation pages Hidden categories: Short description is different from Wikidata All article disambiguation pages All disambiguation pages Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Mel%C3%A9ndez Before
2214-482: The names of Korea and Vietnam, respectively, in honor of two Asian countries that suffered from wars during the twentieth century, one of which was the presence of Colombian soldiers fighting (Korea). A complete renovation with a budget of COP$ 22,500,000,000. The remodeling of the stadium involved building giant screens, repairing of the athletic track, a new parking lot behind the north gallery, new lighting, dressing rooms for ball-catchers, overall structure restoration,
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2268-447: The only editions recognised by FIFA as senior world championships. In 2021, after a FIFA employee contacted PUMA about modifying the team's crest, FIFA reconfirmed and approved once again the use of all four stars on the shirt. Since 1930, Uruguay have played their home games at the Estadio Centenario in the Uruguayan capital Montevideo . The stadium was built as a celebration of the centenary of Uruguay's first constitution, and had
2322-669: The popular singer Carlos Vives . In 2006, the stadium hosted some football matches of the XX Central American and Caribbean Games , which were held in Cartagena. In 2011, the stadium was one of eight stadiums that hosted matches during the FIFA U-20 World Cup , including the opening ceremony. The stadium has also hosted numerous concerts of various artists such as REO Speedwagon , Franco De Vita , Shakira , Juanes and Carlos Vives . On June 27, 2019,
2376-467: The sports arena. However, an architectural error would force the reduction of the 72nd Street to complete the works. After some time it was decided to demolish the new forum yet unfinished in the midst of strong criticism, which the local press called the Gallery of Shame. Due to the large amount of money being spent on this project, it failed because subsequent studies showed the impossibility of conducting
2430-415: The stadium at 62 minutes) and Jorge da Silva for the visitors and José "Perilla" Angulo for the locals, all goals scored in the second half. The first red card was for Uruguayan player Walter Barrios at 87 minutes. Four days later, another match was held against Argentina national team during their tour in preparation for the same event, which ended up winning the future world championship. This stadium
2484-626: The stadium was announced as the venue to host the 2021 Copa América Final. The announcement was made by Ernesto Lucena, Director of Coldeportes . The stadium has five galleries: Southern (Korea), with the "Frente Rojiblanco Sur" supporters; Northern (Vietnam), with the groups of supporters "La Banda" and "Los Kuervos"; Eastern, Western and numbered Western. It also has four dressing rooms, eight bathrooms, 27 radio booths, newsroom systems, lighting towers (24 reflectors), medical services and parking for up to 1,600 vehicles. The stadium's field measures 110 m by 75 m. The south and north side galleries were
2538-599: The third-place match, they played Germany, again losing 3–2. This placed Uruguay in fourth place for the tournament, their best result in 40 years. Forlán was awarded the Player of The Tournament. A year later, they won the Copa America for the first time in 16 years and broke the record for the most successful team in South America. Luis Suárez ended up as the Player of The Tournament. Three years later, Uruguay
2592-437: The tournament with a 0–0 draw against South Korea, before they fell to a 2–0 defeat to Portugal. Despite a 2–0 victory against Ghana in their final group game, Uruguay was knocked out of the tournament in the group stages for the first time since 2002 , on goals scored following South Korea’s shock 2–1 win against Portugal. Between 1901 and 1910, Uruguay wore a variety of different shirts during its matches. The first shirt worn
2646-402: Was Albion F.C. 's kit, in the unofficial debut of the national team against Argentina in 1901. It was followed by a variety of shirts, including a solid green one and even a shirt with the colours of the flag of Artigas . On 10 April 1910, now-defunct club River Plate defeated Argentine side Alumni 2–1. That day River Plate wore its alternate jersey, a light blue one due to the home jersey
2700-444: Was also banned from taking part in any football-related activity (including entering any stadium) for four months and fined CHF 100,000 (approx. £65,700/€82,000/US$ 119,000). In the round of 16, Uruguay played Colombia but were beaten 2–0, eliminating them from the tournament. At the 2015 and 2016 Copa América, Uruguay, missing banned striker Luis Suárez, were eliminated in the quarter-finals and group stages respectively. After
2754-447: Was not being played, this championship became the priority. In 1950, Uruguay re-entered the World Cup for the first time since 1930. This time, La Celeste would enter a final-group where they would tie Spain 2–2 and beat Sweden 3–2 on route to the final match against hosts Brazil . On 16 July 1950, Uruguay claimed their second FIFA World Cup and fourth senior world title when they beat Brazil 2–1 from behind in an iconic match known as
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#17327653713842808-612: Was one of the venues where Colombian National Games in 1992 were contested. Hosted the 2001 Copa América including the opening ceremony with a colourful parade and a show dance. The venue held six matches in Group A which included the national teams of Colombia , Venezuela , Chile and Ecuador , between July 11 and 17. Was the venue where Colombia national team played the qualification matches for World Cups in Italy (1990) , United States (1994) , France (1998) and Germany (2006) . For
2862-403: Was placed in Group D at the 2014 World Cup alongside Costa Rica , England , and Italy . They were upset by Costa Rica in the opening match, losing 3–1 after taking the lead in the first half. They rebounded with a 2–1 victory over England, in which Suárez scored a brace right after coming back from an injury, and a 1–0 victory over Italy, placing them second in their group and earning a spot in
2916-473: Was similar to Alumni's. Ricardo LeBas proposed Uruguay to wear a light blue jersey as a tribute to the victory of River Plate over Alumni. This was approved by president of the Uruguayan Association, Héctor Gómez. The light blue ( Celeste ) jersey debuted in a Copa Lipton match against Argentina on 15 August 1910. The red shirt that was used in some previous away strips was first used at
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