TEHRAN, IRAN: Built in 1971, Azadi Stadium in the Iranian capital city of Tehran, is without a doubt one of Asia’s most intimidating football grounds. The enormous edifice was revamped earlier this year and can now seat up to 79,000 spectators, a noticeable trim in comparison to the previous capacity of 100,000. It is the home of the Iran national football team and Iran’s two biggest clubs, Esteghlal and Persepolis. The stadium is part of the much larger Azadi Sport Complex, and is surrounded by a rowing river, football training pitches, a weightlifting complex, swimming facilities and indoor volleyball and futsal courts, among many other amenities. It was initially built to host the 1974 Asian Games and has hosted the 1976 AFC Asian Cup. The stadium also hosted AFC Champions League final on two occasions: in 1999 and 2002. The record attendance at Azadi Stadium is over 128,000 during a 1998 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Australia.