Spain hosted the FIFA World Cup in 1982. As many as 17 stadiums in 14 cities were used, and La Rosaleda Stadium in Malaga was one of them. La Rosaleda hosted 3 matches:
15.06.1982 Scotland - New Zealand 5-2
19.06.1982 Soviet Union - New Zealand 3-0
22.06.1982 Soviet Union - Scotland 2-2
Andalusia contributed to the World Cup with much more than just sports facilities. The official mascot of the cup - anthropomorphised orange Naranjito - was born in Andalusia. The name Naranjito means “little orange” in Spanish (“naranja” = orange + the diminutive suffix "ito"). Naranjito wore the kit of Spain's national team and held a ball under his left arm - all this with a big smile on his face.
Naranjito was created by Seville publicists María Dolores Salto and José María Martín Pacheco and became the first non-human mascot in the history of the football world cups. Indeed, who could better represent the country which is the largest orange producer in Europe? However, the first public reaction was mixed to say the least, and it took time before Naranjito gained popularity. But eventually, it did and a large number of souvenirs with his image were sold.
Moreover, Naranjito had a TV career as well! Together with his girlfriend Clementine (Clementina), his friend Lemon (Citronio) and a robot named Imarchi, Naranjito starred in a cartoon series on Spanish television called Football in Action (Fútbol en Acción).
Bonus fact1: La Rosaleda literally means The Rose Garden
Bonus fact 2: La Rosaleda stadium hosted many notable concerts including George Michael with 62,000 spectators, Shakira with 59,000 spectators, Maná with 55,000 spectators, Alejandro Sanz with 56,000 spectators, and RBD with 60,000.
Photo: Hidalgismael, Wikipedia Commons
