soccer dates...flights

hi all
i am relliably informed i should not leave booking flights from rio - manaus - salvador to the last minute
however i cannot find out the dates of soccer at the maracana, in july, which will allow me to book the flights
any help would be gratefully accepted
roger

I'm going to Brazil in June myself, and this I found very-very useful. Complete list of dates, stadia and exact times of kick-offs.

The Pan American Games in Rio run from July 13th to July 29th. I'm not positive what events will be held in the stadium other than the opening and closing ceremonies, and I know it's the marathon finish line - but it's doubtful that there will be much in the way of soccer at the stadium during that time...although - I don't really know anything about soccer - just thought you might want to be aware of these games (they're a really big deal - a north/south/central american olympics with all the same events)