Sao Paulo is some 5,885 miles from Wembley, but as a crestfallen England team contemplated the likely end of another World Cup dream it was clear they had brought the same old failings and the same old issues with them to Brazil.

Brazil 3 Croatia 1

The World Cup was launched with a 45-minute ceremony in Sao Paulo - but poor sound and a low-budget feel left an underwhelming impression.

Police in Sao Paulo fear protests may disrupt the opening match of the World Cup between hosts Brazil and Croatia at the Arena Corinthians later today.

Brazilian police fear street demonstrations will erupt in violence prior to the World Cup’s opening game today in Sao Paulo, as intelligence indicates a few hundred protesters will try to block roads leading to the stadium.

The latest outbreak was too violent, and too close to a popular tourist area, to be ignored, Patricia Rey Mallon writes.

Two construction workers died when a giant crane came crashing to the ground at the stadium due to stage the opening match at next summer’s World Cup.

Three deaths were reported in Sao Paulo on Wednesday as the stadium due to stage the opening match at next year’s World Cup suffered a partial collapse.