Police fear protest violence will mar World Cup opener

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.

Police have used phone wiretaps and social media to gather information on protesters’ movements and plans before the opener between Brazil and Croatia, which will attract 60,000 fans, leaders of world soccer body Fifa and about a dozen heads of state, including Brazilian president Dilma Rousseff.

Demonstrations have raged on and off since last June as Brazilians vent their anger against what they see as government overspending on the month-long tournament, among other issues.