Police, protesters clash as World Cup begins

Brazilian police and protesters clashed in Sao Paulo on Thursday just hours before the opening game of the World Cup (WC), which has been marred by construction delays and months of political unrest. Police fired tear gas and noise bombs to disperse more than 100 demonstrators angry about heavy government spending on the event, a spokesman for Sao Paulo state's military police said. Demonstrators regrouped about two hours later and clashed with police again three blocks away, hurling rocks and setting fire to trash. The protesters were trying to cut off a key avenue leading to the Corinthians arena on the eastern edge of the city where Brazil plays Croatia at 5pm (2000 GMT). At least one protester was arrested, local media reported. A producer for CNN was injured during the confrontation, witnesses said, according to a news agency.