Police, strikers clash in Brazil WC host city

SAO PAULO, June 6 (AFP): Police clashed with striking subway workers in Sao Paulo on Friday as traffic chaos gripped the Brazilian mega-city less than a week before it hosts the World Cup's opening game.

Police fired tear gas and swung batons to beat back the picketing strikers after commuters tried to enter a major metro station amid torrential rain that has added to the traffic misery.

The indefinite work stoppage, now in its second day, has raised fears of unrest when the country's business hub hosts next Thursday's game between Brazil and Croatia. The clashes came as Brazil's national team prepared to play their last friendly Friday night against Serbia.