News Digest

Protests and strikes threaten to paralyse São Paulo ahead of kickoff

Police in Brazil’s biggest city São Paulo have used batons and fired tear gas to break up protests by striking subway workers and commuters. The strikes, which began on Thursday, come less than a week before Brazil hosts the opening match of the football World Cup. Across town there was a separate anti-government demonstration in which protesters blocked the street in front of the Central Bank in a protest against the economic policies of President Dilma Rousseff.

Our problem is not with the national team. We will cheer for them.

—Transport union leader Paulo Pereira da Silva

The subway strike created record morning gridlock in São Paulo on Thursday, leaving several FIFA officials in over two hours of traffic as they arrived for a conference ahead of the World Cup. Workers are demanding a 10 percent pay rise. The São Paulo metro is the main link to the city’s World Cup host stadium, and the strike could force organisers to come up with last-minute alternative transportation for tens of thousands of fans.

Sources

Subway strikes grip Brazil’s Sao Paulo ~ Al Jazeera

Brazil strikes a threat to a smooth World Cup ~ Associated Press

From Brazil to Croatia to the World Cup ~ Associated Press

Brazil beats Serbia 1-0 in final World Cup warm-up ~ Associated Press

Officials approve temporary stands for WCup opener ~ Associated Press

David Luiz holds Bernard’s hand like he is a small child as they board Brazil’s plane ~ Dirty Tackle

International friendlies - Fans jeer as Brazil stutter to victory in final outing before World Cup ~ Eurosport

Police fire tear gas at Sao Paulo protesters ahead of World Cup opener ~ GOAL.com

Scolari: Boos not a problem for Brazil ~ GOAL.com

What are the World Cup fixtures in full? ~ GOAL.com

Brazil injury free for World Cup opener ~ IANS

Brazil win their last World Cup warm-up match ~ IANS

Brazil World Cup: Sao Paulo Police Use Tear Gas on Striking Workers ~ IB Times

Subway workers strike 1 week from WC kick-off ~ Manila Bulletin

Strike tangles Sao Paulo again in run-up to World Cup ~ Reuters

Soccer-Brazil’s Scolari shows softer side before ‘30 days hard work’ ~ Reuters

Soccer-Home fans jeer lacklustre Brazil in friendly win over Serbia ~ Reuters

Brazil’s Scolari shows softer side before ‘30 days hard work’ ~ Reuters

Soccer-Brazil 1 Serbia 0 - international friendly result ~ Reuters

Protests Grip Sao Paulo Ahead Of World Cup ~ Sky News

Sao Paulo Sweats Ahead Of Big Kick-Off ~ Sky News