Brazil saw yet another wave of protestors take to the streets of the country's capital of Sao Paulo over the weekend. An estimated 2,500 protestors rallied against the upcoming World Cup and the money being spent on the tournament, which they say the Brazilian government should instead spend on the country's public transportation and healthcare services.
Although many Brazilian news outlets report that the rally was a rather peaceful demonstation, there were also a few reports of minor vandalism, which included protestors smashing bank windows and attacking empty police cars.
This is not the first time protestors have taken to the streets, as earlier in June, Brazil saw major protests before the Confederation Cup, with over one million activists urging the government to spend money on the country's healthcare, education and transportation systems than on the tournament and the construcion of new stadiums.
During the demonstration several protesters chanted: "If we have no rights, there will be no Cup."
Smaller demonstrations were also reported in several other cities including Rio de Janeiro, where about 50 protestors gathered near the Copacabana Palace hotel, before moving to the streets of Copacabana beach and halting traffic with signs that included anti-World Cup slogans.
Meanwhile, many are also concerned that Brazil's reaction to the World Cup along with the protests will hurt the upcoming tournament's image.
A soccer-crazed country that is known for its passionate fans and long, successful history of the game, Brazil was knocked out of the 2010 World Cup tournament by Holland, who later fell short to defending champions Spain in the tournament's final game. While many Brazilians are demonstrating against the tournament, the country's faithful fans are also hoping that the host nation will make it successfully to the July 13 final.
The World Cup is set to begin in Sao Paolo this summer, with kick-off scheduled for June 12, 2014.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
