Brazil police fear protest violence at World Cup opener


SAO PAULO (Reuters) - Brazilian police fear street demonstrations will erupt in violence prior to the World Cup's opening game on Thursday 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 football body FIFA and about a dozen heads of state, including Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff.

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