More Clashes Planned in Brazil

1 million protesters expected

One million demonstrators are expected to take to the streets of Brazil tonight across 80 cities, as protests escalate over poor public services, government corruption and the cost of hosting the World Cup.

Public offices and schools have closed early in Rio, while soldiers from Brazil's elite National Force are preparing to guard public buildings and stadiums.

The largest march is expected in Rio de Janeiro where the usually traffic-clogged streets were much quieter than normal on Thursday afternoon.

On the protest group's Facebook page 231,000 people said they would join the Rio demonstration due to begin at 9pm (UK time) in the Candelaria area of the city.

They will march around four kilometres through the commercial centre of the city to the town hall which is less than one kilometre from the Maracana football stadium where Spain and Tahiti are to due play in a Confederations Cup match.