World

Protesters Battle Police Near Brazil Soccer Stadium

Keeping pressure on the government

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Protesters armed with screwdrivers and slingshots clashed with police near Rio's legendary Maracana football stadium where Brazil defeated Spain to win a third successive Confederations Cup.

Earlier in the day, thousands of demonstrators marched toward Maracana, most of them peacefully.

"There won't be a final," chanted some of them, who earlier released 20 balloons into the sky with a huge poster reading "FIFA, get out."

But a small group of hooded protesters lit a fire in the street and hurled stones at police who responded by firing tear gas and rubber bullets as police helicopters circled overhead.