Sports costs fuel Brazil anger

Brazil's hosting of several international sporting fixtures is fuelling the country's wave of street protests.

In the face of anger over corruption and poor public services the cost of putting on such events has added to the anger.

Clashes erupted in the city of Fortaleza which was hosting the Confederations Cup semi-final between Spain and Italy.

Tyres and at least one car were set on fire.

There were violent scenes in other cities where the soccer tournament's being played.

In Rio de Janeiro there was a large police presence as about 5, 000 protesters marched through downtown streets.

(SOUNDBITE)(Portuguese) DEMONSTRATOR ELAINE PEREIRA SAYING:

"This Joker outfit represents the start of chaos, but only the chaos created by the state, by the corrupt politicians, they're the ones causing this chaos. I'm here to protest against this political commotion we have in Brazil."

More demonstrations are already scheduled for the rest of this week