Rio police stop protesters from reaching World Cup arena

Violent scenes in Rio de Janeiro.

Riot police use tear gas and pepper spray to disperse about 150 protesters.

Several people were injured in the scuffles.

The clashes came as the Brazilian city prepared to host its first game of the World Cup tournament.

Police blocked the protesters from reaching the Maracana stadium before the football match, Argentina against Bosnia.

Brazilians are angry at how much the government has spent on preparations for the World Cup and the Olympics, which Rio will host in 2016.

A similar sized march was also held ahead of the Switzerland-Ecuador game in Brasilia.

These demonstrations in the Brazilian capital were peaceful. Protesters here simply laid down their banners and dispersed when the game started.

But anti-world cup protests have tapered off since Thursday, when police used stun grenades and tear gas against up to 600 protesters.

And the tournament has been much smoother than many expected, with