Brazil’s national team has started its World Cup preparations amid protests in Rio de Janeiro.
A bus carrying the players to a hilltop training camp was surrounded by striking teachers chanting slogans against the tournament.
Later, upon arriving at the Granja Comary training base, players were greeted by fans – and more protesters.
Thousands of people have protested against the cost of staging the tournament beginning next month.
‘No World Cup’
It is day one at Granja Comary, Brazil squad’s favourite training ground since 1987. Here, they have trained for five World Cups – of which they won two.
In hilly Teresopolis, the scenery is idyllic. The portico at its entrance welcomes the footballers, and flags of World Cup countries fly along the road.
But the squad faced some chaos upon leaving Rio. Riot police had to push crowds out of the way to make way for the squad’s bus.
As the tournament approaches, Brazil’s divisions are as visible as ever, with some windows displaying country flags – others, anti-World Cup slogans.
Monday’s demonstrations started outside Rio’s Linx Hotel, where 22 players met their coach, Luiz Felipe Scolari, for the start of their preparations.
Before they left the hotel, it was surrounded by more than 100 protesters, who attached stickers to their bus.
“There will be no World Cup, there will be a strike,” the crowd chanted.
Rio’s school teachers have been on strike since 12 May, demanding better pay and working conditions.
About an hour later, the bus arrived at the Granja Comary in the hilltop city of Teresopolis.
Hundreds of people were expecting them, among more than 100 international journalists and Brazilians who went to cheer the players or to continue the teachers’ protests.
