As the World Cup approaches, Brazilian opponents of the tournament are increasingly their demonstrations.  Riot police in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro fired tear gas at thousands of protesters who are livid over the billions of dollars spent to host the matches instead of on housing and healthcare.

About five thousand members of the Homeless Workers Movement (MTST) staged a protest on Thursday in front of Sao Paulo’s Itaquerao Stadium, also known as the Corinthians Arena, blocking the road with burning tyres.  It’s where the opening match between Brazil and Croatia will be held in four weeks. 

By nightfall, the hardcore protesters came out in the city proper.  They busted out windows and spray painted slogans.  Protesters also surrounded buses full of passengers and smashed the glass of vehicles at a car dealership that is an official FIFA sponsor.  Heavily armored cops moved in and arrested at least 20 people.  170 have been arrested in the past few days.

More than ten thousand protesters were out in Sao Paulo, Rio De Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, and other cities.  And the MTST isn’t the only group planning more protests.  A multitude of organizations and coalitions share the same concerns of social spending and infrastructure suffering so the games could go on.  Four weeks to go…