By Ben Tavener
São Paulo
Demonstrators protesting against the World Cup have clashed with military and riot police in São Paulo hours before the kick-off of the soccer tournament.
Clashes broke out at the São Paulo Carrão metro with police using tear gas and stun grenades as about 100 protestors began to gather for a planned demonstration.
Several protesters and journalists were hurt, including CNN producer Barbara Arvanitidis, who was reportedly struck on her arm by a stun grenade.
More protests are planned in other cities in Brazil over the high cost of hosting the Cup and claims of corruption, amid declines in funding for public services and falling living standards.
- Excited crowds
More than a million people demonstrated against the tournament across the country last year.
Meanwhile, Brazilians, Croats and other nationalities began crowding excitedly into the Sao Paulo stadium in readiness for the kick-off.
About 60,000 people will pack the Arena Corinthians and a billion are expected to watch the event on television and online around the world.
