admintrouble at a protest outside the stadium.
More than 30 people were injured and 22 arrested as police used rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse protestors angry at the amount of public money being spent on stadiums for the tournament and next year’s World Cup.
President Dilma Rousseff and Fifa president Sepp Blatter were jeered before the match at the Mane Garrincha National stadium as the public showed their discontent.
Some fans in the 67 000 crowd had to be treated for the effects of tear gas fired by riot police at about 500 protesters outside the rebuilt stadium, which like many other venues has been plagued by delays.
On the field, it was plain sailing for five-times world champions Brazil as second-half goals from Paulinho and substitute Jo completed a comfortable win in Group A of the eight-team tournament.
Boosted by Neymar’s early strike, Brazil, playing their first competitive match since the Copa America nearly two years ago, dealt competently with the Asian champions who created some nice moves in midfield but lacked punch.
“What mattered most was the result and this continued the tactical evolution of the team,” said Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, whose side beat France 3-0 in a friendly last Sunday.
“I thought Neymar played very well, he ended a run without scoring, and I only took him off as he had a slight injury,” added Scolari. “I’ve no idea what happened outside the stadium, I have to focus on my team and I can’t comment on that.”
The game, featuring the only two countries already sure of a place in next year’s World Cup, came alive after three minutes when Neymar smashed home a right-foot shot from the edge of the area. — Soccernet.
Online Reporter