In this May 13, 2014, photo,This aerial view shot through an airplane window shows the Maracana stadium behind the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. As opening day for the World Cup approaches, people continue to stage protests, some about the billions of dollars spent on the World Cup at a time of social hardship, but soccer is still a unifying force. The international soccer tournament will be the first in the South American nation since 1950. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana, File) (The Associated Press)
SAO PAULO – Brazil's preparations for its home World Cup are getting underway amid chants of protests instead of support for the national team.
The 23 players selected by coach Luiz Felipe Scolari reported to the team's training camp on Monday as a few hundred demonstrators loudly protested against the money being spent by the local government on the World Cup.
The protesters put stickers on the bus carrying the players from their hotel to their training camp in the city of Teresopolis, about 90 kilometers (55 miles) from Rio de Janeiro.
The players are expected to undergo medical exams Monday and Tuesday, with the first practice session scheduled for Wednesday.
Brazil will have a total of 17 days to get ready for the June 12 opener against Croatia in Sao Paulo.
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