The first match of the 2014 World Cup is in the books.  Host nation Brazil defeated Croatia 3-1 in a Group A match in Sau Paulo.  Three more matches are on tap for Friday, with Mexico taking on Cameroon, Spain playing The Netherlands and Chile going up against Greece.  The United States plays its first match Monday against Ghana.  Team USA is in Group G with Ghana, Germany and Portugal.

Earlier Thursday, violent demonstrations against the World Cup filled the streets of Sao Paulo. Hundreds of thousands of people say the government should be spending money on public transportation, education and healthcare. Demonstrators have wrecked shops and burned tires and trash. Police have fired tear gas and noise bombs to disperse demonstrators. The Brazilian government has spent almost 12-billion dollars on the event, including a new stadium.  (Metro Networks Inc.)

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