Group clashes with police in World Cup protest

SAO PAOLO (KGO) -- World Cup fever was sidelined Thursday morning, one the first days of the games, as police fired tear gas into crowds of angry protesters.

It's supposed to be a celebration in Brazil, but at least five people were hurt after protesters clashed in Sao Paulo.

Police fired rubber bullets and tear gas into an angry crowd as it tried to make its way to the Arena Corinthians Stadium to protest the games.

Protesters are taking advantage of the global spotlight to take a stand against the $11 billion spent as the host country.

The violence is escalating. An officer pepper sprayed a man's eyes from barely an inch away, even though he was already restrained. And a reporter covering the action quickly became part of the story as she was swept into the crowd. Another CNN producer suffered a broken arm during a protest.

On the beach there are different problems. Workers still aren't finished building some venues, like a fan zone meant to be a place for fans to party and watch the games.

Despite the turmoil, Brazil's president announced just Wednesday that her country was ready for the World Cup