Brazil exploded with street parties as its soccer team won the opening game of the World Cup on Thursday, but scattered violent protests were a reminder that many locals remain angry over the billions spent to host the tournament.
Millions of fans, dressed in Brazil's canary yellow, green and blue home colors, cheered throughout the match against Croatia in Sao Paulo and continued the revelry into the night, with a heavy presence of police and troops to maintain order.
The country briefly fell silent when Croatia took an early lead, but fireworks, horns and drum beats reached a crescendo as Brazil rallied for a 3-1 win.