Intro:

Thousands of protesters marched on the Arena de Sao Paulo calling on the government to provide more low-income housing. There is now less than a week until the stadium hosts the opening match of the World Cup.

Script:

It is now less than a week until the World Cup gets underway here in Sao Paulo. These were not the scenes Fifa or the Brazilian government would have hoped for so close to their showpiece event but it is to be expected. There have been countless protests in the lead-up to the World Cup. This time thousands marched to the city's stadium asking for more low-cost housing...

SOUNDBITE (Portuguese) Jussara Basso, Activist and leader of Homeless Workers Movement (MTST):

"We are indignant about this mega event (referring to the World Cup) that doesn't benefit the people. This event will happen and we cannot participate, we can only watch on TV. On the other hand, 250-thousand families have no homes in Brazil."

The strength of feeling is strong, a protest of 4,000 people will not stop the tournament from going ahead but it is a distraction the authorities could well do without once the World Cup gets underway...

SOUNDBITE (Portuguese) Zezito Alves, Demonstrator:

"If our demands are not met before the World Cup opening match, we will continue protesting during the World Cup. We will do it in order to guarantee that our demands will be delivered to (Brazilian) President Dilma Rousseff."

Last year violent clashes between protesters and police were reported at the Confederations Cup, a repeat of that will cast a huge shadow over what is meant to be Brazil's finest hour.