Intro:

Police in São Paulo used tear gas against protesters on the second day of a subway strike on Friday that has left the city in chaos ahead of the World Cup, which starts next week at the city's Arena Corinthians when hosts Brazil play Croatia in Group A.

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Police in Brazil have used tear gas to break up protesters on the second day of a subway strike that has left São Paulo's transport in chaos.

Police also used batons and shields at the demonstration outside Ana Rosa station in the city centre, a week before São Paulo is due to host the opening match of the World Cup between hosts Brazil and Croatia.

A military police spokesman said officers intervened after clashes broke out between picketing strikers and commuters trying to enter the station.

A third of Sao Paulo's subway stations were closed on Friday morning, and traffic jams stretched more than 124 miles, according to Reuters news agency.

Brazil's government is under huge pressure because the only viable way for fans to reach Sao Paulo's Arena Corinthians for the World Cup is on public transport.

Nevertheless, Fifa and Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff remain confident the continuing controversy won't derail the World Cup.