Intro:

The head of Rio State's Project Management Office, Jose Candido Muricy, said Brazil's second largest city is prepared for potential strikes during the World Cup, which begins with hosts Brazil versus Croatia in Sao Paulo on Thursday (KO 21:00 BST). Brazilian police fired tear gas at anti-World Cup protesters in Sao Paulo, hours before the opening match of the tournament. Rio de Janeiro's two airports have also declared a 24-hour strike to begin at midnight on Wednesday. Rio's Maracanã will stage the World Cup final on 13 July.

Script:

SOUNDBITE: (Portuguese) Jose Candido Muricy, head of Rio State's Project Management Office:

"Traditionally we've not had any problems regarding security in big events. Brazil hosted the 2013 Confederations Cup despite protests because the police knew how to respond in an adequate way. We learned a lot from that. There is the possibility that we might have to prepare for strikes during the tournament. We are ready for that. But. more importantly, we will have additional troops on the streets, to make people feel safer and put tourists' minds at rest. Again, we reiterate: security is not a problem and football fans will feel comfortable in Rio de Janeiro."