Brazil says World Cup security problems not as faced in Iraq, Afghanistan war zones

Sydney: Brazilian sports minister Aldo Rebelo has admitted that although the World Cup faces serious security problems, but pointed out that the country was not a war zone like Iraq or Afghanistan.

Fears about safety for thousands of football fans visiting Brazil have continued to mount as Rio de Janeiro's famous Copacabana Beach district was subjected to riots last month in which a man died during a clash with police close to the England team hotel.

According to News.com.au, Rebelo said that although Brazil has had their tragedies and challenges, and serious problems relating to security, but he feels that the English would not confront greater threats in Manaus than in the Iraqi provinces or Afghanistan, where they recently lost hundred of young soldiers.

However, the Brazilian sports minister did concede that in Rio in particular, which hosts seven games including the World Cup final on July 13, there is a day-to-day 'civil violence', but added that they are taking precautions to avoid that.

Brazil has reportedly drafted a huge security force of 1,50,000 police and 20,000 private security agents for the World Cup, which would kickoff on June 12 and is expected to attract some three million Brazilians and 6,00,000 foreign tourists, the report added.