Video: Protests continue as Brazil progress in Confederations Cup

Protests in Brazil continued as the national team beat Italy for a place in the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup.

On Friday, President Dilma Rousseff promised to reform her country.

Tens of thousands of anti-government demonstrators again took to the streets in several Brazilian cities, just hours after President Dilma Rousseff promised reforms.

The protests were smaller than those early in the week, but appeared to be growing more widespread.

Thousands marched through Sao Paulo to denounce legislation that would limit the power of federal prosecutors to investigate crimes and also as a continuation of unrest over corruption and poor public services.

On Friday the president broke a long silence and promised reforms and hold a dialogue with protest leaders.

While the demonstrations unfolded, hundreds of people gathered near Rio de Janeiro’s historic Sambadrome to cheer on the Brazilian national team as they qualified for the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup with a 4-2 victory over Italy.

The fans were draped in the country’s national yellow and green colours and cheered..

The enthusiasm contrasting the massive protests which have paralyzed many cities hosting the event.

This soccer fan accepting that while the motives behind the protest are valid, he doesn’t think sport and politics should stay separate:

“We should not mix the two. The national soccer team is one thing and our problems with the government is another thing. I don’t think we should mix the two.”

Brazil are scheduled to play in Belo Horizonte in the first round of the semi-finals.