Video: Protests turn violent ahead of Confederations Cup semi-final

Over 5,000 anti-government protesters battled with police near the Estadio Castelao in Fortaleza ahead of the Confederations Cup semi-final between Italy and Spain on Thursday.

Police set up a road block about one mile away from the stadium and the peaceful protest soon escalated into violence.

It is the latest in a series of massive, nationwide protests that have dominated Brazil since June 17th.

Demonstrators are want a change in the Brazilian political system, citing corruption, poor public services and a heavy tax burden as the major facotrs for the protests.

Protests are also denouncing the billions of dollars spent to host the World Cup and the 2016 Olympics in Rio – money they say should spent on improving hospitals, schools, transportation links.