Belo Horizonte (Brazil), June 27: Brazil's 2-1 win over Uruguay in a semi-final of the Confederations Cup was marred with anti-government protests outside the stadium here.

Some 50,000 people took part in the protest march to the Mineirao Stadium, where the match was played Wednesday, reports Xinhua.

Hours before the game, protesters started gathering and shops around the stadium were shut down in an attempt to stave off damage.

There was a heavy police presence at the stadium and the army was put in action to guard the federal buildings near the stadium.

Previous protests in Belo Horizonte have ended in violent clashes. More than 100,000 people June 20 spilled into the streets in demand of better public services and against high public spending on the Confederations Cup and the upcoming 2014 FIFA World Cup.

IANS