Sao Paulo, June 11: FIFA President Sepp Blatter has called on Brazilians to halt their protests ahead of the World Cup which will kick off Thursday.

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"Together we have said this World Cup shall be a great event, not only for Brazil but for the world," Blatter said, reports EFE.

The FIFA boss underlined that this tournament will create an opportunity to shun violence and build bridges between people despite their differences.

Brazilian president Dilma Roussef, who missed the ceremonial event that took place Tuesday, sent a message to defend the huge investments spent by the government to host the tournament.

The event was attended by Blatter, FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke and former Brazilian player Ronaldo.

Brazil has been witnessing anti-World Cup demonstrations for months due to the money spent on the tournament.

IANS/EFE