Police, Protesters Clash Outside First World Cup Match in Mexico

Dozens of protesters clashed with police outside Mexico City's Estadio Azteca on Thursday as South Africa and Mexico began the World Cup before 80,000 fans.

Groups of teachers, relatives of Mexicans who have gone missing, and student activists gathered early Thursday outside the stadium. Amid a heavy police presence, some protesters breached barriers and exchanged blows with officers guarding the stadium's perimeter, shortly after Mexico scored the tournament's first goal.

A handful of youths smashed vehicle windows with bats as police deployed tear gas and used mounted officers to corral the protesters, who scattered on foot. Mexico's government has faced weeks of protests, primarily from teachers demanding better working conditions.

Thousands of fans had earlier poured into the Zocalo plaza, the site of an official World Cup fan zone, creating chaotic scenes shortly before kick-off in the opening game.