World Cup security a serious issue THE riot at a Brazilian league match yesterday brought a sharper focus to security in Brazil for the 2014 World Cup. The game between Atletico Paranaense and Vasco da Gama was delayed for more than an hour after rival fans clashed 10 minutes in, with four people hospitalised. It's highly unlikely that this kind of violence will be replicated at next year's World Cup because such clashes usually occur between club supporter groups. And last week's World Cup draw in Salvador gave us an indication of the kind of security measures the Brazilian Government will enforce in 2014, clearly far greater than they were at the Atletico-Vasco game. More than 3500 armed guards, including army and secret service agents, were deployed to Salvador, which ensured the anti-Government protests from June's Confederations Cup were not repeated. The security will be beefed up during the finals in all 12 host cities, protecting fans and officials alike. And, while the Government will, in all likelihood, quell much of the unrest from June 12-July 13 next year, once the FIFA event leaves town normal service will probably resume in Brazil. The protests, peaceful for the most part, centred on the lavish spending around the World Cup and particularly the stadiums with no discernible legacy for the people of Brazil at the expense of failing health, transport and education systems. FIFA president Sepp Blatter voiced his concerns after the Confederations Cup, which perhaps provides an insight into why the number of armed guards went close to matching the total of accredited invitees. "If this happens again we have to question whether we made the wrong decision awarding the hosting rights," he said. The Government is now aware that next year's World Cup shouldn't be disturbed. To me, these protests were like alarm bells for the Government, the senate, the parliament. Tens of thousands of Aussies travel to Brazil annually and tourists should exercise caution, as it is among the more dangerous nations in the world. Brazil has a culture of violence, drugs, gun ownership and a lack of controls. Rio de Janeiro alone is littered with more than 1000 favelas (slums). But some of those have been pacified in recent years and the city appears to be safer heading into the World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games. For anyone concerned, the safest option is to stay home. Then again, I've been mugged while backpacking in France and pick-pocketed while living in London. This is my second trip to Brazil and, having been to Rio, I've felt an overwhelming sense of excitement and energy. Lapa is the Kings Cross of Brazil and where fans will congregate to review the day's games, preview upcoming clashes, meet new friends and even chance their luck at samba. But Lapa is a place fans will also have to keep their wits about them, as poor young kids patrol the area looking to take advantage of naive tourists. Ditto with Copacabana and Ipanema beaches and any other tourist hot spots. So the same principles will apply as they do for most overseas trips. Use your common sense, don't walk alone late at night and walk with a sense of purpose even when you're lost and don't carry big wads of cash on you. Stick to that checklist and you're Brazilian experience will more than likely be pleasant. If you think Brazil sounds too dangerous, stroll down King Street at 3am of a Sunday for some context. David Davutovic is a Herald Sun reporter