Brazil police arrest protesters before WCup final

Police arrest a demonstrator during an Anti-World Cup protest near Maracana stadium where the final World Cup game is taking place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, July 13, 2014.[Photo/IC]

RIO DE JANEIRO - Brazil police tell local news media they have arrested 19 people suspected of vandalism during recent anti-World Cup protests in Rio de Janeiro.

Saturday morning's arrests are apparently aimed at preventing more protests during Sunday's final World Cup match between Argentina and Germany in Rio's Maracana stadium.

Police tell the G1 news portal says police seized gas masks, fireworks and firearms.

Calls to the police department for more details went unanswered.

On Friday, police said more than 25,000 soldiers and police will be deployed in the city on Sunday. It's the biggest security detail in Brazil's history.