Brazil's biggest protests in two decades intensified on Thursday (June 20) despite government concessions meant to quell the demonstrations, as 300,000 people took to the streets of Rio de Janeiro and hundreds of thousands more flooded other cities.

Undeterred by the reversal of transport fare hikes, marchers took to the streets of Rio as Spain faced Tahiti at the iconic Maracana stadium for the latest match in the eight-nation Confederations Cup.

Police had anticipated the demonstrations and beefed up security outside the newly renovated stadium.

As demonstrators made their way from downtown towards the sporting venue, streets were closed and several subway stations were also forced to shut.

With the international soccer tournament as a backdrop, demonstrators have denounced the more than $26 billion of public money that will be spent on the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics, two events meant to showcase a modern, developed Brazil.