The build up to the World Cup in Brazil has been marred by protests. But ahead of the big kick off tomorrow it seems there is a sense of calm in Salvador at least, in comparison to other cities.

2012 Sports Writer of Year Ewan MacKenna and our own Joe Molloy are in the city and Ewan, who also spoke to Team 33 about the hopes for Brazil, warned that protests could intensify if the Selecao fail on the pitch. 

"It's all very quiet and for the first time since this World Cup run in began, there's a positive sense of anticipation around. The flags are up, the jerseys are out. People are talking about the football," said Ewan, who also detailed the traditionally heavy-handed nature of the police.

"Talking to people in other cities that is not the case. In Rio, 10 members of the Black Block protest organizers were arrested under what law? Nobody's quite sure and Sao Paulo is quite tense because of the metro strike. It resulted in a world record traffic jam."

He added that the political class have been putting some pressure on the Brazil team to do well in order to calm the situation.

Joe also joined us to tell us about the "horrific traffic" and the weather conditions.