ITV's World Cup studio in Rio de Janeiro was hit with rocks thrown by angry protesters during the broadcasters' coverage of the opening match between Brazil and Croatia.

An undercurrent of social unrest has marred the tournament ahead of the event, but protests continued during Brazil's 3-1 victory over Croatia in Sao Paulo on Thursday evening.

ITV host Adrian Chiles and pundits Patrick Vieira, Fabio Cannavaro and Lee Dixon were all in the studio when rocks were hurled into the glass window during their coverage.

"This demonstration materialised about 10 minutes before the end of the game," the Daily Mail quotes Chiles as saying.

"We were all sitting up here and then suddenly sharp clattering sounds started greeting our ears, and that was them pelting the glass of our studio and other studios around here. We did try to explain to them that none of this is our fault at ITV Sport."

The studio is situated next to the Copacabana Beach.