Argentine fan shot in Brazil

An Argentine fan has been hit in the leg by a bullet in a clash between hooligans at a bar in central Porto Alegre, a few hours ahead of the World Cup match there between Argentina and Nigeria, police said.

The man, aged 36, underwent surgery and was discharged, the local daily Zero Hora reported, citing police at Porto Alegre's First Aid Hospital.

Witnesses told authorities the man had quarrelled with others about Argentine football clubs, and several shots were fired. Police were looking for the gunman, who fled the scene.

Saint-Clair Milesi, spokesman for the World Cup's local organising committee, called the incident a matter for public security.

"All measures have been taken," he said.

"We are hosting the world here. We expect the visit to be courteous, and we have to be courteous ourselves.

Milesi said the authorities had so far not considered an alcohol ban at the World Cup, and noted that they saw rivalry between different gangs of troublemakers as the main potential problem.

Around 80,000 Argentine fans were expected for the game in Porto Alegre, the World Cup host city closest to Argentina.

Most of them will be without stadium tickets.