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There will be many facets to the upcoming World Cup – amazing matches (and plenty of dreary ones); tremendous ball skills (and plenty of rank bad play); a party atmosphere in the stands; the usual tears when England inevitably under-perform and are knocked out.

But one of the more intriguing side shows to the planet's biggest football extravaganza is the wealth of street art that is currently appearing on buildings, walls – and just about any paint-plausible public space – in major Brazilian cities like Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, much of this impromptu culture focuses on the sport itself, with famous footballers of the moment – Brazil's current poster boy Neymar, plus superstars like Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo and Argentina's Lionel Messi – captured in caricature.

But many of these graffiti daubs have a more serious – and decidedly critical – undertone.

The build-up to the World Cup has been marked by demonstrations – protests which are likely to continue as the event progresses – about the cost of hosting the planet's best players. Many in Brazil are furious at the vast expense involved in building a raft of new stadia for a month-long tournament when many areas are lacking schools and hospitals.

This current of anger is also increasingly visible on the walls of Rio and Sao Paulo. Whatever the outcome on the pitch, this is a World Cup that will certainly be colourful.

Don't make him angry: Brazilian striker Hulk is transformed into his 'Incredible' cartoon namesake as rival stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi cower underneath

Focused on the prize: A positive tribute to the tournament in Sao Paulo, where a rainbow cluster of hands is seen holding up the planet

Heroes of the past: Former Brazilian football greats Zico (left) and the all-conquering Pele (right) are eulogised in this Rio street scene

'We want our tram': The placard at the heart of this image demands the restoration of the tram line - currently out of action - in Santa Teresa, Rio

Searching for a saviour: Rio's famous statue of Christ The Redeemer wears a Brazilian flag next to the welcoming message 'Arms open to all nations'

Weight of the world: A young boy sheds a tear as he carries an enormous football on his back - a potent critique of the cost of the tournament

A visible anger: The message of this scene is clear, decrying the money being lavished on the tournament when may in Brazil cannot afford to eat

You're not welcome here: Another side of the World Cup from Sao Paulo as this angry image tells football's governing body FIFA to 'go home'

No room for confusion: 'FIFA Go Home' - with a hand grenade included in the image for good measure - crops up again in Rio de Janeiro

Not a game: A young child in Brazilian kit celebrates on a rooftop in sight of an armed man opposite - in this scene from Sao Paulo's Vila Flavia favela

Art imitating life: Two young boys have a quick kick-about in Sao Paulo in front of a giant image celebrating the upcoming World Cup

High hopes, yellow fever: The current Brazil team - with coach Luis Felipe Scolari standing to the right - are celebrated on a wall in Rio de Janeiro

Unto the breach: Current Brazilian players including Hulk (top) and Neymar (left) are celebrated in the Vicente de Carvalho district of Rio

Down the toilet: This Sao Paulo scene by artist Cranio makes clear its feelings on whether the World Cup is good value. 'Dinheiro Publico' means 'public money'