Brazil crowned Copa American champions

Written by Nicholas Savage , 18.07 23h42

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Brazil beat Argentina 3-0 to win its eighth Copa America title. Julio Baptista and Daniel Alves scored in Maracaibo, Venezuela, either side of a 40th-minute own-goal by Argentina's Roberto Ayala.

It was Brazil's second straight win over Argentina in the Copa America final after ending a run of eight consecutive defeats in the 2004 showpiece. Argentina were clear favourites for the final entering the competition with a full strength team. Where as Brazil rested Kaka and Ronaldinho, after long seasons with their European clubs.

``The players demonstrated that they're capable of great things,'' Brazil coach Dunga said at a post-match news conference. ``Argentina was everyone's favourite, but the game is decided on the field over 90 minutes.''

Brazil took the lead in the fourth minute when Baptista fired a superb right-foot shot into the top corner past the watching Argentinean goalkeeper Roberto Abbondanzieri.

The Brazilians went up 2-0 five minutes before halftime when Ayala diverted a cross from substitute Alves into his own net. Alves eventually sealed the victory by adding a third in the 69th minute, finishing with a precise shot into the corner after collecting a center from Vagner Love, who had broken down the left. It was Alves's first international goal.

``He's a player who knows how to score,'' said Dunga, who captained Brazil to World Cup victory in 1994. ``His speed was critical in the second and third goals.''

Dunga was criticized at home during the Copa America for using a less attacking approach than previous Brazilian teams. His players responded by matching Argentina's tournament goal tally and producing the biggest winning margin since 1999.

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