FCBARCELONA.CAT

16.07.2007 01:12

Brazil lift Copa America (3-0)

Jesús Carrillo

Brazil have defied the experts to beat Argentina 3-0 in the final of the Copa America. Their direct game gave the fancied Argentina side little chance.

Brazil played a long-ball game and were disciplined in defence. A magnificent goal after just four minutes from Julio Baptista, in the first attacking move of the game, put Argentina at a disadvantage from which they never recovered.

Riquelme and Ayala

However, Argentina had the chance to equalise in the 8th minute when Ayala set up Riquelme inside the penalty area, but his fierce shot cannoned off the woodwork. Ayala then featured in Brazil’s second shortly before halftime when he turned the ball into his own net.

Fouls and more fouls

In the second half, Brazil surrendered possession to Argentina and sat back to soak up the constant pressure. Argentina manager Alfio Basile brought on Aimar for Cambiasso but the change made no difference as the favourites for the title struggled to find their form either collectively or individually.

Dani Alves counterattack

As the final whistle approached, Argentina left themselves more and more open at the back until, finally, a great piece of skill from Wagner Love put the ball on a plate for Sevilla’s Dani Alves to make it 3-0.