Brazil stroll to Copa America title
Monday, 16 July 2007 08:31Brazil retained the Copa America thanks to an impressive 3-0 win over Argentina.
Julio Baptista, Daniel Alves and a Roberto Ayala own goal helped Dunga's side overcome their arch-rivals, whom they also defeated on penalties in the final in Peru three years ago.
Despite missing Ronaldinho, Lucio, Kaka, Ronaldo, Ze Roberto and Adriano, Brazil still proved good enough to claim their fourth Copa in the last five tournaments and eighth overall.
Baptista gave his side the lead after just three minutes as the burly midfielder received a long pass from Elano, beat Roberto Ayala and fired a powerful shot past keeper Roberto Abbondanzieri.
Argentina tried to hit back and Juan Roman Riquelme went close with a right-footed shot that hit the post five minutes later.
Brazil keeper Doni produced a wonderful save to deny the mercurial midfielder in the 34th minute before Argentina fell further behind six minutes before the break.
Daniel Alves, who had replaced injured Elano, sent in a ball that Ayala tried to cut out but the skipper only succeeded in diverting the ball into his own net.
The five-time World Cup winners put the result beyond doubt after 68 minutes when Riquelme's free-kick was cleared to Vagner Love.
The striker initiated a swift counter attack and found Alves, who comprehensively beat Abbondanzieri to give his side a three-goal cushion.
Argentina, who had some produced thrilling football in this year's tournament, failed to create a single chance in the second period as they were denied a record 15th title.
