Brazil were crowned Copa America champions after they beat Argentina 4-2 on penalties last night after the final had ended 2-2 after normal time. The world champions forced a shoot-out when Adriano scored an improbable equaliser with just eight seconds left of injury time.
Cristian Gonzalez had put favourites Argentina into the lead with an early penalty, Luisao drawing Brazil back level in first half stoppage time. Argentina were back in front when Cesar Delgado got their second with three minutes of normal time remaining, only for Adriano, the competition's top scorer, to put the sides back level.
Andres d'Alessandro stepped up to take Argentina's first spot kick but his effort was saved by Julio Cesar, and then their second, taken by Gabriel Heinze, went sailing over the bar. Brazil, who had beaten Uruguay on penalties in the semi-finals, made no similar mistakes with Adriano, Edu, Diego and Juan all converting to hand Carlos Alberto Parreira's side their seventh Copa America title.
Filed by Mark O'Neill-Cummins
