Brazil's Diego (left) and Robinho (right) celebrate as others hold the trophy after winning the Copa America soccer tournament's final match against Argentina in Maracaibo yesterday. Brazil won 3-0. - Reuters MARACAIBO, Venezuela (Reuters):
Brazil produced a ruthlessly efficient performance to beat old rivals Argentina 3-0 yesterday and win the Copa America for the second time in a row. Brazil stung Argentina with a fourth-minute goal from Julio Baptista then Argentina captain Roberto Ayala, making his 115th appearance, put through his own goal before half-time.
Although Argentina had more possession, Daniel Alves added a third as Argentina coach Alfio Basile, who won the 1991 and 1993 tournaments in a previous stint, lost a Copa America match for the first time in a run spanning 19 games.
It was a bitter pill for Argentina, who lost on penalties to the same opponents in the 2004 final and were favourites to win this time against a Brazil team missing Kaka and Ronaldinho, who asked to be rested.
Argentina had scored 16 goals in five games before the final while Brazil lost to Mexico in the group stage and needed a penalty shootout to beat Uruguay in the semi-finals.
Argentina were also attempting to end a 14-year title drought stretching back to their 1993 Copa America title under Basile.
With the temperature at kick-off time around 32 Celsius and the tropical sun still burning, a cagey opening had been expected but instead Brazil snatched a quick lead.
RIQUELME CLOSE
A long crossfield ball by Elano found Julio Baptista on the left and as Ayala held off, the player known as 'the Beast' advanced menacingly and unleashed a shot into the top right hand corner.Argentina nearly produced a quick reply when Juan Roman Riquelme rifled a shot against the post five minutes later.
The number 10 was close again in the 35th minute but his shot was brilliantly turned away by Brazil goalkeeper Doni.
But Argentina's usual flowing game was interrupted by systematic Brazilian fouling in midfield, while their defence always looked shaky against Brazil's counter-attacks.
Maicon nearly added a second in the 17th minute when Roberto Abbondanzieri fumbled his low shot and the same player forced Javier Zanetti to clear off the line one minute later.
Five minutes before half-time, Daniel Alves, who replaced the injured Elano, produced a dangerous inswinging cross from the right and Ayala turned the ball into his own net.
Brazil continued to frustrate Argentina after half-time as goalkeeper Doni and Gilberto were both booked for time-wasting.
And as Argentina struggled to impose their style, Brazil produced the killer punch as Vagner Love broke down the left and fed Daniel Alves, who scored with a clinical shot into the bottom right-hand corner.
