Brazil retained their Copa America trophy by beating favourites Argentina 3-0 in a pulsating final that proved bookmakers wrong after Argentina were widely tipped to win the trophy. FC Barcelona's super star, Ronaldinho's spirit guided the Brazilians to a safe landing in the South American championship, as even though in his absence, Ronnie urged his teammates on.
Barca's youth star, Lionel Messi had a goal disallowed in the final, which would have changed scores and perhaps the winners had it been allowed.
The Line-up:
Argentina: Roberto Abbondanzieri, Javier Zanetti, Roberto Ayala, Gabriel Milito, Gabriel Heinze, Juan Sebastian Veron (Luis Gonzalez 67'), Javier Mascherano, Esteban Cambiasso (Pablo Aimar 59'), Juan Roman Riquelme, Lionel Messi and Carlos Tevez.
Manager: Alfio Basile.
Brazil: Doni, Maicon, Juan, Alex Costa, Gilberto, Elano (Daniel Alves 34'), Mineiro, Josue, Julio Baptista, Robinho (Diego 90') and Vagner Love (Fernando 90'). Manager: Carlos Dunga.
Goals: Julio Baptista (5'), Roberto Ayala o.g. (40'), Daniel Alves (69').
Bookings: Alex (37'), Doni (51'), Gilberto (55'), Julio Baptista (68'), Josue (82'), Javier Mascherano (44'), Carlos Tevez (76').
Referee: Carlos Amarilla (Paraguay). Linesmen: Walter Rial (Uruguay) and Luis Sanchez (Venezuela).
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