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An understrength Brazil retained the Copa America, beating favoured Argentina 3-0 in Maracaibo, Venezuela.

Clinical Brazil scored through a Julio Baptista screamer, a Roberto Ayala own goal, and Daniel Alves' fine finish.

It was Brazil's eighth Copa America title and denied their arch-rivals a record 15th crown.

Argentina were outplayed in every department as the sparkling form they showed in the run-up to the final deserted them.

The result was justification for a side without superstars Ronaldinho and Kaka, and who had been criticised for being workmanlike.

Baptista, unwanted by Arsenal, scored his third goal in three games at the tournament when he gave Brazil the lead after just four minutes.

He picked up a long ball from Elano - who replaced suspended skipper Gilberto Silva - controlled it neatly, turned to the right of Roberto Ayala and fired a fierce right-foot drive into the top corner.

Five minutes later, Argentina were unfortunate not to be back on level terms when a header from Juan Sebastian Veron found Juan Roman Riquelme in space but his shot came off the post.

Brazil went 2-0 ahead in the 40th minute when a right-wing cross from substitute Daniel Alves was turned into his own goal by Argentina skipper Ayala.

Argentina continued to struggle to make any impact in the second half as the likes of Carlos Tevez and Lionel Messi were marked out of the game by well-organised opponents.

Brazil earned a memorable third goal after 69 minutes, Vagner Love breaking free down the left and slotted an inch-perfect pass between two defenders to Alves.

Argentina's miserable night was summed up when Tevez had an 80th-minute effort ruled out for offside.


Meanwhile, Uruguay captain Diego Lugano was sent off in the 38th minute in Caracas and Mexico took full advantage, rallying for a 3-1 win to take third place.

quote from the BBC Website.

well done Brazil sounds like it was a good game.