2004 Copa América Final: Brazil Triumphs Over Argentina
The 2004 Copa América final featured one of football's most storied rivalries, pitting Argentina against Brazil. Held on July 25, 2004, the match took place at the Estadio Nacional in Lima, marking the first time the Peruvian capital hosted the tournament's deciding game. The atmosphere was tense, with 43,000 spectators watching under overcast skies and a temperature of 17 °C (63 °F).
For Brazil, this was their fifth appearance in a Copa América final, while Argentina was making their second. The match was officiated by Paraguayan referee Carlos Amarilla, who had already overseen two Argentinian fixtures earlier in the tournament.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Winner: Brazil (won 4–2 on penalties after a 2–2 draw).
- Date: 25 July 2004.
- Venue: Estadio Nacional, Lima, Peru.
- Attendance: 43,000.
- Referee: Carlos Amarilla (Paraguay).
- Final Score: 2–2 (Brazil won the penalty shootout).
The Road to the Final
Both teams navigated challenging paths to reach the final in Lima. Argentina dominated their group stage, scoring 10 goals across three matches, including a massive 6–1 victory over Ecuador. Brazil's journey was more measured, securing their place in the knockout rounds with a strong defensive showing.
Argentina's Path
Argentina entered the final with significant momentum after a series of decisive wins:
- Group Stage: Defeated Ecuador (6–1) and Mexico (0–1), though they suffered a loss to Uruguay (4–2).
- Quarter-finals: A 1–0 victory over the host nation, Peru.
- Semi-finals: A convincing 3–0 win against Colombia.
Brazil's Path
Brazil relied on consistency and resilience to reach the championship match:
- Group Stage: Recorded wins against Chile (1–0) and Costa Rica (4–1), with a loss to Paraguay (1–2).
- Quarter-finals: A dominant 4–0 victory over Mexico.
- Semi-finals: A hard-fought 1–1 draw against Uruguay, which Brazil won 5–3 on penalties.
Match Analysis and Results
The final was a seesaw battle of endurance and skill. Argentina took the lead in the 21st minute via a penalty converted by Kily González. Brazil responded just before halftime, with Luisão scoring in the 45+1 minute to level the game.
The second half remained tight until the closing stages. Argentina appeared to have seized victory when César Delgado scored in the 87th minute. However, in a dramatic turn of events, Adriano scored a stunning equalizer for Brazil in the 90+3 minute, sending the match into a penalty shootout.
In the shootout, Brazil's composure proved superior. While Argentina's D'Alessandro and Heinze failed to convert, Brazil's Adriano, Edu, Diego, and Juan all scored, resulting in a 4–2 victory for the Seleção.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Final Match Summary
| Detail | Argentina | Brazil |
|---|---|---|
| Manager | Marcelo Bielsa | Carlos Alberto Parreira |
| Full-Time Score | 2 | 2 |
| Goal Scorers | K. González (21' pen), Delgado (87') | Luisão (45+1'), Adriano (90+3') |
| Penalty Shootout | 2 | 4 |
| Result | Runner-up | Champion |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2004 Copa América final?
Brazil won the final, defeating Argentina 4–2 in a penalty shootout after the match ended in a 2–2 draw.
Where was the final match played?
The match was held at the Estadio Nacional in Lima, Peru.
Who were the managers of the two teams?
Argentina was managed by Marcelo Bielsa, and Brazil was managed by Carlos Alberto Parreira.
How many people attended the final?
The official attendance for the match was 43,000 spectators.
Which players scored during regulation time?
For Argentina, Kily González and César Delgado scored. For Brazil, Luisão and Adriano scored.