2007 Copa América Final: Brazil's Dominant Victory Over Argentina
The 2007 Copa América final served as a high-stakes showdown between two of football's greatest rivals: Brazil and Argentina. Held on 15 July 2007, the match took place at the Estadio José Pachencho Romero in Maracaibo, Venezuela. In a decisive performance, Brazil secured a 3–0 victory, claiming their eighth title and leaving Argentina to wonder what might have been in their pursuit of a fifteenth championship.
This encounter was more than just a final; it was a repeat of the 2004 championship match. In that previous meeting, Brazil had emerged victorious via a penalty shootout after a 2–2 draw. The 2007 edition, however, required no such drama, as Brazil asserted their dominance early and maintained control throughout the game.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Final Score: Brazil 3–0 Argentina.
- Date: 15 July 2007.
- Venue: Estadio José Pachencho Romero, Maracaibo, Venezuela.
- Attendance: 40,000 spectators.
- Brazil's Goalscorers: Júlio Baptista, Roberto Ayala (own goal), and Dani Alves.
- Referee: Carlos Amarilla from Paraguay.
The Road to the Final
Brazil's Journey
Brazil's path to the final was marked by strong offensive displays. During the group stage, they faced Mexico, Chile, and Ecuador, finishing with two wins and one loss. Their momentum surged in the knockout stages, where they delivered a commanding 6–1 victory over Chile in the quarter-finals and a 2–2 draw against Uruguay in the semi-finals, eventually progressing through a 5–4 penalty shootout.
Argentina's Journey
Argentina entered the final with an impeccable record. They dominated their group stage matches against the United States, Colombia, and Paraguay, winning all three games. They continued this streak in the knockout rounds, defeating Peru 4–0 in the quarter-finals and Mexico 3–0 in the semi-finals.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Winner | Brazil (8th Title) |
| Runner-up | Argentina |
| Score | 3–0 |
| Weather | Mostly cloudy, 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Referee | Carlos Amarilla (Paraguay) |
Match Analysis and Synopsis
Early Dominance
Brazil wasted no time establishing control. In the fourth minute, Júlio Baptista opened the scoring after being set up by Elano. The match took a turn in the 34th minute when Elano was forced off due to injury and was replaced by Dani Alves. This substitution proved pivotal; in the 40th minute, Alves delivered a cross that resulted in an own goal by Argentina's Roberto Ayala, doubling Brazil's lead before halftime.
Closing the Game
Argentina attempted to shift the momentum in the 59th minute by replacing defensive midfielder Esteban Cambiasso with the more attacking Pablo Aimar. However, Brazil remained resolute. In the 69th minute, Vágner Love initiated a swift counterattack, sprinting up the pitch to provide the assist for Dani Alves, who scored Brazil's third and final goal of the match.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Team Lineups and Officials
The match was officiated by Carlos Amarilla, who had also refereed the 2004 final. Brazil's squad was led by manager Dunga, featuring key players such as Doni in goal and Juan as captain. Argentina, managed by Alfio Basile, fielded a strong side including a young Lionel Messi and the experienced Juan Román Riquelme.
Several players from the 2004 final returned for this clash. For Argentina, Roberto Abbondanzieri, Javier Zanetti, Gabriel Heinze, Roberto Ayala, Javier Mascherano, and Carlos Tevez all started. Brazil saw Juan and Maicon return to the starting lineup, while Diego remained a substitute in both finals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2007 Copa América final?
Brazil won the final with a 3–0 victory over Argentina, securing their eighth Copa América title.
Who scored the goals for Brazil in the final?
The goals were scored by Júlio Baptista, Dani Alves, and an own goal by Argentina's Roberto Ayala.
Where was the final match held?
The match took place at the Estadio José Pachencho Romero in Maracaibo, Venezuela.
How many people attended the match?
The official attendance for the final was 40,000 people.
Who was the referee for the match?
The match was refereed by Carlos Amarilla from Paraguay, who had also officiated the 2004 final.