Copa América Brasil 2019: Brazil's Path to a Ninth Title
The 2019 Copa América, themed "Vibra o Continente" (Rocking the Continent), was a premier international football tournament hosted by Brazil. Spanning from June 14 to July 7, the competition brought together 12 teams from two different confederations to compete for one of the most prestigious trophies in South American sports.
The tournament was characterized by high-intensity matches and significant fan engagement, with nearly 870,000 spectators attending games across five host cities. Brazil, playing on home soil, entered the tournament with immense pressure and ultimately secured their ninth title in a thrilling final.
Key Facts
- Champion: Brazil (9th title)
- Runner-up: Peru
- Host Country: Brazil
- Total Attendance: 867,245 spectators
- Top Scorers: Everton and Paolo Guerrero (3 goals each)
- Best Player: Dani Alves
- Best Goalkeeper: Alisson
Tournament Structure and Venues
The competition was hosted across six venues in five Brazilian cities. The Estádio do Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro served as a primary hub, including hosting the final match. Other key venues included the Estádio do Morumbi and Arena Corinthians in São Paulo, the Estádio Mineirão in Belo Horizonte, the Arena do Grêmio in Porto Alegre, and the Itaipava Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador.
| City | Stadium | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Rio de Janeiro | Estádio do Maracanã | 74,738 |
| São Paulo | Estádio do Morumbi | 67,428 |
| Belo Horizonte | Estádio Mineirão | 58,170 |
| Porto Alegre | Arena do Grêmio | 55,662 |
| Salvador | Itaipava Arena Fonte Nova | 51,900 |
| São Paulo | Arena Corinthians | 49,205 |
The Road to the Final
The tournament began with a group stage featuring 12 teams divided into three groups. Brazil dominated Group A, finishing first with 7 points and a goal difference of +8. Colombia led Group B, while Uruguay topped Group C. Notably, the tournament included guest teams from outside South America, including Japan and Qatar.
The knockout stage saw intense battles. Brazil progressed through a tense quarter-final against Paraguay, winning 4–3 on penalties after a 0–0 draw. In the semi-finals, Brazil defeated Argentina 2–0 with goals from Gabriel Jesus and Firmino.
Peru emerged as a surprise powerhouse, defeating Chile 3–0 in their semi-final to secure a place in the final. The third-place play-off saw Argentina edge out Chile with a 2–1 victory.
The Grand Final
The final took place on July 7 in Rio de Janeiro. Brazil faced Peru in a match that showcased the best of both sides. While Peru's Paolo Guerrero managed to score a penalty, Brazil's offensive power proved too much. Goals from Everton, Gabriel Jesus, and a late penalty by Richarlison secured a 3–1 victory for the hosts, crowning Brazil as the 2019 champions.
Tournament Awards and Statistics
The tournament averaged 2.31 goals per match, with a total of 60 goals scored across 26 matches. Brazil not only won the trophy but also received the Fair Play award for their conduct on the pitch.
Team of the Tournament
- Goalkeeper: Alisson
- Defenders: Dani Alves, José Giménez, Thiago Silva, Miguel Trauco
- Midfielders: Arthur, Leandro Paredes, Arturo Vidal
- Forwards: James Rodríguez, Paolo Guerrero, Everton
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2019 Copa América?
Brazil won the tournament, claiming their ninth title after defeating Peru 3–1 in the final.
Who were the top scorers of the tournament?
The top scorers were Everton (Brazil) and Paolo Guerrero (Peru), both of whom scored 3 goals.
Which players received individual awards?
Dani Alves was named the best player of the tournament, Alisson was named the best goalkeeper, and Everton was the Man of the Match in the final.
How many teams participated in the 2019 edition?
A total of 12 teams participated, including teams from two different confederations.
Where was the final match played?
The final was held at the Estádio do Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.