Copa America 2007 Final

Lore & Background

It was the second consecutive final between Brazil and Argentina; Brazil won the 2004 final on penalties. The match ended 2–2 after extra time: Kily González opened the scoring with a penalty, and Luisão headed an equaliser at the start of the second half. César Delgado put Argentina back into the lead with three minutes of normal time remaining, but Adriano equalised in added time. In the shootout, Brazil's Júlio César saved the first Argentine penalty by Andrés D'Alessandro while Gabriel Heinze missed, and defender Juan scored the winner.

Reader's Guide

Brazil took the lead in the fourth minute through Júlio Baptista, set up by Elano. Thirty minutes later, Elano went off injured to be replaced by Dani Alves. Alves sent in a cross in the 40th minute, which Ayala deflected for an own goal past Abbondanzieri to double Brazil's lead at half time. In the 59th minute, Argentina substituted defensive midfielder Esteban Cambiasso for attacking alternative Pablo Aimar. Ten minutes later, Brazil scored their third and final goal: Vágner Love began a counterattack, running up the pitch and setting up Alves to score.

Did You Know?

• Paraguayan Carlos Amarilla was the referee, having also refereed the 2004 Final.
• Of Argentina's team which took part in the 2004 Final, Roberto Abbondanzieri, Javier Zanetti, Gabriel Heinze, Roberto Ayala, Javier Mascherano, and Carlos Tevez started in the 2007 edition.
• For Brazil, Juan and Maicon started both finals, with Diego a substitute in both.