Brazil have beaten Argentina 3-0 in the Final of the 42nd Copa América 2007, at the Stadio José Pachencho Romero, in Maracaibo on Sunday to lift the South American title.

Real Madrid striker Julio Baptista scored an early opener for Brazil, with an own-goal from Roberto Ayala just before half-time and a superb second-half goal from FC Seville winger Daniel Alves sealing the win for the Seleçao.

Julio Baptista opened the scoring for Brazil in just the 4th minute, latching on to a long-ball, controlling it well before turning Roberto Ayala in the Argentina defence and looping the ball perfectly over Roberto Abbondanzieri in the Albiceleste goal to make it 1-0 to Brazil.

Just minutes later Argentina almost equalised with a knock-down from Juan Sebastian Veron to Juan Riquelme, whose thunderous strike rebounded off Doni’s right-hand post to safety.

Brazil almost doubled their lead in the 18th minute when Maicon broke through the Argentine defence, crossing the ball dangerously across goal, with Javier Zanetti clearing the ball inches from the line before it could reach Robinho on the far-post.

Brazil were frustrating their opponents as the half progressed, playing very defensively and without their usual flowing moves which led to the game losing it’s initial momentum.

Daniel Alves replaced Elano in the 34th minute after the Shakhtar Donetsk star was injured.

Argentina started to find their feet, with Juan Roman Riquelme testing Doni with another ferocious strike which saw the Brazil keeper diving well to parry away.

Just as Argentina started to get back into the game they were struck by a massive blow.

Roberto Ayala scored an own-goal in the 40th minute while trying to clear a cross from Daniel Alves, sliding the ball into the net while trying to clear the danger.

The half finished 2-0 to Brazil, with Argentina looking likely to score, but with Brazil constantly frustrating their attempts.

Despite Argentina coming out for the second-half with intent, Brazil continued defending well and working on the break, with two Brazilian players booked for time-wasting after just an hour of the match.

A flurry of shots in the early part of the second-half from Argentina still couldn’t find a way through a packed Seleçao defence as the rivalry intensified.

Brazil sealed the win in the 69th minute with a superb goal from FC Seville winger Daniel Alves after Argentina committed too many players forward for a free-kick.

Wagner Love picked the ball up in his own-half and made a determined run towards the Argentina goal, playing a beautiful threaded-pass through the Albiceleste defence to Daniel Alves, who made himself space on the right-wing and shot across Abbondanzieri to make it 3-0 and score his first-ever goal for his country.

Lionel Messi almost pulled a goal back for Argentina with ten minutes remaining, but his strike was disallowed after being ruled offside.

The 3-0 win was played out by Brazil, with Argentina looking totally deflated.

Brazil have now won their 8th Copa América tournament, holding their title from the previous tournament.

Real Madrid striker Robinho finished the Copa América 2007 as top-scorer with six goals.

Full team-sheets for Brazil v Argentina in the Final of the Copa América 2007, Venezuela:

Brazil Team: Doni, Maicon, Alex, Gilberto, Juan Silveira dos Santos, Josué, Mineiro, Elano (Daniel Alves, 34), Julio César Baptista, Robinho (Diego Ribas da Cunha, 90+1), Vagner Love (Fernando, 90).

Brazil Substitutes Not Used: Helton, Naldo, Kléber, Gilberto Silva, Anderson, Afonso, Fred.

Argentina Team: Roberto Abbondanzieri, Roberto Ayala, Gabriel Heinze, Gabriel Milito, Javier Mascherano, Javier Aldemar Zanetti, Juan Roman Riquelme, Juan Sebastian Verón (Luis Oscar González, 67), Esteban Cambiasso (Pablo Aimar, 59), Lionel Andrés Messi, Carlos Alberto Tevez.

Argentina Substitutes Not Used: Juan Pablo Carrizo,Daniel Alberto Díaz, Nicolas Burdisso, Agustín Ignacio Orión,Hugo Benjamín Ibarra, Diego Milito, Fernando Gago, Rodrigo Palacio.