As predictable as the final paring may have been, the end result was well adrift of the form book. Read about the final standings, highs and lows of the Copa America 2007

There really was never any doubt that Argentine Coach Alfio Basile wanted nothing less than victory in the Copa America to quench his footballing nation’s rabid desire to end their 14 year barren streak in all competitions. Brazilian coach Dunga did not have such high expectations of his team. As they began the tournament stuttering in a dreadful 2-0 defeat to Mexico in their opening game his tenure appeared to be one that would be fleeting.

His critics will remain, there is work to be done, but Dunga has delivered and the Brazil team return home triumphant with the Copa America for the 8th time.

Before this game no pundit would have bet against Argentina taking the trophy for the 15th time in the World’s oldest international football tournament. In fact there was more talk about the abilities of the Argentina side and how precious few of the current Brazilian squad would be good enough to play in the blue and white of Argentina.

Brazil will now go on to represent Conmebol (South American Football Association) at the Confederations Cup in 2009.

2007’s final in Venezuela was a repeat fixture of the 2004 final in Peru where Brazil went on to win after equalising in the dying minutes of the game and then go on to triumph in a penalty shoot out. In Maracaibo, Venezuela the script read differently.

Right from the start it was as if Brazil had not read the reports declaring the game to be a whitewash in favour of Argentina. And perhaps the Argentines took too much for granted in reading their own form book.

An early spectacular goal from Julio Baptista, a slide rule own goal by Argentina captain Roberto Ayala and then a delightful counterattacking move from Vagner Love putting Daniel Alves into play made this game all Brazil’s.

Team Sheets

Brazil: Doni; Maicon, Alex, Juan and Gilberto; Mineiro, Josué, Elano (Daniel Alves) and Júlio Baptista; Vagner Love (Fernando) and Robinho (Diego). Coach: Dunga.

Argentina: Abbondanzieri; Zanetti, Ayala, Gabriel Milito and Heinze; Mascherano, Cambiasso (Aimar), Verón (Luís Gonzalez) and Riquelme; Messi and Tevez. Coach: Alfio Basile.

Standings for the 42nd Copa America

Position Country

1 Brazil

2 Argentina

3 Mexico

4 Uruguay

5 Paraguay

6 Venezuela

7 Peru

8 Chile

9 Colombia

10 Bolivia

11 Ecuador

12 USA

Third Place Playoff

Mexico 3 – 1 Uruguay

Uruguay, who deserved better from the penalty shootout with Brazil in the semi final could not recapture the team form and spirit that had brought them this far against a stubborn and technically superior Mexico.

Despite taking the lead through a Sebastian Abreu goal on 22 minutes, when Diego Lugano received a red card and veteran striker Cuauhtémoc Blanco converted the penalty for the Mexicans, a tri victory looked assured. Omar Bravo and Andres Guardado made the game theirs with further goals and the Mexicans can return home satisfied with their efforts in this Copa America losing only to the runners up, Argentina and having defeated the Champions in the opening game 2-0.

High Points of the 42nd Copa America

Lionel Messi

Quite simply a genius. How often have we seen his brilliance for Barcelona and heard reports from the Argentine press about his talents? In the semi final versus Mexico the World was witness to a phenomenal show of talent and confidence with his delightfully cheeky and determined chip over Oswaldo Sanchez.

Goals Galore!

Hernan Crespo, injured in the group game versus Colombia, notched up three goals in this tournament to take his international tally to 35 goals in 66 games, bettering the record of one Diego Maradona (34 in 91) and now only sits behind the legendary Gabriel Batistuta (56 in 78) in goal scoring records for Argentina.

More Goals!

Brazil’s Robinho scored all 4 of his country’s goals in the group phase and is the tournament’s top scorer with 6.

Yet More Goals!

Who will forget Mexico thumping Paraguay 6-0 or Brazil seeing off Chile 6-1 in the Quarter Finals? This tournament has been a veritable cornucopia of goals…in the Quarter Finals alone 22 goals were knocked in. And spare a thought for Colombia who conceded 9 goals in their opening two games of the tournament.

Venezuela!

Hosting the tournament for the first time, Venezuelans did their nation proud with fine stadiums spread across the country all full to capacity. The national team recorded a decent 6th place in the Copa America and will see their FIFA World Ranking climb some more after a solid win over Peru and credible draws with Uruguay and Bolivia in the group phase before being seen off by a rampant Uruguay in the Quarter Finals.

The Lows…

Look no further than the penalty that should never have been permitted in the shoot out between Brazil and Uruguay in the Semi Finals. How different it could have all ended. Enough said.

All eyes now turn to domestic leagues and the impending marathon of South Africa 2010 World Cup qualifying games that begin in October.