Brazil has stunned bitter rival and overwhelming favorite Argentina, 3-0, to win its eighth Copa America football (soccer) title in Venezuela.
Julio Baptista scored his third goal in three games Sunday in Maracaibo. He gave Brazil the lead after just four minutes. Brazil's second goal came in the 40th minute when Argentina's Roberto Ayala sent a crossing pass into his own goal. Substitute Dani Alves took a pass that split two defenders in the 69th minute and scored the final Brazilan goal.
Brazil has now won its second straight South American championship while Argentina fell short in gaining a record 15th Copa America title. Brazil had fielded a team without superstars Ronaldinho and Kaka.
Mexico beat Uruguay, 3-1, on Saturday to place third.