Argentina and Brazil continue one of football’s greatest rivalries, if not the greatest, in Sunday's Copa America final. It’s no surprise to see Argentina’s star-studded line-up in the final, but Brazil’s participation was in doubt for a long time.  A weakened squad and a poor start gave other nations the hope of a final showdown with Argentina - but ultimately Brazil improved sufficiently to take their place as the tournament reaches its climax.

This year’s Copa America has a number of similarities to the last tournament in 2004 for both finalists. Argentina arrived in Peru three years ago with virtually a full-strength squad and saw the hosts off in the quarter-finals before winning their semi-final against Colombia by three clear goals. That formula has been repeated this year, with Peru again the victims in the last eight, though this time it was Mexico who suffered a 3-0 semi-final defeat.

Brazil, who went on to win the 2004 edition on penalties, arrive at the final in exactly the same manner this year as they did then – by virtue of a penalty shoot-out win over Uruguay. The Uruguayans can count themselves unlucky not to have won in 90 minutes on both occasions; however, that will be of little consolation to them.

'If being unlucky was an acceptable excuse for Argentina in 2004, it won’t be the case this time around'


The final represents another chance for Argentina to end a 14-year wait for a senior title - and the man at the helm, Alfio Basile, was the coach who led them to that very triumph at the 1993 Copa America. Once again, as in 2004, Argentina have reached the final playing the most attractive football, but that will count for nothing should they not be victorious when it matters.

Brazil, led by Dunga, have been roundly criticised back home for the lack of style that Brazilian fans have become accustomed to over many years. However, it should be noted that Dunga’s side are not playing with all of their key pieces and thus the coach has had to make the best of the talent available. Any side missing the likes of Kaka and Ronaldinho will find it difficult to replicate the considered standard that is expected of them.

The Copa America invariably offers the chance for players with a reputation to make good on the hype surrounding them and Robinho has gone some way to answering his critics in that regard. Six goals in the tournament to date have helped Brazil reach a final where they will start underdogs. Five of the Real Madrid star's goals came against Chile, so it's arguable just how great his impact has been on the tournament as a whole.

The Seleção are searching for their eighth Copa America title and have won three of the last four tournaments dating back to 1997. Defeating Argentina with an under-strength side would certainly vindicate Dunga’s philosophy that winning is what matters first and foremost. However, Brazil will have to win the final without their captain, Gilberto Silva, who is suspended after picking up bookings in both the quarter and semi-finals.

For Argentina, winning may not be enough. As with Brazil, a certain degree of style and flair is demanded by an expectant and restless Argentinian public who have grown weary of witnessing the side producing great moments of football (like the 20-plus passes goal in the 2006 World Cup), but failing to win the tournament. If being unlucky was an acceptable excuse in 2004, it won’t be the case this time around. A side boasting an attacking array of talent that includes Juan Roman Riquelme, Carlos Tevez and Lionel Messi have no choice but to shine brightly.

That confidence and ability was in full effect in the semi-final against Mexico as Messi stamped his mark on the tournament with a goal unlikely to be bettered in the final. It was a moment of pure genius and talent that reflects what we are all likely to witness from the left foot of the Barcelona youngster over the coming years. Great players always leave their imprint on major tournaments with moments such as those - and the football world will see much more of Messi as his talent matures even further.

The least that can be expected from the final is passion and skill. Both sets of players will take immense pride in wearing the shirts that have become synonymous with the cultures of the two great South American nations - and if the match should threaten to boil over at any point it is only to be expected.

Bragging rights are at stake, but for Argentina, you sense the pressure on them is a burden that has been waiting to be uplifted for 14 years.

(This article is courtesy of http://sportsmagician.blogspot.com )