Holders Brazil outplayed favourites Argentina to win their eighth Copa America title after Julio Baptista's early strike had given them  they start they dreamed of.

Baptista's amazing shot flew into the top right corner - but the outcome could have been different had Argentina's Juan Riquelme scored with a half-volley which rattled off the post after he had linked up well with Juan Sebastian Veron.

Brazil’s defence was solid with their defensive shield of Mineiro and Josue halting any attacks from Argentina playmakers Lionel Messi and Riquelme at source. This effective system meant strikers Carlos Tevez and Messi's chances of shots on goal were severely limited.

As Argentina stepped up their efforts to equalise, Daniel Alves broke down the right before crossing a dangerous ball, which the unlucky Ayala turned into his own net on 40 minutes.

This goal was the turning point as Brazil headed into the interval confidently whereas Argentina would have to produce an unlikely comeback.

In the second half, the match became more physical with both teams cancelling each other out and Brazil’s man-marking system proving the key to victory. In the 68th minute Brazil’s Vagner Love quickly counter-attacked before making a brilliant pass to right-back Alves, who shot accurately into the far corner past the helpless Abbondanzieri.