The Verdeamarela clinched their 10th title after beating Mexico in the final
Junior Negão found the best possible beginning to his career as Brazilian National coach. His team claimed the Copa America 2013 in Santos, after a new convincing display that got them beating 4-2 tough Mexico. The old guard was on hand for the Tetracampeão to seal the victory over the Azteca, reediting last year?s final to a really similar conclusion.
Brazil stepped onto the game putting Mexico under a tough pressure, but that did not get the hosts the desired dividends. It was not until midway second leg that one of the most prolific players in Negão?s team, André, swept his side ahead. Villalobos tried to lead the Azteca attack, but his cheeky approach was punished before the second break, with Buru scoring his first of the day for the 2-0.
Third period brought the Mexicans hitting back, thanks to the penalty committed by Benjamin over Plata. The Brazilian legend, though, lasted really short to make up for that upset and restored the two-goal advantage. But Villalobos did not want his team to knee for a single second, and immediately scored the 3-2 for Ramon Raya?s side. Before it got too risky, Buru headed the 4-2 in, and secured the Copa America would not fly from their hands.
Argentina get the bronze
Argentina could finally farewell this Copa America with a sweet taste in their mouth, as Petrasso?s lads bent the USA in the game for the third place in the tournament. The goals by De Ezeyza, Franceschini and Medero sealed the win for the Albiceleste in a match in which the North Americans could only equalize 1-1 for some minutes, thanks to Xexeo.
Competition standings
Champions: BRAZIL
Runner-up: Mexico
3rd place: Argentina
Individual awards
MVP: Bueno (BRA)
Best Goalkeeper: Fanta (BRA)
Top Scorer: Villalobos and Plata (MEX) – 3 goals
Game results
Fri. 18.01.12
15.00 ? Mexico 6-3 Argentina (Match 1)
16.30 ? USA 4-7 Brazil (Match 2)
Sat. 19.01.12
9.00 ? Mexico 2-0 USA
10.30 ? Brazil 3-1 Argentina
Sun 20-01.12
8.00 – Argentina 3-1 USA
10.00 – Mexico 2-4 Brazil
