Brazil stunned bitter rivals and overwhelming favourites Argentina 3-0 to win their eighth Copa America title on Sunday. It was the second successive title for the Brazilians and was sweet justification for coach Dunga, who was without superstars Ronaldinho and Kaka, and who had been the target of vitriolic criticism.
Defending champions Brazil reached the Copa America final on Tuesday, beating a feisty Uruguay on penalties after twice surrendering the lead in a 2-2 draw. Maicon put Brazil ahead early on before a floodflight failure stopped the first half of the semifinal for 14 minutes.
Whatever glimmer came off the reputations of Brazil and Uruguay during the first round of the Copa America was certainly polished during the quarterfinals. The heavyweights redeemed themselves with one-sided victories over the weekend and face off against one another on Tuesday for a berth in the final, each emboldened by their high-scoring blowouts.