BRAZIL: Fans celebrate Brazil's Copa America football triumph

Brazilians celebrate unexpected 3-0 win over arch-rival Argentina in Copa America. Brazilians were celebrating on Sunday (July 15) after a surprise victory over Argentina, who went into the Copa America final as favourites but once again failed to clinch the cup. Without some of their best players like Ronaldinho and Kaka and with an inexperienced coach in Dunga, Brazilians had little hope they could win especially after Brazil's poor start to the tournament. But the match started off with bright opening for the Brazilians as Julio Baptista stung Argentina with a fourth minute goal. Fans in bars across Rio de Janeiro erupted. Then, another goal for Brazil as Argentina captain Roberto Ayala, making his 115th appearance, put through his own goal before halftime. Daniel Alves added the third, sparking celebrations across the country. Augusto de Souza said there is nothing better than beating Argentina. "Beating Argentina is the best thing there is. That's it, Argentina with nothing, they lost everything today. Brazil is champion of the World Volleyball League, of Copa America and scored three to zero on Honduras (in Pan American Games), that's it," he said in the midst of post-match celebrations. Fan Henri Queiroz said Dunga - took over with Brazil at a low ebb after their lacklustre performances at the World Cup last year - had surprised him as coach. "I never believed in Dunga. He has never been coach, like (Brazilian president) Lula (had never been president). But he's there to prove Brazil's pride and might," he said. Celebrations across Brazil are expected to go on well into the night. Coach Dunga claims Brazilians now have faith again in their team.

ITN Source | July 17, 2007

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