Maracaibo, Venezuela (My Sportsbook) - Brazil surprised most observers on Sunday as they captured the Copa America title with a comfortable 3-0 win against Argentina.

Playing without star players Ronaldinho, Kaka and Ronaldo, the Brazilians did not appear to have enough firepower to match the high-flying Argentine's, who brought a full squad to the championship of South American soccer.

However, Brazil stunned their opponents from the start as Julio Baptista put Brazil on top five minutes into the match. An own goal from Argentina's Roberto Ayala in the 40th minute put Brazil up two goals at the half, and Daniel Alves put the contest out of reach in the 69th minute with a goal of his own.

The high-powered Argentina attack was snuffed out time and again by a stubborn Brazil defense, and after a few early chances in the first half, Argentina did not have enough to crack the scoreboard and suffered another tough loss to their South American rivals.

The game started quickly with Brazil grabbing the opener after just five minutes. A long ball from the back by Elano allowed Baptista to charge into the box and gain possession of the ball. He took a touch and then curled a brilliant shot around the defender and into the far corner of the net, leaving Argentina keeper Roberto Abbondanzieri with no chance.

Argentina nearly responded just four minute later as Leo Messi carried the ball up the left flank and crossed for Juan Sebastian Veron at the center of the area. The midfielder nodded the ball down into the path of Juan Riquelme, and he fired a half-volley on net. The shot easily beat keeper Doni but it came crashing back off the post.

Argentina continued to pressure and spent much of the next 15 minutes inside the Brazil end. In the 35th minute Carlos Tevez got the ball at edge of the area but the Brazil defense quickly collapsed on him and knocked the ball away. However, it ended up on the foot of Riquelme and he aimed a shot at the right corner, forcing Doni to come up with a diving stop.

Five minutes later, Brazil doubled its lead with a bit of help from Ayala. Alves came on as a substitute for the injured Elano, and he brought the ball up the right wing and crossed into the area for Vagner Love. The ball was on its way to the Brazilian striker but Ayala slid in and tried to knock the ball away. Unfortunately for the Argentine defender, he ended up knocking the ball into his own net to put his team behind 2-0 at halftime.

Brazil's defense continued to hold firm in the second half with Argentina sending a number of crosses into the area but the Brazil back line capably dealing with every one.

In the 69th minute Argentina tried to take advantage of a free-kick chance but after Riquelme's cross was cleared, Brazil immediately went on the attack and gave themselves a three-goal cushion.

Love picked up the ball at midfield and dribbled at the Argentina defense. He then slid a pass between two defenders that put Alves in on goal, and Alves struck the ball first-time with his right foot into the far corner taking the air out of the Argentina side.