In 2004, Brazil won the Copa América, but the path was tough with tight matches that pushed the team. The games, held in Peru, had Brazil playing without big names like Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, and Rivaldo, who sat out after the UEFA Euro 2004. Under coach Carlos Alberto Parreira, they faced strong rivals and tough games to lift the trophy.
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Brazil’s campaign kicked off shakily in Group C. They suffered a 1-0 defeat to Paraguay but managed to secure wins against Costa Rica (4-1) and Chile (1-0).
Even with the wobbly start, these victories were enough to push them into the quarterfinals. The team’s performance was inconsistent, and their defensive vulnerabilities were exposed, particularly against Paraguay, raising questions about their Copa América title potential.
The quarterfinals against Mexico marked a turning point. Brazil triumphed with a 4-0 victory, displaying a level of dominance not seen earlier in the tournament. Adriano, who emerged as the tournament’s leading scorer, netted a brace.
In the semifinals, Brazil faced a sturdy Uruguay. The match ended 1-1 after regular time, pushing the game into a penalty shootout. Brazil narrowly edged out Uruguay 5-3 in the shootout, with goalie Julio Cesar saving two penalties. This match showed Brazil relied more on standout individual plays than on strong team play.
The final against Argentina was a nail-biter. Despite Argentina’s possession, Brazil held their ground and took the lead with Adriano’s equalizer in the last seconds of stoppage time, sending the match into a penalty shootout.
Brazil won 4-2 on penalties, with goalkeeper Julio Cesar again coming to the fore by saving two Argentine penalties.
#OnThisDay in 2004, 🇧🇷Brazil defeated 🇦🇷Argentina on penalties, 2-2 (2-4) in the Copa America Final in Lima to secure 2005 #ConfedCup ticket pic.twitter.com/RzYWbeznCE
— FIFA (@FIFAcom) July 25, 2018
Brazil’s win showcased their ability to pull through tough spots. The team often relied on individual talent and crucial saves rather than solid team play. The 2004 title made known their strengths and areas needing work, like their over-reliance on penalties and the need for better teamwork.
