Although the Copa América is not a trophy that ignites passions in Brazil, the 2024 edition will be a golden opportunity for a new generation of footballers to silence their critics by winning a major title. Since the 2019 edition, Brazil has not won any major international trophy.
It has been almost five years of drought for Brazil, which managed to lift the 2019 Copa América, showcasing dominant and attractive football while playing at home in the continental tournament. Today at Sambafoot, we remember what is, so far, the last title won by the Seleção.
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How did Brazil arrive at the 2019 Copa América?
After qualifying for the 2018 World Cup in Russia as the most dominant team in CONMEBOL, Tite’s Brazil faced the World Cup with high aspirations. However, the national team’s disappointing performance, falling in the quarterfinals to Belgium, cast doubt on Tite’s future as head coach of the Seleção. Despite criticism from many fans, the CBF opted to keep the coach, who saw the 2019 Copa América, to be played at home, as a unique opportunity for redemption and a chance to look forward to Qatar 2022 with hope.
He was not wrong in the first part, as Brazil’s strong performance in the Copa América allowed that generation to consolidate, but the second part, related to the Qatar World Cup, ultimately sealed his fate on the Brazilian bench.
The squad
Brazil faced the Copa América with painful news that was hard to digest. The offensive leader of that project, Neymar Jr., would miss the continental tournament due to an ankle injury, but the football and sporting leadership would come in the form of Neymar’s former teammate at both the French club and FC Barcelona, Dani Alves, who was chosen to captain the Seleção.
Goalkeepers
- Alisson Becker
- Éderson Moraes
- Cassio
Defenders
- Dani Alves
- Filipe Luís
- Alex Sandro
- Miranda
- Thiago Silva
- Fagner
- Éder Militão
- Marquinhos
Midfielders
- Casemiro
- Arthur
- Allan
- Coutinho
- Lucas Paquetá
- Fernandinho
Forwards
- Roberto Firmino
- Gabriel Jesus
- Everton
- Richarlison
- David Neres
How did Brazil perform in the 2019 Copa América?
The 2019 Copa América was the 46th edition of CONMEBOL’s continental tournament, hosted by Brazil, a country known for its football, iconic stadiums, football folklore, and magic. The tournament was held from June 14 to July 7, 2019, with the grand final at the legendary Maracanã Stadium. Brazil, the host nation, led Group A, facing Bolivia, Peru, and Venezuela.
Group Stage
As the host, Brazil was the top seed and absolute leader of Group A, where they faced Venezuela, Bolivia, and Peru, which would later become their opponent in the final. After starting with a 3-0 victory over Bolivia, Brazil drew 0-0 against Venezuela and then secured a solid 5-0 victory over Peru, advancing as group leaders with seven points. Brazil scored eight goals and conceded none in these three matches, showcasing Tite’s dominant football style.
Quarterfinals
After surpassing the group stage, Brazil faced Paraguay, who advanced as the best third-place team from the tight Group B. Paraguay proved to be a tough opponent for the Seleção. After a goalless draw in regular time, Brazil won 4-3 on penalties.
Semifinals
The semifinal in Belo Horizonte was against a formidable rival, Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, who had just completed one of his best individual years with FC Barcelona, scoring 51 goals and providing 22 assists, earning his sixth Ballon d’Or. With a highly offensive approach, Tite’s Brazil neutralized Argentina, and goals from Gabriel Jesus and Roberto Firmino secured a 2-0 victory, advancing to the final.
Final
After overcoming Paraguay and defeating Argentina decisively, Brazil faced Peru in the grand final, a familiar opponent from the group stage. At the impressive Maracanã Stadium, before their home crowd and with the world watching, Tite’s 11 players delivered their best performance against a resilient Peruvian team. Everton opened the scoring with a right-footed goal in the 15th minute, and Paolo Guerrero equalized for Peru in the 44th minute. However, Gabriel Jesus restored Brazil’s lead in the 45+3′ minute, and Richarlison sealed the match with a penalty in the 90th minute, securing a 3-1 victory.
By defeating Peru and winning their ninth Copa América, Brazil claimed their 20th major title in history. This remains, to date, the last major title won by the national team.
Can this change in the near future with the new generation led by Vinicius, Rodrygo, Endrick, and company? Only time will tell.
