First played in 1916, the Copa América is the oldest existing international tournament in the world. It is played among the 10 national sides in the South American football federation, CONMEBOL, along with two additional teams who are invited to round out the field to 12. For 2004, the invited teams were Mexico and Costa Rica.
Argentina finished second in its group to Mexico, then advanced to the final with knockout stage wins over Peru (1-0) and Colombia (3-0). Brazil also finished second in its group, to Paraguay, then defeated Mexico (4-0) and Uruguay (on penalties, 1-1 (5-3)) to reach the Final.
In the Final, Argentina took an early lead with a 20th-minute penalty kick from winger Kily González. Brazil equalized just before halftime, however, with a goal from Luisão in the 45th minute. The teams were just as evenly-matched in the second half, with Argentina going ahead with a strike from winger César Delgado in the 87th minute, only to see Brazilian striker Adriano pull his team level once again.
In penalties, Argentina's opening kick, from Andres D'Alessandro, was blocked by Brazilian keeper Julio Cesar, who guessed correctly with a diving save to his right. Defender Gabriel Heinze then missed Argentina's second attempt, while Brazil's players made all of theirs, giving Brazil their seventh Copa América trophy.
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