- 24 years ago, Brazil became CONMEBOL Copa América™️ champions for the sixth time in Paraguay.
- The team led by coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo lifted the trophy undefeated.
On July 18, 1999, the "Canarinho" team secured their sixth continental star at the Defensores del Chaco Stadium in Asuncion. The star-spangled squad showcased the celebrated Brazilian magic at the oldest national team tournament in the world and emerged victorious in the CONMEBOL Copa América™️.
Under the tactical direction of Vanderlei Luxemburgo and boasting a squad composed of some of the greatest stars in football history - including Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Roberto Carlos, Cafu, and Ronaldinho - Brazil captivated fans with their offensive style of play and spectacular individual skills.
The Brazilian team began their journey in the 1999 CONMEBOL Copa América™️ in Group B, alongside Chile, Mexico, and Venezuela. Demonstrating their strength from the very first whistle, they secured a commanding 7-0 victory over Venezuela in the opening round, followed by a 2-1 win against Mexico and a 1-0 triumph over "La Roja", earning their place in the next phase of the tournament as group leaders with a flawless record.
Argentina would be the next opponent for the Brazilians. It was one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament, the greatest South American classic already in the quarter-finals.
The match started well for the Argentines, as Sorín's long-range shot deflected off João Carlos and found the back of the net in the 11th minute. This would be the second and last goal conceded by the champions throughout the competition. Rivaldo levelled the score with a magnificent free-kick in the 32nd minute, and Ronaldo put Brazil ahead 2-1 early in the second half. Argentina had a great chance to equalize from the penalty spot, but Ayala's shot was saved by Dida, making for his second penalty save in the tournament.
After the big win, Brazil would face Mexico once again, this time in the semifinals. The Brazilians secured another commanding victory against the Mexicans, winning 2-0. The first goal was scored by Amoroso in the 22nd minute, after Rivaldo's header hit the post. The second goal came from Rivaldo himself, with a shot from the edge of the area at 42 minutes. With that, the "Canarinho" booked a spot in their third consecutive final.
The 1999 CONMEBOL Copa América™️ grand final took place at the Defensores del Chaco Stadium in Asunción, Paraguay. The stands were packed with fans eager to witness the clash between Brazil and Uruguay, a match that brought back memories of the 1995 edition, where Uruguay emerged victorious after defeating Brazil in the decisive match.
This time, however, the Brazilian team delivered a fantastic performance, leading to a straightforward 3-0 victory over the "Charrúas". Rivaldo opened the scoring with a header in the 21st minute, following a free kick by Flávio Conceição. Just six minutes later, Rivaldo extended the lead with a beautiful finish in front of the Uruguayan goalkeeper. Early in the second half, Ronaldo netted another goal, sealing the score at 3-0.
Thus, Brazil won the CONMEBOL Copa América™️ for the sixth time and did so undefeated, winning all of their matches consecutively for the first time in history.
Ronaldo Nazário and Rivaldo were the tournament's top scorers with five goals each, just one ahead of Márcio Amoroso, with four.
Raising the trophy under the sky of Asunción, Brazil wrote another golden chapter in their glorious history.
