Argentina vs. Brazil – it’s one of the most heated rivalries in sports. And in 2007, they played in the Copa América Final.
It’s a game Júlio Baptista will never forget.
“To play in a final is already incredible, and one against Argentina made it a lot more special,” Baptista remembers. “At the time, the press was saying that we weren’t going to win because Argentina had a really strong team.”
It didn’t take long for “The Beast” to prove them wrong.
In the fourth minute, Brazilian midfielder Elano launched a ball across the pitch to Baptista, who corralled it in the box. Argentine defender Roberto Ayala gave him too much space, allowing Baptista to control the ball and fire it in the net.
Júlio Baptista Getting Involved with Orlando City Foundation
He didn’t know it then, but Baptista’s goal proved to be the game-winner, as Brazil cruised to a 3-0 victory and their eighth Copa América title. It was Baptista’s second Copa América crown.
“It was very important because it gave us a lot of energy, and the players, we all felt more confident that we would win the final. To score the first goal – the goal that started all of that – I will never forget that moment.”
Copa América Centenario will be coming to the United States in June, marking the first time in its 100-year history that the tournament will be played outside of South America. It’s a chance for American soccer fans to see some of the best players in the world compete in one of the game’s biggest tournaments.
“It’s a big opportunity for the United States,” said Baptista, who has played his entire career in soccer hotbeds in around the globe. “It’s a very high level tournament and people can become more familiar with the game. Soccer is growing a lot here, so I think it’s great for the United States to host Copa América.”
Thanks to its immense support of MLS’ newest team, Orlando was chosen as one of just ten sites from across the country to host the tournament. Costa Rica and Paraguay will play the first game at the newly dubbed Camping World Stadium on June 4. Panama and Bolivia will play here on June 6 before Brazil plays Haiti on June 8.
Tickets for this once-in-a-lifetime tournament are available here.
