Brazil laid the ghost of last year's World Cup Final humiliation by France by outclassing youthful Uruguay 3-0 to lift the Copa America in Asuncion.

Two first-half goals from midfielder Rivaldo and a strike after the interval from striker Ronaldo ensured victory. Both goalscorers shared the title of Copa America top scorer with five goals each.

It was a brilliant performance by Brazil who win their sixth continental title and also gave coach Wanderley Luxemburgo the perfect start in his first tournament at the helm.

It also sealed a personal redemption for Ronaldo, who has finally reestablished himself as one of the leading players in the world during this Copa after a nightmare year that began with his much-publicised fit on the day of last year's World Cup Final.

Uruguay's youngsters made a lively start, but Rivaldo settled his side's nerves with a fine effort that went just wide from distance and after 21 minutes the favourites took the lead with a simple goal. A free kick from Flavio Conceicao was flicked on by Rivaldo whose header eluded the dive of Carini.

Just six minutes later Rivaldo ghosted past his marker before beating Carini with a delicate left-footed chip.

With the interval approaching Uruguay almost scored. Martin Del Campo crashed his shot against the crossbar with Dida beaten but Andres Fleurquin could only volley the rebound wide.

After the interval, however, it only took two minutes for Brazil to kill the match with a superblytaken goal by Ronaldo, who outpaced the Uruguayan defence before thundering an unstoppable left-footed shot into the roof of Carini's net.