Brazil Takes South American Championship

Brazil won its first South American soccer championship since 1989 by beating Bolivia 3-1 Sunday on goals by Edmundo, Ronaldo and Ze Roberto.

It was the fifth time overall that Brazil has won the America Cup, but the first time it ever has won it on the road. Its titles in 1919, 1922, 1949 and 1989 all were won at home.

Edmundo put Brazil ahead in the 40th minute, but Erwin Sanchez tied the score in the final minute of the first half. Ronaldo, FIFA’s reigning player of the year, scored the go-ahead goal in the 78th minute and Ze Roberto scored in the final minute.

Playing at 11,800 feet above sea level, Brazil was cautious in the first half and Bolivia dominated.

Brazil’s first goal came when Roberto Carlos’ free kick bounced off goalkeeper Carlos Trucco to Brazil’s Denilson, who trapped the ball and bounced it off Edmundo into the net.

Bolivia tied the score when a 30-yard free kick by Sanchez beat goalkeeper Claudio Taffarel.