Bravo Brazil

Brazil were available at around 3/1 to win last night's Copa America Final. When a Brazilian side is available at that price you can be sure of two things: that the bookies have underestimated them and that I haven't got a bet on them.

In actual fact those ludicrous odds were probably based on two things. The calibre of the opposition facing them, and the fact that this isn't the 'real' Brazil any more.

This Brazilian side is so different to those of yesteryear that they should probably play in a different colour kit. For so long we have marvelled over their wonderful silky skills and attacking play. Now though the side is modelled on its manager, the World Cup winning captain Dunga. He was a great defensive midfielder and it shows. His side sits deep and hits opponents on the counter attack, as we saw for their first and third goals.

Robinho aside, this is not a skilful team. It is based more on the raw power that Julio Baptista demonstrated in smashing his side in front in the fourth minute, and the energy encapsulated by Daniel Alves' lung bursting run and wonderful finish to make it 3-0.

In between of course, Roberto Ayala turned the ball into his own net for the second goal. It kind of summed up Argentina's night. Whatever they tried went wrong.

Argentina had swept all before them in the competition, notching 16 goals and playing such entertaining, attacking football that even Javier Mascherano was seen flying forward to score. Twice.

You may have read someone pretending to be me declaring that no one could stop the Argies, and that, in reality Brazil were a relatively poor side compared to previous vintages. Well, I can hold my hands up. That identical twin of mine has been fired and you'll only be reading my views from now on.

Carlos Tevez's performance in the Final was so awful it must have made Sir Alex Ferguson wonder if all the effort he's putting into signing him is worth it. Leo Messi seemed to be running around in circles. Juan Roman Riquelme was lost. Fine players all, but not last night.

Brazil's triumph was based around their work ethic, they wanted it more. Man for man, Argentina are a much better side, but the effort that Brazil put in made them worthy winners.

The irony is that it still might not be enough to please the Brazilian press. They have been scathing in their criticism of Dunga, claiming his tactics are too defensive and that he is stifling the team. Attacking talents like Ronaldinho and Kaka preferred a summer on the beach to one in his team, claiming they were too tired. Would they have played if Dunga's tactics weren't so negative?

It seems ludicrous, but Dunga's job is still on the line. He has proved he can build a team based on solidity and hard work, which some aspects of the press feel is not the Brazilian way. As we have seen with Fabio Capello's sacking at Real Madrid, it seems that how you win is just as important as winning itself these days.

We all like to see pretty football, but surely fans prefer winning football, in whatever form that takes. Some experts believe Real kissed goodbye to a couple more championships by sacking Capello. Are Brazil about to go down the same route to return to their old ways?