Brazil wins Copa America for 1st time since 2007

Brazil has reclaimed the throne.

After 12 long years without a trophy, the Selecao pulled off a 3-1 win over Peru on Sunday to lift the Copa America.

Gabriel Jesus played a massive role in the victory - even if he couldn't see it through. The 22-year-old striker set up teammate Everton with a lofty cross to draw first blood in the 15th minute and buried the eventual winner at the end of a frenetic first half.

Paolo Guerrero had equalized from the penalty spot just before Jesus struck the back of the net.

Before he could celebrate, Jesus was in tears. He was issued a second yellow card for barging into Carlos Zambrano midway through the second half and sent off early.

But the Peruvians couldn't make their numerical advantage count, attempting just two shots in the final 20 minutes of play.

Everton earned a penalty in the 87th minute, and teammate Richarlison converted from 12 yards to wrap up a long-awaited title.

Peru did well just to get to the final - it hadn't made it this far since 1975 - and gave a much better account of itself than it did in a 5-0 defeat to Brazil earlier in the group stage. Ricardo Gareca's side beat Uruguay on penalties in the quarterfinals and scored three goals against Chile in the semis to set up a rematch in Rio.

Brazil had its own history to contend with. The last time it played a final at the Maracana, it lost to Uruguay in the 1950 World Cup.

Fortunately for the host nation, there was no more hurt on the agenda.