Baptista, Daniel Alves and a Roberto Ayala own goal sealed a comfortable 3-0 win over Argentina and a second consecutive title for Brazil, who entered the tournament without stars such as Ronaldinho, Kaka, Lucio, Ronaldo, Adriano or Ze Roberto.

And the duo hit back at the doubters after overcoming their South American rivals.

"A lot of people said this national team was ridiculous. Here you have the result," Baptista said.

"They said we had a mediocre squad but we proved we were good enough to be champions. This squad is made up of professionals."

Love agreed, adding: "This is for those who criticised us before the tournament.

"We've won one more title by beating Argentina.

"Brazil are champions again. Everytime we play a tournament, we play to win."

Real Madrid striker Robinho finished as the tournament`s top-scorer with six goals despite failing to find the net on Sunday.

But that did not undermine the 23-year-old`s joy at lifting the trophy.

"Despite that fact I could not score, I'm delighted because we clinched the title," he said.

"I could not score a goal and bring joy to fans but I had to help out defensively."

The Brazil players were also quick to defend coach Dunga, who had been under intense pressure throughout the tournament after fierce criticism from sections of the Brazilian media.

"There was a lot of mistrust in Dunga's work," said skipper Gilberto Silva, who was suspended for the final.

"There were also a lot of people from the press who criticised us.

"But we have been together for 34 days and we all knew the way that we have been working.

"The success gives more confidence in Dunga's work and that of his assistants.

"We we were able once again to show our value. This is a very special moment.

"In a final you can't make any mistakes. We played with discipline, a lot of people believed in us and we showed that Brazil never give up.

"We didn't have to prove anything to anybody. As I said, Brazil are always Brazil."

Maicon was also full of praise for Dunga, adding: "I think he can never be underestimated.

"This is a moment of transition and he needs a more serious approach from all the group.

Goalkeeper Doni believed the Selecao triumphed thanks to following the coach's precise tactics.

"We understood very well what Dunga wanted us to do," he said.

"We did everything he wanted. We were focused during the 90 minutes and managed to stop Argentina playing.

"We proved to be the best team on the pitch."

Dunga himself was delighted to lift the trophy.

"I want to dedicate the trophy to the people around the world who believed in Brazil.

"The job we've been doing was very important and this title is very welcome."

Alves replaced the injured Elano in the first half and had a hand in two goals as it was his ball that was turned into his own net by Ayala before the Sevilla defender put the result beyond doubt in netting the third goal.

"We worked very well in defence and profited from the opportunities we had," he said.

"The second goal gave us breathing space and then we counter-attacked to score a third goal.

"The group is very happy. We demonstrated that everybody has to respect Brazil. Argentina were favourites to win today but Brazil are always there.

"To win is never easy. We defeated a great team by having humility.

"We claimed the title when few people had faith in us. But we have been working hard to be here at the top".

"As we expected, the final was very tough and close.

"We understood how to win. In a South American derby you can`t make any mistakes because Argentina also have great players. But the best team always wins."

Defender Juan was satisfied to have overcome the pre-match favourites.

"We defeated them once again," he said.

"We'll wait until the next time to see if they say they are favourites to win so we beat them again."

Baptista, who was only called into the squad after Ze Roberto`s withdrawal, insisted the criticism made them stronger.

"I hope this can be useful for everybody," he added.

"Nobody can underestimate Brazil's potential. Everybody have to respect the national squad.

"Maybe now that we are the champions people will begin to do that".

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Argentina captain Ayala believed defeat in the final should not detract from what was a successful competition for Alfio Basile`s side.

The Argentinians produced some breathtaking football in sweeping all before them before being tactically outhought by a canny Brazil side.

"This game should not tarnish what we did in the championship," Ayala said.

"We are not the best team because we did not lift the trophy. Unfortunately, we failed to play as we did in past games.

"Brazil were clinical with every opportunity they had. They scored the first goal very quickly and the second goal killed us."

Lionel Messi was expected to shine after some excellent displays in the lead up to the final, including a mesmeric goal against Mexico in the semi-final, but the midfielder failed to live up to his billing.

And the Barcelona star was understandably downbeat about the result.

"We are very sad. We did not think we could have lost," Messi said.

"Brazil's third-minute goal and then Riquelme hitting the post were crucial.

"After the second goal, we couldn`t find a way back into the game."

Carlos Tevez, who is close to joining English Premier League side Manchester United, insisted Argentina will now have to start looking ahead to the 2010 World Cup.

"We have to try to get over this as soon as possible to approach the qualifiers in good form.

"Today, they were the better side and won. No excuses."