Brazil the masters even without Ronaldinho and Kaka

MARACAIBO, Venezuela, July 16 (Reuters) Ronaldinho and Kaka preferred to go on holiday rather than play at the Copa America, yet the Brazilian pair's absence was barely missed in a memorable, goal-packed tournament.

Although primarily a baseball country, Venezuela's superb state-of-the-art stadiums were packed for nearly every match and FIFA president Sepp Blatter praised the superb organisation when he came for the final yesterday.

The fans that flooded through the gates were rewarded with attacking football and some great moments, including Nery Castillo's sublime first goal for Mexico against Brazil and Lionel Messi's superlative effort for Argentina against the Mexicans -- a contender for goal of this, or any other year.

The 26 games produced 86 goals, culminating in Brazil's 3-0 win over Argentina in yesterday's final, and, except for a spell at the end of the group stage, there was rarely a dull moment.

It was a refreshing contrast to last year's World Cup when South America's interest ended in the quarter-finals.

The Copa America has struggled to be taken seriously recently, often when the competition was sandwiched between the region's marathon World Cup qualifying competition.

This year's tournament, however, provided the region's teams with their first chance for a competitive match since the World Cup or, in the case of the teams which did not go to Germany, since October 2005.

BRAZILIAN MUSCLE Naturally, most teams grabbed the chance with both hands especially with the 2010 qualifying competition just over the horizon.

Champions Brazil gave Dunga his first title less than 11 months after taking on his first coaching job as they muscled their way to success.

Brazil's counter-attacking game was far removed from their traditions but it was ruthlessly efficient as they nullified Argentina in the final.

Until then, Argentina had looked the best side, delighting crowds with their slick passing game orchestrated by Juan Roman Riquelme in midfield with Messi's explosive bursts in attack.

Guests Mexico found a new identity as they reached the semi-finals under coach Hugo Sanchez with a team devoid of several players who had been regulars under his predecessor Ricardo La Volpe.

''We have a style, something Mexico did not have before,'' said Sanchez.

Colombia, meanwhile, appeared to be suffering from a identity crisis as they went out in the first round, apparently unable to decide whether they stick with their traditional style or go for a more European approach.

CHILE PROBLEMS Peru coach Julio Cesar Uribe, on the other hand, had no doubt that defence was the way forward for his team, who lost 4-0 to Argentina in the quarter-finals.

''Peru should start our attacks and counter-attacks on the basis of a solid defence,'' he said. ''That, definitely, is my conclusion.'' Ecuador, who reached the last 16 at the World Cup a year ago, left coach Luis Fernando Suarez baffled as they fell at the first hurdle.

''We seem to have created the idea in our conscience that things aren't going to turn out well in the Copa America,'' he said.

Nelson Acosta was the tournament's only coaching casualty as he resigned when Chile returned home following their 6-1 quarter-final defeat to Brazil.

Chile also banned six players for 20 games each after an incident at the team hotel.

The tournament won't be remembered for those things though, but for some great attacking football, plenty of goals and, in many ways, Venezuela finally making a long overdue mark on the global game.

REUTERS BJR BD2214