Argentina were set to win the competition when substitute Cesar Delgado put them 2-1 ahead in the 87th minute only for Adriano to equalise in the third minute of injury-time with his seventh goal of the competition.

The world champions had pulled the same trick in the first half when Luisao scored with the last touch of the half to wipe out Cristian Gonzalez's 20th minute penalty.

The second equaliser sparked a brawl as Brazil's players celebrated in front of the Argentina bench.

Argentina responded by squirting water at their opponents and referee Carlos Amarilla summoned riot-police to stop the trouble while Adriano was booked for removing his shirt.

Argentina seemed more unsettled by the incident and missed their first two penalties as Andres D'Alessandro fired his effort at goalkeeper Julio Cesar and Gabriel Heinze fired wildly over the bar.

Brazil converted all their penalties -- just as they did in their semi-final win over Uruguay on Wednesday.

"Nobody messes with Brazilian football, five-times champions of the world," Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira said.

"They were winning the game with five minutes to go -- tapping the ball around and trying to get fouls and this irritated us.

"It's a game we will never forget -- nor will our opponents," he added.

It was an extraordinary achievement by Brazil, who had rested their top players for the tournament.

"It's clear that if the aim of the game is to decide which of the two teams was best, the final position obtained was contradictory to what each of the teams did," said Argentina coach Marcelo Bielsa, apparently meaning his side was unlucky to lose.

Argentina were left waiting for their first Copa America since 1993 despite dominating the game.

They quickly took a stranglehold and deservedly went ahead when Cristian Gonzalez sent Julio Cesar the wrong way from the spot after winning the penalty himself when he was fouled by Luisao in the 20th minute.

Julio Cesar prevented another goal shortly afterwards as he turned away Luis Gonzalez's low drive after the Argentine midfielder, enjoying another excellent game, burst through the middle.

But Brazil equalised out of the blue in first-half stoppage time when Luisao glanced in a free kick taken by midfielder Alex, who had barely touched the ball in the half.

Argentina regrouped after the break and continued to sweep forward, missing several good chances. The best ended with Mauro Rosales's shot being blocked after Carlos Tevez, excellent throughout the match, brilliantly worked an opening.

The game came alive in the 87th minute when Delgado scored from a rebound after the Brazil defence had failed to clear a cross.

But in the third minute of injury time, Adriano scored in fantastic fashion. A looping ball was delivered into the Argentine box from the right flank and amidst the scramble, it fell invitingly for Adriano who lifted the ball with his toe and volleyed on the turn to find the right corner of the goal (2-2). That sent the game straight to penalties, as extra time is not played at the Copa America.