For the first time in its history, Brazil squad Fluminense is the champion of South America, beating Argentina giants Boca Juniors in the Copa Libertadores Final at the historic Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It was 21-year-old striker John Kennedy who sealed the deal for the Brazilian team.

The Copa Libertadores is South America's equivalent to the UEFA Champions League, as it pits the best teams across South America against one another. This is Fluminense's very first time winning the prestigious title, making it extra special for the Brazilian side as the tournament happened on home soil.

It was a very close game, though, as regular time ended with a score of 1-1, forcing the game into overtime, according to the Associated Press. However, this deadlock was ended when Brazilian John Kennedy sent the ball to the back of the net against Boca Juniors goalkeeper Sergio Romero. This happened during the 9th minute of overtime.

"It was the most important goal of my life," said the young Brazilian striker. "I came to hug my family in the stands after I scored the goal, he sent me off for that, but nothing else matters. We are the champions."

It was a heartbreaking loss for the Argentinian side, Boca Juniors, however, as this would have been their seventh Copa Libertadores title. If they won, they would have also stopped the winning streak of Brazilian teams in the Copa Libertadores, as Brazilian squads have consecutively won the title since 2019, with Flamengo and Palmeiras winning the last few tournaments.

The last Argentinian team to win the Copa Libertadores title was Boca Juniors' rival, River Plate, which also defeated the team during the 2018 final. Since then, Brazilian clubs have won the title.

READ MORE: Brazil Soccer History: The Legendary Soccer Team That Won 5 World Cups

Tensions Were High Before the Fluminense Vs. Boca Juniors Copa Libertadores Final

As Latin Post previously reported, both Brazil and Argentina are crazy about soccer, and both nations treat the sport akin to a religion. As the final in South America's biggest tournament began, tensions were understandably high as both teams had fanatical supporters.

According to ABC News, before the final match, thousands of Argentinians arrived in Rio. However, these fans also caused some trouble as fighting broke out between fans of the two teams on Thursday in Copacabana Beach. Seven Argentinians and two Brazilians were arrested after the scuffle.

CONMEBOL Pleaded for Calm Ahead of the Copa Libertadores Final

South American fans are known to be rowdy. CONMEBOL, South America's soccer organization equivalent to Europe's UEFA and North America's CONCACAF, knows this.

According to CNN, before Fluminense faced off against Boca Juniors in the Copa Libertadores final, the soccer body begged fans not to cause trouble.

"CONMEBOL calls on the fans of Boca Juniors and Fluminense to share together the moments of joy and celebration that our football gives us," its statement read.

"The values of the sport that we are most passionate about must inspire behaviors of peace and harmony. For this reason, we repudiate the acts of violence and racism that may occur within the framework of this final," it added.

READ MORE: The Top 5 Argentina Soccer Players of All Time

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

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