Late equaliser hands Internacional Copa victory

Brazil's Internacional lifted the Copa Sudamericana after Nilmar's extra-time strike secured a 1-1 draw with Argentina's Estudiantes in Porto Alegre which secured a 2-1 aggregate triumph.

The hosts won the first leg 1-0 in La Plata but Estudiantes levelled the tie when Agustin Alayes netted early in the second half.

The teams could not be separated after 90 minutes, forcing extra time and Nilmar scored after 113 minutes for Tite's side to celebrate glory.

Internacional began well, with Argentinian playmaker Andres D'Alessandro firing narrowly over and Nilmar hitting the upright before Alayes opened the scoring, netting following a corner.

Estudiantes coach Leonardo Astrada adopted attacking tactics in the second period but his side could not breach the Inter defence again, coming closest when defender Marcos Angeleri shot wide late on.

Inter had the better chances in the first extra period, with visiting goalkeeper Mariano Andujar saving from Tyson and Bolivar.

But Inter were rewarded for their persistence when Nilmar converted from six yards eight minutes into the second extra period.

Estudiantes could not find a leveller to take the match to penalties and had Rodrigo Brana sent off at the end of the match.

It was Inter's fourth international title. They won the 2006 Copa Libertadores and six months later triumphed in the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan, while they also won the Recopa Sudamericana in 2007.

"I'm very happy with this title. This is the product of hard work and the effort of the entire team," Inter midfielder D'Alessandro said.

Nilmar was thrilled with the triumph, which saw Inter become the first Brazilian side to win the Copa Sudamericana.

"This is the happiest moment of my career," he said. "I had to overcome a lot of injuries, bad experiences in France and Corinthians, but now all that effort has been rewarded."

The victory also secured a place in the 2009 Recopa Sudamericana against Ecuadorian side Liga Deportiva Universitaria, who won the Copa Libertadores in June.

Estudiantes midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron hit out at Uruguayan referee Jorge Larrionda following the match.

"We played better and displayed all of our character," he said. "We deserved another final, but the performance of the referee made it difficult for us.

"All the team made a huge effort. I gave my best, but it wasn't enough."

Astrada was pleased with the performance of his players.

"Estudiantes died with the boots on and I'm very proud of all my players," he said.