Argentina were favourites to retain their title at the Ginásio de Esportes Geraldo Magalhães but fell to a 20-17 defeat in what was the closest game of the tournament.

Going into the half-time break tied at 10-10, the two teams were inseparable for the majority of the match, which was decided in the final few minutes.

Brazil's goalkeeper Rangel da Rosa was in fine form and with a 45 per cent save ratio he made the difference.

"The match was based on the defences, both teams defend very well and base their game on that in order to be freer in attack," said Argentina's goalkeeper Leonel Maciel.

"It was a very changeable match in the result but in the end they adjusted better.

"We had the opportunity to get within two or three goals and that was key to being able to win the game.

"I feel that the team gave everything, obviously we have things to improve but it is also difficult to come to play in Brazil and the team showed its face in this final.

"Another aspect that we have to rescue is the youth of this squad, it was a tournament where we were able to see young players who will soon have to stand up for this squad.

"It is also the first tournament of this cycle and we know that the big goal is to qualify for Paris 2024, so we have to go little by little."

One of the players of the tournament Emil Feuchmann added another impressive display for Chile as they beat Uruguay 29-21 in the third-place playoff.

Rodrigo Salinas also starred for the Chileans as they recorded their best finish in the tournament, having come fourth in the inaugural championship in 2020.