Hat-trick hero Neves so unlucky in Copa final

RIO DE JANEIRO, July 3 (Reuters) - Fluminense forward Thiago Neves achieved on Wednesday the rare feat of scoring a hat-trick in a major international final and ending up on the losing side.

Neves's goals helped the Brazilians beat Ecuadorean champions LDU 3-1 after extra time in the second leg of Libertadores final for a 5-5 aggregate draw, only to lose on penalties.

Neves, who was close to a fourth and decisive goal in the 119th minute, was one of three Fluminense players to miss from the spot as his effort was saved by Jose Cevallos. LDU won the shootout 3-1.

'Their goalkeeper is experienced and knows how to play on the nerves of his opponents,' Neves told reporters after appearing to be distracted by Cevallos's knee-wobbling antics and his habit of praying in the back of the net before facing each kick.

'I scored three goals but they weren't worth anything because we didn't win the trophy,' he added. 'LDU are a great team, they came here to the Maracana and faced us on equal terms.'