This year, Chile will host the prestigious Copa America tournament. And for the first time in the 99-year history of the games, the nation of Chile might well emerge as a victor.
A Prestigious Title
Of course, the Copa America does not rival the World Cup in terms of its prestige, yet this tournament represents a very significant and important title to nations in South America.
Although prevailing in the Copa America may not rival the celebrity of world cup results, the title remains highly-coveted amongst Western Hemisphere nations.
The tournament began 99 years ago as a match between South American countries. It remains one of the most prestigious, highly-acclaimed sporting events in the world.
Twelve teams compete for the title, which translates into English as "America Cup." Costa Rica, Mexico and the United States regularly participate to fill guest slots in the 12 team field. The cup seeks to determine the dominant national team in South America.
In the past, three nations have won 86 percent of the Copa America titles: Uruguay, Argentina and Brazil. Chile was one of the original four teams to compete for this cup 99 years ago, and many Chileans hope that this year their national team will advance to victory.
In previous years, certain countries have never prevailed in this tournament. They include: the United States, Peru, Chile, Venezuela, Mexico, Ecuador and Honduras.
A victory for Chile this year would prove very sweet indeed. Chile was a runner up in 1955, 1956, 1979 and 1987.
Three Outstanding Players
The Chilean national team's prospects for success hinge largely upon the skills of three exceptionally gifted Chilean players: Alexis Sanchez, Claudio Bravo and Arturo Vidal.
Whether or not they will succeed in bringing the coveted cup to Chile, a host of the 2015 games, remains unknown. Yet many Chilean fans hope this year will witness an historic victory for their nation.
Alexis Sanchez: Born in 1988, Sanchez currently plays for the British team Arsenal. He serves as a forward for the Chilean national team.
Sanchez began his career with Cobreloa. In 2006, he signed with Italy's Udinese Calcio. He went to Colo-Colo and River Plate on loan and began playing in Serie A. Then in 2011, Barcelona FC signed him for a reported 25 million British pounds sterling. He signed with Britain's Arsenal in July, 2014.
Reportedly, his fee made him the second most expensive player in the history of the renowned club. He has won over 75 caps and played in two FIFA World Cups during in career. In 2011, he participated in the Copa America.
Claudio Bravo: Goalkeeper Claudio Bravo also contributes significantly to Chile's national team. He began with Colo-Colo, before moving to Real Sociedad in 2006. In 2014, Barcelona FC signed him for a reported 12 million Euros.
He has become the most capped Chilean player in history during his more than 388 career appearances.
Arturo Vidal: Yet a third advantage for the Chilean team may be Arturo Vidal. The midfielder was born in 1987. He played for Colo-Colo between 2005 and 2007, then signed with Bayer Leverkusen. In 2011, he joined Juventus.
Conclusion
Regardless of the outcome of the 2015 tournament, the Copa America displays the incredible talents of South American football players before a global audience.
Few soccer games win the interest and worldwide attention of this series of matches. If Chile does prevail, the fond desires of many loyal Chilean fans will finally find an expression in the award of a genuinely significant and coveted international cup.
This article was written by Tony Samboras. A big fan of soccer he can always be found watching the latest game. The Copa America alongside the World cup are two of his favorite tournaments.
