5) Bolivia Copa America 1997
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South American football, for the average football fan, is consigned to Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay and to an extent Colombia and Paraguay for their recent exploits. And yet back in the 1990’s Bolivia were a significant force to be reckoned with.
The hosts of the 38th Copa America, Bolivia were much fancied to leave a mark on the international stage. The hosts eventually fell to Brazil in the finals, who became the first nation to hold both the World Cup and the Copa America trophies simultaneously, a feat they would later emulate in 2004.
Having topped a group containing Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela, Bolivia took out Colombia and Mexico en route to the finals. With the crown looming in sight, only an upset against a formidable Brazilians would see the Bolivians claim their tryst with glory. However it was not to be, despite the vocal support of the home crowd, the Bolivians were truly outclassed in the final, losing by 3 goals to one.
