Copa America 
/ Michael Lintorn / 23 June 2011 / Leave a Comment 
Marcelo Martins has proven a fairly consistent scorer for Bolivia
"They haven’t won a game in the competition since 1997, exiting in the group stage on four straight occasions."
1997 finalists Bolivia have achieved almost nothing in the Copa America since, but the appointment of promising coach Gustavo Quinteros gives them hope of a win at least.
The odds
Bolivia are [30.0] to top Group A and [360.0] to win the tournament.
The past
Their two finest Copa America campaigns came as hosts, winning in the old league format in 1963 and losing the final to Brazil in 1997. Away from La Paz, there hasn't been much to celebrate though. They haven't won a game in the competition since 1997, exiting in the group stage on four straight occasions.
The coach
In Gustavo Quinteros, they have Group A's youngest and least experienced boss , but the Argentine-born former Bolivia defender has already enjoyed plenty of success, guiding all three of the Bolivian clubs he has managed since 2005 - Blooming, Bolivar and Oriente Petrolero - to domestic titles.
The rivals
While Quinteros' appointment last November appears a shrewd one, he has a daunting task bidding to end Bolivia's 14-year wait for a Copa America victory judging by their recent head-to-head record against their Group A rivals:
Argentina (W1 D1 L3)
Colombia (W0 D2 L3)
Costa Rica (W0 D0 L1 - only one meeting)
The wanted
Prolific in Brazil for Vitoria and Cruzeiro and a regular goal-getter for his country, Marcelo Martins' club career has stalled since moving to Shakhtar Donetsk in 2008, and wasn't resuscitated with loan spells with Werder Bremen and Wigan, so the 24-year-old may look to use the Copa America to earn a transfer.
The fresh face
Quinteros has opted for a mix of experience at the back and more youth going forwards and one of the most intriguing guys in the latter camp is 21-year-old midfielder Rudy Cardozo, who has already established himself at Copa Libertadores participants Bolivar and gained several international caps.
Costa Rica are Copa America saviours having agreed to fill the void left by Japan as one of the two guest nations, but they aren't expected to fare too well in Argentina....
The 2001 champions are knockout round semi-regulars, and given a decent draw and the presence of one of Europe's most in-demand forwards, should be there again....
The opportunity to stage the Copa America is by no means a guarantee of glory, with just one of the last five hosts winning the trophy, however Argentina are rated favourites....
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