The 2015 Copa America kicks off in Chile on Thursday, with the host nation taking on Ecuador in Santiago.
The collective triumphed over the individual at the last tournament in Argentina back in 2011, with good organisation and an excellent work ethic allowing Paraguay, Peru and Venezuela to join eventual winners Uruguay in the final four. Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Colombia were all eliminated at the quarterfinal stage.
Teamwork is again likely to prove key this time around, but the tournament will also serve as an opportunity for players currently based in Latin America to impress a global audience and potentially earn themselves a move to Europe. Here are five players who will be seeking to enhance their reputations in Chile.
Charles Aranguiz | 26 | Chile | Midfielder
Charles Aranguiz worked with current Chile national team coach Jorge Sampaoli during the latter's highly successful spell in charge of Universidad de Chile. After a series of impressive performances during last year's World Cup, the midfielder, now with Internacional, will again have an important role to play if Chile are to break their international trophy duck on home soil.
The 26-year-old is a perfect fit for Sampaoli's energetic, high-pressing approach. Hard-working and positionally intelligent in defence, a solid passer and willing forward-runner when his side is in possession, he and Arturo Vidal form an imposing engine room at the heart of the team.
Those same attributes quickly endeared him to Internacional supporters following his move, initially on loan, from La Liga side Granada (for whom he never appeared) in early 2014. Then-coach Abel Braga was so keen to sign him on a permanent basis that he jokingly offered to pay the fee himself if the Brazilian club were unable to do so. A third-party investor eventually helped complete the deal, which could create an imperative for a move if Aranguiz again shows well at the Copa America.
Miller Bolanos | 25 | Ecuador | Forward
Miller Bolanos is one of eight players on Ecuador's Copa America squad who previously worked with national team coach Gustavo Quinteros to great success at Emelec. A quick and lively second striker, he has been a prolific scorer for the reigning two-time Ecuadorian champions since joining their ranks in mid-2013. He has scored 41 goals for the club in all competitions and played a key role in their progress to the quarterfinals of this year's Copa Libertadores.
The 25-year-old scored six goals and provided three assists during that run, at a rate of 0.96 goals or assists per 90 minutes. There have been rumours of interest from clubs in Mexico, but if he impresses in Chile, there is every chance he could attract the attention of a European side. He need only look at his strike partner, West Ham's Enner Valencia, for an example of how good performances in a major international tournament can lead to such a move.
Giorgian De Arrascaeta | 21 | Uruguay | Attacking Midfielder
In a team that is otherwise a little short on invention, the slick dribbling, passing and link play of Giorgian De Arrascaeta could prove invaluable in seeing a Uruguay side shorn of the suspended Luis Suarez and retired Diego Forlan through to the knockout stages and beyond.
The 21-year-old was crucial to Uruguay's run to the final of the 2013 Under-20 World Cup and was drafted into the senior squad in the wake of their early exit from Brazil 2014. He made a strong impact off the bench in the 1-0 friendly win away to Morocco in March and scored as a second-half substitute in the recent victory over Guatemala.
The attacking midfielder joined Cruzeiro of Brazil at the turn of the year after some excellent performances during Defensor Sporting's run to the semifinals of the 2014 Copa Libertadores. His father, Alfredo, used to tell friends and family that one day his son would turn out for Inter Milan in Italy, and a move to Europe could indeed be on the cards if De Arrascaeta impresses in Chile.
Javier Guemez | 23 | Mexico | Defensive Midfielder
Javier Guemez is unlikely to be on the move any time soon, as he has just agreed to join Club America following two very solid campaigns with Club Tijuana. The defensive midfielder will, however, be a player that European scouts will be keeping a close eye on in Chile following his series of assured displays in Mexico's recent friendlies.
The 23-year-old dominated the midfield in the 1-0 win over Paraguay in March, shored things up during the final half-hour of the 1-1 draw with Peru last week and was one of Mexico's better performers in Sunday's defeat to Brazil. Tenacious and energetic in his defensive work, and neat and tidy in possession, he has made a very good impression.
Mexico have taken a weakened squad to the Copa America due to their upcoming participation in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, but if Guemez continues to perform at his current level, he could well become a part of the first-choice group.
Oscar Romero | 22 | Paraguay | Attacking Midfielder
Oscar Romero made his debut at 18 with Paraguayan club Cerro Porteno and by age 21 was a key part of the side who romped to the 2013 Clausura title alongside his twin, Angel. International caps soon followed: first under Victor Genes, then for the experienced Argentinian coach Ramon Diaz, who will lead Paraguay into the Copa America.
Romero is unlikely to be a guaranteed starter, but his attributes should, at the very least, make him one of the first options Diaz turns to if his side are in need of goals. He is not the most dynamic of players, but this small and stocky, left-footed playmaker is highly adept at taking up good positions to provide a link between midfield and attack, and he possesses the necessary inventiveness and deftness of touch to unlock opposition defences.
The 22-year-old moved to Racing Club in Argentina only in January but could find himself on the shopping list of European clubs if he can be a difference-maker for Paraguay in Chile.