The only time the Samba Kings have failed to reign over the last 14 years was in 2001 when host nation Colombia secured their one and only title thanks to a 1-0 win over Mexico.

However, they are not the favourites pre-tournament with that honour instead falling to the latest hosts, Argentina (evens), despite their shoddy performance on the international stage since taking the Copa America back in 1993.

Manchester City captain Carlos Tevez has underlined the importance of winning and he feels home advantage can help to banish the memories of near misses in 2004 and 2007.

“I am dying to win the Copa,” confirmed the industrious forward. “I played in the last two finals which we lost to Brazil. But now we will have home support behind us and this will be key.”

The winner is widely expected to be either Argentina or Brazil, with Chile the third favourites but still a 10/1 chance, which confirms the expected two-horse race.

The scene is set for Lionel Messi to take his place among the greats of world football, with arguably only the 24-year-old’s record at international level currently keeping him just below legendary status.

Messi’s importance to the cause has been highlighted by Angel di Maria – an enemy at club level since his switch to Real Madrid – who said of the Barcelona star: “We have got to show Argentina have it in us to win the title. That means getting the ball, moving it around and linking up with Leo.”

La Albiceleste get the ball rolling with a clash against Bolivia before what should be relatively straightforward meetings with Colombia and Costa Rica (Argentina 3-0  Correct Score – 9/2).

The prize for topping Group A for Argentina will be a quarter-final against the weakest side to emerge from the group stage and coach Sergio Batista, who tasted international glory with the side at the 2008 Olympics, will not have to remind his players of that fact.

Brazil - who face Paraguay, Venezuela and Ecuador in Group B – will also face a third-placed qualifier if they top their group and if, as expected, Argentina see off their last-eight opponents along with Brazil then the two will be kept apart in the semi-finals.

Prediction: Argentina to beat Brazil in the final in Buenos Aires on July 27.

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