Bolivia's Decade-Long Drought: Zago's Quest for Copa America Victory

Bolivia's coach, Antonio Carlos Zago, aims to end the national team's decade-long winless streak in the Copa America. Facing the U.S. in the opening match, Zago seeks to reset the team's fortunes with a young, well-trained squad. Improvement in local championships is essential for long-term success.

Bolivia coach Antonio Carlos Zago has said that a team cannot go a decade without winning a Copa America game, and they will be looking to get a victory under their belt when they take on the United States in their opening match on Sunday. Zago is confident his side can break a powerful curse as they face the hosts at the continental showpiece, having failed to pick up any points or progress beyond the group stage in the last three editions of the Copa America.

"We're working step by step, trying to improve, trying to get this win, because a country with good players like us can't go ten years without winning a Copa America," he told a press conference on Saturday. The Brazilian, who is trying to give the national team a new face, pointed out that a big part is improving the local championship because the competition abroad is "bigger" than what exists in Bolivia.

"We need to improve in everything. It is a process, not only in the national team but also in the local tournaments and the national championship." He insisted that the current squad is a "young team" that can grow as they have had more time to train compared to the friendlies in the run-up to the tournament, in which Bolivia suffered three defeats, and added that he expects his side to play a great game against the U.S.

"May the best team win, and may the best team be us, but it would be important to start the Copa America with a win against the hosts. We have to play well on the pitch, try to play as short as possible and not give them any space because they are fast players," he added. Bolivia will also face Uruguay and Panama in Group C.

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