The Curious History of the 'Copa Bolivia': Why No National Team Wants to Win It
- ByEmilia Ramos --
- 2024-06-17 14:37:51 --
- 0 Comments --
- BOL
As the highly anticipated 2024 Copa América tournament approaches, football enthusiasts in South America are abuzz with anticipation. This prestigious competition, the oldest international football tournament in the world, is set to commence on June 20th. However, amidst the excitement, there is a curious story that has been haunting the event for over two decades: the 'Copa Bolivia', a trophy that no team wishes to claim.
What is the 'Copa Bolivia' and Why Does No One Want It?
The 'Copa Bolivia' is not a separate competition, but rather a trophy that is awarded to the runner-up team of the Copa América final. The origin of this peculiar prize dates back to 1997, when the tournament was hosted by Bolivia. The local team managed to reach the final but ultimately fell to Brazil by a score of 3-1 at the Hernando Siles Stadium in La Paz. In an attempt to recognize the host nation, the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) decided to create this trophy.
The reason why no team desires to win the 'Copa Bolivia' is simple: no one wants to be the second-best. Every national team that participates in the Copa América is laser-focused on securing the ultimate victory, and the prospect of receiving a consolation prize is far from appealing.
The Country with the Most 'Copa Bolivia' Titles
Given the widespread aversion towards this trophy, the 'Copa Bolivia' is often classified as an unwanted award, akin to a mere participation prize. Nevertheless, since 1997, each runner-up team has been awarded the smaller version of the coveted Copa América trophy.
The country that has received the 'Copa Bolivia' the most times is Argentina, having won it in 2004, 2007, and 2015. Other nations that have also claimed this trophy are Uruguay in 1999, Mexico in 2001, Paraguay in 2011, and Brazil in the most recent edition of 2021. It's worth noting that Peru also has a 'Copa Bolivia' in their trophy cabinet, having finished as runners-up in the 2019 Copa América.
"The possession of the COPA AMÉRICA and COPA BOLIVIA trophies shall be temporary, and they must be returned to CONMEBOL upon the draw for the next edition of the tournament."
As per CONMEBOL's statutes, the 'Copa Bolivia' remains in the possession of the team that won it until the start of the next edition of the tournament. The only exception was in 2016, when the trophy was not awarded as it was a special centennial edition of the Copa América.
Zago Excludes Vaca and Romero from Bolivia's Copa América Squad
In other news, the Bolivian national team has announced its 26-man roster for the upcoming Copa América. Head coach Antonio Carlos Zago has left out defenders Pablo Vaca (Always Ready) and César Romero (Blooming) from the final list.
The Bolivian squad has been in the final stages of their preparation, having played three friendly matches with losses against Mexico (1-0), Ecuador (3-1), and Colombia (3-0). Zago had given playing time to both Vaca and Romero in the match against the Americans, but they did not feature in the subsequent defeats. Both players will be returning to their respective clubs in the coming hours.
The official organization of the Copa América has released the official lists of the 16 participating teams, including the squad numbers of the players.
Bolivia's Copa América Squad
- Goalkeepers: 23- Guillermo Viscarra (The Strongest), 1- Carlos Lampe (Bolívar), 12- Gustavo Almada (Universitario).
- Defenders: 3- Diego Medina (Always Ready), 17- Roberto Carlos Fernández (Baltika), 24- Marcelo Suárez (Always Ready), 2- Jesús Sagredo (Bolívar), 21- José Sagredo (Bolívar), 4- Luis Haquin (Ponte Preta), 5- Adrián Jusino (The Strongest) and 25- Yomar Rocha (Bolívar).
- Midfielders: 6- Leonel Justiniano (Bolívar), 16- Boris Cespedes (Yverdon), 15- Gabriel Villamil (LDU), 22- Héctor Cuéllar (Always Ready), 20- Fernando Saucedo (Bolívar), 14- Robson Matheus (Always Ready), 7- Miguel Terceros (Santos), 10- Ramiro Vaca (Bolívar) and 26- Adalid Terrazas (Always Ready).
- Forwards: 13- Lucas Chávez (Bolívar), 8- Jaume Cuéllar (Barcelona Atlétic), 18- Rodrigo Ramallo (The Strongest), 9- César Menacho (Blooming), 11- Carmelo Algarañaz (Bolívar) and 19- Bruno Miranda (The Strongest).
With the official squad revealed, the Bolivian national team is now in the final stages of their preparation for the 2024 Copa América. As the tournament approaches, the anticipation and excitement continue to build, but the shadow of the elusive 'Copa Bolivia' remains a curious footnote in the history of this prestigious competition.