By Tim Vickery BBC Sport Online

Many South American countries spent last week's international matches reflecting on their history.

Brazil, for example, put 71-year-old Mario Zagallo back in the managerial saddle for one last ride.

'Lobo' had a hand in his nation's first four World Cup wins.

But a stain had been left on his impeccable record by the manner of his previous departure.

Zagallo's last match in charge had been the France 98 final, when his team were crushed 3-0 by the host nation.

He was unable to explain the selection of a sick Ronaldo.

But last Wednesday, away to South Korea, Zagallo got the send-off he deserved.

Refusing to turn the game into a mere exhibition match, the team recognised the significance of the occasion and got a 3-2 win.

As the team chaired Zagallo off the pitch, the coach successfully rewrote the end of his story with the Selecao.

Aguinaga has played his 100th game for Ecuador

But it was still a friendly.

The real task of rebuilding the team starts next year when a new coach can use the latest crop of talent from Brazil's active production line.

Equador also face a rebuilding job.

The career of their captain and talisman Alex Aguinaga is coming to a close.

Last week, he played his 100th full international as Ecuador hosted Costa Rica.

He celebrated by scoring a penalty in the 2-2 draw. But his country will have to learn to live without him.

Argentina had to summon courage to look back at last summer's diary of disappointment.

Their first game since the World Cup sent them back to Japan.

It was a case of same place, same coach, same players and same system.

Unsurprisingly, the national mood is dour, as the Argentine public lack the fervour for their national team which they had six months ago.

But Wednesday's 2-0 win served to shake out the World Cup cobwebs.

Road to Germany

With the World Cup qualifiers due to start in August, new players will be given an opportunity to prove their mettle.

It will surely be the most testing campaign in the continent's history.

There are no longer any weak teams, at least on their own soil.

Every point won away from home will have to be earned.

Argentina had a disappointing World Cup in Japan

South America's traditional whipping boys have been investing in youth development, and are beginning to reap the benefits.

Last year, Venezuela ended their 2002 qualification campaign with an unprecedented three consecutive home wins - plus a 2-0 victory over Chile in Santiago.

Since then, they have staged home matches against Bolivia, Ecuador and now Uruguay and beaten them all.

It is the kind of form which means they can hardly wait for the next campaign to start.

While it may be too early to dream about reaching the 2006 World Cup, there is no doubt that they are moving in the right direction.

Next year could herald the era of the underdogs in South America.

Dwelling unnecessarily on their glorious past could do great harm to the fortunes of the continent's elite.