By Tim Vickery

Solano will carry the hopes of the hosts on his shoulders

With Euro 2004 now consigned to the history books, the focus switches to South America, where the 41st Copa America kicks off in Peru on Tuesday.

It is the first time Peru have staged the competition since 1957 - and the balance of power in the South American game has gone through a startling change since then.

Uruguay went into the 1957 tournament as the reigning champions, having won their ninth title the previous year.

In addition, of course, they had their great Olympic triumphs from the 1920s and the World Cup wins of 1930 and 1950.

Argentina couldn't match Uruguay's global success because World War II coincided with the golden age of their football.

But they were top dogs on their own continent.

They won the 1957 tournament, bringing their total of Copa America titles up to 11.

Brazil had won the title only three times, all at home, and they were not in the same league.

Brazil have Ronaldinho in reserve

But all of that was about to change.

The 1957 tournament was Brazil's last before the emergence of Pele.

In the following year, his 17-year-old verve and genius helped the Brazilians win their first World Cup.

And less than half a century later there is no disputing his country's status as kings of the global game.

It is a position that allows Brazil to use the return of the Copa America to Peru in order to experiment.

They have sent a reserve squad and their players will be keen to make a good impression and force their way in to the starting line-up when World Cup qualification resumes at the start of September.

If they take advantage of their opportunity it will give more strength in depth to the senior squad.

But an early exit would not be a disaster for coach Carlos Alberto Parreira. He knows that he has the likes of Ronaldo, Ronaldinho Gaucho and Kaka up his sleeve.

Brazil, then, have little to lose and plenty to gain from the Copa America.

Bielsa's job is on the line

Meanwhile, Argentina coach Marcelo Bielsa has everything to lose.

He clung on to his job despite the desperate disappointment of first-round elimination in the last World Cup.

And he has been clinging on ever since despite howls of disapproval from the Buenos Aires crowd.

A month ago his team lost to Brazil and drew at home to Paraguay, weakening his grip still further, and a poor Copa America will surely see him fall.

So it is hardly surprising that the squad Argentina have sent to Peru is as close to full strength as possible.

Veron is not fit, Walter Samuel, Juan Roman Riquelme and Pablo Aimar have been ruled out but everyone else is here - except Hernan Crespo.

Bielsa appears to have come to the conclusion that the attack has let him down too often.

Argentina have been placed in the most difficult group - which is stirring up memories of the 2002 World Cup

The time has come to try a different approach, with Barcelona's slippery Javier Saviola finally given the chance to lead the attack.

Bielsa's strategy has always been built around a target man centre forward - now comes the adaptation to a smaller, more skilful type of striker.

It promises to be one of the most fascinating aspects of the tournament.