Copa America 2015 - Team of the Tournament
It was a memorable Copa América in Chile where the hosts ended their 99-year wait to claim their first-ever international trophy. Meanwhile for runners-up Argentina, their 22 years without a senior title continues.It was a tournament defined by positive football, shocks, and some great goals, a serious step up on 2011’s Copa América where defences ruled. Chile and Argentina were the two most positive teams in the tournament and played out a tense final that was cat-and-mouse at times. But who were the standout players in the cup? Keep reading on to find out our selection of XI stars to make up the team of the competition –
#1 Goalkeeper: Claudio Bravo (Chile)
The winning captain and the winner of the Golden Glove award, there was little doubt that the Barcelona man was the best keeper on show here. Keeping four clean sheets in six games was only part of it; he led from the back, sweeping up behind his defence to always offer a passing outlet should his defenders feel the pressure; and the choice and crispness of his passing was in keeping with his side’s philosophy of moving the ball quickly.
A thoroughly modern goalkeeper, having just enjoyed an exceptional first season at Barcelona, he stood head and shoulders above the competition here. The one aberration was the three goals conceded against Mexico in the group stage draw - more the fault of the defence, truth be told - but other than that he was imperious and it’s fitting that his shootout save from Éver Banega proved decisive.