All-Time Rest Of South America

This selection exists because South American football is much wider than its three giant flags. Remove Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay from the equation and there is still a serious, emotional, technically rich football continent left on the pitch.

Chile, Colombia, Peru, Paraguay, Ecuador and Venezuela give the side an expressive mix: Figueroa and Chumpitaz supply defensive authority, Chilavert and Higuita bring goalkeeping personality, while Cubillas, Valderrama, Alexis Sanchez, Salas, Falcao and Spencer add creativity, movement and finishing.

The 3-4-1-2 default is deliberate. The current pool is rich in centre-backs, creators and strikers, but lighter at natural left-back, so the shape lets the squad use its real strengths instead of forcing a conventional back four.

It should feel technical, proud and slightly unpredictable: not as deep as Brazil, Argentina or Uruguay, but dangerous enough to hurt elite teams when its creators find rhythm and the forwards attack the box with conviction.