Copa America: Top 5 goals over last 20 years

The football world will focus its attention on South America for the second summer in a row as the 44th edition of the Copa America gets set to kick-off in Chile.

The likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Alexis Sanchez will spoil football supporters once again with their dazzling skills and otherworldly ability to capture imaginations with stunning golazos.

Here's a collection of the top five goals from the past 20 years:

5. Brazil's Adriano vs. Costa Rica (2004)

Before his career fizzled out, Adriano was tormenting defences with a combination of sheer power and gentle touch on the ball.

His skills were encapsulated during Brazil's 4-1 win against Costa Rica in the group stage, where Adriano put three beyond the Central American side. His first goal, however, was something to behold as Adriano expertly caresses a lob-pass from centre field before patiently out-waiting defenders and firing his shot into goal.

(Courtesy: Brasileira Selecao)

4. Brazil's Ronaldinho vs. Venezuela (1999)

The 1999 edition of the Copa America was Ronaldinho's introduction to the world.

In just his second appearance for the national team, Ronaldinho, 19, scored the first of his 33 goals during Brazil's 7-0 thrashing of Venezuela.

It was vintage Gaucho, as the 2005 Ballon d'Or winner showcased his superb footwork when he seamlessly flicked the ball over his opponent before thumping his shot past the 'keeper.

(Courtesy: שחר שחר)

3. Costa Rica's Paulo Wanchope vs. Uruguay (2001)

Paulo Wanchope's goal to bring Costa Rica level with Uruguay is the definition of hustle.

Even though Costa Rica went on to lose the match, Wanchope's goal was likely the hardest fought tally of the tournament's illustrious history.

The Costa Rican striker was continously forced to find alternative routes to goal after defenders thwarted a trio of advances. He finally broke through two defenders and squeaked the ball past the Uruguayan 'keeper despite being warranted limited space.

(Courtesy: yornom84)

2. Argentina's Lionel Messi vs. Mexico (2007)

The legend of Lionel Messi was only in its infancy during the 2007 edition of the Copa America. Yet his goal against Mexico in the semifinals provided a glimpse at the immense skills he was about to unleash on the world.

With his side up a goal on Mexico after an hour, Messi put the match away when he displayed his incomparable foresight and executed a perfect chip that helplessly sailed into the back of the net. It was the fourth of many golazos for Argentina.

Unfortunately for Argentina, they would go on to lose the final to their bitter rivals Brazil.

(Courtesy: jacksparrowGS)

1. Uruguay's Pablo Bengoechea vs. Brazil (1995)

It might not be the most spectacular, but Pablo Bengoechea's free-kick goal against Brazil will be remembered for its importance in helping propel Uruguay to its 14th Copa America title.

It's hard to blame people for predicting Brazil would capture the title following their victorious outing at the 1994 World Cup a year earlier, but Uruguay shocked the world when Bengoechea stepped up and calmly thumped his shot past Claudio Taffarel, who barely even attempted to save the perfectly-placed shot.

Uruguay were eventually crowned champions of South America following a penalty shootout.

(Courtesy: Kevin Ezequiel Melo)