For all the stars and all the standout moments and games, what really tends to elevate an international tournament are the storylines that link it all together. They provide a dramatic thrust that only deepens the emotional effect of all the action.
Brazil 2014 had plenty of storylines, which is why it was one of the best World Cups of the past few decades. Those same storylines are also why this month's Copa America in Chile could rise to similar levels as a tournament.
All of the main challengers have deep motivation to succeed because of what happened in Brazil; all have something big to prove.