BELO HORIZONTE, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Uruguay's rich history of success in South American football is serving as a driving force as the Celeste bid for their 16th Copa America title in Brazil, head coach Oscar Tabarez said on Saturday.

Uruguay will begin their campaign on Sunday against Ecuador at Belo Horizonte's Mineirao stadium and Tabarez said his team felt an onus to add to the country's fine record in the competition.

"I don't see much sense in saying we're going to win when there are six games left, but we do not feel the weight of 15 titles, we feel an impetus from the 15 titles that we have won," Tabarez told a news conference here.

"We feel that we have a historical responsibility and a legacy that obliges us to give our best".

Uruguay have won more Copa America titles than any other team, with Argentina second (14 titles) and Brazil third (eight titles).

Tabarez said his squad's blend of youth and experience would be one of its strengths here, while reinforcing his belief that the Celeste can win their 16th title.

"We come here with certain expectations and we'll see who is the best on July 7, but we are aspiring to win, like all teams," he added.