Rio De Janeiro, Sep 10 (IANS): The Chilean women's football team will be aiming to create history in more ways than one at this month's Copa America in Ecuador.

The South American nation will be aiming to qualify for their maiden World Cup when the tournament begins Thursday. First place would guarantee the team a berth at next year's World Cup in Canada and the Rio 2016 Olympics, reports Xinhua.

It would also make them the first side to qualify for the 12-team event here in 2016 Olympics.

"Chile have never played in a World Cup, and our objective is to guarantee a place in this competition," goalkeeper and captain Christiane Endler told the official Rio 2016 Games website.

"If we succeed in winning the Copa America and qualify for the Olympic Games, it will be fantastic. Our group is committed to this objective and the results we have achieved recently show how hard we have been working."

Chile warmed up for the event by finishing runners up as hosts of the South American Games earlier this year.

The Rio 2016 tournament will include two teams from South America - including hosts Brazil - three from Europe, two from Africa, two from Asia, two from North and Central America and one from Oceania.