Walter Pandiani admits he has not given up hope of gracing the 2010 World Cup with Uruguay.
Osasuna striker hoping to earn international recall
Walter Pandiani admits he has not given up hope of gracing the 2010 World Cup with Uruguay.
The Osasuna frontman has not featured for his country since 2004, despite being a regular goalscorer throughout his distinguished career.
He still harbours international ambitions, though, having settled back in Spain following a brief spell at Birmingham three years ago.
The 33-year-old insists he feels happy again at Osasuna, with a recent return to eye-catching form proving that he is still capable of providing a threat at the highest level.
Pandiani accepts that time is not on his side as he aims to impress national coach Oscar Tabarez, but he hopes his exploits in the Primera Liga this term will be enough to bring him back in from the wilderness.
"The media back home have called for me to be called up, so let's see what happens," Pandiani said in
Marca.
"It would be something special to be selected again, especially if I can help Uruguay to the World Cup."
Luck
Uruguay are set to face Costa Rica in a two-legged play-off for the right to take their place in South Africa, after finishing fifth in South American qualifying.
Should they successfully negotiate that contest, Pandiani is hoping he will be offered an opportunity to shine on the grandest stage in world football.
"Of course I would love to play at the World Cup," he said.
"But first we have to beat Costa Rica and that will be complicated.
"The main thing is to be successful in those games and if we reach the World Cup we will see if I am lucky enough to be involved.
"I don't want to complicate things, but I would welcome the opportunity should it come along."
