Wellington’s Carlos Hernandez has been named in a 26-man squad by Costa Rica, who are drawn in Group D alongside England, Italy and Uruguay at the World Cup.
Wellington’s Carlos Hernandez has been named in a 26-man squad by Costa Rica, but his compatriot and Phoenix teammate Kenny Cunningham has been left out of his nation’s side to face England, Italy and Uruguay at the World Cup.
Hernandez was one of the Phoenix’s leading players this season and could now get the shot to take on the likes of Luis Suarez, Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard and Andrea Pirlo in Brazil.
Jorge Luis Pinto will trim his squad to 23 on May 31 with Hernandez, who has 39 caps for Costa Rica, is hoping to take part in his second World Cup after his appearance in Germany in 2006.
But the news wasn’t so good for Cunningham, who didn’t do enough during his stint with the Phoenix this season to impress Pinto.
The 28-year-old will now instead take a short break before returning to pre-season training with Wellington on June 2.
Hernandez is also contracted to the Phoenix for next Hyundai A-League season but admitted there was no guarantees he would remain with the club.
“In football, things happen, if one team has a good offer for me. At the moment I have a contract with the Phoenix for one more year and I’m focused for the national team,” Hernandez said.
“But say I go to the World Cup, maybe that opens the door because an offer comes.”
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