Voronin not giving up on World Cup

Andriy Voronin claims he has not given up on his dream of representing Ukraine at next year’s World Cup finals despite being left out of his country’s squad for the double-header with Greece.

The 'Yellow-Blues' will go head-to-head with Sotirios Kyrgiakos' Greece in Athens today in the first leg of the World Cup qualifying play-offs.
 
The two sides will then do battle again on Wednesday to determine which nation will head to the 2010 tournament in South Africa.
 
Although Voronin was omitted from Ukraine's 24-man squad, the Liverpool forward has held talks with coach Olexiy Mikhailichenko and is confident he still has a future at international level.
 
"I have spoken with the coach of the national team and I do not have a problem with him," Voronin told Liverpoolfc.tv.
 
"At the moment, it's better for me, and him, that I don't go with the national team and stay here to train with Liverpool."
 
Meanwhile, Voronin has revealed the play-off tie has been the source of some dressing room banter between himself and Reds teammate Kyrgiakos.
 
"We have been speaking about it a lot, and joking as well," said the 30-year-old.
 
"When he left to join up with Greece, I wished him good luck and told him we will see who the better team is and who'll be playing in the finals.
 
"For every player, it is a big ambition to play at a World Cup. I hope Ukraine win and then we will see what happens next summer."