Abreu eyeing World Cup swansong

Uruguay and Botafogo striker Sebastian Abreu has his sights set on representing his country at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

The 34-year-old striker scored the penalty that put Uruguay into the semi-finals in South Africa in 2010, and he’s looking forward to appearing on the world stage again one last time.

Abreu, who is Uruguay’s second-highest scorer ever with 30 goals, is aiming to finish his career in the South American showcase before moving into management.

“My dream is to be able to play the World Cup here in Brazil and then get prepared mentally to retire and begin my career as a coach,” Abreu said.

But there is still a lot of football to be played before the finals kick-off in 2014, and the Uruguayan insists he has plenty of goals left in him for his club Botafogo in the Brazilian Serie A, where they finished sixth last term.

“My idea is for our team to be competitive, to fight, to get a spot in the Copa Libertadores and stay at the top of the table,” he said. “And if by the second half of the season you are near the top it is easier to go for the title.”

“In the world Brazilian football is the fourth power. After Italy, Spain and England comes Brazil.”

“That shows the country is among the best and anybody who has the possibility of playing here has to be proud to compete, play and be at the same level as the other players.”