Osvaldo Alonso is still patiently waiting for the Football Association of Cuba to allow him the opportunity to gain USA selection.
The 27-year old Seattle Sounders midfielder defected from Cuba to the United States in 2007 but has not yet been given the green light to play for the US team after he represented his native country 16 times before opting out.
Alonso feels his dream to play in a World Cup is running out and is hoping that the Cuban team can grant him a release to make him eligible to represent the USA.
"I grew up playing soccer in Cuba," he said. "But when you get to the national team you have no more levels to go. So I took advantage of the opportunity to come here to grow my success in soccer.
"It's been almost a year waiting for Cuba. But it is what it is. I have to wait until they say 'yes' to get the opportunity to play for the US."
He added: "You come here, you get the citizenship. You're in America. You live in this country forever.
"For me, one of the best things I did in the United States is become a citizen."
