Re: Mikkel Diskerud can choose US or Norway NT [R] Gent is a beautiful city, and with a size and atmosphere just the way I like it. I had not been to the city before K.A.A. Gent approached my agents, and I have been positively surprised. In terms of soccer, the culture is certainly different from what I am used to. But that should be the interesting part, and what gives me new challenges.
Re: Mikkel Diskerud can choose US or Norway NT [R] Several. At least there are several I have tried to use a motivational characters. Two examples: 1) -Pirlo for the way he reads how to make the right moves to create effective and sudden attacks. 2) -Iniesta for the way he approaches challenges and ends up with a smile.
Re: Mikkel Diskerud can choose US or Norway NT [R] 1. Thx 2. I can improve in all departments. And I think I shall. To stay healthy and fit is so important. Therefore, to constantly improve the way and with what apparatus I train while having the fysios help me figuring out my body's capacity - that is possibly where what I can improve the most.
Re: Mikkel Diskerud can choose US or Norway NT [R] In the last decades we (MEXICO & USA) have been the two best teams in the region and in CONCACAF. That alone should spark a rivalry. Then we all know our two countries have "issues", and some of those probably add more than a little extra to these matches. But personally, I love Mexico. The country and their people have always been good to me. (I have written something to that fact when I answered questions here before.) I have spent a lot of time in Mexico, and I know that their passion and dedication to what the game is all about is part of the reason why I have tried to become one who really gives myself a chance to see if I can reach some of what has been labelled unattainable by so many who I have had to listened to. To sit and eat simple but great foods at small street corners, while trucs are pulling up with full blast on their radios where maybe a re-run of an old soccer game is being aired. To watch how the kids are organizing their own games, sometimes on just dusty non-paved dirt. But with the same passion as any professional, and screaming out who they pretend they are playing in the Azteca or at a WC final. To be able to discuss soccer and local or international matches by using arms and legs and name dropping, and being able to do so with virtually half the population in any community. To have experienced that, from I was little, -made me humble and emotional when I finally was allowed to face some of their best men in the sport that I want to be best at too. So in my mind, we played a friendly game and didn't have to beat each other on wednesday. Rather, we showed each other and the people watching - how football can be played. Dos cero(s), or dos equis - your pick!
Re: Mikkel Diskerud can choose US or Norway NT [R] Thanks for your interesting replys! Could you please explain these differences more detailed?
Re: Mikkel Diskerud can choose US or Norway NT [R] I agree with you when it comes to the Azteca. If it becomes a reality for me some day - I doubt anything that previously will have taken place in my career will even be comparable. That is...........unless the soil that has gotten stuck on my untouchable Nike's were to stem from the grassy lawn of Wembley.
Re: Mikkel Diskerud can choose US or Norway NT [R] Mikkel, Are there any big differences that you have noticed between the training in Stabaek and in Gent?
Re: Mikkel Diskerud can choose US or Norway NT [R] Not only are you gracious and classy but you have just shown yourself to be insightful as well. Your shot was on with good power from what looked to be a half volley. There's nothing wrong with that! Having a good long shot is never a bad thing on an attacking midfielders resume.
Re: Mikkel Diskerud can choose US or Norway NT [R] Congrats on your first dos a cero against El Tri, Diskerud. May you be involved in many more. I live in the Dallas area and got to see the game. I thought that you were a standout among all of the players in Frisco that night. Your creative mind is what makes you stand apart, so please don't quit following that muse! A creative midfielder is what makes the world turn in footie. I look forward to seeing you through qualifying and at Gent. Godspeed and best of fortune to you and the boys.
Re: Mikkel Diskerud can choose US or Norway NT [R] I can not, and will not comment on that. However, I would like to say that it has been a pleasure to spend time with all of the players that have been part of the camps leading up to Porter's final selection. Almost without exception all participants have contributed toward the right spirit, dedication, fun, team improvement and quality. Also, be aware that a coach will seldom pick only from the "best players - criterium", but based on what he believes will give the optimal mix. I have seen so much value put into this "team building effort" from players that probably won't be making the cut, but who a lot of BS posters constantly have been describing in undeserving ways. Our team and our olympic campaign will always be a product of who got us there, and whom by their challenges made the team better. I am certain I will be sad when I see the roster, whatever it is going to look like. And in respect to the ones that are not on the list, the ones on the list must accept and understand the obligation it comes with: The US should have a soccer team in the London Olympics. And definitely and deservingly so - if we can get the 12th player to accept responsibility for getting us there as well. (12th player = the true supporting crowd, including all of "Sam's Army")
Re: Mikkel Diskerud can choose US or Norway NT [R] Our fanbase is growing in quanta. As you will see over the course of your career with the USMNT, the general sporting public in the USA becomes more and more aware and involved every time the national teams accomplish great things. The forebearers of those positions on those rosters have had breakthroughs that elicited a sense of pride and appreciation in the hearts of the general US sports fan. Back well before I saw my first world cup in 1990, I wrote a letter to ESPN asking them why they didn't show soccer on television. They replied to me that there just wasn't interest to justify it to their advertisers. Despite functioning in a media vacuum domestically, from Paul Caligiuri to Clint Dempsey...the US players have built an honorable reputation of carrying a torch from competition to competition and they force their way into the national sports conversation by continually breaking new ground. Some people will tell you that the growth has been slow, but for those of us who played competitively in the US in the 1980's and 1990's, we can say that soccer in this country has come a LONG, long way very rapidly in many ways. It has come that far by the competitive will for greatness found in the players who carried that torch. You're about to get handed that torch. There is more glory on the horizon and new ground out there to plow. At the end of your career, how nice will it be to be able to look back and say that you were part of expanding the boundaries of what is possible for the next generation? We'll be watching and cheering you guys on for sure.
Re: Mikkel Diskerud can choose US or Norway NT [R] First of all good luck on this tournament and you guys take us to the promise land. You said you have talk about spending time in Mexico. May i ask what part of Mexico did you spent time in?
Re: Mikkel Diskerud can choose US or Norway NT [R] http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2012/03/14/american-exports-old-continent-rumor-mill-round how did he get that Olympic clause?
Re: Mikkel Diskerud can choose US or Norway NT [R] His determination has to be applauded. He is the first player I have heard of (from any Country) to literally give up paychecks to represent his Country. Thats really amazing in todays sports world.
Re: Mikkel Diskerud can choose US or Norway NT [R] Let's hope that Mix is right, and it turns out to be a priceless experience. I think it will be.
Re: Mikkel Diskerud can choose US or Norway NT [R] anybody know whats going to happen with his club situation. he really didnt get to play that much for gent because of the u 23
Re: Mikkel Diskerud can choose US or Norway NT [R] He talked about it at length earlier in the thread. Mix, you seem to not only be a great soccer player, but a great human being as well. Thank you for representing the USA.
Re: Mikkel Diskerud can choose US or Norway NT [R] More than likely they will take the option and sign him long term. Just my opinion because in just 3 weeks with the club he win a starting spot, plus he's young and has a great upside as well as being talented now.
Re: Mikkel Diskerud can choose US or Norway NT [R] The man himself. https://twitter.com/#!/MixDiskerud