Mikkel Diskerud can choose US or Norway NT [R] includes NT results

Re: Mikkel Diskerud can choose US or Norway NT

Just for comparison sake:

USA have won the CONCACAF Gold Cup (The Regional Championship) the last 2 times: 2007, 2005.

Norway have not qualified for the UEFA European Championship since 2000(1st Round).

USA have qualified for the last five World Cups, 2006(1st Round), 2002(Quarterfinals - Lost to eventual 2nd place team Germany 1-0), 1998(1st Round), 1994(2nd Round - Lost to eventual champions Brazil 1-0), 1990(1st Round).

Norway have not qualified for a World Cup since 1998(2nd Round).

Just to make clear: I'm not insulting Norway, and qualifying from UEFA is probably slightly harder than CONCACAF. I'm just providing the facts.

I don't have the data, but I believe that USA has qualified for more World Youth Championships (U-20's) and Olympics (U-23's) than Norway.

Re: Mikkel Diskerud can choose US or Norway NT

My apologies if I came across too harshly.

You're correct that I was commenting, in general, on the undercurrent of hate that runs in this board for anyone who considers their options or dares to choose a country other than the U.S.

If its not the right choice for the player, it's just not right for anyone.

Good on him, if Mikkel was able to parlay his showing for our U20's into a shot at Norway's youth system. The FIFA system is built to accomodate it (maybe not intentionally), if that's what it takes to get noticed.

Re: Mikkel Diskerud can choose US or Norway NT

I don't seem harsh, but if any kid is going to play for USA, they should at least lived here, had some USA interaction, they actually care for the US, not play because they aren't good enough their homeland.

Re: Mikkel Diskerud can choose US or Norway NT

Guiseppe Nazzani is more than welcome to help shore up LB

Re: Mikkel Diskerud can choose US or Norway NT

I don't disagree, if we're speaking about the senior side or the Olympic team.

But youth teams (U20 and below),..... I think we need to find players where we can. Allegiances should be allowed to develope. There's nothing to say that a player (Mikkel for instance) couldn't develop deep ties to the Nats by the time he got to that level, if he's good enough to represent us.

My tone might change if say, we had a kid go through Residency and then change, but USSF should also be smart enough to protect it's investments.

Re: Mikkel Diskerud can choose US or Norway NT

Lived here?
Do you mean in Uruguay?

But seriously, don't we want some of our kids to get international experience and sign up for South American and European clubs, and stay abroad for as long as it takes.
Why then a problem if someone continues to play soccer in the foreign country they have gone to school in, before they come back to the US.

I don't think anyone wants to play for a NT where the fans/supporters considers them unfit to represent the jersey. Stained shirts, bloody shirts!
Hasn't most US blood spilled in US uniforms and shirts been spilled abroad?
Don't you think it even in this decade (especially) has been harder and harder to stand up and defend the American ideals and values for those who wear the stars and stripes in foreign lands as a minority, constantly.

Let the kid play for his conviction when he needs to make an ultimate decision. Until then, let him get all the valuable experience he can get. But don't mock any one who has to live on the protective fence about their loyalty. Or do you think all pride, nationalism and soccer skills are best taught in the heartlands like Topeka, Kansas?

Re: Mikkel Diskerud can choose US or Norway NT

Players like Regis is example of not good enough for his native homeland, was in two World Cups without care for US. Issue is more about identy and nationalist pride for country you play for, not to be mercenary. Like that canuck played for England without ever living there, just because Canada wasn't good enough. I understand Turks not being born Turkey playing for Turkey, because of turkish identy, pride and its a nationalist culture.

I was born in another country, but theres something that connects me with the US; my time with US Navy, punk music and high school etc.... I stand up for US in another countries with bashing, comments that "americans have no culture", but the same people say that ...enjoy jazz music ( an American product ) or cheesey US pop song.

Re: Mikkel Diskerud can choose US or Norway NT

Well, I ain't the judge of loyalty at this point, whether The star spangled banner, punk music, baseball or soccer should be the values of determination in regard to acceptable nationalism.

Re: Mikkel Diskerud can choose US or Norway NT

Do you know Mikkel Spunk?

Re: Mikkel Diskerud can choose US or Norway NT

I saw two U-20 matches between Fredrikstad and Stabæk last year where Mikkel Diskerud played midfield. The last one being the semi-final in the NM-cup that Stabæk ended up winning.

I have talked to members of both their junior squad, and also to members of his previous coaching team.

I would think Stabæk in their own self interest, wants him to make Norway his priority if it comes to making a final NT commitment.

I would like him to go with the US NT, and I hope he hasn't been demoralized read this thread.

Re: Mikkel Diskerud can choose US or Norway NT

Well thanks for your posts!

Has Mikkel read this thread?

If he is/has. Mikkel I know how you feel. I am a dual Irish/American!

Don't let stupid posters annoy you. Choose the country that you want to play for the most, but give USA a shot! It sounds like you are a talented player and we have a successful team that you could possibly improve.

http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=17123043&postcount=44

Re: Mikkel Diskerud can choose US or Norway NT

Hi, this is Mikkel Diskerud

Now I have read this thread. There is alot of interesting comments If anybody is wondering about something, dont hesitate to ask

Re: Mikkel Diskerud can choose US or Norway NT

awesome, we got another one. guess ill start with the questions. How much do you weigh? what is your favorite color? will you play for the US or Norway? What is your opinion on todays economic climate and what can we do to fix it?

Re: Mikkel Diskerud can choose US or Norway NT

Stabæk, my team wants me to play for Norway. Personally I want to play for the first team that chooses me for the qualyfing matches. I have only participated in friendly mathes for both national teams

Re: Mikkel Diskerud can choose US or Norway NT

Hello Mikkel.

Heres my questions....

Have you ever lived in the USA? Or just visited? Whats your favorite American team ( any sport )?

Re: Mikkel Diskerud can choose US or Norway NT

Never lived in the US, but I travel there 3-4 times a year to visit my family. Phoenix Suns, basketball. Steve Nash

Re: Mikkel Diskerud can choose US or Norway NT

Hello Mikkel,

Thanks for taking questions.

Have you had contact with the US program since you played for the Norway U18's? Have you spoken with Thomas Rongen recently?

I'm interested to know what kind of reaction the U.S. had to your playing for Norway so soon after representing our U20's. Personally, I don't have a problem with you trying to find the best situation for yourself. At the same time, I could see where Rongen and the USSF might think you weren't seriously considering representing the USA.....especially after you played against them.

Like I say, it didn't really bother me, but I am really curious to hear your thoughts on that as well as hearing any reaction the U.S. had, if you've spoken with them since.

Best of luck to you and Stabek this season. (I know I spelled the team name in correctly. Best I could do with my U.S. keyboard.)

Re: Mikkel Diskerud can choose US or Norway NT

Hello Mikkel

Do you think you will play in any of the U-20's between Fredrikstad and your club this year?

What is your opinion of the Fredrikstad A-squad this year, after having met them at La Manga?

If you decide to go with the NT of Norway, would you still consider playing against the US in a world cup game, or in an official FIFA match?

Were you at all dissatisfied with Rongen and his org.?

Re: Mikkel Diskerud can choose US or Norway NT

Well actually I played for Norway under 20 against Italy a week ago. No, I haven't spoken with the US program since the portugal trip. I wasn't contacted for the next trip they had. And when Norway wanted me, I had to make a decision. I would think that Rongen would be more interested to have me, if Norway also wanted me.

Haha, Stabek is fine with me. Thanks for your thoughts though. I appreciate it

Re: Mikkel Diskerud can choose US or Norway NT

Never contacted you?! What do Rongen and his cronnies do all day? This sounds an awful lot like the Neven Subotic story already. Jeez, they could have atleast kept up with you. It's too bad Rongen is in charge of such a critical age group for the USA.

Re: Mikkel Diskerud can choose US or Norway NT

I hope I will play that game. Allways cool to play Fredrikstad. Why do you wonder about them though....? I hope also that I am on the bench against their A-team. They have great players, my grandfather has them as his favorite team. I think they will be on the top half of the table.

If we met the American team, I would have no choice but to play. I dont thing Rongen would care that much, since I haven't heard from him......

I really had a great time with the American NT, it was great. The players and staff. I want to play for the US team.

Re: Mikkel Diskerud can choose US or Norway NT

Well it would have been nice if he gave me an update on how my situation lookes like. Since I didn't hear from them, I didn't want the Norwegian NT oppurtunity get away from me. But I am not going to critisize Rongen, he is a great coach

Re: Mikkel Diskerud can choose US or Norway NT

Hi Mikkel,

Two quick questions. How do you pronounce your name? What is your preferred position?

Thanks for talking with us and giving us an update. Hope you have nothing but success.(With your club and whatever country you choose *cough*US*cough*)

Re: Mikkel Diskerud can choose US or Norway NT

Hey Mikkel!

Thanks for posting here!

It's nice to see that you have interest in playing for the USA.

Have you thought of contacting Rongen to let him know you are still interested? (He may not know that you are still interested)

Thanks for being cool and posting!