AMSTERDAM – It can be a bit tricky discussing the potential adventures that could await happy-go-lucky Rosenborg midfield ace Mix Diskerud at the 2014 World Cup next month in Brazil.
It's certainly not that the 23-year-old US playmaker is the evasive type. As his homey and often-hilarious Big Soccer thread routinely shows, Diskerud will happily chat up everyone on a wide variety of topics from soccer to his zest to own a Taco Bell franchise to his choice of hair products.
Actually, the thing that keeps him from expounding on the fact that he's likely the player US national team head coach Jurgen Klinsmann will turn to when he wants an idea man is quite simple: Diskerud refuses to assume he'll be one of the 23 players on the plane to Brazil.
"I can play different roles, hopefully that helps," Diskerud, who often plays a bit deeper in the Rosenborg midfield than he does with the US, told MLSsoccer.com by phone from Norway. "I'm just happy if I get to camp, do my best and get to be with my friends."
Currently six points from the summit following their first loss of the young season, Rosenborg will visit Sandnes Ulf on Monday in what will likely be Diskerud's last game with the club for an extended stretch. And if making the World Cup squad is a major goal for the year, then bringing the Tippeligaen crown back to Trondheim is another.
The Oslo, Norway, native knows full well what is expected at Rosenborg, where they've celebrated 22 league titles, and 18 of those since 1988. Diskerud wants nothing more than a knock off Sandnes Ulf, only then will he turn his attention toward the hunt for US glory.
"The fans want the gold medal," he said with all seriousness. "It's been three years, so it's about time. We want to win the cup, too. We've grown together. When we play to our capability, there is no one who can beat us."
One of his Rosenborg teammates, Costa Rica defender Christian Gamboa, is also aiming to be in Brazil. The Ticos wingback is busy regaining fitness just in time for his expected camp invite, so Diskerud assures there hasn't been any pre-summer smack talk between the CONCACAF rivals.
In fact, he says both are rooting for the other to fare well at the World Cup – so long as they remain separated in the tournament.
"If we do play against them, then the psychological games will probably start," chuckled Diskerud. "Until then, it's good for CONCACAF if we all do well."
