IK Start’s Goodson intent on making World Cup squad

IK Start defender Clarence Goodson has his sights set on being selected for the USA World Cup squad.

The former FC Dallas man who moved to Sweden’s Tippeligaen to join IK Start in 2008 has identified the World Cup finals as a lifelong dream and hopes he can push for selection in upcoming friendlies with Bob Bradley’s squad.

“Any time you get the chance to play for your country is a massive deal. The friendlies are a very big opportunity. Anyone who thinks otherwise is only kidding themselves,” Goodson said in an interview with soccer365.com.

“It is really an opportunity to sort of prove you belong in the group. Europe is a tough place to play and I think whoever can prove they are a player Bob can rely on will continue to get looks and have a big chance to make the World Cup roster.”

The 27-year old admits he has targeted playing in a World Cup since the tournament made its way to the US in 1994 and plans to give it his all in the lead up to South Africa 2010.

“For me, the World Cup has always been my dream. When the World Cup came to the US in '94, I fell in love with the idea of playing in the tournament. I would run around in the living room reenacting goals I had watched earlier in the tournament,” he added.

“It wasn't until after the Gold Cup that I was able to crack into the "real" National Team. I know that I have a shot at making the team, but I also know that I still have to put in a great deal of work to do so.

“I have come a long ways since making the move to Europe and my plan is to continue that trend.”