Johannsson Is Happy He Chose the U.S. Dado Ruvic/Reuters Aron Johannsson, far right, made his senior international debut for the U.S. in a friendly against Bosnia-Herzegovina earlier this this month. As the United States national team prepares to resume World Cup qualifying after a successful three games in June in which it surged into first place in its regional qualifying group and won then won the Gold Cup, the team received a boost with the addition of AZ striker Aron Johannsson. Johannsson, 22, has been the subject of an international tug-of-war between the United States and Iceland but earlier this month the dual citizen ended the year-long saga announcing that he would play for the U.S team. Because Johannsson had played in official games with Iceland's under-21 team, he was required to file a one-time change of association application with FIFA. U.S Coach Jurgen Klinsmann pursued Johannsson since late last year when the young forward began to emerge as one of the most prolific scorers in the Danish Superliga at Aarhus. "I was just an Icelandic kid playing in Denmark, no big deal," Johannsson said about his initial conversation with Klinsmann. To get a call from a legend and the coach of the U.S team, it was really special. He showed me interest for more than a year. He kept calling me and telling me that he really wanted to see me play for the United States. The more I thought about it, it was a huge opportunity. After his initial call from Klinsmann, the decision of which national team to represent weighed heavily on Johannsson. In January, he was invited to participate in the U.S team's annual January camp but a hernia operation prevented him from attending. At the time Johannsson was also completing his transfer from Aarhus to AZ in the Netherlands" Eredivisie. During that time AZ's top striker was the U.S international Jozy Altidore, and Johannsson was being looked at as a potential replacement for Altidore who was widely expected to be transferred. Johannsson began to regain his health late in the second half of the Eredivisie season, and proved his value scoring three goals in five games. Altidore immediately saw Johannsson's ability and tried to convince him to play with the U.S team. "We spoke about the national team from time to time," Altidore said. I always encouraged him to play for the United States. He's a mix between a striker and a No. 10 in my opinion. He can score, but can also set up teammates and has good technique. We got along great all the time. He's such a smart player and I'm so happy he chose the U.S. I think he's going to be a huge asset going forward. When Johannsson announced his decision to play for the United States earlier this month, the reaction was met with both criticism and understanding in Iceland. One of the sharpest critics was Geir Thorsteinsson, the president of Iceland's federation, who suggested that Johannsson interest in playing for the United States purley financial. He even petitioned FIFA to change its rules to prevent the switch. "He has his opinion and I have mine," Johannsson said of Thorsteinsson's remarks. But it's his opinion and I respect that. With everyone I've spoken to, a lot of them wanted me to play for Iceland but they understand it was not their choice and it was my choice. They respected that. Leaving for the United States is high-risk, high-reward. As the U.S team has continued to improve, it has become an increasingly difficult team for a player to make, but it also offers the opportunity to play in a World Cup every four years. Iceland, on the other hand, has never qualified. "I thought about it for a long, long time and in the end I thought it was the best decision for me and my family," Johannsson said. My dad was especially excited for me. When I was younger he wanted me to play at the highest level possible. This made him happy. Johannsson made his senior international debut for the U.S. when he was inserted in the 63rd minute of the game against Bosnia-Herzegovina. Johannsson showed his potential with a lively start, combining well with his teammates and consistently looking dangerous in the 4-3 win. Johannsson's long-time Icelandic agent Magnus Agnar Magnusson has watched his client publicly deal with the decision for the past year but is happy with the outcome. "I spoke to Aron after the game against Bosnia he was 100 percent sure that he made the right decision," Magnusson said.