Four years ago, Gregor Kobel travelled to Qatar as an understudy to Yann Sommer. The goalkeeper's focus was on acquainting himself with the competition, gaining experience and being ready if and when called upon.
Today, his role in the Nati camp has completely changed: the 28-year-old is undisputed No1 – and one of the key players in a team aiming to go deep at the .
“It makes me very proud to play for Switzerland,” he says. “A World Cup is always an emotional tournament. Getting to play for your country is something really special. That’s why I’m very proud and grateful for this opportunity.”
The fact that he now takes to the pitch with a totally different set of responsibilities is the result of a journey that began back in Qatar, when Kobel made his World Cup bow in a decisive victory over Serbia – a moment that continues to shape him to this day.
“Four years ago, it was a brilliant experience for me to see how a World Cup works,” he recalls. “I played against Serbia when we secured our place in the knockout stage. Things are different now, and I’m delighted that I’ve been given this opportunity.”
In Sommer, the Swiss have said farewell to a keeper who left his mark on the national team over many years. Kobel speaks with great respect about his predecessor, but also makes it clear that every No1 has his own style.
“Yann and I are very different goalkeepers,” he says. “Even so, I learnt a lot from him. He was a true professional; he worked with incredible consistency and paid close attention to his training and diet. Above all, his work ethic was impressive.”
It is precisely that professionalism that now also defines Kobel’s own image. Rather than grandstanding, he is a keeper who relies on composure – a quality that can often make all the difference, particularly on football’s biggest stage.
“Of course, I always try to give the team a sense of security and stability whenever I can,” he explains. “As a keeper, you never know when you’ll be needed. That’s why you have to be ready at all times. I want to use my experience to instil a sense of calm and be there for the team at crucial moments.”
That sense of calm is also reflected in the Swiss side’s identity. Coach Murat Yakin has high hopes that this World Cup campaign can be a historic one for the Nati. Kobel shares his coach’s optimism, but without letting himself get carried away.
“We’ve put together a very good team,” says the Borussia Dortmund custodian. “We have a good mix of experience, young talent and quality. That is the key to success. I think we can go toe to toe with anyone.”
At the same time, Kobel knows just how fine the line is between success and disappointment at a World Cup.
“In the end, you never know how a match will play out or how far you can go,” he says. “We all want to succeed, and we’ll all do our very best to make that happen. You simply have to give it your all on the pitch – right down to the very end. Then we’ll see how far it takes us.”
Kobel is not one for overblown statements. Rather, his words convey a sense of calm that has developed over the years. That young keeper who gained valuable experience in Qatar has become a vital figure who wants to give his team one thing above all else: a sense of security.
And that is precisely what could prove invaluable for Switzerland as they now move into the knockout rounds, with a meeting with Algeria in the Round of 32 in Vancouver.
Sources: FIFA Official
