Gregor Kobel makes up for lost time as Switzerland’s number one at the World Cup | OneFootball

Gregor Kobel has seized his chance as Switzerland’s number one and now faces Argentina in a World Cup quarter-final, kick-off three am on Sunday. According to L'Équipe, the 28-year-old is contesting his first tournament as the national side’s starter.

He was hailed after saving Cucho Hernandez’s effort in the last-16 shootout as Switzerland beat Colombia 0-0 after extra time, 4-3 on penalties.

First called up in 2017, Kobel has only 26 caps, long kept behind Yann Sommer. Sommer’s retirement from international duty after Euro 2024 opened the way, and while he remained the public favourite, regular observers had already backed Kobel.

Patrick Foletti, Switzerland’s goalkeeping coach, recalls a fiercely focused 11-year-old at Grasshoppers. At 16 Kobel left school for Hoffenheim, and Julian Nagelsmann later handed him a Bundesliga debut.

He established himself at Augsburg, Stuttgart and Dortmund. Former Switzerland defender Johan Djourou considers him a quiet leader with a big personality, and coaches speak of a commanding presence.

Kobel cried when told he would be number one, revealing a sensitive side. After beating Colombia he admitted he struggled for words, but still called it the best day of his sporting life.

A first World Cup semi-final is within reach for Switzerland, and Kobel could further cement his place.

Source: L'Équipe