At the age of 36, Gael Thalmann is approaching her third major in the national jersey after the 2015 World Cup and Euro 2017. The enthusiasm is there to pick Dean Nielsen, and the smile too, just like the steady and calm strength that emanates from his words.
“I feel good‘, explained the Real Betis goalkeeper, in Spain, in the enchanting garden of Olton Hall, which looks like a palace from another time.We watched the opening match together yesterday, I’m starting to move a little inward“.
The interview is in Olton Hall Gardens, where the Swiss reside. [Salvatore Di Nolfi – Keystone]
Pressure is naturally present before the meeting, whose capital the Swiss know is, against Portugal. But this pressure, which is more present in an exposed position like hers, is fed by the adventurer of the Taurus. “I live it every day in the club or the national team. I welcome it. It’s something that motivates me.A strong but calm personality.He’s a quiet guy with a Latin personality, I think. She has a lot of luggageDavid Gonzalez, goalkeeper coach for the Swiss national team.
She filled this baggage on her experiences. She entered professional football at the age of 17 with Thun, and defended the goals of 14 other clubs, in Switzerland, Germany and Italy, before joining the Spanish championship in 2021. This baggage, she also enriched, with a track record, with, in particular, national titles with Zuchwil in 2007, Potsdam in 2009 (Germany), Torres Calcio in 2013 (Italy) and Servette in 2021.
From the stadium where she played with her friends to the major leagues, and even the giants of Swiss football, she has built a career that demands respect. She now has 96 National jersey picks and still has a spark of pride shining in her eyes. “This honor. I am proud of the opportunity to be able to represent our beautiful country on the European and world stage. It’s always a great feeling to put on this shirt and go out on the field to give our best.“
96 selections? So the number 1 goalkeeper in the Swiss national team is supposed to reach 99 caps after the group matches. What, why not, fuel the dream of celebrating a centenary in the Euro quarter-finals. But this dream requires a victory over Portugal. Although the end of the setup is difficult. Thalmann remains calm and confident. “We should not be afraid. We have tremendous qualities. If we can confirm them on the field, we should be able to get the three points.“
Leeds, Ludovic Perrochod
