Germany’s European Championship opponents Switzerland put in a mixed performance in Copenhagen on Saturday evening. After the clean sheet, however, everyone in Germany’s neighboring country is talking about regular keeper Sommer, who had to be substituted early on due to injury
The anticipation of the first international match of the year was palpable in Copenhagen, with the Danish fans providing the first goosebump moment during the anthem in the parking lot. Prior to this, regular goalkeeper Schmeichel, no longer undisputed in his home country, had been honored alongside his children for his 100th international match.
However, his opposite number quickly came into the spotlight unintentionally: it was the 25th minute when Sommer risked everything after a corner and twisted his right foot badly in a duel with ex-Gladbach player Vestergaard. The 35-year-old immediately indicated what had happened. After a long break for treatment, the Inter Milan goalkeeper gritted his teeth, but in the 37th minute he had to be replaced by former RB keeper Mvogo.
This brought back bad memories. Sommer had already suffered a nasty twist in his Borussia Mönchengladbach shirt in October 2022. A torn ligament and a capsule injury in his left ankle almost cost the Swiss player the Winter World Cup in Qatar. But although Sommer didn’t play another minute for the Foals, he made a spot landing for the first group game against Cameroon (1:0)
Inter could probably cope with the absence of Sommer
However, the European Championship has little effect on Sommer’s club coach Simone Inzaghi. He will be worried about his clear number one – even if the dream of the Champions League and the Coppa Italia has already been shattered. The lead in Serie A over “chasers” Milan is already 14 points.
However, thanks to Mvogo’s impressive performance – a remarkable save from Eriksen’s free-kick (61′) – and Gregor Kobel (Borussia Dortmund), who left the national team early, the Swiss do not really have to worry about the goalkeeping position anyway. Because Sommer left straight away, Gladbach’s Omlin, who is expected in Dublin on Sunday, was called up.
Much more worrying was what the front players offered in the park. The bland Swiss were barely active in attack and had to repeatedly hold off the Danes who pressed early on. At least the question of the Swiss’ system, which has persisted of late, has been resolved. Switzerland will play a back three at the European Championships, as Yakin confirmed: “We’ve decided on that.”
The 49-year-old will have to wait a little longer to choose his number one