Who will be the new number 1?: Tears flow in the three-way battle for the Nati goal

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This hasn’t happened on the women’s national team in 20 years. After almost a decade with Marisa Brunner (41) as number 1, the place in the Nati goal has been in the hands of Gaëlle Thalmann (38) since 2013. Since the record goalkeeper announced her retirement last summer after a total of 109 international matches, the goalkeeper race has been relaunched.

Under the new Nati coach Pia Sundhage (64), there is a three-way battle between Elvira Herzog (23), Livia Peng (21) and Noemi Benz (20). While the two Bundesliga goalkeepers Herzog and Peng already have several international matches to their name, FCZ goalkeeper Benz is still waiting for her debut in the national team.

Peng misses the last training

What the three young goalkeepers all have in common: Each wants to be in the Swiss goal at the European Championships in their own country in 2025. “When I think about it, I get goosebumps,” says Bremer professional Peng. But for the Graubünden, the European Championship home mission starts with a setback. On Wednesday, Peng twisted his ankle during training and had to leave the field in tears. Fortunately, it was not a serious injury, but she still missed Thursday’s final training.

Elvira Herzog has a good chance to be in goal against Poland on Friday. While the player from Leipzig still had to alternate with Peng under former coach Inka Grings (45), she was twice preferred in December under interim coach Reto Gertschen (59). “The fact that I was able to convince the last coach of me certainly gives me self-confidence,” the Zurich resident tells Blick. But she doesn’t believe this means she has an edge in the race for number one.

Goalkeeper change for the second test match

The Nati coach wants to decide who will ultimately play in the first game under Sundhage after consultation with goalkeeper coach David Gonzalez. However, the Swede announces that next Tuesday in the second test match a goalkeeper will come to kiss the hand. The third goalkeeper, who remains unused in Marbella, should be given a chance the next time they meet. The race for the new number 1 will probably continue for a while.

Source : Blick