Women’s FIFA World Cup – For Calvin Stetler, a boy’s dream has come true at the World Cup – Hello SRF!
SRF commentator Calvin Stetler premieres: The upcoming Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand will be the first major tournament he will commentate locally. Before the World Cup he spoke in an interview with the channel “Hello SRF!” About his emotions, preparations, and goals.
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Calvin Stetler in action: He will be live on site for New Zealand during the Women’s World Cup.
SRF/Gian Vitell
Calvin Stetler has been part of the SRF Sport commentator team since the summer of 2022. The 28-year-old from Aargau celebrated his fiery baptism at the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 and in the meantime accompanied several sports games live via microphone. At this year’s Women’s World Cup, which opens on July 20, 2023, the Swiss national team will be accompanied on site by Swiss Football Association football expert Rachel Reinast. The two will be close to the team and will have their finger on the pulse of the players, for example in press conferences and training sessions. In addition to the Swiss matches, Calvin Stetler will commentate on other matches.
Calvin Stetler, what was it like for you when you first found out you could play this special commentator role on the site?
SRF Sport management asked me if I could imagine it. At first I was amazed. After that, it quickly became clear to me that I wanted to embrace this great opportunity – of course with the necessary humility and awe.
How do you feel when you think about this opportunity?
Commentating on football matches is my childhood dream, and my parents also captured that through pictures of me commentating in front of the TV. My mother also played for the Swiss national team in the 1980s. Therefore, from a professional and family perspective, it is a great honor for me to be able to accompany the Swiss national team. Every time I think about it I get goosebumps.
She has already commented on the 2022 SRF Women’s European Championship. What are the differences for you compared to the next World Cup?
Exactly, I made my debut as a commentator at the European Championships. But at that time, I was working in studios in Zurich. This will be my first time attending a World Cup in New Zealand, which makes it even more magical. In addition, my presence on site enables me to provide viewers with more atmosphere, information and first-hand impressions.
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Main image of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand
SRF
For the Swiss national team, the World Cup begins on July 21, 2023, with the first group match against the Philippines. The SRF provides comprehensive reports on the final round and shows all 64 matches live.
How do you prepare for the World Cup?
My goal is to provide added value to viewers. It is not enough to know how the last ten matches ended and who scored the goals. I want to understand the system the opposing team plays in, and what the coach’s situation is. I also order special editions and browse the international press to see what is being written in the run-up to the World Cup. I strive to communicate with media professionals from the countries of the competing teams in advance. So the preparation days can be long and unspectacular – but the dessert follows.
How do you make sure you get all the information during matches?
Surprisingly, all commentators have a different approach. I work exclusively digitally. I set up a field on my laptop where there is an information card for each player. This allows me to move these cards around when making tactical adjustments or substitutions. Then I keep all the information about the game itself on a separate tablet, so I separate titles from champions.
While we’re commenting, we’re just chattering.
At the World Cup you will have a co-commentator, Rachel Renast. What changes does this bring about for you?
This gives us time to provide further feedback. We are currently preparing for this along with test sequences. This helps us see how we can get along with each other and fire each other up. While we’re commenting, we’re just chattering. It will therefore be important that we also allow for peace and quiet.
Do you have a personal World Cup goal?
I want to stay true to the path I have chosen as a commentator and not change too much. I know my strengths and weaknesses and I know where I still have potential. This year I’ve also found a way to get myself in the mood for the game so I can feel comfortable during it. One thing is for sure: I love playing with words and language. I want to express my passion, not pretend. When my dad tells me after the game, “Calvin, I recognize you,” I know I’m on the right track.
What are your expectations for the Swiss national team?
Given the potential of the team and the competitors in the group, the round of 16 is realistic and should be the goal. All of the following will be the icing on the cake. However, we should not forget that this is only the national team’s second participation in the World Cup.
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Rachel Renast and Martina Moser are now part of SRF’s team of football experts.
SRF/Gian Vitell
With the Women’s European Championship in 2025 and just in time for the World Cup, there are changes in the SRF team of football experts. Former Swiss national players Martina Moser and Rachel Renast join the team with immediate effect. Therefore, the team consists of three women and three men. While Rachel Reinast and Calvin Stetler will accompany the Swiss team on site, Martina Moser will bring her expertise to the World Cup studio in Zurich.
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