Antti Pennanen, the head coach of the Finnish ice hockey team, has declared that the squad is in excellent shape ahead of their quarter-final match against Switzerland in the Olympics, scheduled for Wednesday. This positive outlook is buoyed by the return of captain Mikael Granlund and Anton Lundell to practice, both of whom are expected to play in the crucial game. Pennanen emphasized that the team's morale is high and they are ready for the challenge ahead, highlighting the confidence and camaraderie among the players.

The context of this match is set against the backdrop of criticism directed at Pennanen by Russian journalist Igor Eronko, who has taken shots at Pennanen and other European coaches. However, Pennanen kept his composure in response to the remarks and instead focused on his team's preparation and mental readiness for the upcoming quarter-final. He noted that all players feel poised to give their best performance and contribute to the team's success.

As Finland heads into this pivotal match with a strong sense of self-belief, the implications of their performance could not only affect their Olympic journey but also resonate with national pride and regional rivalries in ice hockey. The return of key players is a significant boost, and the team's overall morale suggests they are ready to make a statement in the tournament, particularly against a team like Switzerland, which has its own strengths and challenge.