標籤: Reports

nottingham forest Danilo’s previous quest has taken another twist. John Textor is now publicly denying claims he tried to lure the midfielder back to the Premier League club for just €4.6m (£4m).

The allegation has attracted attention. this is because Earlier reports in Brazil Danilo’s proposed Nottingham Forest valuation was put at €19m (£16.4m).

Since then, the midfielder has become one of Botafogo’s standout performers, earning a place in Brazil’s latest squad and expected to be part of the country’s World Cup plans.

Meanwhile, Texter has been banned from Botafogo and left behind with growing financial problems that are making headlines in Brazil.

Against that backdrop, the emergence of very low figures has inevitably sparked debate.

New claims have emerged on the proposed deal

The latest chapter comes from Brazil, where Botafogo’s administration recently presented details of the club’s financial situation following Textor’s removal from control of the club.

According to the report of network fireOfficials have revealed that Nottingham Forest are owed €32.4m (£28m) in debt. This debt was accumulated during Textor’s management.

More specifically for Forest supporters, it was claimed that Textor’s proposed solution included sending Danilo to the City Ground on a deal worth just €4.6m (£4m) during the first half of 2026.

The move was reportedly blocked by Botafogo’s board before completion.

This immediately stood out as it was quite a departure from the statistics previously associated with the midfielder.

Earlier reports had suggested Danilo was part of talks involving a valuation of €19m (£16.4m). However, legal disputes and governance issues at Botafogo halted those discussions.

At this stage, it is not clear whether the reports refer to two separate proposed transactions or simply conflicting valuations of the same deal.

Danilo’s stock has increased dramatically

When the earlier negotiations emerged, Danilo was already an important player for Botafogo. Since then his reputation has increased a lot.

The midfielder has become one of the club’s key performers and was recently included in the Brazil national team in the final squad announcement before the World Cup squad is confirmed.

It is a very different profile to the player being discussed in a €4.6m (£4m) deal. now he is being chased Some of the biggest clubs in England. Botafogo is demanding up to €40m (£34m).

Texter issues strong denial

Of course, the texter has responded directly to the allegations. Posting on Instagram he denied that Danilo was set to be sold to Nottingham Forest for €4.6m (£4m). He also accused Botafogo’s current leadership of misrepresenting the proposal.

He wrote:

“Wake up, everyone. Every day it’s another distorted slander. The transaction being discussed was a sale in which the past dues required by FIFA would be respected while the player would remain at Botafogo.”

“This would have been followed by a significant injection of cash capital, as has now been proposed by the same organisation.”

“There is evidence that this would have generated significant cash flow for the club. They think you are an idiot and will believe anything you say.”

According to Texter, this operation was far more complex than a straightforward transfer fee. This should not be interpreted as a €4.6m (£4m) valuation of the player.

are back in the nottingham forest story

As we covered earlierForest have already signed Igor Jesus and Jair following transactions involving Botafogo. Deals have also been made with other clubs within Textor’s network. Danilo has repeatedly been involved in discussions between the two clubs.

The texter says the description is incorrect. However, the controversy has once again put Nottingham Forest at the center of the ongoing fallout from his turbulent final months at Botafogo.

Manchester United Goalkeeper Altay Bayindir has spoken to Turkish media about his future plans.

Bayandir has recently been linked with a return to the Super Lig We covered reports He has agreed to join Besiktas. At the time it was said that the Premier League club would accept €5m.

The former Fenerbahçe player lost his place in the starting eleven of the Old Trafford team at the beginning of this season. He was given a chance ahead of Andre Onana but could not impress.

The arrival of Sane Lammens during the previous summer made him second choice again. His role has not changed since the arrival of Michael Carrick.

Manchester United man questioned about future

talking to sabaThe Manchester United No. 2 was asked if he would need to make a decision to leave Old Trafford.

The 27-year-old said it is normal for a player to be involved all the time and he wants more game time.

“I am a person who loves to play. I don’t know what experiences I will have in the future. It is very important for a football player to take the right steps in his career. I would like to be on the field as much as possible. If there is a decision to be taken, we will take it. Whatever needs to be done, we will do. Time will show us everything.” Turkey International said.

Despite his disappointments, Bayandir said it was a privilege to represent Manchester United. Unveiling the Turkish flag on the roof of Old Trafford, he said it made him and his father very proud.

“It’s a matter of pride that the Turkish flag is flying over Old Trafford. One of the biggest cities in England, and I’m the reason for it. In fact, a video was shot at that time. Then my father was very impressed, he liked it very much, he was proud. I can’t explain it in words. Old Trafford is a historic stadium,” Bayindir said.

Bayındır has decided to make

The player has a decision to make this summer as it seems unlikely he will remove Lammens from Carrick’s starting eleven.

A return to Istanbul appears to be his best option, with Besiktas expected to make his move in the coming weeks.

Has emerged as an option for Barcelona chelseaMark Cucurella after this season.

The left-back is a product of Barcelona’s academy, but he has not received regular opportunities to prove his worth with their first team.

After spells at Eibar and Getafe, he moved to Brighton & Hove Albion in 2021 and then Chelsea a year later.

After overcoming early difficulties, the left-back has been a regular for the Blues, and has made 158 appearances.

His Premier League statistics this season are as follows:

• Appearances: 30
• Start: 27
• Total minutes: 2,350
• Minutes per game: 78
• Interceptions per game: 1.0
• Tackles per game: 1.6
• Recoveries per game: 3.3
• Clearances per game: 2.9
• Blocked shots per game: 0.3
• Duels won per game: 3.5

On Tuesday, Sports Witness Covered claims from Spain That Barcelona want to sign the 27-year-old. The same source said the La Liga side have talked about the Chelsea star within the club.

No contact with Chelsea player

Mark Cucurella would welcome a move to Barcelona, ​​and it’s on the front page of today’s edition sports world.

In the report, the newspaper say the Spain international has ‘opened the door’ to joining the La Liga winners.

Add World: ‘For him, a return to Barça would be a personal dream, a special motivation to return to the club of his life as a more mature player.’

During the last international break, the Spanish media asked him about the possibility of returning to Camp Nou.

At that time he said: “It would be hard to turn it down. I have to think about my family. If it happens, it happens, and we’ll see what decision is made.”

While the defender opens the door, Barcelona sporting director Deco has not yet spoken with his agent.

In addition, the situation at Stamford Bridge is another reason why the 27-year-old player is willing to join Barcelona.

The Blues parted ways with Enzo Maresca in January and appointed Liam Rosenior as his successor. Earlier this month, the Club World Cup winners sacked the latter after a string of poor performances.

Chelsea now sit eighth in the table, two points behind sixth-placed Brighton & Hove Albion and 10 points behind fifth-placed Aston Villa. He is likely to miss the Champions League.

Cucurella could consider leaving the west London club if there is an attractive offer and the Blues would also be open to a sale for around €50m.

It is unclear whether Barca are willing to pay this, even though his wages should not be an issue. At the moment, he is not a priority as Deco is focusing on improving other positions. The Catalan club could consider the Spaniard if there are significant sales in the summer.

Contract, price and agent information

Mark Cucurella’s contract expires in 2028 and is worth €50m transfer market.

The Blues fullback is being managed by agents Alex Pick and Alvaro Dominguez.

Odell Beckham Jr. has not played in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins since the 2024 season; However, that has not been accomplished yet. The New York Giants have been linked to a reunion with Beckham following an April 20 visit. However, what is the latest update on the 2014 first-round pick’s possible return to New York? An NFL insider has released a big update.

It seems like something will happen between Beckham and the Giants at some point, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter on the Pat McAfee Show. Schefter said there was a real possibility that Beckham would return to the Giants. The 33-year-old wide receiver spent the first five seasons of his career in New York.

What will Odell Beckham Jr. bring to the New York Giants

If Beckham were to sign with the Giants, he would join Malik Nabors, Darius Slayton, Darnell Mooney and Malachi Fields in the wide receiver room. Beckham is past his prime years in the NFL, but he will still provide solid depth for New York and quarterback Jackson Dart. The last time Beckham had more than 600 receiving yards in a season was in 2019 with the Cleveland Browns.

Still, the free-agent wide receiver could boost a depth role for New York. Beckham would also be a good mentor and provide experienced leadership to a relatively young wide receiver room. After all, there are similarities between Beckham and Nabors, a third-year wide receiver coming off a torn ACL.

New York head coach John Harbaugh coached Beckham with the Baltimore Ravens in 2023, so he fully understands what he can bring to the table. Beckham may not be an elite wide receiver at this stage of his career, but he could give the Giants a great locker room presence.

It remains to be seen whether New York signs Beckham, but based on Schefter’s comments, it seems to be a very realistic possibility.

READ MORE: Report suggests New York Giants GM Joe Schoen could be fired soon

Austin Konensky is a writer at SportsNut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA and more. His work can also…more about Austin Konensky

fulham With Richard Rios’ race thrusting them into the spotlight, Portugal’s latest claims suggest they have already taken a step forward – even if the wider picture is still undecided.

The Benfica midfielder has been on the radar of several Premier League teams in recent weeks.

As we coveredThe Colombian press have also mentioned Manchester United as a possible suitor with the Cottagers at the helm, but that interest has been described as monitoring rather than action.

Now, a report final whistle Focuses some attention towards Fulham.

Fulham claim contact – but numbers raise questions

According to the Portuguese outlet, Fulham have already made contact over a possible move for Richard Rios. The same report puts the Colombian in the price range of around €45m (£39m), while also suggesting that Napoli are considering an approach of their own.

If accurate, those details would represent a clear development. However, they also present contradictions when set in contrast to what has already been reported elsewhere.

For example, previous coverage has consistently pointed out that Benfica is in a very strong position in terms of valuation. Rios has a release clause of €100 million (£87 million) in his contract, which runs until 2030. That figure has been treated internally as a reference point rather than a starting line of negotiation.

In that context, “some reports suggest a €45m range” sits uneasily with Benfica’s known stance.

Benfica’s stance remains unchanged

Richard Rios’ position is well defined Portuguese reporting In recent times.

The midfielder has settled in Lisbon and values ​​his role under Jose Mourinho. There is no indication that he is pushing for a transfer this summer. More importantly, Benfica would not be looking to sell under normal circumstances.

The club’s position is clear: only a proposal considered “irresistible” will open the door to negotiations. This is not in line with the €30m-€45m range prevailing in some corners of the market.

There is also a strategic element involved. Benfica knows that the 2026 World Cup could significantly increase Rios’ value. As a result, they are willing to wait rather than make money now.

what happens next

For Fulham, this could be an opportunity to make a quick move if they truly view Rios as a priority. Acting before the World Cup would be financially beneficial, especially if Benfica’s valuation increases afterward.

However, the contradictions between the reports cannot be ignored.

On the one hand, there are suggestions of a €45m (£39m) deal and early contact. On the other hand, there is a club that expects much more, a player who is not under pressure to leave, and a strategy built around future appreciation.

This makes the situation completely balanced. Fulham may be testing the waters, but unless their interest increases rapidly, Benfica are firmly in control of how and when this story develops.

A pair of reports are very good news for the Dallas Cowboys landing one of two NFL Draft prospects that is very much their cup of tea.

We’re just a few weeks away from this year’s draft, and there’s been a lot of speculation about what the Cowboys will do. Due to another losing season and a major trade before the trade deadline, they entered this month’s event with not one, but two selections in the top 20.

After back-to-back seven-win campaigns, getting a pair of elite prospects gives Dallas a chance to address two issues on the roster. However, having two first-rounders also gives them a pair of very good assets to move up and project a player to go in the top 10.

According to ESPN NFL expert Jordan Reed, Ohio State safety Caleb Downs and Miami edge rusher Ruben Benn Jr. are players the Cowboys brain trust believes are worth giving up multiple draft assets to move on and get. However, new discussion around the game is suggesting the team could land a trade without it.

Caleb Downs in a losing streak to the Dallas Cowboys at 12?

In a recent conversation with Blogging the Boys, ESPN draft expert Peter Schrager pointed out that, despite Downs being one of the best players in this year’s class and having a very high football IQ, the trend from past years shows that teams will always look to get stud cornerbacks, pass rushers and wide receivers to provide good defenses if they need them at those spots.

In 2022, Kyle Hamilton was projected to be selected in the top 10 and the Baltimore Ravens went 14th. Four years before that, Derwin James was projected to go in the top 10 and was taken 18th by the Los Angeles Chargers. And last year, Nick Emmanvori was expected to go in the first round and lost in the second round. That’s why Downs’ loss to the Cowboys at 12 seems very plausible.

Is Reuben Benn Jr. no longer ready to go into the top 10?

On Friday, fellow ESPN draft expert Field Yates made a bold prediction. Ben Jr. will drop out of the top 10. He told why. “There are some scouts who are skeptical of a team taking a super pick too early. Teams that could take a chance are the New Orleans Saints, Kansas City Chiefs and Cincinnati Bengals (8-10, respectively), but there’s a chance he’s still in the teens.”

So, despite all the talk about the Cowboys potentially trading up in Round 1 to get Downs or Ben Jr., there is a growing belief that a dream scenario could emerge this month where Dallas could get either in the early rounds and still have another pick.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

Tottenham Hotspur have not yet held concrete talks with Adi Hutter, despite reports to the contrary in the English media.

sky sport germany The report adds that despite being named as a potential replacement for Igor Tudor, Tottenham are yet to hold concrete talks with the 56-year-old.

The pressure is on Tudor at Tottenham after a 3‑0 defeat to relegation rivals Nottingham Forest on Sunday. That defeat left Spurs one point outside the relegation zone with seven games remaining.

Tottenham appointed Tudur as interim manager on 13 February^th To replace Thomas Frank, but he has struggled to prove the firepower the Spurs board had hoped for.

Pressure is increasing on Tudor

Instead, they have registered just one win from seven matches and zero wins in the Premier League. Tottenham have scored only one point in five league games under him. They remain the only team without a win in the league in 2026.

The pressure on the Croatian boss is now increasing. Following Sunday’s defeat, several reports suggested he could be sacked this international break. Roberto De Zerbi has emerged as a strong contender to replace him.

So, too, is Hooters. A report in England this week indicated that he is on the shortlist of immediate replacements that Spurs are considering.

The 56-year-old is, crucially, out of work and available. Some of those reports also stated that Tottenham had made contact to gauge interest. A report on the 19th had already stated that Tottenham were interested.

However, Sky Germany says otherwise. According to his information, no concrete talks have taken place between Adi Hutter and Tottenham yet.

Is Hooters the right fit?

The question is whether Adi Huter is the right choice for Tottenham after sacking Igor Tudor this international break.

He is a proven winner with five trophies to his name so far. He was also named Bundesliga Coach of the Year twice at Eintracht Frankfurt.

But, like Tudor, they have no Premier League experience and entering a high-pressure relegation battle with seven games remaining is a significant gamble.

His departure from AS Monaco also raises concerns and may give pause to Tottenham’s decision makers.

The appointment of Hutter would represent another left-field option at a time when many argue the club cannot afford to gamble further.

💣Mauricio Pochettino The manager misses English football

➡️ Says Tottenham tried to bring him back from PSG
💬 “I love the country, its culture, the football culture”
💬 “For any competitor…this is the ideal location”https://t.co/HmPyXI6FOF #thfc #Happiness

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 24 March 2026

The Golden State Warriors are scheduled to face the New York Knicks on Sunday night. However, Saturday’s injury report includes a total of 18 players from both the teams. Several players have already been ruled out, while several others are listed as doubtful.

The obvious names like Jimmy Butler (who is out for the season) and Stephen Curry (who is out for at least several more games) are both out for the Warriors. Golden State has a total of eight players ruled out, including Draymond Green and Kristaps Porzingis, while only Quinton Post is listed as questionable. With this, nine names have been included in the injury report of the Warriors.

Meanwhile, Miles McBride is the only player ruled out of the Knicks’ latest injury report. Eight players have been considered questionable, including Josh Hart and Jeremy Sochan. We probably won’t know exactly who will play for New York until just before Sunday’s game.

Here is the full Warriors injury report.

Jimmy Butler – Out: Right ACL; surgery
Seth Curry – out: left adductor; strain
Stephen Curry – Out: Right patellofemoral; pain syndrome
Draymond Green – Out: Left Low Back; injury management
Al Horford – Out: Right soleus; strain
D’Anthony Melton – Out: left knee; injury management
Moses Moody – Outside: Right wrist; Sprain
Kristaps Porzingis – Out: General; disease management
Quentin Post – Questionable: left ankle; Sprain

Here is Knicks’ full injury report.

Pacom Dadiet – Questionable: G League – On Assignment
Josh Hart – Questionable: left knee; agony
Ariel Hookporti – Questionable: G League – On Assignment
Trey Jameson III – Questionable: G League – Two-Way
Dillon Jones – Questionable: G League – Two-Way
Tyler Kolek – Questionable: G League – On Assignment
Miles McBride – Out: Pelvic; core muscle surgery
Kevin McCullers Jr. – Questionable: G League – Two-Way
Jeremy Sochan – Suspected: Illness; Disease

The Warriors and Knicks are scheduled to tip off at 8 p.m. EST. in New York. Golden State aims to snap a four-game losing streak amid injury problems, while New York hopes to win its third straight.

If the New York Giants really want to take Notre Dame star Jeremiah Love as their first pick in April’s NFL Draft, new reports suggest he won’t be available in time for Round 1.

The NY Giants are in an interesting position in the early rounds of the draft. Obviously, after a 4-13 finish in 2025, they could use help in various areas of the roster. However, the team feels they have a long-term option at quarterback with Jackson Dart. This means that when it’s time to choose they can take the best player available.

In early mock drafts, the team was linked to various players, including Ohio State stars Carnell Tate and Caleb Downs. However, recent rumors claimed that the organization was relying too heavily on Heisman Trophy finalist Jeremiah Love despite having Cam Scatebo as the RB1 option next season.

At last week’s combine, Love was impressive and certainly piqued the interest of the NY Giants brain trust in him. However, his performance caught the attention of the entire league, including teams ahead of Big Blue in Round 1. And now it looks like a RB won’t be on the board until New York makes their selection.

Titans are favorites to select Jeremiah Love in the 2026 NFL Draft

According to NFL Draft expert Todd McShay, Love is such a “special” talent that he doesn’t see the NY Giants going as a back five. However, it wouldn’t be “surprised” if he goes to the Arizona Cardinals (No. 2) or Tennessee Titans (No. 3).

Adding to the idea that Love won’t make it past the Titans at age three, Pro Football Talk reports that Tennessee is the current betting favorite (+200) to select the six-foot, 214-pound RB who ran a 4.36-second 40-yard dash at the combine last week.

Last year for the Fighting Irish, Love had 199 carries for 1,372 rushing yards, 27 catches for 280 yards and 21 total touchdowns.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

Atletico de Madrid president Enrique Serraz has dismissed reports regarding Julian Alvarez as the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona circle.

El Desmarque covered Cerezo’s comments today. He has sent a clear message to Argentina as rumors continue to spread.

Sport Witness has covered many of those reports over the past few weeks. All indications are that Arsenal and Chelsea could make big moves for the 26-year-old this summer.

Arsenal and Chelsea’s financial strength

A report in early February Even said they were willing to break the bank for his signature.

This was added in a follow-up report yesterday Both parties have financial power They can blow Barcelona out of the water if they want.

Arsenal, in particular, appear to be keen on Alvarez. In fact, A report this week stated The Gunners made a huge €100m move for the striker last summer.

Alvarez and Atletico shrugged it off, but the latter is worried about it. Despite attempts to secure the Argentine a new deal and stem interest, ties with Barcelona are refusing to go away.

Several reports in Spain continue to pique their interest. However this could be a pressure tactic as the two sides meet in the Copa del Rey on Tuesday.

cerezo hit back

Cerezo is fully aware of the rumors, but when asked he refused to promote them in any way, shape or form.

“They can say whatever they want and talk about whatever they want,” he said.

“But everyone knows that Julian Alvarez is an Atlético de Madrid player. He has a contract with Atlético de Madrid. If he is an Atlético de Madrid player, it is because he is an Atlético de Madrid player.”

Although Cerezo is clearly denying the rumours, it is clear that they are causing concern at the Wanda Metropolitano. And there’s no sign they’re going to slow down before the summer.

The Athletic has live coverage of Canada vs Czechia in the 2026 Winter Olympics men’s hockey quarterfinal.

MILAN — The quarterfinals at the Olympic men’s hockey tournament are set following Tuesday’s qualifying-round action. Here’s a look at all four of Wednesday’s matchups.

No. 7 Sweden vs. No. 2 USA

There’s no shame in silver. But for the world’s greatest hockey players, particularly those from one of the world’s greatest hockey countries, there’s not exactly a ton of pride in it, either.

“I’ve got a silver medal at home,” Sweden’s Gabriel Landeskog said. “And I guess it’s something that sits there. Doesn’t mean as much as if it would have been a gold medal. If it’s a gold medal, it’s very different. We all want to win; that’s what we were kind of bred to do.”

Sweden’s road to gold starts in earnest Wednesday night against the United States, a gold-medal-level matchup that’s happening in the quarterfinals thanks to Slovakia’s surprising Group B victory. After three round-robin games and Tuesday’s perfunctory 5-1 rout of Latvia, the real do-or-die games start now. And while Canada and the United States — the other two gold-medal favorites — cruised into the quarters with three easy wins and a bye, Team Sweden has scuffled and shuffled its way here.

And they might be better off for it.

“You can cruise through it and then all of a sudden you’re tested in a way you weren’t prepared for,” Sweden coach Sam Hallam said. “It gives you a better feeling now that we’ve had these small things go wrong every game and had to look at things, adjust small things.”

It’s something Landeskog is getting a taste of with the Colorado Avalanche this season. After one of the best starts in NHL history — 31-2-7 — the Avs have lost nine of their last 15 games. Hardly a crisis, but potentially beneficial in the long run.

“That’s the same as over there, same as in the NHL,” Landeskog said. “You’re going to run into adversity at some point, and how you manage that is how you’re going to define yourself as a group, and how you handle that is up to us in the locker room. We’ve stumbled in the tournament so far. We’ve also shown some really good things, so for us, it’s just a matter of continuing to build, understanding that hopefully we’ve got another week to go here and understanding that we need to be playing our best hockey at the most important time, which is right now.”

The U.S., meanwhile, caught something of a bad break by virtue of Slovakia’s group win. Instead of facing a second-tier team, the second-seeded Americans get a seventh-seeded Swedish team full of NHL stars.

“(Wednesday) could be our last day,” U.S. defenseman Quinn Hughes said. “So we’ve got to be prepared. Playing a really good team.”

Based on Tuesday’s practice, U.S. coach Mike Sullivan seems to have locked his lines in place, with Jack Eichel centering Brady and Matthew Tkachuk, Auston Matthews centering Jake Guentzel and Matt Boldy, and Dylan Larkin centering Clayton Keller and Tage Thompson. Keller replaced Kyle Connor in the last group-stage game, as the Winnipeg Jets star finds himself a healthy scratch on the international stage for the second time in 12 months, following last year’s 4 Nations Face-Off.

The Americans certainly have an edge in goal. Connor Hellebuyck is sharp and rested, while Hallam will have to either go with Jacob Markström for the second time in 21 hours or with Filip Gustavsson (who was a little shaky against Italy and Finland) or 23-year-old Jesper Wallstedt (who has yet to play in this tournament).

The U.S. hasn’t yet been at its best — at least, what should be its best given the talent on the roster — in this tournament. The Americans’ game has been a little inconsistent, a little scruffy. But they feel they’re getting closer to their ceiling. No time like the present to find it.

“I think we’re just continuing to find our game,” said Jack Hughes, on the fourth line with Brock Nelson and J.T. Miller. “Getting more comfortable with each other, more comfortable with the systems. Obviously now it’s the quarters, so you’ve got to really lock in. But it’s such a short tournament. You’ve got to find your game early. Play each game with the same intensity and play hard.”

Added Dylan Larkin: “It’s nerve-wracking. It is. It gets you going, and I think that’s what brings out the best in guys. I’m excited for it. Every play, every puck’s going to matter.”

After the Swedes’ win over Latvia, their attention turned immediately to the Americans. The last time these two teams met, at the 4 Nations, Sweden eked out a 2-1 victory.

“We’ve got to stay out of the box,” said Swedish defenseman Victor Hedman, who noted that “selfishly” he was glad to get an extra game in as he works his way back to midseason form after missing nearly two months with an injury. “They’ve got a phenomenal power play, a lot of weapons on it. It hasn’t been too long since we played them in 4 Nations, but obviously some different personnel, Quinn Hughes is back. We’ve just got to make sure that we’re physical on their skill, try to stay out of the box, and play a patient game.”

No. 8 Czech Republic vs. No. 1 Canada

It is a rematch of the Olympic opener for both teams after Team Canada trounced the Czech Republic 5-0 last Thursday.

“I think last time we actually had a decent start against Canada, we had some chances, we know what we need to do, we have to play simple, put (pucks) behind, get a good forecheck, get to the net and find a way to score at least some goals,’’ Czech center Tomáš Hertl said after his team’s 3-2 win Tuesday over Denmark in the qualifying playoffs. “We can’t be scared. If we wait and wait, we know what they can do. They have the best player on the planet on the team. They can destroy you.

“You have to just play with confidence,” continued the Vegas Golden Knights center. “We can’t think about who is on the ice, because all four lines are good for them. You have to enjoy it and play hard. It’s one game, you know? You never know what can happen. We can get some bounces, we can score early, and it can go our way.”

But Hertl stressed again that what the Czechs can’t do is just sit back.

Besides, Hertl joked, it’s all part of their plan right now, playing Canada twice in six days.

“That was our plan because we said we probably can’t beat Canada in the same tournament twice,” he said, smiling. “We gave them the first win so now it’s our time!”

Veteran defenseman Radko Gudas said staying out of the penalty box against the No. 1-ranked power play in the tournament (44 percent) is paramount.

“They have some unbelievable players on their power play,” Gudas said. “Then putting pucks in areas where we can get it back, make sure that we make them turn every time. It’s going to be a great challenge for us. It’s going to be fun.

“Anyone who can’t get motivated for that game tomorrow, there’s something seriously wrong with them. They shouldn’t be playing hockey. So it’s going to be a great challenge for us but we’re looking forward to it. If we want to get a medal, we have to beat the best teams.”

The Czechs were a little too cautious and looked nervous early on in their win over Denmark on Tuesday. It wasn’t a very convincing performance. They’ll need a much better effort Wednesday.

Canadian captain Sidney Crosby was asked Tuesday after practice what significance, if any, there would be to play the Czechs again for the second time in six days.

“Maybe a bit more familiar,’’ Crosby said. “But at this point, you’ve got to go out there and play the game and execute. So regardless of how many times you played each other, I think you still got to go out there and do it.”

Added Bo Horvat: “I obviously expect them to play us hard again. They played us hard the first game. You know, they’ve continued to keep getting better throughout the tournament, and we got to be ready to go, for sure.”

The Czechs did try to set a noticeable physical tempo in the opener, but it didn’t produce the desired results. Canada didn’t back down on the physical stuff.

“I thought we matched that really well,” Horvat said. “We try to match anybody that we play. They came out hard and they came out strong and I thought we matched that really well. So we expect them to come out harder. Playing us hard again. So we’ve got to match that again.”

Team Canada veteran Brad Marchand could be back in the lineup Wednesday and may get another crack at facing former Bruins teammate David Pastrňák, with whom he says he’s remained close.

“I love Pasta,” said Marchand. “… I’ve loved where his game has gotten. He’s such a competitor. He was always a great player, but he was streaky early on. He’d get really hot and then really cold. He works extremely hard at his game and he’s become one of the top-five players in the game. He’s incredible, the way he controls the play every time he’s on the ice. His consistency level is at the top of the league. It’s really incredible what he’s done. And it doesn’t matter who he’s playing with. You could put him with the top guys on the team or some younger guys who are just learning the game and he’s going to affect the game the same way. He’s a very, very impressive player.”

Pastrňák had an assist in Sunday’s game but overall, still not the kind of play expected from a star of his caliber.

“Honestly, I haven’t played my best here yet, so just waiting, and hopefully I saved it for tomorrow,’’ Pastrňák said after the game Tuesday.

Martin Nečas of the Colorado Avalanche scored again Sunday on a blistering slap shot to the top corner. He’s been carrying the Czechs so far.

“His ability of skating and escaping in the tight spaces, he’s an incredible skater and he’s becoming a star year by year,’’ Pastrňák said of Necas.” Every year he’s getting better. It’s fun to see. Really happy for him, and glad I can help him out, and he knows I’m here for him. He’s fun to watch.”

No. 5 Switzerland vs. No. 4 Finland

This has upset potential, although Finland has rebounded strongly ever since opening the Olympics with a 4-1 loss to Slovakia, beating rival Sweden 4-1 and smoking Italy 11-0.

“Amazing team and amazing players,’’ Swiss captain Roman Josi said after the game Tuesday of Finland. “Every time the Finns play a tournament, whether it’s world championships or Olympics, they are always one of the favorites. They play really good as a team, so we will have to be at our best.”

Still, the Swiss are back-to-back silver medalists at the IIHF World Championships and have won three of their four games following Tuesday’s 3-0 win over Italy in the qualifying playoffs.

The Swiss also got a boost against Italy with the return of defenseman Andrea Glauser from a suspected concussion. Though he only played a little under 11 minutes and did not start the game with Josi, his regular partner, the fact that he was in uniform bodes well for his availability against Finland.

The Finns would be wise to stay out of the box; Switzerland has the third-ranked power play in the tournament at 31 percent after scoring two more with the man advantage Tuesday. The Swiss also have the second-ranked penalty kill (92 percent) in the tournament.

But, as Josi noted, Finland is always a medal threat — the country has failed to medal at only one of the five Olympics that included NHL players — and this year is no different.

Finland is always defined by team play and defense; the Finns have allowed two five-on-five goals at these Olympics.

“(The) win against Sweden showed for ourselves how we have to play to be able to win. It’s going to be like that in the next round,” Finland captain Mikael Granlund said after the win against Italy. “It’s going to be a highly skilled game where we have to be at our best all the time. (We’re) a really experienced group. We know what we need to do to be able to win games. That’s what we have to focus on.”

Slovakia’s Juraj Slafkovský has 10 goals in 10 Olympic Games since 2022. (Bruce Bennett / Getty Images)

No. 6 Germany vs. No. 3 Slovakia

Just 21 hours after beating France to advance to the quarterfinals, Germany will be playing Slovakia in a win-or-go-home game. It’ll be Germany’s third game in four days, and fifth in seven. Slovakia, meanwhile, will be coming off three straight off days.

Can adrenaline make up the recovery gap for Germany? This is the Olympics, after all.

“It’ll help for sure,” German captain Leon Draisaitl said after an uneventful 5-1 victory over France on Tuesday. “It’s a big game, it’s a do-or-die game, right? So adrenaline will be going. We’ll make sure we’ll be ready to go.”

Thanks to Slovakia’s group win, eighth-ranked Germany won’t have to face any of the traditional powers in the quarterfinal. In fact, with Draisaitl, Tim Stützle, JJ Peterka, Moritz Seider and Philipp Grubauer in net, Germany could be seen as the favorite, despite their unremarkable group-stage performance. (And were Germany to win, and the other favorites prevail, the semifinals would be Canada-Germany and U.S.-Finland, meaning a vastly tougher road to a gold medal for the Americans than the Canadians.) But Slovakia won that group for a reason. Juraj Slafkovský and the Slovaks are rested and riding high. It won’t be easy.

“It’s always a great game against them, always hard,” Germany’s Nico Sturm said. “Especially when we play them, it’s always a battle. I expect a grind from start to finish.”

Neither team was considered a serious contender coming into this tournament, yet one of them will be playing for a medal. And both have good reason to think it’ll be them.

“It’s in your head, but you don’t want to focus on that, you want to focus on the game and just play your best game and then we will see how it ends up,” Slovak defenseman Šimon Nemec said. “We just have to play our best game, just put 100 percent effort and we will see. But yeah, we know we have a big chance to win.”

“We’re one game away from it, so we think about it and prepare the best way we can for (Wednesday),” said forward Dalibor Dvorský. “The people (back home) are really happy. The whole nation is watching. We just love playing good for our country and hopefully we can make our fans even more happy in the next two games here.”

Sturm said Slafkovský is becoming one of the elite goal scorers and playmakers in the NHL. His 10 goals in 10 Olympic Games since 2022 is the stuff of legends. So Germany better rest up.

“It’s important what we do now for the next 20 hours,” Sturm said. “Probably not going to have a ton of beers.”