PINEROLO, Italy -- Norway remained alive in its attempt to
defend the Olympic men's curling title. Now, the Norwegians need
some help from the U.S.
Norway (5-4) finished the nine-game round-robin with a 5-2 win
over Germany (2-6) on Sunday night, but remained a half-game behind
Canada for the fourth and final spot in the medal round. Canada
(5-3) routed winless New Zealand 9-1.
The Canadians will face the U.S. (6-2) on Monday. Win, and the
29-time world champions advance to the semifinals. Lose, and Canada
falls into a tie for fourth with Norway and the Switzerland-Italy
winner.
Switzerland (4-4) remained in contention with an 8-3 win over
Sweden (3-6). Also, Finland (7-2) cruised to a 5-2 win over Britain
(6-3) with first place on the line.
Norway led 4-2 in the 10th and final end, or inning. Germany had
the crucial last-shot advantage, but it was useless when Norwegian
skip Paal Trulsen drew his final shot just inside a German stone
near the middle of the target area. As the German players gathered
around trying to figure out a strategy, a few of them laughed
briefly.
The final rock knocked several others around, but Norway ended
up with the closest.
The Americans had the night off after wrapping up a spot in the
medal round in the morning. The United States beat Britain 9-8, and
Finland beat Italy 7-4 moments later. That meant the Finns,
Americans and Brits were all 6-2, and only Canada could catch them.
Also in the morning, Germany beat Sweden 7-5 and Norway beat New
Zealand 9-6.
New Zealand (0-8) is a loss from being the only team in the
men's or women's tournament to go winless.
None of the morning matches was conceded before the 10th end, or
inning, but three of the night ones were. Switzerland and Finland
won in nine, and Canada won in seven.
Italy (4-4) was off at night, but is sure to have a good crowd
Monday when it plays for a possible spot in the medal round. A tie
to determine a playoff spot would be broken by a regulation match
Tuesday.