Key Highlights
- Switzerland’s Alina Patz led her team to a 7-4 victory over the United States in the semifinals.
- The Swiss squad is set to face Sweden for gold, while Team USA will play Canada for bronze.
- Sweden’s Anna Hasselborg’s team advanced to the final with a 6-3 win over Canada.
Switzerland Triumphs Over United States in Semifinals
Alina Patz, Switzerland’s star curler, displayed near-perfect performance, leading her team to a decisive victory over the United States. Patz’s impeccable shot-making, particularly in the 10th end, clinched the match with a two-point steal that secured their place in the gold medal game.
The U.S. fought back valiantly but ultimately fell short, trailing by one and needing to steal for two points. Tabitha Peterson’s final throw came up just shy of perfection, leaving Patz’s team with the victory. “Just such a relief,” said Patz, expressing her elation after an intense battle.
Sweden Advances to Gold Medal Match
Anna Hasselborg’s Swedish squad emerged victorious in their semifinal against Canada, 6-3. The match was tightly contested until Sweden’s hammer throw in the sixth end, which set them on a path to victory with consecutive singles.
The final score masked an exciting back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading single points throughout the game. Canada’s push for three late in the ninth end fell short, allowing Sweden to secure their fifth gold medal match appearance in six Olympics.
Upcoming Matches and Their Implications
The bronze medal contest between Team USA and Canada promises to be a rematch of their third game of round-robin play on February 13. The Americans won that close encounter, 9-8, marking the first time they had defeated Canada in an Olympic match.
For Switzerland, this is their sixth straight appearance in the women’s curling semifinals but only their first chance at a gold medal. “My dreams never went that far,” said Silvana Tirinzoni, who will play for an Olympic medal for the first time in three trips to the Games.
The gold medal match between Switzerland and Sweden sets up a thrilling finale with both teams determined to bring home the coveted title. The stakes are high, and the competition is fierce as we await these final matches.