BEIJING (AP) — John Shuster and the defending Olympic curling champions won a last-chance match to qualify for the playoffs.
The Americans beat Denmark 7-5 to keep their hopes of a repeat gold medal alive.
They will play Britain in the semifinals later Thursday night.
Reigning silver medalist Sweden will meet Canada, which finished fourth a year ago.
Four years after winning five straight elimination games to take gold, Shuster's foursome was again in a desperate position. This time there was a twist, though. Even with a loss, they could have made the playoffs if Italy beat Norway. When Norway won, it was up to Shuster to deliver. And he did.