The playoffs and a little look back.
On Friday, the individual games of the extra session were played one by one. First, the men's semifinals, the second with the third. The Swedes defeated the Italians, but the game had an interesting development and only at the very end did the Scandinavians' greater experience show, taking advantage of the Italian skip's missed throws. In the second semi-final it was clear very quickly. The Scots are really playing in a different, higher league at this championship and with their aggressive play they easily outclassed the Norwegians in a few ends. The evening's televised bronze medal match in the women's category concluded with a failed runback double by the Russians, causing great joy for the Germans, who win bronze at the European Championships for the second time in the last decade. There were mistakes, but also amazing stones, emotions, passion and good ideas. Tomorrow it's just the two finals and the men's bronze.
rnA few more comments on the Czech women's performance at this European Championships. For the first time in its existence, the Czech team has only four players. The captain Anna stayed home sick and hoped until the last moment that she would be able to come to the second part of the European Championship. However, health problems and sick leave put a damper on her and the team's plans. The reshuffled and weakened team performed at the edge of its capabilities. It was enough to qualify for the World Cup, but not to retain Group A for next year. Betka, Ezen, Mischa and Klara deserve recognition for their dedicated performance, for the effort they put into each match and for fighting not only for themselves but also for their sick skip. Here is a link to the current photos from the 2021 European Championships. photo gallery