Germany sneak last semi-final spot at European Curling Championships

The fate of the Germans was solely in the hands of Switzerland, who beat Scotland on the last stone of an extra end to quash any hopes of the Scots progressing and forge a path for Germany to the semi-finals.

As defending champions, Scotland had to beat undefeated Switzerland to make it into the top four but a dramatic conclusion left them sixth in Estonia.

In the tenth end, Switzerland’s fourth player Alina Paetz made two points with a draw-shot that levelled the score at 5-5 and forced an extra end.

Scotland skip Eve Muirhead had the last stone of that extra end but pushed her draw attempt wide, allowing Switzerland to steal a point and take the victory.

Germany take on Switzerland in the semi-final, while Sweden will face Russia for a shot at the final.

It was the German men's team that also clinched the last semi-final berth in the session before the women's, despite similarly losing to Sweden in the final round-robin game.

Sitting on the same points as Norway and Switzerland, Germany's draw shot challenge performance gave them the edge and they will again face undefeated Sweden in the semi-finals.

The other draw will see Italy take on Scotland in the last four, with the final due to take place on Saturday.