What Team USA women's curling needs to happen in match vs. Switzerland to make Olympic playoffs

The United States women's curling team is seeking its first-ever Olympic medal, and their chances are still alive.

At 8:05 a.m. ET on Thursday, they'll go after a spot in the playoff round, which begins with the semifinals.

Team USA can clinch a spot in the semifinals in two different ways, one involving their own match against Switzerland, the other involving what Great Britain is up to.

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How can Team USA women's curling make playoff?

The first scenario is quite simple: Win and in.

If the Americans beat Switzerland, they clinch a knockout round spot.

The second scenario requires Great Britain to lose to Italy.

It's an either-or setup. If either of those things happen, the United States advances.

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Beating Switzerland won't be easy. The Swiss are 6-2, and the U.S. is 5-3.

The United States could've made this easier without a brutal loss to Great Britain, allowing Team GB to steal two against the hammer in the 10th end.

But Team USA can make up for it with a strong performance to hold off Switzerland and ensure a spot in the playoff rounds.

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