Team Jacobs Triumphs Over Germany in Milano Cortina 2026 Curling Opener

In a thrilling opener at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics, Canadian skip Brad Jacobs led his team to a narrow victory against Germany, triumphing 7-6. This match marked Jacobs’ return to the Olympics after winning gold 12 years ago, showcasing his skills as he executed a crucial nose hit to secure victory in the extra end.

Game Overview

The match took place at Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium on Wednesday night. Jacobs and his Calgary-based team faced significant challenges. Despite a shaky start, they managed to clinch the first victory of the tournament.

Key Highlights

• Jacobs shot a team-high 93 percent, demonstrating remarkable accuracy throughout the game.
• The Canadian team, which includes Ben Hebert, Marc Kennedy, and Brett Gallant, displayed resilience after facing an early three-point deficit.
• Germany’s Marc Muskatewitz, in his Olympic debut, made critical errors that allowed Canada to capitalize.

Match Breakdown

Germany initiated the scoring in the third end, gaining a deuce. However, a mistake by Muskatewitz in the fourth allowed Canada to steal two points, bringing the score to 4-2. Germany tied the game at four points in the sixth end but struggled with draw weight throughout the match.

As the game progressed, a significant moment occurred in the tenth end when a miscue by Muskatewitz forced an extra end after a successful measure confirmed two points for Germany. Despite the setback, Canada stayed focused, aiming for the last hammer.

Final Moments

In the extra end, Jacobs’ strategic play allowed him to capitalize once again. With Muskatewitz leaving an opening, Jacobs made the decisive hit to seal the victory. “All we want is hammer in the last end tied,” remarked Canada’s coach, Paul Webster, emphasizing their strategic mindset.

What’s Next for Team Canada

Team Canada is poised as a medal favorite in a competitive field that includes teams from Great Britain, Sweden, and Italy. The atmosphere was electric during the match, with Hebert recalling the spirited crowd, energized by Italy’s concurrent win over Sweden.

As the tournament progresses, the Canadian women’s team, skipped by Rachel Homan, will commence their round-robin play against Denmark, aiming to replicate the men’s early success. The excitement builds as the competition continues, with Canada seeking its first Olympic gold in men’s curling since 2014.