OGDEN, Utah -- Myles Brundidge made a strategic shot to help the U.S. men's curling team beat winless France 8-3 on Friday, keeping the Americans in contention at the Olympic tournament.

	Mike Schneeberger, right, Myles Brundidge, center, and John Gordon can't afford another loss.

The French tried to set up a steal on an early shot in the sixth end, with the scored tied 2-2. Brundidge made a difficult takeout, shifting the momentum and helping the Americans (3-3) win two points.

"Our destiny is in our hands," Brundidge said. "I think all along we knew that three losses would get us into the semifinals. We didn't want to have them this early, but now we control our own destiny."

In other games, Finland beat Britain 6-4, Canada beat Germany 9-7 and Norway beat Denmark 9-4.

In late men's games Canada beat Switzerland 7-2, Sweden beat France 9-6, Denmark beat Britain 6-5 and Norway beat Finland 6-5.

The Canadians lead the men's tournament at 6-1 while Norway is 4-1.

In the women's tournament, Norway beat Russia 5-4, Canada beat Germany 8-4, Britain beat Switzerland 7-4 and Sweden beat Japan 8-7.

Canada leads the women's standings at 6-0 while Switzerland is 5-1. The United States, which didn't play Friday, is 2-3.

French men's skip Dominique Dupont Roc landed a seventh-end shot directly across from a U.S. stone. Officials used the measuring device before awarding the point to the Americans.

The French (0-6) scored in the eighth, but the Americans scored three points in the ninth and forced the French to concede.

"We've been playing less aggressively," said U.S. skip Tim Somerville. "Before, there were too many rocks in play and we weren't doing well."

The Americans play again Saturday against Denmark.