The Canadian men's team can finish no better than third at the world junior curling championship after dropping a 5-4 decision to host Switzerland on Saturday.
Skip Jake Walker of Kitchener, Ont., wrecked on a guard with his last stone in the 10th end of the 3-versus-4 playoff, leaving the host team lying two for the victory.
"It certainly was not our best game and it is disappointing that we did not raise our game at this stage," said Walker.
"A lot of our game had poor execution. You don't win if you don't make shots, and this we failed to do today. It certainly wasn't our best game."
Canada will face China for bronze. The Chinese lost 4-3 to Switzerland in the semi-final, moving the host team into Sunday's final against Scotland.
"We haven't played our best this week," added Walker. "We played better at nationals. We just didn't bring that type of game here.
"Whatever happens we made it to the worlds and have performed to be in the top group, and we're proud of managing that."
Both medal games will be played Sunday.
In women's play, Canadian skip Rachel Homan of Ottawa has already qualified for Sunday's final.
She will face Sweden, which beat the United States 6-1 in semi-final action.