The IEM Cologne 2024 Group Stage has kicked off with some surprising upsets that could shake up the CS2 tournament. Teams like Spirit and G2 are on the brink of early elimination, setting the stage for intense battles ahead. Read on for a recap of the day’s highlights!
SAW & The MongolZ Cause Upsets Against G2 & Spirit
Credit: IEM on X.
Initially considered favorites, G2 and Spirit faced unexpected defeats on the opening day. SAW and The MongolZ delivered impressive performances, putting G2 and Spirit under pressure. G2 suffered a swift 2:0 loss against SAW, while Spirit also faced a tough challenge from The MongolZ.
Both G2 and Spirit struggled with individual performances, highlighting areas of improvement needed. G2’s malbsMd faced challenges, while Spirit’s donk had difficulty making an impact. This raises concerns for Spirit’s ability to adapt when key players underperform, with zont1x also facing a tough day at IEM Cologne 2024.
FaZe Clan Bounce Back Against Team Liquid
Credit: IEM on X.
FaZe Clan redeemed themselves with a victory over Team Liquid, ending their recent struggles. The battle between karrigan and Twistzz added an extra layer of excitement, with FaZe Clan emerging victorious with a 2:0 scoreline. Team Liquid put up a fight, showing promise despite the loss.
Key performances from ropz and rain fueled FaZe Clan’s victory, while Team Liquid’s ultimate showcased impressive skills. FaZe Clan’s success relies on keeping ropz in form, and this win signals a positive start for them at IEM Cologne 2024.
Astralis & NAVI Secure Wins
Credit: IEM on X.
Remaining unfazed by upsets, Astralis and NAVI secured comfortable 2:0 victories against 9z Team and paiN Gaming, respectively. The dominant performances showcased their prowess against lower-ranked opponents, setting a high standard for competition.
Astralis showcased strong performances from Staehr and jabbi, even without stavn’s contribution. NAVI’s team effort led to a dominating win, highlighting their collective strength. The upcoming clash between Astralis and NAVI will determine a playoffs spot, adding more excitement to the tournament.
Here are the results from today’s matches at IEM Cologne 2024:
- FaZe Clan 2:0 Team Liquid
- Complexity 2:1 Virtus.pro
- SAW 2:0 G2
- Astralis 2:0 9z Team
- The MongolZ 2:0 Spirit
- NAVI 2:0 paiN Gaming
