SAW upset G2 in the opening round of IEM Cologne
SAW with a convincing showing beat G2 Esports in opening round of the IEM Cologne group stage.
The Portuguese team pulled off a stunning run in the Play-in, advancing without a single loss and defeating both The MongolZ and BIG. Despite their underdog status, they proved their legitimacy with a performance that has caught the attention of many against the reigning champions of Cologne.
Quick work on Nuke
Coming into the series, no one expected SAW to deliver such a beautiful Counter-Strike display. Yet, their victory was dominant, beginning with a flawless T side on Nuke that left G2 struggling to find their footing.
The Portuguese squad swiftly secured entries, leaving G2 with little choice but to fall back and save. Michel "ewjerkz" Pinto delivered three crucial multi-kill rounds after the side switch, sealing the deal and closing out the map with a commanding 13-5 scoreline.
Better, but not enough for G2
G2 seized control on Inferno, turning the tide after SAW’s strong start. Nemanja "huNter-" Kovač and his teammates dominated the opening duels, racing to a 7-3 lead. Though SAW managed to grab two rounds before the half, giving them a glimmer of hope, G2 quickly reached double digits after the side swap, making it 10-5.
With Nikola "NiKo" Kovač heating up and momentum fully in G2’s favor, the match seemed all but over. However, SAW responded with remarkable resilience, showcasing exceptional teamplay and mental fortitude. They went on a stunning eight-round streak, outplaying and outmaneuvering G2 to snatch a hard-fought victory.
With their loss, G2, will fight in the bottom of the lower bracket hell where they’ll face the loser between Team Spirit and The MongolZ for a chance at defending their title. Now, whether G2’s honeymoon period is over or it’s nothing but a mishap on their way to glory remains to be seen. So, be sure to tune in for the upcoming matches and keep up with the latest IEM Cologne 2024 updates on Strafe.
Featured Image source: ESL
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