FURIA became the second semi-finalists of the IEM Cologne Major after getting the better of surprise package 9z in a three-map series (Dust2 8-13, Mirage 13-9, Overpass 13-6).
FURIA were nowhere to be seen at the start of the series, as they labored to just three rounds in the first half. While they found their feet on their offense, where a masterful Yuri “yuurih” Santos 1vs3 clutch gave them a chance to comeback, the deficit proved too big to overcome.
Maximiliano “max” Gonzalez put the final nail in the FURIA coffin with a 1vs2, securing 9z a victory on their pick to begin the match.
Mirage began with another yuurih clutch, with the Brazilian securing a 1vs4 to begin the map. 9z were unfazed by that, however, and ran away to a 6-2 lead. That was when FURIA finally found their footing in the series, as a plethora of clutches, chief among which was Danil “molodoy” Golubenko’s 1vs3, tied up the scores.
Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo’s troops kept up that momentum in the second half to tie up the series with a 13-9 victory.
On the Overpass decider, FURIA cashed in their favorite status by putting together a 9-3 CT half despite losing the pistol and conversion.
International FURIA finally break through Major quarter-final curse
FURIA came into the Austin Major quarterfinal as overwhelming favorites against paiN before losing in a three-map series, while Natus Vincere stopped them in Budapest at the same stage.
This time around, however, FalleN’s troops recovered from an opening map loss to finally win a long-awaited Major playoff match.
It wasn’t easy, but with Aurora sitting in front of them and the Major final, FalleN’s troops are coming into the semi-final clash with a good shot at victory.
More highlights:
yuurih outsmarts 9z for 1vs3
yuurih begins Mirage with masterful 1vs4
KSCERATO’s game crash costs FURIA the 4vs3
yuurih and KSCERATO combine for A hold
KSCERATO double smoke spam give FURIA their tenth
