FURIA and 9z meet in the final round of the ESL Pro League Season 24 group stage. Both teams have a 2–2 record, so the winner reaches the playoffs while the loser is eliminated.

FURIA need a response

FURIA started the tournament with a comfortable 2–0 victory over BetBoom, but MOUZ brought them back down to earth the following day.

The Brazilians recovered by beating PARIVISION 2–1, only to miss their first chance to reach the playoffs against Aurora. FURIA won the opening map but could not finish the series, eventually losing 2–1.

Despite that defeat, FURIA remain the stronger team on paper. KSCERATO has been their most reliable player, while molodoy, YEKINDAR and yuurih give them plenty of firepower across the rest of the team.

FalleN’s experience should also be important in an elimination match. FURIA have played several high-pressure series this year and should be prepared for a match where one poor map can end the tournament.

The main concern is their consistency. FURIA have already dropped maps they were expected to win, so they need a cleaner performance against 9z.

9z have already survived one elimination match

9z opened the tournament with a 2–0 defeat against Aurora before responding with a 2–0 victory over TYLOO.

A heavy loss against Natus Vincere left them one defeat away from elimination, but they kept their tournament alive by beating BetBoom 2–0. That result will give 9z confidence, although FURIA represent a more difficult opponent.

Both of 9z’s victories have come against teams that struggled during the tournament. When they faced Aurora and NAVI, they lost both series without winning a map.

FURIA have controlled the recent meetings

FURIA have won the last two best-of-three meetings between the teams. They beat 9z at the Cologne Major before winning another series at the Esports World Cup in August.

Both matches ended 2–1, so 9z have shown that they can take a map from FURIA. However, the overall difference between the teams remains clear.

FURIA have the stronger individuals, more experience and a deeper map pool. If they avoid another slow start, they should be able to control the series from the opening rounds.

Backing FURIA simply to win offers limited value. The more interesting option is FURIA -1.5 maps, which requires them to win the series 2–0.

Verdict

9z deserve respect after beating BetBoom, but their two defeats at this tournament have both ended 0–2. FURIA are a clear step up in quality and have already beaten 9z twice this year.

There is some risk because the recent meetings have gone to three maps, but FURIA should respond after their defeat against Aurora. If they play at their usual level, they have enough quality to close the series without dropping a map.

Tip

FURIA -1.5 Maps