In a stunning turn of events, SAW, the Portuguese underdogs, have defeated FaZe Clan 2-1, securing their place in the semifinals of IEM Cologne 2024.
This victory marks a historic achievement for SAW, as they not only advance to the semifinals of a major Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) tournament but do so in an epic fashion, toppling some of the most renowned names in the scene.
SAW’s Impressive Journey to the Semifinals
SAW’s path to the semifinals has been anything but easy. Starting from the play-in stage, their journey is a testament to resilience and skill. The team faced The MongolZ in their opening match, emerging victorious with a 2-1 scoreline. They followed this with another hard-fought 2-1 victory against BIG, securing their spot in the group stage.
Entering Group A, SAW was immediately faced with formidable opponents. Their first challenge was against G2 Esports, the reigning champions of IEM Dallas, featuring star players like M0NESY and NIKO. Despite the odds, SAW pulled off a stunning 2-0 upset, sending G2 to the lower bracket.
Building on this momentum, SAW went on to defeat The MongolZ again in their next match, earning a spot in the upper bracket finals of the group. Although they eventually fell to the powerhouse Natus Vincere (NaVi), their place in the quarterfinals was already secured.
A Historic Victory Against FaZe Clan
The highlight of SAW’s run came in the quarterfinals, where they faced FaZe Clan. In a thrilling series, SAW triumphed 2-1, marking a significant milestone for the organization. This victory propels them into the semifinals, where they are set to face Vitality for a spot in the grand finals.
Comparisons to 9Z Team’s Run at IEM Dallas
SAW’s remarkable performance is reminiscent of 9Z Team’s run at IEM Dallas, where the Argentine squad reached the semifinals before falling to G2 Esports in a closely contested match. Both teams’ journeys highlight the unpredictability and excitement that makes competitive CS2 so compelling.
What’s Next for SAW?
As SAW prepares to face Vitality, the excitement continues to build. Their journey from the play-in stage to the semifinals is already a story of legend, but they now have the chance to add another chapter by advancing to the grand finals.
Whether they can continue their Cinderella story remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: SAW has firmly established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the world of CS2.
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