ESTNN takes a brief dive into the upcoming matches of IEM Katowice 2021.
The playoffs for Intel Extreme Masters Katowice are right around the corner after a series of exciting games in the group stage. Now that only six teams remain in the competition, the battle for winning the trophy will get fiercer.
Solid performances from Liquid and Spirit have landed them in the semifinals of the event. However, Na’Vi will face Gambit Esports and Danish team Astralis will go up against Virtus.pro in the quarterfinals.
Natus`Vincere vs Gambit Esports
Natus`Vincere had a tough Group B where they defeated Virtus.pro but couldn’t crack Team Liquid. Gambit Esports had an upper hand against mousesports in Group A and surprised a few with their 2-0 win over G2. Although Gambit have momentum and form, Na`Vi looks very promising. Inevitably, both teams will try their best to win, but Simple and his crew are the favorites.
Astralis vs Virtus.pro
Astralis haven’t really had the smoothest of matches, facing defeat against Team Spirit in a 2-1 battle. Virtus.pro have won all their group stage matches with a confident 2-0 scoreline against powerful teams like Ninjas In Pyjamas and Team Vitality. It is tough to predict who will win this round. Especially when Astralis look a little shaky and Virtus.pro are having a field day playing against tough opponents. Astralis will have to give a tough fight and gain confidence from their wins over mousesports and Evil Geniuses if they aim to win this.
The Semifinals
Liquid and Spirit have given tremendous performances to earn spots in the semifinals. Team Liquid showed their resilience against FaZe Clan and Natus Vincere in the group stage, while Team Spirit looked like the dark horse in the tournament, winning against G2 Esports and Astralis.
It will interest the fans to see how the semis pan out. A lot will depend on who finishes the quarterfinals on a high note. After all, unpredictability of CS:GO is what makes the game so exciting.
Feature Image: ESL/Adela Sznajder
