IEM Cologne semifinals tips and predictions

The semifinals of IEM Cologne are about to start today and will feature four teams competing to claim a spot in the Grand Final of one of the most important CS:GO events of this season.

Two of these teams — Natus Vincere and FaZe Clan — are currently ranked first and second globally. Astralis are returning CS:GO Major champions and possibly the most successful competitors in the history of the game, while Movistar Riders are the tournament’s dark horse.

Semifinal 1: Natus Vincere vs. Astralis

The first semifinal of IEM Cologne features two teams that have met before in many Grand Finals. Except this time Na’Vi are the favorites. Astralis clearly proved in the previous playoffs match that they have what it takes to compete against the world’s best. But Na’Vi is on a completely different level.

If Aleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev has a good day, the match will be over very quickly. But even if he doesn’t, it’s enough for him to play average as long as his teammates do their part. Because at this point, Na’Vi have several players who can carry the team to a victory.

For Astralis, this is already one of the best results of the season. The fact that they will get to play again in front of a live audience in the Semifinals of a tournament like IEM Cologne is clear proof that the Danes are still exceptionally strong despite losing their coach, Danny “zonic” Sorensen, and two of their best players (Peter “dupreeh” Rasmussen and Emil “Magisk” Reif) in November last year.

The most likely result here is a 2-1 in favor of Na’Vi.

Semifinal 2: FaZe Clan vs. Movistar Riders

The second match of the day could go either way. Movistar Riders came close to defeating Na’Vi in the group stage and there’s no reason why they couldn’t beat FaZe Clan. After all, in the previous match they defeated one of the world’s best teams, Team Liquid.

Of course, FaZe Clan have exceptional players and one of the best IGLs in the world, so they will probably come to the match well prepared. But Movistar Riders proved that they can win against anyone at this point. Nobody knows what transformation they’ve gone through but they certainly have a very unique and very effective playstyle.

The score here is almost certainly going to be either 1-2 or 2-1. It’s hard to imagine any of these teams winning with ease. Experience should favor FaZe but then again, experience should have favored Liquid as well.

Header: ESL|Steffie Wunderl