Can NAVI close it out in Map 2?
After a record-breaking Gambit vs FURIA match-up, it was time for the most-anticipated quarterfinal match. NAVI and Vitality would face each other in the knockout match, a game that many had hoped would be the Grand Finals.
The Battle Between The two Best Players in the World
NAVI vs Vitality was not just a battle of two regions, it was a battle between two of the best CS:GO players of all time, S1mple and Zyw0o. In 2021, NAVI has had the upper hand in the several times the two teams have faced each other.
Dust 2 goes NAVI's way
The first map was Dust 2, Vitality’s map pick. The French squad were reliant on their firepower and comfort on Dust 2 to win this map against Natus Vincere. And while Vitality were comfortable on Dust 2, so were NAVI.
It wasn’t S1mple, electronic or the latest superstar B1t that went bonkers on Dust 2. It was Perfecto who ended Dust 2 with 29 kills but the impact of these kills far outweighs the performance of the individual players.
His perfect performance towards the end of the map set NAVI up for Map point. It was a brutal shutdown and Vitality lost Dust 2 with a 16-11 score. NAVI had a very strong T-side performance and had a good read on the Vitality defenses.
NAVI Seal the Deal on Nuke
Nuke was NAVI's map choice, and it was always going to be a tough battle for the French players. After losing their map pick of Dust 2, Vitality's performance on Nuke would require some Herculean efforts. Fortunately for them, they have a legendary player in Zywoo, who would be their biggest hope of surviving the quarterfinal match-up.
But the problem for the French players was that NAVI had three such players. While everyone knows S1mple and his heroics, electronic and the new recruit B1t are no slouches. B1t has been one of the best players for NAVI at the PGL Stockholm Major and he came alive on Nuke.
The youngster had 27 kills with a 1.45 rating, against one of the best teams in the world. Ofcourse there were some notable performances by S1mple as well, who commandeered NAVI to match-point.
Vitality put up a very good fight considering Nuke is one of NAVI's best maps. Natus Vincere has worked hard on Nuke and has a streak of victories on Nuke.
NAVI will now face local rivals, Gambit in their next match. Gambit defeated FURIA earlier today to qualify for the semifinals. CS: GO fans can catch all the action live on Twitch.
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