In the highly anticipated semifinal matchup at IEM Rio 2024, FURIA faced MOUZ in a MD3 match, with high expectations from the Brazilian fans who packed Farmasi Arena. The first map, Nuke, chosen by FURIA, started with the promise of a close duel, especially after the Brazilians won the pistol round. However, the European team quickly took control of the match and secured a convincing victory.
FURIA started confidently, capitalizing on their entry into bombsite B, where skullz excelled with two eliminations, and FalleN completed the play. Even so, MOUZ knew how to use their economic and tactical advantages to turn around unfavorable situations, which was evident in critical moments, such as when Jimpphat and torzsi turned a losing round for the European team, planting C4 and earning another point.
Mistakes cost FURIA dearly on the Nuke map
Throughout the Nuke map, FURIA struggled to maintain consistency. Even in rounds where they started with a numerical advantage, the Brazilian team made mistakes at crucial moments, allowing MOUZ to execute effective retakes and extend their lead. In one of the most symbolic moments, FURIA was in a favorable position with a 4v2, but was ultimately surprised by good rotations from the opposing team, which proved relentless.
Furthermore, MOUZ seemed to have thoroughly studied FURIA's strategies, neutralizing their plays and thwarting their attempts to advance, especially on the ramps and outside the bombsite. FURIA's slower strategy wasn't enough to counter MOUZ's calm and disciplined play, which secured more rounds with precise retakes. The European team ultimately prevailed, closing the map 13-3.
Performance in Mirage confirms MOUZ's superiority
After their loss on Nuke, FURIA needed to bounce back on Mirage, MOUZ's chosen map. However, the European team maintained its dominance, while the Brazilian team, despite some good plays, faltered at crucial moments. Mistakes in smokes and executions at bombsite A allowed MOUZ to extend their lead early on in the map.
Even in favorable 5-on-4 situations, FURIA failed to convert rounds, suffering from impeccable retakes from Jimpphat and Brollan. MOUZ's confidence grew with each round, and just like on Nuke, the team closed the second map 13-3, culminating in a 2-0 victory.
MOUZ advances to the final against NAVI
With victory secured, MOUZ advanced to the grand final against NAVI, who had defeated Heroic in the other semifinal. FURIA, meanwhile, left the stage frustrated with a lack of consistency and more precise execution in decisive situations.
