In the expected semifinal clash at IEM Rio 2024, FURIA faced MOUZ in an MD3, with great expectations from the Brazilian fans who filled the Farmasi Arena. The first map, Nuke, chosen by FURIA, started with promises of a fierce duel, especially after the Brazilians won the pistol round. However, the European team quickly took control of the match and secured a convincing victory on the map.
FURIA started with confidence, taking advantage of their entry into bombsite B, where skullz stood out with two eliminations, and FalleN completed the move. Even so, MOUZ knew how to use its economic and tactical advantages to reverse unfavorable situations, which was evident at critical moments, such as when Jimpphat and torzsi turned an unfavorable round for the European team, planting C4 and winning another point.
Errors cost FURIA dearly on the Nuke map
Throughout the Nuke map, FURIA found it difficult to maintain consistency. Even in rounds in which they started with a numerical advantage, the Brazilian team made mistakes at decisive moments, allowing MOUZ to make effective retakes and increase their advantage. In one of the most symbolic moments, FURIA was in a favorable position with a 4×2, but ended up being surprised by good rotations from the opposing team, which was relentless.
Furthermore, MOUZ seemed to have studied FURIA's strategies in detail, neutralizing their moves and frustrating their attempts to advance, especially on the ramps and outside the bombsite. The slower strategy adopted by FURIA was not enough to contain MOUZ's calm and discipline, which guaranteed more rounds with accurate retakes. The European team ended up winning and closed the map 13 to 3.
Mirage performance confirms MOUZ superiority
After the defeat on Nuke, FURIA needed to recover on Mirage, the map chosen by MOUZ. However, the European team maintained dominance, while the Brazilian team, despite some good plays, failed at crucial moments. Errors in smokes and executions at bombsite A allowed MOUZ to increase their advantage at the beginning of the map.
Even in favorable 5×4 situations, FURIA was unable to convert the rounds, suffering from the impeccable retakes of Jimpphat and brollan. MOUZ's confidence increased with each round, and so, like Nuke, the team closed the second map 13-3 culminating in a 2-0 victory.
MOUZ advances to the final against NAVI
With victory assured, MOUZ advanced to the grand final against NAVI, who had beaten Heroic in the other semi-final. FURIA, in turn, left the scene with a feeling of frustration with a lack of consistency and more precise execution in decisive situations.
