The second round of quarterfinal matches at ESL Cologne were both predictable and surprising, since the odds were in FaZe Clan’s favor over Team Liquid, and since OpTic actually put up a good fight against SK Gaming. It was a rough day for two North American teams in Cologne, Germany.
The semifinal playoff picture is now set for the event, which has whittled 16 of the best CS:GO teams from around the world down to just four at ESL Cologne, which ends July 9.
FaZe Clan vs. Team Liquid (2-0)
Liquid was able to keep up with FaZe on Overpass on their defensive side in the first half at 7-8, but the team fell apart on the Terrorist side. FaZe shredded each of their offenses to easily close out the map 16-9.
Train, the next map, was entirely one-sided in FaZe’s favor. The Europeans held down their sites in every Liquid execute to get a 13-2 lead at the half. A few quick Terrorist round wins from FaZe gave them the 16-5 victory on Train to eliminate Liquid from ESL Cologne.
SK Gaming vs. OpTic Gaming (2-1)
OpTic started off their series against SK Gaming with a fantastic Counter-Terrorist 13-2 half on Mirage. SK waged a small comeback, but OpTic was finally able to end Mirage on top with a 16-10 scoreline.
On Cache, SK halted the majority of OpTic’s Terrorist aggression until the first half ended at 13-2. The Brazilians finished off the North Americans on Cache 16-9 after a slow second half to force a map three decider on Cobblestone.
Cobblestone initially went back-and-forth between OpTic and SK, until SK pulled away with a big lead to end the first half 11-4. OpTic showed some signs of life in the second half, but it wasn’t enough as SK defended their sites with ease to finish the game at 16-7, ending OpTic’s run in Cologne.
The playoff picture
Only one North American team remains at ESL Cologne as SK and FaZe are set to play in the second semifinal at the Lanxess Arena. The winner of the SK vs. FaZe match will advance to the grand final to play the winner of Cloud9 vs. Natus Vincere for $100,000.
