Monte punish FURIA’s slow start to continue impressive form

13-5-2023 14:06

Two of FURIA’s players failed to hit double-digits as they slumped to an opening defeat.

Monte continued their recent incredible streak of form in their opening match of the Legends Stage, comfortably dispatching FURIA 16-7 on Ancient.

FURIA had an uncharacteristically poor game individually with Rafael "⁠saffee⁠" Costa failing to hit double-digit frags alongside Yuri "⁠yuurih⁠" Santos, who had his joint-lowest career rating in this defeat. Even the usually ever-reliable Kaike "⁠KSCERATO⁠" Cerato was significantly subdued, with Andrei "⁠arT⁠" Piovezan instead taking up the mantle and serving as by far the stiffest resistance Monte had to face.

Monte are proving to be a dangerous opponent for all who face them

By contrast Monte’s individuals were crisp across the board, with every member providing impact or a big play when they were called upon to do so. They were also incredibly varied in their approach both to offense and defense, displaying a deep playbook on Ancient that was difficult for FURIA to adapt to even after four timeouts.

There is a sense that this FURIA lineup is running out of time to show it can match their ambition of being a trophy-winning side, something they seem to feel themselves if their recent overhaul of their playstyle is anything to go by. A switch to incorporating a slower, more methodical, more ‘European’ approach in at least some rounds has occurred in the last couple of months, but they will need to make it work better in future matches if they are to progress.

Monte by contrast have been a revelation in 2023, taking tier two by storm before marching into the Major circuit and proving their worth against the best teams in the world.

DemQQ: "Our goal is to make the playoffs and show what we can do"

The majority-Ukrainian side ran FaZe very close in the Challengers Stage and ultimately were comfortable in securing their Legends Stage berth, and if they continue on their current trajectory, the goal Sergiy "⁠DemQQ⁠" Demchenko stated in a HLTV interview of making playoffs is certainly within reach.

FURIA will face off against Ninjas in Pyjamas in the next round, whilst Monte will do battle with fnatic in the 1-0 bracket.

Group Legends Stage

1W - 0L