Run in double elimination format, all four teams will get a second match regardless.
I asked non competing xvO for his predictions for the first two matches.
Insignia Cadre vs.
Rangaistus-Pataljoona
Our players warmed up and I think that Rapa have been practising aswell and I think could get an interesting match from this. But still I think Cadre doesn't have so much problems winning this one.
Afterlife vs
Viiry
There's not much to say because the skill level is so much greater with Afterlife than Viiry. Afterlife will take this one easily as well.
Cadre progressed with relative ease in this match. Whilst never looking in doubt they did find it hard at times to break down the resiliant Rapa defence. Cadre can now relax knowing their place in the Upper Bracket Final is safe.
In the first round Viiry held on well to keep the score at just 2-1, but as Allies afterlife turned the screw and came out well on top. The matches thus far have gone as expected, who knows how the Upper Bracket Final will turn out.
Both teams would admit they were most likely expecting to end up playing each other at this stages. In saying that, both but up good defenses and made a game of it versus the tough opposition. This match should in my opinion be a great test for both, but with Rapa coming out on top by 2 caps.
I was too busy struggling for food at Hesburger to catch this match, but by all accounts the score would suggest Rapa replaced the last "a" with "e".
Its the battle of the Finnish heavy weights on dod_anzio. Cadre are notoriously strong on Anzio, it will hing on whether or not Filter can crack out the skills and keep the bridge team as solid as everyone knows it is. For me this is Cadre winning by a single cap.
Afterlife flew out of the blocks and got a full cap early on, they seemed to be able to continue such pressure for long periods of time. When Cadre did eventually recap, the deadlock was broken again by Afterlife soon after the restart, at the team change Afterlife, as axis, leads 2 - 1. Some excellent defensive work from both teams lead to a game of cat and mouse, swapping ownership of the 2 man flags. Eventually Cadre levelled up and tagged on a leading cap. I think after the levelling cap al. lost their way a little as before long Cadre were 4-2 up, a minute late 5, it really was an avalanche. Premi's roaring clearly cheered on the team and they began to show why they are Europe's number 1 team. Unfortunately for the viewers in the Pro Hall, we couldn't appreciate how amazing this game was, as the admin believed himself to be Steven Spielberg, in eyes footage coming rarely, instead we endured constant camera panning and flybys. The game ended with Afterlife pressing for a full cap but they couldnt bring it to 5-3. Best game of the tournament so far, and a well deserved win for the Cadre boys.
*LIVE* Rapa surprised many at Playz2 with some great displays, and they haven't failed to deliver here, leading at half time 1-0. Some great pressure play and defensive tactics by Afterlife saved them, also maybe Rapa didn't have the killer edge as in reality they should have lead by 2-0 or 3-0. Directly after the restart Afterlife capped twice within one minute. Which has knocked Rapa, their teamwork and play style has unravelled somewhat, but the teams seem very even, I'm tempted to say that its the like's of doll who is the real differance. Regardless of the result, Rapa have solidified their position as one of Finland's solidest LAN teams! Another fullcap to Afterlife left Rapa needing 3 caps in a few short minutes, they failed to do so and its the expected, but not straight forward Afterlife Insignia Cadre Grand Final.
The two top teams meet once again and this time its for alot more than just bragging rights, cash + hardware products up for grabs here, and unofficial title of best source team in Finland!
Cadre start as axis on salerno and both teams quickly try to get to grips on the fountain. With some utterly stunning heavy work in the houses and a rapid progression up the map Cadre ring in a full cap with two minutes of play. Ten minutes of sheer killer skill ensued with After life in general having the upper hand before forcing a full cap with just two minutes left in the map. One cap all at half time. The second half opened up with the usual cat and mouse tactics at the fountain, with the game hinging on that flag, some hing had to give. Again the speed with which Cadre move is mesmerising and Afterlime sucumbed to the pressure dropping a cap three minutes in. And again twice in 10 seconds clutch kills from swingu and omsku saved Afterlife from dropping again, Cadre regrouped, continued to hold the four flags, steadied themselves and ith 30 seconds blanzzi was in to make it five flags, and a 3-1 lead. With {{KAZA^}} causing utter havoc for xyfo, Deltta came from absolutely nowhere to get around and cap the second. Game over at 4-1, damage limitation as far as Afterlife are concerned. And thats how it finished.
| Graham Barrett // dR Posted 1 year ago: Sat, 28 Apr 2007 14:49:29 +0100 | ![]() |