What to expect from SAW v. paiN
This PGL Copenhagen Major has been historic for many reasons, it's the first-ever CS2 major, a team couldn't make it last minute, stickers aren't out yet, Pick' Ems have a different format and Portugal has a team in a Major for the first time. SAW have been nothing short of incredible ever since falling 0-2 in the European RMR. Today, they will face paiN, who have also been showing a good level of play in the first-ever Portugal v. Brazil match in a Major.
SAWed-off Shotgun
This is a squad that was just one series away from being eliminated from the RMR without a single win and, since then, they have gone 11 series without losing until falling to Cloud9 yesterday. SAW are currently riding high, having qualified for BLAST Premier Spring Finals between qualifying for the Major and going up 2-0 in said event. This is a team that doesn't appear to suffer from stage fright, but will they start showing cracks after their first loss?
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arrozdoce has been on another level
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MUTiRiS and roman can prove to be difference-makers individually
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ewjerkz and story very solid
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Everyone has clutch potential on this squad
paiN in the ass (for the opponents)
paiN were regarded as an easy 0-3 pick by many fans, but a shocking opening round win against Apeks ruined many Pick' Ems around the globe. That win was followed by what seemed to be a reality check, as paiN lost 13-2 against Eternal Fire, but once again, they bounced back and completely destroyed ENCE 13-3 on Vertigo, showing a lot of promise.
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First BO3 this Major
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biguzera is on another level, as well
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Can biguzera out-call MUTiRiS and out-frag SAW?
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nqz has been steadily getting more comfortable in Copenhagen
Previous Matchups
These two teams have never faced each other before.
Likely Vetoes
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paiN ban Ancient
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SAW ban Mirage
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paiN pick Vertigo
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SAW pick Nuke
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Overpass will be the decider
Extras
This is the first time two Portuguese-speaking teams meet each other in a Major where one of the teams isn't Brazilian or, in other words, the first time a squad from Portugal meets a squad from Brazil.