Worlds Wrapped - Groups Day 5

After a few days break, Worlds is back to conclude groups stage. Today saw the chaotic and unpredictable Group A play out the last of its games, with two teams being eliminated from the tournament.

T1 and EDG Advance

Despite 3 teams starting the day at 2-1, it was EDG and T1 that came through on the day and cruised through to the quarter finals. Both teams dominated against FNC and C9, then faced off in a tense match to decide who would claim the first seed.

The early game was incredibly close with both teams going toe-to-toe with each other. However, T1 started to pull ahead off the back of an incredible Soraka performance from Keria. He went first item Mikael's Crucible to nullify EDG's Lissandra, and was selflessly devoted to protecting his team:

Once the snowball started rolling, there was no stopping T1 and they closed out the game with over a 10k gold lead. But really, should we have been surprised? Every year Faker has been at Worlds, he's made it out of groups in first place.  

FNC and C9 Crash Out

C9 had a mountain to climb if they rectify their 0-3 start, and though they were still eliminated, they were able to bring the LCS its first win in the group stage. They absolutely crushed FNC in an assertive and confident fashion, snowballing through bot lane and punishing Hylissang's over-extensions on Soraka:

Not only should C9 be praised for finally giving the home crowd something to cheer for, but also for going out in style during their last match against T1. With nothing to lose, Zven locked in Heimerdinger support and was able to get off some great early game roams:

There was less to celebrate for FNC. They were looking hot after a fantastic week 1 and were coming into the day with everything to play for, but crumbled under the pressure and went 0-3.

Humanoid has looked incredible on his signature Azir throughout Worlds, but this was banned away all day. Hylissang also locked in Soraka and Nami, and again proved he is not as comfortable on enchanters as engage supports.

However, the most frustrating error came from FNC's decision to ban Caitlyn and Fiora against T1 instead of Yuumi. The cat has been running rampant with her max Q poke build and has yet to lose a game at Worlds, but she was left open and was a major reason why FNC lost.

Highlight Play

This was a brilliantly executed team fight from T1 against FNC, instantly punishing FNC for attempting to take the tier 2 turret. Faker managed to steal the Poppy ult, interrupt Akali's dash perfectly, and even yeet her into the waiting arms of his bot lane; an absolutely beautiful play.

Tomorrow, Group B will be decided as G2, JDG, DWG and EDG will battle for another two spots in the quarter-finals.