A win against Imperial was followed by a loss against Natus vincere for Ninjas in Pajamas on the opening day of IEM Brazil. On Tuesday, they faced the Swedish-founded team 9ine, whose five, on the other hand, consists of five Polish players.
NIP got off to a tough start on Vertigo, with 9ine gaining an early advantage on their T-side. The Swedish team, on the other hand, picked it up to be just one round away from the Poles when the sides changed.
An unsynced NIP then had difficulty getting into the sites.
Even 25 eliminations by Daniil “Headtr1ck” Valitov weren’t enough, instead it was 9ine who took his own map pick 16-9. Next, Mirage was waiting.
Sloppy NIP turned into drama
Ninjas continued to be sloppy and had a hard time even converting rounds against half-buys as T-side. Players entered the sites one by one, unsupported by teammates, and 9ine built a seven-round lead.
– It is a total collapse for NIP, says the team’s former coach Björn Pers in “Esportstudion”.
It initially looked still dark for the ninjas when they had to defend and when 9ine reached 15 rounds it looked like the game was over. But thanks to seven straight rounds by NIP, they were able to force overtime.
Fredrik “Rez” Sterner and Kristian “K0nfig” Wienecke saved the team time and time again. In the end, Ninjas in pajamas tied the game after a 19–15 victory.
– This match should have been over. This must feel really tough for 9ine, says Adam Friberg in “Esportstudion”.
Won 16 straight rounds
The teams had to be separated on the Overpass, where NIP brought their fantastic momentum. By the time they took a 5–0 lead, they had won an improbable 16 straight rounds.
After the T side, NIP led 12–3.
They also completed the impressive turnaround, winning 16–12.
After the victory, they will face the winner of Heroic and Mongolz on Wednesday – and a win there means that the playoff spot is secured.
