GotFrag.com Like mTw in the lower portion of the bracket, both Wicked and fnatic only had to play four matches before they were able to reach the semi-finals against each other.

Fnatic was unfortunately given a tough first round match-up against DTS, whom they defeated in two very entertaining matches, and then moved on to face the French team, emuLate, where they stepped up their game a bit and ended things quickly. As for Wicked, they played a somewhat easy first round match against Artyk whom they ran right over, and then had to go into what seemed like it would be a tougher match against wNv.cn. Even with the momentum running high after an amazing win over mouz, the Chinese proved no match for Wicked and were hastily disposed of.

Now two of the world's powerhouses will collide in what might turn out to be a fast-paced enthralling couple of matches filled with superb aim and solid teamwork.

Coming into the event, it looked as if no one would be able to put a stop to fnatic. They have been absolutely amazing lately and seem motivated enough to carry themselves to a third title of 2009. Still, even though they've looked pretty good this event, it almost seems as if they've lost a step -- if only slightly. Like a barricaded gateway that has seen its first small crack, fnatic will try to prevent Wicked from becoming the battering ram that eventually breaks through and sends the Swedes packing.

For them to do this, however, they are going to have to play extremely smart. Fnatic will more than likely choose nuke as the first map and pull out to an early one-map-to-none lead over Poland's finest. Then, with a limited selection of maps remaining on which fnatic can really be beaten, Wicked would be best to choose dust2, where they usually play well and fnatic has shown a bit of weakness. On the final map -- Inferno or Train -- it is going to be tough to say whether Wicked will be able to pull out a second victory since fnatic is very good on both.

The key to victory for Wicked will be to frag consistently and play smart. Fnatic will come out ready and won't be overcome easily.

Last Meeting At a Major Event: fnatic > Wicked : 16-12 - ESWC Masters Cheonan Group Play

KODE5 2009 Global Finals

Semi-Finals

Scoreboard	1H	2H	OT	F
Fnatic	1	1	-	2
WICKED	-	-	-	-
de_inferno: fnatic [16:05] Wicked de_train: fnatic [22:20] Wicked
fnatic: dsn, cArn, f0rest, GeT_RiGhT, GuX WICKED: TaZ, kuben, Loord, LUq, Neo