On the first map, EDG's teamwork and tactical execution were quite impressive. The communication between team members was seamless, and the tactics were well-executed, leading to a successful win on this map, showcasing their strong team strength. However, after winning the first map, the mindset of EDG players seemed to change. They began to display various rogue behaviors on the second map, overly relying on individual abilities and neglecting the importance of teamwork. This shift in mindset directly led to their loss on the second map. By the time of the decisive map, EDG continuously made basic mistakes, such as positioning errors and decision-making errors. These mistakes allowed G2 to seize the opportunity and ultimately make a comeback.
Throughout the entire match, Simon was fighting alone, and apart from Simon, the performances of the other four EDG players needed improvement. Especially nobody, who could still perform in domestic events due to his IGL position, but on the international stage, both his shooting and decision-making were outclassed by G2. Reviewing the previous matches where EDG won, Kankan and Smoggy must step up because relying solely on Simon and the half-awake Qiuball is far from enough in terms of firepower. EDG's discipline, which could compensate for their shooting firepower, remains consistently disappointing.
However, discipline is one aspect; the more significant issue might be on-the-spot decision-making. They lacked effective solutions after the opponent scored consecutively and couldn't quickly read unfamiliar tactics. For instance, G2 used a Yoru system on the second map, a tactic they had never used in official matches before, and also attacked the A site with a roll point strategy at G2's stronghold. EDG could only respond with a combination of Black Dream + Bombshell + Ray's gadgets to delay, completely unable to counter G2's accelerated point-taking and planting.
I think everyone would agree with me that EDG's genetic makeup is about playing fast, with high-efficiency trade kills and individual abilities in clutch situations. Especially on the second map, where they only needed a rush to score, EDG chose ineffective map control in the early stage. After G2 gathered their information in the mid-stage, EDG had no choice but to rotate points. During this process, it was clear that once the commander nobody issued complex instructions, the entire EDG looked awkward in execution. To solve this, they should improve their on-the-spot decision-making and game-reading ability. Simply emphasizing discipline might not fully address the issues EDG has exposed.
Next, EDG will wait for the winner between PRX and FUT in the loser's bracket. One is their lingering nightmare, and the other is a recent defeated opponent. If they get defeated by PRX again or are avenged by FUT in the error-free loser's bracket, EDG's future might become bleak. EDG needs all players to stay clear-headed and strengthen teamwork to achieve victory in the upcoming matches. Don't disappoint us again, EDG, fighting!
