We are approaching the end of the first stream of games within the group stage of The International 2022. We are reviewing the confrontation between Team Liquid and Royal Never Give Up.
Of the five parallel meetings, this one looks the closest. Both teams feel like contenders for the upper bracket, given the competition within group A.
We are trying to figure out which of the teams will show a more worthy game and earn important points for going to the playoffs.
Royal Never Give Up Form
Royal Never Give Up will be the favorite for the match. The Chinese club's chance of winning is estimated at around 3.1.
Based on the figures provided by the bookmakers, we can state parity in the confrontation. We can agree with this, because the teams had a similar season.
The 2022 Royal Never Give Up took 2nd place at the Regional Finals in China before finishing 4th at the following. In the third DPC draw, Somnus and the company took the lead and went to the PGL Arlington Major.
Successful performance of star Chinese in America is impossible. RNG took the TOP-12, leaving the tournament without actually earning anything.
They got to The International through the qualifiers in China.
Royal Never Give Up line-up
- Ghost
- Somnus
- Chalice
- kaka
- xNova
The trio Somnus, Chalice, xNova, who once played under the banners of PSG.LGD and participated in the finals of The International 2018, united in the lavas of RNG. Since then, the trio’s ambitions have not subsided and this year they will want to overcome themselves, finally winning the main trophy of the discipline.
Heroes Royal Never Give Up
RNG play for their mid player. The most popular characters for them in patch 7.32 were Puck (3 matches, 100% win rate), Queen of Pain (3 matches, 100% win rate).
Also picked Chen (3 matches, 66% win rate), Tiny (3 matches, 66% win rate).
Form Team Liquid
Team Liquid will be in the catch-up status. The chance of their victory is estimated by the coefficient in the region of 3.6.
As we can see, the gap is minimal, which once again underlines the parity between the clubs. You should not expect anything else from this, because, as I already mentioned, they play almost identically. This is if you take into account the performance during the season.
In 2022, Liquid looked great online, winning home leagues in Western Europe and playing LAN events carelessly. At ESL One Stockholm, the team took the TOP-12 in order to repeat the result at the PGL Arlington Major later.
Like RNG, they went through qualifiers at The International, with the difference that they made it to the Last Chance Qualifier, where they were forced to play for life. As we can see, Liquid coped with this task.
Team Liquid results at The Last Chance Qualifier
- 2-1 victory over Polaris
- Lost to Vp 1-2
- 2-0 victory over Xtreme
- 2-1 victory over Vici Gaming
- Victory over Vp with a score of 2-0
In my opinion, participation in the Last Chance Qualifier will be a great help for Liquid. During the last life tournament, the team managed to play with the Chinese RNG colleagues and feel their “meta”. And in general, Liquid accelerated well, which, given their consistently good game in groups, can play a key role in the team's further success.
Team Liquid roster
- MATUMBAMAN
- MiCke
- zai
- Boxi
- InsaNia
The Liquid roster includes the winner of The International and the bronze medalist of last year. They can definitely match the coolness of Royal Never Give Up players.
Heroes Team Liquid
In their picks, Liquid focuses on Death Prophet (4 matches, 75% wins), Mars (4 matches, 50% wins), Slark (3 matches, 66% wins), Vengeful Spirit (3 matches, 66% wins), Marci and Pudge (3 matches, 66% of wins).
History of personal confrontations
Previously, the teams did not play each other in head-to-head confrontations. The teams will meet for the first time in the current rosters.
Match outcome
From this fight, I expect the maximum fight on two maps and high-quality DotA from both sides. Speaking of specifics, RNGs should not allow Liquid to accelerate, which can be difficult, given the Chinese's hard focus on the midline.
For myself, I see a draw here, but I will not be surprised by the victory of one of the parties. I believe more in Liquid's success due to the experience gained in the LCQ.
Outcome: Draw/Win for Liquid.
