The match between paiN Gaming and Team Liquid in the Swiss Stage at the League of Legends World Championship 2024 has become one of the most intriguing events of the tournament, as both teams, currently at a 0-2 record, are on the verge of elimination. At stake is not only their pride but also the opportunity to continue participating in the tournament, as losing at this stage means immediate elimination. Let's explore why both teams suffered losses in previous games, what they need to improve, and who is the favorite in this crucial encounter.

Team Liquid Analysis

Problems in Previous Games:

Team Liquid entered the tournament with high expectations, but their performance has been disappointing. The team's main issue has been a weak early game, allowing opponents to gain momentum and secure key objectives. Although TL is known for their strong macro skills, they faced difficulties in controlling the map and key objectives like dragons and Baron at this tournament.

One reason for their losses is their inability to adapt to the aggressive playstyle of opponents and frequent positioning errors, especially in teamfights. These mistakes led to losses in fights and, consequently, a loss of control over the map and the game as a whole. It's important to note that Team Liquid demonstrated insufficient coordination during crucial moments of the matches, which reduced their chances of winning.

Ways to Improve:

To win the upcoming match, Team Liquid needs to return to their strengths—controlling the game's tempo through smart macro play. They should focus on improving the early stages of the game, avoiding mistakes, and consistently pressing the map. Special attention should be given to communication at critical moments to prevent disunity and loss of control over objectives. If TL can stabilize their early game and improve their macro play, they can use their experience and teamwork to finish matches in their favor.

paiN Gaming Analysis

Why They Lost:

paiN Gaming has international experience, but at this stage of the tournament, they failed to show their best game. Similar to Team Liquid, their weak spot is macro play and the inability to maintain momentum in the mid and late stages of matches. Although paiN is known for their aggressive playstyle, at Worlds 2024 they faced challenges in executing their strategies.

The main issues for paiN Gaming are related to insufficient team coordination and losing control over the map at key moments. This results in them conceding dragons, Baron, and towers to opponents, putting them at a significant disadvantage. Their aggressive attempts to gain an early advantage often turn into losses when opponents successfully counterattack in the mid game.

What Can Help?

For paiN Gaming, the key will be maintaining an aggressive tempo in the early stages of the game and stable macro play. They need to act more aggressively in the beginning to force Team Liquid into mistakes and gain map control. It's crucial for paiN to improve team coordination and focus on their strengths. If they can enhance team interaction and control the map, they can push Team Liquid off key positions and secure a victory.

Key Moments and Success Factors

1. Early Aggression from paiN Gaming:

paiN Gaming is known for their aggressive playstyle in the early stages of matches. If they succeed in gaining an advantage early, they can put Team Liquid in a difficult position, forcing them to retreat and defend. However, the main question remains whether paiN can maintain this tempo and effectively control the map to preserve their advantage in the mid and late game.

2. Objective Control from Team Liquid:

Despite early game problems, Team Liquid possesses vast experience and skill in macro play. If they can stabilize the game in the early stages and seize control of key objectives like dragons, Rift Herald, and Baron, it could drastically change the course of the match. Thanks to their adaptability in the late game, TL can offset their shortcomings at the start and win through experience and stronger coordination.

3. Key Role of Players on an Individual Level:

In this match, individual performances of players from both teams will play a crucial role. For Team Liquid, important players will be botlaner Yeon Chan and midlaner Harry "Haeri" Kang. Yeon, despite the pressure, can deliver decisive damage in the late game, while Haeri can control the midlane and create opportunities for his team.

On the other hand, paiN Gaming will rely on their experienced toplaner Marcos "CarioK" Lacerda and midlaner Thiago "Tinowns" Perez. Their aggressive actions on the lanes can force Team Liquid into making mistakes and surrendering control of the game.

4. Mistakes and Their Consequences:

Since this match determines the fate of the teams in the tournament, even the slightest mistakes could be fatal. In a situation where nerves are tense, the teams that can remain calm and avoid critical mistakes are likely to emerge victorious. Both TL and paiN have faced challenges in adapting to their opponents' playstyle, but whoever is better prepared for this encounter will likely gain the upper hand.

Prediction and Match Favorite

Determining a clear favorite in this match is not easy, as both teams have shown unstable play throughout the tournament. However, if we consider their performances in a global context, Team Liquid seems more prepared for the late stages of games, especially if they manage to avoid a poor start. Their strong macro play and extensive international experience could be decisive factors in their battle against paiN Gaming.

On the other hand, if paiN can execute their aggression early in the game and gain control, it could create excellent winning chances for them. They will need to avoid mistakes in teamfights and improve their macro play to sustain against Team Liquid in the mid and late game.

Conclusion:

The match between paiN Gaming and Team Liquid promises to be a clash of styles: the aggressive play of paiN versus the macro-oriented strategy of Team Liquid. If TL can stabilize their early game and avoid mistakes, their experience and teamwork could lead them to victory. However, paiN Gaming is quite capable of utilizing their aggressive strategies to push Team Liquid out of the tournament if they can seize the initiative early in the match.

An exciting battle is expected, where every decision will have major consequences for both teams.