Griffin vs Cloud9

For our final match of the day we have an absolute barnburner -- a clash between the perennial North American titans Cloud9, and a frightening challenger from the LCK -- Griffin. What a spectacular way to close out the day; a fight between two exceptional line-ups, with both rosters brimming with potential and their eyes set on the same prize.

Both teams currently find themselves in the exact same position as they both dropped games to the tournament favorites G2 Esports. The second spot in the group is up for the taking and they know perfectly well what's at stake. The team that wins here today will create a tremendous lead over the other in the pursuit of the Knockout Stage. And seeing how they're both relatively even when it comes to overall skill and potential, we're bound to get a spectacular, skirmish-heavy bloodbath that'll be decided by the slimmest of margins.

Cloud9 definitely fought a lot harder against G2; they pushed back and actually went blow for blow. Heck, they were even in the driver seat for a considerable amount of time until they succumbed to the immense pressure from the LEC champions. Griffin, on the other hand, kind of just rolled over and got smacked around; they were unable to mount an offensive even though they had all the right tools to do so.

It was a strange sight -- a mild, reactive Griffin. We're all used to their mechanical prowess and sheer aggression, but playing on the international stage is a completely different beast. They're still struggling with stage fright and they probably need a bit more time before adjusting to such a big stage where everything is on the line.

Cloud9, on the other hand, doesn't need time to ramp up. They're in-sync, they're proactive and they have a solid enough read of the meta. They might not be the best or the most commanding team around, but they know their way around the Summoner's Rift and have shown more than enough to warrant our benefit of the doubt. They have experience in spades, they've already tasted both victory as well as defeat on the international stage, and they're well aware of what's at stake.

We're siding with the boys in black and blue on this one, although do keep in mind that this is far from a safe bet. We simply don't have enough information on either team at this point in time to actually stand behind a prediction with full confidence. Both outcomes are perfectly viable. Griffin might come out the gates swinging and dominate the North American representatives with staggering ease. Or, conversely, they might look out of sync and out of sorts with what's happening on the map.

We truly need this one game before we can actually deduce the power level of both rosters. Regardless of the way things ultimately unfold, we should be in for one heck of a ride. Both line-ups love to fight from minute one, and they're looking to make a statement. Expect fireworks, especially if things to into the later stages of the game.