LoL: FunPlus Phoenix vs DAMWON KIA – Worlds 2021 Group Stage Recap

The game that could decide the group at the very start of the day. If DK picks up the win, they’ll likely win the group, if FPX wins it, we’ll almost certainly see a tiebreaker at the end of the day to separate them both.

FunPlus Phoenix vs DAMWON KIA

In this crucial game, it’s DK who picked up the First Blood on the top side of the map for Khan, while FPX claimed the drake. After that, FPX tried to make a play on Khan but it ended up in a one-for-one on the top side as Khan solo killed Nuguri before dying to Doinb. While FPX were the ones to make the play, they came out behind, expending a huge amount of Summoner Spells to do so. In the early game, DK continued to find advantages, and while the lead was just 1.5k by 17-minutes, the snowball seemed well and truly on.

At around 21 minutes, FPX got caught out in the mid-lane, and before they’re able to react, they lost Nuguri and wasted a Teleport. DK pulled back, though they were unable to turn the kill into a tower. Our first 5v5 fight of the game started around the drake at 23 minutes and it’s DK that came out way ahead. FPX looked to be winning at the start but they only managed to take down one member of DK, who claimed a Baron for their victory afterward. DK moved to 5k ahead off of that play as they looked towards the end game. With Baron, DK were able to push in the bot lane Inhibitor, though DK decided against looking to end at the 27-minute mark.

After DK's first siege, another team fight broke out in the mid lane. Once again, FPX failed to get what they needed from it. As FPX retreated to defend their base, they’re stopped as two members of DK Teleported into their base. With FPX not able to make it back, their base fell and the game was over. With that win, DK guaranteed their place in the Knockout Stage.

Quick Stats:

• Teams: FPX – DK
• Time: 29:50
• Kills: 4-14
• Turrets: 5-9
• Gold: 51.5k – 57.6k
• Dragons: 2-2
• Barons: 0-1