“We’re a Much Better Team Than in Cologne,” says NiKo ahead of Falcons’ match vs FURIA

“We’re a Much Better Team Than in Cologne,” says NiKo ahead of Falcons’ match vs FURIA

Nikola “NiKo” Kovač, star rifler of Falcons, expressed confidence that his side have significantly improved since their IEM Cologne 2025 run, especially heading into a crucial match with FURIA at FISSURE Playground 2. Speaking after their recent win in Belgrade, NiKo compared the current Falcons to their earlier showing in Cologne — calling the difference “huge,” clearer in their identity, decision-making, and ability to close matches. 

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Re-examining Cologne: Where Falcons fell short

At IEM Cologne 2025, Falcons advanced to the Lower Bracket Semi-Final and fell 2-1 to FURIA. The maps were Train (13-7 Falcons), Mirage (13-11 FURIA), and Dust2 (13-7 FURIA). 

Despite a commanding win on Train, the Falcons couldn’t maintain momentum. On Mirage, they lost a tight battle after mid rounds, while Dust2 saw them collapse in the second half, especially on T-side when they had limited utility control and suffered from missed trades. 

NiKo referenced that match specifically: even though the Falcons had “a pretty good chance of winning there as well,” they couldn’t convert it — a pattern they’re keen to correct. 

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Signs of improvement: what’s changed

According to NiKo and Falcons’ recent performances, several areas show marked progress compared to Cologne:

1. Map control and consistency
   Falcons have had dominant map runs in FPG2 group stage matches (vs Legacy, FaZe, etc.), avoiding many of the slow starts or lapses in momentum that plagued them in Cologne.

2. Roster stability and growing synergy
   The Falcons core — NiKo, m0NESY, TeSeS, kyxsan, and recent inclusion of kyousuke — has put in more consistent performances. Their ratings reflect this: m0NESY and kyousuke are showing high impact in recent matches, with NiKo himself posting improved numbers.

3. Mental edge and confidence in big moments
   NiKo highlighted that playing in front of fans at Belgrade Arena gave Falcons energy — reinforcing their belief in closing big matches. He also emphasized that their goal has shifted: beyond securing Stage 3 or simply appearing in the arena, Falcons want to consistently challenge the top teams and make finals.

4. Refined decision-making vs adaptation under pressure
   Whereas in Cologne they might have been tentative in mid-round adjustments or utility setups, the Falcons of recent events are more assertive. They seem to recover better from momentum shifts and have tightened up CT sides, especially rescuing weak early rounds. NiKo called FURIA “definitely the hardest team we’re going to face at this event,” suggesting Falcons now see these matchups as opportunities rather than threats.

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The upcoming FURIA test

Falcons are set to face FURIA in a marquee matchup. NiKo admitted that FURIA remains one of the most difficult opponents, citing their recent form and ability to contest high-pressure games. 

But NiKo believes that this current Falcons roster is more prepared, more disciplined, and better equipped than the one that played in Cologne — both tactically and mentally. He feels Falcons now have a firm sense of how they want to play, reduce errors in key rounds, and manage map vetoes better. 

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Historical context: where Falcons have been and where they’re headed

• Falcons joined IEM Cologne following a strong stretch: tournament appearances, finals, solid performances, but their Cologne run exposed weaknesses: inconsistent T-sides, mid-round decision issues, and inability to close tight matches.

• Since then, the team has cleaned up their win streaks in FISSURE Playground 2, including sweeping several group stage matches (e.g., Legacy, FaZe), which underscored NiKo’s claim that “we are a much better team than we were in Cologne.”

• Their world ranking has also reflected that rise. Falcons currently sit at #8 globally (HLTV world ranking), with core players showing steady rating improvements.

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Challenges still ahead

While Falcons’ improvement is clear, NiKo and analysts identify some remaining hurdles:

• Closing matches: in Cologne, narrow map victories slipped away. Falcons need to convert strong map starts into finishes, particularly under pressure from opponents who are adept at countering momentum.

• Role clarity: ensuring players like kyousuke and TeSeS continue solid contributions without overburdening them, especially in sharp veto or side-switch scenarios.

• Pistol rounds & utility trade effectiveness: weak starts on pistol rounds can snowball, giving opponents economic leads that Falcons must learn to neutralize.

• Adaptability: how Falcons respond if FURIA or others take them off their comfort maps, or force unconventional strategies.

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Bottom line

• NiKo’s statement that Falcons are significantly improved since Cologne is borne out by better map performances, player stats, and match outcomes in recent events.

• The upcoming match vs FURIA will act as another barometer of how far Falcons have come — against a strong opponent, and in front of an arena crowd.

• Falcons’ confidence is higher, their goals are clearer (Stage 3 qualification, finals contention), and their internal cohesion appears tighter than in Cologne.

If they keep translating these improvements in key moments, NiKo’s claim may not sound like bravado but prescription.