Arda Cup Football 2009 [Archive] - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Nogrod

06-03-2009, 07:30 PM

The Arda Kicker Magazine has analysed the different bettings by the betting-agencies and has combined them with the views of their staff to generate this pre-tournament analysis.

On group A most betting-agencies are putting their two cents for Angband rallying through the group. The pure master-evil of the team led by Ancalagon the Black, added with the outstanding characters like Maeglin, Hurin and Gwindor looks mighty threathening team indeed to go for it all the way – if they can pull a team-effort of it.

On the second place the views seem to differ. Some note Moria’s sturdy home-team with solid defence and amazing attack (Durin’s Bane especially). Others wonder how the home team can live up to the expectations and bring the Alqualonde team forwards as a possible runner up in this group. Surely forwards like Cirdan and Osse should not be ignored – and somehow the betting-agencies have left Idril with no star! Watch out for her performances!

The fate of Minas Tirith seems to be decided already before the games have begun. But if Boromir and Aragorn are up to the moment in the attack and Echtelion raises to the occasion in the goal, then the MT defence led by Nazgul #5 could just make life hard to the other teams wishing to score easy wins on them.

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On group B Nargothrond seems to be the clear favourites and the team looks solid even if it has no super-heroes in it. But players like Glaurung and Beren should guarantee their performance.

Interestingly enough the numenorian team from Arnor has been raised to be seriously contending for the second place. The defence of the team sure is solid and the team’s spirit should be good, but one wonders whether the pure genius, malice and wisdom; and the sheer power of the Mirkwood-team will not overrun them? It is possible the Mirkwood team just cleans the table and takes the pole position leaving the two others to fight for the second place. Or then they crumble down because of the possible inner tensions.

And Helm’s Deep might just shuffle a card or two there as well. There are no celebrities in the team but stiff defencive play with Helm able to score – and a great team spirit that Nargothrond and Mirkwood might be lacking...

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Group C seems to be the clearest beforehand. Every agency wagers heavily on Hithlum and Gondolin to go forwards from the group – in that order. The Minas Morgul-team and Isengard should bite the dust – if they can do even that. That is according to the pre-tournament bettings. But here the AKM dares to disagree, again.

Hithlum sure looks like a contender to go all the way to the finals. With one of the best goalies in the tournament (Huan) and a solid defence to help him it will be a tough time for any team to score against them. But Hithlum also boasts one of the strongest forward-pairs in Maedhros and Fëanor. Beating this team will be hard indeed!

Gondolin looks also solid, but clearly they are only the second favourites of the group. If someone wished to make risky bets then group C might be a place for one for it’s clear Gondolin’s team is not so strong it used to be and the contenders might arrange some surprises.

Namely, the cunning of players like Wormtongue and Saruman, the sturdiness of the ents and the sheer stamina of the orcs might surprise the visitors to the games organised by Isengard.

Also Minas Morgul -team is not a band of push-overs but a solid team led by the Witch-King making the scores added by his two ringwraith-mates and the Mouth of Sauron backing up the defence!

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On group D Eregion seem to be the favourites followed by Osgiliath although some agencies have given low turn-outs to bets on behalf of Mordor- and Erebor-teams as well indicating that there is no clear consensus of the matter.

AKM agrees with that Eregion is the team to go through to the next stage. Looking at the talent and experience both at the downstairs (Elrond, Gandalf) and on the attack (Eärendil, Gil-Galad, Glorfindel), this might be one of the teams that surprises the audiences by going really far in this tournament.

But after that things become murkier. Osgiliath has played solidly in the pre tournament matches and even if their players are not household names in every corner of the Middle-Earth they have a line-up equal to any good team in the tournament.

But when talking about a football tournament one should never under-estimate the power of Mordor – even if their master Sauron defected to another team and also the Witch-King chose another team this year. The defence of two Nazguls organized around Shelob is one of the firmest in the tournament and the cunningness of Gollum with the ruthless orc-commanders in the lead might bring forwards some surprises to teams who look at the Mordor-gang as an easy meal on their way to glory before them.

Erebor is the host, but it also boasts a dragon – and no lesser dragon than Smaug – in it’s line-up. Added with a solid dwarven defence and some individual finesse and power by players like Bard, Nazgul #7 and Beorn the team Erebor is everything else than an easy prey.

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Group E looks to be the hairiest and most difficult to predict. Different agencies give very different predictions and it all looks like a wide open field for any bounty-hunter to score some very important points to top their competitors in betting. Looking at the star-players it looks like Armenelos, Doriath and Lothlorien are quite evenly matched but then again Dor-Lomin has the dynamic duo of Beleg and Turin leading their attack.

Armenelos surely can boast of high-value players like Tar-Atanamir, Tar-Telperion, Sauron and Ar Pharazon. That team rarely fails. The question though is, how will the presence of Sauron affect the general mood of the team?

Lothlorien will have a solid defence led by Galadriel but will their offence (Celeborn, Haldir) score enough to beat the adversaries?

Doriath will have Maglor, Eöl and Elwë in the front so they should really do some heavy scoring but how is their defence? Melian is one of the best goalies around but will the downstairs support her enough to win the games?

Or will the outlaw-spirit just embrace the team Dor-Lomin to the victory with the dashing forwards? A tough group to call indeed!

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On group F the Taniquetil-team looks like the favourites of the group but then the situation becomes muddled. All the other teams have been ranked high on some betting-agencies, which makes it hard for the common-guy to read the results easily.

Looking at the stars of Taniquetil and the sheer experience of the team it looks like here we have a team that should be there in the finals. But then again Taniquetil failed massively in the last tournament and it remains to be seen if they have been able to recollect themselves. These players should arose awe and wonder in the opponents but they have the aura of failure on them as well. So how will it be this time?

Edoras might be the next contender. They have the horses in their squad, which might be hard to play against with the adversaries. They also have some quality players even if the betting-rankers haven’t notified them accordingly – like Theoden in the goal and Eowyn and Eomer on the front.

Dorthonion has been called high in the predictions as well. The question just remains if these guys can come up with the stamina and virtue of the old. Can Beor, or Barahir take the lead in a team with great players of the second-fiddle?

The hosts, Shire, might also prove themselves a team ready to surprise in front of their fanatic crowds. Even if their line-up doesn’t look too packed with celebrities, players like Bullroarer Took, Samwise Gamgee, the old Maggot – and the dwarves – might prove to be the ones to beat!

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There is only one favourite in group G and that is – to the point – the Tol-In-Gaurhoth –team. That team just has it. The stamina, the wickedness, the strength, the cunning, the joy, the techniques, the bravado, the mastery… AKM totally agrees with the betting-agencies with this.

From the other place to the next round there will be some competition though.

The hosts Tuna are a worthwhile contender. Their frontline bursts with heroes of the game like Miriel, Finwë, Nerdanel and Finarfin and having Aulë to tend the goal is no weakness to the team.

But Gondor might make it as well. Their trio in front; Imrahil, Faramir and Boromir is almost as good or better any other team can put forwards. But their downstairs is a bit unknown and prone to give up with pressure – just think has Gondor ever succeeded without outside help – and with this tournament none is forthcoming.

Even if one agency has put Brethil to go forwards the AKM-board thinks that highly unlikely. They may not be easy adversaries to anyone but the team just lacks talent and stamina to win a game. One of the probable “no-winners” in this tournament.

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Even if not all agencies put Valimar through it’s clear they’re the favourites of the group H. Just looking at the line-up should send shivers to the opposing sides: Ungoliant, wizards, balrogs, Melkor himself, Tulkas… That’s just super! If these guys lose, they will lose to the inner discrepancies and fights more than to the team playing against them.

But who will go forwards as the other team?

Many agencies give low turn-outs for Bree meaning that Bree might be a real contender here. And the team looks tough enough – and they’re hosting the tournament. With Old Man Willow at goal, Tom Bombadill making the goals with the Barrow-Wight and aided all around by the quick hobbit-feet, the team looks like able to generate a few surprises.

But Romenna is a solid squad. Their defence is one of the best in the tournament and having Tar Miriel and Tar Palantir in the front doesn’t exactly make them a handicap-team in this tournament.

Amon Sûl should be counted as the black horse of the group. No one believes in it’s success but maybe that’s just where they will strike? Accepted, they have one of the weakest line-ups in the tournament but you should also be not too confident with a team that has Elendil in it…

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Always remember to purchase your latest copy of the Arda Kicker Magazine!
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Nogrod

06-03-2009, 09:24 PM

Related news by Arda Kicker Magazine.

On the betting agencies Tom Bombadill, Ancalagon the Black and Turín are the favourites to win the top scorer trophy.

With top assists there are no clear patterns; but Gandalf, Smaug, tp, Melkor, Fingolfin, Finduilas and Aredhel figure high in the betting.

On the betting of the total point-getter it's clearly Melkor's game by the betters.

By the agencies, the favourites to win the tournament are:

Hithlum 43%
Eregion 29%
Dor-Lomin 14%
Valimar 14%

With this and other projected results, the Arda Kicker Magazine feels both free and willing to disagree. :)

The betting offices have been wrong from the time immemorial...

But let's see the games and the actual results!

Boromir88

06-04-2009, 05:43 PM

Arda Cup 2009 - Press release

In a press conference before the start of the 2009 Arda Cup, tourney officials made note for the implemetation of a new rule. It is called "the instigating penalty," and states: any player, in the last 5 minutes of a match, who starts a fight or is solely in the game with the objective to injure, maim, or destroy an opposing player, will have to complete 96 hours of community service and be forced to witness Gandalf uncloaked. The referees officiating the match are responsible for enforcing the instigating penalty. Players who are penalized can not protest the decision, but the Tournament officials will review every case, and can overturn any decision.

Tournament referee, Boromir88, was asked to comment on why the officials felt this rule was necessary and he responded: "This rule is in place to protect not only the players, but you the fans. Drunks and football do not mix. Too many matches end with fans destroying property, setting fire to everything, and causing serious injuries to other fans. We believe that some players purposefully play dirty as a way to energize their fans, especially towards the end of a match and if their team is losing. This type of dirty play only fuels hostility and violence in the fans. The rule will make players think twice before they stoop to deplorable tactics towards the end of a match."

I asked Boro for clarity on what he means by dirty play and deplorable tactics, but he would only say the refs would look at any player who starts a fight within the last 5 minutes and determine whether the player started the fight with the intention of inciting violence, or a riot in the crowd. He would also add "referees should look at players who commit aggressive fouls late in the match and whether their intention was to injure another player." When presented with the fact that this rule is a load of mumakil waste, because it relies on the referees' judgement of a player's "intentions," and who were the "some players" he believed purposefully played dirty, Boro reverted to his old self by saying "No comment," but actually having a comment: "I will be watching Tom Bombadil very closely."

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06-08-2009, 10:07 AM

Throughout the ages, the Dwarves of Khadad Dum have jealously hoarded their treasures behind strong gates of mithril, all to often shut to the outside world. Since the Kingdom was selected to host group A of Arda’s premier football tournament, these gates have finally been opened again, for the treasure the Dwarves now seek is one that cannot be found even in the richest vein of their ancient mines - a price more precious than true-silver, or the seven rings of old: the very trophy of trophies, the Arda Cup itself.

In order to compete for this elusive treasure the Moria team must first do battle with three highly skilled opponents. By the grace of Eru, the divinely talented Alqualonde have travelled back along the straight path, seeking glory once again in Middle Earth. From the cold and cruel Iron Mountains in the North, Angband has also come, a name rightly feared across the footballing world even without their legendary leader Morgoth, who’s surprisingly departed for rivals Valinor. The forth team in this tough group is Minas Tirith, led by captain and superstar Aragorn II, with more goals to his name than there are Orcs in Mordor. The Iron Hells will be slight favourites to win this group, but all four teams are strong, well capable of beating anyone on a good day.

For the opening match of the tournament, Angband was to play Minas Tirith. As the two teams passed the garlanded arch of the east gate of Moria, they first crossed the slender bridge of Khadad-Dum, and then matched a furlong into the mountain, and finally ascended two flights of stairs to find themselves in a vast pillared hall, lit by sunlight entering through deep shafts in the ceiling and countless torches burning fiercely with white and scarlet flames. The hall was fashioned so that the pitch of natural grass, which had been transported here piece by piece from the green valleys far below, could be seen in the bottom centre of it, like a radiant emerald more than a hundred metres below the ceiling and the top of the oval, marble stands climbing steeply along the walls. Here 70 000 Dwarves, Orcs, Elves and Men were seated, each one cheering for their favourite team. The stage was set for a feast of football, and what a stage it was.

Match 1: Angband – Minas Tirith

Finally the wait was over and right after kick-off the action was fast and furious. The mighty Angband immediately came racing out of the gate with wave after wave of furious attacks. Minas Tirith was hard put to defend their keeper, but with strikers like Boromir and Aragorn, they were always a threat on the counter attack. Angband struck first however and took a deserved lead in the 26th minute. Hurin, booed each time he touched the ball by a group of Dor-lomin fans who were present, showed his quality by beating Ondoher on the right and crossing into the box where Ancalagon the Black met the ball with a flying header that Ecthelion had no chance to stop. Moments later new signing Gwindor had an excellent opportunity to make it two, but he froze in front of goal, allowing Denethor to make the tackle. Instead it was Minas Tirith who scored next. Ulfast played a backpass towards his own goalie, but Aragorn, ever able to read the minds of his fellow Men, anticipated the move and came face to face with the red maw of Carcaroth, rushing away from his line to close the angles. The approach of the Angband keeper was so terrible it startled even the brave Aragorn, who could only toe-poke a weak effort straight at Carcaroth. The rebound however fell kindly for midfielder Mardil, who took a touch and send the ball into the open net past the stranded goaltender, making the halftime score 1-1.

After the break Angband went looking for a winner right away. Tevildo started to have a cat and mouse game with Earnil on the left, creating many chances for himself and his teammates. In the 55th minute he clawed himself past his marker and hit a volley that rocketed against the bar, and a few minutes later his cross was met by the head of Ancalagon, who again rattled the Minas Tirith woodwork. A Angband goal seemed inevitable, and in the 65th minute it finally came. Ancalagon, whose aerial strength was a nuisance all night for the Minas Tirith defenders, headed a long ball back to Tevildo, who faked a long-distance shot and with cat-like agility danced past two defenders to get himself into a good position in the penalty area. Gwindor, wide open in the centre, would have been disappointed not to receive the ball in the first place from his selfish and ball-hugging teammate, but when a shot finally came in from a tight angle Echtelion could not hold on to the ball, giving the Elf the chance to slide in and put the rebound into the net. Angband was rampant now and looked set to increase their lead ever further, but once again it was Ulfast the Accursed who let his team down. Already in the book for a late challenge in the first half, the Angband defender seemed to get provoked by a comment by Denethor, and responded by pushing the White City defender, who immediately fell to the ground, apparently in agonizing pain. The referee had no choice but to give Ulfast his second yellow card, despite the protests of his teammates, and despite the apparent ease in which Denethor got back onto his feet after the ref’s decision. This opened a window back into the game for Minas Tirith as Angband pulled back defending their lead with a man short. The equalizer came with ten minutes to play as Mardil sent an early cross into the area which did not look too dangerous, but Boromir managed to push himself past his marker and get a toe to it. Carcaroth blocked the shot and the rebound was a 50-50 affair, but Boromir fought bravely and hurled himself forward to get a second chance, and then a third, and finally, on the forth attempt he found the net, which proved to be the last significant event of the game. This Angband team without Morgoth has showed that it still has a very potent offence, but there will be question-marks regarding its defending in the matches to come.

Angband 2-2 Minas Tirith
shots 15-9
on target 8-4
GOALS:
*26, Angband (Ancalagon, Hurin)
*38, Minas Tirith (Mardil, Aragorn II)
*65, Angband (Gwindor, Telvildo)
*79, Minas Tirith (Boromir I, Mardil)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Angband- Ulfast, Gwindor, Balrog #5
*Minas Tirith- Denethor II
RED CARDS:
*Angband- Ulfast, 74 (second yellow)

Match 2: Alqualonde – Moria

As the host team entered the field the noise in the great hall was deafening. From the deep places below there was a drum-beat: Doom, boom, doom, it went, driving the Moria supporters into a frenzy. The Dwarves were beating hammers onto anvils while the Orcs were singing harsh songs of ridicule, and the Alqualonde players were looking rather daunted as they came out in their bright jersey. As play came underway, it became clear that Moria was determined to keep it that way, playing a very rough and physical game to disturb their more technically gifted opponents. As the size of the pitch was intentionally made rather small, Alqualonde found it hard to find space for their usual passing game, and the five man midfield of Moria, led by the imposing Durin’s Bane, completely dominated the proceedings, leaving the Elves with very little time on the ball. Alqualonde quickly reverted to plan B however and started to play long balls up towards target-player Cirdan, who had a great height advantage over the diminutive Moria defenders. In the 17th minute Cirdan also gave the Aman side the lead, as he towered above Durin and scored on a looping header. His effort was applauded by most of the Dwarves, who were appreciative of his long and well-kept beard, but the Orcish hooligans in the stands got furious when they saw it, and quite a few scimitars were produced that had somehow been snuck past security. On the field Durin and Durin’s bane got into a heated discussion over the marking on the goal, and a riot seemed inevitable, but much thanks to the fence separating the Dwarven and Orcish supporters everything eventually calmed down enough for play to continue.

The Moria team now seemed on the brink of losing control, and was rather lucky not to get a few red cards as the tackles got more and more brutal. But they also started to create some real chances. As the crowd got behind their team more and more, the goals also came. In the 31th minute Durin’s Bane easily brushed aside Frodo in the penalty area, and squared the ball to Narvi, who scored from close range. Right after half-time they took the lead, as Azog scored with a screamer from just outside the penalty area. Alqualonde had not given up though, and even though Gwaihir had managed to contain Cirdan in the air, they started to play better and better as the match progressed. Having missed a few good opportunities to score already, the equalizer came in the 62nd minute when Osse rose like the crest of a foaming tsunami-wave, and nodded his wife Uninen’s cross into the net. Now it looked like the match had ebbed out, and another draw was on hand, but with ten minutes to play, a piece of individual brilliance settled the contest. Narvi found Durin’s Bane in the centre, and he took on the Alqualonde defence on his own, beating one, then two, then three players. Frodo made a last ditch attempt to stop the Balrog, but it was a task beyond him, and he could only watch as the ball was rifled into the back of the net. The supporters went wild and as the full time whistle blew, celebrations that will go on well into the night started. The Moria crowd was well pleased with what they had seen tonight.

Alqualonde 2-3 Moria
shots 10-10
on target 4-6
GOALS:
*17, Alqualonde (Cirdan, Idril)
*31, Moria (Narvi, Durin's Bane)
*49, Moria (Azog, Thorin)
*62, Alqualonde (Osse, Uinen)
*80, Moria (Durin's Bane, Narvi)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Alqualonde- Eriol
*Moria- Ohtar, Thorin, Thror, Durin, Balin

Standings: Group A

Team________W D L GF GA P
1) Moria______ 1 0 0 3 - 2 3
2) Angband___ 0 1 0 2 - 2 1
2) Minas Tirith_ 0 1 0 2 - 2 1
4) Alqualonde _ 0 0 1 2 - 3 0

the phantom

06-08-2009, 11:09 AM

When Mirkwood won the bid to host Group B of the Arda Cup, a fierce battle ensued between Elves, Men, Orcs, and... things.

The woodmen were the first to lay claim. "The games should be played here, on the western side of Mirkwood!" they insisted. "We've cut ourselves homes right back into the wood, and we know the woods well. Much of our blood has been spilled defending our homes here."

But the spiders and other beasties didn't agree in the least. "You had to defend your homes from us, and why? Because you drove us from our rightful place! We've lived in this forest for many years. You should've stayed on the Anduin. You late-comers have no claim!"

"If that is the case," answered the Elves, "Then surely you deny your own claim. We were here before the forest turned dark. Before it even became Mirkwood."

"Ah, then you admit that it was us who made this forest what it is!" returned the evil creatures. "The bid was awarded to 'Mirkwood', not 'the forest which used to be Mirkwood'!"

In the end, Arda Cup officials stepped in and ruled that if a place could not be agreed upon, they would award the bid to another location. That threat was enough to bring a scrap of unity to the residents of the forest, and they built a great new stadium in the midst of the forest, just south of the Elf road where the enchanted river crosses. The stadium seats were built in many different shapes and sizes so as to accommodate beings of all types. There were even prespun webs stretched between the field lights to provide a perch for the spiders.

As the games neared, spectators came in by the thousands. Hastily built hotels surrounding the arena provided food and bed, and a place for fans to discuss the upcoming matches. A handful of families from Eriador had braved the passes of the Misty Mountains to support Arnor, and could be heard far and wide declaring this year as "our year". "These players tied Angband and Valimar last year in Group play, and now we've added Isildur. It's our time!"

There were also a few men from Rohan there to support Helm's Deep, though far more of them had traveled to the Shire to support Edoras. Oddly enough, some men of Rohan showed up in support of Mirkwood, due to Lord Fram's presence on the team. "He's a dragon-slayer, and a forefather of the Rohirrim. How can you not support him?"

And of course there were Elves. Thranduil's people arrived in great numbers to support their lords who would be playing for the Mirkwood team, but there were also a few Elves from the west who came to watch Nargothrond play.

The woodmen and a few men from Long Lake who came supported Mirkwood for the most part, mostly because of Grimbeorn, though some of them adopted Nargothrond due to Beren and the father of dragons, Glaurung. But it was certainly Mirkwood who had the most support. All the denizens of Dol Guldur were completely behind their representative Nazgul and the fearsome Scatha, and so it was that the stadium was certain to grant Mirkwood a clear home-field advantage.

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ARNOR VERSUS HELM'S DEEP

The first game of the day featured Helm's Deep and Arnor. The stadium was disappointingly about half full at the start of the game, though it had filled by halftime.

As Helm and company emerged out of the tunnel onto the field, they appeared to be confused. "All right men- up onto the ramparts and make your bows ready!" shouted Helm. "If we gain the high ground first-" But then he saw that there were no ramparts, nor was there high ground. "What the devil?!" shouted Gram. "A flat battlefield? But we don't have our horses!"

Hama rolled his eyes and yelled, "I've been telling you all along! We're playing football!! Not fighting! Do you believe me now?! See?! There's the goal right there, and the ball, and the refs!! FOOTBALL!!"

Helm quickly regained his composure. "All right then, men, it's football we're playing! Take a position, and remember, you have to use your feet!" With far more order than one would think, the Helm's Deep players took places on the field and began practicing, passing balls around to each other. After a couple minutes, Arnor came out onto the field and warmed up alongside them. Isildur in particular looked full of swagger, and the fans from Arnor were extremely vocal.

Right from the first pass it was Arnor who looked to attack, but Helm's Deep was stingy and cluttered things up again and again in the back third of the field, though they weren't able to mount any sort of counter attack. In the 29th minute Arnor gained a corner, and Arantar booted it to the far side of the goal where Isildur used all of his height and met it perfectly to send it inside the post for the lead.

The rest of the first half was played in the midfield for the most part, with each side only gaining one decent shot, which both goalies were equal to.

Arnor came out energized for the second half, and held the ball for several minutes before Isildur gained position inside and was given the ball. He used his size to shield the ball from Theodred and curled around him, made a brilliant move past Folcwine, and found Araphor on the run with a perfect pass and Araphor made no mistake and gave Arnor the two goal lead.

The action was slow from then on, with Arnor being content to hold their lead and play prevent defense against Helm's Deep. It worked fine until the 80th minute and Helm "Hammerfoot" blasted a shot from 30 meters out perfectly into the top right corner. But that was all the scoring for the day, and Arnor left with 3 points in hand.

Arnor 2-1 Helm's Deep
shots 10-9
on target 4-4
GOALS:
*29, Arnor (Isildur, Arantar)
*58, Arnor (Araphor, Isildur)
*80, HD (Helm, Hama)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Arnor- Argeleb, Valandur
*Helm's Deep- Brytta, Helm

MIRKWOOD VERSUS NARGOTHROND

Despite the stadium's vastness, it could not contain the crowds that showed up for the night match. After the Helm's Deep and Arnor fans vacated their seats, there weren't nearly enough empty chairs to accommodate the hordes of Orcs and companies of Elves lined up outside. Even the spiders ran out of room and began spinning new webs across the field. Head ref Boro88 had to call in a crew to stop them from putting webs in places that were likely to get hit by the ball during the match.

In the end they allowed everyone in and there was standing room only. The aisles were packed and there were Orcs perched atop the skyboxes, stacked one on top of the other. And so it was that when Mirkwood trotted onto the pitch, the noise was nearly deafening, and a nearly equal volume of booing greeted the favored group-winner Nargothrond.

As play began, it was all out war on the field. Tough collisions and hard tackles were the order of the day, and the refs were keeping their cards in their pockets and letting them play. The Mirkwood forwards pushed with all of their great skill, but Luthien and the sons of Feanor were up to the task. On the other end it was the same story, with the wizard, Radagast, the Ent, Treebeard, and the bear-man Grimbeorn holding the line against the dangerous scorers from Nargothrond.

Both dragons gained an opportunity for their side, but the GKs stopped the shots cold, and the crowd roared in appreciation of the good play. But that sound was nothing compared to the riotous screaming that broke out at the 33 minute mark when Scatha drew first blood and put the home team ahead on the scoreboard.

But the team from Nargothrond was not so easily shaken, and their competitive will held firm through halftime, and at last they equalized a few minutes after the half as Mablung found Beren with a pinpoint pass. The crowd was not discouraged however, and urged their team forward. But it was Nargothrond who once again took charge, and at the 77 minute mark Finduilas was awarded a kick from a foul on Treebeard for "rooting" (when a tree or ent which sticks roots into the ground and has them emerge at another spot on the field to contact the ball or an opposing player). Her kick was barely tipped away by Oropher, but it rebounded off the post and was booted in by Glaurung, and Nargothrond took the lead on the home team, 2-1.

Mirkwood tried desperately to equalize, but the defense of Nargothrond was solid and refused to let Mirkwood's forwards run free. At last in the final 10 minutes Legolas gained a step on Luthien and Thranduil hit him with a pass, but his shot was tipped away by Orodreth and the score held. The home fans left the stadium down-hearted, but not completely depressed. Nargothrond had been the heavy favorite, and they had played them tough. Surely they still had a good chance of advancing. But they knew Helm's Deep and Arnor would have something to say about that.

Mirkwood 1-2 Nargothrond
shots 11-9
on target 4-4
GOALS:
*33, Mirkwood (Scatha, Thranduil)
*52, Nargothrond (Beren, Mablung)
*77, Nargothrond (Glaurung, Finduilas)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Mirkwood- Treebeard, Fram
*Nargothrond- Gelmir, Mim, Beren

skip spence

06-08-2009, 01:18 PM

Isengaard is the setting for Group C in the Arda Cup and Saruman, captain of the home team, has assembled a mixed side he deems strong. The pundits, however, are not so certain that they are strong enough to compete with pre-tournament favourites Gondolin and Hithlum, the latter with a very good team this year. There are question-marks whether Fëanor and Fingolfin can put their differences aside and cooperate on the field but on a joint press conference last night the siblings denied any rift between them. “Thou shalt lead, and I will follow”, the younger brother said to Fëanor who nodded in agreement. It remains to be seen whether the peace will last.

Match 1: Gondolin vs. Hithlum

The ring of Isengaard was packed to the rim in anticipation of this clash of the Titans. Gondolin versus Hithlum could very well have been the final, and a sell-out crowd was dying to see who came out on top. As the referee blew the whistle and play got going, no-one was disappointed either. Well, perhaps the blood-thirsty Uruk Hai in the stands, who got a bit bored with the sportsmanship showed by the two Eldar teams, but if they weren’t happy, they cannot claim to be fans of the beautiful game. It is said that those who have seen the light of the two trees have special powers in this world, and this was easy to believe watching the game, as every touch was sublime, every play well though-out, and every tackle hard but precise. Throughout the match, Hithlum always seemed to have the edge however, and when Aredhel found the net after a clever back-flick by Maedhros the road back into the game already looked steep for Gondolin.

One of the most interesting striking-partnerships in this year’s competition is no doubt that between former Angband star Gothmog and Ecthtelion of Gondolin. No fan of football will forget the classic Arda Cup semi-final between Angbad and Gondolin, where the two stars each scored a brace of goals, and then got sent off together after a brutal fight. Angband went on to win that match, and if afterwards anyone were to suggest that Gothmog would go on to sign for Gondolin, he or she would be the laughing-stock of the entire footballing world. Yet that is the case now. And judging by tonight’s game there are signs that the former arch-rivals have some difficulty getting along still. Just before half-time Ecthelion made a great deep run, and Gothmog looked to have spotted him, but instead of passing the ball he tried his luck with a speculative long range effort. Later on, the roles were reversed, as Ecthelion opted not to pass Gothmog, even though the Balrog was in a great position to score. In the meantime Hithlum threatened to make it two. Fingolfin came very close on a couple of occasions, but when the goal finally came, it was his elder brother who got himself on the scoresheet, beating a rather heavy Salgant for pace on the right before finishing with a low shot past Rog in the Gondolin goal. This looked like game over for Gondolin, but with eleven minutes to play Fëanor grew over-confident as he tried to dribble Gothmog just outside his own penalty area, and the Balrog robbed him of the ball, quickly played it on to Etchelion, who immediately returned the favour, giving his old enemy an easy finish into the open net. Gondolin never came very close to an equalizer, but they will be boosted by that goal. Perhaps the signing of Gothmog will pay off after all? Gondolin have two matches ahead of them now when he simply must show his worth. Hithlum looks every bit as good as expected though, and will be hard to beat this year.

Gondolin 1-2 Hithlum
shots 8-13
on target 4-7
GOALS:
*37, Hithlum (Aredhel, Maedhros)
*69, Hithlum (Feanor, Fingon)
*79, Gondolin (Gothmog, Ecthelion)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Gondolin- Duilin, Galdor
*Hithlum- Annael

Match 2: Isengaard vs. Minas Morgul

Saruman will not have been happy about the draw, as Isengaard face two of the toughest teams of the tournament already in the group stages. In apprehension of the Elvish flair to come, the opening game against a rather untested Minas Morgul side was a real must-win affair for the home side. As it turned out however, the home team might as well have stayed in their Orthanc locker room, because they were simply blown off the field by their surprisingly efficient opponents. Saruman could not have foreseen such a disaster had he looked into a Palantir, for Minas Morgul could well have scored six if it weren’t for Lugdush’s heroics in the Isengaard goal. Saruman went to and fro on the midfield, always a step behind, as the lights of Beruthiel “the Queen”, Eärnur, and the Witch-King had their way with inventive, sometimes ingenious play. Already in the seventh minute, The lord of the Nazgul silenced the crowd, and when Sangahyando scored the third goal little after half-time, the home supporters furled up their banners displaying the white hand and left the stadium dejected. Saruman will have to come up with some magic now, in order to get his team through to the knock-out stages.

Isengard 0-3 Minas Morgul
shots 6-17
on target 2-9
GOALS:
*7, Minas Morgul (Witch King, Beruthiel)
*28, Minas Morgul (Castamir, Angamaite)
*57, Minas Morgul (Sangahyando, Khamul)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Isengard- Wulf, Ugluk, Mauhur, Lurtz
*Minas Morgul- Gothmog II, Earnur

Standings: Group A

Team________W D L GF GA P
1) Minas Morgul_1 0 0 3 - 0 3
2) Hithlum_____1 0 0 2 - 1 3
3) Gondolin____ 0 0 1 1 - 2 0
4) Isengaard___ 0 0 1 0 - 3 0

Nogrod

06-08-2009, 01:44 PM

GROUP D at Erebor

The whole region around the Long Lake was filled with enthusiasm when it was decided Erebor would host group D in the Arda Cup 2009. The elves, dwarves and humans alike started preparing to the games a long beforehand. And when the teams of their group were released folk just got out of hand.

The Eregion team would be there with all the glorious elves and human heroes topped with Gandalf himself! That surely raised the interests of people around. And the team Mordor! They would love to see that team break down in front of their eyes even if that hope was mixed with some real sensations of fear and awe: Shelob would be there as well as a few Nazgûls. Thrilling!

But talk of the home team then! Filled with dwarves the home team claimed the support of the dwarves from as far as the Iron Hills and even some from Moria who were hosting games as well. But it was players like Beorn, Bard, Bolg and Smaug the people wanted to see performing under the common banner of the Lonely Mountain. A few were afraid how well these heroes could perform together but basically those concerns were mainly suppressed.

The heroes of Osgiliath with all the Númenorean talent would be well received as well but looking at the others teams their star looked a bit dimmer indeed. But the cognoscenti were enthralled. What a team it would be to see, alive from the archives of heroism in the Middle-Earth!

The renovated stadium of Erebor was filled to the last seat when Eregion and Mordor met in the first match of the tournament. There had been some problems the previous night with the orc-supporters from Mordor and the Lake Towners and the local dwarves, but basically there had been peace and understanding between the supporters and the hooligans had been locked up effectively by the no-nonsense dwarven police.

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The first game of the day was between Eregion and Mordor. As the first orcs ran to the field many spectators started booing but were silenced with entrance of Shelob. Her presence was so threatening that for a moment there was total silence in the audience as people were holding their breath. Then the great elves and men led by their captain Gandalf entered the stadium and the crowds just exploded. The odd moment was away and the joy had re-entered the stadium.

Mordor’s game-plan had been easy to read already from their line-up. Small and fastlegged orcs would try to wear the enemy-defenders down with runs through the lines while their own defence would count on terror and awe and Shelob’s exceptional reach. But the problem with the plan was of course that Eregion forwards were not one’s you could frighten that easily and the defenders had both finesse and wisdom not to run like fools after the fast orcs dashing here and there around them but with wise positioning and foresight cut the passes and closed the passing-lines.

So effective was Eregion’s defence in the game that Mordor got only one shot at the goal. Same could not be said on Mordor’s defence. Gil-Galad and Glorfindel truly showed no fear but effectively took the Nazguls out of the game by their constant sideways runs forcing the Nazguls to follow them like shadows they are and thus leaving the rest of the field to the dynamic trio of three E’s. And what a tornado they were! Eärendil and Elrohir scored a goal a piece and it was close Elladan wouldn’t have scored one as well but Shelob’s great timing saved Mordor from a humiliating three-zero scoreline.

It seems clear that without Sauron and The Witch-King the Mordor team is quite vulnerable, far from the menacing force it could be. Eregion team on the contrary gave the spectators some very entertaining football and a fair warning to other teams about the quality of their squad.

Eregion 2-0 Mordor

shots 10-4
on target 4-1
GOALS:
*34, Eregion (Earendil, Valandil)
*59, Eregion (Elrohir, Gandalf)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Eregion- Elladen
*Mordor- Nazgul #4, Gorbag, Lagduf

The second match was a totally different story. The home team controlled the game totally on the first half and way to the second. It looked like the Osgiliath team was in a football field for a first time. Without a few spectacular saves by Romendacil Osgiliath might have fallen already before the half-time.

Led by Bolg and Smaug the Eregion team was trying the Osgiliath defences wave after wave. Bolg burst the stadium into relieved cheers by taking the home team into lead at 27th minute. But it was Smaug’s goal on the first minutes of the second half that really got the stadium wild.

Bard made a spectacular run to the corner and then passing diagonally backwards from between two defenders coming towards him. Dain took the ball coolly at the edge of the box waiting for the second needed to get the mid-defenders on him and flipped the ball over them to Smaug now alone in front of the goal. And that volley almost ripped the net apart! Romendacil hadn’t time to even blink with it. Smaug had once again shown what a force to be reckoned with it was.

But what happened then silenced the stadium. The moment the visitors started playing the home team just froze. Enraged by being two goals down the kings and heroes of old managed to recollect themselves and took the game under total control. The Erebor defences were suddenly just too slow for the Osgiliath attack that had doubled the pace of their game. Beorn did the best he could but couldn’t obviously be at all the places simultaneously.

It was a total mirror-image of the first half. And so Osgiliath also scored twice, by Hyermendacil from the aftermath of a corner kick and by Eldacar finishing a short but beautiful solo run by getting around Bain, who had tried to plunge and take the ball, and just passing the ball into the empty goal.

The mood in the stadium had totally changed: instead of the winning-chants the audience had sung early on to the game they now bit their nails fearing a third goal for the visitors. To their relievement that never came. But the second game of the night had left people with many questions.

Erebor 2-2 Osgiliath

shots 12-12
on target 6-5
GOALS:
*27, Erebor (Bolg, Naz #9)
*48, Erebor (Smaug, Dain)
*64, Osgiliath (Hyarmendacil, Eldacar)
*78, Osgiliath (Eldacar, Falastur)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Erebor- Brand, Dain
*Osgiliath- Narmacil, Siriondil

Nogrod

06-09-2009, 07:39 AM

GROUP E at Lothlorien

The organisers at Lothlorien were careful to see the arrangements would be fitting for the great guests they would be receiving. And they had some special reasons to be extraordinary hosts; like the attendance of the great elven friends Huor and Tuor and all their kin (including Nienor whose fate the elves had gotten into their hearts), the honourable even if questionable duo of Beleg and Turin, Melian in her grace and glory and the “greymantle”, leader of the sindarin, the minstrel Maglor, Eöl the odd one; and the stars from Númenor: the controversial Ar Pharazon, Sauron himself, the beloved Tar Minastir, the shipbuilder Tar Ciryatan…

So they had to show they were generous hosts and efficient organisers of a tournament. And as this group was widely thought of being one of those “groups of death”, they sure had to uplift the general mood as sports-wise this sure was one of the toughest groups. So outside the field everything should be as amiable as it could be – even with the whole team Armenelos and its supporters.

There was much rejoicing in the eve of the games when elves and humans who had not seen each others in years were enjoying each others’ company sharing the mutual memories. The spirits were high all around the city. Even those who had first criticised the building of the massive Nenya-Arena with all the cutting of trees and levelling the earth required were showing smiling faces on the eve of the games.

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The first match of the day was between Armenelos and Dor-Lomin. Armenelos had really showed some quality football in last year’s tournament and Sauron’s addition to the team hardly made it a weaker side, at least looking at the sheer talent and power of the team. Although many questioned the inclusion of Sauron, for looking at the personal histories of both Tar Minastir and Ar Pharazon in regards to Sauron it didn’t actually suggest a smooth co-operation and teamwork based on mutual trust. Or would Sauron fail the men once again, like in a critical match against a team that had closer allegiances to his deepest sympathies?

And there was talent on the opposing side as well, especially in the offence. And it could boast with a fair number of heroes in its ranks even if in the pure footballing genius they might have been considered the underdogs. Still everyone was looking forwards for solid performances from the team Dor-Lomin and its tough players.

And it turned out to be a very entertaining game indeed with great individual talent flashing on both sides. But individual skills put aside, it was clearly Armenlos that called the shots early in the game with team-play finesse normally seen only at later stages of tournaments. And they started the scoring already at the 17th minute when after some beautiful passing Ar Pharazon finally set the ball to Tar Minastir who could shoot the goal with Huor on the move to the opposing direction.

Turin and Beleg were constant threats and the experienced Armenelos defence had to put up with some beautiful performances by the two; but with solid teamwork and even some luck the scoreline stayed at 1-0.

At the 36th minute Sauron finally showed why he had been taken into the team. With a quick turn-over play in the middle of Dor-Lomin pressing for an equaliser, Tar Ancalimon robbed the ball and sent it forwards to Sauron, who had basically sniffed the steal in advance and was already on his way forwards when he got the ball in full speed. And Sauron just plain ran the remaining defenders down controlling the ball as he went and finally hammered it in with a powershot.

It is hard to imagine Sauron being applauded in Lothlorien but it did happen this time. Even if it would be wrong to say the aplodes were enthusiastic or especially warm.

But Dor-Lomin was not going to give up and came to the second half full of energy and determination. And they were rewarded at 58th minute when – surprise, surprise – Beleg and Turin finally tore the Armenelos defence down with ingenuous teamwork and Turin shot the ball into the goal through Tar Telperien’s legs, via the right post. The home crowd cheered and this time from the bottom of their heart. There was no question which team was their favourite.

But if the hopes were raised with the narrowing of the lead, they were immediately dampened as Armenelos team found one more gear from somewhere and took the control of the game firmly back. Not that they had actually lost it at any point but after Turin’s goal Armenelos just shut all Dor-Lomin’s attacks and forced them into defence for good. And it took them just thirteen minutes to reclaim the two goal lead.

This time Sauron was playing the second fiddle – but what a play it was!

Armenelos had a free kick from some 30 meters and Ar Adunakhor and Tar Ancalimon were discussing which of them would take it and how. Sauron stood beside the ball making gestures to the two that they should decide. When the referee’s whistle came Ar Adunakhor started running towards the ball and Tar Ancalimon started right behind him. Just when Ar Adunakhor was about to run over the ball – leaving it to Tar Ancalimon following him, Sauron reached his foot to the ball and made a precision pass to the left where Ar Pharazon had been left totally free as all were concentrating on the direction Tar Ancalimon was about to pass it. When the defenders realised what had happened it was already too late. A pro goal-scorer like Ar Pharazon just doesn’t tend to miss that kind of opportunities.

Dor-Lomin gave Armenelos a good fight but it was widely agreed that even if people would have wished Dor-Lomin to make it, the better team had won. Armenelos was one of the best teams last year – some even say it was the best – and it looks like it’s going to be one also this time around.

Armenelos 3-1 Dor-Lomin

shots 16-12
on target 8-4
GOALS:
*17, Armenelos (Tar Minastir, Ar Pharazon)
*36, Armenelos (Sauron, Tar Ancalimon)
*58, Dor-Lomin (Turin, Beleg)
*71, Armenelos (Ar Pharazon, Sauron)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Armenelos- Ar Gimilzor, Tar Ancalimon
*Dor-Lomin- Gundor, Tuor

After such a great opening game the feelings were high when the home team’s debut finally took place. And there was no lesser opponent to them than Doriath. It would be the fight of the elves! And especially the fight of two beautiful, foreseeing and extremely skilled goalkeepers used to protect the inviolability of their realms. But even if the home crowd loved its team the line-up of the guests looked dangerously tough; full of legends many of them had just heard stories of or just seen from afar on those earlier days.

To the joy of the home crowd Lothlorien started actively and with the support of the audience seemed to fly in the field making dangerous approaches to the goal guarded by Melian already on the first minutes. Even if the game evened out a bit after the first ten minutes the home team was playing active and gourageous football.

And they were rewarded indeed at 28th minute. When Arwen headed a nice corner given by Haldir into the back of the net from close range the arena just exploded! This was what they had wanted to come to see and this was what they were getting!

After the goal Doriath managed to get the upperhand over the home team and many were the nails bitten before the halftime hoping the lead would hold. But it didn’t.

The visitors attacked with a wide and deep front, so when the defenders were busy marking the most forward-coming ones the ones following naturally got more space. With Dior’s great perception and other attackers' activity, Nellas was able to run into a free space in the corner of the box and got the ball to his feet, avoiding offside by an inch ramming the ball in to the top corner of the goal leaving Galadriel no chances.

But Lothorien started the second half at least as impressively they started the first one and raised the hopes of the homecrowd - and filled them. Despite a few beautiful saves Melian couldn't ward off the Lothlorien attackers from her goal and from a crowded mess in front of her goal Nimrodel managed to move the ball in. The cheers of the crowd were ear-piercing.

To the great disappointment of the home fans Doriath came even fifteen minutes later. The smith and the minstrel put up a great show of individual talent against the already a bit tired Lothorien defenders and just overran them with a few neat passes leaving Galadriel into a hopeless position.

Doriath pressed for a game-winner in the end but thanks to Galadriel beautiful saves one never game.

The homecrowds were pleased with the result though even if at some points they had even entertained the idea of winning the game. But Doriath was a solid team and this was seen fair in the end. Both goalies were elected as the "women of the match" and both teams could be happy with the performances of their forwards and some midfielders. But how would their defences fare with a team like Armenelos, or the shining skill of Turin and Beleg? The coaches had surely something to think.

Doriath 2-2 Lothlorien

shots 15-14
on target 8-8
GOALS:
*28, Lothlorien (Arwen, Haldir)
*42, Doriath (Nellas, Dior)
*62, Lothlorien (Nimrodel, Arwen)
*76, Doriath (Eöl, Maglor)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Doriath- Saeros, Dior
*Lothlorien- Haldir

the phantom

06-09-2009, 12:09 PM

Every room in the city of Tirion upon Tuna was filled, and a sea of tents crowded the parks, the lawns, and the streets. Even more tents could be found outside the walls of the fair city, particularly upon the western side towards the Calacirya where the great road came running out of Valimar and the lands beyond the Pelori. Just outside the western gate on the north side of the road stood the great stadium. It had been built by the Noldor of old, and the arches and pillars were both strong and beautiful. The stonework was studded by jewels of many colors and sizes, and the gleam of the stadium could be seen clearly by Manwe or any other looking out from the summit of Taniquetil.

Seven of the Arda Cup groups were being hosted east of the sea, and so it was that the games at Tuna were as well attended as any. The Teleri, the Noldor, the Vanyar, and the Ainur were there in force. Only a small handful of fans made the trip across the sea to support Brethil and Gondor, but both were likely to receive polite support from the rest of the crowds. Tol-in-Gaurhoth, on the other hand, was unlikely to receive any support from the Elves and Ainur. They did not look kindly upon Werewolves. Tol-in-Gaurhoth would have to depend on their own fans- a small but extremely noisy group.

There was no question which team the massive crowd would be behind with their whole hearts- the team from Tuna. After upsetting Nargothrond to reach the final eight last year (where they lost to eventual champion Formenos), Tuna's fortunes looked promising. They had seven of their players back, though arranged slightly differently in order to match their talents better (they hoped). But four new faces- Amrod, Amras, Indis, and Aule, promised to improve their defense, which they hoped would mesh well with their ultra-aggressive offense.

But the crowd would have to wait to see them in action. First up was Gondor versus Tol-in-Gaurhoth.

********************

GONDOR VERSUS TOL-IN-GAURHOTH

First to arrive on the field was Tol-in-Gaurhoth, and to the crowd's delight, it appeared they hadn't practiced at all. Their test shots were off, and their passes were clumsy. "That's what they get for not even drafting their team until last week," thought most of the fans.

Gondor on the other hand looked sharp out of the locker room, and from the first whistle they controlled the action. Only 14 minutes into the game Kuruwolf and Runewolf completely botched their defensive assignments and allowed Faramir to run completely free to the goal, and his brother wasted no time in finding him with the pass.

For the next while Tol-in-Gaurhoth managed to keep Gondor at bay with their athleticism and strength, but they were still making mistakes and generally passing poorly. In the 32nd minute the fundamentally sound Gondor made TIG pay again as the Werewolves were late getting themselves set to defend a corner and Imrahil easily volleyed it in.

As the half came to a close, Boromir was allowed into the box as Skipwolf and Wereomer got tied up with each other, but fortunately for TIG their goalie Mormwolf was a bit more on the ball and made a brilliant stop to keep the deficit at two goals.

The mood was festive during the half, but that ended soon after the start of the second. TIG had obviously decided to kick the effort up a notch, and came out of the locker room playing ridiculously rough. Runewolf received a card only two minutes in, and just five minutes later it was Gwathwolf who was rung up for being too rough. More cards could easily have been handed out, but the Werewolves did an excellent job at avoiding the eyes of the ref.

Gondor was momentarily knocked off their precision game by the sudden onslaught, and that was enough of a window for TIG to finally get on the scoreboard. Since passing wasn't working well, the TIG players tried to take the ball upfield without help, and at minute 56 Phantomwolf succeeded in making a run down the entire sideline and in towards the goal. His shot attempt was poked away by Anardil, but SPMwolf pounced on the loose ball and booted it solidly into the back of the net to cut the lead to one.

Surprisingly, the goal seemed to calm Gondor down, and they settled into a groove after that and worked around the physical play of TIG quite well for the next ten minutes, gaining two chances at the goal. Unfortunately for them Mormwolf seemed to be completely on his game now and he stopped them dead. Heartened by his efforts, the TIG team finally started playing some decent football and worked the ball up the field. Borowolf and Phantomwolf both gained decent scoring chances, and the box was peppered with long-shot attempts, but it was finally Nogwolf that tied the score by deflecting a rocket from Gwathwolf.

During the final minutes of the game TIG continued to control the action, but thanks to great play by Calmacil the score remained tied at 2-2. But then with only two minutes left, Gondor finally caught a break. Minalcar intercepted a pass and sent it forward to Imrahil who made an amazing run down the field and into the TIG box with Faramir at his side with only Kuruwolf left to beat. But before he could do anything, Lomwolf took him out brutally from behind, and the Elves and Ainur applauded as a penalty kick was awarded to Gondor.

Imrahil approached the ball and bent it perfectly into the top right corner, but Mormwolf guessed right and with a spectacular leap knocked the ball up and over the goal! The crowd groaned, but the section of TIG fans roared and celebrated, happy to escape with a tie. It was more than they deserved after the start they had.

Gondor 2-2 Tol-in-Gaurhoth
shots 14-17
on target 7-8
GOALS:
*14, Gondor (Faramir, Boromir II)
*32, Gondor (Imrahil, Hirluin)
*56, TIG (SPMwolf, Phantomwolf)
*73, TIG (Nogwolf, Gwathwolf)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Gondor- Ioreth, Valacar
*TIG- Runewolf, Gwathwolf, Kuruwolf, Lomwolf

BRETHIL VERSUS TUNA

The giant Feanorian lamps shone brightly above the field as Brethil made their way out for their first game. The spectators clapped graciously, but obviously were saving their energy to greet the home team, and when the Tuna squad sprinted out of the tunnel, the Brethil team found out just how much of a visitor they were. Never had that stadium heard so much sound, but those cheers were nothing compared to the roar but 7 minutes into the match when Miriel found Finwe for a header and the early lead.

And even that roar was nothing next to the blast of noise that occured at the 19 minute mark when Miriel found the goal herself, helped out by her daughter in law Nerdanel. The Brethil players appeared to be in slow motion, partly due to the skill and speed of Tuna, and partly from the shock of witnessing it in front of their faces.

Just minutes before halftime, the stadium shook again as Nerdanel found the net after controlling a perfectly threaded long pass from Indis. It was 3-0 going into the locker room, and in the stands it was one giant party. Bottles were opened and songs were belted out. What a way to begin!

At the opening of the second half Tuna started slower, content to conserve energy and finish out what had been a great game. Brethil gave it their all and tried to rough things up and even managed a couple of respectable shots, but Aule of the Valar was more than equal to the task and kept them off the score sheet, and the hard tackles of Brethil did little damage to the graceful Eldar who always were quick enough to avoid the worst hurt and fell lightly and sprung right back up. At the 63 minute mark, despite their slower pace, the precision and skill of Tuna yielded yet another goal- this time it was Finwe helping out his youngest son.

After that Tuna really pulled back and contented themselves to holding the ball, and Brethil out of relief didn't seem too keen to press the issue and allowed the game to finish the way it was and saved their efforts for their next match. The home side left the field waving joyously to their supporters, and there were celebrations in Tirion far into the night. Tuna was a force to be reckoned with.

Brethil 0-4 Tuna
shots 6-19
on target 2-10
GOALS:
*7, Tuna (Finwe, Miriel)
*19, Tuna (Miriel, Nerdanel)
*41, Tuna (Nerdanel, Indis)
*63, Tuna (Finarfin, Finwe)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Brethil- Hundad, Brandir, Halmir, Haldir
*Tuna- Amrod

Nogrod

06-09-2009, 06:28 PM

GROUP F at Shire

Football-fever had totally taken the hobbits of the Shire even though some wondered whether any normal hobbit could take such a dose of strangers and big folk. And not just any big folks but great human heroes and yes, Valar themselves! And with the Valar attending the games, there would be so much more interest towards this group it would draw elves, dwarves, humans and all kind of beasts from all around the Middle-Earth just to get a glimpse of those great dwellers of the West.

“There is never lack of food in a hobbit’s table”, that goes without saying. But that was a second issue some were a bit worried. What hordes of guests would arrive? There was no hope getting catering help from Bree as they were hosting a group as well. And in no circumstance should the interval between meals grow longer than a few hours. That would destroy their reputation as decent hobbits.

Already a few days before the games finally started it was clear there had never been such crowds in Shire in its history. But happily the food-problem got a solution, even if it was a surprising one. When the Valar-team arrived, it had ten shiploads of Western food as a token of good will and a gift to the organisers. Some cynics surely remarked – around the tables of the Green Dragon - that it was mainly because that way they could stick to their own familiar diet as they surely were too dandy to eat plain good hobbit-food.

But those remarks were forgotten at the great gathering on the eve of the games where all of the Valar players and their followers attended and praised the festive dinner the hobbits had made for them, all seven courses of them! The success of the opening dinner, serving for all the thousands of guests, was the thing that got even the grumpiest hobbits to think the games a great idea. Well, not everyone, but the most…

----------

The first game was one between Dorthonion and Edoras. When the Dorthonion team walked into the renovated arena of the Michel Delving the shine and glory of the old human and elven lords from Dorthonion just made the hobbits gasp. But the entrance of the Edoras team was no lesser. It was a moment for many a hobbit to remember the rest of their lives. All the other crowds packed to the arena were thrilled as well, the total of thirty thousand of them. What a game it would be! And what a feast there would be after it (thought the hobbits)!

To the football enthusiasts the game of Dorthonion was a great disappointment. Where was Barahir’s ability to save the day? Where was the sturdiness of Finarfin’s sons to hold their ground? Where was Bëor the Old’s command to rout the troops around him? Maybe it was the quality of play Edoras produced that made Dorthonion look like a weak side? But whatever it was, it was Edoras’ game, all around the field.

Theoden and the defence before him – led by the two great mearas – was just a way too tough for the elven brothers, or even Barahir to break. And the midfield and the forwards then? It was just a royal performance plain and simple! The three forwards with two younger generation heroes Eowyn and Eomer showed their speed and grace with the ball alongside Eorl himself – and all the kings of old in the midfield seemed to have regained both their youth and glory. That was high quality of play!

It was not that Dorthonion wasn’t creating chances but only that those chances were denied of them – and the quality of chances the Edoras team created were far superior to those of Dorthonion. It was not a game that was played solely in one end of the field, but the number of shots (13-6) and shots on goal (6-2) just tell a lot of it. The quality of play was different.

It was more than fitting that Eorl opened the scoring and that Eowyn closed it. Many elves and men from the past in the audience nodded to that little fact, especially those Valar and Maiar attending. That was Edoras.

But would Dorthonion get it’s act together after this poor start or would it be just “Gorliming” on their behalf for the rest of the tournament? And could Edoras play such a gallant game against a tougher opponent? Those were left to be seen from the opening game.

Dorthonion 0-2 Edoras

shots 6-13
on target 2-6
GOALS:
*23, Edoras (Eorl, Aldor)
*52, Edoras (Eowyn, Eomer)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Dorthonion- Gorlim, Bregolas
*Edoras- Brego

If one measures a tournament with the level of home crowd’s enthusiasm, then something like a peak was surely established at Michael Delving-arena when the team Shire walked into the field. After they had seen the earlier two teams in their glory, even the most backward hobbit realised this was something great indeed – and their own boys and girls would walk to that very same arena as well! What a moment!

Although it must be said in all honesty, that the number of hobbits in the audience was less than fourth of the whole crowd. But the guests were gracious enough to give a wild cheer for the home team as well – and as most of them were cognisant of the history they knew they were entitled to it, even if only Samwise Gamgee represented the original fellowship in the team.

But what happened when the Taniquetil team entered the field was just unbelievable. First there was a moment of total silence on behalf of the audience and then the joyous burst of roars and cries of admiration, honour and laughter produced from just the sheer disbelief! It was a dazzling moment. The Valar themselves were there to play to this audience, this evening, right now!

Just football-wise it wasn’t anything one would remember his life through. A short discussion caught by our reporter on the half-hour mark of the game reveals the different stances on it.

A drunken Hobitton-elder (frequenter in the Green Dragon): “Wow, I’ve always said we hobbits are really tough. Now see, even Valar can’t beat us! We’ll win this tournament! You’ll see… let’s have a pint for it?”
A Noldo from the West: “Well, even if you’re a heroic folk as we have heard, just look at this game! Those Valar are just trying not to embarrass you little ones as hosts. They’ll score one goal sooner or later, but being polite they are scared of winning 6-0 straight ahead.”
An age old creature from some dark age millenia before the creation: “Bah, those Valar were never good in physical things they’d had to do themselves – well not counting a few that is. Believe me, they just aren’t up to this…”
Drunken Shireling: “What did you say about the “physical things”? Aren’t all things physical?
A Teleri sitting behind the three: “Ahh, no good trying to enlighten the young hobbit here at this point while the game is on. Just enjoy the game to your fullest my dear hobbit. Your team will be brave and do just fine.”
Age old Creature: “Or the Valar will do just badly, as they always do with earthly things… Eru really didn’t seem to have known better when he chose his team.”
Noldo (suddenly enraged): “Now watch your language, whatever you are!”
Drunken Shireling: “Wow, Bulroarer just hit the post! Go! Shire! Go!"
Teleri (looking at the two others): "Great shot indeed! And the hobbit is right. Now you two let’s concentrate on the game, okay?”

It was indeed astonishing that neither team managed to make any good chances on the first half. It was a great game just for the fact of it being played but the real football-fanatics were down indeed. As a match the first half was just boring, solid defence on both sides but no real risk taken to make a dashing attack on either part or to take any risks whatsoever.

Whatever view one would have picked from the discussion revealed there earlier, it seemed to all that the inevitable finally happened at the first minutes of the second half. The lady of the stars herself put the ball into the Shire net. Samwise had performed quite well, but Thorondor’s bluff was just magnamious and Sam was already flying to a totally different direction when the King of the Eagles still passed the ball on to Varda who had an easy job putting it in.

After that it looked like the Taniquetil team really locked their game intending to give the hosts no chance of equalising. It looked definitively like 1-0 for a long time as Taniquetil controlled the situation beautifully.

But suddenly Halbarad managed to steal the ball in the midfield from Taniquetil’s lowest defenders passing the ball to each other and made a forward run along the left side of the field. The highly priced defence of Taniquetil was in disbelief just a second too much. Este and Yavanna did not rush back immediately, believing that Nessa (who was deeper down) and Vana (who lost the ball) would be able to take care of him as they were the nearest and they were two who lost the ball - it would be a question of honor taking back the ball they lost. But when they saw Bullroarer Took making an incredible dash past them they were awakened. But too late. Jusat a second or two too late.

Halbarad got rid of Nessa with a nice dribble in full speed and was able to pass the ball past Vana diagonally backwards to Bullroarer who had an easy job finishing the goal, with Este and Yavanna breathing on his back but just a meter behind.

What happened was a one-time experience. The majority of the crowd was just too astonished to make a sound but was drawing a deep breath to just realise what had happened. But the hobbits! They were just making noise enough like a full stadium was rejoicing. And when slowly the main part of the audience joined the cheers for the goodwill of it - and of course praising the great performance of Halbarad and Bullroarer, the noise soon became just unbearable enough that people had to tone down just for their own good! That didn’t include the hobbits who just went wild to the end!

After the game there were mainly two topics discussed in the pubs, taverns and makeshift licenced premises. Where hobbits gathered together they discussed whether the hobbits were after all as strong as the Valar themselves and many a pint was consumed. In places where some more knowledgeable people, elves or creatures gathered, they discussed whether Eru had sent the Taniquetil team a message with Bullroarer’s goal and they had submitted to it or whether they just couldn’t play football at all.

Shire 1-1 Taniquetil

shots 7-8
on target 2-3
GOALS:
*49, Taniquetil (Varda, Thorondor)
*83, Shire (Bullroarer, Halbarad)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Shire- Lobelia, Ted
*Taniquetil- Lorien

skip spence

06-10-2009, 02:57 AM

The Arda Cup is the biggest thing to have hit Bree since pipe-weed, and the neighbouring villages of Staddle, Combe and Archet were all but empty as the day of the first round matches approached: all had come to the capital in hopes of obtaining tickets, preferably to one of the home team’s matches. Yes, all were here, except a few opportunists who had rented out their flats to shocking rates and headed for the country. Barlimar Butterbur of the Prancing Pony did not mind the competition though, as his establishment had been booked solid for months and remained the natural centre point of town, despite the camps of the foreign teams and supporters that had been raised on the fields outside the city walls.

At the Pony, the talk often centered on Valimar, and all the strange tales that surrounded them. The Dunedain of Amon Sul and Romenna were odd enough, but at least they reminded them of the Rangers whom they were familiar with. But this Valimar team was too weird to be true. Sure, they had heard of the Man in the Moon, but the idea that he was actually here in person, playing football, was hard for the Bree-landers to get their head around. From outside the well-fenced Valimar camp people claimed to have caught glimpses of kingly figures of surpassing beauty, or terrifying beasts that chilled the very bone.

The Bree-landers did not know what to make of all this and many focused on their own team instead, a subject most punters at the Pony considered themselves experts at. According to the majority opinion, the key to success would be to get the whole team involved, as Bree all too often was a two man team in practice. They were simply too reliant on the dynamic duo of Tom Bombadil and The Barrow-Wight, and in order to progress, others than those two had to produce to goods also. Expectations on the ex-Shire players Merry and Pippin were high, and it was hoped that their leadership qualities would give the team some defensive stability to support their star men.

Match 1: Amon Sul vs. Valimar

When the Valimar team entered the field the sold out crowd gasped for breath and an eerie silence followed. Rumours that spoke of the overwhelming splendour and terror this team of the ancient world evoked were thought to be exaggerated by most people, but now when they could witness it for themselves, they realized that even the most outlandish story wasn't anywhere close to the truth. Here was the Ainur arrayed in all their beauty and might, and the Bree faithful wondered how in the world their Bob and Nob and Barliman and Ferny could ever hope to compete with a team like this. Then there was a collective sigh of awe, followed by a storming applause. This was a day they’d always remember.

When play got under way, it quickly became apparent that Valimar not only looked good - they could play too. The most talked about signing ahead of the games, Melkor, showed none of the selfish and violent behaviour he is notorious for, and played brilliantly on the midfield, spraying perfect balls to his team-mates without ever making a mistake. Amon Sul barely got to borrow the ball, and when they did, they got under pressure directly. In the 20th minute Valimar was awarded a free-kick after Eönwe had been brought down to the right, just outside the penalty area. Melkor took it, and he whipped the ball into the box where Tulkas, wrestling with Araglas, managed to nod the ball back across goal to find an unmarked Eönwe who made no mistake with a diving header. Some 20 minutes later Eönwe turned provider, as he played a cute one-two with Melkor who chipped the ball over the legs of the onrushing Amon Sul keeper, just as he had done so many times before.

There was never really any excitement regarding the outcome of this match, and the few times an Amon Sul-player managed to get into a decent attacking position, it was as if a shadow fell on him, and could easily be dispossessed or tried a panicky attempt at a pass or shot. Such was the fear that Ungoliant and the Balrogs instilled on their opponents. Frankly, they could have played all night, and Amon Sul would not have scored anyway. Offensively Valimar settled down after the second goal, but there was still time for a third, which was scored from long range by one of the Balrogs. This Valimar team will take some beating, that should be clear to anyone watching this game.

Amon Sul 0-3 Valimar
shots 5-16
on target 1-8
GOALS:
*20, Valimar (Eonwe,Tulkas)
*39, Valimar (Melkor, Eonwe)
*60 Valimar (Balrog #4, Tilion)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Amon Sul- Aranarth, Arador, Arahad

The Valimar performance in the first game had been so impressive that the home crowd almost forgot about the very important match ahead of their own heroes. Bree were up against a difficult opponent too in Romenna, a very experienced team from across the wide waters of the West. When the ref started play, Bree went on the attack from the get go, determined to make an early impact on the game. That man Tom Bombadil playfully tunnelled two men, end danced into the penalty area. Hey! Come derry dol! Hop along my hearties! he sang, and played a sensational ball to Nob, who had the open net at his mercy, but to the crowds disbelief he ballooned it way over the crossbar. Oh my, what a miss from the Hobbit! He’ll replay that moment in his head many times tonight, one can be certain of…

Bree didn’t lose confidence though, and although much centred around Bombadil, the team as a whole played some good football and continued to create chances. When Romenna took the lead, it felt like an injustice, but it was a good goal and it all happened very quickly. After a Bree attack the ball rolled up to Tar-Palantir outside of his own penalty area, and without even looking up he hit a long ball towards Tar-Miriel who came racing forward. She beat the Bree offside-trap, rounded Old Man Willow and rolled the ball into the open net.

Meanwhile, the Romenna defence had put two men on Tom Bombadil, who now started to find space hard to come by. His partner in crime, The Barrow-Wight, was still in the game though, and when he ghosted past his marker and got behind the Romenna defense, space was opening up and as the cross came in, there was Bombadillo, hopping and dancing like a madman to get away from his markers. With his trade-mark yellow boot he hit a sweet volley that crashed into the net past a not so bemused Elros, who got up as if to say “Never again!” when he saw Tom celebrating the goal with comical somersaults and terrible poetry.

And so it proved. Despite Bree’s best efforts, they could not find a way to beat Elros again. Even Bombadil looked puzzled as the half-elven made an amazing fingertip-save off a shot that had the home-crowd cheering for a goal the moment it left his yellow boot. The ensuing corner was without result, and suddenly Romenna was on the counter-attack. Vardamir advanced with the ball at full speed, and again Tal-Palantir showed the same kind of foresight as on the first goal, and seemed to know exactly where the ball would come before it was hit. With a deft touch he controlled it, and although Old Man Willow dropped a branch, he was powerless to stop the shot as it whistled into the net. With less than ten minutes to play, Bree was behind again, and this time there was no way back for the home team.

At the Prancing Pony that night the atmosphere was subdued. In order to advance now, Bree will most likely have to win, or at least not lose, against the same Valimar side they had seen make mighty kings of Men look like little boys. Just how on Middle Earth this could be possible no-one knew. But one thing they knew for certain. If anyone could do it, Bombadillo could.

Bree 1-2 Romenna
shots 14-11
on target 7-5
GOALS:
*34, Romenna (Tar Miriel, Tar Palantir)
*55, Bree (Tom Bombadil, The Barrow-Wight)
*81, Romenna (Tar Palantir, Vardamir)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Bree- Harry, Ferny, Pippin
*Romenna- Tar Anarion

Standings: Group A

Team_______W D L GF GA P
1) Valimar____1 0 0 3 - 0 3
2) Romenna___1 0 0 2 - 1 3
3) Bree_______0 0 1 1 - 2 0
4) Amon Sul___0 0 1 0 - 3 0

the phantom

06-10-2009, 10:33 AM

GROUP STANDINGS

GROUP A (Moria)

----team----points---goal diff
Moria.............3.........+1
Angband........1...........0
Minas Tirith....1...........0
Alqualonde.....0..........-1

GROUP B (Mirkwood)

----team----points---goal diff
Arnor.............3..........+1
Nargothrond...3..........+1
Helm's Deep...0...........-1
Mirkwood.......0...........-1

GROUP C (Isengard)

----team-----points---goal diff
Minas Morgul...3.........+3
Hithlum..........3.........+1
Gondolin.........0..........-1
Isengard.........0..........-3

GROUP D (Erebor)

----team----points---goal diff
Eregion..........3...........+2
Erebor............1............0
Osgiliath.........1............0
Mordor............0...........-2

GROUP E (Lothlorien)

----team----points---goal diff
Armenelos.....3............+2
Doriath..........1.............0
Lothlorien......1.............0
Dor-Lomin.....0.............-2

GROUP F (Shire)

----team----points---goal diff
Edoras..........3...........+2
Shire............1............0
Taniquetil......1............0
Dorthonion....0...........-2

GROUP G (Tuna)

-----team------points----goal diff
Tuna..................3...........+4
Gondor...............1............0
Tol-in-Gaurhoth...1............0
Brethil................0...........-4

GROUP H (Bree)

----team----points---goal diff
Valimar..........3..........+3
Romenna.......3..........+1
Bree..............0..........-1
Amon Sul.......0..........-3

ROUND 2 MATCH-UPS

GROUP A (Moria)
Alqualonde vs Minas Tirith
Angband vs Moria

GROUP B (Mirkwood)
Arnor vs Nargothrond
Helm's Deep vs Mirkwood

GROUP C (Isengard)
Hithlum vs Minas Morgul
Gondolin vs Isengard

GROUP D (Erebor)
Eregion vs Osgiliath
Erebor vs Mordor

GROUP E (Lothlorien)
Armenelos vs Doriath
Dor-Lomin vs Lothlorien

GROUP F (Shire)
Edoras vs Taniquetil
Dorthonion vs Shire

GROUP G (Tuna)
Brethil vs Tol-in-Gaurhoth
Gondor vs Tuna

GROUP H (Bree)
Amon Sul vs Romenna
Bree vs Valimar

Boromir88

06-10-2009, 12:57 PM

Group A

TEAM.................W-D-L..GF..GA..PTS

Moria...................1-0-0...3...2.......3
Angband..............0-1-0...2....2......1
Minas Tirith..........0-1-0...2....2......1
Alqualonde...........0-0-1...2....3......0

Alqualonde v. Minas Tirith

Alqualonde had a much more difficult time handling the physical play of Moria. Minas Tirith is not as physical of an opponent, and should be easier for the fleet footed Elves to handle. Minas Tirith plays well as a team, but the age of their defenders will definitely be a problem, as they definitely will tire as the tournament continues. Alqualonde wins 3-2

Angband v. Moria

Moria was able to flex their muscles against the Elves, they will not be able to do the same against Angband. This will be a death match, as both teams will certainly hit, and hit hard. Angband is more talented, and Moria has already piled up the Yellow cards. Moria managed to keep their team together, only for the fact that they won, but Moria has so much inner strife they will crumble once Angband jumps out early. Angband wins 4-2

Group B

TEAM...............W-D-L..GF..GA...PTS

Arnor................1-0-0...2...1......3
Nargothrond.......1-0-0...2...1......3
Helm's Deep.......0-0-1...1...2......0
Mirkwood..........0-0-1...1...2......0

Arnor v. Nargothrond

If either team wins this, they are a lock to advance. This is probably the most anticipated match of the group. Both defenses will be strong, goals will be tough to come by. Lucky for Nargothrond, they play the maligned Helm's Deep in Round 3, but a tie will make things in this group interesting. Draw 1-1.

Helm's Deep v. Mirkwood

Mirkwood's the host team and they are coming off a tough loss to Nargothrond, which spells bad news for Helm's Deep. Scatha, Legolas, and Thranduil will have their way. Mirkwood wins 3-1

Group C

TEAM...............W-D-L..GF..GA...PTS

Minas Morgul.......1-0-0...3...0......3
Hithlum..............1-0-0...2...1......3
Gondolin.............0-0-1...1...2......0
Isengard............0-0-1...0...3......0

Hithlum v. Minas Morgul

Minas Morgul dominated against Isengard, but it is clear the cream of this group is Hithlum, and they will not be so lucky. Minas Morgul's defense is not going up against a Slowbeam or Uglag anymore, they have to stop Feanor and Maedhros...something they won't be able to do. However, it will be closer than most people thing, as the Nazgul, who are much stronger with their lord, the Witch-King, should not be underestimated. Hithlum wins 3-2.

Gondolin v. Isengard

Isengard might just be the worst team in the tournament. They have no scoring ability, and Saruman isn't a strong enough player (like the WK) to carry a team. Gondolin will win fairly easily, and it only gets worse, as Isengard will not only be eliminated, but will have to face Hithlum next round. Gondolin wins 2-0.

Group D

TEAM..........W-D-L..GF..GA...PTS
Eregion.........1-0-0...2...0......3
Erebor..........0-1-0...2...2......1
Osgiliath.......0-1-0...2...2......1
Mordor.........0-0-1...0...2......0

Eregion v. Osgiliath

I don't think anyone in this group has the firepower to score against Eregion's most impressive defense. However, Osgiliath is a strong defensive team of their own, which means this will be a very dull game. Draw 0-0.

Mordor v. Erebor

If Osgiliath manages to beat, or at least tie, Eregion in the first match, Erebor has to feel this game is a must win for them. That might put a lot of pressure on Erebor, knowing they end against Eregion, and thus will overlook their current task - defeat Mordor. Smaug should be up to the task, as he torches the Mordor team, but this may be closer than the experts think, giving Mordor the chance of an upset. Erebor wins 2-1

Group E

TEAM.............W-D-L..GF..GA...PTS
Armenolos........1-0-0...3...1......3
Doriath............0-1-0...2...2......1
Lothlorien.........0-1-0...2...2......1
Dor-Lomin.........0-0-1...1...3......0

Armenolos v. Doriath

There were questions to how the addition of Sauron would effect Armenolos and it worked out great for them in their 1st match vs. Dor-Lomin. However, Dor-Lomin is overrated and Doriath, behind the strength of Melian, will be a tougher opponent. The question for Doriath, is will they be able to score themselves? Anyone can win this group, and it will further up for grabs after a...Draw 1-1.

Dor-Lomin v. Lothlorien

When you have Turin, you can not be counted out, he could surprise you. The unlucky part for Dor-Lomin is this is a very strong defensive group, and that is something Dor-Lomin does not have. Lothlorien is inconsistent offensively, but they managed to put up 2 goals against Melian and they should be able to do the same against Dor-Lomin. Lothlorien wins 2-0.

Group F

TEAM............W-D-L..GF..GA...PTS

Edoras...........1-0-0...2...0......3
Taniquetil.......0-1-0...1...1......1
The Shire.......0-1-0...1...1......1
Dorthonion.....0-0-1...0...2......0

Edoras v. Taniquetil

As I believed, Edoras has great team work and was able to easily handle Dorthonion. For some unexplained reason, Taniquetil did not come ready to face the meager Shirelings. This does spell trouble for Edoras, as Taniquetil will come looking to fire back, and prove their worth. For if Taniquetil does not trounce Edoras into the ground, Eru may need to start replacing his Valar! Taniquetil wins 3-0.

Dorthonion v. The Shire

Each and every tournament the hobbits manage to play way above their talent level. They should lose every single match, but they don't. So, here it comes, Samwise will remain sturdy at the goal, and Bullroarer will be able to sneak one past Beor. The Shire wins 1-0! (Maybe once they are actually predicted to win, they will fail, just like they should).

Group G

TEAM............W-D-L..GF..GA...PTS

Tuna..............1-0-0...4...0......3
Gondor...........0-1-0...2...2......1
Tol-i-Gaur.......0-1-0...2...2......1
Brethil............0-0-1...0...4......0

Brethil v. Tol-in-Gaurhoth

Now that TIG has actually managed to play together, they should be able to fire on all cylinders...erm paws. Plus it must help when your next match is against Brethil, who is a technically sound team, but skill wise, they are vastly out-matched. TIG wins 3-0.

Gondor v. Tuna

This will be the highlight match of not only the group, but maybe the entire 1st round of group play. It is sure to be an offensive explosion. Both teams will try to prove why offense is the best defense. Miriel will have another stunning performance, and score 2 goals in this match, but behind the Gondor brothers, they will surpise the group, making everything come down to the round 3 matchups. Gondor wins 4-3.

Group H

TEAM............W-D-L..GF..GA...PTS

Valimar...........1-0-0...3...0......3
Romenna........1-0-0...2...1......3
Bree..............0-0-1...1...2......0
Amon Sul........0-0-1...0...3......0

Valimar v. Bree

Must win game for Bree if they want to advance. They were unable to take care of business against Romenna, and Valimar will surely be more challenging. Their only hope is Melkor does something completely stupid to anger his team...but that won't happen. Valimar wins 2-1.

Amon Sul v. Romenna

Amon Sul maybe facing the stout Romenna defense, but they should not be counted out just yet...when you have Elendil he is a game changer. If Amon Sul comes in with the win or go-home mindset, Elendil will play with a fiery passion and force Romenna to put multiple defenders on him...abandoning Arahael to score the only goal of the match. Amon Sul wins 1-0.

Edit: Oops, didn't realize tp was going to do the standings, oh well my match predictions are still there. :p

Nogrod

06-11-2009, 08:25 PM

The Arda Kicker Magazine has been looking closely at the games and has decided the following for the first round...

Five stars will go to

Elros of Romenna
Arwen of Lothlorien
Gandalf of Eregion
Nerdanel of Tuna
Sauron of Armenelos

Three stars will go to

Khamûl of Minas Morgul
Eldacar of Osgiliath
Narvi of Moria
Mardil of Minas Tirith
Calmacil of Gondor
Melian of Doriath
Galadriel of Lothlorien
Melkor of Valimar

One star will go to

Isildur of Arnor
Ar Pharazon of Armenelos
Durin's Bane of Moria
Tar Palantir of Romenna
Echtelion II of Minas Tirith
Tar Atanamir of Armenelos
Orodreth of Nargothrond
Finwë of Tuna
Miriel of Tuna
Eonwë of Valimar
Turín of Dor-Lomin
Beleg of Dor-Lomin
mormwolf of TIG
Shadowfax of Edoras
Felarof of Edoras
Tom Bombadill of Bree

Their performances have been the joy of any footballing community! Many others could have been nominated and some might be disputed... but this is "Arda Kicker Magazine's" choice!

Stay tuned for more stars!

skip spence

06-13-2009, 01:04 AM

The first round matches in Moria had perhaps been best the tournament have had to offer so far, and as the lucky fans with tickets made their way into the mountain they were full of expectations. The big event tonight was of course the showdown between the host team and mighty Angband. Could this interracial Moria team rattle the Power of the North? Without former stars Morgoth, Gothmog and Glaurung, the Iron Hells fail to instill the same kind of fear as they used to, and Moria might have a chance here to cause an upset. But before this highly publicized heavyweight-bout, a tasty hors d’oeuvre was on the plate in form of the Alqualonde and Minas Tirith evening match. There was a vocal section of White City-supporters present, and a few Elves cheering for the Aman side, but the stands were only filled to about 2/3 of the 70 000 capacity, as many of the local ticket holders got boozed up in nearby drinking holes ahead of the big game later on. Those who did show up were able to enjoy an excellent game of football.

Match 3: Alqualonde vs. Minas Tirith

After their loss to the host team on the opening day, Cirdan, Osse and other senior members of Alqualonde had gone out to express their dissatisfaction with how the team had behaved. They’d allowed themselves to get bullied, and it cost them the game. No more of that, they now demanded, and as the team got onto the field the players looked very determined to make a difference. Minas Tirith on their hand were happy to have taken a point off Angband, and anxious to get a win under the belt, something which would put them in a very good position to advance to the knockout stages of the tournament.

When Cirdan and Osse kicked off, the crowd was to witness a much improved Alqualonde team. The special brand of quick, technical football they were renowned for, but failed to produce against Moria, now gave the White City defenders plenty of trouble. But it takes two to tango, and Minas Tirith also played at their highest level, urged on by legendary captain Aragorn, who seemed able to raise his teammates’ game to its full potential and beyond. But it was the Aman side that were to draw blood first blood. Uinen delivered a freekick towards the near post that was glanced across goal by Cirdan, and at the far post Idril popped up to smash the ball into the net.

Some twenty minutes later Aragorn grabbed the equalizer after a piece of individual brilliance. From a modest position on the left he cut inside, accelerated past Eärwen, and blasted a rising thunderbolt from 25 metres which hit the bar and bounced down behind Olwë, then back onto the bar, and out in play again. The velocity of the shot was so high the Alqualonde keeper didn’t move, and there was some confusion as to whether the ball had crossed the line or not, but after consulting his linesmen the referee pointed to the mid circle. It was a controversial goal, but the Alqualonde players accepted the decision without question, which says a lot about their sportsmanship.

In the second half the two rivals continued to play dream football and the neutrals in the stands did not want to see either team lose the game. So also it went. Uinen gave Alqualonde the lead after a great run by Idril and that goal had looked like a winner, but after a strong, late surge by the White City, Telumehtar managed to even up the score with a close-range header from the impressive Mardil the Faithful’s cross. The match finished 2-2 and as team captains Cirdan and Aragorn swapped jerseys and shook hands in the mid circle they both agreed it was a fair result.

Alqualonde 2-2 Minas Tirith
shots 10-11
on target 5-5
GOALS:
*14, Alqualonde (Idril, Cirdan)
*35, Minas Tirith (Aragorn II, Boromir I)
*68, Alqualonde (Uinen, Idril)
*81, Minas Tirith (Telumehtar, Mardil)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Alqualonde- Amandil
*Minas Tirith- Ondoher, Earnil II, Calimehtar

Match 4: Angband vs Moria

If Moria had intimidated Alqualonde they could do no such thing against Angband tonight. Already in the first minute of the game Ancalagon flattened The Great Goblin when the referee wasn’t looking, and that was just the first in a series of heavy hits. All credit to Moria though as they didn’t back down, but came after their more illustrious opponents with some of their own medicine. The match was rough and intensive and the crowd loved every moment of it initially. In the 20th minute the noise reached a crescendo when the ref pointed to the spot - Tevildo was judged to have pawed the ball in the box. Durin’s Bane wanted to take the penalty, but Durin grabbed the ball from him and placed it on the spot himself. Then he backed off three steps, took a deep breath and blasted it over the bar! In front of his supporters, now dead silent, the Moria captain tore his beard in disgust. Durin’s Bane did not look happy either, mumbling something to himself while smoke issued from his shadow.

That miss proved costly too. Angband now started to get a real grip on the match, and with every attack their confidence grew. The opening goal came just after the half-hour mark when Ancalagon fired in Maeglin’s low cross after a quick break. Tevildo had a great opportunity to make it two, but the Prince of Cats waited too long with the shot, having perhaps too much fun toying with the Moria defenders, and just as he was preparing to dispatch the killing blow, he slipped and the chance was gone. Angband was really overpowering Moria in the mid part of the game, and when the second goal came 15 minutes into the second half, it was only logical. Thurinwethil had gotten away on the right and his cross found a wide-open Hurin, who even had time to chest the ball down and finish the move with his preferred right foot. Durin’s Bane was flaming, accusing Durin and his backline of poor defending, but the Dwarf Lord responded by claiming that the Balrog didn’t backtrack quickly enough and that he was to blame for the goal. Obviously there is a lot of tension between those two.

Angbad was in cruise control now and Moria lacked the penetration to really threaten on the attack. As time was running out, another poor decision by an Easterling defender almost ruined the match for the Iron Hells however. Narvi held off Uldor with his back to the Angband goal, and the situation looked harmless enough, but out of the blue the defender kicked out at the Dwarf, sending him on a sky-ride. The referee did not hesitate as he reached for his card, and as the Angband player already was booked in the first half he was sent to an early shower. Bad got worse for Angband when Moria reduced their lead on the resulting free-kick. Durin’s Bane took it with phenomenal power, and although the Balrog claimed the goal it was later given to Azog, as the shot took a slight deflection on the foot of the Orc before hitting the net.

Moria tried to use their one man advantage to force a late equalizer, but when Hurin dropped down to the Angband back four to cover for Uldor, the Iron Hells were able to hold on fairly comfortably. With four out of six matches played, nothing is decided in this very tight group. Any team can still grab first spot, or get eliminated.

Angband 2-1 Moria
shots 12-7
on target 6-3
GOALS:
*32, Angband (Ancalagon, Maeglin)
*59, Angband (Hurin, Thuringwethil)
*84, Moria (Azog, Durin’s Bane)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Angband- Telvildo, Uldor, Ulfast
*Moria- Great Goblin, Durin’s Bane, Durin
RED CARDS:
*Angband- Uldor, 83 (second yellow)

Standings: Group A

Team..............W D L GF GA P
1) Angband......1 1 0.. 4 - 3 4
2) Moria............1 0 1.. 4 - 4 3
3) Minas Tirith...0 2 0.. 4 - 4 2
4) Alqualonde....0 1 1.. 4 - 5 1

the phantom

06-13-2009, 07:11 PM

After the first round of play none of the teams in Group B looked particularly weak, but neither game ended in a tie, and so it was that two teams, Mirkwood and Helm's Deep, were stuck with zero points to show for their efforts.

The victors in round one, Arnor and Nargothrond, were set to play the first match of the day, with the winner certain to advance to the playoffs. The second match would feature Mirkwood and Helm's Deep, both desperately in need of points to stay in contention.

As the first competitors entered, it seemed that the stadium would be supporting Nargothrond for the most part. For one, some of the Mirkwood fans had been won over by their impressive victory over their home team in the first round. And most importantly, if Nargothrond beat Arnor and Mirkwood won their match, Mirkwood could then defeat Arnor in the final round to advance to the playoffs. This seemed much more probable than the strong side from Nargothrond dropping two in a row to finish the group.

Arnor and Nargothrond played a midfield game for the most part in the first half. The forwards for both sides made some nice dashes towards the box, but nothing could be done to get a decent opening to put one past the keeper, for the final couple of defenders played the angles brilliantly, and were never wrong-footed by the crafty moves of the attackers.

Past two-thirds of the way through the half, Isildur made a great run up the right side and held for his team to catch up and mount the attack. He crossed to Arantar whose header was contested well by Celegorm. The ball squirted away and was met by Araphor who quickly tossed it back over to the right side to a sprinting Isildur, while the rest of the team closed in behind smelling blood. Isildur had the ball taken by Luthien, however, and she sent the ball deep up the middle and Mablung was first there and the race was on. Arnor had over-committed and had been caught with their pants down.

Only Elendur had an angle on him, and Mablung swerved behind him deftly while still staying ahead of Tarcil and the others chasing him down. The keeper Arvedui did his best to guess, resisting the first fake of Mablung, but the second made him jump and Mablung tapped it into the vacated area for the first goal of the game.

After half-time Nargothrond came out strong and challenged Arvedui twice in the opening minutes, but the keeper stopped both efforts. The second time, after stopping a rocket from Glaurung, Arvedui got it out quick and Arnor pushed it up the field to their forwards, who made a short-handed two versus four (plus the keeper) run in on the goal. Perhaps because it was so unexpected, the Nargothrond defenders were just a bit off on their positioning this time, and Araphor was able to split his way through Mim and Curufin, leave it for Isildur, and after Luthien stepped up on him, he gave it back to Araphor who had continued on his angle. He controlled it on a dead run with Celegorm pressuring him, then he stopped abruptly, and Celegorm had to take one extra step to stop, and that was enough space for Araphor to unload a quick snipe at the top of the opposite post, which Orodreth couldn't cover. It was tied, and even the Elf supporters from Nargothrond applauded the goal.

As the minutes ticked away, it seemed more and more likely that the contest would end at 1-1, for both defenses had stopped helping on the attack and were focusing on not leaving any more openings. After all, picking up a point wasn't a bad result when you were already leading the Group in points.

But as the clock wound down, Curufin came forward a bit on the attack, and when the ball was sent his direction he unleashed a screaming curve ball from 30+ meters out that only barely avoided finding the back of the net, hitting the left post instead. The ricochet went straight past two defenders to an oncoming Glaurung who blasted the ball with his mighty tail, finishing what Curufin had started. Nargothrond had the lead!

Arnor tried to equalize, but there just wasn't time. Nargothrond was assured a spot in the playoffs. Arnor's fate would be decided in the final round.

Arnor 1-2 Nargothrond
shots 10-9
on target 3-5
GOALS:
*34, Nargothrond (Mablung, Luthien)
*52, Arnor (Araphor, Isildur)
*86, Nargothrond (Glaurung, Curufin)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Arnor- Elendur, Earendur
*Nargothrond- Beren, Arminas

As the stadium filled to the brim for the night match, orcs and spiders and wood-elves were chatting excitedly about Mirkwood's chances. "Our fate is in our hands now!" they said. "If we take care of business in the next two games, we're in! We already played the best team in the group."

But standing in their way was not only the Arnor squad who had just played Nargothrond even for most of 90 minutes, but the team from Helm's Deep who had played solidly against Arnor in the first round. It was no easy task according to the facts. And the crowd was reminded of this in the first two minutes when Helm gained a good opportunity off a corner that was barely saved by Oropher.

But it turned out that the optimists were right.

After that opening scare Mirkwood took the game in hand and never looked back. The deadly sharpshooter Legolas scored a goal 16 minutes in and helped on Scatha's goal in the opening minutes of the second half, while his dad helped the deadly Nazgul #6 on the capper at minute 62. After that Helm's Deep went into a shell and just tried to not let the score get any more embarrassing, and the crowd started the celebrations well before the final whistle sounded.

The home team was still alive!

Helm’s Deep 0-3 Mirkwood
shots 6-15
on target 2-7
GOALS:
*16, Mirkwood (Legolas, Nazgul #6)
*46, Mirkwood (Scatha, Legolas)
*62, Mirkwood (Nazgul #6, Thranduil)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Helm’s Deep- Folca, Helm, Folcwine
*Mirkwood- Legolas, Galion

GROUP B STANDINGS

----team----points---goal diff
Nargothrond...6..........+2
Mirkwood.......3..........+2
Arnor.............3............0
Helm's Deep...0...........-4

Nogrod

06-13-2009, 07:32 PM

The sun was shining at Erebor when the second round of matches got along. It would be Eregion and Osgiliath meeting each other in the first game. Eregion had been just superb in their first game beating Mordor beautifully, but Osgiliath had showed their qualities as well – and everyone were looking forwards how the team would make it after the draw with Erebor, as that would also tell a thing or two about the standing of the home-team!

Some very high level of play and beauty were seen during the afternoon. Especially from the attack of both teams. But the defences held tight and made the time of the goalies rather easy. And there were highlights as well..

After some beautiful to and fro, on the 36th minute, the Osgiliath team got their chance from a free kick. From beside of the box Hyermendacil just pitched the ball into Anarion’s head for a perfect header. The Eregion defence was of no avail there. It was soo beautiful a goal! The Osgiliath team led 1-0.

The first half was ended that way, and many were talking about Osgiliath being the toughest one team in the group – not without a reason and plainly making the hosts feel good. If the Osgiliath team could win Eregion, and Erebor had played even with them, then they could have a chance of being the second or even first in the group!

But the second half was a cold shower to the home-team supporters indeed!

Eregion suddenly emerged as a playing team who succeeded – even if they had played well in the first half - and not to take anything out of Osgiliath’s performance there, or in the latter half either.

It was just Eregion’s half this time.

At 62nd. minute Eärendil gave a beautiful through-pass to Glorfindel who just left the last defenders in his shadow and scored beautifully.

At 80th minute Eregion scored again after a long time of even play. And what a beauty it was!

Valandil gave the corner the defence headed away nicely. It all looked like a missed chance, but then Elrohir won the header against Ostoher in the mid-field and managed to pass the ball back to the attack where Celebrimbor took a golden touch of the ball and passed it forwards to the empty area Glorfindel was running into… And it was a goal! Romendacil had no chance as he had been concentrating on a totally another angle the attack would come in!

Eregion was a great favourite of the home crowd but their win over Osgiliath made the home-team look less good… so the tensions were arising for the next game of the day – and the home team supporters were even more determined to hail their team to win: dwarves. humans, beornings and several odd creatures were hurraying for the home team when the next game began. But Osgiliath had played pretty well as well, reminding everyone who good they were… and eager to take the second post in the group...

Eregion 2-1 Osgiliath
shots 10-8
on target 4-4
GOALS:
*36, Osgiliath (Anarion, Hyarmendacil)
*62, Eregion (Glorfindel, Earendil)
*80, Eregion (Earendil, Celebrimbor)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Eregion- Erestor
*Osgiliath- Ostoher, Meneldil

So come the Night-game, the crowds were just restless and cheerful at the same time. It was an athmosphere that spelled trouble if the home-side lost but which could be a great relief to the policing forces if they won. All of the dwarven police were on alarm for the game.

The rumour had it that the two Nazgûls and Gollum had been sent to butter-up the attackers of the home team, but that Smaug and Bolg had just denied their access, Smaug sending them some fiery greetings… and that they would have not been brave enough to meet with Bain.

However it was in reality, the game seemed to go for the home-team.

It was a tough fight though, and the Mordor team looked very dangerous all the time it got the ball, but in the end it was the Erebor team that got the results – and for good. Mordor got ten shots, but only two of them were towards the goal (scoring from one of those either tells of the weakness in the Erebor defences or of the brightness of Mordor attack when they have a chance for it). So they need to adjust their build-up to gain more chances at shooting at the goal if they wish to get forwards in the tournament.

But the home-team just blasted the audience with one minute left to go of the first period. It looked like the Mordor team was settled with the draw for the first half and took the defence a bit too loosely leaving space for Smaug to perform it’s tricks. And soon the ball was – with a flash of a tail – with Nazgul #7 who didn’t hesitate to hammer the ball in when Shelob was clearly still following Smaug’s performance. So fast evil can be, that it out-counts another evil. It was a dilemma but the cheers of the home-team supporters were loud enough!

It had been a real fight between the two teams and Mordor had really given it’s worse to defeat the mixed-up opponents they had. The quick-running attackers were a constant threat on the Erebor goal and the defence led by Beorn had a hard time suppressing it. But similarly the slashing attacks by Erebor did stretch the defences of Mordor to the point of breaking – especially the runs of Bard, Nazgul #7, Bolg and Smaug. The Mordor defence could not rest for a moment as they always had to take care of the forthcoming attacks by the “quartet”.

It was not too late in the second half, when the home team stroke again. This time it was rather an ugly goal.

Smaug ran to the edge of the area and passed the ball into the center. Bolg made a beautiful header but it only hit the post. After some billiards-style hitting the legs of one and another player with no control, it got to the feet of Bard who swept the ball in from a meter away an empty goal. The home crowd burst into cheers and the game was over. Even if it was just 66th minute the visitors seemingly took the defeat and didn’t seem to rise up to the task again.

In the end the Mordor team actually tried to make up some pressure and even succeeded in it – the quick and sturdy orcs running around the defenders - but the Erebor defences held the rush led by Beorn who seemed not to tire up how much he ran...

When the closing signal was whistled the crowds went just mad! The home team still had chances and it had beaten Mordor!

Just one point from Eregion... or a failure by Osgiliath to make at least a two-goal win indeed.

Erebor 2-0 Mordor
shots 10-7
on target 5-2
GOALS:
*44, Erebor (Nazgul #7, Smaug)
*66, Erebor (Bard, Bolg)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Erebor- Beorn, Nain
*Mordor- Shagrat, Muzgash, Snaga

----------

Group standings: (points & goal-difference)
Eregion ......6... +3
Erebor .......4... +2
Osgiliath ... 1... -1
Mordor .......0... -4

Last matches:
Erebor - Eregion
Osgiliath - Mordor

the phantom

06-13-2009, 10:26 PM

Spirits were high in Tirion and outside its walls where fans of the home team were camped out. Tuna was not only leading the standings, but with their four goal explosion they had gained an inside track on the tie-breaker, which was goal differential. "One more win and this thing is in the bag! Even a tie might do it!"

But the story was quite different in the midst of a jumble of eerie green tents to the north of the stadium, where dwelt the fans and supporters of the Tol-in-Guarhoth team. "We played a bad first game, but we'll destroy Brethil and show Tuna who's the real champ in the last match!" said McWolf to Nerwolf, and she agreed heartily. "Even after so little practice we tied Gondor, and I think they're just as good as Tuna," she added.

"Quite right, lass!" shouted Shastawolf. "We took the bronze medal last year! We're a great team, and our backs are to the wall. Brethil and Tuna are in for a stomping!"

But despite how eager the Werewolves were to see their team show up the home side, they wouldn't get that chance for some time. First they had to take care of their match against Brethil, who was certain to be looking to prove themselves after the debacle last week.

For the first quarter of the game, it looked like it could be anyone's game. Both were showing some good skill, but the defenses held firm and no goals were to be had. But at 28 minutes the Werewolves struck! SPMwolf sent it to Phantomwolf to the left of the goal along the sideline, and the Brethil goalie foolishly took a position too far over towards Phantomwolf, and he wasted no time in sending one of his trademark bends high and around the goalie into the top corner of the right side for a score.

Brethil tried to strike back, but they just didn't have legs left. The pace of the tireless Werewolves was beginning to take its toll, and before the half was over TIG struck again- this time the cloaked one was the provider and sent it to Nogwolf who made the defense look slow sprinting behind them and heading it in for the 2-0 lead.

During the half Brethil got their legs back under them and they attacked with great energy to open the second. TIG supporters were heard yelling for their team to allow Brethil to run themselves out of the game, and it appeared that TIG was indeed following that strategy. Unfortunately, before Brethil tired, Haldir found Haleth for a cheap goal at minute 55. It was unclear which TIG defender should have taken Haleth, but the TIG defenders obviously thought the mistake was not theirs and could be seen berating one another.

Mormwolf however took the defense in hand and growled at them to knock it off, and the defense turned their energy to shutting down Brethil, which they did with enthusiasm, even drawing a couple of cards for their efforts. But Brethil was definitely starting to wear out, and started trying to get physical themselves. But the only thing it gained them was cards, for the Werewolves were not easy to rough up or intimidate, and it wasn't long until Brethil found themselves down another goal. This time it was Borowolf taking a pass from Skipwolf and blasting in a long shot.

Just a couple minutes later TIG nearly scored again as Wereomer scraped it just over the crossbar, but Brethil at that point pulled their offense back to help on defense, perhaps just to avoid giving up four goals two games in a row. With the front of the field clogged, TIG contented itself to kick the ball around and watch time run down. The bronze-medalists from last year were back!

Brethil 1-3 Tol-in-Gaurhoth
shots 9-16
on target 4-8
GOALS:
*28, TIG (Phantomwolf, SPMwolf)
*40, TIG (Nogwolf, Phantomwolf)
*55, Brethil (Haleth, Haldir)
*74, TIG (Borowolf, Skipwolf)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Brethil- Dorlas, Haleth, Handir, Hundad
*TIG- Borowolf, Wereomer, Runewolf

The stadium noise grew slowly as the night game approached, and the Noldor, Vanyar, and even a few Teleri (there to support Finarfin) joined arms and sang, hoping to see another great performance from home team. And they got it!

Inside of 20 minutes Nerdanel worked her way into the box brilliantly drawing the defense to her and then sent it across perfectly to her dad who booted it in easily. And Tuna scored again in the first half- this time it was Finarfin who worked his way in close and found Miriel with a pass.

Coming out of the half Gondor played very well and took the initiative against Tuna, nearly scoring twice and sending a couple of shots wide as well. But then at minute 62, their attack backfired as Amras poked the ball away and Ingwe sent it quickly upfield to the forwards who all dashed madly at the goal. The defenders let Nerdanel keep it most of the way, positioning themselves to deny passing opportunities to Finwe and Miriel who were a bit ahead. But then when Anardil challenged her she sent it quickly to Miriel who had stopped abruptly at the top corner of the box, and Miriel deflected the ball on to Finwe who put it firmly into the goal. The fans from Gondor wanted an offsides call, but the refs ruled Finwe had not been behind Valacar when the ball was sent.

After that Tuna called off the dogs and cruised, though with under 10 minutes left Gondor broke the shut-out with a thundering shot from Boromir II. Tuna looked displeased about it, but it wasn't enough to ruin their night. They had clinched a spot in the playoffs, and their fans celebrated that night and the following night as well!

Gondor 1-3 Tuna
shots 7-16
on target 3-8
GOALS:
*19, Tuna (Mahtan, Nerdanel)
*34, Tuna (Miriel, Finarfin)
*62, Tuna (Finwe, Miriel)
*81, Gondor (Boromir II, Faramir)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Gondor- Atanatar I, Imrahil, Hirluin, Faramir
*Tuna- Finarfin

GROUP G STANDINGS

-----team------points----goal diff
Tuna..................6...........+6
Tol-in-Gaurhoth...4...........+2
Gondor...............1............-2
Brethil................0...........-6

skip spence

06-14-2009, 05:03 AM

After Isengard’s humiliating opening night defeat to Minas Morgul, Saruman retreated into Orthanc without a word to the press. That night the earth trembled and the wind carried the howling of wolfs. Next morning black clouds obscured the pinnacles of the Tower and the visitors wondered what the old wizard was up to. Ahead of the second day of matches Saruman was all smiles though, and at a press conference he had all the journalists believing his team could hardly avoid winning the whole tournament, let alone the match against Gondolin later that evening.

Before the fate of the host team was to be sealed, the two victorious team from day one would first face off. All-star Hitlum was the big favourite of course, but Minas Morgul, led by the dreaded Witch-King, had made a very impressive start to the tournament and should not be underestimated.

Match 3: Hithlum vs. Minas Morgul

Straight from the start, this Minas Morgul team showed everyone their good first-round result was no fluke. Although Hithlum came at them with dizzying movement and lightning-quick passes, the Morgul back four held up well under the leadership of their terrible captain. They also looked dangerous on the break, and as Castamir almost broke free in the 20th minute, Caranthir was forced to stop him with cynical tackle, earning him a yellow card. Beruthiel took the resulting free-kick, and it was a decent effort, but Huan in the Hithlum goal grabbed the ball and quickly threw it up to Fëanor, who spun past the onrushing Khamul and speeded up towards the Minas Morgul goal. He then took on and beat Gothmog and advanced into the box, and when everybody expected a shot, he played a perfect ball to Maedros instead, who slotted the ball into the net past a diving Lugdush.

Now Hithlum threatened to run away with it, but the Witch-King rallied his men, and Fëanor were denied on several occations, despite his sublime skills with the ball. A few minutes before the interval, Minas Morgul got the break they needed to get back into the game. A queen Beruthiel cross was headed away by Ulmo, but only as far as the Witch-King, who tried a volley from 25 metres that he only got a piece of, but the mis-hit shot became a perfect pass to Castamir, who beat a surprised Huan with ease.

After the interval Hithlum stepped up the pace even more, and despite very strong defensive performances by the Morgul-players, the Elvish side was beginning to wear them down. 15 minutes into the period Caranthir could and perhaps should have put his side into the lead with a free header, but only a few moments later the ball came to Aredhel the White Lady, who showed good composure by back-heeling the ball towards the onrushing Fëanor who hit an unstoppable projectile into the roof of the net for his second goal of the tournament.

If it weren’t for the wickedness of the Witch-King and the rash temper of dark Caranthir, this match would surely have been won by Hithlum, but when the Lord of the Nazgul made an obscene gesture with unseen hands, the Hithlum defender could not control himself and pushed his opponent in the chest. Naturally the Witch-King collapsed in a heap on the ground, and the ref reached for his pocket to give Caranthir his second yellow card. This happened with 15 minutes to go, and with time running out, Minas Morgul grabbed a very controversial equalizer. Beruthiel played in Castamir on the right, and when he dashed into the box, and Ulmo came in for the challenge, the Morgul striker went down like he’d been shot! The referee pointed to the spot, but if there had been contact between the two, it was slight indeed. The Hithlum supporters in the crowd booed, but the Witch-King cared not, and made no mistake from the spot-kick. 2-2 was the final score and this Morgul team has shown that they are to be taken seriously indeed.

Hithlum 2-2 Minas Morgul
shots 14-11
on target 6-4
GOALS:
*22, Hithlum (Maedhros, Feanor)
*38, Minas Morgul (Castamir, Witch King)
*61, Hithlum (Feanor, Aredhel)
*82, Minas Morgul pen (Witch King, Castamir)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Hithlum- Caranthir, Balrog #1, Fingolfin
*Minas Morgul- Sangahyando, Angamaite, Nazgul #1
RED CARDS:
*Hithlum- Caranthir, 77 (second yellow)

Match 4: Gondolin vs Isengard

Isengard had their back against the wall tonight and they knew that nothing short of a win would spell doom. Unfortunately for Saruman and co., their opponents were in the same situation, and would give nothing away for free. The desperation of the host team however took a more devious form than their Elvish counterparts, at least according to the word on the street. Rumours spoke of how the team had indulged in the banned performance-enhancing drug Ent-draft ahead of the match, smuggled inside the compound by Wormtongue. Gondolin had also complained that black crows were spying at their training facility. These accusations were never proven, and Saruman objected to them with great indignation, but as play came under-way, the Isengard-players did look much more energetic and sharp than on the opening night. But would it be enough? Gondolin was a very strong team, and there were indications that Gothmog and Ecthelion were starting to gel out there, an ominous sign for any opponent.

The first chance of the game fell to Isengard, and Quickbeam showed his pace and strength by speeding past the Gondolin back four. Saruman’s weighted through-ball was perfect, but the big Ent let himself down with an awful first touch, allowing Rog to snatch the ball in front of his feet. The Gondolin fans laughed heartily, and sang teasing songs about how close control and wooden legs don’t mix. A quarter of an hour into the game, it was Gondolin that took the lead. Gothmog was come into a good position on the right, and he spotted Ecthelion making a strong run. His pin-point cross was struck perfectly and the Elf hit a volley on the run that Lugdush could do nothing to stop. It was a great goal made by two great players!

All credit to Isengard though as they didn’t give up. Maybe it was the Ent-draft, but for the rest of the first half Gondolin were pressed hard, and had the host team had the same kind of quality up front as Gondolin they could well have turned the match on its head. They did manage an equalizer, but it needed the help of a wicked deflection, as Saruman’s shot hit an outstretched foot and left Rog helpless. But in the middle on a sustained period of Isengard pressure, Gondolin managed to take the lead again on a quick break. Gothmog was again the instigator when his through-ball found Duilin who scored with a low shot. Saruman was furious, claming Duilin had been off-side, but the ref were having none of it.

After the break Isengard went looking for a way back into the game, and surely Saruman had made a great Speech in the locker room, for the host team played as if there were no tomorrow. Under the leadership of Turgon, Gondolin defended extremely well however, and although Isengard did get a few half-chances, they never really threatened to equalize. This match as a contest was settled in the 61th minute, when central defender Turgon scored his first Arda Cup goal on an Egalmoth corner. The Isengard team was now broken, and did not manage to rise from the shambles again. On the pitch discipline now deteriorated, and the ref had his hands full to keep things under control. Sadly, these problems spread to the stands also, where a group of Uruk Hai tried to get onto the pitch among other incidents. Later that night there were several outbursts of violence between Orcish Isengard supporters and Elvish Gondolin fans, and three of the Orcs were slain. These are the sort of events real football-fans hate to see.

Gondolin 3-1 Isengard
shots 15-12
on target 8-3
GOALS:
*15, Gondolin (Ecthelion, Gothmog)
*29, Isengard (Saruman, Wulf)
*42, Gondolin (Duilin, Gothmog)
*61, Gondolin (Turgon, Egalmoth)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Gondolin- Penlod
*Isengard- Beechbone, Freca, Lurtz, Ugluk

Standings: Group C

Team................W D L GF GA P
1) Minas Morgul..1 1 0...5 - 2 4
2) Hithlum..........1 1 0...4 - 3 4
3) Gondolin........1 0 1...3 - 3 3
4) Isengard........0 0 2...1 - 6 0

the phantom

06-14-2009, 12:41 PM

The inns in the Shire were abuzz after the first round of games, and drunken hobbits everywhere could be heard loudly proclaiming the excellence of their team. "We tied Taniquetil, can you believe it? The powers of the world! Why, if we can do that then I don't see why we can't win the whole tournament!"

Fans of Taniquetil talked as well, but their conversations were as serene as ever. "What happens will happen, and it is not within our rights to change the course of the tournament. Our task is to play football, and the will of Eru will determine the results."

The supporters of Dorthonion however intended for their team to take their own fate in hand in their game against the Shire. "These hobbits don't have our height or weight. We ought to be able to manage them, so long as we play aggressively!"

And last of all, the fans of Edoras, thrilled with the first round victory over Dorthonion, jested with light hearts and exercised their horses in fields. "What is there to worry about? We only need to win one of the next two, or maybe even a tie will do it. We'll get through, I'm sure!"

But picking up a point in their first match did not look easy, as they were set to play Taniquetil, who had proven in years past that they were a force to be reckoned with.

Right from the start it was obvious that the game would be a defensive struggle. Neither side played risky ball, and the defenses were solid, and so it was that possession after possession was stopped cold before putting any sort of threat on the goal. Finally five minutes before the half Thorondor managed to get past the horses and kick one at the net, but Theoden went full stretch and batted the attempt aside to keep the scoreboard inactive.

Immediately after halftime Edoras got their best chance as Eorl found a sliver of an opening in the defense of Taniquetil and boomed it through, but Mandos had it played perfectly and caught it without a problem. The clock continued to run time off and the fans grew louder and louder. Fifty-five minutes... sixty... sixty-five... seventy... at this point a goal would likely mean a win, and the supporters of both sides urged their clubs on with great energy. And Edoras didn't disappoint.

At minute 72 Eorl showed some great moves and made his way into the box threatening to score, and Vana made a desperate attempt to stop him and was carded for her efforts. It would be a penalty kick! Eorl kicked a laser straight ahead, betting on Mandos to jump, but Mandos held his ground and blocked it! But the bounce came back out and to the right, and Eorl was first there and booted it to the right post, but Nessa running in to help laid out in a dive in front of him and deflected it down and to the left! But as the slow-rolling ball approached the left post, Eowyn beat the defenders to it and slid into the ball, poking it across the line and past the fingertips of Mandos! Edoras had earned the lead!

In the final 15 Taniquetil played as quickly and aggressively as they could, but as everyone knew, quick-strike offense was not their specialty, and the sound defense of Edoras easily weathered the storm. Edoras walked off the field heads held high, knowing they were going to the playoffs. The fans of Taniquetil sat quietly, handling the sad news as best they could. They were in real danger of being left out in the cold for the second straight year.

Edoras 1-0 Taniquetil
shots 11-7
on target 3-2
GOALS:
*72, Edoras (Eowyn, Eorl)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Edoras- Aldor, Elfwine
*Taniquetil- Orome, Vana, Lorien

As the second game of the day kicked off, it soon became apparent that the crowd was in for yet another excursion into the world of defensive excellence. Angrond and Aegnor were quick and tireless, and Barahir and powerful and fearless, but farmer Maggot, farmer Cotton, and the brothers Fili and Kili were sturdier than ever, and held the men and elves in check. On the other side of the field Bullroarer and Halbarad were having an equally impossible time against the defense that Beor arrayed against them. Yes, the sides gained a shot or two at the keepers, but they were prayers from a distance and the keepers had no trouble when they were actually on target.

During halftime the hobbits in the stands worked themselves into a frenzy. With the result from earlier in the day, a win here would practically clinch the playoffs for the halflings and friends, but a loss with Edoras looming would probably mean elimination. "Come on! Play like it's your last match!" they shouted at their team, and the home side took the words to heart and went at it with great vigor to begin the half.

Their efforts payed off in minute 56 when Halbarad and Bullroarer managed to hold possession far up front for long enough to receive support, and Nori broke through and received a pass drawing the keeper and two defenders but last minute sent it to the right side where Fatty beat his man for a header and the first goal of the game. The hobbits in the stands went wild and broke out the ale and began singing loudly, but it turned out that they were celebrating too soon. In minute 74 Aegnor sent one in from the corner and Andreth rose up above her smaller defenders and headed it expertly under the top post.

The Shire tried to strike back, but after nearly getting caught by a quick counter-attack, they pulled back in order to secure the tie and an extra point in the standings. The game ended at 1-1, and second place in the group would be completely up for grabs in the final round.

Dorthonion 1-1 Shire
shots 11-9
on target 6-4
GOALS:
*56, Shire (Fatty, Nori)
*74, Dorthonion (Andreth, Aegnor)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Dorthonion- Angrod, Gorlim
*Shire- Fili, Nori

GROUP F STANDINGS

----team----points---goal diff
Edoras..........6...........+3
Shire............2............0
Taniquetil......1...........-1
Dorthonion....1...........-2

skip spence

06-14-2009, 02:31 PM

As kick-off approached for the second round matches in group H and the stadium filled up with spectators, the afternoon sun shone on the hill of Bree behind the stadium, colouring the city-walls in scarlet and rose. The first match this beautiful summer's night was to be the battle of the Dunedain: Romenna out of Numenor versus Amon Sul of Arnor who had their ancestral home not so far from Bree itself. In the stands and outside the stadium the atmosphere was great, as the travelling supporters of the two teams got along admirable, each group praising the top quality of the opposing team. When the teams came out of the tunnel the atmosphere between the players seemed amiable too, and would most likely remain so after the game, but during the 90 minutes of play they fought a very tough, physical game.

Match 3: Amon Sul vs Romenna

Amon Sul was desperate to get a win tonight, but they also had the utmost respect for this Numenorian team, and were reluctant to commit too many players to risky attacking moves. And as Romenna were content to play safe, confident that their rock-solid defensive line in front of the imposing Elros could deal with anything thrown at them, and in hope that their more desperate opponents would eventually open up or make mistakes, goal scoring opportunities were at a premium in the first half. The offense of Amon Sul mostly relied on long balls towards Elendil the Tall, but although he did manage to win some headers, he lacked the support to make anything with it, and Elros was fairly undisturbed.

Just before the break, an Amon Sul mistake proved decisive, just as Romenna had hoped for. Aravir had a lapse of concentration in front of his own penalty area and Tar Palantir pounced on it, winning the ball and getting to the byline. His cross was headed back by Tar Meneldur and Tar Miriel met the ball with her right foot, rifling it into the net.

This goal opened up the match in the second half, as Amon Sul were forced to take more risks. Elendil had plenty of support now, but in front of him there was still the stout Romenna defence and Elros, and plenty of backtracking midfielders. Amon Sul found it desperately hard to break through this wall of meat, and mostly had to settle for long distance attempts. With 20 minutes to go Elendil got the chance he was looking for when two Romenna defenders collided in the box. The ball fell perfectly for the striker, but Elros managed to make a fantastic block with his right leg. The last 15 minutes was frantic, as Amon Sul attacked with full force, but the feeling among the neutrals was that Romenna were more likely to grab another goal on the counter-attack, than Amon Sul were to equalize. Arathorn were to get a last chance to beat Elros in the dying minutes, but once again the heroic keeper made a good stop, the last work he had to do tonight.

As the full time whistle rang, the Romenna supporters celebrated by unfurling a huge banner of their hero Elros. They were now almost certain to advance to the knock-out stages. Although Amon Sul still had a mathematical chance to make it if Bree beat Valimar later on, they knew that this adventure most likely ended here and now.

Amon Sul 0-1 Romenna
shots 9-10
on target 4-4
GOALS:
*43, Romenna (Tar Miriel, Tar Meneldur)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Amon Sul- Aravorn, Arasuil
*Romenna- Tar Elendil

Match 4: Bree vs. Valimar
The match against Valimar was do or die for Bree, as Romenna was on six points already. They needed a win or at the very least a draw against a seemingly impossible opponent and as kick off approached, a multitude of feelings competed with each other in the camp of the home team. There was fear, and awe, and a sense of hopelessness, but also a feeling of relief. No-one expected anything of them now. They had nothing to lose. If they went out and played their hearts out, but lost, no-one would blame them. And why not? Maybe they could even win the match. After all, when it came down to it, it was eleven against eleven out there, and even the Valar were not flawless. And when the Bree team entered the stadium, and were greeted with with a great big cheer by the home town supporters, their fears were swept away like leaves in the wind, and determination took its place. If they were going out, they would go out with a bang. The Ainur would have to fight for this!

This new-found spirit really took Valimar by surprise too. Initially they looked rather complacent, expecting an easy win, but instead of lambs meekly lining up for the slaughter they were met by a team that played as one, ran like devils, and jumped into every challenge as if their life depended on it. Bree very nearly took the lead twice in the opening ten minutes and had they done so things might have gone otherwise. First Nob ran bravely between Allatar and Pallando and receiving the ball in his stride he took a snap-shot that unfortunately didn’t make it past the webs of Ungoliant. Then the flamboyant Bombadil showed his undeniable class by turning past a Balrog on the edge of the penalty area and curling a shot that had Ungoliant beaten but snuck just past her right-hand post. Valimar was in shock, and Melkor felt he had to do something about it. He had a quiet word with his Balrogs, and one of his instructions was obviously to give Tommy Bomber, as he is know in some parts, some special attention.

The Balrog with #2 on his jersey started to follow Tom around, while the #3’s shadow was upon the Barrow-Wight. But taking Tom Bombadil out of a game is not an easy task, and his Shadow had it up to here keeping up with the erratic and annoying little man. When the Balrog was made to look like a fool one too many times he tried a crushing tackle, but Tom playfully skipped it with the ball at his feet. Now suddenly the Balrog was wielding a fiery whip of many thongs, and as Bombadil ran past him, the thongs caught one of his legs, felling him to the ground with a shriek. The crowd looked for the referee, but saw to their amazement that he had somehow collided with Melkor in the middle, and by the time got back on his feet, the whip had already vanished in a cloud of smoke. So it was the he could only apologize to Bombadil when the Bree star showed him the charred remains of his right boot and leg protection. Tom himself appeared unruffled, but had to leave the pitch to get his gear replaced.

The Bree-players were outraged, and Merry was booked for protesting, but as soon as play got under way Melkor took advantage of the chaotic situation. He spotted Tulkas making a strong, deep run and lifted a perfectly weighted ball over the Bree defense and onto the feet of the Vala, who controlled it and smashed the ball past Old Man Willow. When Melkor came up to him to celebrate the goal, Tulkas refused to embrace his old enemy however, and moved his hands as if clinking a heavy chain, a gesture not lost on the former Dark Lord. Team captain Eönwe did not look too happy about how the goal came about either, but played on nevertheless.

Now Bree were finding it harder to make their mark, as the goal, and how it came about, was a tough mental blow. They had certainly not given up, and still tried their best, but when Tilion made it two before half-time the crowd's belief of a miracle was quickly fading.

Hope was rekindled right after the break though, by none other than Tom Bombadil, now equipped with new boots. He once again broke away from his Balrog marker and this time his curling shot was inside Ungoliants right hand post and too hot to handle for the arachnid. The home-crowd celebrated the goal as if they’d won the whole tournament, and Bree got revitalised, once again causing trouble for the Valimar defence. Sadly the joy wasn’t to last long. The nail in the coffin came in the 58th minute as the fire in Arien’s eyes blinded Barliman, giving her plenty of time to set up the shot that ended this match.

Bombadil tried to rally his men once again, but this proved too difficult even for him against a Valimar team now playing on full cylinders. The home team had been eliminated. As the tears welled up in the Bree players’ eyes (excluding the B-W, who was dried up in that respect) the crowd would not stop clapping. They were proud of their home-town heroes.

Bree 1-3 Valimar
shots 9-15
on target 3-8
GOALS:
*19, Valimar (Tulkas, Melkor)
*41, Valimar (Tilion, Eonwe)
*46, Bree (Tom B, Goldberry)
*58, Valimar (Arien, Tilion)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Bree- Nob, Merry
*Valimar- Balrog #2

Standings: Group H

Team................W D L GF GA P
1) Valimar......... 2 0 0...6 - 1 6 Q
2) Romenna.......2 0 0...3 - 1 6 Q
3) Bree...............0 0 2...2 - 5 0
4) Amon Sul........0 0 2...0 - 4 0

Nogrod

06-14-2009, 07:58 PM

At group E the next match would be between Armenelos and Doriath. The question had been raised after the first round whether the elf-supported teams had a good enough defence against teams like Armenelos or the duo Beleg-Turín. It had been asked rightfully.

Armenelos came on like a rolling thunder and lightning to the game leaving spectators to wonder whether the Doriath team was asleep or awake. It was already at the 14th minute when Ar Adunakhor gave a nice pass to Tar Minastir to the edge of the box and he scored with a beautiful shot following a rush forwards leaving the defenders on their marks.

And just fifteen minutes later Armenelos scored again. This time Tar Telperien gave a free kick from about forty meters – and the defence looked like it thought it was not that dangerous – and Ar Pharazon had it easy heading the ball in after getting rid of the wooden-legged defenders trying to keep him at bay.

And if that was not knock-out for the Doriath team there was more to come. On the tenth minute of the second half Armenelos striked again. Now Sauron dribbled a few defenders from his way and just as he could have scored he suddenly turned and passed the ball to Tar Ancalimon coming in with the second wave and letting him score into basically an empty net.

3-0 after 55 minutes of play and the game was over so much earlier the audience or the Doriath players would have wished to. The last half an hour was spent mainly passing the ball on both sides with no real intention on either team to try and actually play the game.

Doriath got a comfort-goal at 72 minutes when Eöl finished a great pass by Elwë himself into the back of the net from some two meters away from the goal. It was a beauty but sadly it didn’t ignite any resurgence by the Doriath team as Armenelos answered to it with ten minutes of pressure giving Doriath no chances of building other scoring chances.

It was clear Armenelos was playing a very efficient and controlling football and would get far in this tournament. With it’s two first opponents it had just played the “cat and mouse” –thing, striking when wishing, controlling when needed and easing when affording it. And Sauron was clearly a positive factor in the team – well he looked like a positive influence also in the early days of Numenore, but how would their collaboration end this time? Some were concerned, others were just horrified..

Armenelos 3-1 Doriath

shots 16-10
on target 8-4
GOALS:
*14, Armenelos (Tar Minastir, Ar Adunakhor)
*29, Armenelos (Ar Pharazon, Tar Telperien)
*55, Armenelos (Tar Ancalimon, Sauron)
*72, Doriath (Eol, Elwe)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Armenelos- Tar Cirytan, Ar Gimilzor
*Doriath- Nimloth, Daeron

The result of the early game got the fans of Lothlórien to the edge. If Armenelos beat Doriath that easily what would happen to the home team with Dor-Lomin against it? Were their defences solid enough for the sparkling attack of the opponents?

And the home team had the nightmare start. As early as the 6th minute the visitors had put the ball behind the goal guarded by Galadriel. And it was Beleg who did it with a long run being released by a great long pass by Hador and basically meeting Galadriel one on one.

But the home team stood up to the challenge and held their heads high, and slowly even the fans started believing in the Lothlorien team again. And they had the edge on the game although it didn’t materialise in the form of goals until the very last minutes of the first half.

At 42nd minute Celebrian took a free kick and passed it far right to Celeborn who headed it into the middle – and Arwen had ran up to the occasion and dived the low ball in from the close quarters! The stadium just burst with wild cheers and the elves were happy again.

And Lothlórien continued their good performances on the second half as well and it was close they didn’t get the lead. But to be fair, Dor-Lomin’s attacks were just as deadly and it was also the great saves by Galadriel the numbers didn’t swing for the visitors.

But then at 69th minute there was the collision a lot of talk was produced afterwards… and a lot would be discussed even in the future. Trying to reach for the ball, Gimli and Hador collided. From the impact – or whatever it was – Gimli got airborne and fell to the ground a few feet away from the collision when Hador just tumbled down. The referee saw nothing wrong with it but Gimli did.

Gimli got all red and mad and ran after Hador yelling that he would not be tossed around, threatening to challenge Hador to a duel. And that was it for the referee. He showed Gimli a yellow card for misconduct and unsportsmanlike behaviour – and that being his second one (the first coming from a rough tackle on the first half) – the dwarf was ruled out of the game.

Thus Lothlórien was forced to play with one-dwarf disadvantage and without one of their most solid defending midfielders for the last twenty minutes.

And Dor-Lomin was a good enough team to take advantage of that. Tragicly for the home team the visitors just out-numbered the midfield after Gimli had been sent to the showers and took total dominion of it. And eventually they scored at 78th minute.

Beleg made a nice distracting run towards the goal when Nienor had the ball and taking the nearest defenders with him Beleg made open space enough for Turín to run in and to receive the pass from Tuor to whom Nienor had been able to pass the ball quite freely with their advantage on numbers.

And Turín was a man who made goals from those places.

It is not hard to think a lot of elves being silent but the silence after that goal was just different. In that silence one actually heard the grief and longing particular to elves of the Middle-Earth but with a twist that was strong and peculiar. But the friends of Dor-Lomin team just broke out in enthusiasm! Even if they lost to Armenelos they still had chances to go forwards with this win!

So how would the home team fare against the mighty Armenelos on the last round and could Dor-Lomin beat (or possibly just draw with) Doriath to pass them? It would be a really tough call!

Dor-Lomin 2-1 Lothlórien

shots 14-14
on target 7-6
GOALS:
*6, Dor-Lomin (Beleg, Hador)
*42, Lothlorien (Arwen, Celeborn)
*78, Dor-Lomin (Turin, Tuor)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Dor-Lomin- Nienor, Gloredhel
*Lothlorien- Gimli, Rumil, Nimrodel
RED CARDS:
*Lothlorien- Gimli, 69 (second yellow)

Standings after two games (points, goal difference):
Armenelos... 6 +4
Dor-Lomin... 3 -1
Lothlórien... 1 -1
Doriath........ 1 -2

the phantom

06-14-2009, 10:26 PM

GROUP STANDINGS

GROUP A (Moria)

----team----points---goal diff
Angband.........4.........+1
Moria.............3...........0
Minas Tirith.....2...........0
Alqualonde......1..........-1

This group is still very much open. All four teams have a shot at not only advancing, but claiming the top spot in the group! It should be an exciting final round.

GROUP B (Mirkwood)

----team----points---goal diff
Nargothrond....6...........+2
Mirkwood........3...........+2
Arnor..............3............0
Helm's Deep....0...........-4

Nargothrond has clinched the playoffs, but not the top spot yet. Helm's Deep is eliminated from playoff contention. Mirkwood and Arnor will play with the winner getting into the playoffs. A tie and Mirkwood will advance.

GROUP C (Isengard)

----team-----points---goal diff
Minas Morgul....4..........+3
Hithlum...........4..........+1
Gondolin..........3..........+1
Isengard..........0..........-5

Isengard is out of contention here. A win or tie by Hithlum over Isengard clinches the playoffs. The winner of Minas Morgul vs Gondolin will claim the other spot. If it's a draw, Minas Morgul advances. The top spot is up for grabs.

GROUP D (Erebor)

----team----points---goal diff
Eregion..........6............+3
Erebor............4............+2
Osgiliath.........1............-1
Mordor............0............-4

Mordor is out of contention. Osgiliath can advance if they beat Mordor and Erebor loses to Eregion, but the margin of at least one of the games would have to be more than one goal. If the points and goal diff are tied, then it comes down to highest number of goals scored. Currently Erebor leads by one. Eregion has already clinched the playoffs, but not the top spot, for Erebor can take that by beating them.

GROUP E (Lothlorien)

----team----points---goal diff
Armenelos.....6............+4
Dor-Lomin.....3.............-1
Lothlorien......1.............-1
Doriath..........1.............-2

Armenelos has clinched the playoffs, and can only lose the top spot by losing to Lothlorien and Dor-Lomin beating Doriath and the two goal differentials adding up to at least five goals. Dor-Lomin can clinch the playoffs with a win. If they tie with Doriath, Lothlorien can take the final spot from them by beating Armenelos. If Dor-Lomin loses they are eliminated, and the spot will go to Doriath, unless Lothlorien defeats Armenelos by a margin equal to or greater than Doriath's margin over Dor-Lomin.

GROUP F (Shire)

----team----points---goal diff
Edoras..........6...........+3
Shire............2............0
Taniquetil......1............-1
Dorthonion....1...........-2

Edoras has clinched the playoffs and top spot. The Shire can clinch the second spot by beating Edoras. If Dorthonion loses or ties, they are eliminated. If they win, they claim the spot unless Shire also wins. If Taniquetil wins, they claim the spot, unless Shire wins. If Taniquetil and Dorthonion tie, then Shire can clinch the spot by tying Edoras or winning. If they lose by more than one goal and Taniquetil ties, Taniquetil gets the spot.

GROUP G (Tuna)

-----team------points----goal diff
Tuna..................6...........+6
Tol-in-Gaurhoth...4...........+2
Gondor...............1............-2
Brethil................0...........-6

Tuna has clinched the playoffs, but the top spot can be taken from them by TIG if they lose to them. Brethil is eliminated from contention. Gondor can claim the second spot by beating Brethil and Tuna beating TIG, so long as the total margins of the matches add up to more than four. TIG clinches the top spot with a win, the second spot with a tie, and if they lose they can still hold the second spot if their goal diff remains higher than Gondor's. The current spread is 4 goals.

GROUP H (Bree)

----team----points---goal diff
Valimar..........6..........+5
Romenna.......6..........+2
Bree..............0..........-3
Amon Sul.......0..........-4

This is the only group that already has two teams eliminated. Bree and Amon Sul will play each other for pride, and Valimar and Romenna will play for the top spot. A tie and Valimar will hold the top spot.

ROUND 3 MATCH UPS

GROUP A (Moria)
Alqualonde vs Angband
Minas Tirith vs Moria

GROUP B (Mirkwood)
Helm's Deep vs Nargothrond
Arnor vs Mirkwood

GROUP C (Isengard)
Gondolin vs Minas Morgul
Hithlum vs Isengard

GROUP D (Erebor)
Mordor vs Osgiliath
Eregion vs Erebor

GROUP E (Lothlorien)
Doriath vs Dor-Lomin
Armenelos vs Lothlorien

GROUP F (Shire)
Dorthonion vs Taniquetil
Edoras vs Shire

GROUP G (Tuna)
Brethil vs Gondor
Tol-in-Gaurhoth vs Tuna

GROUP H (Bree)
Romenna vs Valimar
Amon Sul vs Bree

Boromir88

06-15-2009, 10:38 AM

Jim "Scoop" Johnstone will be looking to improve that 6-10 2nd round record for calling games. He chose a few too many draws, and now with almost every group still up for grabs, teams will be giving everything they've got. Teams will want to determine their own fate, and not let it lie in the hands of others.

GROUP A (Moria) - If Angband wins, Moria can advance with a tie. If Angband ties, Moria can grab the top spot with a win. Minas Tirith must beat Moria to advance, and if Angband ties, Minas Tirith can snatch the top spot with a win. Alqualonde needs a win to advance, and can still grab the top spot if Moria and Minas Tirith tie. In this group, the only thing the teams should be thinking about is, you win, you're in. Every team has fate in their own hands

Alqualonde vs Angband
Alqualonde needs a win to advance, but they will be going up against a very tough Angband team. To insure their top spot, in Group A, Angband needs a win, and I can't imagine them allowing the prancy Elves to control the game. Alqualonde got handled by Moria, Angband will be even more physical, but also have less internal chaos...this spells trouble for Alqualonde's chances. Angband wins 3-2 and takes the top spot.

Minas Tirith vs Moria
This will be a brutal match, and it will be extremely difficult for Minas Tirith, with Moria being the host team and the crowd will be hostile. Moria's biggest downfall will be their team chemistry, and with advancement on the line, Durin and Durin's bane (and the home crowd's fights) may be their ruin. Minas Tirith must show they can win a game, and so far all they've proven is they can stay competitive. Staying competitive will not be enough against Moria. I see with so much at stake, in this one game, Moria (and the crowd) will channel all their internal anger directly at Minas Tirith, MT will still play tough, but it will ultimately be too little. Moria wins 3-2.

GROUP B (Mirkwood)

Helm's Deep vs Nargothrond
This game for Helm's Deep is for pride. They know they are eliminated, but Helm's Deep will go down fighting, and if they had to, dying to the last man. Nargothrond can not get lazy, or that top spot may slip away. Ultimately, since Nargothrond still has more to play for (more than simply pride) they will win, but Helm's Deep will probably play their best game of the tournament. Nargothrond wins 2-1.

Arnor vs Mirkwood
Arnor needs a win to advance, Mirkwood needs only a tie. Early in the match, advantage will be towards Arnor, who knows they need to win, and will look to take out the crowd factor. However, it is impossible to keep up that level of adrenaline for 90 minutes and Mirkwood will get the win. Scatha, Legolas, and Thranduil are a dangerous attack. Mirkwood wins 2-1

GROUP C (Isengard)

Gondolin vs Minas Morgul
Gondolin can advance with a tie if Isengard defeats Hithlum. However, I imagine Gondolin would not want to place their faith in the dreadfully bad Isengard team. They will be playing for the win, along with Minas Morgul, whom has played better than expected in this tournament. The problem with the Wiki's team, is the Gondolin elves (with Gothmog) will not be intimidated by the Wiki and his Nazgul. How they managed to tie Hithlum, it must have been by some dark magic from the Wiki. Gondolin wins 2-1 and advances.

Hithlum vs Isengard
Isengard will only be playing for pride, the problem is, unlike Helm's Deep, this team aint got a bit of pride in them. Saruman will only be bitter and seek to give his team an illegal edge in the match, but that edge will fail miserably. How's the Ring working for you Saruman? :p Hithlum will control the entire game, and take the top spot. Hithlum wins 3-0.

GROUP D (Erebor)

Mordor vs Osgiliath
A lot of things need to go right for Osgiliath to advance, luckily they are playing a maligned Mordor team, and Erebor will have to go up against a team that has looked like one of the strongest teams in the tournament. Mordor offensively, will not provide much of a threat against a competent Osgiliath defense. Anarion will have a big game for Osgiliath, Osgiliath wins 2-0.

Eregion vs Erebor
The outcome of the 1st match will heavily be in the mind of the host, Erebor. If Osgiliath gets a two goal victory over Mordor, they can't afford to lose to Eregion. Eregion will definitely want to hold onto their top spot, so they will not be content with a loss to Erebor. Erebor must hold Eregion to only 1 goal, because it may be virtually impossible to get more than one against that defense. Draw 1-1. Erebor, behind their home crowd will slip in...barely.

GROUP E (Lothlorien)

Doriath vs Dor-Lomin
Eol has been a consistent scorer for Doriath, and that should continue against Dor-Lomin. For Dor-Lomin, which Turin will show up? One who can grab 7-8 pts in a game or is held in check by Doriath's keeper? If Dor-Lomin wins, Turin will prove he can show up in big games, when it matters, and I will stop hastling him for choking. Too bad for Turin though, Doriath wins 2-1.

Armenelos vs Lothlorien
If Doriath wins, the crowd (and Lothlorien) will know the door is open for them to advance. Sauron vs. Galadriel, this will be one of he most anticipated individual match-ups of the entire tournament, and with the home crowd, the beautifully enchanting elf queen will come out the winner. Lothlorien wins 1-0, and both Armenolos and Lothlorien will advance.

GROUP F (Shire)

Dorthonion vs Taniquetil
Taniquetil has not been playing with any sense of urgency - tying the lowly hobbits, and even losing to the farmers with pitchforks from Rohan! Taniquetil better shape up. That could come against Dorthonion, who also lost to Edoras and tied with The Shire. Neither team will probably be able to achieve more than 1 goal, so if either one has any desire to knock out the hobbits from #2, they will need a shut out. Taniquetil will get that, winning 1-0.

Edoras vs Shire
What a weak group this is, the 2nd spot can be picked up by merely having 2 pts...what a joke. Edoras is in with the top spot, The Shire has something to play for, and if Taniquetil wins, they will defintely be under the gun to win. Too bad Edoras has played in this group very well (although that is not really saying much). Theoden and the defense will get their 3rd consecutive shut out. While Eowyn and Eorl still prove adequate offensively, against this deginerate group. Edoras wins 2-0.

GROUP G (Tuna)

Brethil vs Gondor
Brethil will be a tough opponent for Gondor. Gondor may find it difficult to score. The key to this game will be controlling the mid-field, if Imrahil and Gondor can get the ball deep to the Gondor boys, than Gondor should win fairly easily. If they can't, Brethil will spoil whatever hope Gondor has to advance, either with a tie or by upsetting them. Gondor wins 2-1.

Tol-in-Gaurhoth vs Tuna
Even if Gondor wins, TIG would have to have a total meltdown against Tuna to lose hold of the 2nd spot. This is not likely to happen to the team that finished with bronze last year, even though they have practiced less than everyone else. Tuna's been impressive offensively, and Miriel has continued to be the offensive power house she was last year. The issue for Tuna is, they have not faced a mid-field or a defense as strong as TIGs. If TIG keeps ball possession in their favour, they will really can begin to expose that weak Tuna defense, that only looks strong because of the offense. TIG wins 3-2. They take the top spot, and both teams will advance.

GROUP H (Bree)

Romenna vs Valimar
Should I even predict these games? What does it matter. Romenna has played well, behind the sturdy goal keeping of Elros. Romenna's technicality and strategy is perhaps one of the best in the game. But ultimately, they lack the powerful scoring capability of Valimar, one of the top teams in the tournament. Valimar wins 2-1

Amon Sul vs Bree
What a great match to end the 1st round of group play with...let's see which team stinks more? Which team gets cellar and which one gets the sub-cellar? I doubt anyone would show up for this match, and even if you are a Bree fan, don't...just boycott it, spend your money on a match later on that means something. And even worse, this will probably end in a tie, oh well, the few Bree fans in attendance may see some things to hope for come next Arda cup. Draw 1-1.

Nogrod

06-17-2009, 10:20 AM

THe AKM has again been watching closely the performances in the field and has appointed the following stars.

Five stars will go to

Elros of Romenna
Huor of Dor-Lomin
Nazgul #6 of Mirkwood
Turgon of Gondolin

Three stars will go to

Beorn of Erebor
Fëanor of Hithlum
Galadriel of Lothlórien
Gothmog of Gondolin
phantomwolf of TIG
Samwise of Shire
Witch-King of Minas Morgul

One star will go to

Aragost of Amon Sûl
Beor of Doriath
Celebrimbor of Edoras
Curufin of Nargothrond
Eärendil of Eregion
Elrond of Eregion
Idril of Alqualonde
Luthien of Nargothrond
Miriel of Tuna
mormwolf of TIG
skipwolf of TIG
Tar Atanamir or Armenelos
Tar Telperion of Armenelos
Tilion of Valimar
Tom Bombadill of Bree

Top stars after two rounds are

10 stars
Elros of Romenna

6 stars
Galadriel of Lothlórien

5 stars
Arwen of Lothlorien
Gandalf of Eregion
Huor of Dor-Lomin
Nazgul #6 of Mirkwood
Nerdanel of Tuna
Sauron of Armenelos
Turgon of Gondolin

3 stars
= 13 players

To those interested:

The AKM stars are based on the performances of the players: score and assist (or score twice) in a same match or make 5 saves giving the opposing team no more than one goal and you're obviously getting a star or two - or three. So points gained do matter.

But there are other considerations as well. Reading the narrations on the matches AKM notes great performances (like in the second round Tom Bombadill's superb performance or Beorn's leadership at Erebor defence), and may also give different amount of stars to two players reaching the same amount of points depending on the narration. AKM also tries to take in consideration the performances of the defenders looking at their performances even more closely and thus meriting them with stars as well as the others.

Also there will be some special stars given at certain times for an astounding performance. After third round of group play there will be some quite nice extra-stars that will be handed out.

skip spence

06-17-2009, 03:39 PM

Ahead of the deciding matches of Group A, the tension in Moria was so thick it could be cut with a knife. Adding to the importance of the games themselves, there were rumours aplenty circulating that two Angband stars, Hurin and Gwindor, had plans of defecting from the team. According to a reliable Elf source the duo wasn’t happy about the situation and how they had to do evil in order to stay loyal to the club. Fans will also remember the question-marks regarding how they were signed in the first place. It was said that Morgoth, then team leader, had “given them an offer they couldn’t refuse”.

Although Angband had played well this far, they still needed a result against Alqualonde to ensure advancement, and internal strife like this wasn’t welcome, should these rumours be true. Alqualonde was a difficult opponent too, and had a chance to leapfrog Angband and advance to the last 16 with a win.

For the majority of ticketholders however, the evening game between Moria and Minas Tirith was even more interesting. In order to advance, the home team was looking to put their defeat to Angband behind them and at least hold the resilient Mannish team from the South to a draw. The sentiment among the main part of Moria supporters though, both Dwarves and Orcs, was that their team would crush the petty humans. Aragorn and his teammates would have something to say about that no doubt.

Match 5: Alqualonde vs. Angband
Moria’s underground stadium was completely sold out, and for the first time this year Angband also came with a group of maybe 500 travelling supporters. They were menacing figures clad in black hooded robes and unlike the traditional fans they did not cheer or clap their hands to support their team but remained silent. “They are here to make sure no mistakes are made” said the neutrals, referring to the defection-rumours. The presence of Orodreth, Finrod and Túrin among the crowd only added to the suspense, and many now doubted that the two talked about players would be in the Angbad line-up. As the teams came out of the tunnel however, Hurin and Gwindor were among the Angband starting eleven - both stone-faced, showing no emotion. They were to play a key role in the match. The Alqualonde fans were far from silent though and proudly raised their banners - a white swan against a blue backdrop – in defiance of the odds that were against them.

Some had thought Angband would defeat Alqualonde easily if they played as rough as Moria had done on the opening night, but although the Northerners certainly tried to intimidate the Elves, the only thing they got for it was another yellow card for Ulfast. Alqualonde wouldn’t back down and their quick passing game gave Angband a lot of trouble right from the start. The Iron Hells also played some good football, mixing up their play well, so their opponents never knew what to expect, but possession usually belonged to the Swan team, who were doing most of the attacking. Ancalagon almost opened the scoring with a smoking shot from the edge of the area early on, but Alqualonde struck back, and had two excellent opportunities of their own when first Cirdan and then Frodo had shooting opportunities in front of Carcaroth, but the wolf came up with an answer for both.

Gwindor was playing like a man possessed, and in the 23rd minute of the game, he went on an amazing slalom run right through the heart of the Alqualonde defence, beating three players before squaring the ball to Thuringwethil, who had an easy task side-footing the ball past Olwe. It was a great goal, wholly made by the ex-Nargothrond player, but he did not celebrate the goal, only nodding in the direction of the black figures in the stands.

Alqualonde did not give up though, and led by Cirdan they raised the tempo even more, pushing the Angband players deep into their own half defending. Angbad almost killed the match off before half-time though, when Gwindor broke free on the counter attack and hit the post after playing a one-two with Hurin, but the score remained 1-0. Only a few minutes after the break Alqualonde was right back into the game though. Eärwen played in Osse, who took the ball past Uldor with his first touch, and fired in a low shot past a diving Carcaroth with his second.

A draw wasn’t enough for the Aman side though, and they kept on pushing, and not without creating chances. In fact, Angband were under severe pressure, and if it wasn’t for an inspired moment from Hurin and Maeglin, they might well have lost this match. The goal came in the 68th minute. Gwindor played a long ball towards Hurin, who met the ball with Amandil close behind. But instead of controlling the ball, Hurin just flicked it over the head of the surprised opponent, turned and ran past him. With space opening up Maeglin made a strong run towards the Alqualonde goal. He received the ball in his stride, faked a left-footed shot to get inside Frodo, and then curled a beauty past a helpless Olwe with his favoured right boot.

Now Alqualonde was in a very difficult position. They needed at least two goals in 20 minutes, and this was not within their powers tonight. When Cirdan hit the post with a header in the 85th minute, they knew this was not their night and that Angband would prevail. At the full time whistle, the black figures clapped their hands briefly but without joy, as if to say: “good enough work, lads, but don’t get careless!” There wasn’t much celebration among the Angband players either, but a fair bit of relief. They seemed more afraid to fail than eager to win.

Alqualonde 1-2 Angband
shots 12-11
on target 5-6
GOALS:
*23, Angband (Thuringwethil, Gwindor)
*51, Alqualonde (Osse, Earwen)
*68, Angband (Maeglin, Hurin)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Alqualonde- Uinen, Osse
*Angband- Ulfast, Drauglin

Match 6: Moria - Minas Tirith
After the exiting Angband and Alqualonde supporters made their way out of the Stadium, the Moria fans started to arrive, hours ahead of the match. There was no sign if strife between the different fractions now, and all were fully behind their team, singing and drinking together. This was their night and no one would take it from them. When the teams finally made their appearance, the atmosphere was at a boiling point, and the noise could be heard even in the woods of Lothlórien many miles away. The Moria players waved to the crowd with stern faces, and the beards of the Dwarves were gleaming in the torchlight. Stern also was Aragorn, and by his side the brave Boromir. A win was absolutely necessary tonight, but they’d seen to worse and lived to tell.

Azog and Durin’s Bane kicked off the game and the crowd almost brought the roof down as the home team went on the attack directly. Even wing backs Gwaihir and Othar came forward, and Minas Tirith were pressed back, defending with all eleven ten men. Early on it was like a siege, and Moria were buzzing like bees around and inside the box, but Denethor and the other White City defenders are experienced top professionals and allowed their opponents space only were they could afford it. Thus, Moria failed to create any clear cut opportunities, and numerous crosses into the box were usually headed clear easily by the tall Minas Tirith defenders.

A miss by Durin’s bane in the 13th minute proved costly. His played a sloppy pass in the centre when the whole Moria team was pushing up, and his ball was intercepted by Boromir, who laid it back to Mardil, and took the run upfield. Mardil returned the favour by lifting a high ball over the Moria defence. Boromir beat Durin for pace and lifted the ball over the Watcher, who could only watch as the ball slowly bounced over the line. The crowd was stunned, but soon grew noisy again, urging their team on. But now Minas Tirith had the match just the way they wanted, and drew back again, defending deep while waiting for the opportunity to counter-attack, knowing that they had the quality up front to make it pay.

And pay it did. Once again a Moria mistake proved their undoing. This time it was Thror who dallied with the ball and Aragorn who robbed him. The White City captain played a quick ball up to Beregond, whose early cross found an unmarked Calimehtar who headed into the far corner. Right before the break Aragorn almost made it three with a snapshot had the Watcher beaten, but snuck just past its left hand post. The home crowd was in shock, and the half time was met with whistles and a dissatisfied murmur. The small group of Minas Tirith fans was ecstatic, naturally.

After the break, the match continued much like it had been before the break. An increasingly frustrated Moria team had up to 70 % of the possession, but managed to create few real chances. A desperate Durin’s Bane started to shoot from the most hopeless position, or tried to dribble his way into the crowded Minas Tirith penalty area, but he was getting nowhere. Durin also got increasingly upset with how the Balrog threw away possession, and once again the two got into a heated argument.

In the 57th minute Moria was handed a gift however. An innocent-looking cross came in, and Ondoher was to clear it with a volley, but somehow he kicked a hole in the air. The ball hit his supporting leg instead and rolled invitingly to Azog, and with the White City defenders moving up, expecting a clearance, he saw Balin all alone in front of the goal, and it was elementary, just tap-tap and Moria had reduced the lead. This sparkled a slight resurgence from Moria, and their attacks had a bit more venom to them now, but still Minas Tirith held firm.

15 minutes later, Durin’s Bane, who was having a real stinker, for once managed to break loose from his marker, but his shot wasn’t up to par, and was picked up by Etchelion. The Balrog went down on his knees, head in hands, and as he got up another quick break was on for Minas Tirith. Boromir, Aragorn and Mardil was three against two, and with Aragorn going left, and Mardil going right, forcing the two defenders to cover the angles, an opening came for Boromir to take the ball straight through the middle. Just as he prepared to shoot Durin left Aragorn and rushed to make a challenge, but then Boromir released the ball, and Aragorn was one-on-one with the Watcher, and a striker of his caliber don’t miss opportunities like this. Minas Tirith had restored their two-goal advantage, and Moria wasn’t to rise again. Durin was once again furious with his Bane. Had the Balrog not sulked over the missed shot, and back-tracked instead, Minas Tirith wouldn’t have had numerical advantage on the break and the goal might have been avoided, he reasoned. Now darkness gathered around the Balrog, and sparks were flying.

As the full-time whistle approached, and The Moria crowd realized than they would likely lose, the Orcs looked realy to riot, and sharp objects began to rain onto the field. But as the whistle blew, an exceptional event changed everything. Durin’s Bane had practically stopped playing for the last tem minutes or so, and when the match was over, he turned to Durin. His shadow rose like two vast wings as he made his way to the Dwarf, and the torches were dimmed. Soon the wings – not actual flying wings mind you, wings of shadow! -loomed over the small but unbent figure of Durin, who looked like a mouse standing his ground against a huge hunting Owl. For a moment complete darkness fell, only to be interrupted by a flashing light, as a flaming white blade crashed down, then darkness again. When the veil was lifted again, the Balrog was gone, and Durin lay on the ground dead. The Orcs were terrified, and scurried back to their lairs deep in the mountain. The Dwarves immediately forgot about the defeat, and went down on their knees weeping and tearing their beards. How could this have happened? It is only a game, they cried. The Minas Tirith players were also downcast. This tragic event had taken away all the sweetness of victory. They were through to the last 16 however.

Minas Tirith 3-1 Moria
shots 12-11
on target 6-4
GOALS:
*13, Minas Tirith (Boromir I, Mardil)
*34, Minas Tirith (Calimehtar, Beregond)
*57, Moria (Balin, Azog)
*75, Minas Tirith (Aragorn, Boromir I)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Minas Tirith- Telumehtar
*Moria- Thorin, Ohtar

Final Standings: Group A

Team..............W D L GF GA P
1) Angband......2 1 0.. 6 - 4 7 Q
3) Minas Tirith...1 2 0.. 7 - 5 5 q
2) Moria............1 0 2.. 5 - 7 3
4) Alqualonde....0 1 2.. 5 - 7 1

Nogrod

06-17-2009, 05:19 PM

The last round of matches was highly anticipated. One could sense the excitement already in the morning walking at the roots of the mountain through the makeshift cheap-apartments built for the tourists to the games, or through the number of vendor-tents and take-away breakfast shops on carts. The home team had performed well so the mood of the supporters was hopeful and optimistic – even if nothing was certain as yet.

Nothing was indeed settled. Eregion had played such a beautiful game this far and they might beat Erebor, even with more than one goal. On the other hand Mordor had really not been the team people had anticipated it to be, so Osgiliath might beat it big-time and leave the home team to the group stage. And there were all chances for that as the Mordor team had nothing but their honour at stake. Mordor’s honour? So nothing at stake, deduced many.

So when the first match between Mordor and Osgiliath began the cheers for the goodies were not so hearty one might have presumed against a team from Mordor. And when Eldacar took Osgiliath into lead already at 25th minute the cheers were cordial at best. Those fast to count came up with it quickly: with this pace it would be 3-0 – and Erebor would need at least a draw against Eregion.

But the Mordor team soon showed some marks of coming alive. It looked like there was something called honour in Mordor – or then they just couldn’t bear watching the jubilant Osgiliath-players, their hated rivals.

At the same time the game got rougher. As the fast orc-forwards started to wreck havoc in the Osgiliath defences the defenders needed to take rougher methods into use to stop them. But if you play rough with an orc, you know what you’ll get. A host of free kicks were called and a total of nine yellow cards were given.

There were also some really beautiful team play and nice saves in the latter part of the first half. So it was a very entertaining game indeed. And it continued like that in the beginning of the second half, but slowly the balance of the game was turning more and more towards Osgiliath’s goal.

But then it came, like a lightning from a clear blue sky. In the middle of some real pressure laid by Mordor forwards and midfielders, Cemendur managed to steal a fast pass from Shagrat to Gollum and sent it immediately forwards, where with a lots of individual skill, Eldacar dribbled a few orc-defenders and ran away with it. He made it all the way towards the goal and made a powerful shot from ten meters… and Shelob got one of it’s feet in the way!

It was hard to say where the Uuuh’s and Oooh’s from the crowd came from; from disappointment or from instinctual joy for their own team’s chances. But there was the rebound… Eager to turn forwards Gorbag came a bit too riskily to the situation not just getting the ball away over the sideline asap to be safe but tried to turn before taking the ball. Falastur hit it right there and then, hammering the ball in with a slide from six meters. Even Shelob couldn’t react into that.

The rejoicing of the home crowd was noticeably subdued. To be frank the claps were mostly polite and only the Eregion and Osgiliath fans were shouting hurrays from the bottom of their lungs.

But team Mordor hadn’t yet played it’s last cards. After the goal Mordor went into full attack -mode forcing the whole Osgiliath team into defence. But even there amidst the crowded defensive-area the small and agile orcs led by Gollum got chances to shoot one after another.

Ten minutes to the final whistle it finally bore fruit. After something like twenty consecutive passes the Mordor attack had totally dissected the defences and Gollum’s last diagonal pass from the edge of the box reached Grishnak just inches out of the off-side in the middle and Romendacil being in a sideways movement Grishank had it easy to send the ball to the opposite end of the goal.

The instant reaction of the home crowd was a thunderous cheer which got subdued pretty fast when they realised what they had done.

There were no more goals in the game even if Mordor went for an equaliser the last ten minutes. Osgiliath defences tightened up enough after the goal allowed and managed to block the last Mordor advances.

When the final whistle blowed the Osgiliath team and it’s supporters knew their fate was now in the hands, well feet, of the Erebor team.

Mordor 1-2 Osgiliath

shots 11-10
on target 5-5
GOALS:
*25, Osgiliath (Eldacar, Ostoher)
*59, Osgiliath (Falastur, Eldacar)
*81, Mordor (Grishnakh, Gollum)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Mordor- Radbug, Gollum, Shagrat, Nazgul #4, Snaga
*Osgiliath- Anarion, Cemendur, Ostoher, Meneldil

The temperature at the plains rose steadily during the afternoon but started to cool down come evening, but the temperatures at the arena didn’t show any sign of coming down. On the contrary, the intensity of the hopes and fears was something you could almost touch in the athmosphere.

And the table was now set. Win or draw for Erebor would mean they would go through from the group-stages. Losing with one goal while making at least one themselves would get them through as well. Losing 1-0 would lead into – well people were not quite clear about it; a coin-toss, a rematch? But losing with two goals… that would not be an option – even if it was what everyone was afraid of could happen.

The home team started spiritedly and went aggressively into the tackles and tried to take the time and space out from the other team forcing them into rushed decisions and faults. The home crowds were cheering fanatically and Eregion soon realised this was the strongest opposition they had met in the tournament. Eregion was actually the weaker side in the field for the first fifteen minutes being forced into defence and not getting any decent build-ups into making.

But when the starting frenzy of the home team dried slowly down the thing people had feared (and the pessimists calling themselves realists had predicted) just stroke them. It was probably Eregion’s first decent attack in the whole game – and they scored!

It was a nice straightforward goal. Elladan made a good run on his side and passed the defender taking him, then a short run towards the goal along the end line and a nice diagonal chip backwards to Gil-Galad rushing forwards and heading the ball irresistibly in.

But the crowds were immediately awoken again when Bolg sent an angry shot from 30 meters which Elrond just barely managed to tip outside the goal resulting in a corner kick for the hosts. The game was on again. But admittedly it became a bit more even for the rest of the first half.

The home team had clearly decided on the half time to even the game at the first moments of the second half. And they did come in to the second half like a whirlwind. Like in the beginning of the first half the Eregion team was forced to make hasty decisions with the incessant all-around pressing. And then it happened…

Erestor was receiving a pass as the lowest defender but saw Nazgul #7 already coming for him leaving him no time to take the ball into his control when it came to him. He had glanced left to see Celebrimbor advancing slowly and tried to pass the ball to the left with a one-time touch – but the Nazgul managed to put his feet in the ball’s way changing the angle it flew. And Smaug who was running to pressure Celebrimbor noticed it in time and rushed to the middle in a flash and without any niceties shot the ball in. Elrond had no chance. It was like a penalty-shot. A penalty-shot, shot by Smaug.

The crowds had had occasions for cheering and bursting out during the tournament but this was just ear-deafening! It was 1-1! The home team was taking on Eregion evenly and what was the best, they got their precious goal! Now even 2-1 defeat would give them the second place in the group!

Clearly the intensity of the game went down after the equaliser. Erebor took it a bit more easily but neither did Eregion seem to press on with full speed. And soon it became visible that the home team was wearing down a bit due to those maniac-periods they had played. And at 72nd minute the visitors went one goal ahead again. Eärendil gave a beautiful free kick finding Glorfindel from the point and heading the ball stylishly with a ground-bounce over Bain who was trying to make a flying catch on the header he saw coming.

The game ended 2-1 and Erebor was qualified beside Eregion who won the group with a clean sheet. There was much rejoicing and the parties lasted through the night in all goodwill and joviality. Even some of the orcs were in a pretty good mood: Bolg, Nazgul #7 and Smaug would be on the next round while the Osgiliath-team would be not. Of course they were disappointed on how their own tournament went, but anyway better to see Erebor going forwards than Osgiliath.

There were some scattered skirmishes mainly between the orc and dwarf supporters during the ealy hours but the dwarven guards dealt with them effectively as ever.

Eregion 2-1 Erebor

shots 11-12
on target 5-7
GOALS:
*19, Eregion (Gil-Galad, Elladan)
*48, Erebor (Smaug, Nazgul #7)
*72, Eregion (Glorfindel, Eärendil)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Eregion- Glorfindel
*Erebor- Bolg, Thrain, Dain

Final standings: Group D

Eregion 9 6-2
Erebor 4 5-4
-------------------------------------
Osgiliath 4 5-5
Mordor 0 1-6

Nogrod

06-17-2009, 05:33 PM

At Lothlórien it was first going to be a meeting of age-old friends – and well some not so much in friendly terms with each other. But anyway most of the players of Doriath and Dor-Lomin teams knew each other well and the party on the eve of the match aroused a lot of interest.

Some tabloids even reported that, invited by Nellas, Túrin and Saeros had shook hands and shared a cup of wine during the evening. Believes it who wishes, but it was clear that many people and elves enjoyed the party together, and there was much rejoicing. But in the actual game there would be some real fighting as only one of the two teams could go forwards – and both had the chances in their own hands as none of them believed in the host’s capabilities of winning the mighty Armenelos later in the evening.

But as the game started off it was clear who were calling the shots. Doriath’s midfield managed to fight back at times and Eöl and Maglor showed their dangerousness the few times they got the ball, but when the game fell on to the Doriath’s half the problems really started – as in earlier games.

The weakness of Doriath’s defences had been discussed a lot during the tournament but here’s one view of it by a well known Doriath-elf and football enthusiast who wishes to remain incognito:
“Well, basically I don’t understand the team manager why he would build the whole defence of the team on cursed players… I mean elves slain by the cursed ones. Now what an omen is that if not bad? We should have guys like Thingol and Mablung and Beleg in our team to be strong enough.”

Whatever the truth of the matter is, Dor-Lomin had gone into 2-0 lead before even half an hour of the game was played. First Beleg and Túrin tore the defence into pieces. Túrin outwitted Saeros with ease and then, when everyone was anticipating for a shot, he passed the ball left without even glancing that way knowing Beleg would be there. And right there he was, actually just passing the ball into an empty net in front of him. The second one was orchestrated by Beleg. This time Beleg draw the brothers Eluréd and Elurin totally out from their places and passed the ball back to the empty space where the great elf-friend Lórindol had ran from behind. It was a rocket of a shot coming from behind Melian’s own defenders denying her even a visual catch of it coming.

And Dor-Lomin went three goals ahead just two minutes before the end of the first half. Marach gave a corner kick surprisingly a long way backwards and from behind the great hassle in front of the goal Morwen Eledwhen booted such a shot that Melian had no chance even reacting to it from behind the crowd parked in front of her goal.

The second half was like a friendly match or a formality. And like in friendly matches it ended 1-1. Maglor sneaked the ball through the defences to make it 3-1 at 56th minute and Tuor nailed the game from Nienor’s dashing run at 72nd minute.

The elves were good sports in their defeat and congratulated the Dor-Lominian team for a long while in the field while changing shirts. Dor-Lomin had showed once again it was a force to be reckoned with and someone, likely Edoras, should be prepared for them.

Doriath 1-4 Dor-Lomin

shots 7-18
on target 3-9
GOALS:
*14, DL (Beleg, Turin)
*29, DL (Hador, Beleg)
*43, DL (Morwen, Marach)
*56, Doriath (Maglor, Eol)
*72, DL (Tuor, Nienor)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Doriath- Saeros, Elwe, Ellurid
*Dor-Lomin- Gloredhel

The result of the earlier game had kind of taken the edge out from the last match of the group with the home team having no chances whatsoever to qualify and the visitors being already through.

However the home team wished to show their supporters they would be a team worth the support and had clearly decided to play for honour to the end. Maybe they lacked the last effort as they had no real stakes or then the Armenelos team was just too good. Whichever way, there was no question about the outcome as the match begun.

Armenelos dominated the field and pushed the Lothlórien attacks back even before they actually started. That forced Lothlórien team to shoot from far away resulting in only three shots on goal – and none of them in.

After the first probing-phase Armenelos started to make serious attacks and at the half an hour point they scored. The power-duo Ar Pharazon – Sauron was at it again. This time Ar Pharazon served and Sauron scored. The rest of the half Armenelos controlled the game but eased the tempo a bit not to waste energy.

On the second half Armenelos came for the second time with serious business in mind and that spelled trouble for the home team once again. Eventually they scored for the second time after displaying some great offensive football. This time Tar Minastir freed Sauron in the middle and after sweeping the defenders from his way he shot the ball easily behind Galadriel making it a total humiliation in front of the home crowds. Some even say he had winked an eye on her.

The crowds roared with disbelief, anger and disappointment but even if the home team tried its best they just couldn’t break the solidity of Armenelos’ team-defence to come back to the game.

The way the game ended left a bitter taste into the mouths of many fans, but those more into football just couldn’t help admiring the football Armenelos was playing. With good-natured elves and the great heroes of men around at the ending party, the Lothlórien elves forgot the bitterness soon enough and were ready to praise also the great heroes of Armenelos as well.

Sauron hung around at the party for a while but after no one wished to speak or socialise with him he withdrew to his personal quarters he had brought with him. Not all his team-mates were happy about his presence in the team even if he had played outstanding football and was probably one of the leading point scorers in the whole tournament thus far. Many felt him to be the Sword of Damocles hanging up above their heads. But that only time would tell.

And what was Sauron thinking in his solitude?

Armenelos 2-0 Lothlorien

shots 14-7
on target 7-3
GOALS:
*30, Armenelos (Sauron, Ar Pharazon)
*56, Armenelos (Tar Minastir, Sauron)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Armenelos- Tar Calmacil
*Lothlorien- Rumil, Haldir, Eldarion

Final standings: Group E

Armenelos 9 8-2
Dor-Lomin 6 7-5
¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨
Lothlórien 1 3-6
Doriath 1 4-9

Nogrod

06-17-2009, 06:02 PM

Shire awoke to the final day of their tournament with hassle and buzz all around. Edoras had advanced already from this group but all other teams had it in their hands, well some more than the others. The hobbits were just too painstakingly aware that even if they had one point more than the two other teams fighting for the last qualifying place, the two could just do it winning the other one, whereas Shire had to face the mighty Edoras and was desperately in need of points.

So the first match of the day would set the table for the home team and they had to wait a whole day in thrill. And the hobbits spent it over the tables of the pubs and under the shades of great trees drinking beer, eating and speculating about the games to follow.

A few courageous and broad-minded rarities seeked the gatherings of other fans and they had bothersome news when they came back to their friends. The Valar-admirers were sure their godlike team would finally start to play after they had performed their rites of humility required when crossing the Great Sea. Dorthonion supporters were sure the old blood of the humans and elves would be revived again and they would dominate the field against the otherworldy passivity of the Valar (bless them, though). And the worst of all: the Edoras fans were sure their team would eat the Shire team for starters, led by Eorl and backed by the great mearas the tiny hobbits would be literally trampled to the ground!

So it seemed all the other teams’ fans had firm belief in their team. “So why wouldn’t we?” They asked each other. “Are we no better than that? They believe in their teams so why don’t we believe in ours? What if hobbits wouldn’t have believed in Bullroarer Took at Greenfields in 1147? Why would we desert him now?”

On the first match Dorthonion faced Taniquetil. Neither team would settle for a draw. Even the Valar looked sharper than in the earlier games when they entered the arena. But when the referee blew his whistle to get the game going everything changed. Both teams were extremely careful and avoided mistakes of any sort. At the half an hour point some of the audience had already fallen asleep even if no one denied the importance of the game. It was just boring and timid by both sides. There were even some booing from the crowds when a team passed the ball safely backwards for the seventh time in a row when there didn’t seem to be a safe opening forwards.

It was one of those games where the shooting-statistics tell one all there is to tell. On the first half Dorthonion shot only once – and even that wide the target. Taniquetil shot twice, once wide and on the other occasion… well it was goal to wake the people up, five minutes before the end of the half!

And there was some discussion on this goal! Manwë got the ball some forty meters away from the goal and chipped it into the air to give himself a header – and he clearly blew after the ball! And the ball flew an astonishing distance only to land at Oromë’s feet at the edge of the box. Oromë actually aimed the ball and made such a shot that even if Beor went for a flying save and got his hand in between the ball and the goal, the ball just took a swerve from his hand and went irresistibly into the back of the net like it had been ordered to get there. There were many Uuuhs of awe and even some protests of unfair means, but everyone admitted that what they had just seen was impressive indeed.

Dorthonion came to the second half spiced up but Taniquetil’s careful game allowed them few chances. Until Finarfin’s sons exploded the stadium for good. Dorthonion was back in the game at 63rd minute! And the game got a bit livelier as neither team really seemed to accept a draw as a result.

Then came the much discussed event. Varda was making a run by the side facing Gorlim. Gorlim tried to stop her but failed. Using the slight physical touch there as an inspiration, Gorlim suddenly plunged into the ground and started howling and yelling while holding his leg. Lady Elbereth could not listen to the wailing but stopped and kicked the ball over the side. But the referee would have none of it and gave Gorlim a straight red card sending him to the shower from filming immediately.

With one-player advance Taniquetil laid pressure to the Dorthonion defences more easily and the game got a new life as Dorthonion struggled to stay in with it. And Varda got her prize for being tender at heart. She made a beautiful pass high up in the air and the ball almost reached the stars – and then came Thorondor chasing the ball from high up flying towards the goal. Just before the Great Eagle and the ball were facing the ground, Thorondor made a soft tweak with its beak and the ball changed it’s trajectory past the astounded Beor while the Great Eagle made an ashtonishingly quick landing spreading it’s wings majestically wide in front of the goal. It sure knew what a show was!

Dorthonion really put in the best it could for the last seven minutes but the Taniquetil defences held the onslaught. Even the last hobbit had surely awaken on the second half for that splendid show they were offered after the boring first half.

Dorthonion 1-2 Taniquetil

shots 6-9
on target 3-4
GOALS:
*40, Taniquetil (Orome, Manwe)
*63, Dorthonion (Angrod, Andreth)
*83, Taniquetil (Thorondor, Varda)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Dorthonion- Baragund, Bregor
*Taniquetil- Manwe, Lorien
RED CARDS:
*Dorthonion- 69, Gorlim (red)

But there were the bad news for the hobbits: Taniquetil had won Dorthonion. That meant the Shire would not qualify even if they played even with Edoras. Now they had to win. And that was easier said than done.

The hobbits started briskly with the aid of the bellowing home crowd but ran time and time gain into the insurmountable defensive towers of Shadowfax and Felarof. At 23rd minute it was one of these situations again. Halbarad tried to get past Shadowfax only to get the ball taken away from him. But the great meara saw Eorl running in the peak and made such a kick no man (or hobbit) could have ever performed and shot the ball far to the other end of the field.

There could be no talk of an off-side when the pass is given from the defensive box with that speed. So Eorl had passed the lowest defenders even before they realised what was happening. And as they turned in their heels Eorl already took the ball down some ten meters from the goal. Sam tried to dash for the ball but the old king was too experienced to lose that kind of a duel and so he tossed the ball into an empty net while brave Sam lay on the ground totally fooled.

But the Shirelings didn’t give up but went for attack bravely. And the home crowd supported them to their last breath sweating as much as the players in the field (half of it coming from the physical effort and the other half from the suspense). But Edoras’ defences held firm wave after wave.

Just before the half time whistle Edoras scored a second goal. This time from a corner kick. Thengel gave the corner which came nicely to the rush in front of the goal and went from head to head there. Finally Eowyn got control of the ball in front of the crowded goal and saw Felarof rushing in. With a nice little touch she passed the ball back towards the galloping meara who just hammered the ball in from the 16 meter line, sending a few defenders to the ground from the impact of the ball.

The heads of the hobbits hung low as their dream was broken. All in the audience knew that and the players sensed it even if they bravely tried to come back to the game at the second half.

A fine goal by Eomer on 62nd. minute already got some honest cheers from the home crowd as they had started to cope with the reality. Edoras was so much better team than their own. They had won even Taniquetil! And wait, hobbits played even with Taniquetil! Hobbits are a great footballing nation… if not as good as Edoras.

In the after-tournament parties most hobbits made solemn swears that on the knock-out rounds their heart would beat only to Edoras, the best team in the whole Middle-Earth.

Would Edoras really be the best team in the whole Middle-Earth? That would remain to be seen. But even with their absolutely marvellous defence one must be honest and admit that they haven’t yet been challenged by any major team in the tournament.

Edoras 3-0 Shire

shots 12-7
on target 6-3
GOALS:
*23, Edoras (Eorl, Shadowfax)
*42, Edoras (Felarof, Eowyn)
*62, Edoras (Eomer, Eowyn)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Edoras- Thengel, Brego
*Shire- Ted, Cotton

Final standings: Group F

Edoras 9 6-0
Taniquetil 4 3-3
-------------------------------------
Shire 2 2-5
Dorthonion 1 2-5

the phantom

06-17-2009, 07:29 PM

Mirkwood was abuzz with chatter about the Arda Cup. The host team would be playing that night, do or die, against a strong group from Arnor. A win and they were into the playoffs. A loss and they were done. And as many fans kept pointing out, a draw would be sufficient to advance, so Mirkwood held the edge.

But first there was another game to be played- Nargothrond against Helm's Deep. Helm Hammerhand and his boys had already been eliminated from contention, and Nargothrond was already assured a spot in the playoffs, but that didn't mean there was nothing to play for. A win or tie from Nargothrond would give them the top spot in the group, which would mean a chance to host their first round playoff game. And Helm's Deep had no intention of ending the tournament on an embarrassing note, so they would surely come to play.

The crowds for all the games had been excellent, but today's first game kicked off to a half empty stadium. The main crowds were obviously outside preparing themselves for the big one. But the folks who were in the stadium were treated to some defensive excellence from both sides. Long balls were won by the defense every time, and the penalty area and even the area just outside it was impenetrable.

Finally the offensive doldrums were broken in the 39th minute, not by a quality attack, but by a brilliant snipe from long distance. The keeper for Helm's Deep, Gram, handled a shot from Beren, and Nargothrond retreated upfield while he held it. He then strolled out a bit and boomed it away, but the ball was won by Glaurung just past midfield, and he sent it sideways left to Curufin to hold possession, and to the surprise of all Curufin boomed it high and to the right side without any hesitation, as he judged that Gram was slow getting back into goal. And indeed he was. Gram made a mad rush and jump back for it, but the ball snuck between his hand and the top post. It was surely one of the greatest shots the tournament would see!

During the second half quite a few Mirkwood fans began entering the stadium, and they were treated to a repeat of the first half- a defensive war. As time ran down it seemed Nargothrond had no intention of tiring themselves out, as they only needed a tie to clinch first place. Helm's Deep tried to take advantage, but Nargothrond was having none of it and kept the shut out. Helm's Deep would go home without a point, but at least an improved final performance to think about. Nargothrond on the other hand would host a first round playoff game after an undefeated run through their group.

Helm’s Deep 0-1 Nargothrond
shots 7-8
on target 2-4
GOALS:
*39, Nargothrond (Curufin, Glaurung)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Helm’s Deep- Brytta, Hama, Eomund
*Nargothrond- Gelmir, Arminas

The match of the night had arrived. It would be Arnor versus Mirkwood for the final spot in the playoffs, and the crowd was absolutely wired. Arnor made their way out to the sound of thunderous booing, but thankfully no weaponry of any sort came flying onto the field. And then came Mirkwood, and the booing changed to cheers, and the booming and patter of drums of all kinds filled the air.

As soon as the game started the crowd started all sorts of special cheers, but they were barely able to find their rhythm before their team truly gave them something to cheer about- a rocket by Scatha into the back of the net!

But for the next twenty minutes the match evened out and the crowd settled down a bit, and at the thirty minute mark they grew quieter still when Araphor found Valandur with a perfect pass across the box for the equalizer.

During the break the crowd energized again and greeted their team enthusiastically out of the locker rooms, and the lads on the field did not disappoint with Thranduil and Nazgul #6 playing a brilliant 1-2 game right up the center of the field for the early second half lead!

This goal was followed by a flurry of offense from Mirkwood trying to put the game away, but the feisty team from Arnor survived the onslaught and eventually gained a chance for a quick counter, which was finished off by the dangerous Araphor. There were twenty minutes left and it was tied again!

Arnor tried to keep their momentum going and ride the surge to a win, but the Mirkwood defenders tightened their games and held. Then just inside of fifteen minutes, Mirkwood started building the attack, and with under 10 left Fram redirected a ball from Scatha and Mirkwood was ahead again!

Knowing that their team only needed a tie and was leading with under ten minutes left, the crowd started drinking and singing and celebrating with all their might, and when the final second ticked off the clock the team ran up into the stands and joined their supporters in merrymaking! The home team would be going forward!

Arnor 2-3 Mirkwood
shots 8-14
on target 4-7
GOALS:
*8, Mirkwood (Scatha, Thranduil)
*30, Arnor (Valandur, Araphor)
*49, Mirkwood (Thranduil, Nazgul #6)
*67, Arnor (Araphor, Argeleb)
*81, Mirkwood (Fram, Scatha)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Arnor- Arantar, Eldacar
*Mirkwood- Radagast, Galion, Bilbo

FINAL STANDINGS GROUP B

----team------points---goal diff
Nargothrond.....9...........+3
Mirkwood.........6...........+3
Arnor...............3............-1
Helm's Deep.....0............-5

skip spence

06-18-2009, 09:29 AM

Although the fate of the home team was sealed, the three other teams in this group had it all to play for. Minas Morgul had surprised a few people so far, playing much better than big brother Mordor, and a draw against Gondolin would be enough for them to advance. Gondolin recovered from their opening night defeat against Hithlum with a comprehensive win against Isengard, and were now looking to banish the evil Witch-King and his following to the shadow-world. Hithlum would face Isengard, and needed a result to ensure passage to the last 16, something that wouldn’t seem too difficult judging by the lacklustre form the host had shown so far.

Match 5: Gondolin vs. Minas Morgul.
With kick-off approaching a black rider on a huge black stallion appeared. It was the Witch-King, fully armoured, looking kingly, stern and deadly. He paced up and down around the stadium, giving his opponents a close examination from head to toe, and not a few of the Gondolin (and Morgul) players looked terrified. Then his horse halted with a loud snort, and the Nazgul king dismounted. His assistants rushed up and helped him take off his armour, and helm, and the long black sword he was carrying to the dismay of tournament officials. Turgon, Etchthelion and Idril showed no fear however, and neither did Gothmog, who just scuffed at the intimidation-attempt by the Nazgul. They were here to play ball, not strut around trying to look important.

The match itself was extremely competitive and fast paced. Gondolin played passionately, always looking to set up their power trio of Ecthelion, Gothmog and Idril, but the Morgul team also looked dangerous, and the WiKi had a menacing air about him any time the ball was around him. Early on, Minas Morgul was defending rather deep, and it worked well too, at least until a wonderful long distance shot from Etchelion forced them to change their game-plan. The Elf hit a half-cleared ball on the half-volley from more than 30 metres, and got the perfect bend and power to it, giving The Mouth no chance to stop the ball from the position he was at.

This goal really opened up the game, as Minas Morgul now were forced to attack - and it took them little time to equalize. The goal came rather cheaply from a Gondolin standpoint. Duilin slipped on the wrong occasion, and Queen Beruthiel picked up the ball and sent a low cross that was met by Eärnur who got past his marker at the near post, firing in from close range. Poor defending from the Gondolin players on that goal!

In the second half Gondolin gave it their best, and when three quarters of the match was played they took the lead once again, as Gothmog nodded in Voronwe’s well measured cross. The small section of Gondolin fans were celebrating wildly now, believing their team had done enough to win. Long it looked like they had done so too, as Minas Morgul found it hard to create chances against the solid Elven defence. But out of the blue, and just as the team of the Moon seemed to have hit a brick wall, the Witch-King himself equalized. He received the ball from Castamir, accelerated past Penlod, and hit a shot from a position that normally wouldn’t worry Rog in the Gondolin goal, but the ball was hit so hard it had passed him before he could even react. The Morgul players were praising their captain for his marvellous feat, while the Gondolin team looked shell-shocked.

With only 5 minutes to go Gondolin went looking for a winner, and although they did get one last chance Idril couldn’t capitalize on it, and time ran out. Gondolin had been eliminated, while The Witch-King and his Morgul team advanced to the second round of play.

Gondolin 2-2 Minas Morgul
shots 14-13
on target 6-7
GOALS:
*20, Gondolin (Ecthelion, Duilin)
*35, Minas Morgul (Earnur, Beruthiel)
*62, Gondolin (Gothmog, Voronwe)
*84, Minas Morgul (Witch King, Castamir)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Gondolin- Penlod, Elenwe, Salgant
*Minas Morgul- Angamaite, Gothmog II

Match 6: Hithlum vs. Isengard.
As the earlier match had ended in a draw, the only thing Hithlum had to play for now was the number one spot in the group. They would play in the second round no matter what, while the home team would not, and this fact certainly played a part of making this affair rather boring. Hithlum had two proper opportunities to score in the first half and made both count, and while Isengard did try to make a match of it, they were simply not good enough to threaten the Noldo side. In the second half Hithlum just kept possession without wasting too much energy, and their nonchalance almost resulted in an Isengard goal or two, but the score remained at 2-0.

Hithlum 2-0 Isengard
shots 13-6
on target 7-2
GOALS:
*23, Hithlum (Fingolfin, Feanor)
*43, Hithlum (Fingon, Aredhel)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Hithlum- none
*Isengard- Wulf, Quickbeam, Lurtz

Final Standings: Group C

Team................W D L GF GA P
1) Hithlum..........2 1 0...6 - 3 7 Q
2) Minas Morgul..1 2 0...7 - 4 5 q
3) Gondolin........1 1 1...5 - 5 4
4) Isengard........0 0 3...1 - 8 0

skip spence

06-18-2009, 10:06 AM

In group H the top two had been decided already in the second round. But who was the top dog? Was it Romenna, the extremely solid Numenorian team, led from the back by Elros, or perhaps Valimar, with their dazzling Ainu flair and power. Also there was the match between the two teams without any points so far: Bree and Amon Sul. Both were looking to make amends to that tonight.
Despite the relative unimportance of the games, Bree stadium was full. After all, the sun was shining and Arda Cup was in town. The home team wasn’t going to advance; the fans knew that, but why make this fact it even worse by staying at home sulking about it? Those who came out also got to enjoy two well-played matches of football.

Match 5: Valimar vs. Romenna
This clash of the undefeated lacked some of the passion it deserved, as Romenna especially looked mentally drained, having fought so hard to get into the position they are in, and having their minds set on the last 16 already. And nothing short of a 100% effort just isn’t going to be enough against this extremely talented Valimar side. Melkor once again did well and played a key part in both goals, scoring the second himself, while setting up team captain Eönwe for the first. Some commentator have already started to question who in actuality is the leader of this team. Is it Eönwe, herald of Manwe, or is it Melkor, He who arises in Might? When asked to clarify the situation after the game, Melkor himself denied any claim to leadership, stating that he is only the humblest of servants. Tulkas was of a different opinion “His words mean nothing to me, and no, I cannot support his inclusion despite the quality he has added to the team. Eventually it will back-fire”, the Vala spoke, adding that he would remain loyal to the team and cooperate even with Melkor as long as he was a part the team also.

Romenna 0-2 Valimar
shots 8-14
on target 3-7
GOALS:
*37, Valimar (Eonwe, Melkor)
*72, Valimar (Melkor, Arien)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Romenna- Tar Surion
*Valimar- Tulkas, Melkor

Match 6: Amon Sul vs. Bree
Amon Sul had yet to score a single goal ahead of this match, but with nothing to lose, they relaxed and for once played some attacking football, determined to go out with honours intact. Bree also came out looking to entertain their supporters, and entertain they did. The match was wide open and gave the crowd plenty of excitement, including four good goals. It ended 2-2, and both teams were satisfied to end this tournament with a smile on their faces. Afterwards all the players (except the Barrow-Wight) joined up at the Prancing Pony, and spent a wholly enjoyable night drinking and singing their troubles away. There would always be a next time.

Amon Sul 2-2 Bree
shots 12-15
on target 5-7
GOALS:
*13, Amon Sul (Arahael, Arathorn)
*26, Bree (Goldberry, Ferny)
*71, Bree (Barrow-Wight, Harry)
*82, Amon Sul (Arasuil, Arahael)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Amon Sul- Elendil, Araglas, Arathorn
*Bree- Bob, Ferny

Final Standings: Group H
Team................W D L GF GA P
1) Valimar......... 3 0 0...8 - 1 9 Q
2) Romenna......2 0 1...3 - 3 6 Q
3) Bree...............0 1 2...4 - 7 1
4) Amon Sul........0 1 2...2 - 6 1

the phantom

06-18-2009, 10:57 AM

The mood in the city of Tirion upon Tuna was festive to say the least. Some of the fans were already celebrating as if they’d won the cup. Through the first two rounds Tuna had blasted their way to two wins and racked up the best goal differential in the tournament. They were quite certain that the final task, while potentially more difficult, would be met with the same offensive fury as usual, and Tol-in-Gaurhoth would fall in defeat.

The fans for TIG however were quite confident that Tuna would wither in the face of the speed, strength, and killer instinct of their werewolves. “They started to find their form in the last game, Steve, so this match is as good as over,” said Hakonwolf to Wereonwe as they prowled outside the stadium’s northern gates.

“Quite right, lad!” he answered. “We’re first rate at every position on the pitch! There isn’t a team in this tournament that can withstand us when we’re playing our game!”

But the fans of both teams would have to wait for their match, for first was Brethil playing Gondor. Brethil was already eliminated, and they were paying for honor. Gondor on the other hand had hopes of squeaking into the playoffs with a combined good win over Brethil and a loss by TIG, so they were certain to be firing on all cylinders.

As the game opened it was obvious that both sides were giving it their best shot, but the group from Brethil had the most intensity, wanting to prove that their poor showing thus far was not who they truly were. After several minutes of constant attack, the people of the woods broke through with the game's opening goal- a close range boot from Hunthor given to him courtesy of Halmir.

Brethil continued to apply pressure, and the fans of Gondor worried that their team would fall behind by two goals, but the valiant Boromir II whipped out his horn and blew a blast that made the opposition stop in their tracks and gave courage to the Gondorins (aka Gondorians, Gondorites, Gondolas). Under the leadership of Boro and his bro, the attack was built, and just past the half-hour point the swan Prince (not to be confused with the swan princess) sent in a corner that was headed unstoppably by Boromir and the game was tied!

The fans celebrated wildly, and Boromir himself ripped off his jersey and climbed on top of the goal and led them in cheers. When the ref came running up preparing to give Boromir a card for his display, Boromir leaped down and pleaded, "A madness took me, but it has passed!" Evidently the ref believed him for Boromir escaped an official reprimand and play continued.

The second half was much the same, with Brethil coming out on fire, scoring, and then Gondor pushing back, only this time it was Haleth and Dervorin doing the honors. As the seconds ticked away Boromir and company grew frantic, their chances of advancing slipping away. Imrahil and Faramir tried their best to create openings in the box, but the stout folk of Brethil held and the game ended at 2-2. Brethil had gained a point, and so would not go home empty handed. Gondor had not had a bad tournament either, but nonetheless the fans left the stadium disappointed.

Brethil 2-2 Gondor
shots 9-14
on target 4-7
GOALS:
*18, Brethil (Hunthor, Halmir)
*33, Gondor (Boromir II, Imrahil)
*60, Brethil (Haleth, Manthor)
*77, Gondor (Dervorin, Atanatar I)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Brethil- Asgon, Dorlas
*Gondor- Hirluin, Anardil

The table was set for the final game of the group- Tuna versus Tol-in-Gaurhoth. A win by Tuna would prove they were the top team in the group as they would move forward undefeated, but a win by TIG would steal the first place crown from the hosts and put them back on their way to repeating last year's semifinal performance, or possibly bettering it.

The fans from both sides were extremely confident, but the Werewolves who came in support of TIG were somewhat less gracious. "We're going to eat them alive!" shouted TGEWolf as she chewed on a suspiciously human looking bone. "All of our players are better than all of theirs!" yelled Nerwolf in support of her claim. "Our wolves know the game better than anyone!" agreed Shastawolf. "I can't wait to see the slaughter!" cried McWolf. "I'm just here to see Phantomwolf," muttered Wilwolf to herself.

As the Werewolves took the field, the Elves of Tuna did their best to applaud politely, though after being subjected to constant taunts from TIG fans all week they weren't very enthusiastic. The Werewolves on the other hand howled and roared and stamped their great hind paws on the seats and brought their forepaws together with all their might, and the noise they created was quite unbelievable for such a small group, though the section of TIG fans was certainly larger than it had been for the first two games. A great many Werewolves had showed up for the final group showdown. Even Feawolf, Mirawolf, Lariwolf, and Niennawolf had come all the way out of the East to join the throng.

Not surprisingly Greenwolf had made the journey as well, being related to two of the players on the field, though interestingly she was sporting a Phantomwolf jersey rather than one from her dad or sister. "My sister nearly cost us that first game, so I'm not about to support her," she said when asked about it. "And my dad is so terribly arrogant. Can you believe he put himself on his own Phantasy team?" But when it was pointed out that Phantomwolf was possibly the most arrogant wolf ever, Greenwolf just mumbled something about "none of your business".

But it was Tuna's turn to make an entrance, and what an entrance! The players rushed onto the field flipping and cartwheeling, all while dribbling balls and even passing them to one another. They had been on form since the beginning of the tournament and it looked like tonight would be no different, and the crowd hollered its approval.

But as the game began, the crowd's high spirits were tempered somewhat by strong play from Tol-in-Gaurhoth. Most of the sloppiness that was evident in their first game was gone, and they were able to hold possession and sustain attacks on Tuna far better than anything Tuna had seen thus far in the tournament, though the Werewolves still couldn't crack the final line of defense or Aule the keeper. Though this perhaps was a function of being one wolf short, as Phantomwolf, instead of focusing on the game, kept hovering over near the section of TIG fans and chatting with members of the crowd, particularly the lady-wolves. Finally the ref handed Phantomwolf a card, as he had been so deep in conversation with Greenwolf that he had failed to notice the ball hit him on the back of the leg. "The game's out here, sir!" shouted the ref. "Play properly or you'll be sent off!"

With the addition of Phantomwolf things got dangerous for Tuna, and at the 20 minute mark SPMwolf sent a screamer just barely outside the bar and the crowd gasped. Then again two minutes later Gwathwolf came free for a header, but Aule made a miraculous fingertip save to preserve the tie. The crowd was quite nervous indeed. But then the Tuna defense finally stole it and sent it up the field quickly, and Miriel and Nerdanel ran in and challenged Mormwolf with a shot that he only barely caught up to. The crowd cheered wildly. This was what they expected from their team. TIG's philosophy of leaving their goal open to counter-attack and hoping their defenders were fast enough to get back and slow the attack up long enough to get the defense set was sure to be dangerous against a team like Tuna who had such amazing skill at the forward position.

And indeed, at minute 34 Tuna made TIG pay for their aggressiveness as it was again Miriel and Nerdanel on the counter and TIG just couldn't stop them. The TIG fans for the first time showed some signs of doubt. This Tuna team was good! Perhaps it wouldn't be the slaughter they had hoped for. Finally just before the half TIG got the equaliser from Gwathwolf and the werewolves went into the locker room with some of their swagger back.

The second half started with TIG on the attack yet again, only the Tuna defense seemed to be well over their shock at the quality of play and they were able to more easily spark counter-attacks on the Werewolves, and Mormwolf was extremely nervous back in the TIG goal, for every few minutes the forwards from Tuna would come dashing at him with few defenders to help, and it was no surprise when one got by him at minute 59, this time courtesy of Finwe.

But the Werewolves surged back and attacked the goal with nearly every player they had, and at 67 minutes Lomwolf sent a no-look heel pass back to Wereomer who had a few feet of open space and he boomed the equalizer past Aule.

The Werewolves continued attacking full bore, but again Tuna made them pay with a quick break up the field, and once again the amazing Miriel found the back of the net and Tuna was in the lead again. The crowd was out of control at this point. They were seeing some exciting football!

TIG tried to press the attack again, but this time it was Tuna, riding the wave of emotion from the crowd, who became the aggressors, and the TIG defense was pressed against the wall, subjected to attack after attack! They used every trick they knew, and were carded more than once, but nothing could turn aside the skill of the Elves. Mormwolf made three spectacular saves, but that wasn't enough, as with seven minutes left Finarfin sent such a perfect ball to a breaking Nerdanel that no one could do anything, and Tuna had the two goal lead.

TIG shut things down after that, and Tuna was happy to do the same. They would both be going forward to the playoffs- Tuna as the hottest team in the tournament, and TIG as a team that seriously needed to strategize better, for the one they had employed on this night had been a recipe for disaster. It need not be said that there were many celebrations in Tirion and upon the slopes of Tuna outside the city. The home team was riding as high as any team in recent memory.

Tol-in-Gaurhoth 2-4 Tuna
shots 17-20
on target 8-11
GOALS:
*36, Tuna (Miriel, Nerdanel)
*42, TIG (Gwathwolf, SPMwolf)
*59, Tuna (Finwe, Mahtan)
*67, TIG (Wereomer, Lomwolf)
*75, Tuna (Miriel, Finwe)
*83, Tuna (Nerdanel, Finarfin)
YELLOW CARDS:
*TIG- Phantomwolf, Skipwolf, Wereomer, Borowolf
*Tuna- Amras, Guillen

FINAL STANDINGS GROUP G

-----team------points----goal diff
Tuna..................6...........+8
Tol-in-Gaurhoth...4.............0
Gondor...............2............-2
Brethil................1............-6

the phantom

06-18-2009, 11:22 AM

FINAL GROUP STANDINGS

GROUP A (Moria)

----team---points--goals--against--differential
Angband........7........6.........4.......+2
Minas Tirith....5........7.........5.......+2
Moria.............3.......3.........7........-2
Alqualonde.....1........1.........7........-2

GROUP B (Mirkwood)

----team---points--goals--against--differential
Nargothrond..9........5...........2........+3
Mirkwood......6.........7..........4........+3
Arnor............3.........5..........6.........-1
Helm's Deep..0.........1..........6.........-5

GROUP C (Isengard)

----team---points--goals--against--differential
Hithlum.........7........6.........3.........+3
Minas Morgul..5........7.........4........+3
Gondolin........4........6.........5........+1
Isengard........0........1.........8.........-7

GROUP D (Erebor)

----team---points--goals--against--differential
Eregion........9..........6..........2........+4
Erebor..........4..........5..........4........+1
Osgiliath.......4..........5.........5..........0
Mordor..........0..........1.........6.........-5

GROUP E (Lothlorien)

----team---points--goals--against--differential
Armenelos....9...........8..........2........+6
Dor-Lomin....6...........7..........5........+2
Lothlorien.....1...........3..........6.........-3
Doriath.........1...........4.........9..........-5

GROUP F (Shire)

----team---points--goals--against--differential
Edoras.........9..........6..........0........+6
Taniquetil.....4..........3..........3.........0
Shire...........2..........2..........5........-3
Dorthonion...1..........2..........5........-3

GROUP G (Tuna)

---team---points--goals--against--differential
Tuna..........9........11........3.........+8
T-i-G..........4........7.........7...........0
Gondor.......2........5.........7..........-2
Brethil........1........3.........9..........-6

GROUP H (Bree)

----team---points--goals--against--differential
Valimar........9..........8.........1.........+7
Romenna.....6..........3.........3..........0
Bree............1..........4.........7.........-3
Amon Sul.....1..........2.........6.........-4

the phantom

06-18-2009, 12:56 PM

These are the sixteen teams who fought their way through group play to gain a chance at the coveted Arda Cup! The playoff format is standard- winner advances, loser goes home. Winner of match 1 plays winner of match 2, winner of match 3 plays winner of match 4, etc. So without further delay, here are the games you've been waiting for. The playoffs are here!! :) :cool:

Angband versus Romenna

Nargothrond versus Tol-in-Gaurhoth

Hithlum versus Taniquetil

Eregion versus Dor-Lomin

Armenelos versus Erebor

Edoras versus Minas Morgul

Tuna versus Mirkwood

Valimar versus Minas Tirith

Boromir88

06-18-2009, 07:56 PM

Jim "Scoop" Johnstone here and Round 3's predictions turned out to be significantly better than Round 2. I managed 9-7, in calling games correctly, if it weren't for a few unexpected ties that would be much better! That brings the total to 15-17, and I'm looking to shoot that prediction record up now that it's playoff time and there are no nasty draws! Now we get a clear cut winner, and the champion is decided in a playoff system, as is the right way of crowning a champion!

These games will be significantly tougher to predict, there are no more Isengard cupcakes teams can beat up on, and you lose, you're gone, there is no room for teams to slip up. Now it's time to offer in-depth, unbiased, and the best analysis of each match you will ever find.

Match 1: Angband v. Romenna

What a mighty even first game match this is...Romenna's stout defense and well organized team vs. the powerful might and scary scoring threat of Angband. Usually I would take the ability to score a goal at anytime in the match as the winner, however in Cup in a parallel universe, a well-organized Iraq team gave the offensive powerhouse Spain one heck of a game.

Romenna lost their last match to Valimar, but Valimar is probably slightly more talented than Angband. Angband comes off a win against Alqualonde, but it was a pretty lackluster perfomance...and now there are questions about whether the goodie-two-shoes Hurin and Gwindor want to play for their team. Those two think they have completely clean hands...ha...ha, but if Angband wants to advance far in the tournament Hurin will definitely have to get evil.

Angband's offensive ability will outmatch Romenna, and Carcharoth will continue to improve from his last preformance. Angband wins 2-1...and I will also predict the guy named Tar will get the goal for Romenna. Do I pick up an extra point? :D

Match 2: Nargothrond v. Tol-in-Gaurhoth

Poor Nargothrond to get this opponent in the first round. But maybe it's good, because everyone in the Soccer community knows TIG has been a major letdown so far. The fans have lost some of that swagger after a disappointing group play showing...and the team may have lost their swagger too. That's not good, because guys need swagger, they need to know they are better and they will go out and beat you on the field. If a team doesn't have that, they might as well go home now, because they aint winning this tournament, let alone beating anyone in it!

Positively though, TIG is not facing Miriel, and no one on Nargothrond can even come close to Miriel's ability...so at least morm-"Swiss Cheese"-wolf should be able to handle GK and hopefully the FWs will step up their game, because right now I'd rather have Natalie Portman, a t-bone steak, and a basket of mozarella sticks as the TIG forwards, because at least they will be appetizing to watch. Where was I...oh yes, match prediction...Draw 2-2, but TIG will take it in a shootout.

Match 3: Hithlum v. Taniquetil

Taniquetil is lucky to be here, there is no motivation, no passion. They believe if Eru wills them to win, they will win, and there is nothing the can do about it. Bogus, I say. The team that will win this tournament, will win it, because they play the best soccer...and that team is not going to be Taniquetil.

Hithlum's got high expectations, and so far they may not have lived quite up to it, drawing with Minas Morgul in their group (but Minas Morgul is an unexpected surprise so far!) The point is, Hithlum is in, they're up against a talented team, but a team that is entirely unmotivated. It's playoff time, which means it's Feanor time, and he will show up all the phantasy managers dumping him faster than a hot potato for that rotten Miriel. Hithlum wins 2-0.

Match 4: Eregion v. Dor-Lomin

It's a surprise to me that Dor-Lomin is here, but Turin still is not a premier player. What did he have in the must win match against Doriath? Oh that's right, one assist. And of course now he is up against the strongest defensive team in the tournament. I challenge anyone to put up more than 2 goals against Eregion. Dor-Lomin's own defense has been shaky, if Eregion gets 2 goals on them (and they will) it's over. Eregion wins 2-1.

Match 5: Armenolos v. Erebor

On paper this looks like it won't be a contest, Armenolos is too powerful, and unstoppable with Sauron playing at the level that he is. It doesn't matter what he's planning, alone, in the clubhouse - away from the rest of the team. Whatever he's doing it's working, and the team feels it's working too, because Armenolos dominated everyone in their group. And unlike some other groups, that was one of the tougher ones, any one of the 4 teams had a good shot a winning or advancing. Armenolos has shown up ready to play.

Though I suspect the tough to tame dwarves, and the most charming and lovable dragon there is, Smaug, will have some fight in him. This could be an off-game for Sauron, as the Dwarves will prove to be tough foes against him, as they always have been. Too bad for Erebor, that Armenolos has many more weapons at their disposal. Armenolos wins 3-1.

Match 6: Edoras v. Minas Morgul

This is probably the toughest match of the 1st playoff round to call. Edoras who has not given up a goal yet, but they have only played the Taniqantscore bums, the Borethonion slugheads, and The not even good enough to get a corny name Shirelings. Minas Morgul will be a true test to Edoras' defense...and this is the match I am more looking forward to. Because Minas Morgul has proven they can put up points, and points against tough defensive teams like Hithlum and Gondolin.

Edoras has an under-rated offensive ability, and their comradarity as a team is unrivalled, but ultimately Minas Morgul has hands down the best player on the field and he's got 3 of his Nazgul who will come to his call on the defense. Theoden finally breaks and so does Edoras, it was a good showing for them, but they are a few stars short of having a really dominant team. Minas Morgul wins 3-2.

Match 7: Tuna v. Mirkwood

This will be another offensively dominated match, you can forget about the defenses. For no amount of odds will I predict this game will end 1-0. Miriel v. Scatha...edge Tuna. Finwe v. Legolas...edge Tuna. Nerdanel v. Thranduil...edge Tuna...you see the point don't you? Tuna's offense is even better than last tournament, and last tournament they scared a lot of teams, but defense was their undoing.

But before I actually trash both defenses, it's necessary to point out the addition of Aule at GK for Tuna, who has been pretty impressive so far, and against some capable offenses too, like TIG and Gondor. Tuna might not rely on defense, but they are going to tell every opponent, "Go ahead try to put up 4 goals on us" because that's what it will take to knock them off. Mirkwood has some firepower, but not that much. Tuna wins 4-2.

Match 8: Valimar v. Minas Tirith

Poor Minas Tirith, it's been an impressive and good tournament for them, but Valimar is just too much for them. Aragorn will surely give his guys a speech that will heat the blood and stir the mind, but speeches don't win matches. Aragorn has not seen an enemy like Melkor, they will fast find themselves down 2-0 and the Minas Tirith defenders will be clueless to how it happened. Valimar wins 3-1.

Nogrod

06-21-2009, 06:46 PM

Arda Kicker Magazine has been following the last round of the group-stage and is happy first to deal the following stars from round three.

Five stars go to:

Curufin of Nargothrond
Felarof of Edoras
Miriel of Túna
mormwolf of TIG

Three stars go to:

Aulë of Túna
Beleg of Dor Lomin
Boromir of Minas Tirith
Carcaroth of Angband
Elrond of Eregion
Gwindor of Angband
Melkor of Valimar
Scatha of Mirkwood
Ungoliant of Valimar

One star goes to:

Aragost of Amon Sûl
Arahael of Amon Sûl
Araphor of Arnor
Eldacar of Osgiliath
Finwé of Túna
Hardang of Brethil
Huan of Hithlum
Nerdanel of Túna
Orodreth of Nargothrond
Rôg of Gondolin
Romendacil of Osgiliath
Sauron of Armenelos
Shadowfax of Edoras
Tar Atanamir of Armenelos
Theoden of Edoras
Thranduil of Mirkwood
Varda of Taniquetil

~*~
FANFARES! tat-ta-dat-taaaa!
~*~

Then it will time for some special awards after the group-stage is now completed!

The amazing defence (defenders & goalie) of Edoras (Theoden, Frealaf, Elfwine, Shadowfax and Felarof) playing three shut-outs in a row will gain five stars each.

The most solid midfields who otherwise seldom score points in the tournament as a whole; those of Valimar (Balrog #4, Arien, Tilion, Melkor) will gain five stars each and those of Angband (Tevildo, Gwindor, Thuringwethil, Húrin) will gain three stars each.

Best value for “money” prizes will be given to the most effective players who have not been starred by the organisers of the tournament. They will get the following stars: Nerdanel (18pts.) 5 stars, Eärendil (17pts.) 4 stars and Eldacar (16pts.) 3 stars.

------

All this will result in the following stars (those not playing anymore are in italics) after the group phase:

11 stars:
Felarof of Edoras
Melkor of Valimar
Nerdanel of Tuna

10 stars:
Elros of Romenna

7 stars:
Eldacar of Osgiliath
Miriel of Tuna
mormwolf of TIG
Shadowfax of Edoras

Bubbling under in six stars… Curufin, Galadriel, Gwindor, Sauron, Theoden and Tilion.

In five… Arien, Arwen, Balrog #4, Eärendil, Elfwine, Frealaf, Gandalf, Huor, Nazgul #6 and Turgon.

Beleg and Elrond are in four stars. In three stars there are twenty players…

A little teaser coverage by AKM to follow in a shortwhile... :rolleyes:

Nogrod

06-21-2009, 07:16 PM

On last year's tournament the first knock-out round went as follows:

Rivendell won Valimar in a shoot-out
TIG beat Mordor in a thriller

Formenos overran Amon Rhûdh
Nargothrond lost scandalously to Túna

Gondolin beat Umbar
Armenelos had it easy with Doriath

Hithlum crushed Mirkwood
Angband gave no chance to Fornost

Only Túna managed to beat the odds being the second best of it's own group and beating the number one of another group.

The teams were a bit different then - a lot different on some accounts, like trading the whole forward-trio of Formenos (Aredhel, Maedhros, Fëanor) to Hithlum for this season - but one does well to remember those times as well...

How did it continue?

Well, the teams advancing to the quarter-finals last year were TIG, Formenos, Armenelos and Hithlum.
(For more, see the very first post of this thread on page1)

the phantom

06-21-2009, 10:22 PM

GROUP A
1st Place: Angband
11/13 people had them advancing
10/13 had them finishing first

2nd Place: Minas Tirith
only Hakon and Wilwa had them advancing
only Hakon had them finishing second

Not a single person had both Angband and Minas Tirith in their proper places.

GROUP B
1st Place: Nargothrond
12/13 had them advancing
10/13 had them finishing first

2nd Place: Mirkwood
6/13 had them advancing
4/13 had them finishing second

Skip, Nogrod, Shasta, and TGEW had Group B perfect.

GROUP C
1st Place: Hithlum
13/13 had them advancing!
13/13 had them finishing first!!

2nd Place: Minas Morgul
0/13 had them advancing!!
0/13 had them finishing second!

12/13 people picked Hithlum-Gondolin, 1 person picked Hithlum-Isengard. So no one had it right.

GROUP D
1st Place: Eregion
13/13 had them advancing!
11/13 had them finishing first

2nd Place: Erebor
4/13 had them advancing
4/13 had them finishing second

Nogrod, Boro, Hakon, and Nerwen had Group D perfect.

GROUP E
1st Place: Armenelos
9/13 had them advancing
5/13 had them finishing first

2nd Place: Dor-Lomin
6/13 had them advancing
3/13 had them finishing second

Only Morm and Skip got Group E perfect.

GROUP F
1st Place: Edoras
4/13 had them advancing
0/13 had them finishing first!!

2nd Place: Taniquetil
12/13 had them advancing
0/13 had them finishing second!

Everyone except TGEW had Taniquetil finishing first! No one got Group F completely correct.

GROUP G
1st Place: Tuna
11/13 had them advancing
Wilwa had them finishing first

2nd Place: Tol-in-Gaurhoth
13/13 had them advancing!
Wilwa had them finishing second

Most everyone had the right teams, but had them turned around. Except Wilwa. She got Group G perfect.

GROUP H
1st Place: Valimar
12/13 had them advancing
10/13 had them finishing first

2nd Place: Romenna
3/13 had them advancing
2/13 had them finishing second

Nogrod and Gwath got Group H perfect.

********************

So, the heaviest favorites to advance were Hithlum, Eregion, and TIG with 100% of the vote, and the voters were right with all three teams.

The next heaviest favorites to advance were Nargothrond, Taniquetil, Valimar, and Gondolin with 92% of the vote. Gondolin disappointed the crowds and didn't advance however.

Minas Morgul advanced and was picked by NO ONE!

Minas Tirith advanced being picked by only Hakon and Wilwa.

Romenna advanced only being picked by three people.

Edoras and Erebor were only chosen by four.

skip spence

06-23-2009, 03:27 PM

As a sign of good will Angband had chosen to host their game against Romenna on the fields of Ard-Galen, and not in their usual cavernous underground stadium deep under the Thangorodrim. That was the official story anyhow. In reality, Angband had never before acted on an altruistic agenda, and few believed good will had anything to do with the decision now either. The fact that there were no Orcs in the line-up, but several Men and Elves, coupled with this new-look team’s dependence on speed, movement and skill, rather than than on intimidation and sheer power, were likelier to have been the reason for the choice, commentators judged.

The day began in full sunshine, and the visiting Romenna players and fans could not believe their luck. It was a beautiful day for football and the pitch was in perfect condition, the complete opposite of what they’d expected from an away game at Angband. A few hours before kick-off the Romenna fans singing stuck in their throats however. Thangorodrim started to belch out fumes and black smoke, and the sun was dimmed. The earth trembled under their feet, and there was a noise as of rolling thunder coming from the very earth, seemingly. As Ancalagon entered the pitch a there was a flash of lightning, and the howling of Carcaroth chilled the visiting fans to the bone. This would be no walk in the park.

As play got under way, the Angband fans, mostly Orcs and Easterling, made a rhythmic but unsettling noise beating bones and skulls upon each other, many of them unearthed from the Haudh-en-Ndengi nearby. The Romenna players and fans looked disgusted and upset, but there was little they could do but go on now. Soon the Numenorian team was struggling to stay alive themselves. Angband came out firing on all cylinders, and attacked with fury on both wings and the centre. The tall and brave Numenorian centre backs did an excellent job containing the aerial threat of Ancalagon however, and Maeglin had a hard time getting into space too. Romenna themselves found it very difficult to get players into decent attacking positions, and when they did, they were too undermanned. In the 34th minute they got the chance they were looking for as Ulfast slipped, giving the ball away. Now they attacked with six players against only three Angbad defenders, but Vardamir hesitated, and then tried to play a difficult pass that was easily intercepted. Uldor was quick to react on the chance to counter and sent a long ball up towards Ancalagon, who was challenged by Aldarion, but none of them could reach the ball and as it dropped behind them Thuringwethil came from nowhere, fluttered past the last man and all alone with the Romenna number one she beat Elros with a delicate chip. The capacity crowd roared with glee and hatred.

Now Romenna were forced to attack, but still they came nowhere against a very solid Angband. The fans tried to urge them on, but they too were undermanned and the home crowd’s ridicule always reached the Romenna player’s ears before the encouragement did. Still they battled valiantly, and Angband could not score again until much of the second half had passed. And too be fair, the goal should not have been allowed. Hurin, who had had a quiet game until then, suddenly exploded into action, dribbling past Anarion and then Tar-Ancalime, but when the ball got away from him he went down in a heap, crying foul and appearing to be seriously hurt. The crowd was furious and under pressure the referee pointed to the spot. That was a blatant dive from Hurin, who brushed himself off with a grin, getting back onto his feet. Ancalagon stepped up and put away the penalty kick, but that’s no way to lose a football match!

The Romenna players protested, and the fans booed Hurin, the last one they’d expect to pull a trick like that on them, but to no avail. Now the intensity of the match ebbed out a little, as Angband tried successfully to keep possession of the ball, while Romnenna chased shadows mostly. They did get a few half-chances to reduce the deficit, and had they done so it might have been an exiting finish, but this was not to be their day. The full time whistle went and Angband had advanced to the quarter finals. Comfortably.

Angband 2-0 Romenna
shots 14-9
on target 6-3
GOALS:
*34, Angband (Thuringwethil, Uldor)
*67, Angband pen (Ancalagon, Hurin)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Angband- Drauglin, Balrog #5, Hurin
*Romenna- Tar Ancalime, Vardamir

the phantom

06-23-2009, 04:54 PM

Nargothrond versus Tol-in-Gaurhoth

There was a steady stream of Elves leaving the gates of Nargothrond throughout the day, making their way on devious paths up to the top of a high cliff overlooking the Narog. There stood the entrance to the great stadium, which was delved deep down into the bluff, so far that the stadium was actually domed rather than being open on the top.

The residents hoped that this would yield their team an extra advantage, as the Werewolves from Tol-in-Gaurhoth were used to the outdoors. The crowd was excited, but not too cocky, for the previous year they had suffered a first round defeat in their home stadium at the hands of Tuna, and the pain of it was fresh in their minds. And this team of Werewolves was certain to put up a fight, having tasted quite a bit of success last time around.

Quite a few Elves from the havens and from Doriath made the trek to see the game, and were definitely supporting Nargothrond, and so it was that the Werewolves entered to only a few cheers, where as Glaurung and company were greeted with great enthusiasm. The dragon-father looked very imposing, and Beren and Mablung up front appeared determined to deliver a win. After gutting out three straight one-goal victories, they felt they had the necessary competitiveness to get it done again.

As the game kicked off, it definitely appeared that Nargothrond was well prepared. Their fine defense, led by the likes of Curufin and Luthien, held firm against the first wave of aggressive attacks, and then they pushed the ball downfield to counter. The Werewolves however defended just as expertly, and Nargothrond could not gain a decent look.

Neither side threatened seriously for the first several minutes, but finally just after 20 minutes Glaurung made a great individual run, beating two defenders and leaving the ball for Beren who made no mistake and put the home team ahead early! "We're one goal away!" exclaimed many fans, who were certain that two goals would be enough to defeat any foe. After all, hadn't their team held the dangerous Scatha and friends from Mirkwood to one goal, as well as the fine club from Arnor?

But the Werewolves, determined to show that they were a more dangerous team than any Nargothrond had faced, pushed forward with great energy and time and again made fantastic runs forward. But each and every time their skill and speed was matched by Luthien and the sons of Feanor. The Werewolves also got as physical as they could get away with, except with Glaurung, but as the minutes wore on the Elves and Beren showed that they could take the pounding and did not slow.

Half time arrived and the frustrated Werewolves made their way to the lockers to talk things over. The crowd wasn't celebrating yet, but the mood was certainly upbeat. "Just forty-five more minutes!" they cried.

But it turned out even five minutes was too long to hold out. The Werewolves stormed out of the tunnel and began playing their fastest and roughest yet, and Phantomwolf managed to keep his feet and the ball through a double tackle from the sons of Feanor and sent it off to SPMwolf who held off Luthien with his broad back and sent the ball past Orodreth to equalize!

Nargothrond tried to answer back, and gained a couple of chances, but Mormwolf corralled the attempts easily and Nargothrond was denied the lead. Then TIG put their possession game into play and try as they might Nargothrond could not gain the ball back. The Werewolves passed it side to side, front to back, and tried to keep the other side running nonstop, while all over the field they continued to create contact as much as possible to bang up the other side.

As the clock went over 70 minutes, it appeared that they were having results at last, and Nargothrond looked just a half-step slower, and so the Werewolves went in for the kill. They built up the attack carefully and gained a couple of decent chances, but then they really pressed forward and attacked with nearly everyone and Nargothrond's defense simply could not withstand the assault, as at minute 76 Nogwolf deflected Borowolf's side-bar miss back into the goal to take the lead!

The home crowd urged their team to greater efforts, but it seemed they were out of gas, or the Werewolves had gained an extra boost, for their attacks were turned aside with ease and the goal was never under serious threat. Glaurung beat his tail upon the ground in anger as the final whistle blew and the heroes from Nargothrond trotted dejectedly off the field. The Werewolves on the other hand leaped into the crowd to celebrate with their small section of supporters. They were through to the quarterfinals!

Nargothrond 1-2 Tol-in-Gaurhoth
shots 11-18
on target 5-8
GOALS:
*21, Nargothrond (Beren, Glaurung)
*49, TIG (SPMwolf, Phantomwolf)
*76, TIG (Nogwolf, Borowolf)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Nargothrond- Finduilas, Mim
*Tol-in-Gaurhoth- Skipwolf, Borowolf, Runewolf

Nogrod

06-23-2009, 05:49 PM

It was a cool and shiny day in Hollin. The colours were subdued but bright, like they tend to be: different shades of grey, pale green and yellow, different light browns, occasional red and the light blue and white from the sky… The great arena built a day’s walk from the gates of Moria was getting filled up with people around the Middle-Earth. There were elves and men from all ages and dwarves and maiar, and sure some odd ones as well. Tom Bombadil and Treebeard were caught by the media, as well as a few hobbits of some stature.

It was looking like a family-gathering, which it kind of was. Both teams knew each other well and loved and / or honoured each other. The welcoming-banquet on the eve of the match took to the wee hours – to the concern of the organisers: a bunch of players with a mighty hangover was not exactly what they wished to see.

But the players were professionals and took to bed early enough. The same could not be said of the supporters, especially the human supporters of Dor Lomin. They celebrated to the morning and waking up at noon continued where they had left it during the night. And the talk was getting more abrasive and proud.

Many humans boasted they were the elders around. Their team had fought the Evil itself, Morgoth, while the players of the Eregion team had only skirmished with the shade of Morgoth, Sauron. And the humans were the ancestors of many of the players in the opposing team, allowing the most drunken supporters to call the elves “kids” or “youngsters”, which surely annoyed many of the first-born.

But it was also the vanity of the elves that proved to be a problem. Unlike gracious and wise elves they were supposed to be, some of them didn’t let the drunken words pass but took to them. “Are we not the first-born? So who’s the youngster around here?” or, “What would your heroes be without us who have saved the day so many times in the past?” Any educated reader might figure out the following arguments about who rescued who, or who betrayed who, or who was to blame initially for any tragedy x, y or z…

The evening coming along – and the discussions among the supporters of the opposing sides getting tougher and turning into minor rows here and there - the organisers felt they had a possible problem in their hands and decided to act on it. After talking to the captains of the teams, namely Gandalf and Marach, they agreed on the procedures.

Some rebel-rousers were taken into the custody but it was a low-profile manouver until the beginning of the match. The supporters of both teams were trying their best to out-sing the supporters of the other team when the teams finally entered the field. And how they did it!

First there came Gandalf and Marach, hand in hand, talking amiably to each other as they went along. They were followed by Túrin and Gil-Galad, as well hand in hand. And all the others followed in pairs until finally Tuor and Eärendil came in as the last pair their arms over each other’s shoulders. The crowds were silenced when the first players were sighted but burst into great applauds realising the message. And with Tuor and Eärendil entering they just got wild. It was good, thus far.

But however nicely the teams entered the field, the game itself was a tough-fought one.

From the beginning the general mood of the game became clear. It was an open game where both teams tried their best not falling into defence only or playing it safe. Dor Lomin built chances for Beleg and Túrin and they were dangerous indeed. The elven supporters watched in awe the way those two played and crossed their fingers for their thus far solid defence and master Elrond to keep them at bay. But on the other end the scrappy defence (in both meanings of the word) of Dor Lomin was having problems with the well organised attacks Eregion team built up and the human supporters were biting their nails every time the elves got a real build-up going.

At 35th minute one of those build-ups finally paid off. After a beautiful set-up Eärendil passed the ball neatly behind the Dor Lomin defenders. Glorfindel had just gotten rid of his shadow – Galdor that is – for the first time in the match and suddenly faced Huor one on one. He pretended to shoot with his right foot and Huor fell into it jumping towards the left corner. Changing his foot Glorfindel had an easy task to pass the ball into the right one before Galdor and Marach were on him (Galdor actually got booked for a late tackle from that situation).

After the goal the Eregion team withdrew to defend their lead for the last ten minutes of the first half in good order, and even if Dor Lomin pressed on they were not able to break the defences of the elven team – even if one spicy shot from thirty meters by Beleg really forced Elrond to do his best to tip it away from the top-right corner of the goal.

The second half went much in the same vein as the first one had done. Eregion controlled the game more and built careful and organised attacks while the Dor Lomin team ran their game through Beleg and Túrin trying to get them into shooting-range. The reason for the lack of goals was clear for everyone to see; Eregion’s forwards shot a number of times but oftentimes over or wide the goal whereas the better quality shots by Beleg and Túrin were either shut out by the great defence of Eregion or saved by Elrond’s master-quality goalkeeping. With a lesser goalie Dor Lomin could have equalised a few times during the first thirty minutes of the second half.

Just ten minutes before full time, when the elven supporters had already started singing their songs of victory Dor Lomin finally scored to make the game even.

Hador had advanced from the right side and playing a wall with Beleg managed to reach the corner of the box. With a neat little trick he got Erestor off balance for the second needed to hammer a real power-shot towards the goal. Elrond could only parry the ball away pushing it to the right – which was exactly what Túrin had anticipated seeing that Hador was to shoot. With his stunning acceleration Túrin left Celebrimbor standing as he sprinted towards the goal only to get the ball straight to his feet. There was no room for mistake from there. The human supporters made a standing ovation to their hero and only sat down after the game had continued for few minutes.

Even if both teams added their pace for the last ten minutes the game went into overtime. The crowds were now getting real value for their money: what a thriller!

On overtime both teams had their chances. On the 6th minute Beleg hit the post with a swerving powershot from between Gildor’s legs. Elrond was totally out from the situation but it seemed the elves were lucky in this game.

On the other end Eärendil completely fooled his great grandfather and passed the ball to Gil-Galad who volleyed the ball with might from 15 meters… just wide!

On the 15th minute Gundor sliped with the ball and Gil-Galad managed to rob it from him. Suddenly an easy paced build up had reversed into three to two counter attack by Eregion. Eärendil took Gloredhel with him leaving Glorfindel free in the middle when Marach was challenging Gil-Galad. With a great technique Gil-Galad managed to pass the ball to Glorfindel who had time to advance a few steps and then rocketed the ball towards the top-left corner… And Huor made a spectacular save! The elven crowds had already began to yell and cheer only to be silenced with the performance of the Dor Lomin goalie.

On the 21st minute of the overtime Dor Lomin made a promising attack. Beleg got the ball to the side and made a straight run towards the goal-line while Túrin was running towards the goal with Gandalf and Celebrimbor marking him closely. Beleg beat Erestor at the goal-line and chipped the ball towards the middle… and it was going wide it’s mark as Túrin was too far away and held by Gandalf while Celebrimbor had turned to pick the pass. But what did Túrin do? He dived forwards from between the defenders and went for an on-air header. And he made it! The move came so out of the blue that Elrond had no chance when he finally saw it coming! It was a goal! Gooool!

Dor Lomin was through! Eregion had been beaten in their home venue! The elves couldn’t believe it. Two thirds of the stadium were totally silent while the human supporters were yelling, screaming and dancing while calling Túrin’s name in a mighty choir.

Could anyone stop this mighty duo?

Eregion 1-2 Dor Lomin (Overtime)

shots 14-14
on target 5-9
GOALS:
*35, Eregion (Glorfindel, Earendil)
*80, Dor-Lomin (Turin, Hador)
*OT 21, Dor-Lomin (Turin, Beleg)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Eregion- Valandil, Elrohir, Gildor
*Dor-Lomin- Galdor, Tuor, Gundor, Morwen

Nogrod

06-23-2009, 05:54 PM

The magnificient city of Armenelos was hosting an Arda Cup play-off game for a second year running. The Armenelos stadium situated just in the shadow of the tower and the citadel was ready to receive the players and the fans and the town was buzzing with enthusiasm and confidence.

On the match-day all the major daily newspapers published Arda Cup -supplements reporting widely on the games so far, speculating on Armenelos’ next opponents and reminiscing about the last year’s tournament.

“The catastrophy of last year is forgotten, I’m ready even for a shoot out if one comes this year”, Ar Gimilzor assured in an "Armenelos Times" interview. “But we’ll play in a way we don’t need to go into those anymore”, he added. And people were pleased. All the team and management were on the affirmative: the team had learned from last year’s tournament and would not let the opposing teams to take early leads like last year. They would press on from the very first minute to the last.

It was widely accepted that Erebor would be no match for the home team. They had a dragon to be sure but Sauron could easily hold it at bay if needed. Armenelos had humbled their opponents game after game in the group phase and they had promised to continue that style in the play-offs as well.

"The Númenorian" was the most confident as it’s front page screamed: “No chance for petty dwarves and lesser men! Armenelos will prevail!”. As people started gathering to the stadium the old song “Rule Armenelos, Armenelos rule the world!” was heard from all around the gathering populace – and getting into the stadium itself it concentrated into one big roar for the home team: Rule Armenelos, Armenelos rule the world!

There were a few hundred die-hard fans of Erebor attending the match, mainly men and dwarves. Also a few thousand football fans had arrived from Gondor and the south. But almost 90% of the spectators were Númenorians championing their own team with enthusiasm. To the visiting team the roar and thunder of the home team supporters was intimidating indeed as they entered the fully packed stadium bellowing and chanting for the home team.

And so was the game itself. Armenelos ran over Erebor from the first minutes as they had promised. After half an hour’s play the home team was leading already 2-0. Armenelos pressed on from deep inside Erebor territory forcing the Ereborians to lose balls or to try long passes up to the forwards. The Armenelos midfielders and defenders took those long passes easily into control and ran into attack time after time. Smaug was a shadow of it’s earlier glory in the field now that Sauron was personally guarding it and shutting out any possibility Smaug might have had to take control of the ball and eventually do something.

But the flare and stamina of the home team was just amazing. They rained attacks to Erebor defences from left and right, shooting from far and near. As there always seemed to be a new way of creating an attack, the Erebor players could never anticipate for good what was going to happen next. “Lord of the West” rocketed the ball in from 32 meters at the 13th minute of play while the forwards were denying Bain any decent view to the ball when it left Ar Adunakhor’s boot. Ar Pharazon shoved the ball in from close quarters at 29th minute after a corner kick.

It was a virtuoso performance from the home team. And there was more to come. Less than ten minutes into the second half Ar Gimilzor made the lead 3-0 and broke the spine of the visiting team – thus finally throwing the disaster of the last year’s play-offs from his back. The game was over and the rest was a formality.

Armenelos kept the game under control but they also eased up their pressure and active guarding so that the Erebor team also managed to create a few chances – even though most of their shots went wide. At 76th minute the visitors finally got their comfort-goal with Nazgul #7 seeing nicely how the defenders took Bolg a bit sloppily and sped the ball to him behind the defenders. Bolg thanked for the nice pass and scored from the penalty spot.

In the end Armenelos had chances to make it 4-1 but Tar Minastir shot it just an inch wide.

After a confident win the host-supporters could play it generous and no major rows were reported from the night following the game. A few skirmishes of course, but that’s just normal with events like these.

So Armenelos really showed their quality once again pulling out a clear victory with a masterclass performance. The ones getting on their way the next should really prepare - if that helps...

Armenelos 3-1 Erebor

shots 15-8
on target 7-3
GOALS:
*13, Armenelos (Ar Adunakhor, Tar Calmacil)
*29, Armenelos (Ar Pharazon, Sauron)
*52, Armenelos (Ar Gimilzor, Tar Minastir)
*76, Erebor (Bolg, Nazgul #7)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Armenelos- Tar Minastir, Tar Ancalimon
*Erebor- Bard, Girion, Bolg

the phantom

06-24-2009, 01:08 PM

Tuna versus Mirkwood

The Elves and Ainur who were staying in and around Tirion could not have been more thrilled. They had witnessed the team from Tuna sweep through their group, and now they were awarded the chance to see yet another game!

It was a very small number of fans who made their way to Valinor to support Mirkwood. A couple dozen orcs (to support the Nazgul), a small group of woodmen (to support Grimbeorn), a small ship of Rohirrim (to support Fram), a couple ents (to support Treebeard), a few score of wood Elves (to support Thranduil and his lot), and a pack of spiders who were "Just here for the party!".

But the many thousands of other seats in the stadium were filled by supporters of Tuna, and the team hoped to draw energy from the crowd. As the home side stepped out onto the field, the crowd was louder than they had been for any of the group play games. The recess between the group stages and the playoffs had given their imaginations time to wander, and there was hardly a Tuna fan in the house who had not been thinking that their team could very well win the Arda Cup this year. They had the highest scoring offense in the tournament and the best goal differential, and they had reached the quarters last year. And this year their defense had been improved! Surely they were one of the favorites!

The game began and the crowd roared as Tuna immediately went on the attack. Five minutes in Nerdanel sent a great cross to Miriel, but Radagast was a wizard on defense and didn't let her take it cleanly. Treebeard came up in support and sent the ball back towards midfield where Fram won it and sent it towards one of the corners where Thranduil outfought Indis for control. He immediately charged towards the box, wrong-footed Ingwe, and blasted a shot past the onrushing Amras. Aule had the shooting lane covered however, but the shot was so forceful that Aule could not grab it cleanly and it squirted on towards the opposite side where Nazgul #6 was the first to it and gave Mirkwood the lead!

The crowd groaned. This was not the way to start! But Tuna could score a heap of goals, so things weren't too terribly dire. And indeed, Tuna went immediately on the attack again, and over the next few minutes Oropher had to make a couple of great saves to preserve the lead. But just when it looked like he couldn't hold on any longer, Grimbeorn managed to steal the ball away from Finarfin and the counter-attack was on yet again. The forwards from Mirkwood sprinted forward with everything they had, and their sudden speed and passing accuracy caught the Tuna defenders off guard and they could not recover in time to stop a thunderous tail shot by Scatha, and Mirkwood was up by two goals only 15 minutes into the match!

Tuna tried to go on the attack again, but now with a nice lead Mirkwood pulled back and concentrated wholly on defense, and even the potent offense of Tuna could not score. Radagast was quick and clever enough to contain Miriel for the most part, and the strength of Treebeard neutralized Finwe, while the tireless energy and rough play of the bear-man Grimbeorn put a stop to Nerdanel. And the rest of the team added their talents to the fray and the result was that Tuna slumped off the field at the half down two goals. Local newspapers and magazines already started trying out headlines- "Tuna Trapped!", "Trouble Upon Tuna!", and "Mirkwood Shocks World!".

But one minute after the break, those headlines were forgotten as Tuna finally broke through. Tuna attacked with speed and skill that Mirkwood had never seen, and Finarfin cut the lead in half! Again and again shots rained in, but fortunately for Mirkwood most were high or wide, and Oropher managed the ones that would have been equalizers. Mirkwood attempted to push the ball down-field themselves, but Tuna won it back every time and continued the pressure. "No way can Mirkwood hold us off forever!" cried the fans.

And they were right! With just over fifteen minutes left Miriel finally shook off Radagast and Finwe found her on the run and the score was even! The fans were out of control, urging their team to win it in regulation, but the Mirkwood team pulled themselves together and sent it into extra time.

When the extra minutes began, it was Mirkwood going all out attack to the surprise of Tuna and their fans. Twice in the opening minutes Tuna nearly made them pay with a quick counter, but Mirkwood managed to get it back and continued the pressure. And then, only five minutes in, King Thranduil headed in a perfect pass from Bilbo and the crowd noise went down to a low buzz.

The Tuna supporters round the stadium attempted to maintain hope. "Twenty-five minutes left- Tuna still has time to score." Mirkwood pulled everyone back to defend. "We have a great offense. We'll equalize." Mirkwood cluttered up the area in front of the goal. "There's still time. Twenty minutes." Nerdanel and Finwe were looking slower from their treatment by Treebeard and Grimbeorn. "Fifteen left. The offense can still come through." Mirkwood suffocated all attacks, allowing only long shots. "Ten left! Hurry!" Mirkwood gained possession and refused to give it back. "Come on! Time is running out!" Tuna controlled the ball and started the attack again, but Mirkwood held firm. "Noooooo!!!!"

It was over. The home fans covered their faces, or kicked their chairs, and some even wept. The fans from Mirkwood, however, celebrated together like they had never celebrated before! They had pulled off possibly the greatest upset in the history of Mirkwood!

Tuna 2-3 Mirkwood (OVERTIME)
shots 20-13
on target 8-6
GOALS:
*6, Mirkwood (Nazgul #6, Thranduil)
*14, Mirkwood (Scatha, Legolas)
*46, Tuna (Finarfin, Nerdanel)
*73, Tuna (Miriel, Finwe)
*OT 5, Mirkwood (Thranduil, Bilbo)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Tuna- Mahtan, Amras, Nerdanel
*Mirkwood- Radagast, Thranduil

skip spence

06-24-2009, 02:15 PM

Match 3: Taniquetil at Hithlum

The curse of the Noldor was the talk of the town ahead of the third match of the knock-out stages of Arda Cup between Hithlum and Taniquetil. Was the Doom of Mandos still in effect? Some said yes, other no and not a few said yes and no, meaning that yes the Noldor would remain dispossessed of jewelry and kingship, but no, not of football trophies. Some also remembered the words the herald of Manwë had spoken to Fëanor in Tuna ages ago: “For none of the Valar canst thou overcome now or ever within the Halls of Eä”. Were these words applicable to football? Those who believed they were, meant that Hithlum had no chance to win of course. Others felt that the only way the passive and complacent Valar could beat Hithlum was by divine intervention, which was clear breach of the AFA regulation. When asked about it, Mandos remained enigmatic, saying “Ye shall know when the time appointed cometh!” The reporter went on to ask if he felt worried that Fëanor, Fingolfin and company would run them over, especially given the Vala team’s lacklustre performance so far in the tournament. “Nay, I already know the final score”, was the Taniquetil keeper’s short answer. Fëanor was less courteous. “The time of the Valar is over” he said. “They should have stayed in Aman behind the safety of their mountains. Here they have nothing to gain and empty-handed they shall return.”

The eagles of Manwë were soaring high over Lake Mithrim when the game finally commenced. Judged by the previous matches played, Hithlum were the favourites, and as they came out it was clear that they were pepped up not only to play well and win, but also to try to really rub it into their old mentor’s faces that they no longer were students but masters of the green field. But the old demiurges showed what experience counts for, and although Hithlum certainly did play masterfully, they could not easily break down the Taniquetil defence. Fëanor took it upon himself to win the game, and he tried every trick in the book, but if he beat one Taniquetil player, another one came to covered up the space, and Hithlum were only given half-chances to shoot from bad angles or long distance. Taniquetil were far from harmless too, and although they lacked the pace and movement of Hithlum, their close control and passing skills were divine giving first Lorien, and then Osse decent shooting opportunities that could have resulted in a goal.

However, Just as the Valar looked to have weathered the storm and started to take over the match a piece of brilliant skill from Fëanor and his oldest son Maedros changed the game. Fëanor spun past Varda, and accelerated towards the Taniquetil box, then played a hard diagonal ball across the box that Maedros met first time with his deadly left boot, and although Mandos moved early, as if he already knew where the ball was heading before it was struck, he was still powerless to stop the rising thunderbolt from finding the top corner. Hithlum were one up and that was the half time score.

Taniquetil were forced to play a little bit more offensively now while Hithlum gained in confidence. Not long after half time the Noldo scored again, and all the talk about curses seemed to run out of steam. Once again Fëanor lived up to his reputation as one of the greatest footballer to have kicked a leather ball, by scoring a goal out of nothing. Picking up the ball in his own half, he made some amazing dribbles in the mid-circle to create space and accelerated towards the Taniquetil area. When he saw how the defenders backed off he took the shot from 30 metres, and hit it with such power that Nessa instinctively ducked to avoid getting hit, and although Mandos did try to block it, he was a moment to slow and Hithlum was two up.

Now Hithlum started to play on the result, and given Taniquetil’s difficulty scoring goals that was a sound tactic. The home fans were jubilant, already celebrating the advancement to quarter-finals with thirty minutes left of the game, but it was too early it proved. For the Valar were still in the game, and in term of possession and goal-scoring opportunities they had matched the Noldor tonight. In order to win matches one needs to score goals though, and this was Taniquetil’s problem once again. Huan stood firm, protected by his two-star defense, and time was ebbing out. But suddenly, with seven minutes left, Thorondor came up with the spark that the Valar needed. Varda sent in an inviting cross, and the great eagle rose high between the Noldo centre-backs and headed the ball past Huan. Now the nerve was into the game, and Tanquetil was looking to push for an equalizer. They did come close as Manwë got a great shooting opportunity in the centre of the penalty area, but a heroic block by Caranthir saved the day for Hithlum. The final whistle went and Hithlum had defeated the Valar, regardless of what the ancient prophesies said. The crowd rose to their feet and gave their team a standing ovation. But the real difference between the two sides tonight was Fëanor, his was the glory tonight. Had he played for Taniquetil and not Hithlum, chances are the result would be different altogether.

Hithlum 2-1 Taniquetil
shots 12-9
on target 5-4
GOALS:
*28, Hithlum (Maedhros, Feanor)
*52, Hithlum (Feanor, Aredhel)
*83, Taniquetil (Thorondor, Varda)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Hithlum- Balrog #1, Fingon
*Taniquetil- Este, Manwe

Nogrod

06-24-2009, 05:54 PM

It was going to be more than just a football match. Local newspapers talked of “Pelennor Fields revisited” and Eowyn and Theoden assured the public in an interview: “We have beaten those monsters once so we’ll be able to beat them this day as well”. But it was clear the four Nazgul, or Gothmog, or the Mouth would not let the strawheads humiliate them a second time. And they had performed superbly this far in the tournament playing in one of the toughest groups in the whole games.

The organisers had been anticipating a host of visitors but when they started arriving in hordes the day before the game it was soon realised there was going to be a legion of them. Reserve units of the mounted-guard were called in duty from the surrounding countryside, additional camping areas were marked and facilities added.

Some newspapers estimated afterwards that there had been as much as 25 000+ visitors to the game from outside Rohan: Corsairs from Umbar, black Numenoreans, Haradrim, Easterlings, orcs and beasts and a big host of Gondorians willing to see king Eärnur once again – and also friends of the Eorlingas from Minas Tirith.

Some people had protested at the time when the Meduseld-arena was built that it was crazy to build a 60 000 people stadium in the middle of Rohan. But this day it was filled to the last seat and still a number of people were left outside the stadium as it just couldn’t take in any more spectators (the maximum capacity had been already broken by some three thousand spectators).

And the feeling inside the stadium! It was just astonishing. Many locals were wondering whether there could be so many colours in the world; or so different melodies and rhythms… And still underneath the carnevalistic chanting and drumming there was a darker undercurrent there. Losing was not an option to the supporters of either team and no one could predict how the disappointment of the losing side’s fans would erupt. For one of the teams the tournament would end this day.

The game itself started with some probing from both teams. To the joy of the home team fans it was Edoras that slowly got the upper hand in the match. Minas Morgul’s defence was one of the toughest in the tournament but it wasn’t exactly the fastest. And there the speed and agility of Eowyn and Eomer made a difference. And they worked really hard. With their constant runs they opened holes in the Minas Morgul defences and created scoring opportunities.

But all that was possible only with Edoras’ royal midfield controlling the middle-field sovereignily with the help of the mearas. Due to different pre-game tactical decisions the Minas Morgul midfield, the two Corsairs and the Queen, were all the time facing five players of the opposing team and thus rarely managed to pass the ball on to their forwards. But when they managed it, it was immediately dangerous – like when Beruthiel managed to dribble away two opponents and to pass the ball to Castamir running at the sideline. Castamir outran Elfwine and then passed the ball into the middle where Eärnur got rid of his marker and volleyed the ball just a little wide.

But finally at 32nd minute the home team got what it duly deserved – and the home crowd burst into cheers. With fast paced sprints and some instinctual passing Eowyn and Eomer opened the whole Minas Morgul defence. Eowyn’s last pass surprised all as she passed the ball not to Eomer who was heading for the post for a free scoring opportunity, but to Eorl who was keeping up with the younger forwards and had been left alone for a moment when all the defence was buzzing around Eowyn and Eomer. Eorl hammered the ball in from 18 meters with force that left the Mouth no chance.

After the goal the Witch King dropped a little backwards to aid the midfielders and that did balance the fight there a bit, but Edoras was still controlling the game in general. The home crowd’s chanting grew more confident with the passing of every minute and with the referee whistling the half-time the fans were singing songs of victory. Even the die-hard Minas Morgul fans had to admit that Edoras was the better team on the first half.

Minas Morgul had changed their tactics a bit for the second half. The Witch King and Eärnur had fallen backwards leaving Castamir as the only forward up high. That finally evened out the midfield but left the game imbalanced as the Edoras half of the midfield was heavily manned and the Morgul side was almost empty.

And what would the quick-footed Eowyn and Eomer do given such a space to roam? Well, they made a goal! The two ran the Morgul defences into disarray once again – and finally with the help of Aldor Eowyn managed to send Eomer free to score.

The home crowd went wild. 2-0!

But then the Witch King stepped forwards and gathered the team around him. No one knows what they said to each other or what witchcraft was performed. The referee tried to get the game to continue but the Morgul team was locked into a tight group for a minute or so, until a terrible shriek and wail burst from the Morgul team - so terrible even the orcs in the audience were scared to death by it.

And the Edoras team soon realized they were playing a totally different team they had played the first hour against. The Minas Morgul team was now aggressive and fast. It looked like the Witch King was everywhere. After one shot to the crossbar and another just barely fisted wide by Theoden the Edoras defence started marking him with two defenders when ever it was possible. But when the Witch King was drawing the defenders to him Queen Beruthiel took the lead in the Morgul attack.

Still even guarded the Witch King was a formidable player. At 71st minute he gave an ingenious pass to Queen Beruthiel who was able to slip past the two great mearas – like she had mind over them as she had with her infamous cats – and to the horror of the home crowd she scored. A nice chip flipping the ball with the outside of her foot past diving Theoden and into the back of the net. She truly deserved that goal.

The home team fans were nervously watching the game-clock. Twenty minutes to go. The biting of the nails began but most of the visitors got lighted up and the horns and drums were playing once again. Morgul attacks rained on Edoras’ defences which did hold, until they broke again, just five minutes before the full-time

The Witch King went for the ball together with Shadowfax and they collided slightly. The Witch King flew in the air and landed on the ground laying there immovable. Shadowfax has sworn afterwards there were no actual physical crash between the two but the WK had just flown on his own. The issue remains unsettled but as soon as the referee had whistled the Morgul team a free kick the WK had risen up with clearly no injuries of any sort.

The free kick was clearly a practiced trick. The Witch King, Castamir and Eärnur all three packed into the middle at the edge of the box. When Beruthiel started running towards the ball to kick it they all spread: The Witch king to the left and Eärnur to the right… and Castamir started running back! The WK and Eärnur draw some defenders with them and Castamir the middle ones but just as they realised there was something wrong there Castamir had already turned on his heels and was sprinting forwards again – following the ball Beruthiel had sent him behind the defenders. When the defenders had turned around it was already too late. Castamir sent a rocket just below the crossbar leaving Theoden king no chances. The game was even and it ended even.

Edoras had pulled their ranks together during the pause before the overtime and the game was quite balanced. Both teams had some scoring chances but as they both played now carefully wishing to avoid any mistakes the overtime ended goalless. So it was to be a penalty shoot-out.

The tension was just unbearable. Many spectators were told to have fainted even before the first shot of the shoot-out was made. After the tossing of the coin it was decided that Edoras would start shooting.

Eorl himself walked to the spot and adjusted the ball. He looked totally calm and concentrated. He looked kingly indeed! After setting the ball he took only a few steps back and then looked at the Mouth to the eye – or to the place where the eyes should be. “Forth Eorlingas!” he suddenly bellowed and hammered the ball in to the top left corner of the goal. The stadium exploded and they shouted: “Forth Erolingas! Forth Eorlingas! Forth Eorlings!”, from the bottom of their hearts.

But the shouts and cries of joy died down as soon as they began as the Witch King walked to the box and took the ball. He took a bit longer distance from the ball than Eorl, hissed slowly something no one could hear or understand and then went to it. Just a he was touching the ball in full speed he somehow managed to halt his movement and the swing of his leg. Theoden dived to the lower right corner but the Witch King stood still and waited. The two stared at each other, Theoden lying on the ground and the WK standing by the ball. The stadium was totally quiet as people were holding their breath. “Aren’t you once again humiliated before the eyes of your people and your forefathers Theoden king?” The Witch King hissed mockingly “Now rise, you unworthy image of a king that I can see you crawl another time”. Theoden spat at the ground his eyes flickering with anger as he pushed himself up to all fours. “Over my dead body, you beast!” he yelled at the Nazgul. “As you wish, you piece of sad flesh…” the WK replied and shot the ball with all the power human and superhuman he had – straight towards Theoden’s head. Theoden ducked the ball only by an inch. Had it not killed him with the impact it would anyway have ended Theoden’s game right there. Such a power was in that shot that it tore the fastening hooks of the net from the grass and the ball rolled behind the goal and slowly to the first rows of spectators.

After the staff had readjusted the net the shoot-out continued. It was 1-1.

It was Eomer’s turn to shoot. The Eorlings prayed and bit their lip still disturbed and anxious of what they had just witnessed. Eomer took his time to concentrate. Then he went for it. The Mouth dived to the left and the ball went to the left… and wide! Eomer had missed the goal! The Eorlings were just shocked! It just couldn’t be!

Castamir walked to the spot looking very much confident. Some say he even flashed a malicious smile to Theoden to disturb his concentration. It didn’t look like Castamir was making an effort in front of 60 000 spectators for which of the teams would go forwards. It looked like he was back in the yard kicking the ball with other children. And that of course was the impression he wished to deliver to shake Theoden’s shattered confidence even more. And as fitting, Castamir took the shot casually – but the shot was anything but casual. It was aimed straight to the lower left corner of the goal, but Theoden guessed it right! It was a save! The crowd didn’t believe it at first but when they finally did they burst into wild cheers. There was hope again!

Eowyn was next and the crowds cheered to their beloved lady. She looked very much determined not glancing to the sides at any point. The shot was good. It went straight to the lower left corner of the goal but somehow the Mouth had got it right and tipped it wide with his fingers. The orcs were cheering.

So the last king of Gondor before Aragorn’s rule walked to the spot. If Eorl had looked kingly, so did Eärnur. People were impressed, even Theoden was. But Theoden had his confidence back now, he would not need to bow before any king. But Eärnur just hammered the ball in. Theoden did guess it right but the ball was so fast there was no chance he could have stopped it even if his fingertips did touch the ball as it went in. Minas Morgul led with two goals to one after three shots from both teams had been given.

Then Shadowfax trotted to the field raising the hopes and cheers from the home crowd once again. It was clear to anyone seeing the situation from a closer range that the Mouth was not at all happy with needing to stand up against a powerful meara. It looked like the Mouth was uncomfortable, insecure even. And Shadowfax shot the ball in so confidently it brought tears to many fans’ eyes. It was a masterful execution. The Mouth was left standing on his straight feet when the ball was already in the net.

But when Queen Beruthiel came forwards the home crowd’s hearts sank once again. She had really been the Queen of the match organizing all the deadly attacks the Morgul team had made when the WK was guarded. Her movements were elegant when she walked in, adjusted the ball and made an evaluating gaze at Theoden while slowly walking backwards from the ball. No one of the home crowd dared to boo or whistle. She froze for a second and then ran to the ball like a big cat and shot… to the post! Theoden had guessed totally wrong and dived to the other side but Beruthiel hit the post! It was 2-2 after four shots delivered by both teams! The game was on!

Felarof came forwards as the last of the five from the home team and the spirits were rising once again. People thanked the gods for the choice as the Mouth had clearly had it hard with Shadowfax already. Felarof tried to challenge the Mouth with it’s piercing gaze but the Mouth had lowered his head refusing to face the great meara. The referee blew his whistle allowing the shot to be taken but the Mouth was still just looking downwards standing still. Felarof waited a moment for the Mouth to lift his head but as he didn’t Felarof went for the shot. Just as the great meara was about to shoot the Mouth suddenly got electrified: he jerked his head up and roared like thunder with his mouth fully open stretching his limbs wide. Felarof was not intimidated by that, nor could anyone say the great meara would have been seriously startled, but it looked like it had an effect on Felarof’s concentration and the shot was far from perfect. And the Mouth fisted it wide!

It was all up to a single battle between Khamûl and Theoden. If Theoden was to win the competition would continue one pair against one pair until the other team would win. If Khamûl was to prevail it would be all over for Edoras. The orcs and easterlings cheered for their champion and the Eorlingas were crossing their fingers if they could manage it from the shaking.

“Would you crawl for me too, you pitiful king of the strawheads?” Khamûl hissed softly when he had adjusted the ball to it’s place and looked at Theoden. Theoden remained still and silent looking at the Nazgul to the eye without blinking. He would not be drawn into that banter a second time. “This time, this field… there’s no one to save you. You’ll have to stand alone, on your own.” The Nazgul turned to look around to the crowds and then returned his gaze to Theoden. “They’re watching you Theoden king, your people, your ancestors… are you ready for the task? Are you fit enough to fight?” Theoden remained silent just staring back at Khamûl. They stood like that staring at each other for a moment. It was silent. The silence of 60 000 people is something far beyond describable, but it was there, the silence of 60 000.

Finally Khamûl made his move. He sprinted with amazing speed and shot the ball to the upper left corner. And Theoden was following the shot! His fingertips touched the ball swerving it away from its original trajectory… the ball hit the crossbar… then the post… then Theoden’s back… and it was in! Minas Morgul had won!

No one could explain the emotions running with the home team supporters. The Eorlingas were beaten. The motley crue of visitors (25 000 of them – except the Rohan-friends of Minas Tirith) jumped up and started chanting, dancing, singing, beating their drums, blowing their horns… and the home crowds just sat still trying to understand through their tears what had happened.

Minas Morgul was through and the glorious Edoras was out. It was not just a bitter moment as it would live in the memories of people for their lifetime.

Edoras 2-2 Minas Morgul (SHOOT-OUT 2-3 to Minas Morgul)

shots 14-19
on target 6-8
GOALS:
*32, Edoras (Eorl, Eowyn)
*53, Edoras (Eomer, Aldor)
*71, Minas Morgul (Beruthiel, Witch-King)
*85, Minas Morgul (Castamir, Beruthiel)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Edoras- Aldor, Eowyn, Frealaf
*Minas Morgul- Sangahyando, Castamir, Beruthiel
SHOOT OUT:
*Edoras- Eorl (G), Eomer (M), Eowyn (S), Shadowfax (G), Felarof (S)
*Minas Morgul- Witch King (G), Castamir (S), Earnur (G), Beruthiel (M), Khamul (G)

skip spence

06-25-2009, 12:16 PM

It was decided that the respective group winners would be given the opportunity to host the first round of the knockout-stages of the Arda Cup. Since Valimar won group H, match 8 was supposed to be held in th fair, silver-domed city, but as it turned out, it was impossible for the authorities of Aman to grant entry-visas to the mortal men of Minas Tirith, not to mention their fans. Regardless of this, Cirdan of the Gray Havens would not have been able to provide with white ships to transport all the involved personal on the straight path to the West, at least with such short notice. Therefore Valimar team leader Eönwe asked the Cup administrators if it were at all possible to play the match in Bree instead, since the team was already settled here and enjoyed it. This was an arrangement to everyone’s liking, since the travelling fans of Minas Tirith could make it here in numbers. Barliman Butterbur of the Prancing Pony, as well as all the other Inn-owners, was also well pleased, as his business could enjoy a prolonged period of Arda Cup boom business.

There was no question of which team the locals cheered for. Although they’d enjoyed seeing Valimar play in the group stages, and were proud that the mighty Ainur wanted their stadium as a home away from home, Aragorn played for Minas Tirith and that was all the Bree-landers needed to know. Aragorn, or Striker as he is known in these parts, is a legend after all the charity work he’s done over the years and if anyone could disturb the mighty Valimar, Aragorn was the man to do it, at least according to the pundits at the Pony. But the neutrals and betting agencies all agreed that no matter how good Aragorn was, he alone would not make the difference. Minas Tirith had surprised everyone just by making it past the group stages, but Valimar had impressed perhaps more than any other team in the tournament and anything but a comprehensive win for the Aman side would be a sensation.

Ahead of the match Goldberry sang the national anthem, and the crowd was moved to tears by the aural and visual beauty. But when Ungoliant and the Balrogs entered a great fear fell on them although they’d seen the monsters before. This was nothing you’d get used to. Aragorn also came out and the crowd roared, chanting his name with deafening power. There was also Melkor, He who arises in Might, still in a fair hue, very pleasant on the eye. His behavior had been impeccable so far, but the Bree crowd remembered the naughty tricks played on Tom Bombadil, and although Melkor was seemingly innocent of the events not a few suspected that he was the mastermind behind the scandalous attempts to injure the star man. There had also been signs that Melkor had assumed the real leadership over this Valimar team, with the exception of Tulkas who remained loyal to Eönwë.

On the field however, there was no sign of internal troubles for Valimar. They were all professionals and here to play well, and that they did. In the group stages they’d dominated, but now when it mattered even more, they seemed to have a higher gear still to kick in. Minas Tirith were soon clinging on for dear life, and even the deadly duo of Aragorn and Boromir had to help out at the back in order to contain the mighty Ainur. Melkor was playing like in ages past on the midfield, not selfishly as one would have expected ahead of the tournament, but well-balanced, passing the ball when that was the best option, and taking on defenders himself or shooting when this fitted his counsels better. To be fair, Minas Tirith never had a chance. The first goal came in the 22nd minute when Tulkas headed Eömwë’s cross past Etchelion after a wonderful flowing move by Valimar. The White City defended well, and Ecthelion made a few stunning saves to keep them afloat, but little before half time Melkor managed a second goal, as he collected a return pass from Tilion and with great composure scored with a placed shot. Based on what the crowd had seen two nil down in halftime was a pretty good result for Minas Tirith.

Aragorn tried to inspire a comeback, but had to realize that Valimar were too good on the night. Mardil the Faithful, who’d impressed earlier with his creative play, came closest for the White City, as his curling free kick clipped the ouside of Ungoliant’s post, but in the 62nd minute the match was practically over when Eönwë scored his third goal of the tournament off a threaded pass from Arien. The Bree crowd applauded politely although their favorite team had been beaten. At least they felt better about their own team now, which actually managed to disturb this impressive Valimar side, at least for a while. The question is, will anyone better their effort, or can Valimar perhaps go all the way?

Valimar 3-0 Minas Tirith
shots 19-7
on target 10-2
GOALS:
*22, Valimar (Tulkas, Eonwe)
*41, Valimar (Melkor, Tilion)
*62, Valimar (Eonwe, Arien)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Valimar- Pallando
*Minas Tirith- Calimehtar, Beregond

the phantom

06-25-2009, 12:21 PM

It has been decided that two "neutral" locations with excellent facilities and a history of strong (and non-violent) support for football matches will host the quarterfinals- Gondolin and Rivendell. The four teams from Beleriand will go to nearby Gondolin, while the four teams either West of the sea or East of the Misty Mountains will come together in Rivendell.

QUARTERFINAL MATCHES

Angband vs Tol-in-Gaurhoth (at Gondolin)

Dor-Lomin vs Hithlum (at Gondolin)

Armenelos vs Minas Morgul (at Rivendell)

Mirkwood vs Valimar (at Rivendell)

Boromir88

06-25-2009, 04:18 PM

What time is it? It's quatre-finale time, for the 2009 Arda World Cup. After a sub-par 15-17 group play record, I've managed to turn it around with a 6-2 start, in the 1st round of the playoffs. I will guarantee my readers right now...I will call every quarter final game correctly. So, listen up phantasy players so you can make the best of your trades!

Can one of the surprise teams (Dor-Lomin, Minas Morgul, or Mirkwood) continue their run and make it all the way into the semis!? Or will the power-houses flex their muscles, sharpen their claws, and bite down?

Match 1: Angband v. Tol-in-Gaurhoth

This is probably the toughest match of the quater-finals to call. Both teams have great odds at winning third, and an outside shot of playing in the finals.

When will TIG toughen up? And I don't mean toughen up, as in commit more fouls, because these wolves foul as much as Moria. I'm pretty sure Borowolf's picked up a yellow in each game, and the 3 defenders haven't faired much better. Their defense has been exposed by the Tuna Trio, and when they get beat they pick up the cards. Their defense even played sloppy against a mediocre Gondor team. That might have been early in the tournament, but TIG has been showing about as much urgency as Taniquetil!

For Angband...let's see a dragon versus the 3 TIG defense-gaurs, edge goes to the dragon. And trust me if TIG thinks they can hit their way to victory, Angband will hit back harder. The wolves' bite is more like a playful nibble compared to Angband's. Angband plays for contact, and they have shown to play much better against a physical team, than against some panzy Elves like Alqualonde. TIG will need to come in with a different strategy if they want to win. Instead of fraternizing with fans, they will have to try and put some charm on the Angband team. It would certainly throw Angband into a confused state, and may throw them off their game. Alas, disappointment will hit the TIG fans, as Carcharoth has gotten better every match, and you really expect the wolves to want to sweet-talk the Angband players? Angband wins 3-2.

TIG's taken a significant step back from previous years and you know...maybe they will actually field their entire team before the Cup is one week away, next time?

Game MVPs:
-Angband: Carcharoth
-TIG: Nogwolf

Match 2: Dor-Lomin v. Hithlum

Dor-Lomin is possibly the only fluke team left in the tournament. I give props to Turin for his 2-goal performance against a super Eregion defense, but everyone knows the only reason they are here, is because Gandalf and Elrond managed to drink spoiled skim miruvor. It's dumb enough to drink spoiled miruvor, but that's not even as upsetting as drinking skim. Everyone knows you have to go whole (2% is forgivable), but anything else and you're asking for trouble. Dor-Lomin's luck is going to run out, as Hithlum has so far shown they are probably the 3rd best team in the tournament (behind Armenolos and Valimar) and are really starting to hit their stride, proving to themselves against the stuffy Valar from Taniquetil.

Feanor will have a field day slicing up the Dor-Lomin defense. Holding Eregion to 1-goal is not all that impressive, because we already knew Eregion would have trouble scoring. I'd like to see Dor-Lomin try to score on Huan, I swear I've seen him eat raw meat before, and Huan will be eating up every shot. Dor-Lomin's only chance might be the refs finally deciding to red card the hound for tearing apart 6-7 soccer balls each match. Hithlum wins 3-1.

Game MVPs:
-Dor-Lomin: Turin
-Hithlum: Feanor

Match 3: Armenolos v. Minas Morgul

It's been a superb run for Minas Morgul, I will even say the Wiki deserves Player-Coach of the Year honors, for his ability to rally his team all the way into the quarter finals. You know if Minas Morgul were up against Hithlum (who they tied in group play!) or Angband, they'd have a pretty fair shot...for the right odds I'd take them. But, does anyone else see a major problem here?...Umm, yes Sauron kind of plays for the other guys, and 75% of Minas Morgul's defense is comprised of Nazgul, plus the Mouth and Gothmog II are virtually Nazgul anyway. Not to mention all of the Wiki's power comes from Sauron.

Luckily, players are forbidden to wear jewelry, thus Sauron's control will be somewhat lessened. However, if any of the Nazgul hope to be employed during the offseason, they will stay out of their boss's way any how. Even if the Wiki decided to keep up his tradition of entering the field on a dark horse, sporting his mighty crown, Sauron will come with a larger crown and the crowd will be left clueless when the Wiki's horse instantaneously is engulfed in fire. Armenolos wins convincingly 2-0.

Game MVPs:
-Armenolos: Sauron
-Minas Morgul: Earnur

Match 4: Mirkwood v. Valimar

This might not be the blowout people assume. Obviously Mirkwood has about as good of a chance of beating Valimar as I have calling one of these matches incorrectly, but they exposed Tuna's defense. Although most of Tuna's 20 shot bombardment were misses, that was due to the Mirkwood defenders forcing the Tuna Trio into impossible angles, and afterall Oropher made the saves that he had to. Will their defense do it again? Haha, in their dreams.

I think the dragon vs. the 3 Balrogs from Valimar will be an interesting match-up to watch. It should put a bottom to the bottomless debate of who would win in a battle...dragon or a balrog? Scatha has to be aware though, that fire or no fire it makes no difference to Balrogs. But, in the longest pre-game conference ever, Treebeard stood up for his teammate: "Let's not be hasty! I would take Scatha as a soccer teammate over any Balrog, any day. Scatha is in much better shape. You may not remember, but I do, because my memory is long and deep...Balrogs have been chronic smokers since the beginning of time. Gothmog has been known to go through as many as 720 packs a day. Ever since he trademarked the name and became the spokesperson for Mogboro's, Balrogs everywhere started lighting up."

Despite Treebeard's deep knowledge about the conditioning habits of Dragons and Balrogs, Mirkwood will not have enough to defeat Valimar. Their defense can not absorb the amount of pressure, that will be placed upon them for two straight games. Valimar wins 4-2.

Game MVPs:
-Mirkwood: Scatha
-Valimar: Melkor

That's all I got for you today...remember my guarantee Phantasy managers 4-0! You will not find better analysis.

By: Jim "Scoop" Johnstone

Nogrod

06-28-2009, 02:44 PM

When the Arda Cup organising committee (ACOC) and the Arda Football Federation (AFA) turned towards Rivendell to organise two quarterfinal matches a heated debate ensued at Elrond’s council. Basically the elves were enthusiastic about the opportunity but the teams they would host were a cause for some concern. No one had anything against the Valar coming: that was an honour to be sure. Also there were few elves and elf-friends in the team Mirkwood who would be warmly welcomed. But that Sauron and all his lieutenants would enter Rivendell were no evil had ever entered! That was unheard of! Or the traitors of Armenelos, those elven persecutors? Or Melkor himself?

There was another problem as well. How would tens of thousands of fans manage to enter Rivendell through the narrow paths and causeways? It would take weeks for them to get through in their tens of thousands. Happily an ingenious solution was reached and it would be one of the architectural miracles of the whole Middle-Earth – even if it would be kind of a transient structure.

The stadium was built outside Imladris, to the southern slopes of the mountains surrounding the secret haven of the elves. Like in the ancient days, the dwarves were called to help and they carved two thirds of the stand and the individually decorated benches into the root of the mountain totalling some 30 000 seats made with astonishing artistry. Meanwhile, aided by the ents the elves built a living stand to the remaining open side of the stadium. There around 15 000 spectators would be sitting on the branches of the huorns – the tallest of which created a leaf-roof over the stadium covering the spectators from the direct sunlight or possible rain. With the help of Yavanna a perfect grass-field was created in just a few days.

Now as the stadium was smallish taking in only some 45 000 spectators the organisers had to take some measures to deal the tickets evenly – and to avoid any orc-invasions and thence possible trouble. So it was decided that 9000 tickets would be sold to the fans of each team and the remaining 9000 would be sold to the elves – wherever they came from. There were some protests made mostly by the orcs and easterlings that the deal favoured the elves. But the organisers stayed firm: they had the position to decide and they had been fair. At the same time it was clear to any observant onlooker that with the policy the hosts had secured a majority of good in the audience.

But on the day of the games most of the petty grievances were forgotten. This was the best football one could see in the whole Arda and everyone was looking forwards to it - as well as to the great performances of their favourites - spread nicely over different teams.

the phantom

06-29-2009, 10:28 AM

When Gondolin won the bid to host games during the Arda Cup 2009, there was much debate about the stadium. All of the craftsmen and artisans agreed that something special should be built for the occasion, but they differed upon what.

One camp supported a brand new stadium built upon the plains surrounding the great hill of rock, but a larger camp supported some sort of renovation to the old historic stadium which sat halfway up the southern side of the dome of rock.

In the end it was the old winning over the new, and thousands of workers set to the task of bettering their ancient venue. As the stadium was built perched on a hill and in the midst of a city, there was no way to push it outward. The only way to increase seating would be to choose more efficient angles and get rid of decorative space and add some luxury boxes to the top- and that's just what they did!

And with the removal of space and decoration from the inside, the artisans set to work on the outside of the stadium, designing great arches and fountains on the roads leading to the stadium, and refinishing the walls of every home and business along the way. The city had never looked so perfect! And just in time for the arrival of the fans from Beleriand.

There were rowdy orcs from Angband, fair Elves from Hithlum, hardy men from Dor-Lomin, and packs of Werewolves from Tol-in-Gaurhoth, and all were deeply impressed by the strength and beauty of the city. Many of the folk from Hithlum stayed with friends or relatives within the city, and a couple of Dor-Lominites were granted the same favor, but most of the men and orcs were put up in the hotels surrounding the arena (which were only in use during events such as this). The Werewolves it seemed were not trusted within the walls, but this suited the creatures fine as they seemed to prefer living a bit more "wild" out on the fields outside the city, and so all was well.

After the renovation the stadium was able to hold 70,000 spectators, and with its claustrophobic design there wasn't a bad seat in the house and it was certain to be noisier than other stadiums of its size. It was decided that 25,000 seats would be allotted to each team for their own game, 5,000 seats for the game they weren't playing in, and 10,000 seats would be available each game to residents of Gondolin. Far more wished to attend the games, and so prices were quite high, and those lucky enough to get tickets could easily resell them for three or four times what they payed, but this was rarely done. A chance to see the game was considered priceless by most of the holders.

There was much debate about which team should gain the support of the home fans. Some of the fans from Gondolin who had made the journey to Isengard for group play intended to support Hithlum, as they had witnessed their play within the group and were impressed. Not to mention that Turgon's father, uncle, and a couple of his cousins were on the team. And then of course, there was the lady of Gondolin, Aredhel. Surely she should gain the majority of support!

But there were quite a few who were leaning towards supporting Angband. Maeglin had a great amount of support with the Noldorin craftsmen, and Gwindor was also well liked by the Elves. And then there was Hurin- fast friend of the King. His role in holding off the forces of Morgoth and saving the people of Gondolin at the close of the Nirnaeth Arnoediad was not forgotten. How could they not support someone who had given them so much?

But then what of the men of Dor-Lomin? Hadn't they, along with Hurin, held the rear to until the last man fell dead so that Gondolin's king and his forces could escape? They were just as worthy of support as Hurin! So who would gain most of the crowd in the anticipated Dor-Lomin versus Hithlum match that evening?

But first there was another match, and the home fans agreed upon it- they would not be rooting for the Werewolves in the first game of the day- Angband versus Tol-in-Guarhoth!

Nogrod

06-29-2009, 11:11 AM

Better late than never... So from the first play-off round Arda Kicker Magazine will provide the following stars.

Five stars will go to:

Fëanor of Hithlum
Oropher of Mirkwood
Túrin of Dor Lomin

Three stars will go to:

Beruthiel of Minas Morgul
Elrond of Eregion
Huor of Dor-Lomin
mormwolf of TIG
The Mouth of Minas Morgul
Theoden of Edoras
Thranduil of MIrkwood
The Witch King of Minas Morgul

One star will go to:

Beleg of Dor Lomin
Carcaroth of Angband
Ecthelion of Minas Tirith
Eomer of Edoras
Eönwë of Valimar
Eowyn of Edoras
Gil-Galad of Eregion
Huan of Hithlum
Melkor of Valimar
Orodreth of Nargothrond
Sauron of Armenelos
Uldor of Angband

Special stars on offer once again.

As the whole Armenelos team has played just splendidly but the scoring and defending has been a spread team-effort none of them has been high in the point-scorers’ lists. Therefore AKM wishes to give the whole Armenelos team five stars each for a solid teamplay.

Mirkwood defence (Radagast, Treebeard, Grimbeorn) will gain additional three points each for a superb performance being the key to their victory by containing Túna's the most effective forwards of the whole tournament.

This gives us the overall standings as the following (look at the joint leaders and shiver!). Those not playing anymore are in italics.

Twelve stars:
Melkor of Valimar
Sauron of Armenelos

Eleven stars:
Felarof of Edoras
Nerdanel of Tuna

Ten stars:
Elros of Romenna
mormwolf of TIG

Nine stars:
Theoden of Edoras

Eight stars:
Fëanor of Hithlum
Huor of Dor-Lomin
Tar Atanamir of Armenelos

Seven stars:
Eldacar of Osgiliath
Elrond of Eregion
Miriel of Tuna
Shadowfax of Edoras

Bubbling under in six stars... Ar Pharazon, Curufin, Galadriel, Gwindor, Tar Telperion, Tilion, Turín and the Witch-King. At five stars 18 players...

Looking at how many of the top seats are taken by players already out of tournament the run for winning the AKM-stars award looks to be like anybodys' game!

Nogrod

06-29-2009, 11:22 AM

Armenelos vs. Minas Morgul

The kick off for first game was in the afternoon and the stadium was almost full. But it was a game of mixed loyalties and especially the elves and men had hard time deciding in who to egg on into excellence. But it wasn’t an easy choice for the orcs and easterlings either. Surely the Minas Morgul team boasted a lot of their heroes but Sauron himself was playing in the opposing team – and who would dare to cheer against him?

From the first minutes on a few peculiarities emerged. Every time Ar Gimilzor or Ar Pharazôn got the ball the elven crowds booed mightily, and every time Eärnur took it the Middle-Earth humans cheered wildly. But in the end it looked like the good audiences seemed to cheer more to the kingly and shining Armenelos team and the “baddies” more to the Minas Morgul team (Sauron of course being the exception).

The team Armenelos was impressive to watch indeed. Their appearance was so noble and high many M-E humans were stunned by it: they were men, but what kind of men! Tall, straight, graceful in their movement, radiant, strong, fast, royal… Knowing all the things they had done was a problem but no one could deny their grace and beauty. And the elegance, beauty and power Sauron had! It was like Annatar had reborn to the game – totally outshining and outwitting his lieutenants! How diminished from his former glory in the tournament the Witch King was! Just a shadow...

And so it was that Armenelos never gave the Minas Morgul team a chance in the game but controlled it from the very beginning to the end. With Sauron organising the game the Armenelos players seemed always to be at the right place at the right time whatever tricks the Witch King and Khamûl tried. King Eärnur and Queen Beruthiel were basically the only players in the Minas Morgul team who didn’t seem to be influenced by Sauron’s commanding presence – but as the rest of the Armenelos team was at least as tough as they were, if not tougher – they had little chances to build up the game just the two of them.

To the honour of the Minas Morgul team it must be said though that their defence did put up a real fight. Khamûl even dared to challenge Sauron himself and even took the ball away from him a few times – or forced him to shoot from a difficult position resulting in shots that went wide. Also the two other Nazgûls in the defence made a decent work showing their no lesser kingly status against the kings of Númenor. Without that spirited defence the numbers could have been ugly indeed.

But it was clear which team was the better one. Armenelos called the shots and Minas Morgul’s attacks were rare and inefficient (they managed only two shots towards the goal in the whole game!). And when on the 33rd minute the “Tower Watcher”, the defeater of Sauron, Tar Minastir himself shot the ball into the goal with a beautiful volley from 20 meters the crowds just burst into cheers. The Armenelos game had been just impressive and to have Tar Minastir as the scorer was just great to the elves and men as he was basically the only one in the Armenelos team they could honour without too many precautions.

On the second half Sauron nailed the game after twenty minutes of play. He managed finally to outwit the whole Nazgûl-defence - in a way that looked more like spiritual intimidation than just physical dribbling. One by one he left the defenders into his shade and went one on one against the Mouth who also looked like he was more terrified of his master than wishing to save the goal. The orcs and the few monsters cheered loudly but the rest of the spectators felt confused not quite knowing how to take it.

Anyway. The Armenelos team had scored a convincing win once again and was going to the semifinals against the other winner of the Rivendell-games. Whichever of them it was, they had been forewarned. Even if Armenelos had been convincing already the last year they had been dropped out of the games in the semis. This year the team clearly looked confident the same wouldn’t happen – and they were indeed looking for a revenge on Valimar from a long time ago...

Armenelos 2-0 Minas Morgul

shots 14-10
on target 6-2
GOALS:
*33, Armenelos (Tar Minastir, Ar Adunakhor)
*65, Armenelos (Sauron, Tar Ancalimon)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Armenelos- Tar Ancalimon, Tar Calmacil
*Minas Morgul- Castamir, Nazgul #2, Nazgul #1, Beruthiel

the phantom

06-29-2009, 03:39 PM

(intro to Gondolin (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showpost.php?p=602039&postcount=105))

MATCH 1: Angband versus Tol-in-Gaurhoth

As predicted, Angband took the field to great cheering from the stands. Their own fans obviously were loud, but the smaller groups of Hithlum and Dor-Lomin fans were supporting them as well, cheering especially for Hurin, while the folks from Gondolin were showing great love for Maeglin. Despite the evil that had taken place, he had done much good in his time, and nobody can hold a grudge against someone if they've delivered a championship in their time, as Maeglin had so many years ago.

When the Werewolves entered the fans from Angband booed vigorously, but the other non-TIG fans applauded politely for the most part. It was the least they could do as they would be hard against them the rest of the contest. But the noise from the booing and polite applause was completely drowned out by the sound of 25,000 ear-splitting howls. It was hard to believe how much noise their fans were capable of. Perhaps the home-field advantage that Angband hoped to enjoy wouldn't be quite as pronounced as they thought.

And indeed as the match began it was TIG who looked to be the better side. The forwards were looking dangerous, and Phantomwolf, Borowolf, and Lomwolf came up aggressively to provide extra pressure. Their passing still wasn't the sharpest, but their speed and strength helped them win the ball and keep it most of the time. Drauglin tried to match them, but even he couldn't keep up, and Telvildo seemed plain scared, like a cat treed by a dog. "I knew a cat wouldn't do well against wolves!" shouted Brinwolf from the stands. But she spoke too soon!

Shortly before it hit 30 minutes, TIG was looking dangerous as ever, but Telvildo came out of nowhere to make the steal and sent it quickly downfield, where Hurin outraced everyone to it. The defenders had had so little to do that they were completely flat-footed! Hurin took it in on Mormwolf who was left all alone, and he could only watch as the legendary footballer sent it past for the lead!

TIG went after it harder than ever, leaving Mormwolf completely vulnerable, but lucky for them they maintained control until minute 39 when Gwathwolf headed in the equalizer off of a nice placement by Nogwolf. It was tied at the half!

The fans chatted excitedly as they grabbed refreshments during the break. This was quite the game! Not only had Hurin scored, but TIG was playing a risky and exciting style! Maybe the Werewolves weren't so bad after all.

The second half began as a back and forth affair. Each side had some opportunities, but when the shots found the mark the keepers turned them aside. But then at minute 65, once again on the counter-attack, the home crowd was treated to a score by Maeglin and the stadium was its loudest yet! The Werewolves were certainly angered by this, but they seemed unable to strike back, as now it was Angband holding onto the ball and attacking with it. As time went under ten minutes, it looked like Angband had what it took to hold down TIG, but Nogwolf proved them wrong by stealing it and taking it upfield past several defenders all the way into the box.

He then left it for SPMwolf and continued forward, taking a defender with him. SPMwolf took the opening and fired a shot, but it hit the post! The Werewolves groaned, but their groans were swiftly transformed into wild howls as Phantomwolf came out of nowhere to thunder in the rebound! As the seconds ticked away the stadium really began rocking! This thing was going into overtime!

Just a few minutes into overtime, Ancalagon gained his first quality chance, but Mormwolf saved it brilliantly. Even the Angband fans applauded. Could the Werewolves actually be winning the crowd? But just a few minutes later it was obvious that they could never completely win the crowd- not with Gondolin's own Maeglin out there. He took it in against Kuruwolf and lost it, and the crowd felt he was roughed, but the refs didn't hand out a card, and the crowd showed its displeasure quite clearly.

As the end of overtime approached, it looked like things were headed to a shoot-out, and the excitement mounted. But it was not to be. Once again on a counter-attack, Angband pushed upfield quickly and with even numbers Hurin beat his man and forced Mormwolf to commit before sending it to Maeglin for the winner!

The stadium went wild! Their very own Maeglin and Hurin the steadfast had won it!

The Werewolves left the stadium heads hanging low. They had failed to achieve last year's results or better. Next time they would have to get their team together sooner, and refine their style, as it just wasn't good enough against a stupendous side like Angband.

Angband 3-2 Tol-in-Gaurhoth (OVERTIME)
shots 14-20
on target 6-8
GOALS:
*28, Angband (Hurin, Telvildo)
*39, TIG (Gwathwolf, Nogwolf)
*65, Angband (Maeglin, Gwindor)
*81, TIG (Phantomwolf, SPMwolf)
*OT 26, Angband (Maeglin, Hurin)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Angband- Gwindor, Ulfast, Balrog #5
*Tol-in-Gaurhoth- Lomwolf, Wereomer, Kuruwolf, Borowolf

Nogrod

06-29-2009, 04:03 PM

Mirkwood vs. Valimar

If the spectators were a bit confused and unconfident in picking the side to cheer for in the first match, the second match was not a too different story. The elves from the West had it easy. They were there on the Valimar’s 9000 ticket allowance – and quite a few of them, especially the Teleri, had bought tickets under the general elven allowance as well – and would cheer mainly for Valimar. The elves from the Middle-Earth had it tougher. Sure they honoured the Valar but there were players like Oropher, Thranduil, Legolas and Galion (the clear favourites of the wood-elves); Radagast and Treebeard (loved especially by the Lothlórien elves), and of course Bilbo Baggins (who seemed to be the special favourite of the Rivendell-elves).

The dwarves had it tough as well as Aulë and the Túna team had been already relegated (the dwarves had been given a thousand tickets as part of the compensation for the work they had done building the stadium). The few Eorlings at place sure championed Fram and the hobbits’ hero was of course Bilbo. The benches - the huorns that is - on which the spectators sat on were huge fans of Treebeard, which indeed caused some minor disturbances when the huorns cheered for Treebeard while spectators were sitting on their branches…

The orcs and other “baddies” had minor problems as well: Scatha and Nazgul #6 were on the Mirkwood team but the three Balrogs on Valimar side were just awesome, not to speak of Melkor himself! But the team-mates of Melkor and the Balrogs? What could be worse – but at the same time so overwhelming?

All in all, that confusion resulted in a spirited night of football as the alignments were so divided that in the end people (well, all kinds of creatures) just mainly stuck into enjoying the game. And what a game it was!

There was a shock-beginning to it.

To the total bewilderment of the elves of the West – and to the great joy of the hobbits, the Rivendell elves and the huorns forming the stand – Treebeard and Bilbo stole the lead for the Mirkwood team already at the eighth minute.

And the way it was executed! With a corner kick Treebead had come to the fore and Bilbo suddenly got an idea before Thranduil made the kick. So Treebeard bowed down and lifted Bilbo up into his branches and they both signalled the elven king what he should do. And Thranduil gave it a go chipping the ball high up in the air from where Treebeard took it with his outstretched root (ents are not allowed to use their branches to handle the ball as they are considered as hands) and passed it up forwards – simultaneously rushing to the goal. And Bilbo headed the ball downwards from four meters high and behind the back of stunned Ungoliant.

Although some of the crowds protested the referee found nowhere a ruling stating another player couldn’t support another player carrying him on his shoulders (well, branches) and declared it a goal.

But unlike some of their supporters, the Valimar team was not upset of the setback but soon took the control of the field pressing for the equaliser while Mirkwood pulled back and defended. And it was a staunch defence: Radagast and Treebeard had miraculous timing while the stamina and pace of Grimbeorn and Bilbo managed to surprise the Valar-attacks time after time. But it was clear to everyone the defences could not hold forever – and they didn’t.

Melkor made an unforeseen move in the attack passing the ball behind him to Tilion from a scoring opportunity of his own, and Tilion thanked his former assailant for the opportunity making such an unpredictable shot it took all the defences by surprise – Oropher included. The game was even ten minutes before the half-time.

But the Mirkwood team came fighting into the second half – and once more dumbfounded the Valimar supporters on the first minutes of the half. This time Nazgul #6 took advantage of the defending Balrogs’ arrogance and managed to dribble his way between them – just before getting burned - to pass the ball to the side where Thranduil had outrun Alatar and got to kick in a one-timer half-volley Shelob had no chances to react to.

The Mirkwood team was leading once again! But like in the first half, the Valimar team pulled itself together and took the control of the game pressing an attack after another into the Mirkwood side. And on the 76th minute it paid off again.

This time it was a one Vala-show indeed. Melkor took the ball from Legolas in the midfield and went forwards with it. Grimbeorn tried to challenge him only to find himself face down in the grass – the referee saw nothing illegal in that. Tulkas waved his hand being totally free on the other side after getting himself free from Radagast’s marking but Melkor turned into the middle himself and rammed past Treebeard making Treebeard fall as well. Now most of the crowds were protesting out loud but the referee just spread his hands that there was no foul involved.

Gotten clear of Treebeard, Melkor faced Oropher one on one. Some heard him cursing Oropher some heard Melkor taunt him – but which way it was no one knows. But what everyone saw was the equaliser! Oropher tried his best but that was not enough having to stand an onrushing Melkor who seemed to grow in power and stature the nearer the goal he got. It was like a giant against a dwarf – if that analogy is allowed discussing an elf. The giant won anyway.

Mirkwood put it’s best to defend the rest of the second half and managed to keep the Valar attacks at bay – and even creating some counter-attacking chances themselves thus lessening Valimar’s enthusiasm for all out attacking. The game ended even.

The overtime brought no solution to the situation as now both teams played it clearly more safely. So it was a shoot-out!

Scatha came to shoot first. It took it’s time to settle the ball into exactly the right position and then took two steps backwards from it. Then Scatha swung it’s tail – just as Ungoliant had presumed. The giant Spider went to the right corner spreading all its legs there but what did the dragon do! Scatha took surprisingly fast steps towards the ball while swinging its tail just over it and tossed the ball to the left lower corner of the goal with it’s right foot! Whatever the crowds dislikes for the dragon were, they had to admit the brilliance of the execution of that penalty shot.

To the relief of the Valimar supporters it was Tulkas next. And he hammered the ball in with such a speed and power Oropher had no chance to even move before the ball was already in the back of the net – and through it. It took the officials some time to stitch the net back into shape.

Thranduil followed Tulkas. He took his shot towards the lower right corner but Ungoliant guessed it right and managed to web the ball. The elven crowds were silenced.

But the herald of Manwë had no better luck. Even if the shot was nice heading to the same lower right corner, Oropher guessed it right as well and tipped the ball just wide with his fingers. The shoot-out was even!

Legolas took the next turn. He concentrated behind the ball enough to get Ungoliant annoyed and then went for it. Just before reaching the ball Legolas made an incredible move turning around 360 degrees – and shooting with his left foot from the swing! It totally surprised diving Ungoliant and the ball was in the back of the net, almost straight in the middle!

Melkor was next. His intimidating presence made even Oropher nervous. Melkor settled the ball down to its place and then studied the elf on the goal for a while. “I’ll shoot to the high left corner, elf. Just to inform you…” he said in a low thundery voice and took a few steps back. The audiences were holding their breath. Thousands of thoughts zig-zagged in Oropher’s mind as he tried to decide whether to go for left or right, whether Melkor was bluffing or double-bluffing…

“As I said, to the high left…” Melkor roared and ran towards the ball. Oropher was just about to jump to the high left corner when insecurity hit him and he cancelled the move going for the down right… just to cancel that idea too late and falling down on his knees… only to hear the roars of the crowd. The ball was in, in the high left corner of the goal as Melkor had promised. That was cool finishing. It was 2-2 after three shooters from both sides.

Nazgûl #6 came next. Against all odds he scored winning the poker against the mother of all great spiders. And Tilion in turn was just as unpredictable as was anticipated, and thus he beat Oropher easily. It was 3-3 after four shooters from both sides.

The final round began with Grimbeorn walking forth. The great Beorning set the ball and then took quite a distance from it. His father was bellowing cheers for him so loudly they surpassed all the other voices in the stadium. Grimbeorn took his time and then rushed forwards – changing into a bear while running – and blasted such a berserk shot through Ungoliant’s webs the great spider herself was astonished by it. Mirkwood hung on the lead with only one shot to come!

It was lady Arien, the shiny maiden of Laurelin, who came to make the final shot of the first round of the shoot-out. She shone so brightly Oropher had no chances to see anything. Even the spectators had to cover their eyes from the light she shone around. Oropher tried to put his hand in front of his eyes to see but so brightly did Arien shine that he saw nothing but light, being blinded by it. When Oropher heard the pace of her feet on the ground and finally the thud of a kick he dived with chance to the left… and felt the ball touch his hands… and to go wide!

Arien was denied! Mirkwood had won!

It was a sensation indeed! Mirkwood had beaten two powerhouses in a row. And team Armenelos would have to re-orientate their target! They could not afford toying with Mirkwood – even if some correspondents from “Armenelos Times” already sent back home headline-suggestions like “Armenelos within an easy walk from the finals!” The Mirkwood team was a serious contender with seemingly the grace of Ilúvatar herself on its side. There was no other explanation to their success, said many.

The Valar were gracious in defeat – even if some said that Ungoliant, the Balrogs and Melkor refused to exchange shirts with the winning team and had sworn harshly before going to the showers. But the others looked like defeat meant nothing to them and they invited the winners into their special lavish tents to share a glorious night meal with them to honour a great match.

While the Valar of the team Valimar were celebrating with the Mirkwood team in a great tent erected to the moors – well most of them and some chosen elves from the organising committee and a few other special guests – Manwë, Varda, Ulmo, Aulë, Yavanna and Oromë, with Gandalf, Tom Bombadill, Beorn, Old Man Willow, Quickbeam and others looked for the overall security of the encampment. All the skirmishes were dealt with effectively and even the orcs soon realised it was time to party and not time to fight with such a powerful policing force around. And anyway, Sauron was through to the semis as well as one Nazgul and the dragon Scatha. It could have been worse…

So pretty soon these mighty guardians had a chance to slip into joining the party leaving the security measures to the elves of Rivendell for the wee hours. It is said that party continued long after the daybreak…

Mirkwood 2-2 Valimar (SHOOT-OUT 4-3 to Mirkwood)

shots 11-16
on target 5-7
GOALS:
*8, Mirkwood (Bilbo, Treebeard)
*34, Valimar (Tilion, Melkor)
*51, Mirkwood (Thranduil, Nazgul #6)
*76, Valimar (Melkor)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Mirkwood- Thranduil, Radagast, Fram
*Valimar- Balrog #2, Tilion, Melkor, Balrog #4
SHOOT OUT:
*Mirkwood- Scatha (G), Thranduil (S), Legolas (G), Nazgul #6 (G), Grimbeorn (G)
*Valimar- Tulkas (G), Eonwe (S), Melkor (G), Tilion (G), Arien (S)

the phantom

06-29-2009, 08:08 PM

The first match of the day had been an overtime thriller between Angband and Tol-in-Gaurhoth, and to top it off the hometown lad Maeglin had put home the winner. So it was that the fans in the arena were in fine spirits and ready to cheer heartily for both Dor-Lomin and Hithlum as they made their way onto the pitch.

For the first ten minutes the forces of Dor-Lomin drove back the Elves, surprising them with the best play they had seen in the tournament thus far. Turin and Beleg were quite the weapons! But far too soon for Dor-Lomin's liking Hithlum regained their composure and pushed back, and their prowess in turn caught Dor-Lomin off guard.

Already at 12 minutes, it was Aredhel thrilling the fans from Gondolin with the game's first goal. Both mother and son had scored, and Turgon watching from the stands looked quite happy. Hithlum kept up the attack, and it was obvious Dor-Lomin was barely hanging on. They committed two defenders to Feanor at all times, making it clear that their strategy was to force someone else to beat them. Unfortunately Hithlum's Finrod was well up to the task and slotted it home for the 2-0 lead into halftime.

After the half it was more of the same, and Fingon gleefully sent in an easy shot off the perfect pass from Aredhel and it was 3-0! At around 65 minutes Hithlum called off the dogs and settled back on defense, and Dor-Lomin couldn't crack the Hithlum line. Finally with under 10 minutes left Turin sent it a wicked bend that is sure to be on highlight reels for years to come, but it was too little too late. Hithlum was through to the semis with a very fine performance!

Dor-Lomin 1-3 Hithlum
shots 9-15
on target 4-8
GOALS:
*12, Hithlum (Aredhel, Fingolfin)
*27, Hithlum (Finrod, Caranthir)
*50, Hithlum (Fingon, Aredhel)
*83, Dor-Lomin (Turin, Beleg)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Dor-Lomin- Morwen, Galdor, Gundor
*Hithlum- Fingon, Feanor

Nogrod

06-30-2009, 08:55 PM

After looking closely at the quarterfinals the AKM board has decided to deal the following stars...

Five stars will go to:

Carcaroth of Angband
Maeglin of Angband
Oropher of Mirkwood

Three stars will go to:

Aredhel of Hithlum
Huan of Hithlum
Húrin of Angband
Melkor of Valinor

One star will go to:

Bilbo of Mirkwood
Caranthir of Hithlum
Khamûl of Minas Morgul
Nogwolf of TIG
Sauron of Armenelos
Tar Atanamir of Armenelos
Thranduil of Mirkwood
Tilion of Valimar

Best value for money –prizes for those players that the organisers gave no stars to begin with go to Thranduil of Mirkwood (22 pts.), Tilion of Valimar (21 pts.), Nazgul #6 of Mirkwood and Aredhel of Hithlum (20 pts.). All receive 5 stars!

Armenelos defence was once again overwhelming. They receive two stars each.

This gives us the following list of the best players so far when not only scored points are considered... Those not playing anymore are in italics.

15 stars:
Melkor of Valimar

13 stars:
Sauron of Armenelos

12 stars:
Tilion of Valimar

11 stars:
Felarof of Edoras
Nerdanel of Tuna
Tar Atanamir or Armenelos

10 stars:
Elros of Romenna
mormwolf of TIG
Nazgul #6 of Mirkwood
Oropher of Mirkwood
Thranduil of Mirkwood

9 stars:
Carcaroth of Angband
Theoden of Edoras

8 stars:
Aredhel of Hithlum
Fëanor of Hithlum
Huor of Dor-Lomin
Tar Telperion of Armenelos

7 stars:
Ar Zimrathan of Armenelos
Eldacar of Osgiliath
Elrond of Eregion
Miriel of Tuna
Shadowfax of Edoras
Tar Ciryatan of Armenelos

On six stars there are seven players of whom still in the tournament are: Ar Pharazôn, Gwindor and Húrin...

On five stars, 16 players...

Nogrod

06-30-2009, 11:26 PM

Going to the semifinals, the Arda Kicker Magazine wants to provide it’s readers with some statistics that can not be read straight from the point-leader tables – and some of which can be read if one has the time to do it...

There will be the games the teams have played, the shots taken and received + those on target in brackets followed by a summary, saving percent of the goalie + the point averages (phantasy points) from the games thus far (with the goalie it of course is not an average...). The team in question is always the “home-team” eg. it’s numbers are first in the match-ups.

So the match Angband vs. Hithlum

Angband
Minas Tirith 2-2 15–9 (8-4)
Moria 2-1 12-7 (6-3)
Alqualonde 2-1 11-12 (6-5)

Romenna 2-0 14-9 (6-3)
TIG 3-2 OT 14-20 (6-8)

Goals: 11-6
Shots: 66-57 (32-23) + 1xOT
Saves: 6/23 = 74% saves

Point averages:
GK: 16
DF: 5,25
MF: 13
FW: 13,5

Hithlum
Gondolin 2-1 13-8 (7-4)
Minas Morgul 2-2 14-11 (6-4)
Isengard 2-0 13-6 (7-2)

Taniquetil 2-1 12-9 (5-4)
Dor Lomin 3-1 15-9 (8-4)

Goals: 11-5
Shots: 67-43 (33-18)
Saves: 5/18 = 73% saves

Point averages:
GK: 16
DF: 9,5
MF: 7,66
FW: 17,33

The match Armenelos vs. Mirkwood

Armenelos
Dor Lomin 3-1 16-12 (8-4)
Doriath 3-1 16-10 (8-4)
Lothlórien 2-0 14-7 (7-3)

Erebor 3-1 15-8 (7-3)
Minas Morgul 2-0 14-10 (6-2)

Goals: 13-3
Shots: 75-47 (36-16)
Saves: 3/16 = 82% saves

Point averages:
GK: 20
DF: 14,6
MF: 7,75
FW: 20

Mirkwood
Nargothrond 1-2 11-9 (4-4)
Helm’s Deep 3-0 15-6 (7-2)
Arnor 3-2 14-8 (7-4)

Túna 3-2 OT 13-20 (6-8)
Valimar 2-2 SO 11-16 (5-7)

Goals: 12-8
Shots: 64-59 (29-25) + 2xOT
Saves: 8/25 = 68% saves

Point averages:
GK: 10
DF: 3,66
MF: 7,75
FW: 16,66

~*~

A few thoughts on these numbers by the Arda Kicker Magazine's editor-in-chief.

The game between Angband and Hithlum is a bit too close to call. Both teams seem like quite equal on all the statistics. The only difference that could be brought forwards is that Hithlum seems to allow the opponent fewer scoring opportunities. That can be seen both in the tables of shots against the team (and those on target) as well as the point averages of the defenders. Although a little reservation should be made on the fact that Angband met TIG in an overtime match where the TIG shot 20 (8) in one single game.

The AKM verdict: A tough one but a slight edge to Hithlum.

The game between Armenelos and Mirkwood looks like it has been already settled – unless Ilúvatar really has decided to bless team Mirkwood for his unfathomable reasons making any speculation about the deeds of the players just null and void. But looking at the stats there is but one favourite: Armenelos.

Their goal difference is just astonishing 13-3! They have made the most goals and given up the least. With no overtime games they have shot the most, especially towards the goal. And Tar Atanamir’s save-percentage is an astonishing 82% (compare that to Oropher’s 68%). With point-averages the two teams are even only in the mid-field (which usually tells more where the scorers reside than what’s the effectiviness of the midfield of the team in question). Armenelos defence outscores Mirkwood with 14,6 – 3,66 average!

The AKM verdict: If you want to lose your money – or love taking real chances, or actually believe Ilúvatar has his hands in this - bet on Mirkwood. Otherwise, Armenelos is the bet.

Boromir88

07-01-2009, 12:23 AM

You want more luck you say? Ha! You won't find any more luck in these parts. We started with 32 and are now down to 4. You don't reach this stage based on 'luck.' Maybe, by chance you can sneak into the playoffs, or win a playoff game, but not the semis. You know where teams like Tuna, Taniquetil, and Dor-Lomin are at, after whining about the 'unlucky' bounces, the 'favouritism' in officiating, or the 'will' of Eru? They are back at home drowning themselves in tears and Gin. This is the big stage, you want the Championship, you better have more than luck. All four of these teams have proven they have the game and skills to be where they are, and this will surely be a finale to remember.

Alright, so I didn't deliver on the 4-0 promise from last week, but that was because the mighty Mirkwood slayers strike again. I'm still 9-3 now in the playoffs, and even more impressive, in the Quarters I predicted 7, out of the 8, of the teams' scores correctly. That's right, I haven't been 'lucky,' nor have I been 'unlucky,' that's just plain out skill. (Are you beginning to sense a theme for this week?) So, I predicted Valimar's score wrong, and they lost...maybe you lost some money, but if you were smart to chose the scores I picked, you probably won more than you lost. You're welcome.

There are 4 matches remaining, we will soon be down to 2, and then a champion! Let us begin...

Angband v. Hithlum

This will be an exciting match, and an extremely hard one to call. The Nerwendis odds-makers have no idea how to call this one.

Let's start with the offense, and the edge will go to Angband. Ancalagon doesn't seem to be performing at the level he was expected to, but that's a bit deceiving. Dragons cause huge problems for defenses, and opponent defenses always try to focus on Ancalagon, but this has been freeing up Maeglin and Hurin to do some damage. Plus the role players Telvildo and Thuringwethil have added significant contributions from time to time. I said at the beginning of the year Dragons cause some real heartburn for defenses, and half the teams remaining have a Dragon.

Defensively the edge will go to Hithlum. Carcharoth has been one of the best goal-tenders of late, however his defense is a problem. Hithlum's defense is led by Ulmo, and the way they work together is just stunning to watch, they look far better in this Cup than Eregion did. They have the ability to pack in the box tight and create little space for opponents to get off a good shot, but also amazing closing speed on the edge. Offenses either have to pass it back out, or send in a suicide cross, before Ulmo comes crashing in, steals the ball, and starts a dangerous counter-attack. Also, Hithlum's defense rarely picks up a card, that's because they rarely get beat, and if they do, they are quick at recovery.

Angband can play rough, which is a decent defensive strategy, but when you are playing against the best, hitting them hard will serve little benefit. Angband's defense comes no where near to the organization and speed of Hithlum's, which makes it an ultimately inferior strategy. Where Hithlum's potent offense will carve up Drauglin and make Carcharoth have a long day.

The X-factor of the match is Feanor. It's interesting to see them put up 3 goals against Dor-Lomin, but Feanor was not much of a factor (if at all). This just shows why Feanor is a true Captain, and not some over-paid, ball hog like Miriel, who will sit at midfield and throw a tantrum if she doesn't have the ball for 42 seconds every minute. Feanor has the ego to take over a game, and offensively carry his team on his backs, but also has shown he is not so ego-tistical that he won't ever give it up. If Feanor recognizes he is not at 100%, or he is having trouble breaking the double and triple teams, he has the skill to skill to quickly and effectively pass the ball off to a teammate, setting him/her up for a scoring oppurtunity. Feanor can take over a match, but he also trusts his teammates...and why wouldn't he? I mean they just put up 3 goals without his aid. Feanor will come back, in this match and pick up a goal and an assist, or 2 goals, to thank his team for being able to count on them and Hithlum will be going to the finals. Hithlum wins 3-2.

Armenolos v. Mirkwood

Now this is going to be an interesting match. You have Armenolos singing songs of victory riding on "Tar-Atanamir's great hands," "Ar-Pharazon's golden leg," and "Sauron's black boot." But Mirkwood, who has their own pest problems, have been even bigger pests for their opponents (and without question the Nerwendis odds-makers!). Ordinary fans might like the underdog story, but the House never likes an underdog.

Offensively, edge goes to Armenolos. They have been the best team throughout the tournament, not only offensively, but defensively. Sauron has quietly been a factor, getting a goal here, a goal there, as well as being one of the tops in assists. Mirkwood's got a very potent offense too, and I don't think Armenolos has faced one like it. Right now, with the way Thranduil is playing, he must not know he is a Sindarin elf, and Mirkwood better hope he doesn't remember he is merely a Sindar before the match. Sauron has that type of effect on opponents though, he has a tendancy to show people who they really are...and this time Thranduil doesn't have Galadriel or Celeborn to go begging to for assistance.

Defensively edge goes to Armenolos. How Mirkwood's defense has held up these last two matches is anyone's guess. I sure could not tell you, but it's hard to go against a team that has merely given up 3 goals all tournament, where Mirkwood usually gives up 2 a match. So far Mirkwood's been able to outscore their opponent, they actually are like the Tuna of last year, but no one has put up more than 2 goals against Armenolos this year. However, there's always a first.

But these daunting, almost impossible, odds are not scaring old Bilbo Baggins. Earlier in the week, MESN (Middle-Earth Soccer Network), hired Boromir II to come on as a player analyst for the games, and he had some harsh words for Bilbo: "When's this old Bag going to give it up already? He should have quit playing in the World Cup years ago...hell he should have never been able to pass the physical! I mean just look at him! He's a 3 foot tall shrivelled Halfling! They already make horrible athletes, and I know from my days on the Rivendell team. You know I constantly had Aragorn and Gandalf on my back about giving the ball to Bilbo and Frodo. Oh, they will dribble in undetected and able to sneak past all the defenders, they would say to me. You want to know what happened? You guessed it...they got steamrolled, or well I should give Bilbo credit for taking a hit on occasion, Frodo just fell down for everyone. Ugh...it was pathetic. Sauron will school Bilbo Baggins! You better bring your bag and be ready, Bilbo, because Sauron is about to take you to school!"

Bilbo would not respond directly to Boromir II, showing why he is so well respected not only be the fans, but other members of the media. All Bilbo would say was about the larger conspiracy by Tournament officials, and now I guess the media, in wanting a Melkor-Sauron final for ratings. Surely a Melkor-Sauron final would be a match worthy of rememberance, but no one should be turning off Armenolos v. Mirkwood. In what could be his last World Cup, the x-factor is Bilbo. TIE 2-2. (Armenolos wins in a shootout)

By: Jim "Scoop" Johnstone

Nogrod

07-01-2009, 01:45 AM

Taking into account the charges that were directly or indirectly (through the words of Mr. Bilbo Baggins esq.) pointed towards the policies of Arda Kicker Magazine the paper wishes to announce the following.

The AKM has but the good of the game in it's view. And looking at it, the dream final would be Armenelos vs. Hithlum. On the football point of view. Two best teams with no cheap tricks or powers from outside this world coming to intervene. And thus resulting bronze-medal game between Angband and Mirkwood would be a football fan's favourite as well with all the tensions there.

If Mr. Baggins is having a problem with being an underdog facing a defeat that's his problem. The trick with Treebeard was fun but it's not football.

The AKM is not "turning off" Armenelos vs. Mirkwood, it just warns people who are investing real money or personal glory into this tournament to think again if they're going for Mirkwood on that one.

Boro-blog has credentials and the AKM is first to aknowledge it. AKM just looks forwards not being forced to read these abrasive and conspiratory comments from the pages of the Boro-Blog...

Boromir88

07-01-2009, 12:19 PM

Well apparently my decision to publish Bilbo's thoughts on a conspiracy has ruffled the feathers of more than just a few. It makes one wonder if there is any truth in what Bilbo says?

Ahh, but from a personal standpoint, I will just say AKM is the top-magazine you will ever find on world Cup soccer. Their statistical analysis, and breakdown of head-to-head matchups is the best quality, bar none. If they asked me to be a contributor for them, I would do it in half a heart beat. But I can not deny being aggrieved by their insinuation I am attempting to reach a larger fan base in publishing "abrasive and conspiratory comments."

The thoughts and actions expressed by the players whom I quote are only the players, not mine. I am simply trying to fairly report and predict the outcomes of the matches. I was doing my job as a journalist to report a story. Now of course the sources I decide to choose, will automatically have some sort of slant to it, as it is impossible to quote every different source on every story. I thought those 'intelligent' writers over at AKM would be able to realize I was obviously not in support of Bilbo's claim, seeing as I have picked Hithlum to win...thus no Melkor-Sauron final. (But they probably wouldn't know that I meant 'intelligent' writers sarcastically, until they read what's in parenthesis.)

I do agree with AKM about Bilbo's press conference. He probably should have directed his anger at the one color-analyst who is clearly in favor of seeing Melkor vs. Sauron in the final, and not blown it up into a big conspiracy by the Cup officials, and other members in the media. However, AKM's own response, to not only disregard Bilbo's statement (which makes it clear that the AKM writer did not do any research into Bilbo's accusations at all, but predetermined that Bilbo is off his rocker), but then to even insinuate that I hold the same views as Bilbo, makes you wonder, doesn't it? It makes you wonder if Bilbo is right afterall.

By: Jim "Scoop" Johnstone
of the Boro-blog

the phantom

07-01-2009, 12:38 PM

A statement has been issued by the head Arda Cup referee regarding the "Melkor versus Sauron Conspiracy".

"I can most definitely tell you that wishing to see one match-up or another will certainly not interfere with the calling of a fair game- particularly the stated Melkor and Sauron pairing. I can say this quite safely not due to my lack of personal bias, but due to the fact that there is nothing I can do even if I wanted to. Melkor played for Valimar this year, and not Angband. Therefore Sauron and Melkor will not be meeting in the finals. No matter what. Melkor has been eliminated, in a match that was, by the way, called by yours truly. Put that in your pipe and smoke it."

Nogrod

07-03-2009, 11:18 AM

The AFA decision that the semifinals would be held in the same locations as the quarterfinals was met with great pride and joy by the organisers and with enthusiasm by the gathered crowds as well. Some Minas Morgul and Valimar fans headed back home but an astonishingly large number of them changed their original plans and stayed to have a chance at looking at the best football Arda had to offer. And more people were pouring in. More Númenóreans, more hobbits, more men and elves especially from the north-east, more goblins from the mountains but from the south as well… The dwarves hewed more rows of benches into the mountainside and taller huorns and even some ents were hired to grow the other side of the stand respectively higher. After the renewal the stadium took in 52 000 spectators. And it was to be full.

“The Elvenhome Chronicle” of Rivendell reported largely on the row that had risen from Boromir’s harsh language at the earlier press conference – and Bilbo’s hinting about a conspiracy by the tournament officials and the media, organised behind the curtains by the nerwendis. The newspaper was clearly trying to be correct and respectful with Bilbo, but the editor of the magazine couldn’t help pointing out that Bilbo was perhaps finally getting old and dementia was possibly catching up on him as he had himself played in the game where Mirkwood had beaten Valimar and thrown Melkor out of the tournament. Boromir’s arrogant comments were on the other hand judged with quite a strong language – and not only in the media. Boromir had never been the favourite person in Imladris and it looked like the gap was widening between the son of the steward and the Rivendell elves.

In a pre-match press conference the representatives of the both teams gave their views of the oncoming match.

Oropher: “We’ve beaten the odds given to us by the nerwendis already a couple of times and we’re positive we can do that again today. Our team exemplifies the spirit of the new Middle-Earth bringing together elves, men living or spirits, Maiar, hobbits and even dragons to play for the honour of our shared and sacred homegrounds – whatever our differences might have been in the past. This far I can see our new hope to all nations in the Middle-Earth has been carried forward with the blessing of Ilúvatar and I hope those blessings will carry us today to the finals and hopefully to the victory there.

Ar Pharazôn: Well, I hope Ilúvatar stays out of this game and minds his own business. This is football and not any multicultural “be happy –campaign”. We are the torch-carriers of the humankind, the Dunédain. We brought humankind into perfection – and now we’ll bring football into perfection…We do congratulate our opponents for bringing down the “mighty” Valimar but by beating the Mirkwood team we’ll show the world we would have done that too if given a second chance. Armenelos will rule once again.

Reporter (from “The Elvenhome Chronicle”): Now mr. Pharazôn, how about Gorthaur’s status in your team? How does he exemplify the perfection of humanity as you say?

Ar Pharazôn: I’m not answering to ridicule or biased questions…

Reporter (from “Romenna Daily”): But aren’t you afraid he betrays you once again? How can you trust that lord of evil he is?

Ar Pharazôn: Now look, Sauron has proved to be the best of teamplayers on the pitch and his unselfish and gallant game has bought our confidence with him. We had our differences in the past but those things are now history… and his choice to play for Armenelos and not for example Mordor or Angband speaks for his alignment for itself. Now thank you, we have a game to play and honour to defend.

Nogrod

07-03-2009, 05:11 PM

Armenelos vs. Mirkwood

All the minor things aside, the match was coming and that was what everyone was looking for. And this time the loyalties were so much clearer they had been in the quarterfinals. The “good” audiences (men from M-E, elves, hobbits, ents, Valar, Maiar…) were clearly on the side of Mirkwood while the “evils” were a bit undecided but leaning towards Armenelos just because the good crowds were so clearly on the side of Mirkwood: and sure there was Sauron – although he didn’t look like the Sauron they knew – being gracious, beautiful, noble… There was also a remarkable contingent of Númenórians from both Númenóre itself and from the south to keep up the spirit for the Armenelos team.

It had been cloudy already from the morning of the match day and a few hours before the game, as the crowds were gathering into the stadium, it started raining. And it rained heavily. The living roof consisting of the branches and leaves of the huorns and ents did protect parts of the stand pretty well but especially at the highest rows on the mountainside the spectators got pretty much soaked.

The game itself started up quite evenly. On a slippery field both teams went first carefully not willing to give the opponent a cheap lead with a careless mistake on the slippery arena.

Mirkwood played well and earned the support of the “good” crowds. Although there were downsides to it. When Treebeard was making a fine header following a corner kick the huorns and ents went just wild from suspense and cheered loudly waving their branches – resulting in hundreds of liters of water pouring down on the spectators and players under them, and a few spectators did actually fall down from their branches and received injuries that required medical attention. The header itself went wide the post.

But the team Armenelos proved to be just solid steel – and a Team with a capital letter. As in their earlier games, there were no particular players by whom they would pull their act together or to whom they would every time try to give the ball to make a difference. Everyone stood for his or her place and when someone was marked there was always someone else to pick up the duties and play the ball forwards in relentless waves of attack one after another.

In last year’s tournament Armenelos fell into self-indulgence giving the opponents basically a two goal lead before they started playing in earnest. This year they had learned.

At 30th minute due to a minor marking-mistake by Grimbeorn “the Lord of the West” performed a beautiful bicycle-kick from Sauron’s fine high pass and took the Kings to the lead they held onto to the half-time with relative ease.

On the second half much of the same followed. Armenelos wasn’t exactly running over the Mirkwod team but it made no mistakes and it always seemed to have more of the edge when it either attacked or defended; they were sharper, more determined, more alert at everything they did.

And so on 68th minute Armenelos scored again. And what an execution it was!

It actually began by a counter-attack when Sauron took the ball away from Bilbo (heh, as Boromir had predicted) and went forwards with Ar Pharazôn at his side. The two outwitted the Mirkwood defences and finally Sauron passed the ball to the center for Ar Pharazôn to score – but he hit the crossbar! Meanwhile those nearest following the two forwards had reached the area and it was getting packed inside the box. Tar Minastir won a fight over the rebound at the right corner of the box and chipped it to the center to Ar Pharazôn still waiting there – and Ar Pharazôn made a follow-up shot towards the lower left corner…making Oropher dive there… but no! It was indeed a powerful pass as he had seen from the corner of his eye that Tar Telperien was running there with all she got – and she dived to the ball feet on changing the ball’s trajectory from a meter away from Oropher sending the ball into the middle of the goal just past diving Oropher.

Once again Tar Telperien had showed why she was called the queen of football in Armenelos. As a defender she was probably less visible than her fellows Aredhel, Miriel or Nerdanel – but she sure knew how to score or pass a goal when needed. Those remembering last year’s tournament know that well. In a sudden act of decency Sauron took her to his shoulders and carried her around the pitch when she was just about to pull off her shirt to celebrate the goal…

Mirkwood tried it’s best to narrow the 2-0 lead but Armenelos played it securely and confidently the last twenty minutes giving Mirkwood no actual chance to score. Then the referee whistled the game over.

The Armenelos team maybe arrogant and full of pride but they are thus far the most solid team there is. It has won all its matches with a safe two goals difference (either 2-0 or 3-1). And they have allowed the opponents only three goals in six games – partly due to Tar Atanamir’s incredible 86% saves ratio as well. Whichever team will meet them in the final will have to really exceed in their game to beat team Armenelos. Fitting for the rulers of old they were, they just looked sovereign…

Armenelos 2-0 Mirkwood

shots 13-13
on target 7-5
GOALS:
*30, Armenelos (Ar Adunakhor, Sauron)
*68, Armenelos (Tar Telperien, Ar Pharazon)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Armenelos- Ar Zimrathan, Ar Gimilzor, Tar Ancalimon
*Mirkwood- Bilbo, Treebeard, Fram

skip spence

07-04-2009, 03:11 AM

When the sun rose on the day appointed and all the eastern lands lay bathing in morning glory, full daylight was still hours away on the plains of Tumladen within the encircling mountains. But finally, when the wait was almost unbearable, the emergent glow on the jagged peaks of the Crissaegrim exploded into a blinding white light and the shadows fled westwards or skulked underneath the sheer rock walls for a temporary respite. At the moment the sunbeams reached 0the king’s lofty tower, hundreds of trumpets greeted the new day. From the white, shiny walls of the city the banners of Turgon the King and Hithlum were unfurled, but also that of Angband, black as the pits of hell in mockery of the promises of such a fair morning. The day of the semi-final had come, with Hithlum facing off against Angband, and everyone was up and about, preparing for a choice feast.

The residents of the city rued the elimination of the proud Gondolin team, but were well pleased that they could support their kinsmen and friends from Hithlum, who also brought plenty of supporters with them from their Western highlands. Although former Gondolin-player Maeglin still had a few supporters in the city, most Elves here considered him to be treacherous scum signing for their most bitter rivals. Therefore, although this year’s Angband team was less hated than previous incarnations, there was no doubt that Hithlum had the support of the crowd, although a smaller group of travelling fans from Angband also remained in the city, mostly consisting of Easterlings, as few Orcs braved facing the mid-day sun. Here were also the black figures clad in hooded robes, looming over the Angband subs bench. Up in the VIP sky boxes luminaries such as Turgon, Tuor, Idril the king’s daughter and Eömwë, herald of Manwë, were seated. Alsp present were the eagles of Thorondor, sitting on the upper rim of the oval stadium with a great overview of the action down below utilizing their sharp eye-sight. Among the organizers there was a discussion about expelling them from the stadium lest they pay for tickets, but since no one knew how this could be done in practice, the officials thought better of it.

The stadium was full of light and colour and noise as the referee blew his whistle and Fëanor kicked off. The match was underway and to the joy of the supporters it was Hithlum who had the upper hand early on. In the fifth minute Maedhros got past Drauglin and found his father Fëanor, who burst into the penalty area. The angle was tight but he tried a shot nevertheless, and it was a swirling ball that Carcaroth had trouble with. First it looked like he’d claimed the ball, but then he yelped as it was suddenly behind him, rolling towards the line. Fëanor and the Hithlum players celebrated a goal, as they though it had crossed the line before the wolf got it again, but the referee waved play on. Fëanor was furious, insisting they’d look at a Palantiri replay of the event, but the ref had none of it and booked the Hithlum captain for protesting.

This incident only seemed to motivate Hithlum, and they continued to create plenty of headaches for the Angband defence, while Ancalagon and Maeglin (who got booed every time he touched the ball) had a difficult time with the Noldor back line. 17 minutes into the game Hithlum also took the lead as Gondolin favourite Aredhel made a great run and crossed the ball for Maedhros, who volleyed home from 10 metres. The stadium exploded in a great roar and trumpets blew triumphantly. But Hithlum did not rest on their laurels and went on the hunt for a second. A few minutes before the break it also came when Fingolfin’s deep run was spotted by Fëanor, whose perfect though-ball gave his half brother a one-on-one opportunity with Carcaroth, and although the great wolf came charging out from his line with a dreadful roar, the brave High King showed perfect composure and rolled the ball past him into the net. There was a warm applause as the two siblings embraced each other celebrating the goal they made together. Team sports can truly unite. Hithlum was two up at halftime and they had played wonderful football, perhaps the best the spectators had seen so far here in Gondolin.

During the recess, the black figures in the stands left their seats and came to the Angband dressing room. What was said is not known but there was an altogether new Angband team emerging in the second half. Suddenly the tackles were hard and fierce and the runs determined and fast. Hithlum still played out of their skins, and now the match reached epic proportions. The ref had to book several players, and the temperamental Fëanor should perhaps consider himself lucky not to receive a second yellow card when he went into a challenge with great zest, sending Uldor spinning in the air in great pain. Hurin, Maeglin and Gwindor in particular were fast becoming the main threat for Angband, perhaps motivated by the convincing arguments of the black hooded figures. Midway through the half Hurin almost reduced the Hithlum lead when his banana shot clipped the top of the bar behind a beaten Huan, but the Hitlum defence still held tight, much thanks to the impressive Caranthir the Dark and the Balrog who just about nullified the threat of the disappointing Ancalagon the Black.

But in the 73rd minute the goal came for Angband. Gwindor lifted a cross over the Hithlum box where Maeglin chested the ball down on the left. Challenging Ulmo he made a few quick step-overs before taking it past the Vala and unleashing a surprising snap shot that beat Huan on his near post. That was a fantastic individual effort from “the sharp boot” and he celebrated the goal with a swagger by hushing the crowd with a finger to his mouth. Angband were right back in it now and the crowd grew increasingly nervous, expecting a tense finale.

That wasn’t to be though. Only a few minutes later as Angband pushed for an equalizer, Fingolfin stole the ball and released a rampant Fëanor down the middle. Thuringwethil was forced to commit a cynical foul to stop the forward, and was rather lucky not to get sent off. Angband was punished none the less, as Fëanor got back on his feet, dusted himself off, and bended an unstoppable projectile over the wall and into Carcaroth’s the upper right corner for his fourth goal of the tournament. The crowd was ecstatic, knowing that a two goal deficit would be very difficult for Angband to overcome. Nor could they, and time quickly ran out for them. Hithlum was thought to the final, and very deservedly too, as they’d really razed their game when it mattered the most. The buoyant players were making lap after lap around the stadium soaking in the glory, fully expectant to win the final too regardless of who they’d have to face. Meanwhile the Angband players left the field dejected. They would not be received well back home now.

Angband 1-3 Hithlum
shots 10-18
on target 3-9
GOALS:
*17, Hithlum (Maedhros, Aredhel)
*42, Hithlum (Fingolfin, Feanor)
*73, Angband (Maeglin, Gwindor)
*79, Hithlum (Feanor)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Angband- Thuringwethil, Balrog #5, Gwindor
*Hithlum- Fingon, Aredhel, Feanor

Boromir88

07-05-2009, 07:36 PM

11-3 in the playoffs and 2 more matches to go. Angband v. Mirkwood for 3rd place, and Armenolos v. Hithlum for the Championship.

We can just forget about that mistake in reporting Bilbo's press conference. I was suffering under temporary dementia, but sadly Bilbo's dementia seems more permanent. That was a minor lapse, the bigger story being continuing this impressive string of calling matches correctly.

Let us start with the game for 3rd place: Angband v. Mirkwood.

This will be an exciting one, and a good warm-up game for the championship. Mirkwood being the surprise team this Cup and Angband being pretty much in the position most experts expected. Because of that, Angband will be the favourite, but Mirkwood has room left for one more surprise.

We will see who will take the title the "Lord" of the Dragons. You might say it should be Ancalagon the Black, but his fire has been sputtering throughout the tournament. Scatha has fit much better into the Mirkwood team than Ancalagon has in Angband. You even had Treebeard singing praises for Scatha, and it's showing up in the phantasy points as well. I don't know how Mirkwood has managed with their conglomeration of races, but whatever they have been doing it's been working. The Arda Kicker Magazine would tell you they must have the favour of Eru...bogus I tell you.

Angband hasn't had any major internal blow-ups, but you can tell in their team play something has been off. Hurin was near the top in assists last year, and with his new team he just hasn't been doing it. You can tell he hasn't been feeling comfortable distributing the ball to Angband's forwards. He is far to honourable to cause a ruckus about not completely gelling in the Angband team, but supressing your dissatisfaction is sometimes more harmful to your team than simply spouting off your mind. It has been showing in Hurin's play, and it's not helping Angband. I told you weeks ago Hurin had to get evil if Angband wanted to get to the next level.

Angband's got the better talent, but Mirkwood's got enough talent to be competitive, and their teamwork will put them over the edge. Mirkwood wins 3-2.

THE CHAMPIONSHIP! Armenolos v. Hithlum

That Bilbo truly had to be nuts, because I can't think of two better teams to fight for the cup than these two, and I doubt the Arda Cup officials would have wanted any one, besides these two, representing honest, fair, and flat out great soccer skill. Theez boyz can play and they will show it in a Final that will not only be recorded for the soccer archives, but will forever be remembered by anyone lucky enough to experience it.

Feanor is the best player on the field, but the technique and team strategy of Armenolos has not been bested by anyone. I would argue that Tar-Atanamir has been the best goalie all tournament, however, because of his ridiculous save percentage he has made Armenolos' overall defense look better than it actually is. If you want to see the best overall team defense, look no further than Hithlum, who just does not allow their opponents many scoring opportunities, and when they do get opportunities they usually aren't good.

Armenolos has not faced any threat like Feanor, and their defense will finally give up 2 goals. Feanor continues to prove why he is the best, with his innate ability to recognize when he has to take control and when he has to distribute crisp passes to teammates. He will do it again in this match. As impressive as Sauron has been, stripping the ball from old senile hobbits like Bilbo is one thing, try doing that to anyone on Hithlum, and Sauron will be looking up from the flat of his back, wishing there was another Ring Frodo could destroy, because as painful as that might of been, it was quick and it will be nothing to the 90 minute beating he will take on the soccer field. Hithlum wins 2-1.

By: Jim "Scoop" Johnstone
The Boro-Blog

Nogrod

07-08-2009, 12:11 PM

Just before the finals let's see how the AKM-editors have ranked the players in the semifinals.

Five stars will go to:

Tar Atanamir of Armenelos
Tar Telperion of Armenelos

Three stars will go to:

Carcaroth of Angband
Fëanor of Hithlum
Maeglin of Angband

One star will go to:

Ar Pharazôn of Armenelos
Fingolfin of Hithlum
Gwindor of Angband
Húrin of Angband
Oropher of Mirkwood
Sauron of Armenelos

So before the final games the AKM stars are as follows (kicked-out players in italics as usual) - and we have a new leader!!!

16 stars:
Tar Atanamir or Armenelos

15 stars:
Melkor of Valimar

14 stars:
Sauron of Armenelos

13 stars:
Tar Telperion of Armenelos

12 stars:
Carcaroth of Angband
Tilion of Valimar

11 stars:
Fëanor of Hithlum
Felarof of Edoras
Nerdanel of Tuna
Oropher of Mirkwood

10 stars:
Elros of Romenna
mormwolf of TIG
Nazgul #6 of Mirkwood
Thranduil of Mirkwood

9 stars:
Theoden of Edoras

8 stars:
Aredhel of Hithlum
Huor of Dor-Lomin
Maeglin of Angband

7 stars:
Ar Pharazon of Armenelos
Ar Zimrathan of Armenelos
Eldacar of Osgiliath
Elrond of Eregion
Gwindor of Angband
Hurín of Angband
Miriel of Tuna
Shadowfax of Edoras
Tar Ciryatan of Armenelos

Bubbling under... four players at 6 stars, fifteen players at 5 stars...

On the finals the AKM will deal some extra prices as well, so everything's open yet. Stay tuned.

Nogrod

07-08-2009, 04:21 PM

It was time then! For suitability and availability, and not the least for the excellent feedback from last year’s semifinals it was Minas Tirith that was chosen by the AFA to host the finals this year.

After the renovations to make it suitable to the finals, the marvellous Stadia Anor located right beside the gates of the great city now boasted with 115 000 seats, with more luxury loges, more fast food dealers and beer-vendors at the stadium as well as on the Pelennor fields beside it; but there were now also more exquisite parlors in the bowels of the giant stadium for the very VIP’s with velvet couches and silken clothes, drinks with ice and live music for pre- and post-game enjoyment. And the rows of benches nearest to the field itself were dragged forwards just less than two meters from the side- and end lines of the pitch – leaving room only for a chain of low add-stands to separate the players and the first row audiences.

There were a host of visitors coming to the finals from all corners of the Middle-Earth and from the West as well – but the Minas Tirithians remembered last year’s football frenzy as well and flocked to the box-offices as soon as the ticket sales opened. As a result the price of tickets just sky-rocketed in the black-market a few days before the matches. It was going to be a party of the year. Those left without a ticket would have their parties on the Pelennor fields in front of two giant-screens sending live picture from the game from the beginning to the end.

For the Minas Tirithians there were to be many familiar players in the pitch this year. The team Armenelos was almost the same it was last year – albeit for Sauron, who had indeed played there anyway, only on team T-I-G. So the people were a bit less disturbed with his presence this year. Team Hithlum had been there the last year as well, even if only two players of the team (namely Fingon and Fingolfin) remained, but as the team was built this year on the solid structure of the Formenos team that had beaten the T-I-G on that very same arena last year, people were just thrilled: the same “killer trio” in the front; Aredhel, Maedhros and Fëanor, the same reliable and heroic Huan at the goal… It was soo great!

On the day before the matches a great press conference was held at the press lounge of the stadium and the selected representatives of the teams were gathered together with the representatives of local organiser and the AFA to answer the questions by the top football-journalists of Arda. Let’s look at some highlights of that event.

Armenelos Times: King Felagund, knowing you as “the friend of men” in the ME, do you think you were picked to represent your team here to gain support from the home crowd against Armenelos – would Fëanor just have been too fiery to give a bad impression of your relations to humans, as he surely was the one we all waited for to see here today? And how is it with your team’s spirit, you’re after all a motley crue of ex-Formenos players with some other outsiders like you yourself and only two former Hithlum team players… seeing also that Húrin indeed signed up with the Angband team this year?

Finrod Felagund: Now it’s not worthy of a king to answer mal-directed questions but my half-uncle is indeed concentrating to the game and I felt relaxed enough to take this position. What comes to the team-spirit, well there’s nothing to complain. You know, with my uncle, cousins and half-cousins it’s just great to play and spend time with them after years with no see. And Ulmo has been a rare treat, you’re not seeing him in the scoreboards but he surely gives leadership in the lockers.

Hador’s House Journal: But wasn’t that kind of a coup to oust all the men from team Hithlum and elvenise it? We sure hold you in high esteem but…

Finrod: Well, there’s no foul play there I assure you. The player-markets are as they are, and we didn’t create the Dor Lomin team… and what Húrin did… well, that was his own decision, even if I do wonder why he chose that way. You know all those dark-cloaked agents following the team everywhere? I mean that smells foul for miles away.

The Thangorodrimer: Now let me ask you Oropher, whether the cindarella story of Mirkwood is finally at an end? Do you think you can stand against the solid team of Angband having only three decent players in your team?

Oropher: One journalist doesn’t make a difference in a game. It’s the players, all eleven of them in a team. So you can just shove your question… do I need to say where? Next.

Valimar Quarterly: Well we do appreciate the way your team has brought different races and species together Oropher – and statistically it will be a tough match as the indicators are so even in all the areas of the game. But I would like to address the Angband team here. Now what makes you think you have chances as the evil will never prevail in Arda? Should you have learned that already?

Carcaroth: Well, we have what it takes to fight. You know, last time I tried it out with Huan we ended up even. Well this time we lost to them but that loss only makes us more eager to fight. “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” we say back in Angband. And that’s truly my motto.

The Hidden Rock Bulletin: Coming back to the final if I may… How about you King Tar Calion? Do you think you can raise to the occasion and challenge the elves of Hithlum?

Ar Pharazôn: Anyday. We do not fear any opponent and we will just smash them with our great team-play worthy of the Dúnedain so that all the people can see what we humans are capable of. We’re confident that these Hithlum hippies will be plain outscored tomorrow.

Finrod: Hithlum what? Now you…

Ar Pharazôn: You first-born are over-rated and you know that yourself. And look at those Valar, phwwt… dropped out early on… Words, words, words. Let’s see the deeds on the pitch shall we?

Finrod: Do I have to understand you’re trying to make fun of us? That's pathetic!

Ar Pharazôn: Take it as your wits serve you.

The Meduselder: Now please, I would have a question to the organising party. How have you prepared for any possible violence erupting after a band of angry baddie-supporters getting wild with a lost match? Can you contain Melkor if he gets frustrated to the Angband team even if it wasn’t exactly his team this year? Or how to deal with Sauron?

Carcaroth: There will be no defeat to our team if you’re hinting at that non-possibility…

Ar Pharazôn: Just hold your tongue boy!

Bergil: Excuse me, I think the question was for me. We have enough men at arms to settle down any skirmishes… and should Bauglir go astray we have Manwë, Tulkas and Oromë around, with some other Valar and Maiar at the VIP sections of the stadium and they have promised us their full co-operation if something nastier would happen.

Carcaroth: I already told you this was anything but a balanced venue! Look at that self-satisfactory smile that vermin just gave you! But we will beat all the hindrances you build in front of us… and will prevail whatever you say – or who has paid the referees...

Minas Tïrith Palantír: Now let me ask you all, who will be the deciding players in your teams and in your opponents teams? We have many of those who made the difference here in the last year’s semis, who will light up the audiences this year? The heroes, the villains? Your predictions for your game?

Oropher: My son will continue his great game and I do believe my grandson will rise to the occasion as well. Also Mr. Baggins has been ridiculed by the media a bit too much so that he might just prove you guys wrong in this game. From the Angband team, well, Húrin and Gwindor are guys to be marked carefully but Ancalagon is too old to play at this level any more – and Maeglin just deserves to be humbled after all he has done: Radagast, Treebeard and Grimbeorn are just the guys for that task. Those wolves will prove to be a problem but I believe Ulfast and Uldor will fail their team. We win 2-1.

Carcaroth: You call Ancalagon too old while you have that demented gaffer in your team? I say his fire and wings will beat down all the opponents when the time comes… and it comes tomorrow. Ancalagon will score twice, Maeglin once. We win 3-0. Sorry but you guys are pathetic. Only Scatha or Nazgul #6 may cause some trouble but I’m confident a balrog and a great werewolf are enough to stop them even if the petty humans would fail… but they are more spirited you allow. Don’t fool yourself elf…

Ar Pharazôn: Our team effort will prevail as it has done thus far. We need no single stars like our opponents need. We play together and we win. Plain and simple. If you need names let’s say Tar Atanamir will continue his great goal-tending. He is absolutely the greatest goalie in this tournament. Also our defence is the best of this tournament as are our forwards. Sauron has proven to be a great team-player as well and you should be afraid of his talent when he now plays for the team. Yeah, Tar Calmacil and Ar Gimilzôr haven’t yet risen to their level in this tournament in the midfield but they will play their part anyway and will be up to challenge Finrod here and Fingon anytime. Aredhel – Maedhros – Feänor –trio sure is a good one but our team-defence will just shut them down. Fëanor will get frustrated and will eventually get a red card for misconduct and the other elves will just weep and finally lose all confidence banging their heads against our defences. With the habit we’ve had in this tournament, we will win with two goals: 3-1. I will score and / or assist two goals with Sauron - we really have now what it takes to play together and to trust each other; Ar Adunakhôr or Tar Minastir wil score the third one.

Finrod: With due respect King Tar Calion, you’re wrong with your predicament. You must understand – and as a wise man you do indeed understand it – that your team has never been against such firepower we have in front; and not only the trio, but my uncle and cousin can score as well from the midfield – they’ve made two goals each as well. So that's empty banter. And as you said, there is the difference. Our midfield outruns and outwits yours and confronted with the best forwards in this tournament even Tar Atanamir will have to accept he’s no match for them. And whatever the numbers say, Huan is indeed the best goalie in the tournament and aided by Ulmo, Caranthir and Annael there is no way you guys score thrice. Remember we have second least goals allowed after you in this tournament but we have already faced some really tough teams unlike you. So we’ll win, 1-0. Aredhel will score that one aided by Fëanor.

Nogrod

07-11-2009, 02:50 PM

The Stadia Anor was practically fully packed already at the bronze-match. When you got this level of football at your hometown – or you had wandered from far away – you definitively wanted to see it all. And it was to be a tight match according to any news-media which really tried to take an imbalanced look at the competing teams (excluding The Nargothrondian, The Mirkwood Post, The Wood-Elf Chronicle, The ‘Downer and other unreliable sources looking at this particular game…).

The statistics provided by the AKM showed that Mirkwood had a slight lead with 35,3% scoring rate from shots on goal against Angband’s 34,3% - but if one looked at the overall shot/goal ratio, then Angband had a nominal edge with 15,8% rate against Mirkwood’s 15,6%. These were basically insignificant differences: both teams had scored 12 goals in six matches, although Angband had shot 35/76 (shots on goal/overall shots = 46%) and Mirkwood 33/77 (44%) giving them 2% margin in the overall accuracy of their shooting. No big difference there.

One thing that had been marked down as a possible edge to the Angband team by several reporters was Carcaroth’s saving percentage versus that of Oropher. But the AKM had played this difference down as well. Carcaroth had 72% saving record (9 goals allowed from 32 shots on target) while Oropher reached just 69% (10 allowed from 32), which actually meant that from equal number of shots Oropher had given in one goal more than Carcaroth – whether being the better goalie or then standing behind a bit tougher defence, or then being just more lucky… or having faced less brilliant forwards this far in the tournament. As one can see, there was no big statistical difference either way in here either.

But listening to the chanting and shouting both inside and outside the Stadia Anor just before the game it was clear which team was the favourite of the crowd. Angband supporters were indeed few in numbers, but the ten thousand strong fan-crowd of orcs and easterlings led by Melkor and a few Balrogs were noisy enough to create a feeling of there being two competing teams of supporters in the stadium as well even if the numbers were overwhelming.

The game itself started out evenly. But even if both teams built up some quite flashing attacks it was the defences of both teams that outshone all other players in the field in the first thirty minutes. The crowds love goals and can’t get enough of them but this time people were quite impressed with the quality of the defences – shutting passes off, shutting down runs by forwards with intelligent off-side traps, holding the supremacy in the air in front of the goal… You name it – and the defences produced it. Both dragons looked especially frustrated on the half hour mark as neither of them had barely touched the ball because of the heavy marking.

But spectacular goals were to come.

People often say that in tight matches the special-situations, like corners or free-kicks, make the difference. On 35th minute the Angband team showed the truth of that statement. The actual events that led into an Angband free-kick will surely be a matter of some dispute after the tournament as very few have seen Thranduil enraged like that for nothing. Anyway, Thranduil fell face down when fighting for the ball against Thuringwethil. The bat took the ball and went forwards building the attack when Thranduil ran on her from behind so rough that the referee had no chance but to card him and give the Angband team a free-kick. So what happened? No one knows exactly, but it wouldn’t have been the first time Thuringwethil would’ve made quite a cynical tackle – especially so that the referee would not notice it.

Ancalagon and Thuringwethil were behind the ball at 35 meters. Ancalagon took a run to the ball only to jump suddenly to the side before reaching it. But just as everyone thought Thuringwethil who was running behind Ancalagon would actually shoot it from a different angle the great dragon swung its tail and produced a mighty swerving rocket past the wall – hitting the post!

The ball rebounded to the right from the goal where Maeglin took it with great individual skill leaving Grimbeorn behind. He gave a sharp glance to the left upper corner of the goal and went for a shoot. Oropher dived to catch the ball only to realise in mid-air that it was not a shot but a chip. But it was too late then. Húrin broke free from between Radagast and Treebeard and dived for the header in the middle. And it was in! Angband took the lead.

The last ten minutes of the half Angband team clearly dropped back to defend their lead before the half-time – and were pretty impressive in it – even if football-wise there wasn’t a lot of flash or gallantry in there.

No one was surprised that Mirkwood came to the second half with stamina and aggression. They had really decided to fight back and the crowds were behind them with cheers, songs, drums, trumpets... But unlike the last ten minutes of the first half the Angband team was not backing down at all. On the contrary, it pressed forwards as furiously as Mirkwood did.

Now that was some football! Beautiful combinations, a host of individual skill on display, a few great saves and a handful of barely missed goals during the first twenty minutes of the second half… Really value for the money!

Nazgul #6 made a beautiful run from the side and shot the ball through the ground past Carcaroth who had come forwards to shut the angle… the ball was getting a bit wide of the far post when Fram ran his life for it – cheered by the crowd who jumped up to see it - finally trying to slide the ball into the empty net… and only missing the ball by inches!

At the other end Gwindor showed astonishing rise to the occasion by making a blind bicycle-kick from a nice chip given and called out by Maeglin only to hit the post.

Scatha looked like it was warming up. Anyway Scatha made Ancalagon look but a shadow as it had started fighting after the frustrating first half an hour. Meanwhile Ancalagon seemed to not find a new gear to come to it’s level. Scatha’s mighty blow of a free-kick from 22 meters (following from Thuringwethil’s really nasty tackle on Thranduil – the spectators and Mirkwood players were calling for a straight red card but the referee only gave her a yellow one) went straight towards the upper left corner of the goal but Carcaroth managed to tip it into a corner-kick with it’s claws at the last moment. Thranduil and Thuringwethil were not in any easy terms with each other. That was clear for anyone.

Tevildo won Bilbo in a one on one fight over the ball at the Angband side and sent the ball up to Thuringwethil who passed it forwards with a nice high one-timer – and Maeglin was in full speed leaving the lowest defenders Radagast and Treebeard standing as he dashed past them. The ball bounced to the ground a few meters before the box and went up again. It seemed that the onrushing Oropher would be able to catch it when it next came down. But what did Maeglin do? He didn’t wait for the ball to land but jumped for it – and volleyed it straight forwards himself being airborne… Oropher got his hands to the ball but he couldn’t hold it because of the force of the shot blasted just a meter or two away from him and it slipped… and rolled towards the goal behind him… and Maeglin still in full speed jumped over him following the ball… It was a goal indeed, and what a goal!

The stadium went totally silent. The crowds were dumbed and astonished. They had been following a match of the year where great opportunities had followed each other – and it was just one goal lead the Angband team had. But suddenly it felt like all had just gone down the drain. They couldn’t believe what they had just seen.

But the orcs and easterlings went just mad! And after the initial shock many elves and humans indeed applauded Maeglin for his absolutely stunning performance – although it died down as soon as it started when Maeglin took his shirt off and swung it in front of the Gondolin part of the stand with a gaze and smile that sent a clear enough message. (He was actually fined for that performance after the tournament by AFA-officials from unsportsmanlike behaviour.)

But there were still 25 minutes to go. Mirkwood team put forwards all they had and slowly even the crowd was re-ignited to the fight. And Mirkwood really pressed hard. They attacked from left and right, with passing high balls behind the defenders, with short passes via the ground, with a few sharp counter-attacks when given a chance. But the Angband defences held admirably. Balrog #5 and Drauglin were indispensable, but also Ulfast and Uldor fought like men keeping the waves of attacks at bay one after another. And to be honest, it was not just Mirkwood pressing on and Angband backing down. From their relentless attacking there followed a few really dangerous counter-attacks keeping the Mirkwood team at their toes all the while they pressed on. There was a goal hanging in the air once more – but it could come to either end of the pitch.

And at the 79th minute the ball was in!

Mirkwood was pressing on when Ulfast and Uldor made a marking mistake under pressure. They both thought the other one was marking Nazgul #6 and went to Legolas. Scatha realised that immediately with the ball and passed it nicely past the running men and in front of the Nazgul inside the box. Before Ulfast and Uldor had time to make good their error the ball was already at the back of the net. Even Carcaroth had no say in that goal, so swift and accurate was the execution of the Nazgul.

And the miracle was witnessed by 115 000 spectators – taking part in it themselves: the elves and men cheered for a Nazgul, in Minas Tirith! And they did that from the bottom of their hearts – even if the assistant to the goal had been none else but a dragon. The crowds were just crazy. There was still hope! 10+ minutes to go and it was only a one goal lead again. The game would start a new at this late stage!

There really was tension now. Angband team didn’t give up an inch without a fight even if Mirkwood was now playing like it was playing for life and death. The odd dark-cloaked figures had appeared from somewhere and where standing motionlessly beside the field – and none of the security-guards were able to remove them. But what an energy especially Húrin and Gwindor found for themselves (and where?) after the appearance of the dark figures? They tackled and pressed back leading all the Angband players to pull up their best – and Gwindor indeed got booked for a harsh tackle at 81st minute.

Húrin got a perfect pass from Maeglin at 87th minute and got to shoot from 18 meters – only to make it just wide. The crowds sighed with relief – even if they still held the man in high esteem.

It was the last minute of the added time when Fram got a loose ball in the middle of the box while the forwards of Mirkwood team – and the Nazgul – were carefully marked on corner-kick situation. Fram was a bit off-balance but managed to make a shot that surprised Carcaroth and slipped from it’s claws… to the post… But Legolas had gotten rid of his shadow and slid forwards… only to see Balrog #5 clearing the ball all the way back to the midfield from just under his nose…

The game was over and Angband claimed the bronze-medals! Mirkwood made it a fight but in the end Angband was just that required inch tougher, just a bit more solid and more effective. And it was no surprise to anyone that Maeglin was rewarded as the “man of the match”. Maeglin’s track-record from the last games was impressive indeed. In the last three play-off games he had scored four times and assisted one goal.

A moving scene was witnessed by the audience when they saw Húrin sitting down on the pitch his head buried deep down between his legs and Bilbo approached him. The old hobbit patted the human hero’s shoulder gently and was clearly talking some smoothing words to him. Húrin raised his head and looked at the hobbit for a moment and then gave him his hand. Húrin rose up aided by the old hobbit, even if everyone could see Bilbo could not help much to lift that sized man. He looked down on the little one approvingly and flashed him a smile taking his shirt off and offering it to Bilbo. Bilbo seemed hesitant for a moment – probably not being too pleased with the idea of showing his naked upper-body to hundred thousand spectators – but then took off his own shirt and the two exchanged their gear. The crowd applauded in standing ovation for the two.

It was only when Sauron appeared at the pitch congratulating some of the winners with other celebrities that people realised no one had seen him during the game.

Angband 2-1 Mirkwood

shots 12-12
on target 4-4
GOALS:
*35, Angband (Hurin, Maeglin)
*66, Angband (Maeglin, Thuringwethil)
*79, Mirkwood (Nazgul #6, Scatha)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Angband- Thuringwethil, Gwindor
*Mirkwood- Thranduil, Bilbo

the phantom

07-11-2009, 10:17 PM

Stadia Anor could seat a whopping 115,000, but no one doubted that more spectators were present. Many a father sat with his son upon his knee, and some of the smaller orcs and slighter teens did their best to share a seat. And the aisles and stairs, well- let's just say that there was no chance of exiting.

The elves were draped in Hithlum banners, as were a few men who couldn't bring themselves to support Sauron, but most of the stadium was in support of the Numenoreans, as the Gondorians were more than happy to support their progenitors, and all manner of evil creatures were wholly behind Sauron.

The teams from the bronze medal match made their way onto the field and the crowd greeted them gleefully, and were even more delighted when the teams climbed into a roped off area of seats to watch and cheer with the rest of the arena! Most of the Mirkwood team seemed to be for Hithlum, but Bilbo, Scatha, and Fram bore no signs of their loyalties. Nazgul #6 however was fully behind Armenelos, and was enthusiastically waving a flag in the air, black trimmed with red and gold.

All the players from Angband save Gwindor and Maeglin joined with Nazgul #6 in support of Armenelos, and Hurin's voice could be heard above the general din crying out support for his distant relations.

Up high in the press boxes sat representatives of various agencies such as AKM and MESPN, loaded down with stats and bios and giving last minute predictions. In the week leading up to the contest, many analysts had been quick to point out Hithlum's championship pedigree, for the team featured five players from last year's title-winning Formenos team (Feanor, Maedhros, Aredhel, Caranthir, Huan), and two players from last year's runner up (Fingolfin, Fingon). Was it any surprise that Hithlum had been the heavy favorite coming into the tournament? And surely they were going to make good on their potential.

But other analysts were quick to counter that every member of Armenelos had reached the bronze medal game the previous year, so they had proven their talent as well and had virtually the same amount of experience. And though they weren't the heavy favorites entering the tournament, surely no one could deny that they had played the best of any team thus far. No one had even come within a goal of them!

The offensive numbers were incredibly similar- Armenelos led goals 15-14, shots 88-85, and shots on target 43-42. The defensive numbers were the largest difference. Armenelos had allowed seven more shots, while the on target shots was dead even at 21, but- Armenelos had allowed three fewer goals. It was this fact that most cited as their reason to predict Armenelos to win. Tar Atanamir had racked up nearly an 86% save percentage!

But Hithlum fans were quick to point out that Armenelos had managed to avoid playing high-powered Tuna or Valimar in the semis due to Mirkwood's surprise run, and that their defensive numbers would not look so shiny had they been put up against them.

However, it was time to put all speculation to rest. The match was to be decided on the field!

As warm-ups were held, both teams looked very sharp. There would be no sub-standard play here. Feanor and his old friends from Formenos looked confident they could rise to the occasion once again, while Fingolfin and Fingon looked quietly determined not to let this one slip away.

The players for Armenelos looked equally determined, except for perhaps Ar Adunakhor and Ar Pharazon, who wore expressions that were downright haughty. Sauron's face, however, was a complete mask- expressionless and emotionless. What was going on in his head? Was he planning treachery? Or was this his way of showing his nerves, and how badly he craved victory.

As play began, it was clear that both sides were right to look confident. The passing was precise, the runs were quick, and the kicks were forceful. But the fine play did not limit itself to the offenses- the tackles were perfect, the best options were always cut off, hopeful balls up for grabs were controlled, and so the attackers were unable to gain a legitimate threat despite their best efforts. Both midfields took a couple of snipes at the goal, but Huan and Tar Atanamir were not asleep and handled the balls like the pros they were.

As halftime approached, the forwards for Hithlum were clearly growing frustrated, as was Ar Pharazon for Armenelos. Sauron at one point had to grab the Golden-boy and keep him from drawing a foolish yellow card. At the other end Aredhel got a bit rough in her frustration and drew a yellow, and only some words from her father kept her from making things worse.

Halftime arrived and the scoreboard still showed 0-0. Despite the lack of goals, the crowd was quite pleased with what they were seeing- football at its highest level! And most of them knew that no matter how great the defenses, offensive skill like that on the field could not be held in check forever. And they were proved right in the opening minutes of the second half.

Armenelos had it in the offensive zone, but Caranthir got a foot on a pass and it skidded over to Ulmo who immediately launched it to the dashing forwards. Two Armenelos players were there when it came down, but Fingolfin managed to head it forward from between them and followed after it and sent it to a sprinting Aredhel who then made a great move past Tar Cirytan. Tar Telperien came up to put a halt to the run, but Aredhel managed to send it sideways to Maedhros who was in front of Tar Calmacil, and the deadly left foot of Maedhros met it solidly and sent it past Tar Atanamir, but into the crossbar! Feanor nabbed the rebound after a bounce and took it into the box himself. Ar Zimrathan tackled, but Feanor held his line! Tar Telperien rushed up from behind, but Feanor swerved behind her and then back again when she turned! Tar Calmacil went for the ball, but Feanor held up and he went sliding past! And then came the booming boot into the lower right side, and it was good!

The elvish portion of Stadia Anor exploded and fireworks lit up the sky! The first score of the championship match went to Hithlum!

Hithlum tried to press their advantage swiftly, but Armenelos recovered quickly and set to it with renewed energy and increased efficiency. Right after the 60 minute mark Armenelos saw their best chance yet off of a corner, but Tar Minastir's header was tipped away full stretch by Huan, and the fans of Hithlum breathed a sigh of relief.

Though they didn't gain another great opportunity, Armenelos continued the attack and it was clear that Hithlum was only staving them off with perfect defensive play. But then at minute 71 Fingon got too heavy-handed with Ar Pharazon and Armenelos was awarded a free kick from about straight on 15 yards beyond the box. Ar Pharazon set to take the kick, and Hithlum set up a wall in front of him. And then to the astonishment of everyone in the house, Ar Pharazon crushed the ball to the right of the wall, clearly on its way out of bounds to the side of the goal, but no- as if the ball was guided by its own will, it curved hard back to the left and snuck inside the post beyond Huan's reach!

The Gondorians screamed and let loose with their noise-makers, for their beloved Armenelos had tied the score! Hithlum demanded that the refs examine the ball, and they did, but there was nothing fishy about it. Ar Pharazon had just put the most wicked curve ever seen on the kick, fair and square.

As the 70s rolled by and the 80s began, the noise and excitement mounted, and the audience gasped and groaned with every tiny touch of the ball. At minute 85 a mighty shout went up as Feanor worked his way in and found Maedhros with a perfect cross, but Tar Atanamir came flying from the other side and knocked it away! Armenelos took possession and worked it up the field for an attack of their own, and to the dismay of the Hithlum fans, Annael was judged to have tripped Tar Minastir and Armenelos was awarded another free kick! Many of Hithlum's supporters insisted loudly that it was incidental contact and that their feet got tangled up, but the ruling would not change due to their complaints, and Armenelos prepared to take the kick.

The kick was taken from about ten yards out of the box a little to the left of the left post, and Tar Minastir lined up to do the honors. In the meantime Hithlum had their wall set again, while Sauron positioned himself to the left of the wall, Ar Pharazon on the right side, and Ar Adunakhor right at the top of the box.

But instead of booming a kick, Tar Minastir sent it directly at Ar Adunakhor who stepped out towards him, and Fingon was unable to get to the pass in time to stop it, and Ar Adunakhor immediately touched the ball forward past the right side of the wall towards the left post, where Sauron had broken upon first contact. In the meantime Ar Pharazon curled around behind the pass and dashed at the right post. Sauron beat the defense to the ball and touched it barely around the sliding Ulmo to the right side where Ar Pharazon had slipped in and the King wasted no time in sending it into the empty net in front of him for the lead!

The stadium rumbled and shook as it never had, as the Gondorians and Numenorians alike bellowed their approval of the brilliant free kick! The Hithlum fans hung their heads in sorrow. Only minutes left, and the Armenelos defense was solid. Feanor tried to energize his side, but the competition was just too stiff and the midfielders couldn't get the ball up to him, nor could they regain possession after Armenelos took it in the closing seconds. It was Armenelos with the win, and they would take home the Arda Cup!!

(Go to 2:06 to see the winning goal, with replay of it at 2:11 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIaswrSWWf0))

Armenelos 2-1 Hithlum
shots 13-12
on target 5-5
GOALS:
*54, Hithlum (Feanor, Maedhros)
*71, Armenelos (Ar Pharazon)
*87, Armenelos (Ar Pharazon, Sauron)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Armenelos- Ar Gimilzor, Tar Minastir, Ar Zimrathan
*Hithlum- Aredhel, Fingon, Annael

the phantom

07-12-2009, 01:11 PM

The AFA would like to congratulate the victorious Armenelos squad as well as recognize the fine play from all the teams featured in this year's tournament. We hope to see many of these superior athletes on the pitch again next year, and we are confident that the tournament will only continue to get better thanks to support from all the football fans in Arda and beyond.

To bring this tournament to a close, we present the following awards.

AFA Awards
ARDA CUP CHAMPION- Armenelos
MOST PHANTASY POINTS- Tar Atanamir (Armenelos), Sauron (Armenelos), Feanor (Hithlum), Melkor (Valimar)
GOLDEN BOOT AWARD for MOST GOALS- Maeglin (Angband), Ar Pharazon (Armenelos), Turin (Dor-Lomin), Feanor (Hithlum), Miriel (Tuna)
MOST ASSISTS- Sauron (Armenelos)

And finally, we have selected the following for the official AFA all-tournament team.

GK – Tar Atanamir (Armenelos)

DF – Tar Telperion (Armenelos)
DF – Shadowfax (Edoras)
DF – Felarof (Edoras)
DF – Curufin (Nargothrond)

MF – Melkor (Valimar)
MF – Eldacar (Osgiliath)
MF – Eärendil (Eregion)

FW – Fëanor (Hithlum)
FW – Sauron (Armenelos)
FW – Míriel (Túna)

Nogrod

07-12-2009, 04:45 PM

As the leading commercial football-forum in Arda The Arda Kicker Magazine is proud to release it’s special awards for the Arda Cup 2009 tournament. As always the AKM encourages the readers to disagree but our editors have really worked with these and the decisions are argued for.

Best Keeper: Tar Atanamir (Armenelos)
Gave away only 4 goals in 7 games (0,57 goals per game) with saving ratio of 84,6%. 30 phantasy points (shared winner) and AKM stars winner. Led the team into victory. What can one say?

Best Defender: Tar Telperion (Armenelos)
Solid leader of the victorious defence in this tournament, aided three shut-outs & least goals allowed + a goal and an assist. 29 phantasy points, shared third place in the AKM star-awards. No competition at the field for her.

Best Midfielder: Melkor (Valimar)
Excellent leader of the team, astonishing 5,8 phantasy points / game –ratio (second best in the whole tournament). 30 phantasy points, shared second place in the AKM star-awards. Impressive.

Best Forward: Míriel (Túna)
Shared the most goals scored award with 5 goals, playing only 4 games. The best overall point-ratio of 6,5 per game in the whole tournament. 26 phantasy points. Flashing performance! Just flashing!

The tournament MVP: Fëanor (Hithlum)
The soul of his team, shared total phantasy point-winner & most goals scored winner. 30 phantasy points.

The play-offs MVP: Maeglin (Angband)
Four goals and one assist in the last three games. The Architect of Angband’s bronze-medal in the play-offs.

The Finals MVP: Ar Pharazôn (Armenelos)
Two goals in the final giving Armenelos the title, 29 phantasy points total of which 8 in the final.

Outstanding Defensive Performance: team Edoras keeper & defenders (Theoden, Frealaf, Elfwine, Shadowfax, Felarof)
Not a single goal allowed in the group-phase + Theoden’s saving ratio in 4 games amazing 87% + excellent scoring from the defenders.

Outstanding Offensive Performance: team Túna forwards (Nerdanel, Finwë, Miriel)
Scored 11 goals in the group-phase, on the point-averages they are the three best forwards in the whole tournament: Miriel 6,5 pts./game, Finwë 5,25 and Nerdanel 5.

The AKM Dream Team for Arda Cup 09:

For the dream team we have decided not to pick any AKM awarded players (all the above rewarded – also those awarded as part of a particular “defence” or “offence”) so as to give room for a wider number of players to be able to be rewarded – and surely the official AFA Dream Team will have the super stars in the line-up. Sadly even in this way many great players will be left un-awarded.

As only Melkor was awarded from the midfielders by the AKM and quite a many forwards were awarded, the AKM has decided to go for 4-4-2 formation

GK – Carcaroth (Angband)

DF – Tar Ciryatan (Armenelos)
DF – Turgon (Gondolin)
DF – Alatar (Valimar)
DF – Curufin (Nargothrond)

MF – Eldacar (Osgiliath)
MF – Húrin (Angband)
MF – Nazgul #6 (Mirkwood)
MF – Eärendil (Eregion)

FW – Túrin (Dor Lomin)
FW – Sauron (Armenelos)

Some words to gronud our decisions:

GK – It was a tight match choosing between Theoden and Carcaroth. Theoden had an incredible saving percentage of 87% but in the end he was shot at only 15 times in the whole tournament – and not by the best forwards of the games – whereas Carcaroth faced 36 shots (shared the highest bombardment with Oropher) against many of the best in the whole games, and still had one of the best saving percentages (72,2%).

DF – After Tar Telperion, Tar Ciryatan was the most solid defender on the astonishing Armenelos backline (and scored second best phantasy points for a defender ie. 18 points). Had Turgon had better support downstairs he could have done marvels – sadly for him the other defences didn’t hold. In a better team he would have been on the top of defender points. Alatar is there to remimd people of Valimar’s solid defence – in point averages they outplayed even some Armenelos defenders! But the AKM will not put all the Valimar defenders here, so Alatar was chosen just because he’s a sympathetic guy – and one with his name dwells in the BD. Curufin then, well he was just flashy! 4,25 points per game is just an incredible ratio for a defender (even Tar Telperion had less, well not much but still)!

MF – There was quite a host of great players from whom to choose there in the midfield! Finally the AKM decided to stress both the point averages and a solid performance. Eldacar was the most efficient midfielder in this tournament after Melkor, Eärendil following him. Both players were the souls of their teams scoring – and with Eldacar one could say the only star in the team. With Húrin and Nazgul #6 the story is partly the same – but they were also really making the difference in the long run and especially in the last games with their performances. No other midfielder (except Melkor) came near their total phantasy points scored.

FW – With a bunch of forwards already awarded the AKM turned its gaze to smashing performances outside the AKM awarded players. And it was easy to spot two above others. Túrin sure was one of the greatest forwards in the tournament. If he and Beleg would have had as solid team behind them that team would have been plain unstoppable! And what would have team Armenelos been without Sauron, the great Annatar, the joint phantasy point winner and the winner of the scores assisted award? Surely he deserves his place in here!

Stay tuned! The AKM star-awards still to come... in our next issue!

the phantom

07-13-2009, 10:46 AM

The Other All-Star Team
by Phantom, MESPN News

When you have players like Feanor and Melkor running about the pitch, it's pretty easy to be overshadowed, or even completely ignored. Here is a list of players that other teams ought to watch carefully, even though they may not have the name recognition and status of some of their fellow players.

GOAL-KEEPER

Elrond (Eregion)- Elrond is solid every tournament, and this year was no different, though the performances of others (Tar Atanamir, Theoden) may have hidden him from view a bit. His save percentage was over 80%, and against the likes of Osgiliath and Erebor, and Dor-Lomin in particular where he saved 7 shots from their powerful attackers.

DEFENDERS

Uldor (Angband)- Yes, yes, he did manage to pick up a couple of cards along the way, but that may speak to his favor. He very obviously wanted to win, and played his hardest every second of the game. And despite the cards he managed to score double-digit Phantasy points. He's no pushover.

Ar Zimrathan (Armenelos)- When you have Tar Telperien playing beside you and Tar Atanamir behind you, it's understandable to get overlooked a bit, but don't anyone underestimate Ar Zimrathan, or "Zimmy" as his teammates call him. He often ended up being assigned to mark the opposing side's best attacker, and he did a fantastic job of it and Armenelos may not have won a title without his hard work and fine team play.

Caranthir (Hithlum)- Like Uldor, Caranthir got himself tossed from a game for his play, but we think his passion should be rewarded, especially as he ended up being the leading point-getter for the Hithlum defense, and no way could Hithlum have reached the finals without their solid defensive work. The job he did against Sauron and Ar Pharazon in the final game was particularly good. Remember- both of Armenelos's goals came off of free kicks. During normal play Caranthir and friends really locked down.

Balrog #3 (Valimar)- This poor lad is so overlooked he doesn't even have a name! But that doesn't change that he was the front-man for a very solid defense, and tied Alatar for being the leading point scorer. Very solid stuff here.

MIDFIELDERS

Tilion (Valimar)- The moon-man scored over 20 points for Valimar, supporting Melkor and the midfield in fine fashion. In my opinion he should be moved up into a more offensive position for next year. He's got the skill.

Finarfin (Tuna)- Don't forget about the fourth wheel on the Tuna Scoring Express, Finarfin. The forwards weren't the only ones who racked up points, as "Finny" managed 17 points in his four games, and was quite often responsible for getting the ball up to the forwards to do their work.

Eol (Doriath)- He scored the tying goal against Lothlorien, assisted on their only goal against Dor-Lomin, and scored their only goal against Armenelos. He pretty much carried the offense. Elwe had better find him some help, or he'll leave for greener pastures.

Arwen (Lothlorien)- Now, this is really a case of someone carrying their team. Arwen scored 13 points. The rest of her team combined scored 11. Here's another one that deserved better than what she got.

FORWARDS

Araphor (Arnor)- For the second year in a row he was a hero, and nearly brought his team into the playoffs. He had the winner against Helm's Deep, the only goal against the strong defense of Nargothrond, and had a hand in both scores against semi-finalist Mirkwood. Defenses would do well not to pass over Araphor when making their game plans.

Eonwe (Valimar)- The herald announced his skill loud and clear in this tournament with 20+ points for Valimar. While some (like Tulkas) seemed to allow their play to be impacted negatively by the presence of Melkor, Eonwe sucked it up and extended a friendly hand and showed his willingness to work with anyone for the good of the team and its fans. Great job.

GK - Elrond (Eregion)

DF - Uldor (Angband)
DF - Ar Zimrathan (Armenelos)
DF - Caranthir (Hithlum)
DF - Balrog #3 (Valimar)

MF - Tilion (Valimar)
MF - Finarfin (Tuna)
MF - Eol (Doriath)
MF - Arwen (Lothlorien)

FW - Araphor (Arnor)
FW - Eonwe (Valimar)

Boromir88

07-13-2009, 04:48 PM

Wow, such a hot streak of predictions comes to a swift, and brutally wrong end in the final two games. I'm at a loss for words on what happened...whoulda thunk? Although, I can't be too disappointed as both matches were a joy to read through and witness. I don't think anyone would tell you the 4 best teams were not represented on the field. None of them were there by some fluke, or divine grace, they each played an amazing tournament from beginning to end. The teams were so even, matches so well played, it could have gone either way. The best thing about the Arda Cup, is the teams played all the games out on the field, and we have a proven, single champion. There aint any Eru-Vista plugging numbers into a formula to crown a champion. Armenolos won for being the most complete team all tournament.

So, this will be my last entry until the next time, and how I would like to end, is to give you some of the under-rated and over-rated players from the tournament.

Let me start with the under-rated, because typically I find more suspense, interest (and disagreement), in the over-rated group.

There are many different arguments as to what does 'under-rated' actually mean, and who is under-rated? What I mean by it is a combination of the player's performance (as well as how they were expected to perform - '*' rating), how that impacted his/her teams performance, how many phantasy owners had the player on their team, and of course how much recognition (awards/all-tournament teams) did the player receive.

Without further ado, the 5 most under-rated players of the 2009 Arda Cup:

5. mormwolf (TIG) - early on he was picked by some phantasy owners to be their keeper. TIG drastically underperformed in this tournament, they did not fulfill their expectations, but it was not due to goal keeping. Earlier in the year I called morm 'swiss cheese,' but didn't take into account the fact that TIG was where all the teams strengths were offense. He had to face some of the deadliest FWs and on top of that TIGs defense was no help to mormwolf. The only reason the games were close were because of him, and if it wasn't for his many spectacular saves TIG may not have even made it out of group play.

4. Nazgul #6 (Mirkwood) - No *'s and received the 2nd most points out of all the MFs. Also of all the 'Zero *' he received the most points. On a team that has Scatha, Thranduil, and Legolas, it's easy to look past a random Nazgul. He is so under-rated no one can tell us his name...really! I'm not joking! :p Few phantasy owners had him (and some only added him in the last couple matches), and no one had him from start to finish and he was the star performer of the Mirkwood team. He is #4 because of course, for his performance he is getting on some all-star tournament teams and deserves it.

3. Boromir I (Minas Tirith) - In group play he was one of the best, picking up an assist in each of his 3 matches and a key goal in the final game against Moria to advance Minas Tirith to the playoffs. When Aragorn is on your team (who is himself a fine player, and one of the best motivators) it's easy to get overlooked, and that's what happened to Boromir I. No one had him on their phantasy team and of course he has not received any special honors, nor has any *s. But I doubt he'd complain too much, being happy with Minas Tirith's performance, and wanting to prove they are better than how they played against the mighty Valar. If a mish-mash of races from Mirkwood can beat 'em you can bet Aragorn will have his guys ready come next Arda Cup. This will be a surprise team to watch.

2. Ar Pharazon (Armenolos) - He was one of the best FWs when it mattered the most, and he was definitely the best when Armenolos needed it the most in the championship game. He was expected to lead his team, but no one predicted Armenolos (or Ar Pharazon) to accomplish so much. 29 phantasy points and only 2 phantasy owners owned Ar Pharazon. He received a Finals MVP award but was snubbed from the all-star tournament teams.

1. The Witch-King (Minas Morgul) - It was close between Ar Pharazon and the Wiki, Ar Pharazon had 11 more phantasy points, and only one *. However, Ar Pharazon also had a solid defense, great goal tending, and the assist-master Sauron on his team. Armenolos may not have won without Ar Pharazon as a piece, but they still would have been a solid team and competed for the title.

Minas Morgul would be no where without it's captain, The Witch-King. When no one predicted Minas Morgul to come out of group play, they did, and only one person predicted they would beat Edoras in the 1st round. Minas Morgul made it to the Final 8 teams, they have no representatives in any of the tournament teams. Edoras has more representatives and The Wiki beat 'em! To cap it off, not one of the phantasy owners, ever had The Witch-King on their team. Minas Morgul played way above expectations in group play (even tying Hithlum! - in that game the Wiki had an assist and the game-tying goal!) and got farther than anyone imagined The ignorant back that's been turned on not only The Wiki, but the Minas Morgul team, by everyone in the soccer community is a travesty. The Witch-King's only arguably bad game was in the playoffs against Armenolos, look what Armenolos accompished? And pinning the Wiki against his master, that was just cruel.:p That is why The Wiki is taking home the top under-rated player honors.

Congradulations to all of you, and now you know this means you are no longer officially under-rated. Once you are recognized for being underrated it ends immediately as everyone then notices...'Wow you have been underrated' and we will be expecting more from you in the future.

By Jim "Scoop" Johnstone
The Boro-Blog

Nogrod

07-13-2009, 07:29 PM

A journalist from the AKM, Ugr Nogrendale, made these following comments in his blog after reading the latest Boro-blog and the MESPN News by phantom.

I do strongly agree with Boro-blogger with mormwolf and the Witch-King being undervalued and under-awarded. They were men - well a Nazgûl and a Werewolf - but anyway ones whom their teams stood or fell with.

And Boromir I was also a decent player if not so good Boro-blogger tells us. Maybe it's just the name-sake issue? :)

But talking about players really not appreciated...

Now how come no-one brought forwards the performance of Elros of Romenna? MESPN News went to hail Elrond of Eregion with his 81% saving percentage - but Elros had the same percent from 26 shots against his goal where Elrond only had to catch 21 shots. Brothers or not, but to my eyes Elros is the number one of them.

From the defenders I'd like to bring forth the whole Valimar defence. The official AKM Dream Team only awarded Alatar with questionable arguments when they should have payed heed also to the performances of Pallando and Balrog #3. Happily the MESPN News gave the honour to the latter. But looking at their 2,8 point average for a game one thinks they were really forgotten just because their team didn't advance...

Also it should be said that beside Felarof and Shadowfax also Frealaf and Elfwine did a remarkable job with this wonder of no goals given in the group phase - and only letting two goals in the whole tournament. They just didn't score or assist but they made their job of keeping their goal untouched.

Also Celebrimbor and Gandalf should be remembered. They held the Eregion defences together with the help of Elrond. But without them Elrond's savings percentage would have been much lower - and here I'm referring to my earlier judgement between Elrond and Elros: Elrond only had to catch 21 shots while Elros needed to catch 26. So which defence was the better one helping the goalie the more?

With the midfielders I'd agree with at least Tilion and Arwen (with phantom of MESPN News). They were just value of their weight in gold for their teams.

But whereas Boro-blog brings forwards Boromir I from Minas Tirith, why doesn't he think of Mardil from the same team making as many points Boromir did - but as a midfielder who has to think of defence at the same time?

Or why is Glaurung left without a mention? Or phantomwolf? Both made a difference in their respective teams - and it would be a plain truism to say that either the team Nargothrond or the team TIG would have been gotten as far as they did without them.

For the forwards it's just unbearable that Gothmog of Gondolin hasn't been mentioned! He had the amazing ratio of scoring (4,66 pts. per game) in the whole tournament but where is the praise for him? Now why leave him behind if not because of racial prejudices?

And even if I do agree with Boro-blogger about the Witch King being one who should be awarded I'd also cherish Beleg of Dor Lomin without whom the mighty and indispensable Túrin would be just a shadow of what he is!

And as a last bet I'd say Azôg of Moria has been probably the least remarked player in the whole tournament. In his three games he made a goal in two and assisted one in the third. A nice buy for a team lacking of efficiency the next year?

Boromir88

07-13-2009, 10:27 PM

I would like to end with the 5 most over-rated players and my 5 sleeper choices of players. But first let me respond to Master Nogrendale who has done a thorough job on highlighting some more players who carried their team to strong performances.

I found it nearly impossible to try and mention every single person I wanted to for the under-rated group, and so felt I needed to narrow it down, which means several worthy people needed to be left out. Ultimately, I placed more weight on the expectations of the team and players than on points and that leads to a different list of under-rateds.

For example, Elros was one of players on my expanded list. However, the reasons he was left off the top-5 is even though Romenna made it to the first round of playoffs (like Minas Tirith) there was the higher expectation that Romenna would make it that far. I recall one, may two, phantasy owners choosing Minas Tirith to make it out of group play. Thus, I felt since Minas Tirith performed beyond expectations (more than Romenna) that stood in Boromir I's favor. With Gothmog, despite his performance, and being chosen by only a few owners, everyone predicted Gondolin would advance, and they didn't. Now, that does not mean Elros and Gothmog will not make it into my 'sleeper' group, as I define sleepers similar to under-rated, but for the underrated, I place more weight on expectations. And if a team/player is not getting recognition, plus is performing well above expectations, that is my concept of under-rated.

The point on Mardil was well taken, but Mardil was picked up by a few phantasy owners, where Boromir I was not. Plus in the crucial game against Moria, that is when Boromir I stepped up with an assist and a goal to put Minas Tirith through. Now, obviously because of Dor-Lomin's performance, and going beyond everyone's expectations Beleg is also a worthy candidate. Ultimately, there didn't seem to be a place to fit him though, Mirkwood was the biggest surprise team of the year, and Nazgul #6's performance in the Bronze match was top notch, he gave Mirkwood a fighting chance and played hard all match. Even if he received proper honors after the tournament, I thought he should still be included, simply because he finished 2nd among the MFs (only 4 points behind the leaders!), 1st among players rated with no-stars, and Mirkwood made big upsets off his boot.

Alright, now onto the over-rated, and this list I'm sure will cause an even bigger stir than the under-rated. My rationale for this list, is not just on the 'star' players who underperform when their team needs them, but also taking a look at the phantasy aspect and the number of owners who chose a certain player, but that player just did not come through.

Ultimately it's mostly a bunch of 2-stars who underperformed and their teams suffered

5. Ancalagon (Angband) - Ancalagon snuck on, because for the supposed star on the Angband team he did not have a good tournament. Some phantasy owners had him at the start, and Eomer stuck with him the entire way, but he was kept in check by most teams. Even though Angband won their Bronze match against Mirkwood, it was clear Scatha was the better dragon, as Ancalagon was pretty much a non-factor. Since Angband did take 3rd, Ancalagon was bailed out by the performance of his team mates. This dragon may see a change of scenery and Angband will need to move Ancalagon if they want to improve next year.

4. Saruman (Isengard) - Isengard might not have been expected to do much in the tournament, but their showing the entire tournament was pathetic. Saruman's power has decreased, and decreased far. He's lost his team, lost the sweet, yet terrible power of his voice and Isengard is a mess. Like I said, no one expected anything from Isengard, but they were the laughing stock in this years Cup, they were a joke. At least teams like Helms Deep and Amon Sul, who know they just didn't have the talent to compete, played hard and proud. Isengard showed nothing, Saruman showed nothing, they are a team in shambles.

3. Miriel (Tuna) - Here we go, how does someone with 26 pts and one of the best FWs make the over-rated list? I give credit to the phantasy owners in the beginning of the tournament for picking up this star-quality player. No one will tell you she is not one of the best, but that still doesn't mean she became fastly over-rated. As every phantasy owner, except Skip and Boro added Miriel to their roster.

What happened next? Tuna is knocked out 1st round against Mirkwood, and Miriel ends up with one measly goal. Miriel is like the A-Rod of soccer, she is expected to perform every week, and the day she overlooked Mirkwood, caused many many of the phantasy owners a super headache on what to do. Miriel might have scored 26 points, but look just looked for yourself, does she deserve all these accolades when her team underperformed, and she got a sore leg? Also, look who finished 1st and 2nd in the phantasy-league, yep it was the 2 owners who chose not to jump on the Miriel band-wagon (but as stated earlier, those two owners who had her from the beginning made a good selection and Miriel worked out). However she rose fast and high, but fell mighty hard. If she hadn't of scored so well, she'd probably be #1.

2. Durin's Bane (Moria) - was picked by some owners in the beginning but Moria had a lot of internal chaos, and Durin's Bane was one of the causes. Of course when you throw a Balrog in with a bunch of Dwarves and some other creatures and you're going to get problems. But Durin's Bane is a complete ball-hog, and everything has to be about him. When he's on his game Moria is tough to beat, but when he's not he can't trust teammates and his team suffers. Durin's Bane constant need for the ball led to many turnovers, and of course the internal fighting, led to Moria's early exit. 2-star player? Not someone who causes that much strife and doesn't perform.

1. Tom Bombadil (Bree) - several owners picked him at the start, and even held on to him for a while. Many phantasy-players chose Bree to advance and even that Tom Bombadil would lead in goals/points. This obviously did not happen. As Bree pretty much played as bad as Tom Bombadil's wardrobe selection. For a team with this talent, you wonder how they got embarassed, and then you realize...the pundits probably overrated them.

Sleeper players. For these picks I chose players who had not the best, but solid performances, and who are on teams which have potential to make it to the playoffs and beyond. Here are some of the players I think will make an impact next year, and the phantasy owners should keep an eye on to add them to their teams before the Miriel-effect happens. :p

It's a difficult list to judge, because if you pick a player who scored too many points, then owners will be looking to add them on their team early, but obviously you need to see some sort of potential talent to be a 'sleeper.'

5, Ungoliant (Valimar) - like Elros who has gone rather unnoticed, Ungoliant had an impressive showing this tournament. A solid goal-tender, behind a solid-defense can pick up a lot of points out there.

4. Gothmog (Gondolin) - I seriously put him on this list before Master Nogrendale's article, but we both agree he was a solid player for Gondolin, had they gotten past group play he would have been n the under-rated list. Gondolin will bounce back next year, their group drawing with Hithlum, and the surprise Minas Morgul was a tough one to be in.

3. Castamir (Minas Morgul) - picked up a modest 16 points (with 3 goals) and I like what Minas Morgul has shown, by playing against some of the best and showing they can win.

2. Eorl (Edoras) - Like Castamir, 3 goals and a modest 15 points. Edoras also showed put a bit of talent with excellent team play and good things can happen. Edoras may not have been in an offensively dominant group, but Eorl was the star FW of the group, and he is the catalyst of their attack, behind the young siblings.

1. Isildur (Arnor) - I believe he merely had 1 goal and 2 assists, and Araphor was the main threat for Arnor, but Arnor's going to be one of those scary teams no one will want to face. They are a team similar to Edoras and Dor-Lomin, they have some makings of a good team, play well together, and depending upon the draw Arnor could be the Dor-Lomin of this year. I chose Isildur over Araphor, because I think with Araphor's recognition, more owners will pick him up, and Isildur may be a steal.

At this point it is too early to entertain you with the sleeper teams. Lets see what free agency and trades bring, as well as the drawings for the groups and only then can we see potential sleeper teams

By Jim "Scoop" Johnstone
The Boro-blog