ARDA CUP Football 2012

[the phantom]

Let the countdown begin! :cool:

Last season's Arda Cup was a thrilling tournament. Our very own Tol-In-Gaurhoth team made it all the way to the finals before falling to one of the great teams in the tournament's history- Thingol and Melian's star-studded Doriath squad.

And the Phantasy competition featured a squad nearly as dominant as Doriath- Gwath's Lynch Mob. Sir Gwath perhaps silenced his doubters last year as he won his second title, becoming the first Downer to win twice. Will he prove his greatness once and for all this season, or will another Downer rise up and prevent his impending dynasty?

We'll see. But here's the one thing that is certain- this year will be better than the last!! :smokin:

We've added another layer to the tournament this year that we think you'll enjoy. It will provide more fodder for stories and help develop a more continuous feel from year to year, and it will also provide everyone with an increased rooting interest. You'll see it all come together soon enough. ;)

As always we have a crack team of writers set to provide thrilling match reports and expert editorials on behalf of Arda Kicker Magazine (AKM), Middle Earth Sports Programing Network (MESPN), and The Two Towers Network (TTN), but of course other writers are welcome to provide their analysis as the tournament rolls along.

The teams and rosters will be revealed in the coming days, and the Phantasy Competition thread will start soon after that. That is where you will pick players for your team and make trades and such. But you don't have to worry about that for a bit.

The actual tournament will not begin for some time (not until April at the earliest), but in the meantime we will be slowly revealing the tournament and the teams involved through a series of articles. So, if you want to get a jump on predictions and such, just have an eye out for team reveals and such, and then of course the friendly matches just before the tournament starts.

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In case you wanted to take a look and see how this thing works, here is last year's tournament thread->
Arda Cup 2011 (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?t=17380)
And here is last year's Phantasy Competition thread->
Phantasy 2011 (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?t=17381)

[the phantom]

NEWLY REFORMED ARDA CUP READY TO MOVE FORWARD
by Phantom, MESPN News

Those with connections and quick ears knew for many months that change was coming to Arda Cup, but few realized just how major the changes were until Eru announced them last September. A complete and total reformation of the tournament was the order.

And who could blame him? Most teams were running up enormous debts, and the tournament itself needed greater staffing to assist on tackling issues such as policing the behavior of various organizing host committees- notably those based in Valinor. The idea that the Blessed Realmers were possibly killing opposing fans was something that needed to be dealt with, and the Cup was ill equipped to handle the problem.

And then there was of course the problem of competitive balance. Leagues thrive on competitiveness, and the more teams that feel they are in the running, the better. A salary cap was necessary to be certain. It was one thing for a team to have a dominant run, but Doriath positively crushed all comers in the 2011 Cup, boasting a roster with nothing except top-tier talent. An all-star team.

Once Eru handed down his verdict, the remainder of the year was spent working on ownership buyouts and cutting deals that left everyone unhappy, but no one completely shafted. All teams were dissolved and all contracts voided. Everything would start again from scratch.

And according to an announcement this morning, the clean-up is officially over. The Arda Cup Committee is ready to receive team proposals from potential ownership groups beginning tomorrow. If approved, the groups will have permission to draw up preliminary contracts within the bounds of the new salary rules. And the rules are-

Minimum Total Salary- 35 million
Maximum Total Salary- 120 million
Maximum Individual- 25 million

Reporters at the press conference immediately inquired about the exceptionally large range, and the spokesman was refreshingly honest about it.

"Well, we have new television contracts and site contract rules etc. and we're not entirely certain how much money teams are going to be earning in the end. We have possibilities set in rules based upon how much total revenue the tournament brings in, but we don't know which set of figures we'll end up with as we don't know how much total money we'll actually be bringing in."

"Our estimates have been all over the place, as in the past it was very de-centralized, with individual sites having a lot of freedom to set prices for attendance and food etc. and offering different sorts of perks. Frankly, there was a lot of under-the-table stuff going on as well. There's just no way to pin down a number, so we've given as wide a range as we're comfortable giving."

The spokesman went on to explain that they needed a rather low end just in case teams didn't make much. "It would be ridiculous to demand that teams spend more than they will be making. Our ownership groups deserve the opportunity to field a successful team while still making a profit."

The spokesman said that the high end is to allow for aggressive groups to buy talent and set a good market for high-end players, but added that it would be at their own risk. "If some squad ends up over-spending, that's their problem."

The only thing the spokesman was sure of profit-wise is that teams would make more money the deeper they advanced into the tournament. "It'll be a tiered reward system."

Needless to say, this next month is going to see a complete flurry of activity. Groups have lawyers working on proposals as we speak, and player-agents are no doubt already receiving phone calls. The short off-season is going to be absolutely frantic, and this reporter can hardly wait to see the results.

[Galadriel55]

All teams were dissolved and all contracts voided.

Indeed, as the MESPN stated earlier, Eru made great changes to this year's games. Firstly, he dissolved all of the teams. He claims that he only used water and the One power, but we have inside information that quite recently his large stores of Nitric Acid got somewhat smaller. Secondly, he banished all the contracts from the confines of the world into the Timeless Void. You see, contracts are legal documents, so you can't just dissolve them or set them on fire. So Eru found another way to keep them away from people. Morgoth was overjoyed with this decision; he finally got some company in that lonely place.

The reporters who were sent to the Doors of Night to interview the contracts were torn out of bed to get all the information timely, but they were still in hybernation mode and thus very confused; instead of interviewing the contracts they got into a theological argument with Eru. "Why me?" the One complained. "Why do they keep bothering me with all these teams, contracts, points, and all that nonesense? I'm just a tired old man. I retired, for My sake! The Valar are supposed to keep an eye on the world for me. But they're such children: they want to play too, so they give me the responsibility to oversee all this. You know why they all are called Children, right?"

If you're wondering where's the theology here, we don't exactly know. Or the argument, for that matter.

However, we want to tell you, dead readers... erm, that was supposed to say dear readers... or was it bead readers? Mead readers? Maybe deed readers? Deaf readers? Bread? Dread? Head? Thread? Or maybe deal? Read Readers?

Never mind. We just want to tell our readers something, but while we were trying to figure out which readers you are we forgot what we wanted to say.

Needless to mention, we are going to supply you with the most crazy and random articles you can find in EA.

[Nogrod]

On 2012 the Arda Kicker Magazine (AKM) will continue to be the most reliable source of overall information to the Arda Cup with its renowned statistics and analysis – whatever TTN says. After a short dispute, the AKM has also renewed its contract with the legendary gonzo-journalist Hunter U. Nogson (formerly known also as Ugr Nogrendale) giving him free hands to do what he wishes for an astonishing amount of cash. So we’re looking forwards to him ego-tripping once more with the greatest stars of the Arda Cup and providing first class off-the-mark journalism for our readers.

But this year the AKM has also assigned some of its top reporters to follow certain investment groups and the teams they finance to give the readers some insight into what happens behind the public arena. Yes, the Arda Cup Committee has declared it is ready to receive team proposals from “potential ownership groups” beginning tomorrow, but it is no secret to the journalists on top of things that different investment groups have been actively forming and working out their plans from September last year. The AKM will bet that some contracts have already been made behind the curtains. So when after some detective-work the AKM found out about three interesting groups of investors, it decided to concentrate on those this season, having already some early insight into their workings. The AKM will thus follow closely the bussiness, the politics and the passions involved in Meneltarma Capital (Númenor Investment Group), Evil House (Angband Investment Group) and Oath & Blood Alliance (Sons of Fëanor Investment Group).

Stay on the channel – or purchase the latest issue of the AKM – because you’re worth the news, gossip and analysis!


Enter the Investment Groups, what to look for?
The AKM Editorial by the Editor in Chief, John Bull

It is clear that something had to be done to the dominance of a few superstar teams during recent years. Praise Eru, he came up with a balanced-sounding idea of introducing a salary cap – and a minimum wage-total – to ensure no team can pick all the cream and that no team with a totally lousy roster can enter the competition. That should be good for the competition. Although the AKM thinks that setting a higher minimum total for teams to spend, even if it meant fewer teams in the tournament, would have been even wiser. But a lot will depend on how this year’s tournament turns out. If the differences in quality are still too great, some kind of levelling could be in place as also the best teams gain from a competitive league.

But will the emergence of the investment groups affect the game itself and how? According to the AKM’s knowledge, there are different kinds of investment groups from individual millionaires and wealthy circles of friends or kin to wide bands of small investors forming more like a fan- or identity-based groups. It is clear the motives behind different investment groups will affect their decisions on buying players, offering individual players different salaries and so on – and in the end to the sporting success or failure of a team.

It is easy to see a few different ways an investment group might go about its business. If the group is only in the game for financial interests it would try to find the best input – output ratio, thus not necessarily looking first and foremost to the best possible team or winning the competition: with a cheap but decent team with let’s say one or two interesting enough players (or nice headlines) the team could make better profit even if it drops out from the tournament earlyish compared to an expensive team that goes farther in the tournament. Or if a player-investor has enough say in the group, he or she might talk an expensive deal to him or herself making the group pay her or him well above the decent price – thus affecting other possible sign-ins and thus the quality of the team.

The enthusiastic small investors might be playing it badly as well fex. spending recklessly to hire their heroes and ending up losing it big time with not enough level players – or stubbornly relying on “local boys” and not having their eyes open to more talented players, possibly overpaying their local players at the same time thus adding to their problems, financially and gamewise.

Also, with money comes influence. How will different investment groups react to big money offered if the offerer has in mind influencing the team to his or her ends? So how much will money dictate the choices, how much pride and glory of one’s kin, race, city or alignment, how much pure sporting excellence and drive to win – or plain hating to lose?

It is hard to say as yet, but there sure will be answers this spring. With the AKM you will be with the exclusive crowd able to peak into the forces moving under the surface. So we’re inviting you to join the AKM with the Arda Cup 2012!


The AKM: the game – and the game behind the game!

[Boromir88]

THE TWO TOWERS NETWORK
Boromir the 88th.

Take us to the Black Gate

As news spread and excitement grew for the 2012 Arda Cup, fans, reporters, and analysts alike scrambled to get the most up-to-date info on their favorite teams and players. Since this year's Cup (and future years) promises new dynamics and a multitude of changes, no one fully knows what to expect. Team owners don't even seem to know what to expect, but indeed they will have their own designs to win the 2012 Arda Cup.

One thing everyone does count on is Sauron being one of the creative innovators, and leaders to the new system of owners and salary caps. So, it came as no surprise once officials announced the start of tournament, Sauron jumped out to grab a primetime slot and hold a press conference in front of the Black Gate. Here, he will address and welcome the media, which has gathered reporters across the world, hoping to get the first word of Arda Cup - 2012.

The Black Gate opened and out came a dark figure, upon a dark, ghastly horse with a burning red fire in its eyes. To the dismay of the media throng, it was not Sauron himself, but his emissary, The Mouth!

The Mouth: My Master regrets being unable to attend this conference, but as you must understand he has matters that require his full attention at the moment. With free agency period just opening up, and my Master being invested in several teams, he will be diligently working over these many weeks to putting his teams together. However, He has appointed me, the humble servant, always worthy of His trust, as Press Secretary. I can not answer any specifics regarding policy, but I do speak for Him.

Gorthakh from the Eastern Prophet: For the layman fans out there, maybe you can explain what all this talk of owners, investors, contracts and caps mean?

The Mouth: Due to financial struggles from many clubs it was decided something needed to be done to bring costs of owning and running teams down. The purpose of a salary cap is to keep teams relatively even on the competitive field and keep player salaries down to a manageable level. Also, what's been changed this year is teams have investors. Consider it as a pool of groups, or individuals, putting their money together to be owners, or part-owners, of a team. It's a cost-sharing effect, where different groups of people pooling resources together can share the financial burdens of owning a club.

Gorthakh: And what are Sauron's investments?

The Mouth: My master operates Barad-dur's Gold and Silver Jewelers, which has major ownership over both Mordor teams. His realtor firm based in Tol-in-Gaurhoth claims minor shares for the teams Anfauglith and Tol-in-Gaurhoth. The Dark Lord's partnered with Morgoth to run Anfauglith, and with the cast of weirdos inhabitting someplace known as the Barrow-downs.com to run Tol-in-Gaurhoth. Don't ask me further questions about the strange individuals known as Barrow-Downers. My master is interested in this alternative reality called "Interwebs" but I don't understand it, or how the finances work. 'Net-bucks? Sounds like Republic credits.

Maggot from Gorgoroth Plain Dealer: With Sauron being involved in so many teams, wouldn't there be a conflict of interest if two teams he's part-owner of, play eachother?

The Mouth: Actually this is another area where we must praise the Cup Committee for getting correct. Too often in years past games appeared to have backdoor deals and closed-door arrangements. This was all too often the case with the Valar teams, and "goodie" teams. However, the new design makes fixing matches a rather dumb strategy. From the investors standpont, the better your teams play, the further they progress, the more money for investors. From a player's standpoint the better you play, the better offers you receive. So, from both perspectives, manipulating games to help a different team makes little to no sense.

Maggot: Mayhaps you're right, mayhaps you're not. But what I mean is, you've said Sauron is partial owner in 4 different teams. Say if Anfauglith plays Barad-dur, who would Sauron prefer to win? And why should Mordorians care at all about Anfauglith? We want a championship won by our home team of Mordor. It would appear, Sauron desires trophies, but it don't matter which team of his gets one.

The Mouth: I have been assured by my Master that while he of course wants all of his teams to do well, his number one priority is making Mordor a champion again. That is why he has far more invested in the two Mordor teams, than the others.

Egasluin from the Valinorean Chronicle: Switching gears to another topic. What is Sauron's official position on the ban on games being played in Valinor this year? A person with his deep pockets surely had to wield a lot of influence.

The Mouth: I do not appreciate your tone, nor your implication. Fortunately, for you, we conduct business here differently than those snobby friends of yours from across the sea. The Dark Lord's position is, quite frankly, he doesn't care what the Valar do. His focus is on managing his own affairs. We do accept in years past, hosting games in Mordor was a major problem for tourists, and had our own bans. These problems in Mordor have been remedied since my Master's return to restore order and co-operation. If a host can not insure safety and passage to all ticket-holders, than they should not be permitted to host games. It is that simple. To ignore the list of crimes committed on Valar soil would be the ultimate form of hypocrisy from Cup officials. So, we support the ban for no games being played in Valinor this year, but my Master had nothing to do with that decision. His only involvement in what took place last year was giving the dwarven-rings that had not been destroyed by dragon-fire, back to the dwarves as an act of charity.

Iorlas from The Rising Anor - Magazine: You stated Sauron's primary goal was to make Mordor a champion in football. Can you explain what moves he is looking to make in signing players? And what the strategy is to best compete under the new gameplay system?

The Mouth: As I said at the beginning I can not discuss specific policy, with you, at this time. However, I can say, my Master is looking forward to competing under these new rules and believes since really no one knows what to expect, than everyone is starting on a clean slate. He encourages all Mordor supporters to be patient as he will work tirelessly to build an exciting, profitable, and championship contending team.

Iorlas: Surely you can give us some rumors to players you're looking at to come play under the red banner and the Eye?

The Mouth: Again, not at this time.

The Mouth mounted his terrible steed, and galloped back into the land of Mordor, with the large Black Gate shrieking shut. And thus ended the first, official, 2012 Arda Cup Press Conference. (Remember, brought to you by none other than TTN! :) )

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

It is not only the tournament that underwent a subtle but important change.

Just last month, the broadcasting giant Tar-Eldar Network Television (TENT) acquired ArdaCup.com, finally putting the outfit that has struggled over the years on a stable financial footing.

According to a statement released by Malantur, spokesquendi of TENT:

'For some time we have been exploring ways to provide our Eldarin viewers with the best palantir experience they could get from the Arda Cup, given its immense popularity among the Noldor and the Teleri, as well the growing interest of the Vanyar in the sport. Last year we have been impressed by the comprehensive coverage done by ArdaCup.com, so we have made contact with their office after the tournament. Now we are glad to announce that Tar-Eldar Network Television and ArdaCup.com has agreed to cover jointly the upcoming Arda Cup, especially the games of High-Elven teams, for our viewers in Eldamar and Tol Eressëa.'

Asked about the decision regarding the ban of games in Valinor, Malantur replied:

'It is regrettable, but this makes our job of covering the games for our viewers more important than ever.'

ArdaCup.com has issued the following statement:

'Even with our budget last year, forced to hire astrologers, mathematicians, coin-flippers, and amateur sportswriters, we still did good, including that almost-perfect prediction of the first round of the knockout stages. With the money we'll be having this year, all the taverns we'll pass by on our way to the games will be out ale by the time we're thr--oof!'

The person issuing that statement has been clubbed in the head, and the one holding the club was quoted as saying, 'Please, forget what he said.'

(Agence Felagundion Presse)

[the phantom]

MESPN News
The Phantom

LOTHLORIEN- There have been precious few official quotes from the offices of Celeborn and Galadriel lately, and it has caused quite a stir in their realm. What sort of team are they working on fielding this year? Everyone wants to know.

But people are forgetting the Golden Wood Group. After all, the Lord and Lady are primary members of the group, and so its actions can be assumed as statements from the rulers.

And in my opinion, the verdict is- Lothlorien will NOT have a team this year.

Not that it is outside of the realm of possibility- but the fact is the Golden Wood Group is confirmed to have invested in a Wilderland team as well as team Anduin, and with the money that has moved it would be a stretch to attempt to majority own a team in Lothlorien on top of it all.

After the general good feelings that existed between last season’s Anduin players and investors, it was expected that they would field a team yet again. “The potential of a team Anduin is simply too great to pass up,” said a Golden Wood spokeself. “The range for drawing talent is superior to any individual realm in the region.”

Celeborn has made a couple brief remarks in support of team Anduin, and word is circulating that he’ll be suiting up for them. Galadriel, on the other hand, has been seeing a lot of her old friends from Doriath lately. When asked if she would be travelling west to play, however, she insisted that she’d be staying closer to home.

Will she also be with Anduin? We’re uncertain at this time, but we can say definitively that the Woodsmen across the river will fare the same as the Golden Wood Group this year, as they too have invested in both team Wilderland and team Anduin- though of course not as heavily, as they simply don’t have as much power.

At this time Golden Wood looks to be the primary power behind Anduin, but Osgiliath Financial and Rohirrim Ltd. look like they’ll have a significant role as well. As far as the Wilderland squad, Golden Wood Group will be playing second fiddle to the Elves of Mirkwood. They’ll be on more even footing with the Woodmen and, rumor is, Orome. What the Vala is doing investing so far from home is anyone's guess.

[the phantom]

MESPN News
The Phantom

RIVENDELL- As the days pass it is becoming increasingly clear that, shockingly, Elrond will play no part in the team based in Rivendell.

Rumors of alliances based around the newly renovated stadium at Weathertop have been circulating since last season’s playoffs, and after the first few days under the new Arda Cup contract it became clear that Elrond’s primary ownership and playing interests were with that squad.

All signs pointed towards Elrond also wanting to exercise some amount of control over the team in Rivendell, but the other primary investors were evidently bitter about his decision not to sign with his own realm, and they decided to make Rivendell more of a team of the people.

But fans of the house of Elrond need not worry- the children of Elrond have been very vocal about their participation this season, and have all but guaranteed that they’ll be backing and playing for team Imladris. In addition, they’ve been giving winks about signing quality talent to replace their father. “He’s not the only member of his generation that can play,” said Arwen.

Also interesting is Elrohir’s remark yesterday that the “stars shine brighter in Rivendell”, and how that had attracted someone that would help the team immensely. “The deal’s not done and official, so I don’t want to give it away just yet.”

On the issue of Elrond’s squad, it seems that the talk last year wasn’t just talk, as he has been seen emerging from meetings with representatives of Norbury Sport and Angmar Athletic. “We Dunedain have always had a special relationship with our great great uncle,” said Arahael earlier this week. When asked about the inclusion of Angmar and the potential for strife, the chieftain waved it off. “That’s water under the bridge. We’re united now- united in our drive to win.”

Perhaps the most momentous event happened this morning, when Gil-galad and company showed up at the Weathertop stadium offices. When asked about his involvement, Gil-galad said: “Well, I can’t say I’m certain of where I’ll be signing. There’s still paperwork and salary caps to consider. But me and my people are almost certainly in on investing with the team here. This thing has promise.”

While much of northern Eriador is on board, the influential Annuminas Ltd. has its own plans according to various members we've spoken with, including Arvedui, Araphor, and Argeleb. "We're going for a more closely knit and unified squad," said Argeleb. "There will only be one or two 'outsiders' on our team, but even they know our style and have paired with us successfully in the past."

So it appears that Eriador will have four squads (including Shire-Bree United, which other networks have exclusive coverage of). All four seem extremely optimistic about their chances, which perhaps is evidence that the tournament reorganization was successful in bringing increased competitive balance.

[Nogrod]

The men of Númenor consider themselves a rare if not unique people – and they are right in a sense. They share the original capacities of the first men; endurance, strength, stamina, character and size, but unlike their ancestors, they are also refined, literate, sophisticated, proud and well, just cool. And they know that the mankind has fallen after the fall of Númenor: after the Second Age the world has been waning and so has the race of men producing ever lesser and lesser men. The exceptional majesty king Elessar showed in the third age in comparison to other men of his age made the old kings and queens of Númenor shake their heads and sigh after the glory of their times totally lost in this world. To Númenorians Elessar’s character looks as commanding as a wannabe teenage-knight’s stature who had to pray the stars to enter the Númenorean cavalry’s lowest ranks in their time.

That of course is their opinion. An opinion of a proud people, but not without a string of truth in it.

Númenor was the powerhouse of football during the first Arda Cups 08-09, getting into the bronze match on -08 and winning the title on -09 with a dream team rarely seen. After that is has been less graceful for the Númenorians, even if most nations and teams would be proud of the record of getting into the quarterfinals on two years in a row. But to Númenorians that has not been good enough. The Númenorians care for the win, and only for the win.

There was an interesting article in the Armenelos Post last week, where the editors noted that the only win in the Arca Cup to a Númenorean team (team Armenelos) came on a year when Elros was not himself in the team (-09). And in the fourth place winning side from -08 Elros was a goalkeeper – since replaced by much sharper Tar-Atanamir who has been consistently one of the best goalies in all tournaments after that. So how about it was time to show the door to the otherwise highly esteemed king and let the sporting success prevail once more?

This understandably caused a huge stir on the island of divided loyalties. Even if the strong ties of blood and pride bring the númenorians together, the issue of loyalties and the shared history of the tears shed takes them apart from each other at the same time. And the suggestion of sacking Elros wasn’t going to go down well with the “elf-friends” – while it was strongly applauded in the ranks of the “King’s Men”.

Soon it became obvious that the row was getting out of the hand as street-fights and open brawls in other public places were reported in ever shortening intervals. It was then that the great press conference was held at Armenelos yesterday.

And AKM was there, naturally.



The Númenorian investment group, Meneltarma Capital was represented by it’s co-chairs Ar-Pharazôn and Tar Atanamir. Elros was there as well as was the great Tar Minastir.


Ar-Pharazôn: On behalf of Meneltarma Capital I bid you welcome to this short press conference. We wish to assure you all Númenoreans, that there is no ill will or strife between our best players or uncertainty with our financial interests. But because of financial limitations we have made some decisions that may not please all of you, but which were forced on us.

Tar Atanamir: Yes. But we’re still building back the legendary team Armenelos for this year, more or less in the shape it was on 08-09. Sure we’re not allowing Sauron to step into the soil of this island anymore and king Elros has begged to be relieved…

Elros: That’s true. I have some plans of my own. And I assure you the article on Armenelos Post had nothing to do with it… And I’m actually staying as a minority shareholder of the Menetarma Capital. So I will support the decisions it makes and will stand behind the Númenorian excellence in football.

Tar Minastir: You know my credentials my fellow countrymen. I’m not going to play for team Armenelos this year either, and I know it is a big disappointement to many. But you can cheer for me and my good friends; the old war-horse Tar Ciryatan, Tar Meneldur the astronomer and his foresighted son Tar Aldarion on another team we have a nice holding as an investment group as well.

Ar-Pharazôn: Yes indeed. With the decision of the Meneltarma Capital we have decided to divide the talent of our island funding a few players to join a team of seafarers in the making under the captaincy of none else than Ulmo himself. So all the money by you small investors will be channelled to the greater glory of Númenor, just in two different ways, with team Armenelos and the Sea-team, whatever their name will be in the end.

Tar Atanamir: I am proud to say that even with these traito… erm… trades to Ulmo’s team, team Armenelos will refuse to go down to any team in this year’s cup.

Ar-Pharazôn: But we also wish you all to support both teams with Númenorean talent in them. We’re all of the same family. Aren’t we Elros?

Elros: For the honour of Númenor!

Everyone (suddenly standing): For the honour of Númenor!

Romenna Herald: Tar Minastir is undoubtedly one of our shiniest players, and he is taking that much of grace with him to Ulmo, and even Elros is not playing for us? Do we have any Good players left in our team of the island?

Ar-Pharazôn: Those reneg… eh… renaissance talents sure are a loss, but Tar Telperiën will lead our defence once again and the Lord of the West, Ar Adunakhôr, will help score the goals.

Tar Atanamir: And you forget the brilliance of Tar Ancalimon, Tar Calmacil and Ar Gimilzôr who formed the backbone of our midfield on 08-09. They’re back in those positions to make us run the game once more – like we used to.

The AKM: But who will feed you Mr. Pharazôn and your mate Adunakhôr? Sauron was the organizer and the passing machine on the legendary -09 team, and Elros did that job last year with Westernesse team. Who will fill that gap? Surely your team is great: an Arda-class goalkeeper, solid defence, holding midfield and great strikers, but you need someone to organise the game and feed you guys in the front to score, don’t you? Who’s taking that?

Ar-Pharazôn: A Númenorian will always rise to the occasion. Don’t you outlanders worry about that.



The AKM will leave its educated readers the drawing of conclusions from that press-meeting as it doesn’t want to endanger it’s good relations with the Númenorian hegemony. But whatever the inner rifts between the islanders, they have the talent and the capital to run far in the tournament this year as well. That is one thing there will be no doubt about.

[Boromir88]

THE TWO TOWERS NETWORK
Boromir the 88th

Free Agency Fury is underway!

With the announcement all previous contracts were banished to the void, by Eru, owners and investors scrambled to sign players once free agency opened. TTN is covering many teams in our regional sphere including: The Mordor teams (Barad-dur and Mordor), the Gondor teams (Minas Tirith and Gondor), the teams of weirdos (Tol in Gaurhoth and The Downer), and two others Anfauglith (associated with Sauron's Tol-in-Gaurhoth Realty) and Shire-Bree United (which has ties to Gondor's Union of Honest Workers).

RUMOR CENTRAL - for the latest rumors and news buzzing around our team coverage, read below. We stress, these are rumors, for actual confirmed signings see our "Free Agent Signings" section.

Anfauglith: It's is Melkor's Evil House group which owns the majority of team Anfauglith. However, Sauron from his TIG base has also invested a small amount into the team. This leaves us wondering how will the former Master-Servant pair, now co-owners work out? Sauron is known to have deep pockets, but at least with Anfauglith, appears to be holding back from over-spending. If Evil House takes a financial hit, will Sauron swoop in to buy up more shares of team Anfauglith? That has many wondering.

Barad-dur: And Mordorians are wondering just what Sauron is doing with his home-base teams. Not much word has gotten out of the Black Land after the press conference and the Gate was shut. There was news The Mouth was quickly signed, but it appears so far, at least in the land of Mordor, Sauron is keeping isolated. Reaching out only to the talent within Mordor, and not making a big splash by bringing in outside talent. There is of course plenty of time left, and there are rumors, but no confirmation yet on which team (Barad-dur, Mordor, TIG, or Anfauglith) Sauron will be suiting up for this year.

Mordor: Barad-dur is exclusively owned by Sauron, but Sauron also still has majority ownership over the other Mordor team. However, to the management of team, most speculate has been left to the Nazgul, since Minas Morgul investors (The Black Sorcery Guild) also hold significant ownership of the team. Plus, buying in with smaller investments is the North Umbar Trading Company and Harad Inc. Sauron still figures to be the final "yes man" in team Mordor's decisions, especially since we expect the Black Sorcery Guild to virtually go along with Sauron on all decisions.

Gondor: Gondor is an interesting situation, since most Arda Cup teams are owned by large corporations or firms, however Gondor has sprung up as one of the few publicly owned teams. With the citizenry and subjects all over the realm pooling finances to buy into team Gondor. We do not know how this strategy will fair, when compared to the wealthier clubs, but under the old rules this sort of situation could never have happened. With the Gondorian subjects being disappointed in Gondor's tournament performances, we expect a resurgance of pride and duty for Gondor, as they try to bring back the best talent from this vast, and great, realm of Men.

Minas Tirith: Unlike Gondor, Minas Tirith is owned exclusively by the Guild of Stewards. It is not unusual to see Ecthelion II, Denethor II, and Faramir in the same area, but Minas Tirithians were further emboldened with a Boromir II sighting. Will the family of Stewards be brought together under the same banner again?

Shire-Bree United: This is perhaps the most diversely invested team in all of Arda. It appears everyone who has ever been enamoured by the way the hobbits play on the pitch has bought into SB-United. We expect this diverse field of investors from: Bree, The Shire, Hobbiton, Gondor, The Barrow-Downs, Norbury, Aragorn, and Bombadil to reflect the diversity of the players they sign too. In fact, SB-United perhaps had the biggest splash of all our teams so far when Aragorn announced almost immediately he has signed to play on the team. Respected Hobbit, Samwise Gamgee welcomed the signing saying: "We wanted to have an early impact and let our fans know we are serious about building a championship team. Last year, our War of the Ring alliance fell flat, to put it kindly. A player of Aragorn's ability, isn't only quality on the field, but off as well. He is one of the greatest ambassadors to the game, and we hope will attract other big-name free agents to Shire-Bree United."

Tol-in-Gaurhoth: This is an interesting team as well, since The Barrow-Downs group owns the majority of TIG. It is a strange group, that we at TTN don't know much about, other then it's an internet-based group, run by wights, werewolves, penguin-lovers, quality beef-enthusiasts and other odd beings. They apparently get together to discuss literary tastes, and other random topics. Whatever/whomever they are, historically the TIG team has always been a strong competitor. Bouncing back last year, after a few down years, to make it all the way to the finals only to lose to Doriath. Team mainstays like phantomwolf and Nogwolf pledge that 2nd is not nearly good enough. And in the most peculiar move, Sauron has also lent his financial support to the team. Many are now wondering if Sauron himself will return to his '08 team and be the key they need to finally make TIG an Arda Cup winning champion. How much interest does Sauron have in the fortunes of TIG? No one seems to know, and only time has the answer.

The Downer: Perhaps even stranger than TIG, is the team that appeared last year The Downer. The Downer's style of play confused many Arda teams last year. It's primarily owned by Newspaper mogul Hookbill (however, The Barrow-Downs Community is also invested). We are still not sure what to expect, other than The Downer will likely have a dirt cheap payroll, because officials feel Hookbill is perhaps fudging his financial records, or honestly just making up numbers for his fledgling newspaper. The Barrow-downs brings in some financial stability, however it's clear their primary interests are in Tol-in-Gaurhoth.

FREE AGENT SIGNINGS - These are the up-to-date confirmed signings since free agency opened up last week. Obviously some teams have either been more active, or just more successful signing on players than others. Next to the player is also the salary (dollar amount in millions)

Anfauglith:

Barad-dur: The Mouth (9)

Mordor: Gorbag (3), Shagrat (4)

Gondor:

Minas Tirith: Ecthelion II (8), Denethor II (8), Faramir (8)

Shire-Bree United: Strider (11)

Tol-in-Gaurhoth:

The Downer: Hookbill (5), Alien (1)

Stay tuned in the coming weeks for exclusive features on Melkor-Sauron and Anfauglith, Tol-in-Gaurhoth and The Downer teams, plus much more news from our regional teams.

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

The Weekly Wrap
by Elenrod Finrodion

It's still months away before the biggest stage in all of football, the 2012 Arda Cup, opens, and so the eyes of most of the footballing world is on the Elvish Premier League, the biggest national league in all of Arda (and covered exclusively by TENT).

Eldar United, the most storied franchise of that league, whose dynastic reign, though challenged, has lasted for most of the decade, whose roster has been filled with the who's who of Elvish football, is in danger of not finishing on top of the standings for the first time since Fëanor Financial, Ltd, acquired the team almost ten years ago.

And it is only fitting that the one who rose up to seize the pole position was the only team to have defeated them this season.

Eldamar, the team owned by Fingolfin Funds, had fought out a 1-1 draw with Eldar United on the second match day of the current season, and then, in the second-to-the-last match day just yesterday, got away with a 2-1 victory over Fëanor's squad.

And what a game it was. The scorer's table got busy after only three minutes of playing time, when Eldamar striker Penlod stole an errant pass by Elf U defender Caranthir and sprinted away before sending the ball past fellow Gondolindrim Rog and into the net.

Afterwards an enraged Fëanor took it upon himself to score the equaliser. This turned out to be a bad decision, as he was shadowed by Fingolfin himself. Furthermore, he seemed to have forgotten that he had top-class scorers Aredhel and Míriel on his team. The Eldamar captain challenged his older half-brother without fouling him, forcing him into taking a lot of off-target shots. And those shots that did manage to find their mark were snuffed with ease by the Eldamar goalkeeper Finarfin.

Just before the half Fingolfin stole the ball from a now-apoplectic Fëanor and booted it deep into the Elf U half, where a rushing Gwindor managed to take the pass barely onside before sending a rocket from the top of the box.

After the halftime break, a noticeably calmer Fëanor entered the pitch, listening intently to his mother before taking his position on the pitch. Their captain's change in attitude manifested in Eldar United's performance, playing a smoother attacking game that featured dangerous crosses into the box, dazzling solo runs, and accurate missiles from outside the penalty area. It was nothing short of miraculous that Eldamar's defence managed to deny them time and again, even managing to mount their own counterattacks that also came close at times. But their denial wouldn't last forever--almost twenty minutes into the half an Eöl corner kick resulted in an Aredhel header that caught the Eldamar defence looking the wrong way.

But that would turn out to be the final score line of the match. Fingolfin's squad challenged possession of the ball more, blunting the Elf U attack and producing chances of their own. Eventually, the final whistle sounded, and Eldamar players were hugging each other on the pitch before carrying their captain Fingolfin off on their shoulders.

Eldamar now has a two-point advantage over Eldar United in the standings, with a game against relegation-bound Avari on the last match day. Only a troll would be foolish enough to bet against Eldamar winning the Premier League title, even if Eldar United wins over their last opponent Greenwood Archers.

Fëanor, predictably, didn't show up for the postgame interview, but his teammate Eöl was there to represent the team. Fingolfin was there as well to represent Eldamar.

Ard-Galen Herald: That was an impressive performance on the pitch, Fingolfin, limiting Fëanor to only three shots on target and no goals. How do you feel about what you've done?

Fingolfin: You all know how much I look up to my half-brother. He's always been consistently a player of the highest level, both in the league and in the Arda Cup. Having to defend him was a task scarcely less arduous than fighting Morgoth, but I'm glad that I was up to it.

Hísilómë Bulletin: It's all but sure now that you've secured your first Elvish title. So let's discuss your plans for the upcoming Arda Cup.

Fingolfin: When I missed the finals for the first time last year, after winning it all with Gondolin in '10, I was very disappointed with myself. You could say that we were in a tough group, and fought a tough first round opponent. But that's no excuse for a quality team. They're supposed to win, no matter the odds against them.

Hísilómë Bulletin: Is it true that, despite being approached by your children and kinsmen and mortal allies, you turned them all down? Do you have any plans to form a team this year?

Fingolfin: I gave it much thought, but I decided that this time around, I'll leave the leadership role to someone else, so I can give it my all on the pitch.

Hísilómë Bulletin: But you're Fingolfin. Almost everyone else looks up to you. Who could lead someone as respected as you? Are you planning to join a Valarin team, then?

Fingolfin: I am not yet at liberty to discuss which side I have signed with for the Arda Cup.

Despite much prodding Fingolfin refused to answer questions regarding his Arda Cup affiliation. So the focus was shifted to Eöl.

Nan Elmoth Times: How do you feel about your first Premier League loss in three years?

Eöl: We gave it our all, but we still lost. It happens. Being second always gives people the drive to try and overthrow the champions, so us on top should always be ready to defend our title.

Nan Elmoth Times: How did you feel about Fëanor's play during the first half.

Eöl: He's a very passionate player, with all the pros and cons that go with it. But you can see the results. He's led us to the top of the standings for eight straight years, and he's won an Arda Cup, as well as all those scoring titles. I'd rather have him passionate about the game than not care about it at all. But I won't deny that at times he makes me feel uncomfortable, but he always presses us to be the best we can. Our stay on the top was all because he was there to push us.

Nan Elmoth Times: So you're happy playing with him?

Eöl: Yes.

Nan Elmoth Times: So you're not against playing with him in the Arda Cup?

Eöl: Yes. In fact, I am happy to reveal that I have signed with his team for fifteen million dollars.

Fingolfin: *casts a sideward glance at Eöl before muttering* How come I got one million less?

Beleriand Inquirer: What was it, Fingolfin?

Fingolfin: Nothing.

Morgoth has also been sighted in the arena during the match, but attempts to interview him have been turned away by his troll bodyguards.

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

From the Elvish Premier League we now turn to another high-profile tournament, the inter-division Deathless Champions League, featuring the top teams from the Elvish Premiere Leagu, the Úvanima Serie A, and the Ainu Liga.

The highlight of this game day was, surprisingly, the fact that Taniquetil's home game against Tol Sirion was played in Avallónë Arena, Tol Eressëa, and not in the Valmar Grand Stadium.

It seems that the ban of football matches in the Blessed Realm was not limited only to the Arda Cup.

Our correspondents managed to interview Tol Sirion midfielder Thuringwethil before the match.

'If even Mordor and Angband, supposedly strongholds of evil, manage to be safer places for football fans than the so-called Blessed Realm, then the ban is well and truly deserved,' she said.

The ban had its effects on potential investors. According to an official from the Vanyar financial group Calaquendi, Inc, who spoke under condition of anonymity: 'Even we, the strongest supporters of the Valar, are leery of investing in their teams. Ticket sales remain one of the best sources of revenue for teams, and the lack of that due to the ban will leave our investments at the mercy of the team's performance on the pitch, something that our more prudent board members aren't willing to entertain.'

Calaquendi, Inc, however, has invested in the Tirion team, according to our source.

'Tirion's more likely to advance past the group stage, since they're less prone to match-up mishaps and strategic breakdowns than the Valarin teams. Besides, there's an ongoing petition in the AFA to allow Eldamar Stadium to host games, since there have been no untoward incidents against fans of teams hosted by Tirion.'

The match, meanwhile, ended in a one-all draw, with Tol Sirion co-captain Finrod (through an assist from his co-captain Sauron) and Taniquetil forward Eönwë each scoring in the second half. A second game, this time in the Prime Minas Tirith Arena, will be played next week.

Sauron didn't stay for the post-game interview, but Finrod and Taniquetil captain Manwë stayed behind to answer questions.

'I am coming back to Nargothrond for this year's Arda Cup,' said Finrod simply before the questions could be asked. 'And so is my brother Orodreth.'

However, questions about his reticence to offer Túrin a contract, despite rumours that abounded in the months after the previous Arda Cup that Finduilas would try her best to recruit the champion and multiple Golden Boot-winning forward to the Caves of Narog, were met with a 'No comment.'

Questions were now directed at Manwë, mainly about--yes, you've guessed it--the ban of games from Valinor.

'Eru's will be done on Eä' was all that the media was able to pry from him after multiple variations of the same question.

Questions about whether he would form a team this year, and who would be in it was answered with: 'Yes, Eru has revealed to me that a team will be formed under the Valimar banner. And among those from the Uttermost West shall be those who had been to the uttermost East.' He refused to elaborate further.

[the phantom]

MESPN News
The Phantom

GONDOLIN- There's no doubt that the hidden realm in the Encircling Mountains loves their football, and so it's no surprise that they have moved quickly thus far in the preseason.

Team Gondolin is entirely owned by Hidden Rock Public. Some outsiders are surprised that Turgon doesn't have any private stake in the squad, but Gondolin fanatics were expecting as much. There has been some amount of strife between Turgon and fans when it comes to football matters in recent years, as Aredhel and Maeglin have found more success both in Gondolin and elsewhere, leading the people to place greater trust in their leadership.

Turgon put a brave face on things, and diplomatically stated that he wished his nephew the best, and that his impending signing with Inter Beleriand was entirely by choice, but most suspect that Maeglin didn't think he could have sufficient command with Turgon looking over his shoulder.

Aredhel, meanwhile, has stayed completely out of it, and is rumored to have signed with one of the squads from the Blessed Realm. The same thing is being reported of Turgon's wife, Elenwe, and his daughter, Idril.

Maeglin, meanwhile, wasted no time in helping to pull in a huge signing for Gondolin- Gothmog, lord of Balrogs.

Most expected to hear that Ecthelion had signed as well, as he and Gothmog have seemed inseparable in recent years, but in fact Ecthelion is working on finalizing a contract with AC Beleriand.

Gothmog: "We really enjoy playing together, but things just didn't work out this year. AC Bel didn't think they could afford to bring me on along with Ecthelion- not at a salary I'm worth, anyway. And then Maeglin offered me more than Morgoth was willing to give me, and Ecthelion encouraged me to take it. Maeglin and I worked well together on team Angfauglith last year, so it's not as if I'll be a fish out of water."

Others confirmed to have signed with Gondolin include Rog, Duilin, and Egalmoth.

[the phantom]

MESPN News
The Phantom

ISENGARD- After doing a joint effort with the Misty Mountains last season, Saruman is back in the cozy confines of Isengard, and is well on his way to completing his squad.

Team Isengard is owned by Orthanc Inc., but really it's just Saruman. He allows various underlings to have a teensy slice, but he calls every shot unopposed.

His first signing, which came as an absolute shock to many Misty Mts. fans, was Caradhras. The peak-spirit that kept balls out of Misty's goal last season with blinding snow and gusts of wind was expected to be back with the range. But Saruman, who was prominent in bringing Caradhras onto the pitch in the first place, convinced Big C to allow himself to be transported to Isengard.

And so the pinnacle of Caradhras now sits on the practice field just outside Isengard's rocky ring, waiting to hurl his fury at any that would dare attempt to pass him by.

Saruman also used his hypnotizing voice to win over Quickbeam and Treebeard. "He reminded us of what a fine time we had doing the whole Watch-Wood thing, and how we had once been friends, and I just couldn't find it in me to be upset," said Treebeard.

Saruman has also recruited a few of the usual suspects to bolster his roster, such as Mauhur and Ugluk.

[Nogrod]

Breaking News - Breaking Rumours - Breaking News

The rumours around the Evil House financials have flown wild the last days when it was revealed that Melkor was going to out two teams into the competition – and what more – that he was going to have a marked influence of at least one team in Beleriand. It was a well known fact that Melkor had had an aggressive financial campaign offering his plenty to many teams around, and that there had been, understandably, a general reluctance to “take the bait” by the regional investment groups. But that someone had taken it in and allowed him a foothold at the team was something unheard of.

The truth sometimes is stranger than fiction, but sometimes it’s also less so. Which one is this, the reader must decide him/herself.

According to Carcaroth, The Evil House’s spokeswolf, Morgoth has more cash he can spend and loves football. And as the salary-cap denies him the chance to build a team of his liking he has been willing to venture farther spending some capital to gain experience in sports management just for curiosity’s sake.

The main points one could draw in from that rather peculiar press conference where Carcaroth almost ate a few elven and human journalists (“a bad old habit of mine”, was Carcaroth’s excuse to his behaviour) can be summed into the following points.


* There will be a team of Angband totally owned by the Evil House. The core of the players signed as now are (the salaries in millions in brackets):

Leader of defence: Morgoth (20)
Second Assistant defender: Balrog #1 (15)
Goalkeeper: Carcaroth (12)
Forward: Tevildo (12)

The Evil House is looking forwards to at least one more top-quality player for the team Angband, most specifically to the attack. With high salaries for the top-players the rest of the team will most probably be consisting mainly of orcish and/or human servants/allies to Morgoth as they come cheap enough to fit the cap on salaries but are still able to fill their places for the real players to flourish and succeed.


* The Evil House will have a majority ownership in a team pulled up in rememberance of the Battle of the Sudden Flame. The team will probably go by name of "Anfauglith" or "Dagor Bragollach", and will have the financial support of Morgoth to the following players:

Ungoliant (18) at the goal.
Three Balrogs (13 each) to defend the goal.
(making up some 60% of the main budget for the team)

Also it was revealed that Sauron’s part in that team would be financing Thuringwethil’s salary of (12) as the Striker of the team.

Carcaroth was not confirming or denying the rumours that Hador Lórindol himself and his sons; Galdor (the father of Húrin and Huor) and Gundor would play for the team as well. So it remains to be confirmed.


* The Evil House will have a minority share in one Beleriand team. Not a big stake, but a deal made in “mutual interests” of the different parties involved. Morgoth’s part of the bargain is one Balrog to lead the defence – and “a lot more in value than his say in the team is”, like Carcaroth put it. It seems that in return the early houses of Men have invested their money and talent to the Sudden Flame –team.

Now the insistent rumours have it that the Oath & Blood Alliance would have a considerable part in that team’s finances, not to speak of some High Noldorians that might play in that team as well. To this Carcaroth was not willing to answer but suggested the questions should be pointed to the sons of Fëanor themselves.

The latest rumour has it, that Fingon would be involved as a player and individual investor – and that he would have talked his cousin and great friend Maedhros with him once again (well, Maedhros ows him anyway - and they seem to enjoy playing with each other). And with that alliance also the Oath & Blood Alliance would have gotten involved...

Anyway, if that rumour is true, the forwards of the team look formidable and with one Balrog in defence the team would only need a decent goalie to challenge the other teams in earnest. The wildest scenarios put Turgon on the goal (knowing his awkward situation with the team Gondolin, that doesn't actually sound so implausible). But as was said, that is still more or less speculation.

[Shastanis Althreduin]

Most recent Arda Cup champion Doriath was, as you might expect, one of the teams hit hardest by the introduction of the salary cap mechanic. All the impressive talent of that team came with an equally impressive price tag, and Doriath was forced to change up their lineup in order to come in under budget.

They were, of course, able to keep several of their previous roster - Melian and Luthien, in particular, felt that their loyalty to their home realm superseded other, possibly more lucrative contracts offered by other teams. Interestingly enough, however, King Elwe will not be playing for Doriath! This, naturally, caused a veritable storm of requests for interviews and press appearances, as the public clamored to know why their king and captain had decided not to play in the Cup. In response, Elwe elected to hold a short press conference, in which he revealed that while he would not be playing for Doriath, that didn't necessarily mean he wasn't playing at all. He was curiously unwilling to mention exactly what team he'd be playing for, but did refer to his "oldest memories."

Also of interest is the fact that, due to conflicting loyalties, the dynamic duo of Turin and Beleg will, at least for this year, be rather more along the lines of a friendly rivalry. While Turin has left Doriath for parts unknown, Beleg has been observed hanging about Doriath in the company of Mablung and Dior, talking animatedly about their plans for the season, coming up with plays and strategies to use on the field, and generally having a good time.

[Nogrod]

From the Editor (John Bull)

What will happen to those star-filled megateams and overwhelming alliances of skill and renown, has been a centerpiece of discussion in both sports-arenas and pubs around Arda since the salary-cap was introduced. For with it teams like Formenos of 2008 (Fëanor and all his sons + Huan), Armenelos of 2009 (all the stars of Armenelos accompanied by Sauron), Mithrim of 2010 and Doriath of 2011 (Húrin, Túrin, Beleg and Huan with top quality backing – like Celegorm & Curufin and Morwen in 2010, or with the dazzling mix of Eöl, Melian, Beren, Elwë and Carcaroth in 20011) are clearly things of the past. There will be no more “Super-Teams” as last year’s team Doriath fex. would probably cost nearer 180-190 million. So which alliances hold fast, who goes to try new sow new alliances, who gets kicked out?

Whatever the press-releases say, it seems at least Turgon has been shown the door in Gondolin, like Elros in Númenor. Two great kings humiliatingly thrown out to make room for the brighter stars of the teams. Those moves will understandably be explained as their own wish to “seek out fresh challenges” or to “widen their experience with different squads and playing styles”, or maybe even to “make out new alliances”.

And if Shasta’s report is to believed, even such mates as Túrin and Beleg are going their separate ways this year because of, and this is how the AKM sees it, financial pressures. Or how about Elrond not playing for Imladris? He must be one of the MVP’s of the whole tournament… so maybe that is the reason, as anyone hiring him will have to settle with lesser quality players overall because of the price-tag Elrond comes with? A look at the mostly inexistent prospects of Angband team to hire any “over the average” players to fill the positions left over by the stars of the team are a case in point.

But even in this situation all alliances do not break – and some are even newly found. With some inside knowledge into the makings of the Blood & Oath Alliance investment group the AKM is proud to reveal a few very interesting team news.

Through the Blood & Oath Alliance the sons of Fëanor have decided to invest considerable amounts of money (and prestige) to four teams still in the making: two in Beleriand and two in Valinor. The forming of the teams in Beleriand are still in their first stages, but the AKM can make a preliminary report on the how things are working out with the Valinor-based teams.



The AKM special report on teams from Valinor

It seems nobody has the faintest on Manwë’s intentions, whether he is going to play this year or not (could there be any reason for his secretiveness in the fact that the West was banned from playing in their homeground this year?). But it seems clear Aulë and Yavanna are bringing forth a mighty team while Tulkas and Nessa are building another no less impressive one. Although there are rumours a team Valimar would also be in the making mainly financed by the Manwë and Varda led investment group Ainulindalë Enterpises ltd.


The name the AKM heard for Aulë’s and Yavanna’s team is FC Valinor, and if the rumours are true, it would be ready to spend almost 115 million to form a mighty team. At least it looks by far the highest budget any team would have that the AKM is aware of.

But the names then… Curufin (14), Celegorm (13) and Huan (18) would play together for FC Valinor! One of the hottest duos of last year’s tournament would be rejoined by their close mate and probably the most succesful player in the whole of Arda Cup’s history. Compared to Huan’s achivements in Arda Cup even Fëanor and Turin must humble themselves. Looking at Huan’s track record just makes one gasp with awe: he has tended the goal of 2008 champions, 2009 silver-medalists, 2010 bronze-medalists and led his team to championship the second time on 2011.

And that’s not all there is to FC Valinor. It is easy to figure both Aule and Yavanna will be playing, even if it seems that they would have to settle with a bit more modest wages to fit all the great players in the team, even with the total budget as high as it is. But the word is that Curufin and Celegorm have talked their older brother Maglor to join as well for 12 million. Also the silver-footed Idril has been tied closely to the team in the rumours going around, as well as Lórien himself… which might mean also his brother Mandos could be involved.

Whichever of the rumours come true, the AKM sees FC Valinor as one of the strongest teams yet to have come to the fore with even a partial squad.


But the team being raised by Tulkas and Nessa seems no less formidable. The forward trio of the team Real Valinor (pronounced "Reäl", meaning more or less: "royal") - which is the name circulating around right now – looks more or less one of the deadliest anyone could come up with. It was officially revealed yesterday, that the former team Valinor striking-trio Nerdanel, Miriel and Arien would play for Real Valinor this year, for 14 million each.

Tilion who broke through into the minds of the footballing community in 2009 with team Valimar and as an unlikely Utumno-forward in 2010 scoring 21 phantasy points both years had a bit disappointing year on 2011 scoring only 15 pts. with team Angband. But it looks like he’s willing to turn his fortunes back this year in where he belongs to, in Valinor, with a “cheapish” price-tag of 12 million on him. The buzz about him has been lively though as it was announced that he would play in the defence this year even if everyone knows him the best as the top-scorer. The AKM’s quess is that he will be taking the role of a “libero”, the defender with a free role to go as he pleases being in the top of the attack or back down aiding the goalie – or anywhere between.

Some reports have it that Caranthir the Dark would be playing for Real Valinor, some that Nienna would – and that with her Gandalf might return to the West to play. But whoever there will be in the final team, one must not forget Tulkas himself, or Nessa, whom both it is quite safe to assume will play for the team.


So not only FC Valinor, but also Real Valinor look like formidable teams this year (having top-budgets as well) it would be stupid to not count in when making the predictions on the top teams this year.

[Boromir88]

THE TWO TOWERS NETWORK
Boromir the 88th

Interview with The Downer boss, Hookbill

The Downer has been one of the more active teams in signing players and their roster is nearly complete. Although one has to wonder whether any of these characters from the notorious newspaper cartoons would be eligible to play on Arda-based teams.

Nevertheless, I was able to find Hookbill and ask him a few questions about the upcoming year and how he thinks his club will perform...

1. The Downer has a the lowest payroll of the 32 teams, in fact, by a pretty large margin. Many are saying it's because The Downer newspaper is fledgling to stay afloat. What do you have to say to the speculations saying The Downer is going bankrupt and accusing you of fudging your distribution numbers?

Hookbill: We don't even pay our journalists. The only people who get paid at The Downer are the rats; we pay them not to eat our reporters.

Look, we may have been known for fudging the truth, fudging paper work, fudging numbers, fudging chocolate and even fudging our employees. But we have never fudged our numbers.

2. Would you consider selling the club to outside investors? And have you had any offers from outsiders interested in buying the club?

Hookbill: If I knew what the club was, I might sell it. Is it a food? Can I eat it? Or is it a blunt instrument with which I can beat my competition?

3. Last year The Downer was rocked by doping allegations, particularly their primary FW, Alien. Has Alien cleaned up? And is he in season-form to be the top goal scorer for your team?

Hookbill: Alien has, if anything, doubled his illegal activities. I mean, cheating here is peanuts compared to some of the things I've heard. You don't even want to know!

Hookbill declined to say if all of Alien's indiscretions were the reason The Downer's payroll was marked pathetically low, at 37 million. If the reports out of The Shire this past week are true, then it may shed some light on the truth.

The Saucepan Man, wanting to test eligibility to play for another team, citing he wanted to be on a team that took the Arda Cup more serious. He was spotted at SB United's practice field and ready to tryout. But Alien randomly appeared out of nowhere, and burned down the home team's lockerrooms. Hobbit officials sent SPM packing and telling him to take his "revolting green friend" with him. With no choice now, SPM re-signed on to The Downer and originally agreed to be the highest paid member, at 7 million. However, SB United sued The Downer for damages caused by Alien, and Hookbill docked the 1 million out of SPM's salary instead. When asked why the fine wasn't taken out of Alien's pay, Hookbill seemed more confused and showed contempt for the entire Arda Cup institution, "sport? What is sport?"

He would explain the senseless competition committee's rules prevent him from paying nothing to players. So he couldn't keep docking pay from Alien (who was signed for a mere 1 million), even if Alien was the player responsible for the most destruction. Thus he had to fine other players to pay for damages caused by Alien, "and besides, it was SPM who tried to sign with the hobbits."

It would then appear, Hookbill had his reasons to not go into details of all of Alien's "illegal activities." Not for my stomach's benefit, but to prevent Arda officials, and other teams from filing more lawsuits against The Downer. The Downer newspaper is boasting financial strength. In fact, it is, "frivolous lawsuits," from a biased institution feeling The Downer team has no right being in Arda competitions, which are forcing The Downer into a dirt cheap payroll.

[the phantom]

MESPN News
The Phantom

DOR-LOMIN- After a highly successful stint in Doriath, Turin and Hurin were both keen to return to their homeland for this year's Arda Cup, where the influential Hador House Holdings was quick off the mark, determining their investment strategy and making signings as quickly as possible.

Hador House purchased a small stake in both of the Beleriand teams (Inter and AC) and a slightly larger portion in Angfauglith, but the Dor-Lomin team is their focus, as they own it exclusively.

In order to attract a wider array of talent, they named their team Hithlum rather than Dor-Lomin. “This first year we think it’s likely we’ll be largely a home squad, but we’re looking at the future as well,” said Hador yesterday.

Why does Hador think it will mostly be very local talent? For starters, Beleg won’t be joining Turin. In the first days there was much talk of his impending signing- it was only logical. But soon it became evident that Beleg would be sticking with Doriath, for this Cup anyway.

And then the hot rumor was that Celegorm and Curufin would again be joining Hador, as he had helped get them their chance to play offense at last year’s Cup. But it just didn’t work out practically. Hador already had top-flight offensive talent in Hurin and Turin, not to mention the accompanying price tags.

To enter the bidding on the sons of Feanor would demand that other salaries be slashed, and even then the overall payroll of the team would probably end up too high. Hador House is powerful, but doesn’t have the cash to go head to head with the likes of Aule and Yavanna.

Hador House moved quickly in the wake of those failed signings and got other House members on board, including Nienor and Morwen. Also more than willing to sign were loyals such as Gethron and Grithnir, and of course faithful Sador.

According to Hador, the full squad will be ready to hit the practice field as soon as this Friday.

[Boromir88]

THE TWO TOWERS NETWORK
Boromir the 88th

Weekend Report

Another week is coming to a close and TTN brings to its readers the latest news and rumors on the free agency front.

RUMOR CENTRAL - Teams are really beginning to take shape, as the clubs are anxious to get on the practice fields and begin workouts.

Anfauglith: As AKM reported, Anfauglith appears to be focusing all their cap room on the defense and trusting to Ungoliant to keep a clean goal. The arachnid and Balrog-loaded defense is more than capable of doing this, but Thuringwethil may be lonely up in the attack. It appears both Morgoth and Sauron have maxed out on the money they want to spend on Anfauglith (therefor we can at least report in all likelyhood, Sauron will not be playing for Anfauglith). That leaves Hador House and Old Beor House the task of finding players to support Thuringwethil.

Barad-dur: Surprisingly, even though Umbar is actually invested in Mordor, the famous pirates have been signed by Sauron to play for Barad-dur. What promises were given to Castamir, Angamaite, and Sangahyando to play for this Mordor team? We can not say, but it wasn't more money, as Sauron got the pirate trio for rather cheap prices. Also, taking a page from Captain Faramir's book, Mumakil will be GK for Barad-dur this year, and only for 1 million. TTN should add, that the price of these contracts don't necessarily indicate the quality of the player. Mumakil was a pretty solid GK for Ithilien in '10, but as a beast, it really has no need for hard currency. A trend you will see with most animals that teams sign.

Mordor: Team Mordor has gone on a Nazgul spending spree this past week, picking up 5, and also trying to make a push for all Nazgul uniting under Mordor. Although Sauron has stated he will not overspend just to have all the Nazgul on one team. So, certainly the Witch-King, Khamul, and the other unsigned Nazgul may be drawn away to other teams for more money, as Sauron does not want to get into a price war to keep his Nazgul together. And the other Mordor investors agree. Sauron did add though, he could always make room if any of his Nazgul wished to return to play for Mordor, but simply wasn't going to put up big bucks for them. Since it has become apparent that the Witch-king and Khamul, are testing the open market, and are so far commanding some pretty hefty prices for their services, they will likely not be on either Mordor team this year.

Gondor: Gondor has been slower to act than other teams, but I think that is more due to the red tape of being a publicly owned club. However, the side they have been putting together appears to be quite strong on the offense. Prolific Gondorian goal-scorer Eldacar was signed to play FW, and he will be assisted by Romendacil and Falastur in the MF. The front is definitely looking stout, but there are concerns at the back. Imrahil is certainly a strong player, but he's slotted to play defender, and many are doubting his capabilities, since he's usually up as an attacking MF. There are talks of bringing one of the sons of Elendil (which one is not yet certain) to Gondor. Our bets would be placed on Anarion, since his ties to Gondor were always stronger than Isildur's, who's shown preferences to Eriador in the past.

Minas Tirith: Minas Tirith is making some rather peculiar moves, signing all of their players at 8 milion so far. It seems as if the Guild of Stewards are refusing to go higher (and even lower) to sign players. In fact, this is probably the reason other solid Gondorians (Falastur, Hyarmendacil, and Eldacar) decided to sign with Gondor, because they were willing to go higher. Minas Tirith has shown no willingness to go more than 8 million. However, they are still fielding a strong team, as this past week notable signings include Earnil II, Cirion, and the Faithful Steward, Mardil were brought in. We reported last week that Boromir II was seen in Minas Tirith, well now this past week Boromir I was spotted. So, will there not only be a family-reunion but a union of Boromirs in Minas Tirith? But for Boromir II, I would think the Guild of Stewards would have to budge on their 8 million cap, unless if playing for Gondor again, means a willingness to take less, to the son of Denethor.

Shire-Bree United: The splash of signing Aragorn did have some benefits, but how successful that strategy is, only the tournament will tell. Bombadil and The BW have now signed, and that should certainly improve on SB-United's forturnes from their dismal Hobbit reunion last year. However, this combination of FWs and attacking MFs was seen in '10 with Breeland and it was also a miserable flop. That may have been due to an anemic defense though, and bad goal-tending. Manning the posts this season will be Halbarad, as Butterbur was booted down to play defense. Still the questions of how will they fix the defense remains? It's being rumored one of the teams trying to wrestle some Nazgul out of Mordor is SB-United. That combination of a killer attack, and frightening Nazgul defense could definitely pay off, if the rumors are true.

Tol-in-Gaurhoth: as per usual TIG has been slow in finding players. Although so far 3 werewolves have been added, the usual TIG captains Nogwolf and Phantomwolf, to play FW and MF, respectively. They will be joined by Gwathwolf, for his excellent phantasy performance last year, and that wolf will be on the defense. The biggest news out of TIG, however, is the new rules restricting TIG to only having 4 werewolves on the roster. The last werewolf slot will be the GK, and the rest of the roster will be filled by wights voted in by the Barrow-downs shareholders, and possibly even, cross your fingers TIG fans, Sauron himself!

The Downer: The Downer's roster has been filled, as Hookbill seemed to at least want to have a completed roster early. We'll have to see if they get right to practicing, and not the hooliganising behavior they were known for last year. The Downer appears to be changing formation to a 4-4-2, as top goal-scorer SPM has dropped down to play FW with Alien. Hookbill will man the MF and disappointed from King Bus' goal-tending last year, Bubble Buddha will have those honors this year.


FREE AGENT SIGNINGS - These are the up-to-date confirmed signings since free agency opened up last week. Obviously some teams have either been more active, or just more successful signing on players than others. Next to the player is also the salary (dollar amount in millions)

Anfauglith: Thuringwethil (12), Balrog #4 (13), Balrog #3 (13), Borlach (3), Balrog #2 (13), Ungoliant (18)

Barad-dur: The Mouth (9), Gothmog II (6), Castamir (7), Beruthiel (6), Angamaite (3), Sangahyando (3), Fellbeast #2 (2), Mumakil (1)

Mordor: Gorbag (3), Shagrat (4), Nazgul #1, #2, #3, #4, an #5 (7), Silent Watcher (1)

Gondor: Eldacar (10), Romendacil (8), Falastur (9), Eldarion (5), Imrahil (5), Hyarmendacil (10)

Minas Tirith: Ecthelion II (8), Denethor II (8), Faramir (8), Mardil (8), Tarandor (8), Cirion (8), Earnil II (8)

Shire-Bree United: Strider (11), Bombadil (5), Barrow-wight (10), Bandobras (4), Ferny (2), Butterbur (2), Halbarad (5)

Tol-in-Gaurhoth: Nogwolf (10), Phantomwolf (10), Gwathwolf (10)

The Downer: Hookbill (5), Alien (1), SPM (6), Lalwende MP (3), John Fillis (2), P Hampton (4), BW Himself (6), Burnt Bert (2), Evil Mayo (1), Morsul (4) Bubble Buddha (3),

Stay tuned for later in the week on our exclusive Tol-in-Gaurhoth report. TTN was able to roam the streets, finding local TIG supporters and players, and asking pointed questions about the upcoming year.
(Editors note: I've gotten most of the replies back, thank you all for the...interesting responses - and there's a very nice variety, which also makes me happy. I'll give the rest a few more days yet, to respond, if they want. :) Look to Wednesday for the TIG report)

[the phantom]

PROJECTING THE HOST SITES OF ARDA CUP 2012
MESPN NEWS
The Phantom

Every year there are great stories involving the group host sites of Arda Cup. Even though there have been changes to the Arda Cup format after the reformation, Eru was adamant about preserving the hosting system. “It is a way to provide the various cultures of Arda a chance to showcase their unique traditions, architecture, artisanship, and enthusiasm.”

Besides the group hosting sites, there are also the playoff sites. The first round always takes place in the home stadiums of group winners- a way to reward them for their efforts. But in the rounds that follow neutral sites are selected- sites that are considered to have the appropriate stadium capacity and lodging and hospitable attitude.

These factors are considered for hosting groups as well, but the selectors are generally less picky in order to assure a more diverse rotation. Making sure everyone has a turn is not so important once the playoffs arrive. And so the late rounds of the playoffs are often a repeated parade of the most prestigious arenas and football-cities in Arda- Valimar, Armenelos, Gondolin, Doriath, Minas Tirith, etc.

Two years ago, however, the finals settled into a home that is, perhaps, permanent. Even nostalgic football old-timers agree- Amon Hen Coliseum is beyond magnificent. The arena is by far the largest in football, thanks to its location on the slopes of the Hill of Seeing and the way it amplifies the vision of spectators. The arena is also a sort of museum, with sections dedicated to depicting other realms with outstanding football traditions.

It seems rather obvious that the stadium at Rauros will be used this year- if not for the finals, then at the least for the quarters or semis. As far as potential host sites for the group stages, MESPN is always on the cutting edge of things, guessing accurately more often than not, thanks to a combination of logic and rumor catching.

Predicting the Groups and Host Sites

Let’s get the easy ones out of the way. First-

NUMENOR- No doubt about it- Numenor is a great host site at any stage of the tournament. Why are we so certain it will be used in the group stages? Because of the ban on games in the Blessed Realm, of course.

Eru stated during his reformation speech that he would seek to continue regionalizing groups, meaning that teams will be, when possible, sent to a host site close enough for some of their fans to travel to. In other words, Tirion probably isn’t going to be assigned to a Mordor-hosted group, and Minas Tirith is unlikely to be sent to an Alqualonde-hosted group, and so on.

So let’s take a look at geography here. The Blessed Realm has four teams this year- Real Valinor, FC Valinor, Tirion, and Valimar. There is also a team from Numenor (Armenelos), as well as a team called The Sea, which is officially based in Tol Eressea. Then there is the Havens squad, which looks to be headquartered in the Grey Havens, but which also has a pull from Alqualonde and other seaports.

That’s seven teams that hail from west of the mainland. Therefore, we here at MESPN think it’s a lock that Numenor will be hosting- probably at their grand arena in Armenelos.

GREY HAVENS- Even after using Numenor as a host site, there will still be three far western teams left, so logically there will need to be a host site on the coast, or at least near it. Others have suggested Nargothrond, Gondolin, Doriath, and Angband among others, but there are enough teams from western Middle-Earth that at least one of those will have to be used anyway, not to mention the possibility of another being selected as a neutral site in the playoffs.

We think Angband is probably out (for the far western teams, anyway), because that would seem to take a problematic issue and make it worse- banning the Blessed Realm from hosting and then shipping them to the home of their greatest enemy.

Doriath is probably out as well, since they hosted several games last year (group stage & playoffs). Angfauglith hosted last year too.

Team Hithlum is an unlikely host, as at this time they are clearly settled in Dor-Lomin and would not be as prepared as far as facilities go at this time. Tol-In-Gaurhoth doesn’t seem to be prepared to host such a large number of guests either at this time.

One of the Beleriand squads could be chosen (AC or Inter), but Inter seems unlikely. With the personal investment of Maedhros along with the Sons of Feanor buying in, the team has based itself at Himring, which hosted last year.

AC is really the only possibility beyond Nargothrond and Gondolin, and surely at least one of them needs to be kept in reserve for the playoffs.

So, the Grey Havens definitely seems to be a likely pick, with the possibility of one other Beleriand realm hosting. Any leftover Beleriand teams will be shipped a short distance east, possibly to-

WEATHERTOP- Though Eru scrapped many contracts and such, he has done his best to be fair, and so we cannot imagine that the costly renovations and additions at Amon Sul will be ignored given that they were made with the expectation of hosting during this year’s Arda Cup.

Certainly the facilities were selected for use during last year’s playoffs, but that was more of an added bonus. This year was the expectation.

Now it is possible that they will be a neutral site used for quarterfinals or semis, but that’s no guarantee. The policy in this year’s Arda Cup for playoff hosting is to have a shortlist of possibilities and then select the ones that work best for the teams involved, which obviously can’t be known until the playoffs arrive. And so in order to guarantee Weathertop games they will need to be selected for the group stage.

THE SHIRE- Since there are four squad in Eriador, there will need to be another host site in the region to catch any Beleriand teams that get shipped east (and likely the weirdo extra-dimensional squad, The Downer).

The hobbits have been working, not tirelessly (face it, they’re hobbits), but with some effort on making little improvements to the Michel Delving Bowl. It has always been a delightful changeup to other sites in Arda. It’s not modern and it’s not overly large, but rather it is comfortable and homey, with a rustic charm in its simple creaking woodwork and padded seats. It also allows the crowd to be much closer to the action than most arenas, featuring very little space along the side and end lines, and with the seats at a somewhat steeper incline than usual.

The Bowl has upgraded slightly in the past two seasons, adding an extra couple rows of seats around the ring, and topping them with a row of box seats. Lovers of the old look will not be disappointed, as the luxury boxes are uniquely hobbitish- wooden, open-faced with no glass, and filled with squishy armchairs. So while the box users will be pampered and have ample space, they will not be separated from the action.

OTHER SITE SPECULATION- Either Gondor or Mordor will host this year, but we’re uncertain which one at this time. Arda Cup representatives have been seen meeting with hosting committees from Minas Morgul, Barad-Dur, and Minas Tirith.

There will also be a host site around the Wilderland neighborhood, and we think we’ve narrowed it down to either Erebor or Moria (Dwarves United).

There will need to be a host site for teams caught between those regions (Misty Mts, Rohan, Isengard), so look for one of them to host as well. Since Dunharrow hosted last year, we are leaning towards Isengard, particularly if Moria is selected to host the Wilderland based group. And with Misty Mts as the alternative to Isengard, it seems very likely Moria will host one of the two groups, as both Misty and Dwarves United consider it to be their home arena.

As far as Beleriand is concerned, we’ve already said why Doriath, Angfauglith, Angband, and others won’t be selected this year. Gondolin, Nargothrond, and AC Beleriand would be in the running. But remember, one will likely be held as a possible playoff site. With that in mind, Gondolin is likely removed from contention, as they have the pedigree to host in the playoffs.

Out of Nargothrond and AC Bel, I would guess that Finrod’s realm would receive the nod. For one, it’s a better travel location than AC Bel (which is headquartered at Lake Mithrim). Second, its lodging and stadium is better suited to handle things. And finally, Feanor has seemed completely focused on putting his squad together, and spokeselves have hinted that he doesn’t particularly want his people distracted by dealing with hosting concerns.

SUMMARY
So there you have it- we expect the group hosts to be-
Armenelos
Grey Havens
Michel Delving
Amon Sul
Nargothrond
Moria
Erebor or Isengard
Mordor or Gondor

[Nogrod]

The AKM finally managed to sit Maedhros down for a chat on how things are starting to form with him and the teams of Beleriand. Maedhros turned out to be a polite and unexpectedly open interviewee - the most agreeable person of all the Fëanor's sons, as his reputation has it - and thus we're proud to publish the interview in it's entirety.

~*~

The AKM: Nice to have you with us for a short moment Maedhros. So how are you feeling right now, looking at the prospects for a totally new kind of season ahead?

Maedhros: It’s always a great pleasure to play with my best friend Fingon. And even if my brothers don’t always agree with me, they were interested in backing up our team this year – and getting Turgon on board was a gift from heaven. So yes, I’m looking forwards to this, not the least as a revanche or a reliving of the Nirnaeth… and we’ll make it better this time!

The AKM: So the rumours are true then, that Turgon is riding to aid you two, like back then? What kind of a host will he bringing with him?

Maedhros: There’s no use for 10 000 bright swords on a football field if not as fans. But we could have had use with someone like Huor, that I must admit.

The AKM: So short on cash you have hired an expensive Balrog instead? The very same who burnt Fingon, am I right?

Maedhros: Well, technically you’re correct.

The AKM: Technically? Could you elaborate?

Maedhros: We don’t have resources in abundance like some others have. Yes. And we have hired a Balrog, the very same you mention. But we got him almost for free – so the picture you try to portray of our situation is not fitting with the truth. There is a deal brokered between the investment groups of the first houses of men and Melkor where the men get to invest in team Anfaughlith and he invested some in our team – where these first houses of men are partners as well. And when the first men promised to support our team with top quality players almost free of charge, there was no reason to turn the offer down.

The AKM: Didn’t the men fail you the first time as well? Where is your trust stemming this time?

Maedhros: Inter Beleriand is financed and thus run by Oath & Blood Alliance and NGOL Jewel * with 20% share each, and my personal investment is 15%. Fingon and Turgon will also have a 10% share each, so the influence of Evil House and the Houses of the first men; Old Bëorn House, Hador House and Great Heart And No less in Valour, is only a quarter. And with our majority share we’ve had a strong position in the negotiations on players to hire. We are not hiring the easterlings or other treacherous men, trust me on that.

The AKM: Can you reveal any names?

Maedhros: Masterful and fearless Haldad, The forefather of all the people of Haleth, with Brandir the learned, will secure our defence under the lead of the Balrog.

The AKM: Don’t you mean Brandir the lame? How secure will your defence be with cripples trying to deny enemy forwards?

Maedhros: Watch your tongue mr. reporter… we have size, power and stamina in our backstairs with the Balrog and Haldad, but a good team also needs brains and understanding.

The AKM: And what would be the prize-tag for them?

Maedhros: As I said, they’re coming more or less free, with a nominal pay I’d say.

The AKM: So you’re hiding one or two big fishes still, aren’t you?

Maedhros: Time will tell… all I can say is that the team is not yet ready.

The AKM: With the sort of regional grouping of the first-round games it’s easy to bet you will be meeting AC Beleriand already on the first round, as well as the iron-hard team of Anfaughlith. What do you think are your chances to qualify?

Maedhros: Going against your dad is always challenging, especially when talking about my father… and through our participation with the Oath & Blood Alliance to the financing of the AC Beleriand I know there will be some top quality players involved besides him. I’m hoping all the best for that team and hope it gets far in this tournament. Our task is to knock the other teams off – and why not beat even them? *glees*
But whoever comes agains us, we stand tall like we always do. It would not be the first time we pushed against Balrogs, mind you. And Fingon especially has some scores to settle on that front. But you know, all this with the opponents coming against you on the first round is just speculation, so I’d rather not get myself involved with it any more than this.

The AKM: You said you had some knowledge through the investment group of you and your brothers about the players in AC Beleriand. Could you reveal us anything about it?

Maedhros: Well, it is basically up to them to reveal what they will and when they will. But I think I can confirm the rumours that the High Princes are together once again: my dad is making it good with his half-brother, yes he is. And the houses of the first men will supply the bulk of that team as well. They’re having a class weighier pocket-book Inter Beleriand has, mainly because of my dad’s personal involvement, and so you should look forwards to some quite interesting assignments to be revealed soon.

The AKM: Any hints on the names, if you would?

Maedhros: It isn’t my job to do that even if the investment group I am a member of owns 15% of the team. But well, let’s make it a quizz, shall we? Maybe I own stakes enough to do this…
So one of my dad’s team mates married a sister of my team mate and things he made made difference later on in other hands, like killing another one of my team mates; and another tried to take something that wasn’t his by any right from someone who had no right to possess those things either, and his son and his stubborness was partly the downfall of our family.

The AKM: Uh… I think I have a clue now, but let’s leave it to the readers?

Maedhros: Let’s leave it. Now excuse me, I’m off to have a strategy-meeting with Fingon and Turgon.

The AKM: Thank you for your time.



* Noldor Investment Group

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Weekly Wrap
by Adam 'not the economist' Smith, ArdaCup.com reporter

(The contents of this article have not been reviewed or endorsed by ArdaCup.com. All opinions expressed by Adam Smith are solely his own and do not reflect the opinions of ArdaCup.com or its staff, parent company, partners, or sponsors. His sources are not known to ArdaCup.com and he has no special access to information beyond the access and privileges that go along with being an Arda Cup accredited member of the media.

And yes, there's a reason we place this disclaimer only in his articles.)
____________________

What we have here is an ArdaCup.com exclusive. Yes, that's right, none of my respected and tenured peers *cough* were fast, or patient, or determined, or important enough to accomplish what I have done: an exclusive interview with star striker Fëanor.

But before that, I'll present an overview of the stories I've gathered over the past few days.

Manwë, as the chair-Ainu of the financial group Ainulindalë Enterprises Ltd, has invested in teams that start with the letter 'V' (no surprises there), including the Valimar team, which the group completely owns. He will also be goalkeeper for the aforementioned squad, but, according to rumours, aside from trusted Námo on defence, none of the other Aratar are in the team with him. (Ulmo and Aulë, sure, but Varda? Did the two have a lovers's quarrel or something?) However, joining the team is a pair of pairs—the Blue Wizards, fresh from their eastern journey, playing midfielders, as well as the youngest sons of Fëanor, Amrod and Amras, on defence. With none of the big names, though, one wonders how the team managed to be one of the most expensive to be fielded (rumours say that it is the most expensive team.)


Ainulindalë Enterprises Ltd has, however, been denied from investing in Tirion, when public investment managed to raise enough to fund the team after certain players took salary cuts, keeping the budget within reasonable limits. (This move has been frowned upon by the Arda Football Players Association. AFPA Chairperson Uldor has said, 'Players should take salaries according to the level of their play, and not a cent less.') Ingwë returns from a stint in Valinor, and captain Finwë has managed to retain forward Aredhel for ten million, as well as Mahtan and Finarfin for eight million each. The two biggest surprises are: 1) Finarfin and Ingwë switching places, with the Vanya in midfield and the golden-haired Noldo at goal (perhaps he hopes that his son's performance at Eldamar will continue on the Arda stage?) and 2) the signing Thorondor and Eönwë (for fourteen and ten million, repectively)—with the addition of Manwë's herald, as well as the retention of Ar-Feiniel, the team could perhaps offset the continued absence of Míriel and Nerdanel, and the addition of the great eagle could help solidify a backline that lost Aulë in the offseason.


Fëanor and his sons form a collective majority in the newly formed team AC Beleriand. But the rumours that none of the Fëanorion will play alongside their father have been confirmed (see the interview below for details). Morgoth has tried to invest in the team (this was said to the reason his appearance in the Eldamar-Eldar United game), but Fëanor went to the Edain Houses and the Ossiriand Elves for funding instead. Fingolfin and Eöl, aside from playing under the AC Beleriand banner, have stocks in the team (Fingolfin Funds and Dark Elf Mining have invested 10% and 5%, respectively, in the team.) Also, Fingolfin has been joined by his trusty steed Rochallor on defence (signed for two million, continuing the trend of low animal player salaries).


Team Nargothrond is to be owned completely by the Nargothrond Group, with Finrod as its chairquendi of the board, which includes his brother Orodreth and niece Finduilas. The team from the caves of Narog has been a disappointing one so far—not qualifying for the knockout stage in two years, and managing to finish first in their group before being upset in the group of sixteen in the two years before that. Finrod said that he hopes to end this underachieving streak by fielding a stronger squad, but one wonders why Túrin hasn't been approached during the offseason. Is there truth to the rumours of Glaurung resigning with the Noldorin stronghold? Anyway, Bëor (returning as goalkeeper), as well as his son Baran and great-great-great-grandson Barahir rejoins the squad (for eight, four, and eight million, respectively) and striker Gwindor returns after a three-year absence (signed for eleven million).

And now, what you've all been waiting for. After defeating FC Angband 472 4-1 in their home game of the semifinal, Eldar United advances to the Deathless Champions League finals with an aggregate of 5 goals to Angband's 2. The team returned to Formenos as they await their finals game in the Song of Stone Stadium in Gondolin against either Taniquetil or Tol Sirion. It was here that I managed to find Fëanor after he agreed to be interviewed.

Adam Smith: First of all, how do you feel about your performance in the Elvish Premier League?

Fëanor: We'll be back on top next year. That's a promise.

Adam Smith: Well, you made up for it by crushing [FC Angband 472] in the Deathless Champions League, where you personally scored a hat trick. Did your EPL travails this season have anything to do with how you approached that game?

Fëanor: I always try to play at that level, whatever game it may be. The fact that it was against Morgoth, or it came after a tough loss in the Premier League has little to do with it.

Adam Smith: You might end up facing Manwe's Taniquetil in the finals. What's the significance of this possible [Arda Cup 2011 quarterfinal] rematch for you?

Fëanor: He's just another opponent for me. Whatever he or his kind may say about dooms, I believe that victory is something that's obtained on the pitch, and not something predestined.

Adam Smith: So you're saying that they were better than you last year?

Fëanor: The past is the past. Next time we meet on the field, I'll show you who's better now.

Adam Smith: Speaking of the present, what can you tell us about your new team for the Arda Cup, AC Beleriand? For example, how do you feel about playing with your half-brother Fingolfin?

Fëanor: I've played with Fingolfin before, and I know he's a really good player. He plays all positions with the same high level of skill, so he can help shore up whatever a team's weak point is. More importantly, he knows that this is my team. It's important that I have control over the team I play in—last year's experiment with Lothlórien reinforced that for me.

Adam Smith: And Eöl? What made you want him on your team?

Fëanor: Well, despite the fact that he's Sindarin, he shares the same passion in craftsmanship that I have. And it's apparent in his play, especially when he had his way during last year's semifinal game [with Doriath agains Angband]. He had the same balance of finesse and strength that I had while I was making some of my best works of art—and best goals as well.

Adam Smith: Are the rumours that your sons have not asked to be signed in this team true?

Fëanor: Unfortunately, yes. Well, Maedhros has always been hard-headed, and Maglor usually followed his lead. Celegorm and Curufin enjoyed being forwards last year, and I think they didn't want to play with me because they didn't want to be compared. Well, in short, all my sons have an independent streak—which they got from me—and after winning a championship with me they all want to find their own ways to success.

Adam Smith: Any other things you can reveal to us about your team?

Fëanor: It was surprising when Ecthelion and Beren approached me in the offseason—well, they both went through Fingolfin before talking to me. I don't know them personally, but I've seen them play. Beren is almost like Fingolfin—he can play wherever you need him to be, so he's a good addition to any team. When I asked him why join me, he said that he wanted to play with the creator of the thing that made him famous.

And Ecthelion's a fearless player, and a player with championship experience. I don't know what's happening in Gondolin that they didn't put more effort into signing him, but their loss is my gain.

Adam Smith: Speaking of Beren, I've heard that there are other of the Edain in your team? How do you feel playing with them? I'm sure, like with Beren, you don't know any of them personally.

Fëanor: Well, I feel uneasy including too many players I don't know. Unfortunately, due to the new system, you can't have a team composed of stars, unless they're all willing to play for much less. So we signed whoever wanted to play whatever position we need for whatever price we can offer.

Adam Smith: Hm, by the way, what does 'AC' in your team name stand for? Isn't that the initials of a fictional football team?

Fëanor: What are you talking about? Anyway, 'AC' stands for 'Arda Cup', which is our goal. Sure, I've won it with Formenos in 2008, but four years has been too long. I want to win another one.

[Galadriel55]

Will there be no Lothlorien team? How come? It was quite successful the year before. What happened?!

The rumours say that last year's team hit a bit too hard on the budged of the Golden Wood - not the money budget, but a different sort of wealth.

Galadriel has been known to give strands of her hair to her players to get them to sign on her team. She gave Gimli three, but this is the only number we know for certainty. We think that Some of the local players on last year's team played without this bonus - Haldir definitely didn't take any hair, and Celeborn would never cut any piece from his wife's head. Feanor, though, is another matter. During the First Age hr asked Galadriel for a lock, but she denied him. This refusal struck deep, and Feanor is not the kind of person to let go of grudges. It is rumoured that in order to get him on her team Galadriel had to shave almost half her head, and is now still wearing a wig!

Now she can't give out fake hair like that! People would notice. She decided to wait a year or two for her hair to regrow. Some say that she started purchasing Entdraughts lately and took a liking to them.

But it is also said that she and Celeborn might be playing on different teams! An explanation was quickly found for this shocker: for a long time Galadriel had a secret love affair with Gandalf - another player on last year's team who took no hairs. Everything would have gone smoothly, if only one Peter Jackson didn't catch them together and film their meeting on camera, which he promptly published for the whole world to see.

http://www.wired.com/geekdad/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Galadriel-and-Gandalf1.jpg

Celeborn puts up a nice face in public and refrains from commenting, but most fans guess what is really going on in his mind. However, no one has evidence of what words have gone between him and Galadriel in private.

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Unlike last year's first ArdaCup.com Stats Report, we won't be resorting to consulting astrologers and coin-flippers and biased sportswriters. Instead we're presenting the results of a phone interview of various team owners and general managers. That's the power of having an actual budget, instead of living a hand-to-pen existence. Wow!

Anyway, we asked these GMs and owners the following question: Given a free hand, which player they would choose to build a team around? The only restriction given them is that they couldn't choose players from their own teams. The results are:

Túrin (26.6%) - The Master of Doom and multiple Golden Boot winner has led even incomplete teams past the group stage and into the quarterfinals, where the strength of the team's defence determines how far it goes. One owner said: 'He's finally shaken off questions about his game on the big stage, winning that title last year against tough opponents, and this year there's a lot more that will be expected of him, if that's possible.'


Huan (23.4%) - The Hound of Valinor is Arda Cup's winningest player, but other GMs and owners think that he's just well-connected to strong footballing cliques (Beren/Lúthien last year, Celegorm/Curufin in the years before that) and wouldn't have been as successful had he been in weaker teams.


Fëanor (21.9%) - The fiery son of Finwë draws a lot of comparison with Túrin: their multiple Golden Boots and ability to lead teams deep into the tournament being most noted. But many have noticed that, despite his teams usually having more talent than Túrin's (last year was an exception), it doesn't always translate to Arda Cup success. His charisma to draw more talent (as well as his deep pockets) is an x-factor any team would love to have.


Morgoth (14.1%) - Morgoth's an all-around talent and a natural leader, who can turn even violent Úvanimor into fleet-footed footballers, while letting them retain their evil cunning and crushing strength. His team has reached the semifinals for two straight years, and some expect that he'll finally play in that last game this year.


Sauron (10.9%) - The Lord of the Rings is an offensive maestro willing to play with anyone, from Werewolves to Dúnedain to Dragons. He usually runs a prolific offence, and he also has some of the leadership skills his master possesses. He and Melian are the only Ainu to win a championship so far.


Elrond (3.1%) - The Peredhil's definitely not as successful as Huan, but he's probably a better GK, especially during the last couple of years. And a few of those we've interviewed think that that's enough to build a team around. One GM remarked: 'You can skimp on defence with him at goal, allowing you spend more on a strong striker or a solid midfield. He's that good at what he does. It's hard to find someone else that dependable, except perhaps Túrin's scoring.'

[Boromir88]

THE TWO TOWERS NETWORK
Boromir the 88th

Tol-in-Gaurhoth Preview

This week I bring you a preview of the famous TIG team, owned primarily by the internet search engine, Barrowdowns.com. I was able to ask a wide range of questions to several players and fans. And while there appears to be many differences between werewolves, there is one thing that unites them, the bias of new Arda Cup rules against the werewolves from the Isle.

TTN: One of the committee's new rules this year is the TIG team is only allowed 4 wolf-players and the rest would be human/wight form. Thoughts about this decision? Do you think having a team entirely filled with wolf-players is an unfair advantage, as the committee believes? And what adjustments (if any) will the team have to make to continue success under the new rules regarding the cap on wolf-players?

All werewolves asked this pointed to the unfairness of the rule, but each had an interesting reaction. Shastawolf made the most passionate case, citing the advantages other players have, which are not restricted by the Arda officials, while others seemed confused by the situation or started looking ahead to get the rule repealed.

Shastawolf: It's absolutely unfair! No one prevents the great eagles from using their wings, or the spiders from using their webbing, or the horses their hooves, or Caradhras his winds, or the Ents their height and strength, so why should the wolves be penalized for using their natural-born gifts as well? Rubbish, I say. All part of a Valar plot to cripple the TIG team after we almost crushed their beloved Doriath team last year. Especially since they won't be able to control the outcomes of any matches in the Uttermost West, because of the ban. I'm still as much a fan of Huan as ever I was, but really, this is rather ridiculous.

Nilpwolf: That would be an unfair advantage for the villagers. Werewolves constitute 15-25% of most villages, whereas in the Arda Cup they make up slightly more than 3% of the total population. And now they're thinking of cutting that?! Where's the fair play there?!?!

werephantom: I completely disagree with their decision to not allow us to compete as a team of Werewolves.

Now, as WightWolves, as we were last year.... I suppose I can understand to an extent. WightWolves are not naturally occurring within Arda, but rather were a result of extra-dimensional experimentation. And as everyone saw last year- the experiment was quite successful. We dominated everyone we played until the finals, where a combination of having a bad day and being matched against an all-star team finally did us in. With the increased competitive balance this year, I have no doubt we'd be the strong favorites this year were we allowed to renew our WightWolf forms.

But as far as outlawing all of us as Werewolves, as we've been in the past- completely unfair! Werewolves are naturally occurring creatures with strengths and weaknesses. Some matchups would be great for us, and others would be tough. I don't believe we would have a clear competitive advantage over the field. As a matter of fact I'm not entirely certain we would all be Werewolves- we might leave a couple of us as Wights to help keep things under control and such.

We will certainly be appealing the rules. It's probably too late for this year, but I look forward to receiving more flexibility from Arda Cup in the future.

TTN notes here, that others did not want to appeal the ruling, but brought up possible loopholes to exploit:

Nogwolf: That's a discrace! That is our nature! It's like ripping Aule or Yavanna of their "Valarness" or making Fëanor a mortal weakling. So you can see my position: being werewolves for us in not any more unfair than letting Balrogs to be Balrogs or Maia to be Maia.

If the ruling only specifies werewolves, we should let Eomer remain a warg - and maybe some others of us could learn "wargery" as well?

Galwolf: Not a problem – TIG is not just any wolf team, remember; we’re no ordinary wolves. Werewolves. We can have no wolves on the team at all, when they inspect us. We’ll transform whenever we need to. And the best thing of all – no one will even notice! The more experienced barrow-werewight-wolves can hide in any village, even if it be full of Seers! I trust a cheering crowd will not be much more difficult, especially since it would not particularly be looking for any signs of fur on players.

---

TTN: Sauron has invested some money in the TIG team, having pride in his '08 team and for many of their players. It is rumored he is looking to return to play for TIG. Would you welcome Sauron onto the team of Barrow-downers? And do you think he would be the missing piece to finally bring a championship to TIG?

Question 2 was a bit more divisive. No one seemed to deny the skill and worth of what Sauron would bring to TIG, but most were cautious of what it would be like having Sauron on the team. We should mention, besides mormwolf who would only say "Sauron should be team captain." This was in direct contrast to Shastawolf and Galwolf, who seemed to have a problem with bringing more authority to TIG:

Shastawolf: I feel that TIG has grown to be an independent major challenger in its own right without Sauron's help. I'm not certain anyone but the wolves should be on a team meant for wolves. That said, I'm not entirely opposed to Sauron's return, but I'm definitely not up for taking orders from him due to his long absence. I feel that he gave up any semblance of control over us when he abandoned us.

Galwolf: Sauron might be a good addition to the team. At least he fits in well enough – he could transform into a wolf himself before the utter stupidity of certain pig-headed arrogant self-centered *cough*Valar*cough*... I mean, before a tragedy happened and the ability was taken from him. Moreover, if you look at the wight side of our lineage, it was the Dark Lord’s servant who gave us an afterlife. So whatever betides, at least he’d fit in well.

The only thing I am worried about is that he would try to take over leadership of the team. The leadership should be held by a werewight. Our identity as werewolves, wights, friends who murder each other for fun, whatnots, wherenots (and wereknots!), whynots, geeks, oddballs, and furballs must be preserved.

werephantom was the most pleased by the idea, which is no surpise, since in '08 his rapport with Sauron was...wait for it...legendary. However, he did not think this was a likely possibility:

werephantom: Unfortunately, I don't think that's going to happen this year. I talk to him now and then, and with this reorganization he has a lot of work to do back home and I don't think he'd be comfortable leaving his Mordor business to be run by others at this time. But I suppose we can hope.

And surprisingly (but in retrospect, not too shocking) there was one vehement objection to Sauron returning to TIG:

Nilpwolf: Sauron can go play in stinkypoop. Can't we have Finrod and Beren instead? They did pretend to be Werewolves once, too. *bursts into flames*

---

TTN: The hot topic of the year. What are your feelings on no games being played in Valinor lands this year, due to the previous years of scandals and corruption?

Again, most wolves were united, to varying degrees. All those asked seemed to support the ban. Mormwolf, cited a different reason, siding with the purity of Valinor, but most of the others felt it was about time for the Valar to be punished:

mormwolf: Valinor would never host a game and it would be sacrilege to let those foul creatures on that pure soil.

werephantom: Eru had to put his foot down. People will argue how bad the abuses really were and how much of it was trumped up, but by even the most kind source there were definitely some mistakes made.

Really, abuse of "baddies" has been rampant throughout Arda Cup. Remember last year how our host site kept changing the times of matches to screw over nocturnal creatures?

There have got to be some clearly outlined rules about that sort of thing, and most importantly- enforcement of the rules.

Galwolf: No games in Valinor means less traveling across the Belegaer for me. We’ll show these big-headed Valinoreans not to hold their proud heads too high on our ground!

Shastawolf: About time, I'd say. The Valar have had the outcomes of matches in their homeland in their pockets for far too long! Missed and unfair calls, rumors of spectator interference, you name it, it's happened. Granted, we've done that once or twice too... but at least we're honest about it! And we only do it when deserved! Mostly.

Nogwolf: We and our core-fans are dead already so we have nothing to be afraid of going to Valinor for a game or two. But I can see where the ban is coming from and am not opposing it either. Just couldn't care less.

---

That is TTN's report from around the TIG training grounds. Still only 3 werewolves have been confirmed on the team. But many players in the area have shown up to try out. It's possible TIG will try a larger rotation of players, through the duration of the friendlies, in order to find the best athletes. How will this strategy work in the tournament? Historically, they do field a late team, but the benefit of playing together in the friendlies went to nullifying TIG's procrastination. Now, if they are doing a rotation, throughout the friendlies, how will they be a cohesive unit when the tournament begins?

[Shastanis Althreduin]

The Misty Mountains are not happy with Saruman. No, not happy at all.

Traditionally, Saruman has been on cordial, allied terms with the Misty Mountains, collaborating with them on more than one occasion. However, Saruman's defection (indeed, he will not be joining the Misty Mountain squad this year) has hit them pretty hard.

Even that, though, could have been borne. But when Saruman took Caradhras, the Great Mountain and, arguably, the best GK Misty Mountains has ever had, with him, the resultant uproar was nothing short of cataclysmic. It isn't too surprising, either, given that the mountain sits squarely within the Misty Mountains themselves.

In a move partially driven by spite and partially by the fact that, having traditionally not gone very far in the Arda Cup, they are in desperate need of talent, Misty Mountains has pulled what is lovingly referred to by Tol-in-Gaurhothians as a "Legate-180", and drafted two elves to their side! It's hard to imagine a race more antithetical to how Saruman has acted in the past (and given that the Misty Mountains team has generally been filled with players of a more evil inclination, it's equally astonishing.) Their appearance so far out of the range of the Golden Wood is just more fuel for the rumor that Lothlorien will not be fielding a team this year, but Rumil and Orophin could not be reached for comment.

Standing in for Caradhras this year will be the Great Goblin, and claiming the the only FW spot on the squad will be that perennial fan favorite, Durin's Bane.

GK - Great Goblin (6)

DF - Chief Wolf (3)

MF - Rumil (5)
MF - Orophin (5)

FW - Durin's Bane (16)

[Nogrod]

Like already revealed in the AKM story from Númenor, some Númenorians are joining Ulmo this year for a sea-themed team. Now after meeting the always pleasant and revered Uinen, we are able to reveal some more details about that venture.

It seems the old trio - her, Ossë and Salmar - will join Ulmo again this year. It also looks like Ulmo is ready to put up quite a price tag for his team. Uinen's view on their salaries was quite straightforwards though: a worker needs a fair pay.

To the question, whether Ulmo had raised the price tag unfairly high for other investment groups to follow she was not inclined to answer but pointing at the fact that Meneltarma Capital, Avallónë Securities, Grey Ships Ltd. and Swanhaven Pearl inc. had decided to join the team with their capital making it possible to recruit a top talented team.

And so Tar Minastir equals the pay Ar-Pharazôn and Ar-Adunakhôr make (15) in team Armenelos. And even if that could be thought of being just decent for a player of his caliber, it would look that the other Númenorians have a nicer contract with The Sea they could ever have bargained with team Armenelos - or any other team to that matter. That is not saying they aren't quality players compared to fex. the hordes of Easterlings some Beleriand teams have been forced to sign in lacking capital after hiring over-prized heroes into their squads. With money one gets quality, even if one overpays them a little.

An interesting signing for The Sea -team is Voronwë tending the goal. One might think he would bear some regrets towards Ulmo for his seven years at the sea only to bring him back to be his runner-boy. But it seems Ulmo trusts in his minion and Voronwë looks pleased with the salary of 8 million. But it is a questionmark to be sure: he played midfielder the last year with less than impressive statistics, but he guarded Indis and is called "the enduring one" for no light reasons. So maybe we should trust Ulmo's foresight here?


~*~

On another news.

The AKM board has decided that Hunter U. Nogson will not be appearing in the Barrow Downs, mainly for the reason that the BD is a family-friendly site. But you can join his journalism in the blogosphere at Fear and Loathing in Arda. In his first blog-entry A night-out with some considerable felines (http://hunterunogson.blogspot.com/) he has already revealed the identity of the star striker for team Angband!

[the phantom]

The Underground
Fundin Ironpike

MORIA – Dwarves through the ages have always had mixed reactions to Arda Cup and football in general. Across the board they show reverence for the architectural wonders that the sport has yielded, and participated in the design and building of many stadiums, but more than a few display little interest in the craftsmanship on the pitch.

“The fact is, Dwarves generally aren’t suited for football psychologically and physiologically,” says Wicket Flitwillow, Professor of Dwarf Studies at the University of Rivendell. “They’re decent leapers, and enduring, but their height and leg length is quite a handicap.”

On the mental side of things, Flitwillow says: “Certainly the Children of Aule enjoy using their physical bodies to perform feats of strength and dexterity, but the problem is, they like to be able to see results- enduring physical proof of their prowess. Objects. Football simply doesn’t reward their efforts the way they prefer.”

Flitwillow added that Dwarves generally don’t have “fun” the way other races do. “They’re very serious. They’re more than welcome to invest in teams, but their desire is to turn a profit. And when it comes to actual playing, they need to be motivated by something rather serious- their pride, for instance.”

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

And perhaps Aule had that very idea in mind when he met with the Dwarf-lords and proposed the idea of a Dwarf-centered team named “Dwarves United”. According to meeting insiders, representatives from the Lonely Mountain and Old Moria were initially against it on the grounds it would steal talent from squads they’re already invested in (Erebor and Misty Mts). But Aule informed them he had already been in talks with some talent, and that only a couple would be at all likely to be approached by those squads, and that they didn’t plan to accept.

The dwarves of Belegost and Nogrod, and Durin himself urged their brothers to put it aside for the moment and listen to the proposal, and the Old Moria dwarves gave their permission. The Lonely Mt dwarves on the other hand, spear-headed by King Dain, remained unwilling to accept the premise of a Dwarf-team without clarifying a few matters.

“First, I wonder why no Dwarf has questioned the viability of a squad composed entirely of members of our race,” he said. “We are a talented people, skilled and hardy and valorous, but football has historically failed to balance our strengths and weaknesses.”

At this pronouncement there was much table-pounding and protesting, but Aule motioned for quiet and beckoned Dain to speak again. “That is not to say that a Dwarf or two cannot make a fine addition to a team with an appropriate blend of complimentary talents- did not Azaghal play a fine part in the back-to-back titles gained by Maedhros’ Union squad? But the feats of great Dwarves filling specific roles on teams does not necessarily translate to fielding a team of Dwarves.”

At this, Thrain stood and voiced his support for Dain. “I agree- this has been tried before. Teams composed entirely of Dwarves, or Hobbits, who share our lack of length, have found little success in Arda Cup through the years. I cannot imagine agreeing to such an unwise investment.”

The word “investment” seemed to put the issue of injured Dwarf-pride out of the minds of the other attendees. Aule was, after all, asking them to help fund the venture, and the point of any investment was to gain from it. The Dwarves of Belegost and Nogrod now looked skeptical as they turned to face Aule again, who did not appear flustered by the flow of things.

“Your concerns are justified, Dain, Thrain,” he said, nodding to each, “But do not suppose that I have overlooked such matters. While I am proposing a Dwarf-owned team named ‘Dwarves United’, I fully intend to include non-Dwarves. Not just any non-Dwarves, of course, but tried and true Dwarf-friends- those that we have allied with at one time or another, and that have respect for Dwarf-kind.”

There was interested murmuring at this announcement, in the midst of which Gimli son of Gloin shouted, “The Lady Galadriel would be a strong ally!” Following his lead, many Dwarves began yelling out names of Dwarf-friends that they were partial to. Aule motioned for quiet again.

“Feel free to reach out to Dwarf-friends and bring their names to me if they are in fact interested, but with the reformation this season and the frantic signing period, it’s very likely your intended targets will not be able to join us- this year.” There was a lot of head-nodding after that remark. The Dwarves seemed pleased by the idea that Aule intended to make the club a mainstay.

“Have you made any successful contacts?” asked a member of the Belegost delegation.

“Indeed I have,” answered Aule. “A great craftsman and friend of Dwarves has agreed to sign on.” Aule winked at Narvi as he continued, “Perhaps Narvi already knows of his friend’s intentions.” Nearly all the Dwarves of Old Moria looked excitedly to Narvi for confirmation, and simply beamed when he gave a small smile and nod. It had to mean Celebrimbor!

Aule rose from his chair grinning and shouted over the buzz. “If you wish to play for the squad, tryouts begin tomorrow! The weather should be fine tomorrow, so be at the Dimrill practice field at noon!”

Before exiting through the doorway, Aule added, "And for those that are wondering- Yes, I'll be in uniform."

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

So, Dwarves United looks well on its way. In other Dwarf-related news, the Dwarves of the Lonely Mt. (Erebor Craftsman Union) and their investing partners- Lake Town (Moneybags Monetary Management), Dale (Celduin Corp.), and the Wood Elves (Elves of Mirkwood)- are nearly finished with their Erebor squad, and it looks quite pricey indeed!

Big names come with price tags, and Erebor looks to have no shortage of recognizable figures, such as Smaug, Beorn, Thranduil, and even Gwaihir. Our sources within the Erebor Craftsman Union tell us they expect the team salary to top out somewhere around or just above 100 million, which would potentially give Erebor the highest payroll east of the sea!

The cash-minded former Mayor Moneybags of Lake Town has been pushing for a dirt-cheap roster all along and nearly left the investment pact when his strategy was overruled, but in the end he and his cronies couldn’t stand to be left out of such a big event, and they are hoping the spending yields high results.

[Boromir88]

THE TWO TOWERS NETWORK
Boromir the 88th

The Black Gate Re-Opens

Moments ago, our offices in Minas Tirith got word from our sister station in Minas Morgul that the Black Gates would re-open and were expecting Sauron to announce what team he would be playing for this year. Like last time, it was The Mouth of Sauron who rode out from Mordor to make the announcement. There was less of a media circus, since the timing of this announcement seemed relatively unknown to the wider, Arda-media. The Mouth, also stated he would not be taking any questions at this time, but here is the official announcement out of Mordor, as reported by our sister station, in Minas Morgul:

"I am please to announce, this year, the great Lord of the Black-Land, Master of the Rings, has committed to play for Barad-dur this season. We can not disclose the amount at this time, that is for my Master to release, when he feels appropriate, but he has officially signed a 1-year contract for Barad-dur.

The reason this announcement was kept quiet, is simply because my Master wanted you, his people of Mordor, to know first. And may you see his commitment to Mordor, and to you, is unshakeable. He wishes all his investments well, and is confident in his servants playing for team Mordor will perform just as admirably. My master believes we have two teams in which Mordorians will be proud of to call their own this year.

There is also a statement to make about the Tol-in-Gaurhoth report from earlier in the week. Much was made about the possibilities of my Master playing for TIG this year, too much, in fact. My Master wants to be clear on this, not at any point did he consider playing for TIG, or any team other than one of the two Mordor teams. How these rumors that he would leave for TIG got started, he does not know, but suggests it was the media searching for a story, for the sake of having a story. My master hopes, in the future, to avoid these flare-ups that tend to get stirred up out-of-control media speculation. If you truly want to know what is happening with your Mordor teams, or your Lord's involvement, contact our public relations office, and we will respond at the appropriate time. Or, in the very least, listen to those who have always know his mind the best, like myself, or the phantom.

That is all. Thank you, and you shall be seeing both Mordor teams on the practice fields soon enough."

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

The Weekly Wrap
by Elenrod Finrodion

The 2012 Arda Cup groups and complete rosters are set to be announced within the week, and the last league matches have all been played, giving way to the grandest football tournament of them all. But before the events gets swallowed up in the wake of the Arda Cup we present a report of what has transpired this week in the footballing Eä.

Fëanor trumps Manwë, defends title

Eldar United star striker Fëanor scored on either side of the halftime, leading his team to a 2-1 victory over Taniquetil.

Taniquetil, who got a tense 1-0 away win against Tol Sirion in the semifinals, began with an air of control over the final match in the Song of Stone Stadium, and they were rewarded in the twenty-seventh minute when a Varda through ball found Eönwë, who fired a sizzling low shot that Rog dove after too late. The Herald of Manwë scored his ninth goal in as many Champions League matches, and was now tied with Fëanor for most goals scored in the tourney. But the Elf U captain soon retook the lead in that race, scoring the equaliser six minutes before the half with an impressive jinking run before chipping the ball over Súlimo's shoulder and into the net. He struck again twelve minutes after the break, this time nudging in the rebound after Eöl's header off a corner kick struck the left post. Neither side seriously threatened to score afterwards, and after the whistle was blown Eldar United celebrated their back-to-back titles, their third in five years.

Two familiar faces and a new one win league honours

Taniquetil and FC Angband 472 successfully defended their Ainu Liga and Úvanima Serie A titles, respectively, with a comfortable margin, while upstarts Eldamar won the Elvish Premier League crown after trouncing Avari 4-0, with runner-up and previous holders Eldar United settling for a 1-1 draw with Greenwood Archers.

Arda Cup roster rumours

The biggest story of this section has to be Glaurung's announcement that he has re-signed with Nargothrond for sixteen million. The dragon has now spent three of the last four years playing for the Noldorin stronghold.

During the press conference after the final match day of the Úvanima Serie A (where Glaurung played for Angband, and Nargothrond captain Finrod for Tol Sirion):

Glaurung: Last year [playing for Nargothrond] was a rough one, that's for sure. But we weren't playing up to our full potential then. Finrod can turn this team around, and then you'll see what we can really do.

Finrod: Glaurung has hurt us before, that's true, when he led Angband to victory over us in the Nirnaeth Cup, but he made up for it by staying with this team during a tough time. He was the lone bright spot of the team last year, and now he'll be a great asset as we make our way back to the knockout stage--and possibly even beyond.

Also, Finrod confirmed that Mîm has resigned with his team, despite rumours that Aulë been in contact with the Petty Dwarf for his Dwarves United squad.


Three Valar and a Maia were confirmed to be in Valimar: Vána, Estë, Vairë, and Ilmarë were all signed for ten million each, according to team captain Manwë during the press conference after the Ainu Liga's last match day. Also, he addressed questions about how the Ban has scattered the Valar across teams:

Manwë: We are all brothers and sisters, created by the One, but that is no reason for us to be together always. We were each given our domains to govern, and so long as all we do follow the vision we have seen when the world was first sung, then all is as the One wills it.

[Boromir88]

THE TWO TOWERS NETWORK
Boromir the 88th

Weekend In Review

We don't have much to report in terms of rumors, since this is expected to be the last week before teams release their final rosters and begin getting ready for the friendlies. Most teams are complete, and now it's just a matter of crossing the t's and dotting the i's. As free agency closes though, there usually is a late flurry of last-minute signings.

Anfauglith: With Hador House and Old Beor house expected to finance the mid-field, which would support lone-striker Thuringwethil. On late notice they were able to snatch the brothers, Galdor and Gundor at 5 million each. From the House of Beor, comes the wife of Huor, Rian, signed for 2 million.

Barad-dur: The big news out of Barad-dur today came also with news of the Black Numenoreans of old, Herumor and Fuinur, were signed, at 4 million each.

Mordor: The Black Sorceror's Guild was finally able to drag the treacherous spider, Shelob, out of her dark, dank lair to play FW. The she-spider had a sub-par performance at that position in last year's tournament, but somehow her asking price was quite high. Shelob will make 9 milion, and is the highest paid player on Mordor.

Gondor: Gondor got into the free agency game late when they announced Anarion's signing at 11 million, making him the highest paid on the Gondor squad. It appears he will command mid-field with the stout support of Romendacil and Falastur.

Minas Tirith: Minas Tirith could not reel in Boromir II to their cause, but they will have the services of Boromir I this year. And, you guessed it, paid as much as everyone else, 8 million. In fact, it appears an agreed upon amount for every Minas Tirith player. They will all play for the Tower of the Guard at precisely 8 million. A rather peculiar strategy. At least, we can't help but see it as some type of strategy?

Shire-Bree United: One of the teams to get in a good late-push for players. Last week we reported rumors that Shire-Bree was hoping to wrestle some of the Nazgul out of Mordor, and this week we can confirm they did just that. Joining Aragorn, Bombadil, and the Barrow-wight as the FWs and attacking MFs will be Khamul, so that should make a powerful quartet of attackers indeed. Solidifying the defense Nazgul #6 will report with Khamul to Shire-Bree tomorrow. That is not all, the Noldorin elf Gildor will join the defense, signing for 7 million.

Tol-in-Gaurhoth: The news of Sauron playing for Barad-dur may have shaken TIG some since they have been the slowest in putting together their squad. Although, they haven't had any problems finding players to try out. Some of the familiar faces (sally, Shasta, Nerwen, and Wilwa) were seen, as well as unfamiliar ones (Legate, Esty, Lottie, Lommy, Greenie, and Pomegranate). But with the news that there would only be room for one more werewolf, most who came seemed confused, as if they only knew how to play soccer in wolf-form.

The Downer: Nothing new to add since last week, as we are still unsure how much actual practicing the team accomplished since filling their roster last week.

A Look ahead.

Groups and Rosters should be released by the Arda Cup within the next couple days. And then let the media battles and analysis commence! TTN looks forward to it's continued rivalry with AKM, Ardacup.com, and perhaps some newer upstart usurpers. For quality and depth, follow TTN as we have an all-new power ranking formula that will surely identify the creme-de-la-creme from the mediocre, and the posers.

[the phantom]

MESPN News
The Phantom

We have just received word that the Cup Committee received and approved the final team contract late last night, and is now in a closed session to discuss tournament groupings.

We expect that teams and fans will know where they are headed by late this afternoon or early in the evening. MESPN will release the full list of groups and rosters as soon as we possibly can.

[the phantom]

(numbers indicate salary in millions)

Anduin (80)
GK Amroth (5)
DF Frumgar (2)
DF Borondir (2)
DF Celeborn (12)
DF Fram (12)
MF Amdir (4)
MF Lenwe (2)
MF Leod (7)
MF Haldir (10)
MF Boromir II (12)
FW Grimbeorn (12)

Angband (101)
GK Carcharoth (12)
DF Ulwarth (5)
DF Balrog #1 (15)
DF Uldor (5)
DF Morgoth (20)
MF Lorgan (2)
MF Ulfast (5)
MF Gelmir (2)
MF Ulfang (8)
FW Telvildo (12)
FW Ancalagon (15)

Angfauglith (93)
GK Ungoliant (18)
DF Balrog #2 (13)
DF Borlach (3)
DF Balrog #3 (13)
DF Balrog #4 (13)
MF Gorgol (4)
MF Haldir (5)
MF Rian (2)
MF Galdor (5)
MF Gundor (5)
FW Thuringwethil (12)

Armenelos (108)
GK Tar Atanamir (13)
DF Ar Zimrathan (9)
DF Tar Palantir (7)
DF Tar Telperien (10)
MF Ar Gimilzor (9)
MF Tar Telemmaite (7)
MF Tar Calmacil (7)
MF Tar Ancalimon (9)
MF Tar Miriel (7)
FW Ar Adunakhor (15)
FW Ar Pharazon (15)

Arnor (71)
GK Arvedui (10)
DF Earendur (4)
DF Araval (4)
DF Valandur (6)
DF Elendil (10)
MF Elendur (4)
MF Malvegil (4)
MF Argeleb (5)
MF Arantar (6)
FW Araphor (8)
FW Isildur (10)

Barad-Dur (66)
GK Mumakil (1)
DF Fellbeast #2 (2)
DF Fuinur (4)
DF Gothmog II (6)
DF Mouth (9)
MF Sangahyando (3)
MF Herumor (4)
MF Angamaite (3)
MF Beruthiel (6)
FW Castamir (7)
FW Sauron (21)

AC Beleriand (96)
GK Marach (9)
DF Rochallor (2)
DF Imlach (3)
DF Ecthelion (10)
DF Fingolfin (14)
MF Denethor (2)
MF Ulrad (4)
MF Bregolas (3)
MF Beren (12)
FW Eol (15)
FW Feanor (22)

Inter Beleriand (70)
GK Turgon (11)
DF Haldad (1)
DF Gorlim (1)
DF Brandir (1)
DF Balrog #5 (14)
MF Forweg (2)
MF Baragund (3)
MF Hunthor (2)
MF Haleth (7)
FW Fingon (14)
FW Maedhros (14)

Doriath (84)
GK Dior (8)
DF Galathil (3)
DF Nimloth (2)
DF Saeros (3)
DF Melian (15)
MF Galadhon (2)
MF Daeron (7)
MF Nellas (4)
MF Luthien (14)
MF Beleg (14)
FW Mablung (12)

Dwarves United (89)
GK Bombur (2)
DF Azaghal (7)
DF Durin (8)
DF Aule (15)
DF Celebrimbor (20)
MF Gamil Zirak (5)
MF Thror (3)
MF Telchar (5)
MF Gimli (6)
MF Thorin (5)
FW Legolas (13)

Erebor (103)
GK Beorn (10)
DF Meneldor (7)
DF Landroval (7)
DF Girion (8)
DF Gwaihir (10)
MF Dain (5)
MF Bolg (9)
MF Bard (8)
FW Nazgul #7 (8)
FW Thranduil (13)
FW Smaug (18)

Eriador (99)
GK Elrond (20)
DF Asfaloth (3)
DF Araphant (5)
DF Malbeth (8)
DF Gil-galad (13)
MF Valandil (6)
MF Arahael (5)
MF Arassuil (5)
MF Arveleg (8)
FW Glorfindel (13)
FW Witch King (13)

Gondolin (83)
GK Rog (10)
DF Pengolodh (2)
DF Aranwe (2)
DF Galdor (5)
DF Egalmoth (7)
MF Salgant (5)
MF Meleth (2)
MF Elemmakil (3)
MF Duilin (7)
FW Gothmog (20)
FW Maeglin (20)

Gondor (84)
GK Hyarmendacil (10)
DF Imrahil (5)
DF Earnil I (6)
DF Eldarion (5)
MF Calimehtar (6)
MF Ciryandil (6)
MF Turambar (8)
MF Falastur (9)
MF Romendacil (8)
MF Anarion (11)
FW Eldacar (10)

Hithlum (86)
GK Aradan (5)
DF Arroch (1)
DF Grithnir (3)
DF Gethron (3)
MF Androg (3)
MF Sador (2)
MF Morwen (6)
MF Nienor (6)
FW Hurin (18)
FW Hador (15)
FW Turin (24)

Imladris (88)
GK Elros (15)
DF Aranarth (4)
DF Galdor (5)
DF Erestor (10)
DF Varda (15)
MF Lindir (2)
MF Gilraen (2)
MF Figwit (4)
MF Arwen (11)
FW Elladan (10)
FW Elrohir (10)

Isengard (74)
GK Ugluk (6)
DF Caradhras (10)
DF Mauhur (4)
DF Treebeard (10)
MF Lurtz (4)
MF Freca (3)
MF Lugdush (4)
MF Wulf (3)
MF Wormtongue (5)
FW Saruman (15)
FW Quickbeam (10)

Minas Tirith (88)
GK Denethor II (8)
DF Telumehtar (8)
DF Ostoher (8)
DF Ecthelion II (8)
DF Cirion (8)
MF Earnil II (8)
MF Tarandor (8)
MF Earnur (8)
MF Mardil (8)
MF Faramir (8)
FW Boromir I (8)

Misty Mts (67)
GK Great Goblin (6)
DF Watcher (3)
DF Chief Wolf (3)
DF Bert (5)
DF Tom (5)
MF Orophin (5)
MF William (5)
MF Rumil (5)
MF Narvi (6)
MF Azog (8)
FW Durin’s Bane (16)

Mordor (58)
GK Silent Watcher (1)
DF Fellbeast #1 (1)
DF Nazgul #1 (7)
DF Grishnakh (5)
DF Nazgul #2 (7)
MF Gorbag (3)
MF Nazgul #3 (7)
MF Shagrat (4)
MF Nazgul #4 (7)
MF Nazgul #5 (7)
FW Shelob (9)

Nargothrond (95)
GK Beor (8)
DF Guillen (6)
DF Arminas (5)
DF Mim (3)
DF Baran (4)
MF Orodreth (10)
MF Barahir (8)
MF Finduilas (10)
FW Gwindor (11)
FW Finrod (14)
FW Glaurung (16)

Rohan (94)
GK Theoden (7)
DF Snowmane (3)
DF Shadowfax (5)
DF Radagast (11)
DF Felarof (5)
MF King Dead (10)
MF Aldor (7)
MF Eomer (10)
MF Gandalf (14)
FW Eorl (14)
FW Helm (8)

Shire-Bree United (72)
GK Halbarad (5)
DF Golfimbul (5)
DF Butterbur (2)
DF Nazgul #6 (10)
DF Gildor (7)
MF Ferny (2)
MF Bandobras (4)
MF Barrow-Wight (10)
MF Khamul (11)
FW Bombadil (5)
FW Strider (11)

The Havens (84)
GK Cirdan (10)
DF Annael (5)
DF Elwing (6)
DF Lindo (3)
DF Olwe (10)
MF Earwen (3)
MF Angrod (10)
MF Andreth (2)
MF Aegnor (10)
FW Earendil (15)
FW Tuor (10)

The Sea (108)
GK Voronwe (8)
DF Osse (10)
DF Uinen (10)
DF Salmar (10)
DF Ulmo (18)
MF Tar Cirytan (8)
MF Eriol (5)
MF Tar Meneldur (8)
MF Veantur (8)
MF Tar Aldarion (8)
FW Tar Minastir (15)

Tirion (83)
GK Finarfin (8)
DF Irime (3)
DF Elenwe (4)
DF Thorondor (14)
MF Anaire (3)
MF Mahtan (8)
MF Findis (3)
MF Ingwe (10)
FW Aredhel (10)
FW Finwe (10)
FW Eonwe (10)

Valimar (117)
GK Manwe (15)
DF Vana (10)
DF Amrod (10)
DF Amras (10)
DF Namo (14)
MF Este (10)
MF Celebrian (8)
MF Vaire (10)
MF Alatar (10)
MF Pallando (10)
FW Ilmare (10)

FC Valinor (113)
GK Huan (18)
DF Nahar (4)
DF Indis (8)
DF Penlod (8)
DF Maglor (12)
MF Irmo (10)
MF Idril (10)
MF Argon (6)
MF Yavanna (10)
FW Celegorm (13)
FW Curufin (14)

Real Valinor (104)
GK Tulkas (10)
DF Nienna (10)
DF Rumil (3)
DF Caranthir (10)
DF Tilion (12)
MF Elemmire (3)
MF Nessa (10)
MF Enerdhil (4)
FW Nerdanel (14)
FW Miriel (14)
FW Arien (14)

Wilderland (85)
GK Great Warg (5)
DF Finglas (3)
DF Oropher (5)
DF Skinbark (3)
DF Beechbone (3)
MF Fimbrethil (3)
MF Galion (3)
MF Elwe (15)
MF Galadriel (15)
FW Orome (15)
FW Scatha (15)

The Downer (37)
GK Bubble Buddha (3)
DF Morsul (4)
DF Evil Mayo (1)
DF Burnt Bert (2)
DF BWHimself (6)
MF Peter Hampton (4)
MF John Fillis (2)
MF Lalwende MP (3)
MF Hookbill (5)
FW Saucepan Man (6)
FW Alien (1)

Tol In Gaurhoth (68)
GK ShastaWolf (10)
DF GaladriWight (3)
DF GwathWight (3)
DF BoroWight (5)
DF NilpWolf (10)
MF LegateWight (3)
MF AganWight (4)
MF SallyWight (5)
MF PhantomWolf (10)
FW NerWight (5)
FW NogWolf (10)

[the phantom]

GROUP A at Michel Delving
Angband
Shire-Bree United
The Downer
Tol-In-Gaurhoth

GROUP B at Weathertop
Arnor
Inter Beleriand
Eriador
Gondolin

GROUP C at Moria
Anduin
Dwarves United
Erebor
Wilderland

GROUP D at Armenelos
Armenelos
Tirion
FC Valinor
Real Valinor

GROUP E at Grey Havens
Hithlum
The Havens
The Sea
Valimar

GROUP F at Isengard
Imladris
Isengard
Misty Mts
Rohan

GROUP G at Nargothrond
Angfauglith
AC Beleriand
Doriath
Nargothrond

GROUP H at Minas Morgul
Barad-Dur
Gondor
Minas Tirith
Mordor

[Boromir88]

THE TWO TOWERS NETWORK
Boromir the 88th

Pre-Friendlies Power Rankings

This year the TTN staff has created a system that we believe will serve as a better measurement of team performances. We've been working on a point-system that accurately ranked teams, and also accurately determine winners in head-to-head match ups.

The formula we are using is quite a simple one, but we will not bore you with the full details. If any readers are interested you can contact me and receive full disclosure of how we will calculate the Power Rankings after every round of play. Since, TTN, firmly believes in transparency. :cool:

The basics, however, to determine how many points a team wins in any individual match:

P x I x S x B = match points

P= Points won in the match (3 for a win, 1 for a tie, 0 for a loss. So, teams that keep losing their points will remain stagnant and likely decline over time. Teams that keep winning, keep earning more points, translating to higher power ranking).

I = Importance of match. (We will use for friendlies = 1, group stage = 2, 1st playoff round =3,...etc)

S = Strength of opponent. (Simply put if you beat teams near the top of the rankings, you will earn more points than if you beat teams lower).

B = Bonus. (Win by 2 or more goals, and there is a x1.5 bonus)

---

Let's get to the first TTN power-rankings. We will note, it was extremely hard putting this first one together. Primarily we took the team's salary into account, because in theory, a higher salary should mean the better team. However, we all know it rarely works out that simply. And when I also consider some teams to have over-paid for talent, you may see instances where teams with a lower payroll are ranked above more expensive payrolls.

This was primarily a judgement call, just trying to speculate and compare rosters, plus taking into account performances from previous Arda Cups. We have to start somewhere, but since it is primarily the speculation of 1 writer, we will re-calculate the points after every round, on the off-chance that we seriously overrated (or underated) a team in the beginning. And this way, any type of inaccuracy in our early speculation (afterall, no one has seen any matches yet!) is minimized.

So here are Boromir the 88th's Pre-friendly Power rankings.

Key - Rank. Team name (salary) - Team points

1. FC Valinor (113) - 32
2. Valimar (117) - 31
3. Armenolos (108) - 30
4. Angband (101) - 29
5. Real Valinor (104) - 28
6. The Sea (108) - 27
7. Eriador (99) - 26
8. AC Beleriand (96) - 25
9. Erebor (103) - 24
10. Rohan (94) - 23
11. Nargothrond (95) - 22
12. Anfauglith (93) - 21
13. Imladris (88) - 20
14. Hithlum (86) - 19
15. Doriath (84) - 18
16. Tirion (83) - 17
17. Dwarves U. (89) - 16
18. Wilderland (85) - 15
19. The Havens (84) - 14
20. Gondor (84) - 13
21. Minas Tirith (88) - 12
22. Gondolin (83) - 11
23. Anduin (80) - 10
24. Shire-Bree (72) - 9
25. Inter Beleriand (70) - 8
26. Tol In Gaurhoth (68) - 7
27. Isengard (74) - 6
28. Barad-dur (66) - 5
29. Arnor (71) - 4
30. Mordor (58) - 3
31. Misty Mountains (62) - 2
32. The Downer (37) - 1

Once we were in the 80-100 million team salary range it became extremely hard to rank them. Since at that point it was more of an eye-test, and subjective "who looks sexier?" to us.

You need a starting point, but with no matches to judge the relative strength of teams it's a difficult determination. But once friendlies start, and teams gets matches under their belts, we want the results and performance to determine the power-rankings. Therefore, the points a team has now, are just to start, and will get re-calculated, since a team's true rank would be determined by how the their tangible results and not influenced by how they were ranked before playing any matches.

[Shastanis Althreduin]

One of the bigger surprises thus far, and indeed perhaps one of the most surprising thing about the reveal of the rosters, is that Rohan itself was caught completely by surprise.

Well, at least, some of its members were.

One of our reporters was there at the time, actually - Gandalf was conducting a defensive drill (aptly called "Three Horses".) It appeared to consist of making the offending team too frightened of twelve powerful hooves to come near the ball, for fear of injury - Shadowfax would gallop up and simply dance in place over the ball, as Felarof and Snowmane circled, until one of their own could get to it. Our reporter was dutifully taking notes, but all action on the field ceased as Eomer raced onto the field, waving his arms and shouting something. Our reporter couldn't tell what Eomer said, exactly, but Gandalf's reaction was clear - "They did WHAT?!" he shouted angrily, and stalked off the field, leaving three slightly confused horses and a curiously satisfied Eomer looking after him.

It's no coincidence that the timing of the posting of the rosters coincided with that moment near-exactly, so one wonders - what exactly got Gandalf so angry?

Our reporters are on the case.

[Nogrod]

The AKM thinks that the reshuffling of the teams and the introducing of a salary-cap have been good things as the tournament looks really interesting this year and predicting the winner, or even the top four or eight, looks more challenging than ever before. But it looks also, that some of the group-selections are more or less questionable – looking from the point of view of fairness, that is. Some groups just have the word ‘death’ written over them. More of that later.

But here’s our preliminary view of the groups before the friendlies kick into motion and we get some real statistics to go on speculating about. After the friendlies the AKM will come up with a more definitive and grounded prediction as to the group phase results.



Group A

Well, this is an odd one. The Downer is a team that puzzled everyone last year and there sure is no looking at their overall salary to predict their quality. But unless things have drastically changed they will not qualify – even if they may tease the other teams considerably on their way and maybe cause some upsets that way with the opponents taking the wrong attitude towards them from the beginning.

Shire-Bree United looks stronger this year in comparison to many other teams that have weakened, and the fact that Bombadil agrees to play with just 5 million makes the overall team look much more inexpensive than it really is (he could have made a deal for 15-20 million basically anywhere). Although the AKM thinks Aragorn (or Strider, or Elessar, what have you) is strongly overrated by many in the footballing circles and the Barrow-Wight has rarely shown forwards any brilliance either. So a lot of their performance will be decided by Bombadill’s interest to play on the game-day and Khamûl’s ability to do it on his own if none is helping.

But there are two long-time favourites in this group as well: Morgoth is not used to be left into the group-phase, and neither is the another oddity, the Tol-In-Gaurhoth team. It would be a surprise if these two would not make their way forwards from the group, but Shire-Bree might make them play it for real to advance, especially if old Tom decides to take this tournament seriously. The creature with an interest-span of a goldfish (on things other than Goldberry) is their asset and problem at the same time.

One questionmark is the ability of the T-I-G team to mould themselves into a team with all this testing of players during the friendlies designed to do just that. Maybe that – and the ruling that they can only have four werewolves in their team – could be their undergoing? They are a werewolf team and with most players forced to play as wights their strength will be a lot diminished.

With team Angband, Melkor, a Balrog first of his name (after Gothmog) and Carcaroth will make sure scoring against them will be a task indeed, but will Tevildo and Ancalagon have enough support from Ulfang and the other easterling midfielders for the team to score enough? Could it be Melkor saved money in a wrong place not hiring one or two strong enough midfielders to feed the strikers?


Group B

This is an interesting group – though not one of the highest quality. It’s hard to see Eriador being left into the group-stage with Elrond tending the goal and Glorfindel and the Witch King taking care of the offence, especially when they have not been compromising in the defence either.

But the fight over the second place will be interesting indeed. The Arnorians have proven themselves to be sturdy fighters also in the footballfield when they get their act right (like team Norbury showed). The relatively cheap overall price-tag may be misleading as these men may be playing for honour as well. Although, and to be fair, none of them except Araphor have shown a consistent top-quality game in previous years. Especially both Isildur and Elendil have not excelled the way many have wished them to (and Isildur’s two year contract with Barad-Dûr was clearly a mistake both morally and sportingly).

Gondolin used to be one of the powerhouses of the Arda football and they will not go down without a fight this year either, especially energized by the last year’s disaster – but will they have enough talent on board this year? Could it be their team is a bit overpriced? Rôg sure is worth the 10 million he earns, but paying Gothmog and Maeglin 20? When in flames they are top scorers, no doubt, but 20 million a piece? The sense of security and immunity from disaster has failed Gondolin before…

That leaves us to the third contender for the second place, Inter Beleriand. Their budget is the lowest of all, but with Maedhros and Fingon in the attack and Turgon at the goal – and a defence led by a Balrog (even if balrogs sometimes are over-rated) they will fight seriously for the second place as well.


Group C

The first idea looking at this group is the overpaying policies of the team Dwarves United. But then again they have managed to recruit Aulë himself to the team (or did he recruit the team for himself this time?) – and with him Celebrimbor – and Legolas as a striker (who’s probably there only to accompany Gimli) they actually do have some quality as well.

Another overpaid team is Erebor. The Great Eagles sure are formidable but surely not the lock of defense they are thought to be. Thranduil and Smaug will score, but not perhaps enough to qualify. A lot will depend on their midfield’s, especially Bolg’s and Bard’s, ability to rise to the occasion feeding their strikers.

But the other teams are not that much more impressive either. Wilderland boasts forward-looking players like Scatha, Orömë, Galadriel and Elwë Singollo, but unless they can make the ents rise to the occasion the defence looks pretty random indeed. The most pathetic team though seems to be the team Anduin: Grimbeorn, Boromir and Haldir can score at times, but the line-up is just too thin for them to advance. Even if Celeborn and Fram are quality defenders, the two of them can’t hold the enemy back for eternity.


Group D

There have been close groups in groups A to C, with varied qualities, but group D just spells excellence and death as one of the serious contenders for the final four will be dropped after the group-stage. For the footballing community and the lovers of the game this group causes pure outrage and a lot of gray hairs! On another note one could say, that if you’re after the best football in the group stage, you should get your tickets to the island of Númenor immediately. They will be sold in a record time!

Just imagine putting any one of the top three teams from here to any other group and you’d find them among the two most probably to advance – and even the fourth team of this group would be a serious contender in any of the other groups.

Group D has the second most expensive team (FC Valinor, 113), the third (Armenelos, 108) and the fifth (Real Valinor, 104), and Tirion is paying its top players clearly under the rates they would deserve in any other team (Ingwë, Aredhel, Finwë and Eonwë have all settled to 10 million a piece to pay Thorondor 14!). Especially Aredhel’s salary of 10 million looks out of balance as she could have called for 15 anywhere.

But who would then qualify from this nightmarish group?

Armenelos has the home-ground advantage and there clearly is a feeling there that this year they’re going to come back to the brightest spots of the tournament. But who will feed the score-hungry and –able strikers Pharazôn and Adunakhôr with no Elros or Sauron to do it? Tar Atanamir will surely do his part in reducing the opposition’s goals into minimum with the help of Tar-Telperion led experienced top-quality defence.

But then again, Huan has never played in a team that would have ended outside the top four –being possibly the only one player to achieve that. With his close companies Celegorm and Curufin, the frightening duo to anyone opposing them, going forwards with the aid from likes of Yavanna and Idril, their forward capacity looks like a solid one. The defence might be the weak spot there – remembering that Huan always performs the best behind a solid one. But having Maglor, Penlod and Indis there would be a great asset to many a team competing this year. So even that is a relative “defect”.

The AKM’s favourite to win this group though is Real Valinor. Tulkas is playing the goalie this year and that surely raises some eyebrows, but none dare to think he would be lousy in defensive mode: it’s hard to see his pride and fury admitting any goals. But the defensive line in front of him looks impressive indeed with Caranthir and Tilion also able to score. Not that scoring ability was the weak point of the team in any case: with the crushing trio Nerdanel, Miriel and Arien, Real Valinor has probably the strongest attack of any team competing this year. So if something fails Real Valinor this year, it will be defence and goal-tending… but that looks stretching a possible weakness.

And Tirion will not give up either even if they start up with a lot more cheaper team… for even they would be strong contenders for the place in the next round in almost any other group.


Group E

Group E at the Havens will witness another spectacle of many great teams fighting it out for the two places to qualify. The home team is as good as it could be, but it clearly is the favourite to stay in the group phase – even with Eärendil and Tuor in the front and Cirdan at the goal.

Team Hithlum isn’t one of the most expensive teams either, but there will be Túrin and Húrin, and they will have Hador Lorindol, who played a really strong tournament last year, playing alongside them. So look forwards to them scoring a lot. The question only becomes, can they score more than they allow? It would be an upset indeed if Túrin, probably the strongest scorer in Arda Cup history, was left into the group phase!

The possible surprises for this group might be in teams Valimar and The Sea being heavily overpayed, which is possible. But not probable.

Team Valimar’s cheapest player is Celebrian with 8 million. All the others check 10 million each for the tournament but Manwë (15) and his grim brother Mandos (14). Now surely it will be tough to any one team to play against Valimar, not to talk of scoring against them. But do they have the flare it takes to go it all the way? This time Manwë’s team can’t use the tactics “play nicely against the good guys and be ruthless against the bad” as they will only meet the so called good teams in the beginning of the tournamnet – and those good teams they’re facing are not giving in to them an inch to play the gentleman’s game.

The Sea will be a tough contender this year as well. With the robbing of some top Númenorian quality players to add to his own trusted minions Ulmo has finally formed a team that might go far in the tournament. With a solid defence and aggressively productive strikers they are one of the teams who seem to have found balance. Only Voronwë at the goal poses some questions as to his reliability, but the Ulmo-led defence of Ossë, Uinen and Salmar should be able to aid him enough to keep the scoring opportunities of the opponents as low as possible.

The tough thing then is, that the two best of this group will meet the two best from group D!

“Whatever doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger” says the proverb and the AKM is ready to predict already now, that the two teams emerging as winners from the clash of the two best teams of these two groups (D & E) will be strong candidates to win the whole tournament. There’s no question about that.


Group F

There are two clear favourites to qualify from group F: Rohan and Imladris. Misty Mts. and Isengard will not go down without a fight and will inflict any harm they can to their opposing sides, but in the end their material is just too shallow and narrow for them to even dream of qualifying. Yes, Durin’s Bane and Azog are decent scorers, and Caradhras and Saruman know a trick or two on stopping the enemy. But it is just not enough.

The decision by Elrond to leave Imladris has been the talk of Arda ever since it was made public. Now it is then declared his brother is going to step into his shoes. That sounds like poetically right, but one must question placing Elros back in between the posts (he did tend the goal for the -08 Armenelos team that reached the fourth place) when he was quite spectacular last year playing forward. Elladan and Elrohir have Arwen to support them, but are they yet ready to take the charge? Signing Varda to lead the defence gives it some added credence, and Imladris should handle it to the next round. But will they have quality enough to go much further?

Rohan in turn looks like trying to reach for the miracle of 2009 (playing as team Edoras back then) with Theoden at the goal, the great mearas Shadowfax and Felarof leading the defence and Eorl the attack (Eomer and Aldor in the midfield are also playing from the -09 team). Compared to that team they have lost Eowyn and Elfwine, but they have signed in Gandalf, Radagast and the King of the Dead. So if they get the ball rolling like they did in -09, they might be on the road farther than other teams in this group. They sure are the AKM’s favourites to win group F.


Group G

This is a good and tricksy one again. Team Doriath looks financial-wise the weakest team of the group, but even more one must ask how a team with three broken fellowships will do: Melian plays without Elwë on her side, Lúthien without Beren and Beleg without Túrin. But the three form a considerably tough core to a team with Dior keeping the goal. Thus none should write Doriath out from the Game of Qualification even if some other teams might be the favourites in this group.

Even if the AKM thinks the balrogs are a bit overrated as defenders, it is quite clear that running three of them in to the field to defend a goal tended by Ungoliant herself makes up for a formidable defence the opponents will have hard times scoring against. But it seems the money to buy talent into team Anfaughlith has ended there. Thuringwethil is a crafty and deadly striker but she is plain alone there and is more or less wasted.

Nargothrond and AC Beleriand on the other hand look like attacking-machines aka. teams that have spent most of their money on the other end of the pitch. And thus Anfaughlith’s tactics of going for the defence looks like the right one. But will it be enough? The AKM predicts no.

Nargothrond is going into offence with a deadly trio Glaurung (16), Finrod Felagund (14) and Gwindor (11, and underpaid). Alongside Real Valinor’s trio (Nerdanel, Miriel, Arien), the AKM considers Nargothrond’s trio the best of the tournament (Hithlum’s Húrin, Hador and Túrin isn’t weak either…). But AC Beleriand will march Fëanor (22) himself to the attack alongside Eöl (15) – and when they are supported from the midfield by none other than Beren (12) – they sure score back against any team.

So the difference between Nargothrond and AC Beleriand will be played on the defence. Neither team has a magical goalie even if both Beör and Marach are quality keepers. But the reason why AC Beleriand is the AKM’s favourite to win this group is in the fact that while there is no clear lead in Nargothrond’s defensive line-up, AC has both Fingolfin and Echtelion to lead there.


Group H

If proven wrong, the AKM’s editor in chief is happy to eat his hat, but group H is just pathetic. Put in there one at the time, all four teams from groups D, E and G would qualify without a problem from group H. It also seems that the teams qualifying from group A will be having easy time to continue further in the tournament from the first play-off round. The only team that could even dream of challenging any other team on the play-off round is team Mordor – unless Sauron is able to pull off some really astonishing magic.

To pull off a little from the above. The team spirit built up by Minas Tirith by the collective ownership and even pay for all the players might, just might, create a team-spirit miracle Edoras enjoyed on 09 and Norbury on -10. That is a thing not to be forgotten – if not over-estimated either – as sometimes a strong team spirit can rise even a mediocre team into a succesful flow-like state. Whether the capital of Gondor is even near that will be seen as the results of the friendlies start unfolding.

Sauron is a questionmark as well. He’s seldom been a bad strategist and then the question becomes whether he has some aces hidden in his sleeves – or whether he is somehow playing a much more complicated game here where the sporting results of this year are second rate issues.

Yet another interesting question is how will five Nazgûl’s play it together? If they can pull out some extra-value from their co-operation the team might surprise some. Also it is clear Mordor’s total financial value has little or nothing to do with their worth as a team. Paying The Watcher and the Fellbeast 1 million each is just a bad joke they seem to have agreed on… for some reason.



~*~

There was the AKM's preliminary look at the groups.

As the friendlies start rolling we'll get some answers to our beliefs, doubts and predictions. And before the tournament begins, the AKM will be publishing a full, stats-backed prediction for all the groups as well as the hottest hints to the players every phantasy-player should consider as their choices.

And naturally, the AKM will be reporting & commenting on the friendlies as they start being played.

Enjoy the Arda Cup 2012 - with the AKM!

[Nogrod]

Here is the AKM's look at the relative power of the teams looked at from two angles: how much they cost (some are overpaid, some are underpaid - we know and these issues have to be addressed when the friendlies begin and we have time to observe the players' go for the game this year) and how the teams have spread their talent into the main areas of defending and scoring.

We took as our starting points the defence of team Anfaughlith and the offence from team Hithlum which we deemed value & organization-wise the best there are this year. We gave them both the value of 10. All the other teams are valued in comparison to the two in defence and in offence.

In the list, the first number is the value we gave their defence (including the goalie) and the latter is the value we gave to their offence.

1. FC Valinor 9+ / 7-
2. Valimar 9½ / 6-
3. Eriador 9+ / 6
4. Angband 8+ / 7-
5. Armenelos 8- / 7
6. Real Valinor 7- / 8-
7. Erebor 6½ / 8-
8. Anfaughtlith 10 / 3½
9. AC Beleriand 6- / 8-
10.The Sea 8- / 5,5
11. Nargothrond 5 / 8+
12. Imladris 8 / 5
13. Hithlum 2,5 / 10
14. Gondolin 5 / 7+
15. Rohan 5+ / 7-
16. The Havens 5½ / 6+
17. Wilderland 3+ / 8+
18. Tirion 5+ / 6
19. Gondor 5½ / 5½
20. Doriath 5- / 6+
21. Mins Tirith 6+ / 5-
22. Inter Bel. 5+ / 5½
23. Arnor 6- / 4½
24. Dwarves Utd. 6 / 4
25. Anduin 4½ / 5+
26. Isengard 5- / 5
27. T-I-G 5+ / 4½
28. Shire-Bree 4 / 5+
29. Misty Mts. 4- / 5
30. Barad-Dûr 3- / 5½
31. Mordor 2+ / 4+
32. The Downer 2½ / 2+


Like we said, this is not the table the AKM suggests is the one that you should bet for as there are a host of things to be taken account of before making any more serious lists. But comparing our list to fex. the TTN's list should help the phantasy player to find out some common issues and pay heed to the differences...

[the phantom]

MESPN Guide to the Groups

With the release of the rosters and groups, football fans are clamoring for informed football experts to weigh in on the new look of Arda Cup. We are ever at the service of the football viewing public, so here is the best early breakdown that our experts at MESPN could put together.

GROUP A at Michel Delving

ANGBAND- Most people know what to expect from this high-paying squad. With Morgoth and a trusty Balrog anchoring the defense in front of Carcharoth, and Ancalagon and Telvildo up front, Angband will be looking to transition quickly from defense to offense, and probably won't ask their forwards and defenders to help each other much- with the exception of Morgoth of course, who cannot help but be involved occasionally on offense- particularly on corners and free kicks. He's a big target with lots of power, similar to Ancalagon, and thus teams will have to account for both of them.

SHIRE-BREE UNITED- This SBU squad is quite diverse, featuring a hobbit, an elf, wraiths, men, and whatever Bombadil is. Most of them signed for modest amounts- particularly Bombadil, who has always been a bit weird in monetary matters. Their strength up front looks good, and they're all good passers, so look for SBU to play the possession game and earn themselves clever openings.

THE DOWNER- This squad got outscored 9-3 last year and was not much respected, as their antics far exceeded their ability to compete. Soap Pope hit opponents with his hat, Philip Hampton openly kicked opponents in the rear, Fillis brazenly tackled players from behind by grabbing their ankles, and captain Hookbill was caught with a knife. By far the worst offender was the striker Alien, who lit fire to the field, burrowed beneath the field to bite opponent's ankles, vomited onto opposing fans, ate the goalposts, and tried to stuff an opponent into a microwave! Captain Hookbill says that his squad has grown, however. "Last year was their first time trying to follow rules. There were bound to be mistakes." MESPN would also point out that they were in an extremely tough group last season, featuring two title favorites- Angband and Angfauglith, as well as a talented Hithlum squad.

TOL IN GAURHOTH- These interdimensional beings are contenders every year, whether Wights or Wolves. This year they've been forced to go with a mix, as their Wight-Wolf forms were considered an "unfair competitive advantage", and Arda Cup perplexingly extended the ban to include a limitation on their WereWolf forms. Look for TIG to rally around their four Wolves. Their keeper will be a Wolf to increase his agility and reaction time. One defender will also be a Wolf in order to nullify the star-scorers of other squads with speed and size. NogWolf and PhantomWolf up front have great leaping ability and powerful kicks, so TIG will look to them for finishing plays.

GROUP B at Weathertop

ARNOR- The hardy Dunedain of the north are back, but this year alongside their forefathers Elendil and Isildur. Expect them to play their usual tactical style- changing methods frequently to suit the opponent and situation. Elendil’s size might be utilized on set plays, and prideful Isildur is likely to demand involvement up front.

INTER BELERIAND- Maedhros-captained teams are generally balanced nicely, with everyone expected to fulfill their assignments. The Balrog at the back should provide a nice counter for big powerful scorers, and the athleticism and teamwork of Maedhros and Fingon is always a weapon.

ERIADOR- The high-paid homeside features players that excelled last season, Elrond and Glorfindel, and they are supported by the flexible and fundamentally sound Dunedain, as well as the dangerous striker Witch King of Angmar and Elrond’s old friend Gil-galad. Look for Asfaloth to match up against speedy strikers, while Malbeth will be free to float where his inner eye sees fit.

GONDOLIN- Getting the ball to the double $20 million strikers at the front, Gothmog and Maeglin, is the focus of this team. Duilin in particular will be asked to feed the pair on corners and the like, but in the normal flow of the game expect a lot of hopeful longballs to head their direction, particularly at Maeglin. The deft craftsman has a first touch and ball control skills that rival nearly anyone.

GROUP C at Moria

ANDUIN- The wise Celeborn will organize the defenses here, and he will certainly be assigning Fram to neutralize the more monstrous strikers, as he seems to have a knack for it. The midfielders will be called into defensive service as well, as it is the first focus of the squad. When on offense Anduin will be careful not to open themselves to dangerous counters, but will maintain possession and send the ball back as necessary. The boldness and big boot of Boromir II, the accuracy of the opportunistic Haldir, and the toughness and size of Grimbeorn will be called upon to get the ball in the net.

DWARVES UNITED- This dwarf-centered team lacks height in many positions, but they will be tireless and tough and always give good effort. Look for the skilled foot of Telchar to be utilized as a feeder, but ultimately their offensive fortunes will likely depend upon sharp-shooter Legolas. On the defensive end, expect Aule and Celebrimbor to match up one-on-one with the best the opposition has to offer. The Vala has good size and is an unexpectedly good mover, while Celebrimbor is nearly a copy of his quick and agile father and grandfather (Curufin and Feanor). When in desperate need of a goal, the star defenders may come forward to aid the offense.

EREBOR- The most expensive squad east of the sea is quite diverse- great eagles, kings of men, a dwarf king, an elf king, an orc king, a bear-man, and a dragon. The eagles at the rear don’t have the best ball skills, but they’re lightning quick and good at getting in the way. Smaug is the big striking threat and his support are pretty good at finding their mark, and the midfielders will feel free to come up on the offensive side, as the speedy eagles can get back down to their own goal to defend swift enough to thwart any counter.

WILDERLAND- This squad’s success will depend upon their ents at the back end. Elwe, Galadriel, Orome, and Scatha at the front provides a threatening attack capable of quick strikes and slow builds. At the back the ents have power and size, but their speed can ebb and flow as they are roused. This means that match-ups could play a big part in things, as they defend certain types of athletes better than others.

GROUP D at Armenelos

ARMENELOS- The men of Numenor always field a strong squad, and most know what to expect looking at the names. Ar Pharazon and Ar Adunakhor both are good finishers around the net, and possess big legs from a distance. The rest of the squad is large and strong and they do not make mistakes in positioning, nor do they make bad passes. This should provide good support for their strikers.

TIRION- Thorondor at the rear should be an asset against dragon-strikers and the like, while the athletes up front should work very well together. Ingwe, Aredhel, Finwe, and Eonwe are all great ball-movers, and all of them are capable of accurately slotting the ball home if given the opening. Their corners and more distant free kicks will generally be sent in by the iron leg of Mahtan.

FC VALINOR- This pricey squad features the relatively new attacking duo of Celegorm and Curufin, that proved themselves dangerous last season. This time they have Yavanna, Idril, and Argon backing them up, so they should get the ball on their foot plenty of times. At the back Nahar is there to neutralize especially large or speedy threats, and Maglor is a skilled conventional defender, and the both of them have the leg to send it downfield in a hurry to the dashing forwards.

REAL VALINOR- Everyone knows that Nerdanel and Miriel are swift, deft, and crafty on the offensive end, capable of getting the ball or themselves through about any mess. Arien is an excellent finisher and thus compliments them well. At the rear Tulkas is protected by the solid Nienna and Caranthir, and Tilion too, though at times he will be called upon to move forward and support the attack with his accurate booming kicks.

GROUP E at Grey Havens

HITHLUM- This squad definitely spent their money up front, signing the tall and powerful Hador, the enduring and athletic Hurin, and of course Mr. Golden Boots- Turin Turumbar. The size and speed of Arroch at the rear should help counter certain offensive threats, and Morwen and Nienor will be good support for their family strikers. Look for Hithlum to get the ball into the offensive zone and keep it there.

THE HAVENS- This squad has a decent mix of known players up and down the roster that were willing to sign for perhaps a bit less than they could’ve commanded. The brothers Aegnor and Angrod with their friend Andreth should provide solid support for the towering Tuor and excellent skill of Earendil, and Olwe and the defense in front of Cirdan will do what they can to get the attackers the ball early and often.

THE SEA- The Numenorean-led offense ought to mix well with captain Ulmo’s overall strategy and defense. The team puts defense first and looks to possess the ball and build strategic pressure and swiftly execute when an opening presents itself.

VALIMAR- Manwe’s squad will play a similar style to The Sea, but will probably be even more conservative when leading. The Ainu-based squad looks to benefit defensively from the youngest sons of Feanor, who should help the sometimes plodding Valar when facing quicker athletic opponents.

GROUP F at Isengard

IMLADRIS- Just as under Elrond, Imladris will be defense first. Varda will be asked to erase the big threats, while Erestor and company (along with the midfield) will position smartly in front of the stellar Elros. Elladan and Elrohir have always worked well in support, but they will be asked to step up and put it in this year.

ISENGARD- These guys will spread out and look to move the ball around. Caradhras will be depended on to hang back and use his winds and blinding snow to protect Ugluk in goal. The big and bendy Quickbeam excels on headers while Saruman has the skill to do whatever the situation calls for. Expect Treebeard to send forward the longer kicks from time to time.

MISTY MTS- With the three trolls and the Watcher, MM ought to be equipped to deal with big bruisers- dragons and the like. Chief Wolf will have to pick up the slack against quicker athletic sorts. The displaced elves, Orophin and Rumil, along with the skillful Narvi, should be good movers and feeders in support of the strikers up front- Azog and Durin’s Bane, who both possess great finishing power.

ROHAN- The defense in front of Theoden should be able to handle about anything. Shadowfax and Felarof possess great strength, speed, and size, and so should be able to pressure any offense. And pressure will be their game, as they also possess the legs in the back to retreat for any counter, and so the horses will come up to support the Gandalf-led offense whenever possible. Helm Hammer-head is a well known finisher, and Eorl is a great multi-purpose athlete up front.

GROUP G at Nargothrond

ANGFAUGLITH- With three Balrogs protecting the webs of Ungoliant, defense is obviously the focus of this squad. They will be looking to strangle the opposition, and depend upon the aerial speed and vampire strength and agility of Thuringwethil up front to make a play for them on the offense.

AC BELERIAND- The hardiness and athleticism of Fingolfin and Ecthelion will help the great steed Rochallor on the defensive end enough to allow the attackers to stay up and look to flip the field on short notice. The craftsman Eol and Feanor are known for their great ball skills, so long balls are always a danger to the opposition, and the solid Beren will always be there to support them.

DORIATH- Melian, Luthien, Mablung, and Beleg obviously proved themselves in last year’s title. This year’s team is more defensive however without the size of Elwe and speed of Carcharoth to counter the firepower of the opposition. The midfield supported by Melian should be good at working it forward carefully, and Luthien and Beleg’s offensive skill in support of Mablung of the heavy-boot up front ought to be effective.

NARGOTHROND- This squad is very top-heavy, with all the double-digit salaries at the forward and midfield. They’ll be looking to score early and often. Glaurung is the big-hitter, but everyone behind him can both assist and score to make the defense be honest.

GROUP H at Minas Morgul

BARAD-DUR- Sauron’s surprisingly cheap squad will play a quick-strike style, pressuring the ball and trying to get it to their captain as many times as possible. The offense will run through the Dark Lord of course, while the Mouth will be left to organize the defense in front of the bulky Mumakil. Castamir and especially Beruthiel will be charged with putting the ball on Sauron’s toe.

GONDOR- This king-laden team will play in the classic Dunedain style, with the whole squad moving fluidly up and down, maintaining smart spacing and keeping the ball moving. Eldacar might make a run every so often, but the offense will generally be a mass attack.

MINAS TIRITH- The Tower of Guard has a very even squad, with heady play, good size and power, and unified chemistry up and down. The team will never restrict themselves to their area, but will always be ready to push forward or fall back in support. They will run their set plays with very interchangeable parts.

MORDOR- Economical and balanced, team Mordor is anchored by the steady Nazgul that provide the glue up and down the pitch. Shelob is a big load to handle at the front, while the Fellbeast at the back provides a sizable and swift stopper.

[the phantom]

To get warmed up for the tournament, squads always play some practice matches. This year there will be four rounds of warm-ups to work with. The teams made their friendly arrangements before the groups were decided, so some of them will find themselves matched up against teams that they'll play again once the tournament starts. Will that change the way they play?

Some teams will be interested in finding a rhythm and then not over-taxing themselves. Others will want to get used to playing with proper effort against quality foes. Some will feel more comfortable from the get-go and might be prone to laziness.... We'll see what happens.

Round 1 Friendlies

Anduin vs Valimar
Angband vs Doriath
Angfauglith vs Tol In Gaurhoth
Armenelos vs Gondor
Arnor vs Imladris
Barad-Dur vs Rohan
AC Beleriand vs Inter Beleriand
Dwarves United vs Misty Mts
Erebor vs Wilderland
Eriador vs Isengard
Gondolin vs Real Valinor
Hithlum vs The Downer
Minas Tirith vs Mordor
Nargothrond vs Shire-Bree United
The Havens vs FC Valinor
The Sea vs Tirion

[Boromir88]

THE TWO TOWERS NETWORK
Boromir the 88th

A Friendly Preview - Round 1

To get ourselves warmed up for the tournament, we are back with a game-by-game analysis for Round 1 friendlies. Some of our competitors find predicting friendlies to be all together silly and pointless, and TTN acknowledges friendly results must be looked at with a grain of salt. However, when we promise to bring coverage from every angle, we mean every angle. Friendlies can go a long way in determining how teams plan to play and win during the tournament, and of course, how they perform against other Arda-quality teams.

TTN's eventual aim is to use the power rankings, and point-system to accurately predict match results. However, since the first power rankings are based on a lot of speculation, for Round 1 we will just give a general overview of what we expect to see. The numbers in parenthesis are where TTN has currently ranked a team.

(23)Anduin vs (2)Valimar - The way Valimar plays always translates well in winning friendlies and we expect much of the same from them this year. Anduin will be brutally annoying defensively, but ultimately won't control enough possession.
Odds: 70% Valimar wins 1-0. 25% Draw 1-1. 5% Anduin wins 1-0.

(4)Angband vs (14)Doriath - Doriath is much depleted from last year, but still has a solid core, and particularly at the mid-field which should be able to dominate Angband's mid-field. Angband will need to get the ball to their upfront play-makers to win, and I'm uncertain Morgoth will desire to spend his energy to aid the mid-field in a friendly.
Odds: 25% Angband wins 2-1. 55% Draw 1-1. 20% Doriath wins 2-1.

(12)Angfauglith vs (26)Tol In Gaurhoth - As much as TIGs comradery has gone to being extremely successful in previous Arda Cups, we can't see any way they will be able to crack Anfauglith's stellar defense. TIG could even out the game by dominating the midfield, but that will rely on phantomwolf's desire to keep his head on the game, which is usually pretty ho-hum.
Odds: 10% Anfauglith wins 2-1. 70% Anfauglith wins 1-0. 20% Draw 1-1.

(3)Armenelos vs (20)Gondor - Should be a friendly in all meanings of the word, as Armenolos tries to respectfully prove superiority over their younger brothers. The Gondorians will try to prove their own worth in the eyes of their ancestors.
Odds: 80% Armenolos wins 2-1. 15% Draw 1-1. 5% Gondor wins 2-1.

(29)Arnor vs (13)Imladris - Both squads should have the highest respect for the other, which means this will most likely be a friendly kick-around. Arnor has the superior strikers, but they can be neutralized by Imladris' brilliant defense and goal-keeping. While Elladan and Elrohir are untested, and will have trouble scoring on the less-pricey, but well-organized Arnorian defense.
Odds: 15% Imladris wins 1-0. 75% Draw 0-0. 10% Arnor wins 1-0.

(28)Barad-Dur vs (10)Rohan - Rohan looks to be one of the Middle-earth power houses this season (and it's definitely been a costly one). On the other side, Mordorians are scratching their heads at Sauron's own plan. Who has claimed he wants to bring the Arda Cup to Mordor, but has shown up this year with some of the cheapest teams.
Odds: 20% Barad Dur wins 2-1. 35% Draw 2-2. 45% Rohan wins 2-1.

(8)AC Beleriand vs (25)Inter Beleriand - AC Beleriand has put together quite a team of historic names, but it's unsure how the different personalities will mesh. Inter Beleriand, while having some strong players of their own, also has significant gaps. Balrog #5 will surely be a powerful force on the defense, but you're truly only as good as your weakest defender, and well, the rest of Inter Beleriand's defense is nothing to brag about.
Odds: 30% AC Beleriand wins 2-0. 65% AC Beleriand wins 2-1. 5% Draw 1-1.

(17)Dwarves United vs (31)Misty Mts - The Dwarves will have a difficult time containing Durin's Bane, but let's be honest, the Balrog is Misty Mts' only real threat. Also, Durin's Bane will likely be heavily guarded by either Celebrimbor or Aule, who should be able to confidently contain the Balrog. TTN has a "wait and see" policy to determine how much of a threat Dwarves United will be in the attack, but from the preliminary look, not much of a threat at all.
Odds: 50% Dwarves Utd wins 1-0. 40% Draw 0-0. 10% Misty Mts wins 1-0.

(9)Erebor vs (18)Wilderland - Promises to be one of the higher-scoring matches of this round. It will be impossible for either defense/GK to keep the other off the board. At the moment, TTN gives Erebor a slight edge defensively, but this is quite negligble. The more telling difference is how will Galadriel and Elwe want to run the mid-field? Being more conservative in mind, they may desire to hold the ball more and look for openings to feed passes to Scatha and Orome, thus their forwards may be more reigned in then Erebor's trio.
Odds: 40% Erebor wins 3-2. 30% Draw 2-2. 30% Wilderland wins 3-2

(7)Eriador vs (27)Isengard - Isengard's not going to be an easy one to beat by any means, but they will also have trouble beating anyone. Saruman may have the wits and tricks to pull it off, but we are not convinced Grima has the ability to command the mid-field. Eriador. however, is solid talent top to bottom and will be even more difficult to beat.
Odds: 5% Eriador wins 2-0. 85% Eriador wins 1-0. 10% Draw 1-1.

(22)Gondolin vs (5)Real Valinor - Not much to say about Real Valinor other than they will probably be as good as advertised and are just on a different level than Gondolin. Gondolin fans might have been displeased with Turgon's defense-first strategy in previous seasons, but TTN believes this year, Turgon's steady carefulness probably could have been needed more. That is, before shelling out 20 million each for Maeglin and Gothmog.
Odds: 15% Real Valinor wins 3-1. 15% Real Valinor wins 3-2. 70% Real Valinor wins 2-1.

(14)Hithlum vs (32)The Downer - Another high-scoring affair as we expect Hithlum's defense to have some difficulty handling The Downer's antics. However, The Downer's defense will have an even more difficult time handling Hithlum's killer forwards.
Odds: 25% Hithlum wins 4-2. 60% Hithlum wins 3-2. 15% Draw 3-3.

(21)Minas Tirith vs (30)Mordor - A battle of two teams who will meet again in the group stage. Being rivals we expect a rather bruising game, but also a sense of guardedness to not give away their full bag of tricks for when they meet again.
Odds: 20% Minas Tirith wins 2-1. 65% Draw 1-1. 15% Mordor wins 2-1

(11)Nargothrond vs (24)Shire-Bree United - Nargothrond is looking more dangerous than ever, but it will be interesting to see how they deal with transitioning from a careful defensive team, to a more powerful attacking force. Shire-Bree went far in attracting out-side help, but they're not strong enough to beat a 1st Age power.
Odds: 25% Nargothrond wins 3-1. 70% Nargothrond wins 2-1. 5% Draw 2-2.

(19)The Havens vs (1)FC Valinor - It will be difficult for any team to keep The Havens attackers off the score board. But based upon last years performances it will be harder to keep Celegorm and Curufin off the board, as well. Plus, we are more confident in FC Valinor's defensive/goal-keeping ability.
Odds: 5% FC Valinor wins 3-1. 40% FC Valinor wins 3-2. 55% FC Valinor wins 2-1.

(6)The Sea vs (16)Tirion - Ulmo's teams usually take to a pretty uninspired friendly play, but even so, they remain professional and sound, and thus nearly impossible to beat. Tirion will likely be the aggressors, but against The Sea, they may even be uninspired to make a hard push to grab the win.
Odds: 20% The Sea wins 1-0. 75% Draw 1-1. 5% Tirion wins 1-0.

[Nogrod]

From the Editor (John Bull)

The season is being kicked off as you read this editorial, and the whole Arda is slowly coming to terms with the fact that it is once more time for Arda Cup. It is truly a time to cease all other, less important, tasks and ventures. Arda Cup is a genuine celebration of sportsmanship, valour and virtue, plus a dazzling show-off of talent, skills and cunning. All that is displayed for the whole Arda by both the greatest heroes and vilest villains of all time - in front of live audiences!

It is time for Celebration (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GwjfUFyY6M&ob=av2n)! (Be sure to check the feet-work in the beginning!)


~*~

The first round of friendlies looks pretty interesting. Which of the dazzling attacks are on fire from the very beginning, which rock-solid looking defences actually hold from the first game on, which goalkeepers claim their superiority over the forwards from the get-go? Which teams have the balance right, which need to go back to the drawing board, which players rise to the occasion against expectations, which players leave room to enhance their play in comparison to their salaries?

The world of the friendlies is a world of its own as many teams will do different kind of testing: some teams will play in over-friendly terms against some teams but with full seriousness against some others, some teams want to take it easy against a team they meet in the group-phase (or they think they will meet after it) not to reveal all their cards while others in a same situation might go for the mental supremacy and display their strength, and some might just wish to give their goalie a tough rehersal and defend lazily when others might go on trying a universal defence making also the forwards play defence first etc.

Which brings us to the odd comment made by the TTN just yesterday. It is a prime example of how mediocre journalists try to pick on their professional colleagues trying to make themselves look good - but who actually only harm their own credibility.

Some of our competitors find predicting friendlies to be all together silly and pointless, and TTN acknowledges friendly results must be looked at with a grain of salt. However, when we promise to bring coverage from every angle, we mean every angle. Friendlies can go a long way in determining how teams plan to play and win during the tournament, and of course, how they perform against other Arda-quality teams.As you can see from above, we agree with the TTN that even if the friendlies are a world of their own, there can be some things an observant analyst may pay heed to and from which some predictions can be made concerning the real games to follow suite. But that has nothing to do with a network's or media-house's willingness or interest in making predictions for the first round of the friendlies. Or to the helpfulness of such more or less random predictions.

More helpful to the Arda Cup follower, especially to the phantasy-gamer, would be fex. pointing towards the fact that many, if not most, top-paid forwards are not even near the worth of their salaries if you compare the relative worth with their team-mates with over ten times smaller pocket-books. And thus one should pay heed to how they perform during the friendlies: do they score or assist, do they play it with half-speed or with full effort - and against what kind of defences etc. It is also clear that goalies and defenders with 1 million paycheck must be - again in relative terms - more worthwhile than their 20 million counterparts (even if some of them will be getting points scoring from free-kicks and corners etc.) or especially to their 5-8 million colleagues. So watch for solid defences, not only at the salaries etc.

Compared to fex. above-mentioned points, the "off the hat" predictions of 15% chance a particular first friendly ending 1-0 to one team are more or less irrelevant.


When something can be said. The AKM will be there to say it.

[Boromir88]

FRIENDLIES - ROUND 1

Back to the Drawing board.

A friendly that produced minimal effort from both teams, as they were on respectful terms with Thuringwethil's previous connection to TIG, and Sauron's investment this year. With such a low effort, it was no surprise both defenses were up to the task of shutting out the offenses, and as the game drew on, neither side decided to spoil the result by pushing for the winning goal.

Angfauglith 0-0 Tol In Gaurhoth
tot shots 7-9
on target 2-4
GOALS:
YELLOW CARDS:
*Angfauglith- Galdor, Balrog #3, Gorgol, Balrog #2, Thuringwethil
*TIG- LomWight, GalWight55, NogWolf, GwathWolf

Perhaps one of the more amiable matches of Round 1, but still fairly competitive at the start, as both seemed to want to test the capabilities of the other. When Tar Ancalimon broke the tie, as halftime was approaching, Armenolos put all efforts to defense. This allowed Gondor to fight their way back into the match, with Anarion tying the score in the 67th minute. Afterwards, both were content with the result and kicked the ball around for the remainder.

Armenelos 1-1 Gondor
tot shots 11-10
on target 5-5
GOALS:
*40, 1-0 Tar Ancalimon (Tar Calmacil)
*67, 1-1 Anarion (Turambar)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Armenelos- Ar Gimilzor
*Gondor- Earnil I

Knowing they would meet again, Minas Tirith and Mordor played extremely conservative, unwilling to give anything away. This shows even in the rather few cards that were handed out. Once the Nazgul put Mordor ahead, they did not desire to expand their lead and give Minas Tirith a reason to go into group play angry and vengeful. So, they simply kicked possession back to Minas Tirith and played defense. Mardil was able to get the equalizer in the 2nd half, and both just played possession to close out the match.

Minas Tirith 1-1 Mordor
tot shots 12-13
on target 5-4
GOALS:
*34, 0-1 Nazgul #5 (Nazgul #4)
*65, 1-1 Mardil (Boromir I)
YELLOW CARDS:
*MTirith- Ostoher, Earnur
*Mordor- Fellbeast #1, Shagrat, Gorbag

[Shastanis Althreduin]

As the two teams made their way onto the pitch, there was a distinct air of boredom on the part of Barad-Dur- and indeed, the team's listless play resulted in a mere three yellow cards. Rohan came out strong early, but after netting two first-half goals (one a beautiful back-kick from defender Felarof that the Barad-Dur goalie couldn't be bothered with saving), they kicked the ball to their opponents and concentrated on defense the rest of the match.


Barad-Dur 0-2 Rohan
tot shots 7-13
on target 2-6
GOALS:
*30, 0-1 Felarof (Aldor)
*44, 0-2 Eorl (Eomer)
YELLOW CARDS:
*BDur- Angamaite, Gothmog II, Herumor
*Rohan- Eorl, Felarof, King Dead

This matchup was destined to be ugly, and neither team disappointed. At times it felt like this was more a game of "take down the other team" than an actual football game - fouls abounded, and Misty Mountains newcomer Orophin achieved his first straight red of the cup, after his boot connected with Gimli's head rather than the ball (with the relative proximity of the two items, it could have been construed as an actual mistake, as Gimli was heading the ball at the time.) Several Misty Mountains players cheered as Orophin was escorted off the field, and Durin's Bane was heard mentioning something about an "initiation".


Dwarves United 0-0 Misty Mts
tot shots 6-11
on target 2-3
GOALS:
*
YELLOW CARDS:
*DwUnt- Azaghal, Durin, Thror, Gimli, Thorin
*MMts- Chief Wolf, William, Rumil, Azog, Bert
RED CARDS:
*DwUnt- Thror (62, second yellow)
*MMts- Orophin (68, straight red)



This matchup was very cordial - the two teams rarely came into contact with one another, preferring instead to concentrate on passing and passing disruption. Real came out with a goal early, off the boot of Nessa (assisted by Tilion), and another soon after that, courtesy of Enerdhil (off a swift header by Miriel.) Gondolin attempted to even the score, sending in a goal themselves, but once that happened, Real turned up their possession game. Gondolin didn't have possession more than twice the rest of the game.

Gondolin 1-3 Real Valinor
tot shots 9-17
on target 3-8
GOALS:
*18, 0-1 Nessa (Tilion)
*26, 0-2 Enerdhil (Miriel)
*59, 1-2 Gothmog (Duilin)
*73, 1-3 Arien (Nerdanel)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Gondolin- Gothmog, Galdor
*RealVal- Caranthir

[the phantom]

The Dúnedain of the north have long been the friends of the Elves of Imladris, so it made sense that the two would agree to a friendly even before they knew what their rosters were.

Rivendell played host, and Elendil, Isildur, and company took the opportunity to arrive early and dine with the Children of Elrond and their friends and enjoy tale-telling and music afterwards. As evening approached the players went to their separate preparation rooms to dress and the rest filed into the arena alongside other residents of the area, as well as those that had traveled in support of Arnor.

The game on the field was very casual and light-hearted. The defenses didn't chase the ball much, but rather allowed the offensive players to try various ball-tricks to work it in past a thinner defense when they had the notion. But the defenders didn't just let people go past either, and did their best in a non-physical manner.

Neither were the offenses overly aggressive- there was a lot of passing work. The game was in every respect a glorified warm-up.

Before the half ended both squads managed a handful of decent attempts, but only Imladris sent them into the netting. Arnor dinged the sidebar on one, and their other best attempt was miraculously saved by Elros, who seemed keen to prove that he could replace his brother better than critics believed.

In the second half Imladris was decidedly avoiding going on offense, and Arnor pressed for a while to get on the board. After they forced Elros to make a couple more great saves, Elendil decided that their work was done and that they would just kick it around to finish things off. Both teams felt they had gotten in some work against a talented squad and were content to leave it at that.

Arnor 0-2 Imladris
tot shots 12-10
on target 5-5
GOALS:
*27, 0-1 Elrohir (Arwen)
*43, 0-2 Elladan (Figwit)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Arnor- Malvegil
*Imlad-

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Erebor and Wilderland figured they might end up in the same group when they scheduled their friendly, but it didn't matter. It was simply too convenient an arrangement to pass up.

King Thranduil was hosting the match at his underground palace, and it wasn't a bad trip at all for supporters of either team. And in fact there were quite a few that were supporting both at once.

Thranduil was with Erebor, while his father King Oropher and the popular Galion was with Wilderland, so the Elves were split. Both squads also featured a dragon- Scatha for Wilderland and Smaug for Erebor.

The squads were decently friendly on the pitch, though they were certainly a bit more physical than some early contests. Tactics-wise both squads were extremely restrained, as they would be playing each other for real in groups.

At minute 20 Smaug pounded in a corner, at which point Erebor called off the attack and just hung back to clog up their half of the pitch. Wilderland equalized shortly before the half and that was that so far as Erebor was concerned.

Wilderland on the other hand started the second half looking for a repeat of the first, with each squad scoring once. They scored and fell back to defend, but Erebor was entirely unwilling to up their effort or offensive support just to attempt to gain a friendly goal, so they kicked it around until time was up.

Erebor 1-2 Wilderland
tot shots 16-9
on target 7-5
GOALS:
*20, 1-0 Smaug (Bard)
*42, 1-1 Orome (Elwe)
*54, 1-2 Orome (Elwe)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Erebor- Bolg, Dain, Smaug, Landroval
*Wilder- Skinbark, Beechbone, Scatha

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Isengard and Eriador agreed to a more neutral ground friendly, meeting up at an old worn field near Tharbad. The conditions weren't ideal but both squads were just looking to get a read on their teammates and run a bit with tournament talent.

The first half was extremely lackluster and not much to speak of. They were pretty well taking turns kicking and moving, just seeing if they could work with each other.

In the second half Elrond encouraged his side to move forward more aggressively to crack the scoreboard, and indeed they did. After that they fell back to await Isengard's attempt at the equalizer, but it didn't come easy for Saruman. After Elrond saved what was their finest effort yet Saruman ordered his side to just save their energy for the next match.

Eriador 1-0 Isengard
tot shots 9-7
on target 3-2
GOALS:
*56, 1-0 Arveleg (Glorfindel)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Eriador- Asfaloth
*Isen- Saruman, Lurtz

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At the time when Hithlum decided to schedule their friendly with The Downer they thought it was possible they'd end up in the same group, and Hador wanted his squad to be prepared for the unorthodox Downer team. He had encountered them in last year's Arda Cup and knew what an odd lot they were.

When they discovered they wouldn't be in the group after all, Hador tried to reschedule, but no one was willing to trade. The Downer's violent and often illegal methods were an injury risk that most teams simply weren't willing to take.

So Hithlum decided to come out with decent effort and energy and grab a couple goals, and then pull back and hope that The Downer would channel their energy into equalizing rather than roughing them up.

In the first half it worked quite well. Downer players were a bit slow realizing they were playing and Hithlum was able to get a couple of goals before they really woke up. After that they pulled back and let the Downers have their turn, which they did capitalize on before the end of the half.

Things had gone so smoothly in the first that Hithlum decided to once again try and come out fast and grab a goal and then let The Downer make a trial of their defense. The first bit went off without a hitch, as Hador himself put it in off a nice Nienor feed. But when Hithlum pulled back they found that The Downer wasn't in a mood for offensive execution, but rather felt like being just plain offensive.

John Fillis was first to get things going, as he was caught loosening the laces of Sador. Then Alien, not to be outdone, forced one of Arroch's horse-shoes off. While the ref was busy sorting that out, Evil Mayo threw bits of himself into the eyes of Androg and Gethron.

Infuriated by the turn of events, Hurin called for another attack to be launched, and he teamed up with his son to put Hithlum up by another goal. Soon after Burnt Bert retaliated by taking Turin down with a very late tackle, and was lucky not to be sent off.

The ref called Captain Hookbill over and gave him a talking to, explaining that he could not allow them to play in this manner. Hookbill eventually got the message and told them that they'd have to play it straight, and they finally agreed to it after he promised to reward them after the contest. (No outsiders asked what the reward was- no one wanted to know.)

For the final 20 The Downer was nicely focused, and none other than Alien himself put the ball in off a deft find from the Captain, and the match ended at 4 to 2.

Hithlum 4-2 The Downer
tot shots 11-16
on target 6-7
GOALS:
*14, 1-0 Hurin (Turin)
*29, 2-0 Hurin (Nienor)
*38, 2-1 Hookbill (Lalwende MP)
*49, 3-1 Hador (Nienor)
*63, 4-1 Turin (Hurin)
*81, 4-2 Alien (Hookbill)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Hithlum- Hurin, Nienor, Grithnir
*Downer- John Fillis, Alien, Evil Mayo, Burnt Bert

[Nogrod]

The friendly game between Angband and Doriath was played on the stadium of Eithel Sirion and both sides had ample crowds of followers to attend the game. To the disappointement of many, there never was a real fight even if the line-ups might have promised a more heated game between the old rivals.

After some careful kicking the ball around Mablung scored for the Doriath team at half an hour’s mark. With that Melian called her team to retreat into defence. But Morgoth was not applying any real pressure, but went on as they had played their game so far. That sure turned the game a little on the team Angband’s favour but neither team seemed to be playing it for real. Fifteen minutes before the end Ancalagon finally scored it even. Then both teams looked like happy with the result and kicked the ball around for the last fifteen minutes.

Angband 1-1 Doriath
tot shots 9-9
on target 4-5
GOALS:
*31, 0-1 Mablung (Daeron)
*75, 1-1 Ancalagon (Ulfast)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Angband- Ulwarth, Lorgan, Ancalagon
*Doriath-

~*~

Because of the ban on playing Arda Cup games in the west, the teams made up of mostly western players were forced to travel east to play the friendlies. To that matter Cirdan offered a nice solution offering to host two games at the Grey Havens.

On the first one The Sea led by Ulmo played it even with team Tirion led by Finwë. The game looked like a draw from the very beginning and it ended like one as well. That doesn’t mean the teams were just walking around the pitch, but they were clearly rehearsing both atttack and defence, taking their turns. So none was surprised the game ended 2-2. The only news one might call for would be Eönwë’s passivity, but when the real games begin there is no reason to think he would not rise to the occasion.

The Sea 2-2 Tirion
tot shots 14-14
on target 7-5
GOALS:
*21, 1-0 Tar Minastir (Tar Meneldur)
*39, 1-1 Aredhel (Finwe)
*59, 2-1 Tar Aldarion (Tar Minastir)
*81, 2-2 Finwe (Ingwe)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Sea- Tar Meneldur, Osse
*Tirion- Thorondor


At the late-game the crowds were finally given some value for their money as the home team The Havens and the visiting FC Valinor produced some real game on the first period – and even if the pace of the game fell down on the second half, the crowds were treated with two nice goals on that half as well.

Eventually FC Valinor won the the game and no keen onlooker could have missed the dynamics of the game: FC Valinor made a goal and then pulled back until The Havens equalised. And then again they scored and pulled back… in the end, after Curifin’s 3-2 goal, the game kind of settled down as the home team felt no urge to fight the last ten minutes for real.

The Havens 2-3 FC Valinor
tot shots 15-12,
on target 6-7
GOALS:
*9, 0-1 Celegorm (Yavanna)
*38, 1-1 Earendil (Andreth)
*43, 1-2 Curufin (Maglor)
*73, 2-2 Tuor (Andreth)
*79, 2-3 Curufin (Idril)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Havens- Aegnor
*FCVal- Irmo

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Tar-Eldar Network Television's first ever Arda Cup friendly broadcast was almost cancelled when a freak thunderstorm struck the Ever-Cold Arena in Himring, shorting out TENT's broadcast tent. But after a few minutes and some Húrinean effort from network technicians it was restarted in time for the kick-off of the friendly match between AC Beleriand and Inter Beleriand.

It was to be expected that the match would be a friendly in every sense of the word, what with Fëanor and his eldest son being captains of the opposing squads. However it still turned out to be a competitive game between the two, at least during the first half. After getting their two goals AC Beleriand went purely defensive in the second half. Inter Beleriand tried their best to get a goal, but after a few tries they realised they were going nowhere against the Fingolfin-led back line and were content to play shut down instead.

AC Beleriand 2-0 Inter Beleriand
GOALS:
15, 1-0 Beren (Eöl)
32, 2-0 Fëanor (Ecthelion)

Total Shots
12-14
Shots On Target
6-5

YELLOW CARDS:
2-3
ACBel: Ulrad, Rochallor
Inter: Balrog #5, Haleth, Gorlim

In other games not televised by TENT:

Anduin vs Valimar
Despite being forced to play in unfamiliar surroundings, it seems that nothing much has changed in the minds of Manwë and Mandos, abiding once again by their one-goal-win strategy that they have mostly stuck to in the past. This was not a particularly high-energy match, with both squads going through the motions before Valimar finally scored. After the first (and eventually only) goal both teams became even more conservative and Anduin figured it wasn't worth the effort to try and equalise against the Valarin defence.

After the game none from the Valimar team sat down for the post-game interview.

Anduin 0-1 Valimar
total shots 9-10
on target 3-5
GOALS:
*55, 0-1 Pallando (Ilmare)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Anduin- Léod, Borondir
*Valimar- Amrod, Alatar

__________________


Nargothrond vs Shire-Bree United
This was perhaps one of the gems of the first round of friendlies, especially for those who like daring individual plays, fancy passing, and high scores. Glaurung and Bombadil lit up the scoreboards, and the Barrow-Wight and Finrod both got a couple of assists. The Barrow-Wight was quite familiar with the two who converted off his passes, having played with Bombadil and Strider before in the 2010 Breeland squad (and re-teaming with the Ranger in Eriador last year), but the Friend of Men immediately connected with the Father of Dragons despite not having played with him in four years. After the game Glaurung commented, 'Finrod's passing is sublime, and his ability to read defences is unparalleled. He's not just a friend of Men, he's a friend of anyone who wants to score.'

Despite the competitiveness this was a very carefree affair. At first both squads tried to grab the lead, and then whoever scored fell back to allow the other team a chance to tie. Mistakes were made here and there, especially in the defensive end, but the teams weren't bothered by it. After Strider's goal the teams mutually decided to leave the scoreline be, and just passed the ball around in the final seven minutes. Said Strider after the game, 'It's just fun to be on the pitch once more, and I think both our teams showed it. Sure, we have a lot of things to improve on if we want to go far in the Cup, but for now, after the uncertainty of the off-season, just having the chance to play again is a treat.'

Nargothrond 4-4 Shire-Bree United
total shots 21-18
on target 10-9
GOALS:
*10, 0-1 Bombadil (Barrow-Wight)
*16, 1-1 Glaurung (Gwindor)
*28, 2-1 Gwindor (Finrod)
*39, 2-2 Khamûl (Strider)
*51, 2-3 Bombadil (Bandobras)
*60, 3-3 Glaurung (Finduilas)
*68, 4-3 Glaurung (Finrod)
*83, 4-4 Strider (Barrow-Wight)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Nargothrond- Arminas
*SBU- Nazgûl #6, Strider

[Boromir88]

THE TWO TOWERS NETWORK
Boromir the 88th

Welcome readers, with Round 1 friendlies complete TTN would like to bring the next installment of the power rankings. Our formula takes into account the result (Win, Draw, or Loss), the strength of the opponent, and the strength of victory (or goal differential). Also, we take into account past results, and that way your team keeps winning, they will rise more quickly than teams that are less consistent.

This time we will add some commentary, with the numbers since there are clear results to look at. (Further note: in our next issue TTN will address the spurious accusations by the AKM, that somehow we are a "mediocre" network, but at this time, we will go ahead with only our just released Power Rankings).

Key: (Rank. Team. (w-d-l) - Points).

Power Rankings

01. Real Valinor (1-0-0) - 40.0
The solid 2-goal win over 22nd ranked Gondolin puts Real Valinor ahead of all other winners after Round 1.
(Last: W 3-1, Gondolin)

02. FC Valinor (1-0-0) - 39.5
With our previous ranking mainly based on team salary and how the rosters looked on paper, all teams were relatively close together. Despite FC Valinor's 3-2 win over 19th ranked Havens, it wasn't quite enough to hold on to the #1 spot after computing all numbers. But it is tight at the top for sure.
(Last: W 3-2, Havens)

03. Valimar (1-0-0) - 37.0
Valimar also fell a spot after beating Anduin (23rd) only by a 1-0 margin.
(Last: W 1-0, Anduin)

04. AC Beleriand (1-0-0) - 34.0
After defeating Inter Beleriand (25th) 2-0, AC rose 4 places in the rankings, but ultimately Inter Beleriand, at least at the moment, was not a strong enough team to see Feanor's team rise any higher.
(Last: W 2-0, Inter Beleriand)

05. Armenolos (0-1-0) - 32.5
Gondor was certainly one of the tougher opponents played by our top-ranked teams, but after a disappointing result, Armenolos falls 2 places. And barely remains above the surging Rohan.
(Last: D 1-1, Gondor)

06. Rohan (1-0-0) - 32.0
Convincing victory over Barad Dur, but Barad dur is at the bottom of our rankings, so if Rohan seeks to crack the top 5, they will have to beat tougher opponents, or Barad-dur will seriously have to step up and start winning some matches themselves.
(Last: W 2-0, Barad-dur)

07. Angband (0-1-0) - 32.0
Another disappointing draw from a Top 5 team, means Angband also fell a few places. Technically, they are tied for 6th with Rohan, but since Rohan has a win, Angband only a draw, Rohan moves ahead.
(Last: D 1-1, Doriath)

08. Eriador (1-0-0) - 30.5
Despite a win against Isengard in Round 1, we see Eriador fall 1 place. Simply put, they have to beat better opponents than the 27th ranked Isengard, and more than by a 1-0 score if they wish to remain in the Top 10.
(Last: W 1-0, Isengard)

09. The Sea (0-1-0) - 30.0
After a draw with Tirion (16th), The Sea does fall some, making way for a few teams below them who won their Round 1. Still, Tirion is a difficult opponent so The Sea shouldn't be too upset coming away with the draw.
(Last: D 2-2, Tirion)

10. Imladris (1-0-0) - 26.0
A 2-0 win against Arnor saw Imladris rise 3 spots. There is still quite a bit of distance between them and our 9th ranked team this week. If Imladris wants to improve, they must show they can beat better teams.
(Last: W 2-0, Arnor)

11. Wilderland (1-0-0) - 25.5
Wilderlands 2-1 win against last weeks 9th ranked Erebor, means Wilderland jumped ahead 7 places, and are right behind Imladris. We will point out, however, this is also why we recalculate all points from round to round. Wilderland benefitted the most from beating a Top 10 team, but if Erebor continues to fall, this win will start looking less and less impressive. (*For fuller explanation on how we recalculate go to bottom of the page)
(Last: W 2-1, Erebor)

12. Hithlum (1-0-0) - 25.0
Based on some teams ahead of them drawing, or losing, Hithlum did see a slight jump after a 4-2 win over The Downer. But not as significant as Wilderland, because of the strength of opponent.
(Last: W 4-2, The Downer)

13. Nargothrond (0-1-0) - 24.0
Not a terrible result, as Nargothrond was able to score a throng of goals against Shire-Bree. But it still ended in a draw, and those are teams Nargothrond has to beat if they want to make it past the group stage this year.
(Last: D 4-4, SB-United)

14. Erebor (0-0-1) - 24.0
And this is where Ereborn ends up after a loss to the lower ranked Wilderland. Wilderland was still a decent team in the pre-rankings, which is why Erebor still stays slightly ahead of the host of teams who had Round 1 draws.
(Last: L 1-2, Wilderland)

15. Doriath (0-1-0) - 22.5
Ends up tied with Angfauglith, but we will place one spot ahead based upon their draw with the stronger Angband, and also because of scoring a goal.
(Last: D 1-1, Angband)

16. Angfauglith (0-1-0) - 22.5
A pretty disappointing result, just an all around ho-hum performance with no energy against the weaker TIG squad. However, this is also why we assign friendly matches with an Importance value of 1. Some teams simply play better when the games mean more, and so if Angfauglith shows up in the group stage, their lack of spirit in the friendlies won't be as important.
(Last: D 0-0, Tol-in-Gaurhoth)

17. Tirion (0-1-0) - 21.0
Not bad, getting a drawing against the higher-ranked Sea, but not great either. And so Tirion stayed pretty much the same from their previous ranking.
(Last: D 2-2, The Sea)

18. Gondor (0-1-0) - 17.5
Gondor was able to rise a couple spots based on drawing with 3rd ranked Armenolos. And just nudge ahead of Dwarves United.
(Last: D 1-1, Armenolos)

19. Dwarves United (0-1-0) - 17.0
Frankly, we were disappointed with Dwarves United complete lack of scoring ability against the much lower ranked Misty Mountains. We knew the Dwarves would have a difficult time scoring, but did not realize it would be this bad.
(Last: D 0-0, Misty Mts)

20. The Havens (0-0-1) - 14.0
Losing to a difficult opponent means The Havens won't drop too far in our power-rankings, at least this week. But losing is losing, and if that continues, Havens will start falling more dramatically.
(Last: L 2-3, FC Valinor)

21. Minas Tirith (0-1-0) - 13.0
Draw with Mordor, not horrible, but it will keep the White Tower exactly where they were previously. Really, they need better performances against Mordor if they hope to advance, but we can see why they played conservatives, since they will see Mordor again.
(Last: D 1-1, Mordor)

22. Shire Bree Utd (0-1-0) - 12.5
A draw against Nargothrond was pretty good for the Shire team, good enough they jumped a couple places, at least, and are closing in on Minas Tirith.
(Last: D 4-4, Nargothrond)

23. Gondolin (0-0-1) - 11.0
Gondolin barely hangs on from falling any further based on they played a really tough Real Valinor, and Tol-in-Gaurhoth showed absolutely no effort against Angfauglith.
(Last: L 1-3, Real Valinor)

24. Tol in Gaurhoth (0-1-0) - 10.5
As a continuance form the above point, TIG jumped up a few spots, but must deliver better performances than 0-0 draws when playing so-so competition.
(Last: D 0-0, Angfauglith)

25. Anduin (0-0-1) - 10.0
Played Valimar tough, still came out with nothing to show for it. That's what matters most in this tournament, and Anduin appears to have no teeth to their offense.
(Last: L 0-1, Valimar)

26. Inter Beleriand (0-0-1) - 8.0
Difficult opponent, so they may be better than their current power ranking. However, likely not much better, unless they can improve quickly after a few more friendlies.
(Last: L 0-2, AC Beleriand)

27. Isengard (0-0-1) - 6.0
No shame in losing to Eriador 0-1. That is afterall, what we essentially expected. So, what do we expect from Isengard? Well, much the same. Staying down near the bottom of the rankings.
(Last: L 0-1, Eriador)

28. Mordor (0-1-0) - 5.0
Decent result, getting a draw with Minas Tirith. The team of Nazgul and co, certainly seems to be stronger than Barad Dur at the moment.
(Last: D 1-1, Minas Tirith)

29. Barad Dur (0-0-1) - 5.0
Not at all the start that we expected out of Barad dur. Rohan looks to be an extremely strong team, but Barad-dur showed no backbone at all in Round 1.
(Last: L 0-2, Rohan)

30. Misty Mts (0-1-0) - 4.5
The draw allowed Misty Mts to jump ahead of Arnor, but how good is Dwarves United? That is yet to be determined. And how bad is it, that Misty Mts could only forge a 0-0 tie?
(Last: D 0-0, Dwarves Utd.)

31. Arnor (0-0-1) - 4.0
Arnor may be even worse off than we imagined. Imladris was a tough opponent, but losing straight up 2-0? Arnor will have difficulties advancing.
(Last: L 0-2, Imladris)

32. The Downer (0-0-1) - 1.0
When their heads are in it, The Downer definitely showed an ability to score, but even when their heads are in it...still same results. A loss.
(Last: L 2-4, Hithlum)
_______

*RECALCULATIONS: Since our Pre-friendly rankings were based without any results, we recalculate points from round to round. That way, if we ranked a team too high (or too low) before seeing any matches, our power-rankings are the most true and accurate. Fully based upon match results, and not how we ranked them prior. We noted the Wilderland-Erebor match.

Based on beating the 9th ranked Erebor, Wilderland earned 21 points in Round 1. And they certainly benefitted from beating a Top 10 team (hence jumping up a full 7 spots in the power rankings). However, Erebor is no longer the 9th ranked, team but now 14th. Based on this, when we recalculate the points for the next power-rankings, Wilderland will get 15 points for beating Erebor. Their win, will mean less, since Erebor fell in the rankings. That trend will continue if Erebor continues to fall. Or if Erebor bounces back with wins of their own, than Wilderland's victory will just look all the more impressive.

After Round 2, we will of course immediately publish the next Power Rankings, so stay tuned for that. But once Round 2 friendlies are released to the press, read TTN's preview and insight. I think you will find it to be much more accurate, with it's spot-on analysis and predictions than AKM, or TENT will try to make you believe.

[Nogrod]

NB. The groups are handled in the order they will meet each other in the first round of qualification matches after the group-stage; so group A is followed by group H, group B by group G etc.

These are only preliminary notions about the predictable strengths of the teams. More accurate analysis will follow as we get more friendlies under our belt.


~*~

Group A

The first friendlies showed that the Shire-Bree united will be fighting for qualification for real. When in the mood, Bombadil (2+0) is as deadly a weapon in the offence as Fëanor and Túrin. Even if they had a loose game, scoring four goals is always a mark of some decent attacking skills and even if the two other contenders from group A aka. T-I-G and Angband both had tougher and different-mooded games, their scoring needs to rise a level before the group-stage if they wish to overrun the Shire-Bree Utd.

The AKM also takes note of the fresh performances of the Barrow-Wight (0+2) and Strider (1+1).

T-I-G left a pretty sloppy impression of themselves. Happily they are still testing players as fex. LomWight and GreenWight clearly don’t belong to this level of the game. Also, with the quality of their shots (too few of them) they mostly make the opponent’s goalkeeper look good.

Angband’s defence doesn’t look so solid many thought it would, but luckily it seems Carcaroth is playing the game on his level being one of the best goalies on the first round of friendlies (the AKM holds 80% saving-percentage to be a kind of borderline between good and bad goal-tending). But Angband’s attacking capabilities were hardly shown in their game against Doriath, so a lot remains unclear right now.

The Downer showed once again that they can be a nuisance – and if the opposing team doesn’t take them seriously, they can also score. But the results are the results and they tend to end being the losing side game after game. Especially the goal tending of Bubble Buddha is plain bad (33% - 2 saves from 6 shots!).


Group H

If Sauron wasn’t playing for Barad Dûr the AKM would be ready to write the team off from any considerations concerning their qualification from the group-phase. Yes we know they played the game on walking pace, but whatever their intention might be, it doesn’t look good, any way one tries to look at it.

Gondor on the contrary made an impressive play ending up equal with Armenelos in a somewhat competitive game, even if the equaliser was due more to the passivity of team Armenelos on the second half and the kind of gentlemanlike attitude of both teams. Hyermendacil showed some promising saves on the goal and that will give the team added confidence.

Minas tirith and Mordor draw their game playing a half-paced and half-hearted game. But it seemed Mordor was more the team in command of the game, basically letting Minas Tirith to equalise. Which doesn’t speak too well about the Gondorians.

Silent Watcher looks like a decent goalie for 1 million salary… which just goes to show how ridiculous some wages in this tournament are (Huan’s salary is 18 million and his percentage is 13% lower - the shots he faced sure had more quality, but still).


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Group B

Group B looks weaker than originally as only Eriador was able to pull out a win from the first round of friendlies – and even they didn’t impress anyone with their performance winning Isengard just 1-0.

The greatest disappointment sure was team Gondolin. With Gothmog and Maeglin (and their 20 million salaries) spearheading the offence, the footballing community of Arda had been looking forwards to some dazzling offensive play, but there was nothing of the sort to be seen. Now sure, Real Valinor is one of the favourites to win the tournament this year, but you rarely win if you can’t deliver more than three shots on goal, especially if the attack is the thing you have invested your money on.

It also looks that Arnor is not the solidly defending team it once was and it’s attack looks pretty pathetic as well. So unless Araphor finds himself again, or unless Isildur starts to show his qualities the first time, it will be bye-bye to team Arnor. Imladris isn’t a weak team but not a serious contender for top eight (or even 16 if you just counted the relative strengths of the teams – because of the group-settings they might go that far though) and it was clear Arnor had no way of beating them even if they had tried harder.

There are no great tales to be told about Inter Beleriand either. Everyone knew that from the two rivalling Beleriand-teams AC Beleriand are the “big guys”, but how easily they scored two on the first half and – even if they gave the chance to Inter on the second half – how easily they kept their sheet clean, just talks a lot both about the weakness of Inter’s defence and the sloppiness of Fingon and Maedhros at the moment. We say “at the moment” as we know they are both able to perform on a different level and if they find that gear Inter Beleriand may well fight for the second slot from group B.

Eriador didn’t do anything to impress anyone, but took a secure victory over Isengard with minimal effort. One must ask, why do teams play friendlies if they don’t practise or try anything, but maybe that was just getting used to the game after a year’s break, or something? Whatever the cause for their sloppiness, team Eriador will advance as the group winner quite easily – unless they become overconfident and play like in that first friendly when the tournament begins for real.


Group G

If teams from group B were disappointments, the teams from group G gave a lot more solid performances. As was to be expected. Looking at the first qualification rounds it looks like only Eriador has a say meeting any of the teams from group G. But who will they meet will be a tough one. Unlike group B, group G spells quality.

Even if they had an “open doors” game with the Shire-Bree Utd., Glaurung from Nargothrond is on fire! Scoring a hat-trick is always scoring a hat-trick – and with Felagund (0+2) and Gwindor (1+1) by his side, Nargothrond has shown they will be making the opposite defences sweat for their salary. Beör the Old was left quite alone in the goal and so his pretty bad saving-percentage might not give us a true picture of his current form, but it is a fact one should not forget either: Nargothrond’s defence doesn’t stand on the same level of quality as their offence.

Anfaughlith was probably the only team from group G that left the AKM a bit disappointed. Their defence seems to work all right – although T-I-G, at it’s current form, isn’t probably any decent yardstick to test it – but they sure have a lot to improve on offence. Like the AKM predicted already as the rosters were published, Thuringwethil is just a bit too alone in the offence. Spending ridiculous sums to defence thus comes biting them back.

Doriath on the other hand managed to surprise the AKM positively. In a pretty competitive, even if somewhat laid-back game they managed to score and keep their lead with tough defence for 45 minutes against Morgoth’s Angband. That speaks good for their chances to compete for qualification.

AC Beleriand in turned showed how good a team it is. In the rivalry game against Inter Beleriand they were on control through the game. They scored twice on the first half and then just shut Inter out of the game securing a clean victory. Fëanor (1+0), Eöl (0+1) and Beren (1+0) seem to be in shape once again, but the most positive news to AC was Marach’s performance on goal shutting out five shots and thus sharing the title of the best goalie of the round with Elros of Imladris.


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Group C

Unless Dwarves United starts to show a capability to also play the game this group looks like more or less settled already. Anduin did lose to Valimar only 0-1, but there’s little there to tell the future generations about. Amroth played a good game in the goal, but that’s more or less all there is. And it will not be enough.

Aule’s team of dwarves was a real disappointment in action. If the idea was, that by signing Legolas into attack they would overcome the dwarvish scoring problems, it seems to have been wishful thinking. Legolas is a quality player but even he can’t deliver it on his own. The dwarves in the midfield can suffocate an opponent’s play but they just don’t seem to have feet or quick reactions enough to feed a striker. Also the effectivity of Celebrimbor and Aule in the defence must be questioned when they give the opponent as qualityless as Misty Mts. to shoot a dozen of shots while they themselves shot only half of that. For their good fortune, Misty Mts. only managed three of those towards the goal.

Erebor and Wilderland met each other in the friendly game and were clearly careful not to give up their best tactics or the quality of their effort, but there are two things a keen eye notices immediately.

First Oromë seems to have found himself a team and an assistant (Elwë Greymantle) he really feels at home with. Two goals for the two guys looks pretty promising looking at the future – especially if Scatha and Galadriel will find their game as well. And the effectivity of their scoring was remarkable.

On the other hand, even with a kind of subdued play Erebor managed to shoot 16 shots (of which 9 towards the goal). They need to heighten the quality of their shots though – even if part of the explanation to them scoring only once must be Great Warg’s solid play on Wilderland goal. But what can be promised is, that Smaug and Thranduil will keep their opponent’s defences and goalies busy, and if they start to aim a bit better it will bring hard times to anyone opposing Erebor.


Group F

Group F has two clear favourites to advance from the group-stage and the two other teams need to perform anything short of miracles to seriously contest for those two places.

Saruman maybe The Wizard, and the former head of the White Council, but his adventures in the Arda Cup have always ended up as failures. And it looks like the history is repeating itself once again. Eriador sure is one of the possible teams to advance far in the tournament, especially because of Elrond at the goal – but if you only shoot twice against a goalie of that caliber your game is doomed. Losing to Eriador only 0-1 is a honourable defeat in principle, but looking at how lazily Eriador played the game (lazy first half, then a little period of some playing to score and then again pulling back) there’s not much to brag about that for Saruman.

Misty Mountains seems like the other drop-out from this group. One would have thought Durin’s Bane and Azog could get the ball rolling in offence, and in a way they did, shooting eleven shots – but only three on target. Instead of a precision attack you get an aerial bombardment. And even if there was some understandable rivalry between the teams in this game against the Dwarves, one straight red and five yellow cards is just too much for any team to play a succesful game.

Which analysis leaves us with the teams going through from group F.

Now the question on everyone’s lips before the games concerning Imladris was, whether Elrond’s children would be ready to take the responsibilty to lead the team without their father. The late signing of their uncle was seen by many as a panic reaction to a lack of leadership in Rivendell after the master had gone. Whatever the case it looks pretty good on Imladris right now. Elros was the security principle himself on the goal and all the children got their names on the scoreboard in the Imladris’ confident victory over Arnor. Whether their form will carry them further in the tournament only the time will tell, but they are clearly going through from the group-stage unless their first performance was a happy-go-lucky incident.

Rohan on the other hand might go relatively far this year – especially looking at the weakish opponents they will be facing in the first qualifiers. Sauron’s laid back Barad Dûr sure was no real test by any standard, but they took a convincing 2-0 victory shutting Barad Dûr totally out of the game after their second goal. The Mearas backline is back and it looks formidable. And with their relative strength on both offence and midfield team Rohan looks pretty dangerous this year. The strongest of the group F anyway.


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Group D

It would be nice to say that group D is anyone’s game, but it looks like both Valinor teams are going to have the best bet to advance. That is not to say Armenelos and Tirion have no chances, but it is to say that they need to really show some quality to pass the two Valinor-based teams.

You can imagine the row that will ensue if Armenelos is left into the group-stage. The island will just plain explode, especially as the games will take place there in front of the demanding home-audience. The Dunedáin are no simpletons, far from it, and they understand that their team has been thrown into the group of death, but nevertheless: losing is not an option to the Numenórians. They will just refuse to concentrate on that idea and thus – if they don’t qualify – the shock will be huge.

Now it is almost impossible to assess their current form on the basis of that friendly-friendly with their younger brothers from the mainland but the AKM has to note that – like it said already earlier – Ar Pharazôn and Ar Adunakhôr lack a boot to feed them. That is a problem they need to address if they wish to qualify.

Tirion’s draw with The Sea is as ambiguous as Armenelos’ one with Gondor. It seemed both teams were playing very amiably giving each other chances and not caring too much about actually winning. Tirion’s attack seems to be in a nice form already now, but their Achilles’ heel is the defence where they lose to basically everyone in group D with their cheap defenders and an overpaid (and card-magnet) eagle.

Ranking the Valinor-teams is not an easy task. Taking Real Valinor’s confident 3-1 win over Gondolin as a reason to put Real over FC - like the TTN does – is compelling as that kind of win over a former powerhouse looks very good indeed. But then again it looks like FC Valinor was more or less in total control over their game with The Havens, purposefully allowing Havens to come into the game after scoring themselves. And saying that Gondolin is the better team of the two the Valinor teams faced is basicallt stuff from historybooks. Gondolin has been great, but the last year was a disaster and it doesn’t look that good this year either.

Talking not of their opponents but the teams themselves, it looks clear both teams have dazzling attacks. Curufin (2+0) is one of the hottest strikers this early to the season and Celegorm (1+0), Yavanna (0+1) and Idril (0+1) have not gotten rust on their boots either. But the dynamic trio Miriel (0+1), Nerdanel (0+1) and Arien (1+0) look strong once again – and now they seem to have interesting support from the midfield from Nessa (1+0) and Enerdhil (1+0) – and Tilion (0+1) seems to have ample time to come to support the attacks from his position in the defence. So just looking at the players and their stats from previous years would push the balance towards Real Valinor, just for the wider base of excellence.

Thinking about the goalies would easily make the analyst go for FC Valinor in turn with Huan, the most succesful goalie, well the most succesful player, of the whole Arda Cup history, standing between the posts while Real has put Tulkas on goal. Tulkas is in one way the most powerful of the Valar, but is he a goal-keeper? That is a question. Who kept the twenty-million forwards Gothmog and Maeglin at bay only allowing them one goal? Well that was the Real defence as Tulkas only had to face three shots – of which he let in one.

But Huan wasn’t at his sharpest either – and as the AKM has said many times: Huan tends to be the winning goalie (and that is what counts in tournaments!), but he’s not the best there is – and if the defences start to break down he’s not going to hold the team on the surface alone, like goalies like Elrond, Manwë or Tar Atanamir can do on their best day.

So the AKM will not at this point make a prediction on which team wins group D, but holds it more or less a miracle if the winning team in this group is not one of the two Valinor-based teams.


Group E

Another “killer-group” became even more hairy with the confident performance of team Hithlum, even if the Downer is a team playing against which no one should judge anything. But Seeing all the forwards scoring (Húrin 2+1, Túrin 1+1, Hador Lorindol 1+0) and also Nienor (0+2) stepping up to the quality game is pretty encouraging for Hithlum. Their problem sure resides in the defence. Playing against The Downer might be frustrating, but nevertheless, letting them to shoot 7/16 is way too much – and even if Aradan played better some might have expected, he still had to pick the ball from behind him twice.

The Havens played decently but were clearly the underdogs against the powerful FC Valinor. Eärendil (1+0) and Tuor (1+0) seem to have found a decent feeder for them from Andreth (0+2) but their result was clearly more due to FC Valinor’s nice attitude than their own brilliance. When the serious games start The Havens might be the weakest link of this group – unless Hithlum’s defences collapse totally when the stakes get higher.

The Sea seems to be as balanced and dangerous team the AKM predicted. The Númenorians Tar Minastir (1+1) and Tar Aldarion (1+0) score (what a loss to Armenelos with their possible scoring problem!) and Ulmo threats to keep the downstairs clean from any opposition when they really start to play: the family-friendly “game” against Tirion is not counted as any test on their defences.

Valimar surely is the pre-tournament favourite to win this group and they did just what was predicted: winning Anduin 1-0 is just soo Manwë! So they play easily, make the goal to win, but nothing more, especially if the opposing team is a “goodie-team”. Minimum effort, maximum outcome – and no hard feelings to anyone if possible.

But like every year before, the AKM will not predict Manwë to go all the way. Especially this year the best teams from this and group D are of such top quality that Valimar either has to find a totally new gear and attitude to the game, or then they drop out of the competition pretty early after the group-stage – if not already there.



~*~

The AKM will not make any official predictions to the outcome of the group-phase – or any power-ranking tables before more friendlies have been played and there is more to put into a prediction. But some of the AKM’s ideas – for the time being – sure are easy to read from the text above.

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

The friendly match between Doriath and Gondolin, covered exclusively by TENT, has been touted as the battle between the last two champions (although the two squads have fallen in quality from their championship years.) This time no mishap occured that threatened the broadcast of the game from the Song of Stone Stadium, Gondolin, and TENT viewers were able to follow the action from the warm-up to the final whistle.

The last game played in that stadium was the Deathless Champions League finals between Eldar United and Taniquetil, also covered exclusive by TENT. Gondolin GK Rog is the only player from that match to be playing now.

The two hidden kingdoms were on cordial terms with each other, but their teams played competitively for the entire ninety-plus minutes, not giving away possession or alternating attacking with defence, but playing with a tournament-level intensity (though with none of their tactics on display).

The Gondolin front line, deemed 'overpriced' by various sportwriters, seemed to have entered the game with a chip on their shoulders, as Maeglin scored two and Gothmog delivered a beautiful cross to Duilin after drawing defenders away from the midfielder. Meanwhile, Doriath's offence found itself buoyed by Daeron's surprising emergence as an orchestrator. The minstrel has assisted in all of Doriath's three goals so far.

Despite the offensive excellence shown by both squads, their defences struggled to find form. Sports analysts have pointed out that Gondolin's defence looked out of sync, allowing seven shots on target, and GK Rog made matters worse, allowing two goals in. He needs to regain his 2010 form if this team wants to find success beyond the group stages.

As for Doriath, Melian faces the difficult task of plugging holes once filled by all-star defenders. Galathil, Nimloth, and Saeros were playing half a step behind at times, especially during the sequence of events that led to the first goal. After Elemmakil dispossessed Nellas, Melian ordered her defenders forward to leave Maeglin offside, but Saeros remained in front of the Sharp Boot when Elemmakil booted the ball forward. Maeglin then dashed past the courtier and controlled the long pass before converting his one-on-one opportunity with Doriath GK Dior.

Doriath 2-3 Gondolin
GOALS:
18, 0-1 Maeglin (Elemmakil)
34, 0-2 Duilin (Gothmog)
55, 1-2 Lúthien (Daeron)
69, 1-3 Maeglin
82, 2-3 Beleg (Daeron)

Total Shots
14-17
On Target
7-7

YELLOW CARDS:
3-2
Doriath: Galathil, Saeros, Beleg
Gondolin: Salgant, Aranwë

In other games not televised by TENT:

Nargothrond vs FC Valinor

Pre-tournament favourites FC Valinor has proven once again that the hype surrounding it was not undeserved after their convincing defeat of the vastly improved Nargothrond squad.

Curufin was red-hot during the first twelve minutes of the game, scoring first and then assisting Yavanna. After the two quick goals, FC Valinor went on the defensive, allowing Nargothrond possession for the rest of the half. After a few attempts have been repelled, Glaurung finally beat the defence and put a spectular tailer past the Hound of Valinor.

A few minutes after the half Celegorm went streaking down the wing, drawing the defence to him before passing a perfect cross to Argon, who had an easy time nudging the ball past Nargothrond GK Bëor. After regaining the two-goal lead, FC Valinor went full-defence mode once more, and again the Nargothrond squad took a while to score, despite the best efforts of Finrod, Glaurung, and Gwindor.

It was a slight defensive mistake from FC Valinor that gave Nargothrond its second goal. Nahar failed to clear Orodreth's weak corner kick completely, and it landed on Gwindor's foot, who had no difficulty converting from short-range.

After Gwindor's goal, FC Valinor contested possession of the ball once again, and they were rewarded when Curufin's long-range shot found the net. That proved to be the last goal of the game.

FC Valinor has proven their quality from top to bottom, while Nargothrond, despite all its talents up front, was, once again, hoping for its defence to find groove come tournament time.

Nargothrond 2-4 FC Valinor
total shots 20-15
on target 8-8
GOALS:
*7, 0-1 Curufin (Idril)
*12, 0-2 Yavanna (Curufin)
*39, 1-2 Glaurung (Gwindor)
*49, 1-3 Argon (Celegorm)
*71, 2-3 Gwindor (Orodreth)
*83, 2-4 Curufin (Irmo)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Nargothrond- Baran, Mîm
*FCVal- Nahar, Argon
____________________


Angband vs Anfauglith
Morgoth arranged for his two squads to play a friendly game in the Angband Arena. At first spectators expected a choreographed game, with both teams alternating attacking and defending roles, but it was a surprisingly fluid match, played at an almost tournament-level quality, though not in intensity.

Though there wasn't much of the muscling that most baddie-laden squads excel in, there was an incident in the first half where Uldor grabbed Thuringwethil's wings as she jumped up in attempt to head in a Balrog #3 corner. This resulted in an Anfauglith penalty and the only goal for the first half.

After the break Morgoth's squad came in with a determination to equalise, and the Anfauglith squad was equally determined to deny them. But after Ancalagon tailed in a perfect Morgoth through-ball the two squads agreed to keep the scoreline and played the ball in the midfield for the remainder of the match.

Angband 1-1 Anfauglith
total shots 11-8
on target 4-3
GOALS:
*26, 0-1 Thuringwethil
*78, 1-1 Ancalagon (Morgoth)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Angband- Lorgan, Uldor
*Anfauglith- Gorgol

[the phantom]

With Lothlorien lacking a team of their own this year, they were determined to see an exhibition played in their realm at least. And with Celeborn on team Anduin and Galadriel on Wilderland it made sense that those two would be matched up.

When the groups were announced fans were a bit disappointed as the two squads were placed in the same group, which would mean they would probably play more guarded in their friendly match.

And that did in fact happen, but it was still good play with a good showing of speed and effort, and the fans were pleased that it wasn't one of those 0-0 kick-it-around matches. Each squad scored in both halves, though Wilderland came close to not gaining the equalizer thanks to a couple late saves from the Anduin keeper. But finally Orome came through to make it a square result for everyone.

Anduin 2-2 Wilderland
tot shots 11-17
on target 5-7
GOALS:
*15, 1-0 Grimbeorn (Lenwe)
*42, 1-1 Galadriel (Orome)
*56, 2-1 Boromir II (Amdir)
*84, 2-2 Orome (Elwe)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Anduin- Borondir, Fram
*Wilderland- Scatha, Finglas

The Downer traveled to Himring to take on Inter Beleriand in one of the late matches today.

Maedhros and Fingon elected to take it slow and careful to avoid provoking the violent streak in The Downer, but it turned out they didn't have to worry, as Hookbill had his troops surprisingly focused from the outset.

After the initial shock Inter drew first blood off a snipe from Fingon. The Downer struck back immediately in the 2nd with Hookbill toeing it to Fillis in the aftermath of some corner-kick chaos. But in the end it was Maedhros himself deciding things, pounding in a left-footed strike after being released by Hunthor.

It was a good competitive game and both squads felt pleased that they were on their way towards tournament form.

Inter Beleriand 2-1 The Downer
tot shots 14-10
on target 7-5
GOALS:
*36, 1-0 Fingon (Balrog #5)
*48, 1-1 John Fillis (Hookbill)
*70, 2-1 Maedhros (Hunthor)
YELLOW CARDS:
*InterBel- Haleth, Gorlim
*Downer- Evil Mayo, Morsul, Peter Hampton

[Nogrod]

The High-King Fingolfin had invited his loyal fief, Hador and his people from Dor-Lómin, to co-host two friendlies at the beautiful Lake Mithrim Arena. That way the two teams could offer the local spectators two games on one evening, like it would then be when the tournament starts. Unable to play on their own continent, the Valinor-based teams were just happy to accept an invitation to play in beautiful Beleriand.

The first game of the evening sure didn’t leave anyone cold. Real Valinor started with full force and in tournament tempo from the first minute, and as Real scored 1-0 already at the third minute, Hithlum was forced to give their best effort as well. But even if Hithlum fought valiantly, Real Valinor was on a level of its own making it 3-0 on the first half and adding one more in the beginning of the second. When Arien made her hat-trick twenty minutes before the closing whistle – making it 5-1 – Tulkas finally called back their offence, but they were not giving in for Hithlum in defence any easier. The final “comfort-goal” for Hithlum was more a show of Túrin’s determination and will-power than any lapse on Real Valinor’s defence.

Andróg was quite forthcoming in the post game press-conference: “Defending against those three ladies is like trying to stand your ground against a whirlwind, a tornado and a hurricane all at the same time. It was way easier defending Amon Rûdh. I mean our team isn’t exactly one built for defending but outscoring the opponent. Sadly there seems to be at least one team that can outscore us.”

Hithlum 2-5 Real Valinor
tot shots 20-18
on target 8-10
GOALS:
*3, 0-1 Arien (Nessa)
*9, 0-2 Arien (Miriel)
*18, 0-3 Miriel (Enerdhil)
*49, 0-4 Miriel (Nerdanel)
*56, 1-4 Nienor (Hador)
*70, 1-5 Arien (Miriel)
*81, 2-5 Turin (Morwen)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Hithlum- Sador, Arroch, Androg, Gethron
*RealVal- Rumil, Tilion, Caranthir


After the most entertaining and high-quality game in the afternoon there were great expectations for the evening match-up between the hosts AC Beleriand and Manwë’s Valimar.

The crowds looking forwards to fast-paced and serious competition were disappointed after the first half as the two teams seemed content more or less just kicking the ball around. But whether it was something the teams had made a deal already before the game, or whether it was because of the pressure of the crowds, both teams made some real play on the second half ending up in a fairly competitive game, displaying some pretty impressive skills and both individual & team effort.

And as the hometeam pulled a last minute draw with a goal by Denethor, the crowds went back home satisfied with their team and with the games they had seen.

Meeting the press, Manwë was once again faced with the accusation that his teams play it “sweet‘n nice” against their friends and other goodies and don’t play for maximum results. To that Manwë had this to say: “A solid teamplay starts from the defence and so we always go defence first. That’s where we lay our eggs, if you get the meaning. It’s like our philosophy is the opposite from team Hithlum: they try to score as much as possible and hope the opponent doesn't score more; we try to let the opponent to score as few as possible and then see how many we have to do to win the game. And it is not everytime winning is preferable... You may call it conservative or unentertaining philosophy, but I call it the philosophy of reason and success.”

AC Beleriand 1-1 Valimar
tot shots 14-9
on target 4-3
GOALS:
*54, 0-1 Vaire (Alatar)
*82, 1-1 Denethor (Feanor)
YELLOW CARDS:
*ACBel- Beren, Feanor
*Valimar- Pallando, Amrod

~*~

Meanwhile Tirion had accepted Cirdan’s invite to stay at Havens to practise a few days after the first round of friendlies and then play their second friendly against the hosts. During those days both teams were often seen practising together. Outside the friendly practising the old Olwë and Finwë were seen having long evening meals together with their married children Eärwen and Finarfin and their sons Angrod and Aegnor.

After sessions of amiable practising the two teams then played it more or less for real on the field. Both teams played it pretty straightforward as if not willing to give up any tactical niceties they might have up in their sleeves for the tournament, but they played it with full tempo giving the audience a really entertaining afternoon.

The home team took the driver’s seat in the beginning and led the game already 3-1 on the early second period, but little by little the accuracy and effectiveness of Tirion forwards just proved lethal and they went on to win the game 5-3 with both teams holding it down for the last ten minutes after the fifth goal.

Aredhel was crowned the MVP of the game with her 2+1 (the AKM has already pointed it out earlier that she is clearly underpaid with her 10 million deal to Tirion, and this should prove it). But Aegnor was also rewarded after the game for putting the ball twice behind his father’s back, and the latter one where he received a perfect long pass from his grandfather was declared the best goal of the day.

So even if the game had been a competitive one, the teams separated in friendship and mutual recognition wishing each other well for the group-stage – and for a rematch in the qualification rounds. As late as possible.

The Havens 3-5 Tirion
tot shots 14-21
on target 7-11
GOALS:
*26, 1-0 Aegnor (Andreth)
*32, 2-0 Tuor (Earendil)
*39, 2-1 Ingwe
*47, 3-1 Aegnor (Olwe)
*53, 3-2 Aredhel (Mahtan)
*61, 3-3 Finwe (Aredhel)
*68, 3-4 Eonwe (Mahtan)
*77, 3-5 Aredhel (Finwe)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Havens- Angrod
*Tirion-

[the phantom]

The Dwarves of the Lonely Mountain welcomed in Dwarves United for a friendly. They were certainly supporting the homeside in the friendly and in group play (both teams were in the same group), but they planned to pull for their Dwarven brethren to finish second in their group.

The first half didn't give the crowds much to look at- both sides were hoping to unleash their true potential on the opposition only when group play arrived. But when the second half started it was obvious their competitive natures were rising to the top, as both squads did want a win.

Finally it was the crafty Nazgul #7 that broke the scoreless tie, directing the ball in off of a nice find by Bolg. There was some grumbling from the Dwarves United fans about the Lonely Mt. being willing to hire such evil sorts, but most applauded the well-executed play.

The Dwarf-friend Legolas and his friends up front tried to rally for the equalizer and did come close, but the Great Eagles were able to bother them enough to keep them from getting the cleanest looks.

After getting within 10-15 minutes of the finish, both squads shut it down, content to avoid injury and save their energy for when it really mattered.

Dwarves United 0-1 Erebor
tot shots 3-4
on target 9-11
GOALS:
*57, 0-1 Nazgul #7 (Bolg)
YELLOW CARDS:
*DwUnt- Azaghal, Aule, Thror
*Erebor- Meneldor, Smaug

Many outsiders wondered how the Rivendell public would handle Elrond returning with his new squad, but as those close to the situation expected, everything was quite cordial. Either no one begrudged Elrond his right to leave his longtime home, or they certainly weren't letting it show.

The northern Dunedain that played alongside Elrond were well received as always, as was Gil-galad and Glorfindel. The Witch King however was given a wide berth, and the local media largely ignored him.

When the game kicked off Imladris was extremely passive and looked as if they expected the same from the opposition, but Elrond had his side looking to attack. At the 25 minute mark the great Glorfindel put a mark on the scoreboard with a nice deflection and Elrond called off the attack.

Imladris was content to waste the rest of the half, but came out in the 2nd looking to equalize. Gil-galad and friends upped their defensive efforts to counter, and after 25 minutes of hard work Imladris decided not to escalate further and reigned it in, and Eriador followed along.

Eriador 1-0 Imladris
tot shots 13-8
on target 6-3
GOALS:
*25, 1-0 Glorfindel (Arassuil)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Eriador- Arahael
*Imladris- Galdor, Erestor

[Boromir88]

FRIENDLIES - ROUND 2

Competition Heats Up

The first round of friendlies brought many draws and matches that looked more like team practices. In Round 2, it appears teams started turning up their competiveness, and some of the results were quite surprising.

Not so surprising to us is, when Armenolos sticks to their standard game plan, they come away with the win. It was another respectful Numenorean match, held in Romenna's stadium (since Numenor's competition committee are making final adjustments in renovating the Stadium at Armenolos for the group stage matches). The only difference is, for over 2/3rds of the match Armenolos looked like their old 2009 champion-winning team, by dominating the flow of the match and dominating possession.

Armenolos called all the shots in this one and it's been a long time since fans had seen Armenolos back to their winning strategy of controlling possession and a finishing ability with precise passing. After Tar Ancalimon gave Armenolos the 2-goal lead, they did not wish to embarass their later generations and let the White Tower fight their way back into the game.

Earnur did make the score 2-1 with 15 minutes to play, after a powerful strike from short distance. Minas Tirith tried to close with a flurry of shots and get the draw, but most were wild and not all too troubling to Tar Atanamir.

Armenelos 2-1 Minas Tirith
tot shots 13-14
on target 6-4
GOALS:
*27, 1-0 Ar Adunakhor (Tar Ancalimon)
*62, 2-0 Tar Ancalimon (Tar Miriel)
*75, 2-1 Earnur (Earnil II)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Armenelos- Tar Calmacil
*Minas Tirith- Earnur, Earnil II

Another game that brought out the two squads competitive side. Arnor came out on fire, looking to defeat their Mordor foe, as Isildur scored in the 3rd minute. Mordor, got the game calmed back down as Shelob proved she could be a dangerous force at FW. The great spider would level the score in the 19th minute, and then before the end of the 1st half, assist Nazgul #4, giving Mordor a 2-1, halftime lead.

Arnor did not want to go down in defeat to Mordor and pushed back in the 2nd. Mordor's defensive strategy was to get rough, but all it got them was cards. In the 77th minute, after taking a hard foul from Grishnakh, Isildur rocketed in the free kick.

Both teams tried to go for the win at the end, but the keepers, Silent Watcher and Arvedui came up with a couple classy saves to keep the score at 2-2.

Arnor 2-2 Mordor
tot shots 16-16
on target 7-7
GOALS:
*3, 1-0 Isildur (Argeleb)
*19, 1-1 Shelob (Shagrat)
*42, 1-2 Nazgul #4 (Shelob)
*77, 2-2 Isildur
YELLOW CARDS:
*Arnor- Isildur, Elendur
*Mordor- Grishnakh, Fellbeast #1, Shelob, Nazgul #2

A cordial match, played outside, on the dark and damp Isle of Werewolves. Both teams were comfortable playing in these haunting conditions, and the crowd was definitely treated to some nice skill on the pitch. Especially from Phantomwolf and Sauron.

Phantomwolf, always looking to show off his skill set in front of his friend and old teammate Sauron, scored both of TIG's goals. And both times, it was to give TIG the lead, so it might show when TIG has it's head in the match they can grab the lead. However, with a striker like Sauron on the other team, it is hard to discount Barad-dur. And so it was Sauron who was able to equalise both times, and perhaps gain some confidence for Barad-dur.

Barad-Dur 2-2 Tol In Gaurhoth
tot shots 15-16
on target 8-7
GOALS:
*9, 0-1 PhantomWolf (LegateWight)
*39, 1-1 Sauron (Angamaite)
*55, 1-2 PhantomWolf (WilwaWight)
*81, 2-2 Sauron (Herumor)
YELLOW CARDS:
*BDur- Gothmog, Mouth
*TIG- SteveWight, WilwaWight

[Shastanis Althreduin]

As a friendly, one could expect that the game between Rohan and The Sea would be a lot of nothing, as both teams were careful to keep their cards close to their chests in terms of different styles of play. However, this particular game was probably as boring as a game of football between two Middle Earth teams could be. There was a bit of excitement near the end of the match, as King Dead booted in a goal off a long-range pass from Eomer, equalizing the game, but even Tar Minastir's earlier goal was lackluster, as though the match didn't really matter. Both teams played slow and steady, putting focus on defense (Gandalf especially was encouraging his back row, not batting an eye when Snowmane received a yellow card off a bull-rush on Salmar that was seconds too late) but there wasn't a lot either team could derive from their opponent this match.


Rohan 1-1 The Sea
tot shots 13-10
on target 6-5
GOALS:
*31, 0-1 Tar Minastir (Veantur)
*68, 1-1 King Dead (Eomer)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Rohan- Aldor, Snowmane
*Sea- Salmar

In contrast, the friendly match between Gondor and Isengard started slow, but the competitiveness inbred in both teams caused some exciting plays near the end, as Falastur's goal tied it up. It was almost a game of pinball instead of football, as the ball bounced from player to player and side to side quickly. Most of the shots taken were near the end, as goals were being fired at both goals as fast as anyone had even a chance at making a shot. However, both Gondor's and Isengard's goalies were more than up to the challenge, and the fast-paced match ended in a draw.

Gondor 1-1 Isengard
tot shots 14-14
on target 5-6
GOALS:
*59, 0-1 Wormtongue (Treebeard)
*77, 1-1 Falastur (Anarion)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Gondor- Turambar, Romendacil, Eldarion
*Isengard- Wulf, Wormtongue, Mauhur


One might expect that in this game the rough-and-tumble Misty Mountains team would run roughshod over the gentler-spirited players of SBU, but that wasn't the case at all. Durin's Bane was on fire in this game, scoring two of MM's three goals, but whenever they were ahead, they would pull back and concentrate on defense, letting the other team have a shot at their goal. And Strider, the Barrow-Wight, and Bombadil didn't disappoint - these three players were responsible for both all three goals and all three assists, between them. However, they too would pull back and let MM have the ball, once they were ahead. The biggest flares of excitement to happen happened in the short spaces when the teams were tied, as the players' competitive streaks flared up. However, with both MM and SBU letting in three goals apiece, one wonders if they're really that bad defensively, or just faking for the friendlies? This remains to be seen.

Misty Mts 3-3 Shire-Bree United
tot shots 12-15
on target 6-8
GOALS:
*5, 1-0 DBane (Azog)
*16, 1-1 Bombadil (BWight)
*27, 1-2 Strider (Bombadil)
*36, 2-2 Rumil
*70, 3-2 DBane (Narvi)
*79, 3-3 Strider (BWight)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Misty- William, Bert, Watcher
*ShBreeUnt- Ferny, Bandobras

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

In this issue of the ArdaCup.com Stats Reports we bring you the numbers and an analysis of the previous two rounds of friendly matches. But before we proceed an introduction is in order for our newest number-crunching innovation.

The Adjusted Goal Multiplier:

There's always that question. Under the old power rank, a team putting up goals and shutouts against weaker teams will be ranked higher than a team grinding it out against stronger teams. But under the new Power Rank system opponent strength will be a factor in the ranking.

First of all a multiplier is assigned to each team based on their current goal differential using the following formula:
Multiplier = 1 + [goal differential]/2*[absolute value of the greatest or least goal differential among all teams]

Using current teams as an example, Real Valinor gets a multiplier of 1.5 due to its league-leading goal differential of 5.

1.5 = 1 + 5/[5*2]

Whereas The Havens gets a multiplier of 0.7 due to its -3 goal differential.

0.7 = 1 + [-3]/[5*2]

After a multiplier has been assigned to each team, the scores of each game are adjusted: the goal made by a team is multiplied by the opponent's multiplier, and the goal allowed is multiplied by the team's own multiplier. From these adjusted scores the adjusted goal differential is computed.

Power Rank:

A short stats list and analysis of the top ten teams shall be listed before the complete Power Rank table is given below.

Legend:
Team name (win-draw-loss)
Offence (goals per game) [rank]
Defence (goals allowed per game) [rank]
Goalkeeping (save percentage) [rank]
Adjusted Goal Differential [rank]

Real Valinor (2-0-0)
4 [1]
1.5 [19]
72.73% [15]
+2.7 [1]

If the other nine teams on the list are the cream of the crop, then Real is the cherry on top. With its number one offence and adjusted goal differential, they possess the ability to dominate games completely. And if you think it's only their offence that's on fire, though, remember that their defence withstood the onslaught of Maeglin, Gothmog, Túrin, Húrin, and Hador and allowed them only eleven shots on target and three goals.

Rohan (1-1-0)
1.5 [11]
0.5 [2]
85.71% [7]
+1.4 [4]

The top Edain team (ranked higher than even the perpetually Cup-contending Númenórean squad) and the top Third Age team of the moment lives primarily through its defence, but a goal against an Ulmo back line is a good sign for the Riders's offence. Excellent friendly performance is not always indicative of tournament success, but with Rohan's form they look set to dominate their weak group.

AC Beleriand (1-1-0)
1.5 [16]
0.5 [6]
87.5% [3]
+1.7 [3]

Surprise, surprise! A squad with Fëanor as captain thriving more on defence. Although drawing blood against Manwë is indicative of a flowing offence. If their attack and defence click at the same time then there's no telling how far this team would go.

Eriador (2-0-0)
1 [26]
0 [1]
100% [1]
+2.0 [2]

With Elrond between the posts Eriador's defence being tighter than Moneybag's pockets is no surprise. They don't need a red-hot offence to win games, just one that scores goals. Having just put one behind Imladris's seventh rank defence, they look set on that end.

Armenelos (1-1-0)
1.5 [15]
1 [11]
77.78% [10]
+0.6 [6]

The Númenórean squad have been playing too friendly with fellow Dúnedain so far, so we have yet to see how good this team really is. However they have to get moving fast—their group brings death to the unprepared.

Wilderland (1-1-0)
2 [8]
1.5 [20]
75% [12]
+0.5 [9]

Losing Sauron and Smaug is no biggie for Wilderland, who gained Oromë, Elwë, and Galadriel in exchange. The first two are spearheading their effective attack, and the Lady of the Golden Wood got a goal in the last game, proving that she's just not about defence. With Scatha yet to step up, this team still can go higher.

The Sea (0-2-0)
1.5 [12]
1.5 [18]
72.73% [16]
+0.6 [7]

The Sea is middling in almost all aspects, including in the standings, but they're doing it against the best teams, which is why Ulmo's squad enters the list with a seventh-ranked adjusted goal differential. We're banking on the Vala of the seas to take it a notch higher come tourney time.

FC Valinor (2-0-0)
3.5 [4]
2 [25]
71.43% [18]
+0.1 [11]

The other Valinor squad looks to be playing second fiddle to Real, being a hair behind their brethren in both offence and defence. We still haven't seen how good their over-all defence really is, though, since they gave The Havens and Nargothrond almost an hour of free rein over the ball, resulting in a lot of shots. If they decide to play for real for ninety-plus minutes, how much less shots might those two have made?

Valimar (1-1-0)
1 [29]
0.5 [4]
87.5% [5]
+1.0 [5]

Manwë is up to his old tricks again, playing the one-goal-win game, but their defence is looking fine enough for them to stick to such a strategy. The only goal they conceded so far came from a Fëanor play.

Erebor (1-0-1)
1 [20]
1 [9]
75% [14]
0.0 [12]

The Lonely Mt squad is slightly better than Wilderland defensively, but their front line needs to step up if they wish to win their group from Oromë's team.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Elenrod/power-rank-2nd-friendly.png

The Power Ranking is based on the aggregate of offensive and defensive ranking, combined with the adjusted goal differential rank of each team. The listed offensive and defensive rankings are from the actual numbers by the teams, and not adjusted. Ties are broken by the win-draw-loss record.

The offensive ranking is based on the goals scored throughout the friendly matches. Ties are broken by a) greater number of shots made on target; and b) greater number of shots made.

The defensive ranking is based on the goals allowed throughout the friendly matches. Ties are broken by a) least number of shots allowed on target; and b) least amount of shots allowed.

Please note that the above ranking is based on the two rounds of friendly matches played by the teams, and does not reflect actual tournament performance.

Top individual performers:

GOALS + ASSISTS

4+1
Curufin (FC Valinor)

4+0
Arien (Real Valinor)
Glaurung (Nargothrond)

3+1
Strider (Shire-Bree United)
Bombadil (Shire-Bree United)
Oromë (Wilderland)
Aredhel (Tirion)

2+3
Míriel (Real Valinor)

2+2
Finwë (Tirion)
Gwindor (Nargothrond)

2+1
Tar-Ancalimon (Armenelos)
Húrin (Hithlum)
Túrin (Hithlum)
Tar-Minastir (The Sea)

2+0
Ancalagon (Angband)
PhantomWolf (Tol-in-Gaurhoth)
Isildur (Arnor)
Maeglin (Gondolin)
Tuor (The Havens)
Aegnor (The Havens)
Durin’s Bane (Misty Mts)
Sauron (Barad-dûr)

1+2
Hookbill (The Downer)
Nienor (Hithlum)

0+4
Barrow-Wight (Shire-Bree United)

0+3
Elwë (Wilderland)
Andreth (The Havens)
Daeron (Doriath)

GOALKEEPING

Elrond (Eriador) – 5/5 (100%)
Elros (Imladris) – 10/11 (90.91%)
Marach (AC Beleriand) – 7/8 (87.5%)
Ungoliant (Anfauglith) – 7/8 (87.5%)
Manwë (Valimar) – 7/8 (87.5%)

[Boromir88]

TWO TOWERS NETWORK
Boromir the 88th

Several surprises came out of Round 2 friendlies, as we saw a few teams score 5 goals, and some truly shining individuals who are beginning to find their legs. Without further ado, here is the next installment of TTN's power rankings, and this round, we will use our numbers to predict the results of the round 3 match-ups.

Key: (Rank. Team. (w-d-l) - Points).

Power Rankings

01. Real Valinor (2-0-0) - 46.8
A comprehensive 3-goal win against a Hithlum team that can definitely rack up goals, assures Real Valinor stays in our top spot.
(Last: W 5-2, Hithlum)

02. FC Valinor (2-0-0) - 44.8
FC Valinor stays step-for-step with Real with a confident 4-2 win against Nargothrond.
(Last: W 4-2, Nargothrond)

03. Eriador (2-0-0) - 34.3
Eriador apparently is taking the place of Valimar this year, winning another game 1-0. However, the win against a strong Imladris squad, means Eriador jumps up 5 places this week.
(Last: W 1-0, Imladris)

04. AC Beleriand (1-1-0) - 33.3
After crunching all the numbers, despite the draw against Valimar, AC Beleriand stays at 4 (and Valimar actually moves down to 5). Our explanation for this is, AC's 2-0 defeat of Inter Beleriand in Round 1, is boosted by the fact that Inter won in Round 2.
(Last: D 1-1, Valimar)

05. Valimar (1-1-0) - 32.8
As partially explained above, Valimar moves below AC Beleriand after Round 2. In Round 1, Valimar's 1-0 win against Anduin, is not as impressive as AC's 2-0 victory over Inter.
(Last: D 1-1, AC Beleriand)

06. Armenolos (1-1-0) - 30.5
Even if it was against a weaker opponent (and one that would play the Armenolos royalty respectfully), Armenolos regained some of their former swagger. If they stick to their principles of possession, they can certainly make it out Group D, which we now nickname Group Death.
(Last: W 2-1, Minas Tirith)

07. Rohan (1-1-0) - 28.5
No shame in drawing with the rushing tide from The Sea, especially since Rohan outshot their opponents statistically. But based on performances from other teams near them in the rankings, Rohan does slip a bit, and will need more from Helm and Eorl.
(Last: D 1-1, The Sea)

08. Tirion (1-0-1) - 27.5
The Havens seems to be in shambles at the moment, but they can score some goals too. Anytime a team can put up 5 goals, you have to take notice. The 4 teams from Group D, are currently ranked 1st, 2nd, 6th, and 8th...Group Death indeed.
(Last: W 5-3, The Havens)

09. Angband (0-2-0) - 27.0
Another rather unspirited performance from Angband. Although, Angband typically doesn't play with much spirit in the friendlies, and yet are still able to get 2 draws against tough squads. Which tells us they should win their Group A pretty comfortably.
(Last: D 1-1, Anfauglith)

10. The Sea (0-2-0) - 26.3
Ulmo's defense does not seem to be as shut down as it has been in the past, but the offense seems better. Perhaps Ulmo figures the defense does not need much work now, and is already prepared for the group stage.
(Last: W 1-1, Rohan)

11. Wilderland (1-1-0) - 24.3
Well, despite the draw to a mediocre Anduin at the moment, Wilderland holds onto the 11th rank for now. Mostly due to Erebor's win in Round 2 benefitted Wilderland based on Wilderland beating them in Round 1.
(Last: D 2-2, Anduin)

12. Erebor (1-0-1) - 24.3
Speaking of Erebor, they wind up virtually tied with Wilderland after Round 2. Wilderland maintains the edge based on already beating Erebor. Although, we might point out Erebor seemed to get a bit unlucky in that match, as ChielfWolf made a parade of saves, so Erebor can certainly climb back into the Top 10.
(Last: W 1-0, Dwarves Utd)

13. Imladris (1-0-1) - 21.0
They seemed surprised Eriador decided to go for the win, but it just proves lose some of your focus and effort, and your performance drops, just as Imladris drops in the rankings.
(Last: L 0-1, Eriador)

14. Anfauglith (0-2-0) - 20.8
Anfauglith is hanging around pretty much where we expected with 2 so-so draws. They also have a clear deficiency in the mid-field, even with a highly talented defense, it may not be good enough to beat any of the teams in Group G.
(Last: D 1-1, Angband)

15. Hithlum (1-0-1) - 19.8
The positive news for Hithlum, is they won't face an offense anywhere near as talented as Real's in group play. The bad news, their defense leaks big time and the FW-trio will have to be 100% on their game to beat the Valar defenses they will face in Group E.
(Last: L 2-5, Real Valinor)

16. Nargothrond (0-1-1) - 18.0
Yes they were up against FC Valinor, but something doesn't bode well with this Nargothrond team. TTN believes they threw all their eggs into the offense, and the massive void in the defense, with a rather pathetic (sorry Old Beor) GK, spells trouble for Nargothrond.
(Last: L 2-4 FC Valinor)

17. Gondolin (1-0-1) - 17.5
Gondolin bounces back after a bad loss to Real Valinor. They just squeak ahead of Doriath and are back in the thick of the talk as a team that can advance from Group B.
(Last: W 3-2, Doriath)

18. Doriath (0-1-1) - 17.3
Doriath will be a tough foe for anyone, but Melian can't hold down the defense on her own. It's clear she needs help from the other 3, but how confident is TTN they can raise their performance for the tournament? Not very.
(Last: L 2-3, Gondolin)

19. Gondor (0-2-0) - 16.0
The draw against Armenolos looked pretty good, the draw against Isengard? Looks pretty bad.
(Last: D 1-1, Isengard)

20. Dwarves Utd (0-1-1) - 12.5
Sorry Aule, this team just isn't working. There is absolutely no scoring threat, and your defense can not hold out forever against the likes of Erebor or Wilderland. Not unless you start generating some more shots on goal to relieve the pressure on the defense.
(Last: L 0-1, Erebor)

21. Shire-Bree Utd (0-2-0) - 11.5
This is such a difficult team to figure out. We like how their offense is clicking and playing relaxed, but boy are there are lot of problems with the DF, and particularly Halbarad struggling between the posts. Conceding 4 against Nargothrond is one thing, but giving up 3 against the...Misty Mountains?
(Last: D 3-3, Misty Mountains)

22. Anduin (0-1-1) - 10.5
A draw against group opponent Wilderland means that Anduin will not be an easy win for anyone in Group C. With the disappointing Dwarves United, at the moment, Anduin could shake up and cause real problems in Group C.
(Last: D 2-2, Wilderland)

23. Tol-in-Gaurhot (0-2-0) - 10.3
A better game than last week from TIG, but still unsure of how they will fair when the tournament begins, when they continue having a rotation of different wights, and can't win Barad-dur
(Last: D 2-2, Barad-dur)

24. The Havens (0-0-2) - 10.3
They've perhaps had the hardest 2 opponents so far in the friendlies, but 2 losses is still 2 losses and Cirdan is hemorrhaging goals.
(Last: L 3-5, Tirion)

25. Minas Tirith (0-1-1) - 9.5
Minas Tirith hasn't been humiliated, but they also haven't looked that spectacular. One could even argue with their payroll the White Tower has been a disappointment with only a draw against Mordor and loss to Armenolos to show so far.
(Last: L 1-2, Armenolos)

26. Inter Beleriand (1-0-1) - 8.8
A loss to AC Beleriand, Ok, it's expected. A win against The Downer, ok, that's also expected. Which means Inter Beleriand is stays in 26th, until they show us something we don't expect. Although, beating The Downer does bring the good news that they are able to beat the teams they should, and not simply draw as we've seen from some others.
(Last: W 2-1, The Downer)

27. Isengard (0-1-1) - 7.0
Nothing spectacular with a draw against Gondor, just a mild surprise that Isengard won't be pushover, by any means. Still, their tournament fate doesn't look bright if they can't pick up a win.
(Last: D 1-1, Gondor)

28. Misty Mountains (0-2-0) - 6.3
We are unsure if Misty Mountains has some surprising scoring ability (well, of course when Durin's Bane isn't playing selfishly, he can rack up the goals for his team), or if Shire-Bree's defense is just terrible. Misty Mts keeps slowly climbing up in the rankings, but is much like Isengard. TTN will have to see more.
(Last: D 3-3, Shire-Bree Utd)

29. Mordor (0-2-0) - 5.8
Much like the 2 teams ahead of them. 2 decent draws just means Mordor, despite the cheap payroll won't be an easy team to beat. But they aren't much of a threat to beat anyone either.
(Last: D 2-2, Arnor)

30. Barad-dur (0-1-1) - 5.5
Barad-dur did look better, but still dropped 1 spot. There is something about this team, that TTN finds very dangerous though. So far Castamir and Beruthiel have done nothing, but we all know of their scoring talent. They should not be underestimated.
(Last: D 2-2, Tol-in-Gaurhoth)

31. Arnor (0-1-1) - 4.0
Kudos to not losing to Mordor, but nothing to see here. Arnor is still pretty bad, but has the most to gain finding the team-spirit magic with their low payroll.
(Last: D 2-2, Mordor)

32. The Downer (0-0-2) - .8
Arguably a better performance from The Downer, but ultimately it's another loss. You have to wonder if Hookbill will continue to play more respectfully, when all that it gets The Downer is more losses.
(Last: L 1-2, Inter Beleriand)

---

The percentages below the teams are the mathematical probabilities of a head-to-head match up. For example, in Anduin vs. Mordor, Anduin is favored and in a head to head match against Mordor would win 64.4% of the time. The flaw in this is we have no real way to take into account a draw, since this assumes there is a winner in every game played between the two teams. But below the percentages is TTN's prediction of one match at this one point in time.

Now, our competitors are going to argue that these numbers mean absolutely nothing, and it's TTN being a mediocre network, by trying to say something, without really saying anything. We remind our readers, this is an experimental method (like our Power Rankings). Our goal is to measure how all 32 teams compare against eachother, and predict match winners. So we provide the math/numbers to determine probability, but also the subjective opinion from the expert. This way, our readers can look at the most comprehensive coverage, determine what to expect, and then make their own decisions. Agree or disagree with our findings, doesn't matter. But we guarantee it will be TTN that provides the most information, covering every single angle by using every possible stat we could possibly come up with.

Anduin vs Mordor
64.4% - 35.6%
-Anduin will be more inspired in a friendly against Mordor and win 2-1.

Angband vs Valimar
45.2% - 54.8%
-Morgoth will likely go into a shell, but Valimar isn't as good as last year. Draw 1-1.

Anfauglith vs AC Beleriand
38.4% - 61.6%
-Anfauglith's defense will make thing's tough, but AC Beleriand has the better talent top to bottom. 1-0 AC Beleriand.

Armenelos vs The Sea
53.7% - 46.3%
-Ulmo continues being the draw specialist in friendlies. Draw 1-1

Arnor vs Gondor
20.0% - 80.0%
-It easily could end in a draw from some arrangement between friends, but in any non-friendly match, Gondor would be heavy favorites. 2-1 Gondor

Barad-Dur vs The Havens
34.8% - 65.2%
-Should be high scoring, The Havens have 2 losses, but have played better against better competion. 3-2 Havens.

Inter Beleriand vs Doriath
33.7% - 66.3%
-A test game for both squads. A team Doriath has to beat to be contenders, but you could say the same for Inter too. 2-1 Doriath.

Dwarves United vs Imladris
37.3% - 62.7%
-We know one thing, the Dwarven team won't score, but does Imladris have enough firepower to get 1? Draw 0-0

Erebor vs Eriador
41.5% - 58.5%
-The Witch King has been completely ineffective, that will change but this will still be a Draw 1-1.

Gondolin vs Tol In Gaurhoth
62.9% - 37.1%
-Maeglin and Gothmog may be heating up, but TTN doesn't like Gondolin's nonchalant attitude. But TIG is the king of nonchalance. 2-1 Gondolin.

Hithlum vs Nargothrond
52.4% - 47.6%
-One of the closer battles this round, will be see our first 10 goals combined game (or even more!?) Draw 4-4

Isengard vs Shire-Bree United
37.8 - 62.2%
-A test match for both teams. If either wants to be seen as legit contenders in their groups, they must come away with the win. 3-1 Shire-Bree.

Minas Tirith vs Rohan
25% - 75%
-Rohan are heavy favorites, but one does wonder their motivation going against their brothers from MT. 2-0 Rohan.

Misty Mts vs Wilderland
20.6% - 79.4%
-Misty Mountains will not have as easy of a time scoring against Wilderland. 2-1 Wilderland.

Tirion vs The Downer
91.7% - 8.3%
-The most lopsided game in Round 3, but you just have no clue if The Downer will suddenly revert to playing dirty, and how that will effect the more precise Tirion. Should result the same low, another Downer loss. 4-1 Tirion.

FC Valinor vs Real Valinor
48.9% - 51.1%
-Promises to be the closest fought battle, but since they will play in the group stage, neither will give away any of their secrets. Draw 2-2.

[Nogrod]

We here in the AKM appreaciate a lot the frankness of our colleagues at the TTN to be able to admit the fact - even if they dress it in the traditional formula of "our rivals will argue that..."Now, our competitors are going to argue that these numbers mean absolutely nothing, and it's TTN being a mediocre network, by trying to say something, without really saying anything. Although the AKM would like to be more specific about that.

The AKM believes that stats and numbers are useful - and the more of them the merrier - and also more accurate. But what the AKM finds futile is predicting the friendlies where so many factors come into the play: have the teams made a deal beforehand that they just practise in turns, maybe they have made a deal that one team practises one thing and another something else; do they play it sloppily or do they try to simulate a real game (or does one team do the first and another the second); do the teams want to try out some tactics they don't usually do; will a draw be satisfying for them unlike in a tournament game...? (the list could be continued)

Like fex. the game between Armenelos and The Sea.

It is easy to predict a draw for several reasons: Armenelos has been playing the friendlies in a most friendly manner not willing to put up a full effort against their friends - and The Sea is full of their countrymen. The Sea in turn has been playing draws thus far and is a quality team which has all it would take to challenge Armenelos: so even if they played it in somewhat competitive manner for a while, it would be close. So which would be more probable than them going for it for a while and playing more or less evenly, and then satisfying themselves for a draw? Also: would they both qualify, they might meet again in a real competitive situation so neither would wish to reveal their hand at this point. So everything just yells a draw between the two teams.

So what does it help if the TTN then offers us the odds of 53.7% - 46.3% "in case it was a real game" - when it isn't a real game but one has to take into account all the aforementioned?

The AKM on the other hand doesn't waste your time with numbers concerning fictional games (a forthcoming tournament game between Armenelos and The Sea), but tries to give the reader the best tools to get her/himself ready when the real games start.

But we guarantee it will be TTN that provides the most information, covering every single angle by using every possible stat we could possibly come up with.The AKM has accepted that as a challenge.

Follow the AKM. The most thorough Ranking-list of the teams after two rounds of friendlies is going to be published yet today.

[Nogrod]

The AKM ranking consists of the following factors.

1) The first value is that of w/l quite straight and thus real but not reliable as the teams have faced different level of opponents and have played the games more or less seriously. Still we thought a real stat should be involved in our power-ranking.

The final value is a result from three categories (1 to 32): wins/draws/losses, goals scored, and goals allowed.

2) The second value is a kind of ranked success or failure value. A short explanation might be in place here as we think that is at the same time the most important and the most vulnerable of our stats.

The AKM gave the teams an initial ranking (1 to 32) which was published on this thread earlier. That ranking was based on the salaries – as there was little to go on but the renown of the players besides that, and well, numbers are always numbers.

But the AKM’s twist there was that we took the five most attacking players (five on the bottom of the roster) and gave the forwards the value of their salary and the midfielders within that five 75% of their salary to represent the force of their attack. On defence we took the top-five players (GK not included) from the roster, taking the defenders at their “face-value” and the MF:s on 75%. Then we added to the defence value the GK as times three, as we consider the value of a good goalie that important (and it is only one player in comparison to five DF/MF). Finally we leveled the two stats making them even scoped so that both best offence and best defence got the value of 99. Those stats (attacking & defending) were then combined to make the initial power-ranking list (1 to 32).

The first friendlies were then ranked using that initial board of power. So winning the top team would give the team 32 points and winning the worst team 1 point. Playing a draw would give the team half of the “ranking-points” aka. drawing with team #1 would give 16 points. Losing a team would then be just the mirror image of winning aka. losing to the best team would mean -1 points and losing to the weakest team would mean -32 points. To not make individual friendlies affect the ranking too much, we decided to halve the points both ways (so losing to the team #32 would mean not getting -32 but -16 points, playing even with the #1 would not mean 32:2=16, but 16:2=8) and adding to them the then current ranking of the team itself (1 to 32) we came up with the new ranking.

Fex. on the first round of friendlies AC Beleriand (ranked 9. by “off-def –spread salaries” explained above) won Inter Beleriand (ranked 22.). That meant that AC Bel got 11 points (Inter is 11 seats from the bottom) and Inter gained -9 points (losing to the team ranked 9th). Adding half of that number to their then current ranking number led to AC having 5½ (half from 11) plus 24 (being the 9th. aka 24th from bottom) = 29½, which actually raised them two seats to the 7th place. Inter in turn was having -4½ (half from -9) plus 11 (being the 22nd aka 11th from the bottom) = 6½, actually dropping them four seats to 26.

3) The last value is once again a real-stat combined of four different areas of the teams’ performances: two defencive stats and two offencive stats.The defencive stats (1 to 32) are the goalie’s saving percentage and the number of shots the team has allowed on their goal. The offencive stats (1 to 32) are the effectiviness of the team’s shots aka. the ratio of goals scored vs. the total number of shots they make and the number of shots on goal they manage to deliver.


~*~

The AKM acknowledges that the system is under construction and rather scetchy at this point. There might also be a few issues with the relative weight of the different categories, but they will be addressed as the tournament continues. But whatever the possible shortcomings at this stage are, it does give general directions we here in the AKM think are not without a merit.

Another issue is the nature of the friendlies which make every decent statistician’s head explode. The AKM will make a couple of notes how the rankings should or could be modified, because of the way the friendlies have been played, after the list below.

After the friendlies are over the AKM will come up with a modified and hopefully also more accurate ranking and a group by group analysis & a prediction as to their results.


1. (D) Real Valinor 83+76,5+94=253,5

2. (B) Eriador 77+73,5+83,5=234
3. (G) AC Beleriand 82+63+86=231
4. (D) FC Valinor 73+77,75+79,5=230,25

5. (F) Rohan 82+41½+97=220,5
6. (D) Armenelos 71+64,25+83=218,25
7. (E) Valimar 68+72,5+77=217,5

8. (C) Wilderland 68+56+78,5=202,5

9. (D) Tirion 65+46,75+71,5=183,25
10. (E) The Sea 51,5+54,75+74=180,25
11. (F) Imladris 64+46+68,5=178,5
12. (A) Angband 48,5+66,25+63=177,75

13. (C) Erebor 58+37,5+68=163,5
14 (G) Anfaughlith 44,5+56,5+60=161
15. (H) Gondor 48,5+42,75+63=154,25
16. (E) Hithlum 50+37+62,5=150

17. (A) T-I-G 48,5+23,75+69,5=141,75
18. (B) Gondolin 50+37,5+51,5=139
19. (A) ShireBree Utd. 47,5+22+68=137,5

20. (G) Nargothrond 33+44,25+58=132,25
21. (F) Misty Mts. 51,5+14,75+64=130,25
22. (G) Doriath 35+27,25+67=129,25

23. (H) Mordor 51,5+3+61,5=116
24. (B) Inter Beleriand 42+14+58=114

25. (E) The Havens 28,5+23,5+57=109

26. (C) Dwarves Utd. 35+10+59,5=104,5
27. (H) Minas Tirith 28+21,5+48,5=98
28. (C) Anduin 28+21,25+48,5=97,75
29. (F) Isengard 29+15,5+52,5=97

30. (B) Arnor 18+8,75+46,5=73,25

31. (A) Downer 22,5-9+50,5=64
32. (H) Barad Dûr 18+0,25+41,5=59,75




A few notes by the AKM on where the ranking-list is not accurate because of the nature of the friendlies.

FC Valinor could have scored more in both their games and when they tighten their defence into the tournament mode they should be strong enough to even challenge Real Valinor for the top #1 place in the ranking (currently 4th).

AC Beleriand could have overrun their close friends & rivals Inter Beleriand but they only played seriously in offence for half an hour. So more points on the tally in the table would be in order (currently 3rd).

Valimar, as always, seems to be on top of things in their games but will not execute their full arsenal unless forced to (if even then). They could have surely scored more on Anduin at least and thus could have more points in the rankings (currently 7th).

Armenelos could have won their first game against Gondor but decided not to. As they also could have scored more against Minas Tirith, they should clearly have more ranking points and possibly be higher up in the ranking (currently 6th).

Rohan is probably a bit too high on the standings as their 2-0 win over Barad Dûr was not so much their goodness but Sauron’s reluctance to try them for real. Their second draw is also more or less non-telling. Overall their admittedly fine defence probably looks better it is as it has not been tested thus far. So Rohan probably could be lower in the ranking (currently 5th).

Imladris could clearly have scored more against Arnor and possibly even force a draw with Eriador so they should be higher on the ranking (currently 11th).

Angband has played lazily, purposefully easy with half-lights. Even if it is a real possibility that Angband has a problem with their offence (too weak a midfield to support the forwards) it feels they will end up higher in the ranking when the real games begin (currently 12th).

Hithlum was not giving anything like their serious effort against The Downer but pulled back every once in a while. So they could have scored more and gotten more points to the tallies. On the other hand their ugly loss to Real Valinor shows they are not a top four (probably not even top eight) team this year around, but possibly a bit better than the ranking shows (currently 16th).

Shire-Bree United has scored 7 goals thus far in amiable and friendly atmosphere, but what happens when the opponents start to play for real and shut down their defences? Obviously the high number of goals they have conceded already affects their ranking, but the AKM still predicts that Shire-Bree will fall a notch from it’s ranking unless they too can tighten their defences – which the AKM seems unlikely (currently 19th).

Mordor could have won Minas Tirith but allowed them to draw on purpose. However the tactical ways might change come the tournament, it speaks the team Mordor to be stronger and should have more points on the tally for a win over Tirith. A fair draw with weakish Arnor side doesn’t make them look too good though (currently 23rd).

Barad Dûr in turn is probably a lot better team than how they have played thus far, letting Rohan to take the first game just like that (playing an amiable draw with the T-I-G - another undervalued team – gives the statistician no way to bring them higher to where they belong). If not on the top half of the teams, certainly not the worst team of the tournament anyway (currently 32nd).

[Boromir88]

FRIENDLIES - ROUND 3

Fans Gearing up for an Exciting Tournament to Come.

The Gladden Fields Stadium played host to a round 3 friendly between Anduin and Mordor today. And the spectators who came, were not disappointed, getting pretty much a tournament-performance for a reduced price! Both teams wanted to be prepared for the upcoming group matches, and so they truly competed from start to finish.

This match was indicative of the way Anduin plans to win games. Mordor held possession the most, but they were playing exactly the game Anduin wanted. Playing defense, and then going for the counter strike when their opponent gets over-anxious.

This was proven as early as the 5th minute, when Haldir, broke towards goal and Fram found him for an easy, quick score. Haldir earned the "silent assassin" nickname after that, since he appeared right in front of goal, undetected by the Mordor defense until it was too late. Beating the "Silent Watcher." Mordor did a good job shutting down all of Anduin's counters after the goal, but Anduin also showed they could hurt you from set pieces, with a pairing like Grimbeorn and Boromir II. When they are able to get into the box, they are difficult to handle, since they provide tall and dominating targets. And thus, Anduin went into the 2nd half with a 2-goal lead after a ferocious Grimbeorn header, off a free kick taken by Boromir.

In the 2nd, Anduin went to full-out defense as Mordor tried to claw their way back into the match. Nazgul #4 would make it interesting in the 77th minute, grabbing his 2nd goal of the friendlies. Despite Mordor's efforts to comeback and equalize, it must be said, this was the kind of game Anduin liked playing. They looked comfortable defending the final minutes, and Mordor has some work to do creating better chances.

Anduin 2-1 Mordor
tot shots 10-15
on target 5-6
GOALS:
*5, 1-0 Haldir (Fram)
*40, 2-0 Grimbeorn (Boromir II)
*77, 2-1 Nazgul #4 (Shagrat)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Anduin- Amdir, Frumgar
*Mordor- Gorbag, Fellbeast #1

This was another competitive game, but unlike the earlier ones, fans felt like it was more scripted, as if the teams agreed to play it this way before the start. And after the 1st half ended even, spectators were quickly disheartened in the 2nd as it became clear Gondor and Arnor were just playing out the game and wasting time.

But again, in an apparently scripted move, both sides ramped up the effort in the final 20 to try for the win. It was no surprise to see the master of late-game heroics, Araphor, involved in the go-ahead goal, feeding a nice ball to Argeleb. Gondor tried to launch one final attack, but Arvedui was at his best tonight, and secured a win for the Arnorians.

Arnor 2-1 Gondor
tot shots 15-14
on target 7-7
GOALS:
*29, 0-1 Anarion (Falastur)
*40, 1-1 Arantar (Elendil)
*81, 2-1 Argeleb (Araphor)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Arnor- Valandur
*Gondor- Earnil I, Imrahil

The late match was between Rohan and Minas Tirith, and while neither wanted to try any tricks, both just wanted to give a straight forward, tournament-level effort.

Rohan got on the board first, in the 14th minute, as Eomer added a goal to his 2 assists, in the friendlies thus far. Afterwards, Rohan showed no interest to expand their lead, leaving it to their defense, and Theoden to shut out Minas Tirith. A tall order for any defense, especially with well over 70 minutes of game to be played. But a task the horses in the back were capable of, and one could see the pride they took in playing excellent defense.

Eventhough you could say the way Rohan was focused solely on defending, that Minas Tirith probably deserved a goal, their equalizer was more a result of bad luck (from Rohan's perspective) than a truly deserving goal. Cirion, who was now coming up from the defense to join the attack, sent a poor cross, that was easily headed away by Felarof, but not far enough. The ball went directly to Mardil, who lined up a strike, Shadowfax reared up for the block, but it took a poor deflection off his back-hoof, leaving Theoden no chance to save.

Rohan tried to get a late-winner, and held possession easily, but time just ran out on them and Minas Tirith held on for the draw.

Minas Tirith 1-1 Rohan
tot shots 13-7
on target 4-4
GOALS:
*14, 0-1 Eomer (Eorl)
*79, 1-1 Mardil (Cirion)
YELLOW CARDS:
*MTirith- Tarandor
*Rohan- Helm, Snowmane

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

It was another TENT exclusive broadcast between teams that have been covered before: Doriath against Inter Beleriand, playing in the beautiful Menegroth Stadium.

Had Elu Thingol been on this year's squad, he would have been reticent to host a friendly match with the Noldor, especially one co-captained by a son of Fëanor, but Melian had no such qualms. In the post-game press conference she said, 'The Arda Cup should be instrumental in helping heal the wounds of the past.'

That did not prevent Maedhros from dealing a wound to the Doriath defence. Fifteen minutes after the opening whistle he took a cut back from Haleth and fired a shot just below the crossbar that Dior couldn't get to in time.

After the goal Inter fell back to defend, as was norm in friendly friendlies. A slick one-two by Lúthien and Beleg gave Doriath the equaliser sixteen minutes later, and a sublime Daeron through ball to Beleg put them in lead heading into the break.

After the restart Maedhros converted Fingon's cross from the right wing. Inter then gave its back line time to shine, but were unable to stop Lúthien from poking in the rebound from Nellas's speculative shot. Chances for an equaliser were hard to find for Maedhros and company, and ten minutes before the end they hung it up, content to have done their best.

Inter Beleriand 2-3 Doriath
GOALS:
15, 1-0 Maedhros (Haleth)
31, 1-1 Lúthien (Beleg)
39, 1-2 Beleg (Daeron)
56, 2-2 Maedhros (Fingon)
66, 2-3 Lúthien (Nellas)

Total Shots
11-20
Shots On Target
5-9

YELLOW CARDS:
2-2
Inter: Brandir, Forweg
Doriath: Saeros, Galathil

In other games not broadcast by TENT:

Anfauglith vs AC Beleriand

Had he accepted Morgoth's offer to help fund his squad, Fëanor could've been teammates with some of the Balrogs and/or Ungoliant. Instead, their two squads face each other in anticipation of their group stage meeting.

Dubbed as the rematch of Dagor-nuin-Giliath, the scoreless tie was anything but boring. Despite playing at half-speed and with no tactics, the two teams played with a determination to walk away with a win.

It was indeed reminiscent of the Second Battle, with the Fiery Boot taking on the Balrog defenders all by himself. Despite his ball-handling skills that left one, and sometimes two of his markers in the dust, in the main the Valaraukar phalanx was up to the task of denying him his goal, sometimes through physical means.

There was one time when Balrog #4 brought Fëanor down five metres in front of the penalty box. His resulting free kick curled past the wall and towards the goal but Ungoliant snuffed the ball easily.

AC Bel's best chance at goal came late in the second half when Fëanor, after a left-wing incursion, sent a cross towards the unmarked Fingolfin, whose header whizzed just past the far post.

The Fingolfin-led defence was also up to the task of physical intimidation. In fact, Rochallor was lucky not to be sent off after his late challenge on Thuringwethil early in the second half.

Anfauglith 0-0 AC Beleriand
total shots 7-9
on target 2-3
GOALS:
*
YELLOW CARDS:
*Anfauglith- Balrog #4, Borlach, Balrog #2
*AC Bel- Fingolfin, Bregolas, Rochallor, Imlach

____________________


Hithlum vs Nargothrond

There was an unexpected twist to this meeting. Before their squads were complete Hador arranged for a friendly match with Felagund, whose team had players from the eldest Edain house, but also Gwindor and Finduilas, who were familiar with Túrin, as well as Glaurung, the tormentor of Húrin's family, and Mîm, betrayer of Túrin and slain by his father.

The tie was played with the urgency of a tournament game. With Glaurung quiet for most of the match, as urged on by Finrod, Gwindor was the aggressor during the first half hour, racking up the third hat-trick of the friendly round (and the second for Nargothrond) in that time. But Nargothrond might have tired itself out in the effort, as the famed father-son tandem of Hithlum went to work afterwards, scoring a goal each on both sides of the interval. Desperate for an equaliser, Finrod finally gave Glaurung free rein, and in a quick counterattack the Worm of Angband shot the final goal of the match.

Hithlum 4-4 Nargothrond
total shots 20-15
on target 11-8
GOALS:
*8, 0-1 Gwindor (Finduilas)
*17, 0-2 Gwindor (Finrod)
*28, 0-3 Gwindor (Orodreth)
*35, 1-3 Húrin (Morwen)
*41, 2-3 Túrin (Nienor)
*49, 3-3 Túrin (Húrin)
*58, 4-3 Húrin (Hador)
*69, 4-4 Glaurung (Barahir)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Hithlum- Androg, Arroch, Gethron, Nienor
*Nargothrond- Barahir, Mîm, Arminas

[Galadriel55]

It has reached certain ears – and we must admit they were not pointy Elven ears, but plain human ones, and not the cleanest – that Aganzir, the Woman of the Secret Shadow, has been accepted to the Tol-in-Gaurhoth team as a midfield, and she partially earned this position because of the myths floating around (not exactly like bubbles in a bath or logs in a pond, but more like anchors thrown off a ship) that she is a werecat, aka a werelion. According to some, she can also transform herself into a crocodile, but this theory has no scientific support whatsoever, and is totally irrelevant. Others say that her other other skin is one of a vixen, which is more believable, but just as irrelevant to this topic.

This year the T-I-G team is limited to only four werewolves because, according to some brainy people, wolf forms give the team an unfair advantage over others. The above-mentioned Aganzir is registered as a wight on the above-mentioned team. However, if she chooses to become a lioness, would there be a ban to stop her? There were no lions on teams before; therefore the restriction does not mention any. Will T-I-G make use of this mightily convenient loophole?

Now the above-mentioned grimy human ears collaborate with a mouth, and that mouth is full of teeth and opinions clean enough to quote. “A human is a human, and a lion is no human,” the ears heard that opinionated mouth say. “Four wolves are enough! They have to understand us Homo sapiens too. They will. Any human will. It’s only humane – haha! humane humans!” What the ears and the mouth did not realize is that the rest of the team is also not human: they are wights. Undead. Not human.

[the phantom]

Barad-Dur played host to the team from The Havens, led in by Cirdan and Olwe. Some team members were wary and hardly any Havens supporters showed, but there was no incident. Sauron was running a tight ship.

Neither squad unleashed their full tournament potential, but they were decently competing, particularly when the score was tied. Three times Havens pulled ahead and nerfed their offense in favor of defending until Barad-Dur answered.

The first two Havens goals were answered quite swiftly by Sauron himself. The keeper Cirdan had to laugh when the second ball veered off away from him leaving him no chance at all. After going up against Sauron several times in the past Cirdan knew that sometimes Sauron's just going to beat you with a play.

But Cirdan got the last laugh- Sauron split the defense and fired for a final equalizer with under 5 minutes, but Cirdan managed to tip the ball up and over the crossbar preserving the 1-goal victory for the Havens.

Barad-Dur 2-3 The Havens
tot shots 14-15
on target 7-8
GOALS:
*36, 0-1 Earendil (Tuor)
*42, 1-1 Sauron (Herumor)
*53, 1-2 Aegnor (Angrod)
*59, 2-2 Sauron (Beruthiel)
*77, 2-3 Earendil (Aegnor)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Barad-Dur- Herumor, Fuinur, Fellbeast #2
*Havens- Annael, Lindo, Angrod

Since Eriador's home stadium at Amon Sul was busy with preparations for group play, Erebor played host to this contest. Both squads seemed comfortable with their stage of preparation and opted to go with only a half-game, wasting time and kicking it around in the first, and occasionally showing off some trick or another.

When the teams emerged for the 2nd half Elrond and Gil-galad shook hands with Thranduil and the Witch King gave a final pat on the back to Nazgul #7 and the teams went into tournament mode.

Eriador had troubles getting it forward against the eagles at the back, while Erebor did a good job possessing against the fairly conservative defense of Eriador. Smaug and Bard both gained great scoring chances in the early-going, but they watched in frustration as their efforts were wiped out by Elrond.

Finally Smaug could be contained no longer, and he put Erebor on the board at 66 minutes. Erebor continued to press for another goal, but Elrond ordered a more pressuring defense and Erebor ran into problems possessing and Eriador began to look the more dangerous.

In the closing minutes Arveleg sent one just over the crossbar, and Glorfindel made a fantastic run in and nearly trickled it past Beorn, but Girion got there to clear it just in time, and so the game ended at 1-0. Both squads seemed happy to have gotten in one half of hard gameplay against a quality foe.

Erebor 1-0 Eriador
tot shots 12-8
on target 5-3
GOALS:
*66, 1-0 Smaug (Bolg)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Erebor- Gwaihir, Bard, Landroval
*Eriador- Valandil

[Nogrod]

The Valinor-based teams took the trip south to play their second last friendlies at the great stadium of Gondolin, carrying the Angband team with them – and well, the secret was lost anyway so there seemed to be no problem with that. But the organisers were at the tip of their toes and scheduled the Angband match the first in the afternoon to avoid any troubles a late game might bring about.

Sadly team Angband and team Valimar were nowhere near to give it a go but passed the ball around – getting all the more careful as the clock ticked on. From the audience’s pov Angband’s sudden awakening 15 minutes before the end of the game was a happy thing, and Valimar reacted to it furiously, like a premeditated deal had been broken. So the last fifteen minutes offered the spectators some real drama and serious game, but nonetheless the game ended in a draw 0-0.

Angband 0-0 Valimar
tot shots 11-9
on target 3-3
GOALS:
*
YELLOW CARDS:
*Angband- Uldor, Balrog #1
*Valimar- Amras, Celebrian


But if the first game was a disappointment, the second one really made everyone forget about it. The beginning of the game between the two top seats Real Valinor and FC Valinor looked to be more of the same but slowly the match-ups started to ratchet up competitive fires. Caranthir, the Dark-brother, was trying to shut down his older and younger brother, while at the other end Maglor kept shadowing his mother and Indis was rivalling her husband’s ex- wife Miriel. And soon it was clear these were real match-ups.

It was the cousin to the Fëanor’s sons, Argon, who really made the impact in this game with his individual performances. FC Valinor cranked up the game on the latter half of the first period and Argon scored from a solo-run (after a nice freeing pass from Yavanna). And when he scored again quite early on the second period – this time with a decent header after a corner by Curufin – Real Valinor really had to step up to play for the victory even if they had started to play quite seriously already before that...

It was clear FC Valinor wished to win and Real Valinor wished to at least draw. After Arien reduced the FC Valinor’s lead to one goal the last ten minutes were just dazzling football with both teams playing it for real.

After the game Indis summed it most appropriately: “You know these family-affairs… there are always these emotions… I mean depending on a family…”

Miriel was not willing to make a clear reference to that, but stressed the fact that both teams would meet again at the group-stage in Númenorë and then everything would be open once again – and she quite happily cast the coat of the favourite to the FC Valinor team. “We don’t yet have our game as organized we’d wished it to be, but we’ll play better the next time”.

FC Valinor 2-1 Real Valinor
tot shots 16-11
on target 7-4
GOALS:
*34, 1-0 Argon (Yavanna)
*61, 2-0 Argon (Curufin)
*83, 2-1 Arien (Nessa)
YELLOW CARDS:
*FCVal- Penlod, Idril, Irmo, Indis
*RealVal- Nienna, Miriel


~*~


The Sea sailed south and harboured their vessels to the shores of Númenor and went to play a friendly there against the upcoming hosts of group D, Armenelos.

It was all friendly and courteous, and in the first half more of a walk-through than a competitive game. But both teams made it more competitive on the second half. After Ulmo scored on the 66th minute, The Sea tried to shut Armenelos down, but that only made the home team try more. Ar Adunakhôr evened the score ten minutes before the end and the draw was very well earned.

Armenelos is facing the toughest competition any team could fear for, but their captain Ar Pharazôn was confident – even if he himself hasn’t scored yet: “The friendlies have shown the Valinor teams are not only good on paper but in reality as well, but these have just been the friendlies… when the real games begin, we will show our qualities with our home crowds behind us. And before you ask me, no, I’m not worried about my scoring… I’m going to score when the goals are needed.”

Tar Minastir was there to speak for The Sea: “We have played even with Tirion so there should be no reason why we couldn’t beat Hithlum and qualify. Yes they come on you like a hurricane but we have a tough defence seasoned for that kind of onslaught – and their defence is vulnerable indeed. So we’re confident we’ll go through.”

Armenelos 1-1 The Sea
tot shots 13-12
on target 4-5
GOALS:
*66, 0-1 Ulmo (Tar Aldarion)
*83, 1-1 Ar Adunakhor (Tar Ancalimon)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Armenelos- Ar Zimrathan, Tar Telemmaite
*Sea- Tar Cirytan, Osse, Tar Aldarion

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Everyone’s favourite manic biased sports blog is back! Now, the rules of Arda Cup team-building may have changed, but the rules of football haven’t, so we’ll leave the discussion of the effects of Eru’s decree to those who care more about it, and let’s get down to discussing the game!

First up, let's have a look at those who'll advance from the group stage, those who'll get their die-roll's chance, and those who won't have a chance in Menel, Cemen, or the seven levels of Minas Anor.

GROUP A
Advance: Angband, Tol-in-Gaurhoth
Dark Horse: Shire-Bree United
Out: The Downer

A winning tradition will push the two into the bracket stage, but this group is so boring it brings me to tears (from all the yawns). The only bright spot this group has is Bombadil, and you know how it is with that enigma . . .

GROUP B
Advance: Eriador, Gondolin
Dark Horse: Arnor, Inter Beleriand

Elrond will have a hard time keeping a clean sheet with the offensive talents in this group. But if anyone can do it, he could.

GROUP C
Advance: Wilderland, Erebor
Out: Anduin, Dwarves United

A Vala with a dragon trumps a Nazgûl with a dragon anytime. The others, obviously, won’t stand a chance.

GROUP D
Advance: Armenelos, Real Valinor
Dark Horse: FC Valinor, Tirion

Tar-Míriel and Arien will lead their teams to get past this most epic of groups.

GROUP E
Advance: The Sea, Hithlum
Dark Horse: Valimar
Out: The Havens

After making it all the way to the semis last year before choking, Manwë will choke earlier than usual this time around.

GROUP F
Advance: Rohan, Imladris
Out: Misty Mts, Isengard

What’s a cavalry without horses? Rohan must have learned that lesson last year, and now they can trample the opposition in the mud.

GROUP G
Advance: Nargothrond, AC Beleriand
Dark Horse: Anfauglith, Doriath

Finrod > Fëanor >>> Everyone else. Nuff said.

GROUP H
Advance: Gondor, Mordor
Dark Horse: Barad-dûr
Out: Minas Tirith

Sauron sucks. We’ve known it for some time, and now everyone else will, too.

__________

According to a comprehensive survey of one sports blog follower.

[the phantom]

All the inter-dimensional wights and wolves were packed into the haunted arena in the Barrow-Downs for their friendly against Gondolin. It was the third round of friendlies and TIG supporters were hoping to see their team roster begin to solidify, and perhaps the team would be looking to find its tournament form.

And indeed they were, and the same went for their opponent- Gondolin. Both squads came out giving good effort and trying for the win. But they both failed at that, as they each scored a goal in both halves for a 2-2 draw.

NilpWolf did an excellent job containing Maeglin, but the Wights were not able to counter both the keen-boot and the Lord of Balrogs at the same time. Gothmog scored twice on the day, both on feeds from Elemmakil.

At the other end TIG also managed to put 8 shots on goal. Gondolin had trouble with the Werewolves at the front, and when they tried to compensate it left the witty wights with too much room to operate. But thanks to Rog they managed to preserve the draw.

Gondolin 2-2 Tol In Gaurhoth
tot shots 15-18
on target 8-8
GOALS:
*13, 1-0 Gothmog (Elemmakil)
*38, 1-1 NogWolf (SallyWight)
*67, 1-2 NerWight (PhantomWolf)
*75, 2-2 Gothmog (Elemmakil)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Gondolin- Galdor, Gothmog, Pengolodh
*TIG- DF Wight #2, MF Wight #3

Tirion came into their match against the Downer weirdos nicely focused, while Hookbill's minions were a bit sloppy to begin. Tirion took advantage by building a three goal lead. Only a spectacular ranged rocket from Saucepan Man saved the half for The Downer.

The second half started the same, but The Downer did begin to find better focus as things moved along. After Finwe's penalty at 68 minutes Tirion fell back to defend and managed to keep The Downer at bay until the very end when captain Hookbill tapped it in on a heads up scramble play.

Tirion 5-2 The Downer
tot shots 24-17
on target 11-7
GOALS:
*9, 1-0 Finwe (Aredhel)
*17, 2-0 Finwe (Mahtan)
*25, 3-0 Eonwe (Ingwe)
*42, 3-1 SPM (Lalwende MP)
*53, 4-1 Eonwe (Aredhel)
*68, 5-1 Finwe
*88, 5-2 Hookbill (Lalwende MP)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Tirion- Mahtan, Thorondor, Eonwe
*Downer- Alien, Burnt Bert, Peter Hampton, Hookbill, Morsul

[Shastanis Althreduin]

One of the most friendly matches (oddly enough), the friendly game between Isengard and SBU played out more like a training exercise or scrimmage rather than an actual game. The captains were so cordial that they even managed to agree that one team would play full defense and one team full offense in the first half, switching in the second half. Isengard won the coin toss, so they elected to be on offense first. A Wulf/Saruman duo accounted for two Isengard goals, with another being put through by Quickbeam with some nice root-work after being fed by Wormtongue. In the second half, Bombadil (having been napping on the sidelines during the first half) roused himself to score two goals against Isengard, with a third being knocked in by Khamul thanks to Strider. There appeared to be a bit of a raincloud over Bombadil's head after the equalizing goal, but luckily Caradhras was warned off with a yellow card and no untoward hailstones fell.

Isengard 3-3 Shire-Bree United
tot shots 18-16
on target 8-7
GOALS:
*31, 1-0 Wulf (Saruman)
*36, 2-0 Quickbeam (Wormtongue)
*44, 3-0 Saruman (Wulf)
*57, 3-1 Bombadil (Khamul)
*62, 3-2 Khamul (Strider)
*75, 3-3 Bombadil (BWight)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Isengard- Caradhras, Lugdush
*SBUnt- Golfimbul, Butterbur, BWight


In this friendly we saw a repeat of Misty Mountains's friendly strategy, to go for the win when behind and ease off when the score was drawn. This was fine with Wilderland, who matched them stroke for stroke. The Lady of the Golden Wood, Galadriel, proved herself quite a force on the offense, feeding both Elwe and the great dragon Scatha one goal each, while on the other side both Narvi and Azog scored one goal and one assist. However, to put a bit of a damper on things, Misty Mountains seems to still be one of the more brutish, physical teams, coming away with a total of five yellow cards.

Misty Mts 3-3 Wilderland
tot shots 13-18
on target 7-9
GOALS:
*12, 1-0 Azog (Rumil)
*24, 1-1 Elwe (Galadriel)
*39, 1-2 Scatha (Galadriel)
*50, 2-2 Narvi (Azog)
*58, 2-3 Orome (Fimbrethil)
*72, 3-3 Durin’s Bane (Narvi)
YELLOW CARDS:
*MMts- Bert, Tom, Watcher, William, Rumil
*Wilder- Elwe, Skinbark


The match between DU and Imladris started off lazily. Both teams were content to merely kick the ball around the pitch - it seemed a lot like no one really wanted to be there. However, the audience got some excitement during the second half; it appeared that both teams had gotten a stern talking-to from someone, as both teams came out at blazing speed and decided that they did, in fact, want to play. A lucky breakaway let Elrohir arrive at the DU goal just before the ball did, thanks to a high-soaring punt from Varda. Her kick sent the ball speeding towards the goal so fast from down the pitch that it very nearly went in by itself - instead it bounced off the top bar and bounced again off Elrohir's knee, careening into the net at such an odd angle that the goalkeeper couldn't stop it. After that goal, Imladris locked down their defense entirely, making it impossible for DU to get a decent shot on goal.

Dwarves United 0-1 Imladris
tot shots 14-6
on target 6-3
GOALS:
*60, 0-1 Elrohir (Varda)
YELLOW CARDS:
*DwUnt- Durin, Gamil Zirak
*Imladris- Lindir

[Nogrod]

The AKM has compiled a bunch of statistics once again to guide our readers through this competition. This time we present you a combined ranking of three different sets of stats that were more or less unequivocal.

After all the friendlies are done we will present a more detailed and explicit stuff, but this is our take on the teams after three rounds of friendlies.

1. (D) FC Valinor
2. (D) Real Valinor
3. (G) AC Beleriand

4. (D) Armenelos
5. (B) Eriador
6. (E) Valimar

7. (D) Tirion
8. (F) Rohan
9. (C) Erebor

10. (C) Wilderland
11. (E) The Sea
12. (F) Imladris

13. (A) Angband
14. (E) Hithlum
15. (G) Anfaughlith

16. (G) Doriath
17. (B) Gondolin
18. (A) Tol In Gaurhoth

19. (A) Shire-Bree Utd.
20. (C) Anduin
21. (G) Nargothrond

22. (H) Gondor
23. (F) Misty Mts.
24. (B) Arnor

25. (E) The Havens
26. (H) Minas Tirith
27. (F) Isengard

28. (C) Dwarves Utd.
29. (H) Mordor
30. (B) Inter Beleriand

31. (H) Barad Dûr
32. (A) The Downer


~*~

And as no network has yet given the readers these stats, let us publish them then...


Top-scorers.


1. Finwë (Tirion) 5+2=7
Gwindor (Nargothrond)

3. Bombadill (Shire-Bree) 5+1=6

4. Curufin (FC Valinor) 4+2=6
Húrin (Hithlum)

6. Aredhel (Tirion) 3+3=6

7. Arien (Real Valinor) 5+0=5
Glaurung (Nargothrond)

9. Oromë (Wilderland) 4+1=5
Túrin (Hithlum)

11. Strider (Shire-Bree) 3+2=5

12. Miriel (Real Valimar) 2+3=5

13. The Barrow-Wight (Shire-Bree) 0+5=5



Top-Goalies.

1. Elros (Imladris) 94,1%

2. Ungoliant (Anfaughlith) 90,1%

3. Elrond (Eriador) 90%
Manwë (Valimar)
Marach (AC Beleriand)

6. Beorn (Erebor) 81,8%
Carcaroth (Angband)
Theoden ( Rohan)

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

The second friendly round issue of the ArdaCup.com Stats Report brings little change to the top ten teams (just one new face), but with lots of activity bubbling underneath.

Power Rank:

Legend:

Team name (win-draw-loss)
Offence (goals per game) [rank]
Defence (goals allowed per game) [rank]
Goalkeeping (save percentage) [rank]
Adjusted Goal Differential [rank]

Real Valinor (2-0-1)
3 [5]
1.67 [18]
72.22% [16]
+2.00 [1]

They manage to hold on to their top spot due to their previous impressive performances despite their loss to the other Valinor team (it took that win for FC Valinor to equal Real’s offensive and defensive stats), but certainly the gap between Real and the others have narrowed appreciably.

FC Valinor (3-0-0)
3 [6]
1.67 [19]
72.22% [17]
+1.83 [2]

FC Valinor is the only team with three friendly wins. Their last win over Real Valinor pole-vaults them over the other teams and into an extremely tight race with their brethren for the top spot. The way the two are going, they would probably meet two more times in the Arda Cup.

AC Beleriand (1-2-0)
1 [26]
0.33 [2]
90% [4]
+1.58 [3]

Despite a scoreless draw with group rival Anfauglith, AC Bel doesn’t budge from its spot.

Rohan (1-2-0)
1.33 [20]
0.67 [9]
81.82% [6]
+1.08 [4]

A lazy draw one-all with Minas Tirith moves Rohan down two spots. They could have won the game, though, had they shown a little more aggression, so there’s still some separation between them and surging group rivals Imladris.

Eriador (2-0-1)
0.67 [29]
0.33 [1]
90% [5]
+1.0 [7]

A one-goal loss against the Lonely Mt squad drops Eriador, but since Erebor is also a high-ranked team, they fall just a spot. Elrond should really address his dragon problems, though—last year his Eregion squad dropped out of the tournament due to an Ancalagon goal, and this time a Smaug goal breaks his save streak.

The Sea (0-3-0)
1.33 [18]
1.33 [12]
73.33% [15]
+1.08 [6]

Another draw against a top-tier team moves Ulmo’s squad up a notch. Take note, though, that it was them who scored first in their match with Armenelos, who still had Tar-Atanamir and Tar-Telperiën. This team looks ready for the main event.

Wilderland (1-2-0)
2.33 [8]
2.00 [23]
68.42% [21]
+0.65 [10]

A draw where Wilderland conceded too much goals to middling Misty Mts drops Oromë’s squad a notch.

Erebor (2-0-1)
1 [24]
0.67 [8]
81.82% [7]
+0.83 [8]

A win against top-tier Eriador bumps Erebor up two spots. Group C looks more and more like a battle between the Lonely Mt and Wilderland for first place.

Imladris (2-0-1)
1 [27]
0.33 [5]
94.12% [1]
+0.58 [11]

The squad from Rivendell enters the top ten less due to their steady win over cellar-dwelling Dwarves United, and more due to an Arnor win this round (which made Imladris’s win over Arnor in the first round look good.)

Armenelos (1-2-0)
1.33 [21]
1 [10]
78.75% [10]
+0.5 [12]

Gondor’s loss to Arnor this round makes the Kings’s first round draw with them look bad.
Dropped out: Valimar.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Elenrod/power-rank-3rd-friendly.gif

Greatest gain:
+13 Imladris
+11 Doriath
+8 Arnor
Greatest loss:
-16 Gondor
-7 Hithlum, Inter Beleriand
-5 Mordor
The Power Ranking is based on the aggregate of offensive and defensive ranking, combined with the adjusted goal differential rank of each team. The listed offensive and defensive rankings are from the actual numbers by the teams, and not adjusted. Ties are broken by the win-draw-loss record.

The offensive ranking is based on the goals scored throughout the friendly matches. Ties are broken by a) greater number of shots made on target; and b) greater number of shots made.

The defensive ranking is based on the goals allowed throughout the friendly matches. Ties are broken by a) least number of shots allowed on target; and b) least amount of shots allowed.

Please note that the above ranking is based on the three rounds of friendly matches played by the teams, and does not reflect actual tournament performance.

Top individual performers:

GOALS + ASSISTS

5+2
Finwë (Tirion)
Gwindor (Nargothrond)

5+1
Bombadil (Shire-Bree United)

5+0
Arien (Real Valinor)
Glaurung (Nargothrond)

4+2
Curufin (FC Valinor)
Húrin (Hithlum)

4+1
Túrin (Hithlum)

4+0
Sauron (Barad-dûr)

3+3
Aredhel (Tirion)

3+2
Strider (Shire-Bree United)
Oromë (Wilderland)

3+1
Gothmog (Gondolin)
Eärendil (The Havens)
Aegnor (The Havens)

3+0
Maedhros (Inter Beleriand)
Eönwë (Tirion)
Argon (FC Valinor)
Durin's Bane (Misty Mts)
Lúthien (Doriath)

2+3
Míriel (Real Valinor)

2+2
Hookbill (The Downer)
Tar-Ancalimon (The Sea)

1+3
Elwë (Wilderland)
Nienor (Hithlum)

0+5
Barrow-Wight (Shire-Bree United)

0+4
Daeron (Doriath)

GOALKEEPING

Elros (Imladris) - 16/17 (94.12%)
Manwe (Valimar) - 10/11 (90.91%)
Ungoliant (Anfauglith) - 10/11 (90.91%)
Marach (AC Beleriand) - 9/10 (90%)
Elrond (Eriador) - 9/10 (90%)

[Boromir88]

TWO TOWERS NETWORK
Boromir the 88th

Two Towers Network had already gone into today, planning on not previewing the Round 4 friendlies. Feeling like most teams will dramatically reel the intensity back so they can go into group play with fresh legs.

Having said that, we were still going to add our opinion, and defense of where teams were ranked after Round 3. Yet, as we were writing in commentary for 27th rank Havens, a wrong key was hit, wiping out all previous information. We had only saved the new Power Ranking list, and not any of the analysis. Needless to say, TTN is frustrated with it staff, because our readers deserve and expect better, than to get no analysis because of getting it wiped out by one swift stroke (yes, apparently there is a Death Star button on computers, blowing up an entire planetary analysis).

We will only be publishing the rankings (and how many spots gained, or lost from the previous ranking. We will make up for this next week, as well as adding offense, defense, and goal-keeping stats into our point-system formula. This way, teams are measured by their results, strength of schedule in the friendles, but also overal statistics.

Again, we are extremely disappointed with ourselves at this happening, and can already see the AKM and TENT vultures circling above on our amatuer error. But, our methods will be proven to be more accurate, in the end.

Key: (Rank. Team. (w-d-l) - Points).

Power Rankings

01. FC Valinor (3-0-0) - 43.6
(Last Week: #2)

02. Real Valinor (2-0-1) - 39.1
(Last Week: #1)

03. Tirion (2-1-0) - 26.9
We will still make note here, look at how tightly bunched #3-7 are...wow, very very close to call. Almost impossible, even for a computer (No. You can never have too many SW references :rolleyes: )
(Last Week: #8)

04. AC Beleriand (1-2-0) - 26.6
(Last Week: #4)

05. Eriador (2-0-1) - 26.5
(Last Week: #3)

06. Valimar (1-2-0) - 26.4
(Last Week: #5)

07. Erebor (2-0-1) - 26.3
(Last Week: #12)

08. Wilderland (1-2-0) - 24.4
We will note here, Wilderland might be a bit too high (yes even though this is TTN's formula, that does not mean we have to agree with the numbers :p). Conceding 3 goals to Misty Mountains is concerning, and they're really benefitting from Erebor's continually winning.
(Last Week: #11)

09. The Sea (0-3-0) - 22.5
(Last Week: #10)

10. Imladris (2-0-1) - 22.1
(Last Week: #13)

11. Armenolos (1-2-0) - 22.0
(Last Week: #6)

12. Angband (0-3-0) - 21.2
(Last Week: #9)

13. Rohan (1-2-0) - 19.6
Concerned they seem to want to play like Valimar, when you pull back entirely for defense you're just asking for trouble, and inviting "bad luck" to beat you.
(Last Week: #7)

14. Anfauglith (0-3-0) - 18.4
(Last Week: #14)

15. Gondolin (1-1-1) - 18.1
(Last Week: #17)

16. Hithlum (1-1-1) - 15.7
(Last Week: #15)

17. Doriath (1-1-1) - 15.2
(Last Week: #18)

18. Nargothrond (0-2-1) - 13.9
Conceding 4 goals in every match so far? Where is the careful and "tough as nails" strategy wise-Finrod is known for?
(Last Week: #16)

19. Arnor (1-1-1) - 13.2
Shot up the most this week, but it's deserved. Gondolin and Eriador can not underestimate this Arnorian team.
(Last Week: #31)

20. Shire-Bree (0-3-0) - 13.1
(Last Week: #21)

21. Anduin (1-1-1) - 12.7
(Last Week: #22)

22. Gondor (0-2-1) - 11.9
(Last Week: #19)

23. Tol-in-Gaurhoth (0-3-0) - 11.3
(Last Week: #23)

24. Misty Mountains (0-3-0) - 11.1
(Last Week: #28)

25. Minas Tirith (0-2-1) - 9.1
(Last Week: #25)

26. Isengard (0-2-1) - 7.9
(Last Week: #27)

27. The Havens (1-0-2) - 6.8
Despite beating Barad-dur, how did the Havens still lose spots? This is what we mean by winning consistently will be the most beneficial to teams. Havens were hurt by their previous losses, and only beats #31 ranked Barad-dur, 3-2. Hence, they still fell a few places.
(Last Week: #24)

28. Inter Beleriand (1-0-2) - 5.1
(Last Week: #26)

29. Mordor (0-2-1) - 5.1
(Last Week: #29)

30. Dwarves Utd (0-1-2) - 4.1
(Last Week: #20)

31. Barad-dur (0-1-2) - 3.5
(Last Week: #30)

32. The Downer (0-0-3) - .5
(Last Week: #32)

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

The TENT-exclusive friendly encounter between Gondolin and Nargothrond was held in a location nostalgic to both teams. Since both the High Faroth Arena and Song of Stone Stadium were undergoing renovations (for group stage hosting and bidding for quarterfinal hosting, respectively), the two hidden realm squads jointly decided to hold the tie in the Twilit Meres Stadium, Aelin-uial, where the founders of both kingdoms received the idea from Ulmo to build realms hidden from Morgoth's eyes.

Despite the geniality between the two most enduring Noldorin realms in Beleriand, some tension was raised when Finrod commented on the situation regarding his cousin's 'banishment' from Gondolin. 'No ruler should be barred from joining his own kingdom's squad,' he said during the post-game press conference. Maeglin replied, 'With all due respect to Lord Felagund, I think he should just mind his own business. I'm sure his own kingdom agrees with me.'

So the seeds of resentment have been planted between the two, but the only way they would meet in the Arda Cup was if one of them won their group and the other finished second--a tall order, considering that Gondolin and Nargothrond have giants Eriador and AC Beleriand in their respective groups.

But on to the game. Nargothrond was leading two-nil thirty minutes into the game before Gondolin got on the scoreboard. Finrod scored his second goal early in the second half to restore the two-goal lead before Maeglin's double put the two teams even. The last half hour of the match proved to be a treat to football fans as the two teams fought for the win. Six minutes before full time Nargothrond got their winner when Orodreth headed in Gwindor's left-wing cross.

Gondolin 3-4 Nargothrond
GOALS:
13, 0-1 Finduilas (Glaurung)
34, 0-2 Finrod
38, 1-2 Gothmog (Duilin)
46, 1-3 Finrod (Barahir)
59, 2-3 Maeglin (Elemmakil)
66, 3-3 Maeglin (Gothmog)
84, 3-4 Orodreth (Gwindor)

Total Shots
17-21
Shots on Target
8-10

YELLOW CARDS:
3-2
Gondolin: Maeglin, Elemmakil, Pengolodh
Nargothrond: Orodreth, Guilin

In other games not televised by TENT:

Anfauglith vs Doriath

Thuringwethil and Lúthien, who had been friends ever since their squads faced each other in the Silmaril Invitational Tournament, helped arrange this friendly tie before they knew that they would be in the same group. As such, the two teams didn't display much in the way of offensive tactics, and none on the pitch had sufficient individual skills to unlock the defences the two teams arrayed in front of their goals, especially that of Ungoliant and the Balrogs. Doriath had more possessions (hence more chances at goal) due to Anfauglith's weak midfield, which underscored their offensive woes. But the few chances Thuringwethil and company created were more dangerous than the ones Doriath had, which pointed out the continuing defensive difficulties of the Fenced Land. It required all of Melian and Lúthien's effort to keep the side from the Gasping Dust scoreless, as the rest of the defence were often left wrong-footed by the agile vampire's ball-handling and passing skills.

Anfauglith 0-0 Doriath
total shots 7-10
on target 2-2
GOALS:
*
YELLOW CARDS:
*Anfauglith- Gundor, Balrog #3, Borlach
*Doriath- Nimloth, Daeron

__________________


AC Beleriand vs The Havens

Despite the fact that much of the media's attention has been on the two Valinor squads, AC Beleriand made a statement today about their earnestness to win the Cup with their dismantling of the struggling Havens side. Dubbed by the local media in the Falas as a repeat of the first Kinslaying, Fëanor and Eöl made short work of the mariners, who had only Aegnor's goal to console them. In the post-game press conference Feanor said, 'It's lucky for Real and FC Valinor that they're in the wrong group; otherwise one of them won't even make it to the semis.'

AC Beleriand 3-1 The Havens
tot shots 15-15
on target 8-6
GOALS:
*10, 1-0 Fëanor (Ulrad)
*26, 2-0 Eöl (Fëanor)
*63, 2-1 Aegnor (Eärendil)
*78, 3-1 Eöl (Beren)
YELLOW CARDS:
*AC Bel- Ecthelion, Denethor, Imlach
*Havens- Andreth, Aegnor

[the phantom]

Minas Morgul played host for the final friendly for Barad-Dur and The Sea. It was easier for visitors to reach than any of the arenas within Mordor itself, and so would get a better mix of fans. A couple ships worth of mariner-types sailed up the Anduin and made the trek east for the match, and even more Gondorians showed up to support their Numenorean forefathers.

And these fans were pleased indeed, as both Veantur and Tar Minastir made it into the scorebook, one of them off a nice find from Tar Aldarion. They were displeased when longtime foe Sauron scored just before the half, but even with the talented Sea defense playing fairly top level Sauron is going to do that from time to time.

In the second half the high level of play continued and The Sea was able to play their style and suffocate Barad-Dur in the final 25 to hold on for the win.

Barad-Dur 1-2 The Sea
tot shots 14-13
on target 4-7
GOALS:
*17, 0-1 Veantur (Tar Aldarion)
*42, 1-1 Sauron (Beruthiel)
*75, 1-2 Tar Minastir (Ulmo)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Barad-Dur- Castamir, Fuinur, Mouth, Herumor, Sauron
*Sea- Tar Aldarion, Osse, Ulmo

The match between group foes Dwarves United and Wilderland wasn't terribly well attended, even though it took place in Dimrill Dale- close for both the Dwarves of the mountains and the Elves of Lothlorien.

But the Elves were split with their attentions- Rumil and Orophin were with the Misty Mts, Celeborn and Haldir were with Anduin, and Galadriel was with Wilderland, so they simply couldn't get behind one team full force.

The Dwarves on the other hand- they were certainly behind their squad, but many of them were busy with preparations, as the Dwarven Halls of Moria would be playing host to Group C. Not to mention that this particular game would be played again- only when it mattered.

So a half-empty stadium got to see a rather low-effort game. The natural athleticism of Wilderland was on display, and Aule's squad refused to counter with physicality, either for fear of injury or because they wanted to save their energy and plans for the group stage.

With Wilderland playing loose too the Dwarves did get a few looks at the goal, but the Great Warg made several nice saves to keep the opposition at bay. In the end only a pinpoint surprise drive by Celebrimbor kept them from being shut out.

Dwarves United 1-4 Wilderland
tot shots 14-18
on target 7-7
GOALS:
*35, 0-1 Galadriel (Orome)
*57, 0-2 Scatha (Elwe)
*69, 1-2 Celebrimbor (Telchar)
*79, 1-3 Scatha (Galadriel)
*83, 1-4 Elwe (Fimbrethil)
YELLOW CARDS:
*DwarvesU- Gimli
*Wilderland- Oropher, Galion

[Nogrod]

Hithlum had invited team Tirion to visit them at Dor-lómin’s cosy forest-stadium and the attendance was excellent regarding that there were two other quite a crowd-pleaser games taking place in the vicinity around the same time.

The game was an interesting one in many respects. Both teams went for ball possession and short-pass tactics – probably trying to save energy just before the tournament by not running to and fro through the field all the time after long openings. But that didn’t mean the ball was just moved over the midfield. On the contrary, the teams offered the spectators real value for their money with a display of some nice individual skills, well played combinations and in the end seven goals. Tirion got four of them, Hithlum three.

Tirion has been high on the different rankings published in the media and Hithlum has done pretty well too. But the problem both teams face is the super-high level of competition in both of their respective groups.

Asked about that in the post-game press the answers were these.

Aredhel: We just keep scoring more than the opponents do, and to help that we tighten our backline a little bit… You know, even if they would never admit it, the Númenorians are wetting their pants looking forwards to meeting us as they know they have to score at least three or four to even draw with us – and they just don’t score that much, sorry guys. And the Valinor-teams? They are the pre-tournament favourites and they are under pressure to qualify, so we’ll keep on scoring and see whether they can answer that. They will freeze, I will tell you. They will freeze.

Húrin: Valimar and The Sea play the defence-game. The medicine against that is playing offencive – and you know where the talent of our team lies… And the Havens, you ask? Well I wouldn’t count on them to be contesting for the qualification anyway. Tuor is a good lad and his offspring are valiant, and Cirdan is a great person, but they just are not up to the challenge this time.

Hithlum 3-4 Tirion
tot shots 13-15
on target 7-7
GOALS:
*8, 1-0 Turin (Hurin)
*14, 1-1 Finwe (Anaire)
*19, 1-2 Eonwe (Ingwe)
*31, 2-2 Nienor (Hador)
*40, 2-3 Mahtan
*70, 2-4 Finwe (Aredhel)
*81, 3-4 Hurin (Androg)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Hithlum- Morwen, Grithnir
*Tirion- Elenwe


~*~

Even if football is the number one sport in Arda, there still are pockets here and there where other sports take precedence. One of those is the great city of Dol Amroth by the sea. In an effort to spread the enthusiasm towards football the AFA (Arda Football Association) has been sponsoring the building of a beautiful Swan Arena just inside the New Port facing the Bay of the White Ships.

Gondor’s and Minas Tirith’s scheduals had sadly been locked down already before it was clear the stadium would be finished before this year’s Cup would begin, but the adminstrators of Dol Amroth were able to pick quite a treat for their citizens by getting four very interesting teams to the city to finish their friendly season.

In the afternoon game one of the great favourites and talk of the Arda Real Valinor – with all the powerful elves and Western-folk – met the media-favourite team of oddities, the one who can actually also play aka. Tol In Gaurhoth.

In the game Real Valinor showed why they are high in the speculations. Even if the T-I-G played their best football thus far and managed to offer some real competition, there never was a real question about which team was calling the shots here. Real’s ball-handling was just superb and their passes a level faster and wittier, their offencive-players’ manouvers a deal more creative and dangerous than those of their wight-werewolf counterparts. Looking at the shooting stats just tells it all.

Both teams played it all out and Real Valinor went on winning the game 3-1. That was a fair result.

Real Valinor 3-1 Tol In Gaurhoth
tot shots 19-11
on target 9-3
GOALS:
*18, 1-0 Miriel (Elemmire)
*54, 1-1 NerWight (NogWolf)
*72, 2-1 Nessa (Nerdanel)
*86, 3-1 Miriel (Tilion)
YELLOW CARDS:
*RealVal- Rumil, Tilion, Caranthir
*TIG- SallyWight, NilpWolf, DF Wight #2, DF Wight #1


But the game the audiences were really excited about was the “meeting of the brothers” – as the game was marketed (although some critical avant-garde & hipster media, like The Belfalas Guardian, called it “a senior-meeting of centuries old grandfathers and uncles no one living today should be interested more than a piece in the museum of oddities”). But most of the people were thrilled to see the great Númenorians and the Kings of Arnor clashing in a friendly battle on a football-field.

Both teams played respectfully but in a full tournament gusto. Even if Armenelos was the more controlling side, Elendil’s and Araphor’s nice teamwork took Arnor into lead in the first half. Ar Pharazôn’s intelligent pass that freed Tar Miriel one on one with Arvedui draw the game early in the second half.

Little by little Armenelos’ faster and more athletic game bore fruit and Ar Pharazôn scored a neat volley for Armenelos to take the lead on 72nd minute. After that Armenelos pulled back practising keeping the lead – and Arnor was not able to get past the defence any more.

Ar Pharazôn smiled widely in the press conference and praised team Arnor being a lot tougher their rankings by the “know-nothing media” show and suggested they should look and learn. He was also quick to mention that he had told the media already earlier that when the games start to be more real he will start scoring, and he did play a major part in both goals of Armenelos in the game so maybe he is correct.

When asked by Andunië Evening Standard, whether the Valinor-based teams they will meet in the group-phase are still too tough for them to qualify, Ar Pharazôn had only this to answer:

“Phffft!”

Armenelos 2-1 Arnor
tot shots 14-8
on target 6-3
GOALS:
*29, 0-1 Araphor (Elendil)
*55, 1-1 Tar Miriel (Ar Pharazon)
*72, 2-1 Ar Pharazon (Tar Ancalimon)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Armenelos- Ar Adunakhor, Ar Zimrathan
*Arnor- Malvegil, Araval, Earendur

[Boromir88]

FRIENDLIES - ROUND 4

The Ost-in-Edhil Stadium was chosen to host the friendly between Angband and Inter Beleriand. It was an interesting decision to play the game in Middle-earth, but both teams agreed it was the best. Since Angband would be playing their games at Michel Delving, and Inter Beleriand would travel to Weathertop, both agreed to make the trip to Middle-earth early and play their final friendly at a neutral location.

It was fairly well attended friendly, since the locals were interested to see two Beleriand teams play, especially since one had Morgoth himself, and the other Maedhros and Fingon. Also, many supporters of the teams wanted to get to Middle-earth early, and buy up the group-match tickets when they went on sale.

The match was hardly fought and contested, with both sides going for the win, but neither tried deception. Without creativity in the teams' attacks, both defenses were up to the task of shutting them down. Eventually, the agility of Telivildo, and dominating presence of Ancalagon, freed Ulfast to give Angband the lead in the 38th minute.

Angband came out of the break looking to showcase their defense even more, and Inter Beleriand found it very hard to break down a defense organized by Morgoth. The pure skill of Maedhros and Fingon did create some quality efforts, but those efforts were too few, and Carcharoth was never truly tested in goal.

Angband 1-0 Inter Beleriand
tot shots 11-10
on target 4-3
GOALS:
*38, 1-0 Ulfast (Telvildo)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Angband- Ulfast, Ulwarth
*InterBel- Haldad

Isengard and Minas Tirith, squared off in a full tournament effort at the Hornburg Stadium.

Isengard dominated the first half, particularly Saruman, who scored both of Isengard's goals. But Wormtongue's midfield also played well in the first half, feeding passes to the up front goal-scorers.

Isengard pulled back the offense in the 2nd, which allowed Minas Tirith to create a couple chances. Mardil was able to pull the White City to within a goal, but it required bringing defenders up as extra attackers, to finally bbeat The Mountain & The Tree defense. After cutting the defecit to 1, Isengard played a couple counter attacks, just to keep Minas Tirith on its toes and not able to focus entirely on equalizing. In the end, Saruman looked more likely to grab his 3rd goal of the match than Minas Tirith did at equalizing.

Isengard 2-1 Minas Tirith
tot shots 13-10
on target 7-4
GOALS:
*22, 1-0 Saruman (Lugdush)
*44, 2-0 Saruman (Quickbeam)
*74, 2-1 Mardil (Cirion)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Isengard- Freca, Wulf, Mauhur
*MTirith- Ostoher

A very clean game played amongst friends, but still a competitive one. Eriador, in particular, showing you did not need heavy bruisers, or intimidation tactics to play a solid defensive game.

Although it started out shaky for Eriador's defense, as the BarrowWight and Bombadil were up to their usual performance, making it hard on defenders, and simply being annoying with never ending dancing and terrible poetry.

It's no insult to concede a goal to those two players, since they are one of the best combos in Arda, and have scored on any defense (even on Melkor and the mighty Valimar in the 2009 Cup!) But somehow Bombadil's self-indulgent celebrations were viewed as an insult by the Noldor, and Gil-galad made it his mission to shut Bombadil out for the remainder.

But shutting down Bombadil was not at all a troubling task in the 2nd half, since no one seemed to know where the annoying little man was. And thus Eriador was able to take firmer control of the game. Thrice Eriador scored, and it was a total team effort involving 5 different players. After Gil-galad's goal, making it 3-1, Eriador defended to close out the game. With no Bombadil, Shire-Bree was unable to make a game of it, and so nothing of note happened in the final 10 minutes.

Eriador 3-1 Shire-Bree United
tot shots 12-14
on target 6-5
GOALS:
*24, 0-1 BarrowWight (Bombadil)
*43, 1-1 Glorfindel (Arveleg)
*61, 2-1 Witch King
*78, 3-1 Gil-galad (Arahael)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Eriador-
*SBreeU- Bandobras

[the phantom]

With the ban on games in Valinor, Mordor wanted to snare a western foe to host. They made a great pitch to team Valimar, but when the westerners rolled in they found the host stadium at the Morannon to be less than hospitable.

Any lodging that wasn't already filled with Mordorians was crawling with pests and wasn't just dirty but appeared to have been actively wrecked. Not to mention most of the rooms looked as if they'd once been regular size but had been recently divided with hastily erected walls.

Packs of orcs lined the streets and heckled the Valinoreans as they checked into their insufficient lodgings. To escape the sickening cramped quarters the Elves and Ainu went out to find a good pub. What they found were ramshackle joints next to luxurious orc-only establishments. The places of business they were allowed into served only muddy water- or at least they hoped it was only mud.

When it came time for the game the Valimar supporters discovered their seats were all in the top of one side of the stadium, and all the rear rows of orcs had over-sized hats and signs to block the view. And the play on the field that they couldn't see wasn't any less kind- Mordor was taking every opportunity to rough up Manwe and company.

Which, as those experienced with Manwe will tell you, is not a good idea. If an opposing team can keep Manwe and friends calm and playing their regular game, they'll be content to be defensive and, particularly in friendlies, sit on a 1-goal lead. But instead Valimar went up to full effort and tournament style play and didn't pull back to defense only until they had scored three goals, and Mordor simply didn't have an answer for it. The orcs were quite down about it, but as a consolation they knew they'd take it in shifts to scream outside Valimar's quarters that night.

Mordor 0-3 Valimar
tot shots 9-13
on target 2-6
GOALS:
*21, 0-1 Alatar (Ilmare)
*37, 0-2 Pallando (Vaire)
*72, 0-3 Pallando (Amras)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Mordor- Grishnakh, Nazgul #2, Fellbeast #1, Gorbag
*Valimar- Amras, Alatar

The game between FC Valinor and The Downer on the foggy Downs field was a real letdown for the locals that braved the chill to see it. The Downer started off focused on the task, but began losing interest as the score held at 0-0.

FC Valinor finally broke things open at 32 minutes, but they did so in such a business-like manner that it didn't seem to stir The Downer much. Early in the 2nd half it happened again. FC Val fell back to play some defense, but The Downer seemed uninterested in asserting themselves, so the Valinoreans decided to get in a bit more offensive practice.

After the fourth goal FC Val gave away possession completely and The Downer took some half-hearted scoring attempts, but they never got close, and things ended in sad shape for the other-dimensionals.

FC Valinor 4-0 The Downer
tot shots 19-13
on target 9-4
GOALS:
*32, 1-0 Celegorm (Maglor)
*54, 2-0 Curufin (Yavanna)
*68, 3-0 Argon (Curufin)
*76, 4-0 Yavanna (Idril)
YELLOW CARDS:
*FCVal- Nahar
*Downer- John Fillis, Evil Mayo

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Quiet Argon uses Arda Cup debut to make a statement about his game
by Alice Holly

For many who were not born with talent or fame, suiting up to be on the biggest stage would be enough. It is, after all, something far more than they would have expected or deserved. Having the spotlight on them for a few fleeting moments would be enough of an experience to last them for the rest of their lives.

That clearly isn’t enough for Argon, son of Fingolfin, FC Valinor midfielder.

‘I came here to play winning football.’

And he certainly has. He has four friendly goals in four matches in a team laden with star power, a team on the path to winning it all. He had a double—the only goals his team had—in FC Valinor’s win against their toughest rival Real Valinor. Argon took his time in the limelight and used it to prove that he deserved to be among the elite.

It had been an long and arduous road for Argon—getting the call in the first place required divine intervention.

‘I don’t know anyone from Middle-earth, so my only chance for a call-up to an Arda Cup roster is through Blessed Realm teams. I knew I didn’t have much of a chance because there were only thirty-three spots—actually less, because I can’t play goalie. This year Tulkas and Yavanna built their own squads, after being together in team Valinor last year, so I had a few more chances to be called up. About a week into the preseason, I finally got invited by Yavanna to join her FC Valinor team.’

Argon is not a total unknown in the footballing world. After all, he did come from one of the best footballing families in Eä, the House of Finwë. His father and sister have won the Cup.

‘It’s just that I never got the chance to be on the news like they do, be it about football or anything else. But I guess I like being quiet. I’ve never been fond of war or politics—football’s been enough to get me going.’

He’s also the captain of the Tirion Sporting Club, far and away the best player in a middling team in the Elvish Premier League. They accomplished their best league finish this year at sixth, fully thirty points behind leaders Eldamar. And they have never progressed past the quarterfinals of the Elf A Cup.

‘The people I’m playing with now, I used to meet them on the pitch only twice, maybe thrice a year.’

And those people have nothing but praise for the Arda Cup rookie.

‘He’s a hard worker,’ said his half-cousin Celegorm.

His grandmother Indis concurs. ‘He’s usually the first on the pitch, working on his game—footwork, ball-control, his stamina, whatever he needs to improve on. He’s also usually the last to leave.’

‘He desires to know more about the game,’ said Irmo. ‘He reads up on strategies and tactics. And he’s watching tapes of past Arda Cup games, especially ones of teams we’d be facing. He says he doesn’t want to feel out the opposition only when he’s on the pitch against them—he wants to be ready for what they can do.’

After years of waiting, he’s finally shown Arda that he can play in the greatest stage. Argon’s time in the spotlight is just a stepping stone to greater glory.

‘It’s my first time to be here, and I already want to win it all. Sounds ambitious, maybe, but I know we can do it.’

Alice Holly is a Tar-Eldar Network Television football correspondent.

[Nogrod]

So dear friends, it is getting about time to bring the final rankings to the fore before the tournament begins. The AKM is proud to bring it's readers the first one - and one that looks a little bit different than some of the earlier rankings whether by the AKM or the other networks.

The reason for that is simple.

We have considered both the schedual of each team in the friendlies aka. how tough teams they have played, and more or less ignored those games where both teams have played for a draw.

We'll bring you some more elaborate statitistics & speculation on them when our "group by group" -analysis is published in the next few days.


In the following ranking-list you have all the teams ranked first of all into five different ranking-categories (which we have used to determine the toughness or easyness of their schedule - the end-result of course has been modified). Before a team name there is the ranking + the former ranking by the AKM in parentheses. After the team there is the letter for the group the team plays in.

Rank 1 (The Favourites)
1. (1.) FC Valinor (D)
2. (2.) Real Valinor (D)
3. (5.) Valimar (E)
4. (3.) AC Beleriand (G)

Rank 2 (The Contenders)
5. (10.) Angband (A)
6. (7.) Tirion (D)
7. (8.) The Sea (E)
8. (4.) Eriador (B)
9. (9.) Wilderland (C)
10. (6.) Armenelos (D)
11. (16.) Anduin (C)
12. (11.) Erebor (C)
13. (13.) Anfaughlith (G)

Rank 3 (Can challenge a good team)
14. (14.) Imladris (F)
15. (15.) Nargothrond (G)
16. (12.) Rohan (F)
17. (17.) Doriath (G)
18. (17.) Hithlum (E)
19. (19) Gondolin (B)

Rank 4 (Decent teams on a good day)
20. (21.) Misty Mts. (F)
21. (25.) The Havens (E)
22. (24.) Isengard (F)
23. (27.) Arnor (B)
24. (22.) Tol In Gaurhoth (A)
25. (23.) Shire-Bree Utd. (A)
26. (28.) Inter Beleriand (B)
27. (20.) Gondor (H)

Rank 5 (The Left-overs)
28. (30.) Mordor (H)
29. (26.) Minas Tirith (H)
30. (31.) Barad Dûr (H)
31. (29.) Dwarves Utd. (C)
32. (32.) The Downer (A)

[Shastanis Althreduin]

Anduin took on Imladris in what was to be one of the final friendly matches before the tournament began in earnest. And, to be frank, the first half of this game was pretty boring. It appeared the time of year was making Grimbeorn sluggish – he barely moved during the first half of the game. On the other side, Elladan could be seen juggling the ball at nearly every opportunity simply for practice, judging this game to be not worthwhile.

In the second half, though, he did stir himself to put the ball into the net courtesy of a strong punt from Arwen (later, a reporter heard her say she aimed at Elladan’s head deliberately, to wake him up.) However, this roused the Anduin team to play full-bore, and eleven minutes later Boromir II juked away from his defenders and equalized the game. Now Grimbeorn had had time to fully shake off his grogginess and rejoin the game, and it was the mighty bear himself that scored Anduin’s second goal in order to secure his team the win.

Anduin 2-1 Imladris
tot shots 12-10
on target 4-4
GOALS:
*49, 0-1 Elladan (Arwen)
*60, 1-1 Boromir II (Fram)
*81, 2-1 Grimbeorn (Haldir)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Anduin- Lenwe, Frumgar
*Imladris- Aranarth


Foul play abounded in the friendly between the physical teams of Erebor and Misty Mountains (who, in particular, has a history of using their brawn rather more than their brains.) Again, in what seems to have become a pattern, the objective of actually putting the ball into the net seemed to be sidelined for most of the game – shots were taken when possible, but it seemed both teams were more interested in getting a piece of their opponents. The crafty elf Rumil assisted both Misty Mountains goals, but was never carded for the sly fouls he committed against Dain. Enraged, Dain went straight after Rumil, but received his second yellow of the match and was sent off the field. Chief Wolf soon followed, thanks to a nasty bite he gave Gwaihir (who responded with a mighty wing buffet and received his own yellow for his trouble), and both teams finished out the game at a tie.

Erebor 2-2 Misty Mts
tot shots 15-15
on target 7-6
GOALS:
*13, 1-0 Smaug (Bard)
*30, 1-1 Durin’s Bane (Rumil)
*44, 1-2 Narvi (Rumil)
*57, 2-2 Thranduil (Dain)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Erebor- Nazgul #7, Gwaihir, Meneldor, Dain, Smaug
*Misty- Azog, Chief Wolf, Bert, Orophin, William
RED CARDS:
Erebor- Dain (63, second yellow)
Misty- Chief Wolf (66, second yellow)


The most exciting thing about the Gondor/Rohan friendly was the explosive start, as both teams had apparently decided to treat this game just like a real, tournament-style play. Not very many shots were taken (8 for Gondor, 10 for Rohan), but the ball changed hands (or, rather, feet, or hooves, or what have you) like lightning, never remaining in possession of one team for very long. A little over half an hour in, Anarion fired off a shot at the Rohan goal, but Felarof intercepted it with a well-timed rear, coming down on top of the ball. The pressure Felarof’s hoof applied to the ball popped it into the sky and across the pitch, nearly going into the net of the Gondor goal. However, it bounced off the crossbar and back onto the field, where Eomer picked off the clean goal.

Rohan pulled back their offense a bit after that, letting Gondor try to equalize. And equalize they did, in the second half, as Anarion tried again and Falastur caught the rebounding ball square with a high knee, firing it into the back of the net. After that, the game exploded into full-bore play again, but both teams’ defenses held firm and the game ended in a tie.


Gondor 1-1 Rohan
tot shots 8-10
on target 3-5
GOALS:
*37, 0-1 Eomer (Felarof)
*65, 1-1 Falastur (Anarion)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Gondor- Calimehtar
*Rohan- Shadowfax, Eomer

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

For this edition of ArdaCup.com Stats Report, we go into an in-depth analysis of the status of the groups heading into the tournament proper.

Power Rank:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Elenrod/power-rank-4th-friendly-1.png

Greatest gain:
+10 Isengard
+9 Anduin
+7 Valimar
Greatest loss:
-14 Tol-in-Gaurhoth
-11 Mordor
-10 Imladris

The Power Ranking is based on the aggregate of offensive and defensive ranking, combined with the adjusted goal difference rank of each team. The listed offensive and defensive rankings are from the actual numbers by the teams, and not adjusted. Ties are broken by a) win-draw-loss record; and b) goal difference.

The offensive ranking is based on the goals scored throughout the friendly matches. Ties are broken by a) greater number of shots made on target; and b) greater number of shots made.

The defensive ranking is based on the goals allowed throughout the friendly matches. Ties are broken by a) least number of shots allowed on target; and b) least amount of shots allowed.

Please note that the above ranking is based on the four rounds of friendly matches played by the teams, and does not reflect actual tournament performance.

Top individual performers:

GOALS + ASSISTS

7+2
Finwë (Tirion)

5+3
Curufin (FC Valinor)
Húrin (Hithlum)
Gwindor (Nargothrond)

5+2
Bombadil (Shire-Bree United)

5+1
Túrin (Hithlum)
Glaurung (Nargothrond)

5+0
Arien (Real Valinor)
Sauron (Barad-dûr)

4+3
Míriel (Real Valinor)

4+2
Gothmog (Gondolin)

4+1
Aegnor (The Havens)

4+0
Maeglin (Gondolin)
Eönwë (Tirion)
Argon (FC Valinor)
Durin's Bane (Misty Mts)

3+4
Aredhel (Tirion)

3+3
Oromë (Wilderland)

3+2
Strider (Shire-Bree United)
Eärendil (The Havens)

3+1
Tar-Minastir (The Sea)
Saruman (Isengard)

2+4
Elwë (Wilderland)

2+3
Galadriel (Wilderland)
Tar-Ancalimon (Armenelos)
Yavanna (FC Valinor)
Nienor (Hithlum)
Finrod (Nargothrond)

1+5
Barrow-Wight (Shire-Bree United)

GOALKEEPING

92.31% - 12/13 - Manwe (Valimar)
92.31% - 12/13 - Ungoliant (Anfauglith)
87.50% - 14/16 - Marach (AC Beleriand)
86.67% - 13/15 - Elrond (Eriador)
85.71% - 18/21 - Elros (Imladris)

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

A team of TENT and ArdaCup.com sports analysts will now bring you the most comprehensive and most accurate analysis of the Arda Cup groups.

After the team’s name is a list of the top three phantasy performers for the team (with their points per game and positions given).

GROUP A

Here we have two teams gutted after last year’s final four appearance, a team clearly improved in the offseason, and a bunch of jokers whose improvement or lack thereof cannot be quantified on the pitch.

Angband
4.5 GK Carcaroth
3.75 DF Morgoth
2.75 DF Balrog #1

Angband has lost Ungoliant, Thuringwethil, and Tilion, but they have retained Morgoth, Ancalagon, and Tevildo. They have also been rejoined by Carcaroth after winning a title with Doriath—by the way, why is his wolvish partner-in-crime Draugluin not playing this year? Despite the loss of one of the greatest goalkeepers in Arda, they remain as stingy as ever in the friendlies, conceding only two goals in four games. But with the loss of midfield anchor Tilion they have struggled to score themselves, with only three goals in four games. Will they find the shooting touch come tourney time? It probably won’t matter soon, especially in this lousy group, but once the knockout games begin it will.


Shire-Bree United
6.5 FW Bombadil
4.75 MF Barrow-Wight
4.25 FW Strider

Clearly one of the most improved teams from last year’s cup—only Nargothrond could rival them in that aspect. They’ve gained Bombadil, Khamûl, Barrow-Wight, another Nazgûl, and Strider in the offseason, and lost nothing of consequence. The new additions have proven themselves, especially their forward line-up, as they average almost three goals per game. They’ve been doing it mostly against lousy defences, though, and when they faced a good one in Eriador, they failed to deliver. Worse, their terrible defence from last year hasn’t been remedied, averaging more than three goals conceded per game. Clearly, they don’t have enough to beat Angband, so their tie with Tol-in-Gaurhoth will decide the group’s runners-up. That being said, we think they’re still on the outside looking in.


The Downer
3.75 MF Hookbill
2.25 MF Lalwendë MP
2 GK Bubble Buddha

Nothing to see here that would interest a football fan—if you like slapstick antics and injuring pranks, then go ahead, watch their games. Otherwise move along.


Tol-in-Gaurhoth
5 GK ShastaWolf
4.25 MF PhantomWolf
3.5 FW NerWight

For this team, the whole is much greater than the sum of its parts, so the biggest offseason loss for the Wolves was not any of their players, but their Wight-Wolf forms and seven of their Werewolves. ShastaWolf, one of the best GKs last year, is back between the posts, and so are PhantomWolf and NogWolf. But how will this disparate disjointed team of Wolves, Wights, and a Lion mesh? Unlike Angband, they have a chance of not making it past the group stage, so finding groove sooner is imperative for them.

Projected finish:
1. Angband
2. Tol-in-Gaurhoth
3. Shire-Bree United
4. The Downer

GROUP H

The token laughingstock group. None of the teams here will last long past the group stage, except perhaps Barad-dûr, but that’s only because of Sauron’s (distant) championship pedigree.

Barad-dûr
4.75 FW Sauron
2 GK Mûmakil
1.5 MF Berúthiel

Sauron has always led a prolific offence—that’s what some of the GMs and team owners have said of him in the first ArdaCup.com Stats Report, and we agree. With Castamir and Berúthiel on his team, there’s the expectation that this will continue to hold true, their dismal friendly performance notwithstanding. If there’s anything about the Black Tower that worries us, it’s their defence. But that won’t matter yet, not in this group.


Gondor
4 MF Anarion
3.5 GK Hyarmendacil
3.25 MF Falastur

Gondor had the best pre-tournament showing of the teams in this group, with three draws and one loss. Two of their draws came against Armenelos and Rohan, which might say something about their talent, if it weren’t for the fact that the two played friendly friendlies with their descendants/brothers-in-arms. When the games were serious they drew with Isengard (meh) and lost to Arnor (haha). Despite that, the fail in this group is so strong that they have a serious chance to qualify past the group stage.


Minas Tirith
3.75 MF Mardil
3 GK Denethor
2 DF Cirion

In the two serious games Minas Tirith played in the friendlies, they lost to decent Anduin and even middling Isengard. Sure, this group is also full of decent to middling squads, but we’re betting Minas Tirith won’t beat even one of them.


Mordor
3.25 MF Nazgûl #4
2.5 GK Silent Watcher
1.5 FW Shelob

They played seriously in all their friendly games, so at least their performance can be an accurate gauge of their skill level. They got demolished by Valimar (as expected), lost to Anduin, drew with Arnor, and was leading for a while against Minas Tirith. Happily, none of the teams in this group are as good as Valimar or even Anduin (which is number ten on our pre-tournament power rank), so they have a shot to play in the knockout stage.

Projected finish:
1. Barad-dûr
2. Gondor
3. Mordor
4. Minas Tirith

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

GROUP B

Here we have a defensive powerhouse with teeth, two teams who have spent too much on their teeth, and a balanced team whose either end clearly isn’t as good as that of their opponent’s best end.

Arnor
3 GK Arvedui
2 DF Elendil, MF Argeleb
1.75 FW Araphor, FW Isildur

They are a balanced team, which could be their chance to finish out of this group. Their defence could keep the opposing strikers contained enough, and their offence could make up for the inevitable goals they would concede, since they’d be up against porous defences, anyway—at least, those not named Eriador. That being said, they won’t beat Eriador.


Inter Beleriand
3.5 GK Turgon
3 FW Maedhros
1.25 FW Fingon

Best friends Maedhros and Fingon’s adventure last year as team Himring ended in the group stage when their defence failed to stop Tirion’s strikers when it mattered, so they added Turgon and a Balrog to reinforce the back line. But it’s not working so far; they’ve conceded seven goals in four friendly matches, including three in their match against a much depleted Doriath squad. They have a chance to make it past this group, but that would depend on Maedhros, Fingon, Turgon, and that Balrog all waking up.


Eriador
4.5 GK Elrond, DF Gil-galad
3 DF Araphant, DF Malbeth
2.75 DF Asfaloth, FW Glorfindel

They’ve paired up Elrond the Great Wall of Middle-earth at the goal, who is renowned for clean sheets, with Wiki the Wundergûl at front, who is renowned for late-game come-from-behind heroics. The addition of the Lord of the Nazgûl covers a traditional weak point of an Elrond-led squad—they’re so used to playing with the lead that they usually don’t know how to come from behind, something that will inevitable happen come knockout stage. It’s hard to see this team not going deep into the tourney.


Gondolin
5.5 FW Gothmog
3.75 FW Maeglin
3.5 GK Rog

The Hidden City used to be renowned for its prudence, but that seems to be a thing of the past. Going all out offence this year while leaving their back line undermanned makes for exciting football, but not a winning one. They do have the best front line in this group, so they could just bludgeon the other teams with three or four goals and then make Eriador sweat a little. Just a little, though.

Projected finish:
1. Eriador
2. Gondolin
3. Inter Beleriand
4. Arnor

GROUP G

Here we have almost an echo of Group B, whose winner and runner-up, coincidentally, they’ll face in the round of sixteen: One powerhouse offensive team with a surprisingly good defence and three teams with different team-building philosophies who have almost equal chances of grabbing second place.

Anfauglith
5 GK Ungoliant
3.25 DF Borlach, DF Balrog #3, DF Balrog #4
3 DF Balrog #2

If you were an Anfauglith supporter, wouldn’t you wish they had this year’s back five in last year’s squad? With Balrogs to challenge shooters and clean sheet queen Ungoliant to mop up the goal-bound shots, they would probably have lifted that Cup, or at least made Doriath sweat to win it. As for this year’s front line . . . what front line?


AC Beleriand
4 GK Marach
3.5 DF Ecthelion
3.25 FW Fëanor

Marach is having a happy time manning the AC Bel goal so far; his 87.5% save rate being the third best among goalkeepers in the friendlies. Having Fingolfin in front of him to organise the defence certainly helps. And we’re sure Fëanor, fresh from winning the Champions League and Premier League scoring titles, hasn’t forgotten what he came to the pitch to do when the game is for real.


Doriath
4 MF Lúthien
3.5 GK Dior
3.25 MF Beleg, MF Daeron

Doriath may have lost much, but they still have a solid midfield that has been effective in offence—Lúthien is still the same fleet-footed Lúthien, after all, so is Beleg, and Daeron’s rise has been a welcome surprise. Their problem lies in the defensive end: Dior is a mediocre GK at best, and the defenders arrayed before him is not any better, except, of course, for Melian. Because of this and the presence of two offensive juggernauts in the group they’ll be forced to play the outscore-the-opposition game. Can they put up five if Glaurung or Fëanor score four against them? We doubt it.


Nargothrond
7.25 FW Gwindor
5.75 FW Glaurung
4.25 FW Finrod

This team has been built with only one goal in mind. Bëor the Old has never been a quality goalkeeper, and it’s likely he won’t start becoming one this year, so it’s up to their lethal trio of forwards and supporting trio of midfielders to put up higher numbers than the opposition. Glaurung and Gwindor have been ridiculously hot, each scoring a hat-trick in the friendlies, so it’s likely they can outscore their opponents, and even put a couple past the solid Anfauglith squad. But if there’s one squad they’re not likely to outscore, it’s the balanced AC Beleriand squad led in the attack by the Fiery Boot himself.

Projected finish:
1. AC Beleriand
2. Nargothrond
3. Anfauglith
4. Doriath

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

GROUP C

Here we have a team of flying offence and defence, a team with a First Age attacking line up, a team who had been denied last year by almost the same teams in their current group, and new team that many deem to be a bad idea.

Anduin
3.5 GK Amroth
3.25 MF Boromir II
3 FW Grimbeorn

We may have been a bit too hasty when we said that this group is a contest between the two dragon-powered teams. Anduin, who, despite failing, fought hard to try to get out of the group stage last year, has displayed fine form in the friendlies, losing only to Valimar, drawing with Wilderland, and then beating Imladris. But will they have the firepower or the stopping power to face Erebor and Wilderland when it matters?


Dwarves United
4 GK Bombur
3.5 DF Celebrimbor
1.75 DF Aulë

Let’s face it: there are some races you can’t build a football team around. Hobbits, for example. Sure, they have their strengths in certain areas of the pitch, but they also have glaring weaknesses. Last year’s Shire-Bree United squad failed to cover or make up for those weakness, and they ended up being one of the most dismal teams of 2011. So this year they learned their lesson, and they recruited non-Hobbits heavily—so heavily, in fact, that the only Hobbit they have left in the squad is the Bullroarer. All right, so this squad of Dwarves may have been importing talent already, but the Elf they trusted to bring them goals has not done so, mainly due to the fact that no one’s feeding him the ball. Maybe they should have recruited a non-Dwarf in the midfield, too.


Erebor
4 GK Beorn
2.25 FW Smaug
2 DF Girion

Smaug returns to the Lonely Mt, and even though he’s had a quiet friendly round (three goals in four games is quiet for him), the defence has stepped up in the meantime. Beorn’s 76.47% save rate is the eleventh best of the friendlies, and the eagle wall is the eighth best defence. Once Smaug and Thranduil wake up and do what they’re accustomed to, they have a chance to make some noise in the tourney proper.


Wilderland
6.5 FW Oromë
6.25 MF Elwë
4.75 MF Galadriel

They might not have missed Sauron and Smaug’s services, with Oromë, Elwë, and Galadriel doing a fine job of delivering goals, but they have sorely missed Grimbeorn’s presence at the net, as they’ve conceded almost two goals (in seven shots on target) per game in the friendlies. Perhaps Galadriel should have taken up her accustomed spot between the goalposts instead. Well, finding a defensive identity can wait until they’re in the knockout stage—after all, they do have the personnel up front to win this group.

Projected finish:
1. Wilderland
2. Erebor
3. Anduin
4. Dwarves United

GROUP F

The easiest group to predict: the gap between the top two and the bottom two teams of this group seems insurmountable.

Imladris
4.5 GK Elros
3.25 DF Varda
2.25 DF Aranarth, DF Galdor, DF Erestor

Imladris may have heaved a sigh of relief when their founder’s brother Elros stepped in to replace their lord at the goal, but a few friendly performances have them wishing that Elrond had chosen to stay instead. Shutting out Arnor was a fine performance, though not exactly a difficult task, but letting Anduin score two against them was a disaster. This would not be much of a worry if they can rack up more goals than the opposition, but the siblings Elladan, Elrohir, and Arwen have yet to show any scoring touch.


Isengard
3.5 FW Saruman
3 GK Uglúk
2.25 DF Treebeard

Saruman has returned to his old fortress after a two-year absence, bringing with him Caradhras, a talent he had discovered last year for the Misty Mts squad. Unfortunately, even with the mountain spirit and the addition of a few Ents, there are few Arda-level talents to be found within Nan Curunír. Isengard did manage a win against Minas Tirith, but that’s a team even more lacking in talent than Saruman’s squad, and winning against them is no accomplishment a tournament-calibre team should be proud of.


Misty Mts
3.5 MF Narvi
2.5 GK Great Goblin
2 FW Durin's Bane, MF Rúmil

This is a team that may have maxed out its potential last year. Saruman’s departure has deprived the team of its cunning, and they have replaced it with the brutishness of old, earning the squad a record twenty yellow cards in the friendlies. That’s five bookings per game. The good news is that Rúmil and Narvi have shared the scoring load with Durin’s Bane, but the bad news is that the Great Goblin, who replaced Caradhras as goalkeeper, has been dismal, with a save rate of 53.85%. They might catch Imladris on a bad day and steal a win (a long shot), but they won’t stand a chance against Rohan.


Rohan
4 MF Éomer
3.5 GK Théoden
3 DF Felarof

One of the most expensive Middle-earth squads (only Erebor and Eriador cost more), Rohan is trying to recapture the spirit of the miracle of 2009, when they made it to the round of sixteen, and was a penalty shoot-out away from advancing to the quarterfinals. Their defence might be a bit too lax, mainly due to their friendly friendlies with Minas Tirith and Gondor, but in this group it might not matter much yet. And Éomer has been consistent on offence, averaging a goal or an assist per game in the friendlies. If Eorl and Helm step up, they look set to dominate this group, and even exceed the accomplishments of the 2009 Edoras squad.

Projected finish:
1. Rohan
2. Imladris
3. Misty Mts
4. Isengard

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

GROUP D

This group has us hating the grouping committee; any one of these teams has Round of Sixteen-level talent (at the very least).

Armenelos
4.75 MF Tar-Ancalimon
3.5 GK Tar-Atanamir
2 DF Tar-Palantir, DF Tar-Telperiën, MF Tar-Míriel

With excellent athleticism, great teamwork, top-class individual talents like Tar-Atanamir, Tar-Telperiën, Ar-Adûnakhôr, and Ar-Pharazôn (as well as the rise of Tar-Ancalimon in the friendlies), this Armenelos team is not much different from its previous versions that have cemented Númenor’s status as one of the best footballing nations in Arda. But this year might be their darkest ever. Placed in a group with two Cup favourites and a third team unaccustomed to being left behind in the group stage, and with their lacklustre showing in the friendlies, the Númenórean squad is in danger of watching the knockout games from the side lines, the first time ever that a team from Elenna would fail to advance from the group stage. Now, nobody is counting the Royals out, but even they must admit that they’re not one of the favourites to advance from this group, either.


Tirion
8.5 FW Finwë
6 FW Aredhel
4 FW Eönwë

With the talent this squad has, they’re certainly among the best sixteen (perhaps even the best eight) teams in the tourney. But in this group, their lack of a proper defence would be their undoing. Sure, Finwë and company can connect with the back of the net, but the other three teams in this group could match them goal for goal.


FC Valinor
7.25 FW Curufin
5 MF Argon, MF Yavanna
4 GK Huan

They have Celegorm and Curufin up front and Huan at the rear. The trio have won the cup together, and Huan’s success in the Arda Cup is already much heralded. Tested personnel on both ends of the pitch usually translate into titles, if properly supported. With Argon flashing his talents in his first Arda Cup appearance (see the feature article above), and Yavanna being her usual self, they look set to continue Huan’s ridiculous semi-final appearance streak.


Real Valinor
6 FW Míriel
5 FW Arien
4 MF Nessa

Tulkas is untested as a goalkeeper, but with Nienna tending the space in front of him the test will be lighter for him than for most new goalies. As for their front line, nothing more needs to be tested of Míriel, Nerdanel, and Arien—except, perhaps, winning it all.

Projected finish:
1. FC Valinor
2. Real Valinor
3. Armenelos
4. Tirion

GROUP E
After having these four teams scrambling to get out of this group, they will meet the best and the second-best team from Group D. Out of the frying pan and into the fire, indeed.

Hithlum
7 FW Húrin
5.75 FW Túrin
4.25 MF Nienor

The bad news: After Hithlum’s three double-digit salary forwards, they have no one worth more than six million. The good news: the three forwards are Túrin, Húrin, and Hador. So everyone knows what this team will do best. Sure, they’re up against two Ainur-anchored defences in this group, but Túrin has never been denied the knockout stage before, and we don’t think he’ll be denied now. Also, Nienor has stepped up, averaging a goal or an assist per friendly game, and one can hope that Aradan or someone from the defence will similarly step up and anchor their back line to give them a chance to go further.


The Havens
4.25 MF Aegnor
3.75 FW Eärendil
2.75 FW Tuor

The Havens have shown in the friendlies that you need to be a really good team to beat them. Unfortunately, the other teams in their group are ‘really good’. Too bad; Eärendil is back to normal form, and Aegnor seems to be having a breakout season.


The Sea
3.75 FW Tar-Minastir
3.5 GK Voronwë, DF Ulmo
2.25 MF Tar-Aldarion

It was an idea that had been flirted with for a while—pairing Valarin defence with Númenórean offence should be a winning combination. But the idea never really took off, due perhaps to chemistry, or just plain team-building issues. Now Ulmo may have found the proper recipe; the Númenóreans have been taking care of the goals, delivering six in four games, and Ulmo and his Maiar have been taking care of the defence, limiting red-hot Tirion to two goals and Armenelos to one. This team balance on both ends of the pitch looks set to dominate this group of unbalanced squads.


Valimar
5 GK Manwë
3.5 DF Amras, MF Pallando
3.25 DF Vána, DF Námo

Like the case of Misty Mts (whom they coincidentally met in the 2011 Arda Cup Round of Sixteen) last year’s Pelóri team has pretty much maxed out Manwë’s strategy, having enough of a scoring punch in Eönwë, Varda, and Oromë to ensure the one-goal win plan’s success. Sure, their current defence with Manwë manning the goal is still formidable (they’re the top defensive team of the friendlies), but having lost those three scorers in the offseason will hurt them in the putting-the-ball-in-the-net department. (From the numbers, it looks like Pallando can step up, but most of his damage had been done against the pathetic Mordor squad.)

Projected finish:
1. The Sea
2. Hithlum
3. Valimar
4. The Havens

[the phantom]

MESPN News: Team Guide Part 1
The Phantom

In this team guide our readers can learn a bit about the general habits and play of all the teams in Arda Cup 2012. It doesn't say much in the way of predictions, but it might be helpful for picking phantasy squads and the like all the same. Happy reading!

GROUP A

ANGBAND- Morgoth and his Balrog will hold down the defense in front of the solid guardian Carcharoth. The midfield will be asked to flow back to front, with Telvildo and Ancalagon always ready to launch the attack at the front. The ball is likely to go through Telvildo quite often, and everyone will always be looking to Ancalagon as a finisher. He isn’t the quickest to change directions nor does he have craftsmanlike ball skills, but he’s very fast and has as powerful a strike as anyone, and obviously he’s a very big target. Morgoth will take the occasional free-kick or corner, and both he and the Balrog are priority targets on such set plays.

SHIRE-BREE UNITED- This side will look to possess the ball at the front and play a lot of one touch ball to keep the defense running. Strider, Khamul, and Barrow-Wight are all solid distributors and finishers with decent speed and size. Bombadil historically plays inconsistent ball, but when his head is in it he has shocking speed and agility and finishing power to match.

THE DOWNER- This entire squad plays in a Bombadilish manner, inconsistently competing. Saucepan Man and Lalwende MP are fairly good about showing up, and both are decently skilled, but the spotty Hookbill is the preferred man to run the offense through, and the similarly untrustworthy Alien is the most dangerous finisher when his head is right.

TOL-IN-GAURHOTH- The Wights of TIG are always tactical and solid and play as a team. The Werewolves at the front, NogWolf and PhantomWolf, provide difficult matchups with their speed and physicality. On corners and such very few can challenge the leap of a Werewolf. Both have massive finishing power as well, with PhantomWolf particularly being a free kick specialist. Defender NilpWolf will push up in support when he can, as he has the speed to get back. In matches with particularly athletic strikers he will be tasked with hounding them. ShastaWolf in goal will be tough to get past with his Werewolf reflexes.

GROUP B

ARNOR- These guys will be flexible and play according to the moment. They don’t make mistakes on defense and Arvedui provides a quality final line. Isildur is the sort likely to demand touches up front, and Araphor has a history of late-game heroics. Elendil will be a big target on corners and the like. Free kicks will generally be handled by Isildur.

INTER BELERIAND- The midfield will be looking to feed Fingon and Maedhros at every opportunity. They both excel at teamwork and are great finishers. Maedhros is the big target in the middle while Fingon generally sends the kicks in. The Balrog at the back will come up and use his size and power in support when necessary.

ERIADOR- Elrond is as good a keeper as there is. Asfaloth will be tasked with defending large and/or fast strikers, while Gil-galad will occasionally send a kick into the box or be targeted on such a play. The Witch King is the always present target for finishing, while the speedy and deft Glorfindel is a slightly bigger threat for getting released behind the defense on a counter.

GONDOLIN- Rog is quality and there are some good athletes on the defense, but the money here is in the front. They’re going to try and work it to Maeglin and Gothmog as often as possible, whether through possession or through speculative long-balls. Gothmog is a huge powerful target and fast to boot, so he’s a threat on set plays and breakaways. Maeglin “sharp-boot” has spectacular feel and control to match his agility and will nearly always beat his man with the dribble one-on-one.

GROUP C

ANDUIN- These guys play defensively in front of Amroth and with Celeborn and Fram defending they can match up with quality strikers. Fram likes to stick his foot into the offense with long strikes and crosses, but if the opposition has a particularly monstrous striker his attention will be diverted. Anduin will use their midfield to possess and look to feed the powerful Grimbeorn. The quick and accurate Haldir is a particularly good passer, and also will snipe when the opportunity is there. The valiant leg of Boromir II will handle free kicks.

DWARVES UNITED- This team is defense first, and will try and counterattack with Celebrimbor and Aule rushing up in support when necessary. The craftsdwarves Telchar and Gamil Zirak are particularly good feeders, as is Aule when he’s in play, and of course Celebrimbor's touch is Feanor-esque. Legolas has a highly accurate strike and is difficult to keep up with. Free kicks will be split between him, Celebrimbor, and Aule depending on the distance and angle.

EREBOR- Beorn can cover a lot of net, and with three speedy eagles in the defense Erebor will not be outrun on a counter. Girion or Gwaihir might occasionally lend some pressure up front. Thranduil and Nazgul 7 are both accurate team player passers and decent finishers, Bard and Bolg are both offensive minded powerful shooters, and Smaug is obviously a giant target up front that can outmuscle defenders or outfly them on breakaways and has a thunderous tail-strike.

WILDERLAND- Great Warg has excellent reflexes in goal while the Ents protecting him have the size and strength to match powerful opponents. Oropher will be tasked with defending more agile opponents, as the straightline speed of the Ents doesn’t necessarily translate to direction changes. The defenders will look to get it to the front four as often as possible. Elwe, Galadriel, and Orome are all proficient in every aspect of offense, so they will work it with each other and also look to involve the giant tail of Scatha whenever possible.

GROUP D

ARMENELOS- The Numenorians will be organized in front of Tar Atanamir like always. The team will move as a whole up the pitch to attack, with Tar Telperien and Tar Palantir always ready to send it all the way forward should the opposition be lax in setting their back line. Ar Pharazon and Ar Adunakhor will be the ones making the dashes forward, and when the offense is established in the zone they will be the primary targets as well with their knack for finishing. Corners will alternate between Tar Ancalimon and Tar Miriel, while the direct free kicks will be split with Adunakhor and Pharazon.

TIRION- Finarfin and his defenders want nothing to do with the ball, and will be sending it forward soon and often. There is a great collection of aggressive athletes at midfield and forward that will be looking to charge forward at all times. Eonwe is the biggest target in the middle, but he can play dashing style offense as well alongside the accurate and powerful Finwe and the always skillful Aredhel. The pintpoint iron leg of Mahtan will generally send kicks in.

FC VALINOR- The wildly successful Huan will have ample protection, with the mighty steed Nahar handling particularly big and fast foes and Indis and Penlod supporting. Defender Maglor will be slightly more offensive minded, with the sure foot he inherited from his mom and dad. He will help Irmo, Idril and Yavanna in the midfield with the possession, while Argon will be asked to send in corners. Celegorm and Curufin will perpetually be looking for a release behind the defense, or to help each other do so.

REAL VALINOR- Tilion and Nienna will be matching up with powerful strikers at the back in front of Tulkas. Caranthir will occasionally be asked to erase an opposing athletic striker, but he will also be asked to be involved in the possession a lot. Tilion will provide a big target for occasional set plays. Nessa and the midfield will feed the famous trio at the front. Nerdanel and Miriel have fine accuracy matched only by the likes of Feanor, so they are proficient close-range finishers and perfect passers. Arien is the big gun up front, with flashing speed and scorching power.

[Nogrod]

The AKM is bringing you the most thorough analysis of the group phase. This is part one. Look for part two in a few days.

Reading instructions for the stats, an example.

5. (r.2) Angband, 101£
W - 1 (4)
D - 3 (1,2,3)
L - 0
3-2
A: (3) 15/42 – 20%
D: (2) 14/36 - 85,7%
O: 7,1% - 5,6%

That means the following… line by line.

5. (r.2) Angband, 101£
5. = ranked number 5 from 32 teams.
(r.2) = belongs to ranking-group 2 (out of 5).
Angband = name of the team.
101£ = value of the team in millions.

W - 1 (4)
= 1 win in the friendlies (against a team from a ranking-group 4)

D - 3 (1,2,3)
= 3 draws in the friendlies (against teams from ranking-groups 1, 2 and 3)

L – 0
= 0 losses in the friendlies

3-2
= goals scored – goals allowed

A: (3) 15/42 – 20%
A: = attack
(3) = goals scored
15/42 = shots on target / shots overall
20% = the effectivity of the shots on target

D: (2) 14/36 - 85,7%
D: = defence
(2) = goals allowed
14/36 = shots allowed on target / overall shots allowed
85,7% = goalkeeper’s saving-percentage

O: 7,1% - 5,6%
O: = overall shots percentages
7,1% =goals scored from overall shots – 5,6% = goals allowed from overall shots allowed


~*~


Group A

5. (r.2) Angband, 101£
W - 1 (4)
D - 3 (1,2,3)
L - 0
3-2
A: (3) 15/42 – 20%
D: (2) 14/36 - 85,7%
O: 7,1% - 5,6%

24. (r.4) Tol In Gaurhoth, 68£
W - 0
D - 3 (2,3,5)
L - 1 (1)
5-7
A: (5) 22/54 – 22,7%
B: (7) 27/56 - 74,1%
O: 9,3% - 12,5%+

25. (r.4) ShireBree United, 72£
W - 0
D - 3 (3,4,4)
L - 1 (2)
11-13
A: (11) 29/63 – 37,9%
D: (13) 30/63 - 56,7%
O: 17,5% - 20,6%

32. (r.5) The Downer, 37£
W - 0
D - 0
L - 4 (1,2,3,4)
5-15
A: (5) 23/56 – 21,7%
D: (15) 33/68 - 54,5%
O: 8,9% - 22,1%

Group A should be one for Angband to pick. Yes they have not scored a bunch and have only won one game, but their opponents have been way classier than with the others – and who thinks a team gets a nice show-off scoring-board playing against teams like Anfaughlith or Valimar? And what’s even more important, they have not lost a single game and Carcaroth’s saving precentage of 85,7% is one of the best of the tournament thus far – not to say it is overwhelming in this company.

The scoring for team Angband has rested on the shoulders of Ancalagon thus far – and there’s nothing wrong with that as The Black sure knows how to do it. But the AKM thinks Tevildo needs to pull itself together – and we would be surprised if Morgoth himself would not change gear at some point when games start to matter. For unless those things happen, we can’t promise a long tournament to the team Angband even if it would swipe their first opponent from group H with no effort.

The Downer will be left to the bottom of the group, or third – they might tease T-I-G or Shire-Bree or even pick on Angband – but there just is no chance they could take consistent wins to qualify. So we are left with the question as to the other qualifier: Tol In Gaurhoth or Shire-Bree United?

Picking between the two is quite challenging indeed for two reasons.

First of all one never knows about the T-I-G –team. We have used to see the werewolves go pretty far in the tournament the previous years and it would be odd to see them drop off in the group-stage. But then again most of them are playing as wights this year and their friendly-performance has been moderate at best to put it nicely.

But the Shire-Bree –team is as much of an enigma. They have played three more or less “friendly-friendly” games where both teams have scored like in turns and thus the levels of their opponents in their draws should probably be totally ignored (not to talk of ignoring the number of goals made and allowed). In the only almost serious game, the last friendly, they lost to Eriador in no uncertain terms 1-3. But then again, and with the earlier reclaimer in mind, they have showed they can score and when no other team in the group can boast being top-scorers the AKM wishes to leave it open still: if it comes to outscoring the opponents then Shire-Bree can be on their road to qualifying, but a lot will also depend on Bombadill’s inspiration to play – and the homeground advance / disadvantage (sometimes being the home-team might also mean taking more pressure).

The AKM still bets the T-I-G will qualify. If not for anything else, then because of their superior goal-keeping – and possibly to the awakening of the few werewolves when the real games start.



Group B

8. (r.2) Eriador , 99£
W - 3 (3,4,4)
D - 0
L - 1 (2)
5-2
A: (5) 18/42 – 27,8%
D: (2) 15/41 - 86,7%
O: 11,9% - 4,9%

19. (r.3) Gondolin, 83£
W - 1 (3)
D - 1 (4)
L - 2 (1,3)
9-11
A: (9) 26/58 – 34,6%
D: (11) 33/65 - 66,7%
O: 15,5% - 16,9%

23.(r.4) Arnor, 71£
W - 1 (4)
D - 1 (5)
L - 2 (2,3)
5-7
A: (5) 22/51 – 22,7%
D: (7) 25/54 - 72%
O: 9,8% - 13,0%

26. (r.4) Inter Beleriand, 70£
W - 1 (5)
D - 0
L - 3 (1,2,3)
4-7
A: (4) 20/49 – 20%
D: (7) 24/53 - 70,8%
O: 8,2% - 13,2%

Even if we have been forced to degrade Eriador’s ranking from our previous estimate it looks clear they are more or less the favourites to group B. But, and there is a but here, both Gondolin and Inter Beleriand have had a tougher pre-season period and Eriador’s win over Rank 3 Imladris is not that straightforward. If they had drawn that game the tables would look much more even.

Elrond is one of the best goalies in whole Arda and the AKM is not suggesting he will be anything less than that this year either, but it is to be remarked that fex. Gondolin has been facing a lot tougher fire both quantitatively and qualitatively from their opponents than Eriador has. So the difference between Rôg and Elrond and the defences they lead might not be that great. Adding to that, the forward-duo Gothmog and Maeglin with their 20 million pricetags were thought by many to be overpaid before the friendlies, but with 4+2 (Gothmog) and 4+0 (Maeglin) it seems Gondolin is a seriously-scoring team, due to their skills at finishing. Compared to them Glorfindel and The Witch King have been mere sleep-walkers – and unless that changes – we will predict Gondolin to force Eriador to run for their money if they wish to win the group.

The AKM has raised the ranking of both teams Arnor and Inter Beleriand from the previous 5 to rank 4. It may be that that is not enough for them to overthrow Eriador (2) or Gondolin (3). But looking at the scheduals the teams have had in the friendlies the AKM will actually be betting on Inter Beleriand being one of them nearer to stir the group. Call that gut feeling in the end if you wish – or just trust in the dynamic duo of Maedhros and Fingon coming alive when the going gets tough.

The home-ground advantage behind team Arnor is a factor the AKM wishes to bring forwards though, with the added point that they tend to play very well tactically – and tactics is one thing the spectators rarely see in the friendlies. So maybe Artnor has a thing or two in their sleeves as well?

A host of draws to be anticipated in this group, but alongside Eriador… it is most probably Gondolin to qualify.



Group C

9. (r.2) Wilderland, 85£
W - 2 (2,5)
D - 2 (2,4)
L - 0
11-7
A: (11) 28/62 – 39,3%
D: (7) 26/54 - 73,1%
O: 17,7% - 13,0%

11. (r.2) Anduin, 80£
W - 2 (3,5)
D - 1 (2)
L - 1 (1)
6-5
A: (6) 17/42 – 35,3%
D: (5) 22/52 - 77,3%
O: 14,3% - 9,6%

12. (r.2) Erebor, 103£
W - 2 (2,5)
D - 1 (4)
L - 1 (2)
5-4
A: (5) 23/54 – 21,7%
D: (4) 17/41 - 76,5%
O: 9,3% - 9,8%

31. (r.5) Dwarves United, 89£
W - 0
D - 1 (4)
L - 3 (2,2,3)
1-6
A: (1) 18/43 – 5,6%
D: (6) 17/46 - 64,7%
O: 2,3% - 13,0%

Group C is one of the toughest to call as Wilderland, Anduin and Erebor take positions 9., 11. and 12. in the AKM rankings. Dwarves United might step up their game as well, but at the moment the AKM thinks it will not be enough and the qualification is a bussiness for the three top teams of the group.

Group C is an interesting one also because so many of the teams have already met in the friendlies. That begs the question, how much can one rely on those results? Anduin has drawn with Wilderland, Dwarves Utd. has lost to both Erebor and Wilderland, Erebor has lost to Wilderland but beaten Dwarves Utd. – and Wilderland has thus beaten both Erebor and Dwarves Utd. and drawn with Anduin. Looked at in this light Wilderland would be the favourites and Anduin the second qualifier.

With or without the in-group friendlies the AKM considers Wilderland more or less safe qualifier just looking at their scoring and especially the spread of that scoring-responsibility to several players. With Oromë (4+2), Scatha (3+0) Elwë (2+4) and Galadriel (2+3) they have wide variety of finishers even if one or two are having a bad day. Especially Scatha seems to be on an upward trend: Scatha made no goals in the first two games, scored once in the third and twice in the last one. Their defence sure is vulnerable but as long as they keep on scoring even close to what they have done thus far they should qualify as it looks improbable both Anduin and Erebor would beat them – or that Dwarves Utd. would suddenly find enough scoring-magic from somewhere.

From the two teams then the mötley crew of Erebor looks like the stronger one shooting more and letting the opposition to shoot less. But then again, the quality of the Anduin offence is statistically better. The teams they have played against is varied and one should be careful to not draw too many conclusions from that fact. Just looking at the results could speak for Anduin being the stronger of the two as they lost to Valimar only 0-1, draw with Wilderland and beat Imladris. But most of us know how Valimar plays and the Wilderland game was pretty careful on both sides – and Erebor has beaten Eriador in a fairly competitive (half)game but on the other hand drawn with Misty Mts. in a tough match, which is not to their honour.

Both teams seem to have an even top-scorer as both Smaug and Grimbeorn have scored three goals. With Anduin the scoring and assisting is concentrated on the top three players – with long passes coming from the defencive half as well – whereas Erebor seems to be using it’s midfield to assist and the forwards to score in a tighter formation.



Group D

1. (r.1) FC Valinor, 113£
W - 4 (1,3,4,5)
D - 0
L - 0
13-5
A: (13) 31/62 – 41,9%
D: (5) 22/59 – 77,3%
O: 21,0% - 8,5%

2. (r.1) Reäl Valinor, 104£
W - 3 (3,3,4)
D - 0
L - 1 (1)
12-6
A: (12) 31/65 – 38,7%
D: (6) 21/60 – 71,4%
O: 18,5% - 10%

6. (r.2) Tirion, 83£
W - 3 (3,4,5)
D - 1 (2)
L – 0
16-10
A: (16) 34/74 – 47,1%
D: (10) 28/58 – 64,3%
O: 21,6% - 17,2%

10. (r.2) Armenelos, 108£
W - 2 (4,5)
D - 2 (2,4)
L - 0
6-4
A: (6) 21/51 – 28,6%
D: (4) 17/44 – 76,5%
O: 11,8% - 9,1%

Even if the AKM downgraded team Armenelos to rank 10, all the four teams of group D are within the ten best-ranked in the tournament: first, second, sixth and tenth. That should speak for itself.

Now it seems that we have to begin dropping the teams off from the qualification-speculations from the hosts Armenelos. They have not shown such flashing qualities in the friendlies that would show they are capable to beat two teams from the three they are going to meet. But there are two great “buts” here. First of all, they clearly have not played it with full force and especially their draw with Gondor was something they just amiably allowed. Secondly, they are playing at their legendary home-stadium and the fighting spirit they will produce backed by the proud Númenorian tradition and demanding crowds are cards one should pay heed to when speculating about the strengths and weaknesses of different teams.

It is also worth mentioning that Ar Pharazôn was pretty invisible in the first friendlies but finally became alive in the last one. So is he gearing up as the important games approach or was it just a random incidence? Armenelos has not been too convincing when it comes to scoring (a thing which the AKM predicted already before the friendlies) but can they overcome that as the group-stage begins? If Ar Pharazôn and Ar Adunakhôr find their scoring prowess – and they get quality assists to feed them – the AKM is willing to change it’s prediction, but unless that happens this year’s tournament will most probably be a great disappointment to the hosts.

Another team we have to treat as a serious candidate for staying in the group-phase is Tirion. Now that may sound ridiculous looking at the way they score – and if they had not played it cordially even with the Sea they could have four wins in their pocket from the friendlies. With Finwë (7+2), Aredhel (3+4) and Eönwë (4+0) as the most efficient forward-trio of all teams it looks incomprehensible the team might drop from the next rounds. But they can.

Tirion’s problem is the defence. They allow almost double the goals from all shots booted against them (on target or not) than any other team in this group. So even if they score a lot, they also allow a lot. They might win a shooting-race against Armenelos, but both Valinor-teams score effectively as well – and let in only half of the shots in compared to Tirion. So Tirion needs to shut their defences in ways unseen thus far if they want to beat either of the Valinor-teams – and that is something they have to do if they wish to qualify.

That leaves the two favourites to the group, FC Valinor and Real Valinor, to be considered.

FC Valinor won the game they played against one another but Real has had a bit tougher schedule overall. Their stats are more or less equal – leaning slightly towards FC, but looking at the scheduals kind of evens that small difference a bit. There is also a nice comparison. Tirion won The Havens 5-3 in a fairly competitive game whereas FC Valinor only won them 3-2 in a game they were clearly not giving their best effort – but Real Valinor won Hithlum 5-2 in a real match-up whereas in another quite serious meeting Tirion only won them 4-3.

So the AKM thinks the two teams start from quite an equal footing FC Valinor being the slight favourites to win the group. But in the end it comes down to some individual comparisons… Between the posts at the moment it seems Huan gives the edge slightly to FC against Tulkas on Real’s goal. The defences look so even it is hard to make a difference there – except for Tilion’s possible role as a clutch-player for Real – although thus far he has been no more efficient than Maglor on FC Valinor’s side (both have 0+2). Both teams have quite forward-minded midfields so we’d like to look at both the MF’s and the FW’s at the same time.

Fëanor’s sons Curufin (5+3) and Celegorm (2+1) showed their dangerousness playing forwards last year and this year they have been showing that last year was no coincidence – especially Curufin has proved himself to be one of the most deadly strikers of the whole tournament. Last year their effort was not enough as they lacked support, but this year it looks different with such figures as Yavanna (2+3), Idril (0+3) – and the surprise-card Argon (4+0) – backing up their offence and showing capabilities of scoring themselves as well.

But Real Valinor’s attack is as deadly: Miriel (4+3) and Arien (5+0) bring hard times to any defence and Nessa (2+2) has proved to be a sneaky and effective midfielder when having inspiring enough company. If Nerdanel (“only” 0+3) gears up to her normal level, Huan will have to show his best to repeat the win for FC Valinor in the group-phase.

In the end it looks like the Valinor-teams will qualify, but it is possible one of the other teams make their way forwards. But what the AKM will promise is that the two qualifiers will not be Armenelos and Tirion – even if the games at Númenor will be tough and nothing near predetermined. Some quality football then on offer there!

[the phantom]

MESPN News: Team Guide Part 2
The Phantom

GROUP E

HITHLUM- Aradan and his protectors will be looking to be rid of the ball ASAP and up to the attacking trio of Turin, Hurin, and Hador. Hithlum will look for every opportunity to launch a swift and overwhelming counter, but when they are stymied initially they will look to the midfield, particularly Morwen and Nienor, to close in and work with the attackers. Turin of course will handle penalties. Corner duty will alternate between Hurin and his wife, with Turin and Hador as tall targets with fantastic heads for finishing.

THE HAVENS- This squad will play a lot of possession ball, with everyone assisting in nearly every area of the field. On offense Earendil, Angrod, and Aegnor will be the threats early in a counter or to make a dribble move to split an established defense. The towering Tuor will be a big finishing threat on crosses and corners. One of the Elf-brothers will handle most corners, while Earendil will take the majority of penalties. Olwe will send in the occasional long-ball.

THE SEA- Ulmo and his Maia helpers will have the midfield helping them, as the squad will place a priority on defense and build attacks carefully and tactically. When in possession the midfield will be asked to keep the ball moving swiftly so as not to give up possession with the most of the defense hanging well back. The Numenoreans up front have impressive size and power and will look to gain headers or clear lanes for powerful legs to send drives through. Ulmo will come up on set pieces quite often.

VALIMAR- This Manwe-led team will place a premium on defense, particularly with a lead. When it’s time to score Ilmare will share duties with Alatar and Pallando in an interchangeable style, always looking for the opening to send it in but conservatively sending it back or sideways to maintain possession if the offensive play looks to risky. Vaire will be asked to send in some of the corners, while the Namo’s leg of doom will handle longer send-ins and the occasional penalty.

GROUP F

IMLADRIS- Like his brother, Elros is a highly skilled keeper, and the defense in front of him will have Varda to erase large powerful threats. The rest of the squad will play smart team defense first, and will try to be on the lookout to get it forward to the sons of Elrond, who will always be looking to launch an attack. When executing standard offense, the ball will likely flow through the skillful Arwen, who is an excellent distributor and will also send in corners. The brothers will alternate on penalties.

ISENGARD- Caradhras will always be fairly far back on defense to protect Ugluk, but Mauhur and Treebeard will move up a bit to establish a back end. They will look to get the ball to the wizard at the front as often as possible, as Saruman can make plays himself and also has an eye for passing others into space. Quickbeam is a towering and deadly powerful finisher, and will split penalty duty with Saruman.

MISTY MTS- The mountain team will play physical defense at the back end, with Chief Wolf assigned duties on particularly speedy strikers. The Elves (Rumil & Orophin) along with Narvi will run the show from the midfield and look to release the powerful finishers Durin’s Bane and Azog, who also possess nice pace on rushing counters. Look for Narvi to send in most kick, while DBane will handle the penalties.

ROHAN- The whole side will move forward aggressively to support the attack, as the three horses at the rear (Shadowfax, Felarof, Snowmane) have the speed to dash back to foil counters. Everyone will help out with possession, with Gandalf at the center of things. He’s a threat to finish, but Eorl and Helm will be asked to do most of that duty. Those two will alternate on taking penalties, and the wizard will send in most longer kicks.

GROUP G

ANGFAUGLITH- Ungoliant and her three Balrog protectors will be focused on their craft, as will most of the rest of the team. Thuringwethil will be entirely offensive minded, and her teammates will look to send her towards the goal at every opportunity. With her winged speed few can keep up with her and she also has vampiric power and leaping ability for finishing on set pieces. Galdor and Gundor will alternate on corners, while a Balrog or two may come up occasionally for a power drive or to provide an alternate header target for a cross.

AC BELERIAND- Rochallor will handle large and/or speedy foes in front of Marach. When a particularly athletic striker threatens Fingolfin will be called upon to dedicate himself to defense, but otherwise he will be looking to be involved with the offense, offering long drives and a corner target. The midfield will be tasked with keeping possession and feeding the scorers. The premier craftsmen, Eol and Feanor, will demand the ball early and often, and either can split through multiple opponents with the ball on their toe. Beren will send in the corners, while Feanor will take penalties.

DORIATH- Melian will run the show here, organizing the defense and taking charge of the possession game in the midfield. Daeron and Luthien in particular are excellent and creative with possession and when distributing. Beleg is also deadly accurate, but with his power he will be turning a lot of kicks towards the goal. Mablung of the heavy-boot will take most penalties and will hammer drives from any position.

NARGOTHROND- They will try to control the ball at all times, always looking to work it forward to the playmakers at the front. The midfielders are team-minded and heady, as is Finrod who will also look to do a lot of distributing. Gwindor will make most of the sudden runs with him, while Glaurung will be the finishing threat when the ball is on the wings. Penalties will be split with the dragon and Finrod, while corner duty will be a family affair with Orodreth and Finduilas.

GROUP H

BARAD-DUR- The Mouth will be the brains at the back end, always in synch with the wishes of his master. The Fellbeast will be invaluable in erasing dragon-type threats in front of the net-covering Mumakil. The midfield will place a premium on possession, and Sauron himself will be free to float anywhere he likes, waiting to be released by his supporters, or coming back to take charge of things himself. Sauron will certainly be taking penalties and such, and will be the prime threat on corners sent in by Beruthiel.

GONDOR- This squad will play all together with flexibility, with the show running through King Anarion as often as possible. Eldacar will be asked to try a flashy run every so often, while Romendacil and Falastur will handle the send-ins. Anarion will be first choice on penalties.

MINAS TIRITH- They will play similar to their Gondor relatives, only a bit more defensive minded in front of Denethor. Mardil will be involved as often as possible with his skills for distributing and instigating. Faramir is also excellent in support, and will be asked for pinpoint corners and crosses. Boromir I has nice size and athleticism and will be asked to boot it in off of penalties and to finish attacks.

MORDOR- It takes a ball struck with belief and confidence to pass the goal barrier of the Silent Watcher. The Fellbeast in front of him will take care of larger and/or aerial threats while all the Nazgul will work together for a fast-flowing possession game. Shelob at the front will always be looking to attack- her considerable bulk clearing space for drives and especially for ringing headers fed by the wraiths.

[Boromir88]

POWER RANKINGS
Boromir the 88th

We are finally able to bring you the updated power rankings after 4 friendly rounds. Our rankings have taken several factors into account and put them all into a single equation that gives us 1 value. The factors:

1. Results (Points from wins, draws, and losses during friendlies).
2. Strength of Opponent
3. Offense (teams ranked 1-32 and are given a value. That value is re-adjusted based on strength of opponents defense.)
4. Defense (teams ranked 1-32 and are given a value. That value is re-adjusted based on the strength of the opponents offense)
5. GK (teams ranked 1-32 based on GK save %)

After all these factors here's what the latest TTN Power Rankings tell us:

01. FC Valinor (4-0-0) - 48.9
02. Real Valinor (3-0-1) - 47.5
03. Tirion (3-1-0) - 39.5
04. Eriador (3-0-1) - 38.5
05. AC Beleriand (2-2-0) - 37.4
06. Valimar (2-2-0) - 37.3
07. Wilderland (2-2-0) - 34.6
08. Erebor (2-1-1) - 34.4
09. Armenolos (2-2-0) - 33.9
10. Anduin (2-1-1) - 29.8
11. Angband (1-3-0) - 29.7
12. The Sea (1-3-0) - 29.6
13. Rohan (1-3-0) - 28.8
14. Anfauglith (0-4-0) - 28.3
15. Nargothrond (1-2-1) - 27.8
16. Imladris (2-0-2) - 25.6
17. Doriath (1-2-1) - 25.2
18. Misty Mts (0-4-0) - 22.9
19. Isengard (1-2-1) - 22.6
20. Hithlum (1-1-2) - 22.2
21. Gondolin (1-1-2) - 21.2
22. Shire Bree Utd (0-3-1) - 20.3
23. Gondor (0-3-1) - 19.1
24. Arnor (1-1-2) - 18.1
25. Tol in Gaurhoth (0-3-1) - 17.8
26. Minas Tirith (0-2-2) - 16.4
27. The Havens (1-0-3) - 14.4
28. Inter Beleriand (1-0-3) - 12.6
29. Dwarves Utd (0-1-3) - 12.6
30. Mordor (0-2-2) - 11.9
31. Barad Dur (0-1-3) - 11.2
32. The Downer (0-0-4) - 6.2

Keep following TTN as we bring you group predictions and analysis next! :D

[Boromir88]

TWO TOWERS NETWORK
Boromir the 88th

It's that time of season again. 2012 Arda Cup. Bigger. Better. And more unpredicatable then ever. We've thrown every advanced stat we could think of into the puzzle and there's still not a conclusive picture.

The Favorite = the team TTN feels has the greater expectation to win the group. This does not always mean the team TTN predicts will win the group, just the team that should win based on payroll, players, and looking at the friendlies/stats.

The Challenger = The team that we feel can challenge the favorite for 1st place in the group. But also have the great probability of advancing ahead of "The Upset."

The Upset = The team that is not favored to advance to the playoffs, but might pull off a surprise in the group matches, and knock out "The Challenger" or "The Favorite."

The Relegate = The team that will have an early exit from the tournament.

*TTN Note: Since the groups are not equally balanced, some groups may have multiple "Favorites," "Challengers"...etc and some groups may have no "Challengers", "Upsets," or "Relegates." Though we tried our best to avoid this situation, and clearly distinguish teams within their respective groups - no matter how insanely tough most groups are to call*

GROUP A

The Favorite: Angband. (TTN - 11. OFF - 30. DEF - 3. GK - 6)

We do think Morgoth held back the full offensive ability of Angband during the friendlies. They are certainly much better than the 30th rank indicates. It could be a clever scheme, as the tales of Elves and Men go...when Morgoth secretly holed up in his stronghold, away from the eyes of the Valar, and unleashed a fury of death and destruction upon Beleriand. So, we can't under-estimate what plots Morgoth has hatched while remaining reserved and defensive in the friendlies. Still if we're talking about a team that can win shooting matches, it won't be Angband. Sure they have some dangerous bite with the quick agility of Telvildo, and the intimidating power of a dragon (not to mention Morgoth), but there are some big weaknesses. Primarily, the rest of the team is not very threatening.

The Challenger: Tol In Gaurhoth (TTN - 25. OFF - 20. DEF - 24. GK - 11)

A really disappointing and disjointed friendly performance from TIG. Although, normally their key wolf players don't give an effort in friendly matches, trusting their natural talents are superior and they don't need "practice." The stats are a bit worse than they look. Scoring 5 goals, but giving up 7, and being outshot 44 to 56 is not a normal stat line for TIG-teams (even when they are giving a careless effort). However, most of that imbalance comes from the 3-1 loss to Real Valinor. TIG will lose to superior athletes, and their risky tactics makes them prone to losing games they should win. Looking at the Group A picture though, the wolves on the team can match Angband's talent, and also play a much better team game.

The Upset: Shire-Bree Utd. (TTN - 22. OFF - 7. DEF - 27. GK - 30)

This is an intriguing team, if one recalls Bywater from 2010. To the upset heard around Arda, when Bywater advanced, leaving Thangorodrim out of the playoffs. Granted, different year, different team make-ups, and Thangorodrim was without Morgoth. One might still wonder though, that if Angband comes in over-confident this pesky Shire team might surprise them again, especially since Bombadil has been a pain to Morgoth before (see 2009 Breeland v. Valimar). The 2010 Bywater team though, relied on some dirty back door trickery from the Valar to advance ahead of Thangorodrim and we can't see The Downer or Tol-in-Gaurhoth giving Shire-Bree the same kind treatment. Plus 2010 Bywater had a steady GK in Rosie Cotton, and GK will be Shire-Bree's undoing.

The Relegate: The Downer (TTN - 32. OFF - 23. DEF - 31. GK - 31)

Not much to add here. The Downer doesn't have the payroll, players, nor tactics to seriously contend at this level. We've seen some improvement in their actual focus to play the game, and thus a slight improvement in their overall performance, but not nearly enough. And still lack the discipline to beat anyone.

Round 1:

Angband 2 - 0 The Downer
Shire Bree 2 - 3 Tol In Gaurhoth

Group A Prediction:
1. Tol-in-Gaurhoth
2. Angband
3. Shire-Bree United
4. The Downer

GROUP B

The Favorite: Eriador. (TTM - 4. OFF - 19. DEF - 4. GK - 4)

Folks are wondering if Elrond is nursing an injury, or if the Underground's accusations of an illegal miruvor-steroid last year were correct, becuase he was only the 4th best keeper in the friendlies. Others are saying those folk are neurotic, because Elrond still had an 86.7 sv%. If Elrond is Eriador's biggest worry, than the future must be looking bright for them. This reminds me of the 2010 Gondolin team, maybe not the absolute best names on the pitch, but solid talent at every position. Proven strikers (Witch-King and Glorfindel) a midfield that doesn't squander possession, a foreseeing with tireless-horse defense (Gil-Galad, Malbeth, and Asfaloth), all backed by the best GK to ever play the game. If this team doesn't take 1st, and doesn't at least advance to the semis, it will be a colossal failure of ill-spent money.

The Upsets:

1. Gondolin. (TTN - 21. OFF - 9. DEF - 30. GK - 23)

No one in this group seems seriously able to challenge Eriador for 1st, but there are two teams that might, just yet, surprise us. First is Gondolin, who has the best striking duo of Group B. But Duilin in the mid-field is an underrated player. Back in his natural position of feeding passes to the star-strikers, Gondolin's mid field will be the key to advancing in this group.

2. Inter Beleriand. (TTN - 28. OFF - 27. DEF - 20. GK - 19)

Maedhros and Fingon have to be better than the 27th offense, then again, they might not be having the best chances because the mid-field is underperforming. (Haleth has to do better than 1 assist and 2 yellows). Still with a Balrog on the defense and Turgon manning the posts, they have good players in key positions and thus are an upset pick.

The Relegate: Arnor (TTN - 24. OFF - 22. DEF - 21. GK - 16)

Good competitors who are known for late game comebacks, but let's be honest, Isildur and Araphor are the weakest FWs in the group. Elendil has at best been inconsistant, and at worst, non-existant in Arda Cup play. Arvedui is capable of having great days in the GK, but also being extremely average, so arguably is the weakest GK in the group.

Round 1:
Inter Beleriand 2 - 2 Gondolin
Arnor 0 - 1 Eriador

Group B Predictions:
1. Eriador
2. Gondolin
3. Inter Beleriand
4. Arnor

[Boromir88]

TWO TOWERS NETWORK
Boromir the 88th

GROUP C

The Favorite: Erebor (TTN - 8. OFF - 21. DEF - 7. GK - 7)

Even if currently in TTN's power rankings Erebor is behind Wilderland, Erebor is coming in as our favorite to win Group C, just by looking at the match up. I mean, a Dragon against tree defenders...anyone see a problem with that match up? Add in Thranduil is superior to Oropher and the team-play of a Nazgul, there is no reason Erebor should be content finishing in 2nd. Plus Bard returns to command the position he has been most comfortable in, the mid-field. Erebor will have tougher challenges against Anduin (with an experienced monster-slayer on the defense) and Dwarves United (who are also very resilient to dragons)

The Challenger: Wilderland (TTN - 7. OFF - 6. DEF - 22. GK - 13)

There is something about this team that we just don't trust, right now. It's not the unpredictable tree-defenders (great when roused, but clumsy and careless in close quarters), but also Thingol and Galadriel. Sure both played vital roles in the attack during the friendlies, but they are notorious for being dreadfully conservative and too-defensive when the real matches begin. They must command the mid-field as they did in the friendlies, by pushing the ball up to their star-FWs, if they return to their usually negative tactics, Wilderland will not advance.

The Upset: Anduin (TTN - 10. OFF - 13. DEF - 16. GK - 15)

We don't trust Wilderland and there's something that intrigues us with this Anduin team (and no it's not some boyish fan crush TTN has with BoromirII). It's a sneaky quick attack that matches up well against the slow Dwarves and the wooden Wilderland defenders. Led by a man, who is one of the premier defenders sought out when a team wants to shut out the opponent's dragon. Plus, Celeborn and Galadriel are separated again, so we'll see if Celeborn's ingenuity will come out in Anduin's play, when in the past, it always appeared Galadriel jealously refused to listen to Celeborn's ideas.

The Relegate: Dwarves United (TTN - 29. OFF - 31. DEF - 9. GK - 26)

I really don't think there as bad as they performed in the friendlies. I mean how could they be with both Celebrimbor and Aule in the defense? The team though, is just not working as it currently sits. They tried to address the problems of fielding an entire dwarvish team, by attracting some Elves who were friends of dwarves, but really Legolas is no good as the lone offensive threat, and Celebrimbor can't hold the defense forever. Especially since Bombur is not that great of a GK.

Round 1
Anduin 2 - 2 Wilderland
Dwarves Utd. 1 - 2 Erebor

Group C Prediction:
1. Erebor
2. Anduin
3. Wilderland
4. Dwarves United

GROUP D

The Favorites:

1. FC Valinor (TTN - 1. OFF - 4. DEF - 17. GK - 14)

It is nearly impossible to distinguish between these two, but we're going to try to anyway. FC Valinor will have the confidence boost from beating Real in the friendly match, but there really is no significant statistical defense. Perhaps the fact that Huan performed better, and is the more proven GK, is the most important stat, but even he wasn't on top form during the friendlies.

2. Real Valinor (TTN - 2. OFF - 5. DEF - 15. GK - 17)

Even if the friendlies showed an even performance, we would still take the Arien-Miriel-Nerdanel trio ahead of Curufin-Celegorm-Yavanna at this moment. And here is also something to consider, the x-factor on Real Valinor is Caranthir. He is prone to losing his temper, but he also knows how to neutralize his brothers. It will be interesting to see what secrets Caranthir gives to Tilion that could slow down Curufin and Celegorm.

The Challenger: Armenolos (TTN - 9. OFF - 15. DEF - 8. GK - 10)

It is very difficult for us to invision a playoff that did not have the royalty of Numenor as one of the final 16 teams. Plus, you woud think with all of Numenor behind them, that would give the Numenoreans the right spirit and motivation. Ar Pharazon desires nothing more than to send the Valar packing, in front of his home fans. But this isn't the same overly-complacent Valar-led teams. They have star-quality written up and down the rosters, and would also like to sink Armenolos' championship hopes, just as they sunk the island of Numenor many ages ago.

The Upset: Tirion (TTN - 3. OFF - 1. DEF - 25. GK - 27)

We almost listed Tirion as a relegate, which is a shame, because in any other group they would be a challenger or favorite. Their defense and goal tending is way too porous to pick them to advance from this group. With that said, their offense is so good Tirion can't be completely counted out of the playoff picture.

Round 1
FC Valinor 1 - 2 Real Valinor
Armenolos 2 - 2 Tirion

Group D Prediction:
1. Real Valinor
2. FC Valinor
3. Armenolos
4. Tirion

GROUP E

The Favorite: Valimar (TTN - 6. OFF - 18. DEF - 1. GK - 2)

One of the top defenses and goal keepers, plus one of the most expensive payrolls and the Valar have to be favorites to win Group E. However, TTN is predicting they're going to flop in 2012. Almost for the same reasons as Wilderland, since those leading the team have dreadfully conservative tactics, which just has never worked in the tournament. But unlike Wilderland (who can unleash some dangerous strikers with Scatha and Orome), Valimar has an untested offense. The key to beating offensive power-houses like Hithlum (and even The Havens) is pressuring their defense and having a killer instinct. A 1-goal lead is never safe when facing Turin. Unfortunately, this instinct does not reside in Manwe's team.

The Challenger: The Sea (TTN - 12. OFF - 11. DEF - 11. GK - 12)

A far more balanced Valar team, and thus very dangerous. Ulmo is the premier defender in Arda, especially when aided by his Maiar helpers. Now you add in a deadly finisher like Tar Minastir? And you have the makings of a team that can advance deep. Tar Minastir is a mighty threat, but that is their weakness, since he's pretty much their only threat, even though Ulmo likes to be adventurous and creative in the offense as well.

The Upset: Hithlum (TTN - 20. OFF - 3. DEF - 28. GK - 32)

It would be unheard of if Turin is left in the group stages, but there is a significant possibility of this happening. Even if TTN personally believes Valimar are too complacent to deliver a killing blow to Hithlum, that doesn't mean the Valar are pushovers...certainly not defensively. Hithlum's defense is bad, and Aradan absolutely has to do better than saving 53.1% in order to dethrone the stuffy Valar.

The Relegate: The Havens (TTN - 27. OFF - 8. DEF - 29. GK - 28)

Defensively they were slightly worse than Hithlum, and offensively they are significantly weaker. Earendil is a great talent and Aegnor seemed to have a hot boot in the friendlies, but they don't have the offensive fire-power to go up against the 2 Valar teams, and make up for their huge defeciency on defense, like Hithlum does.

Round 1:
Hithlum 2 - 3 The Sea
The Havens 1 - 2 Valimar

Group E Prediction:
1. The Sea
2. Hithlum
3. Valimar
4. The Havens

[Boromir88]

TWO TOWERS NETWORK
Boromir the 88th

GROUP F

The Favorite: Rohan (TTN - 13. OFF - 17. DEF - 5. GK - 7)

A tough team to beat in the friendlies, and it still felt like they were holding back some. None of the offenses in this group, should trouble the Rohan horses + wizard, it really is an underrated group of defenders. Only Eomer showed his offensive prowess during the friendlies, once Gandalf and Eorl get going, this team can go deep into the tournament.

The Challenger: Imladris (TTN - 16. OFF - 25. DEF - 13. GK - 5)

We're not sure why the general attitude seems to be Imladris is a "class above" the other two teams in this group. They're stats are actually quite average, and they were outshot by quite a significant margin 34(15) to 51(21). It's only been Elros' masterful job in front of the net which has made Imladris look decent. Isengard and Misty Mountains are good offensive teams, and if the children of Elrond can't do better to relieve the defense, then Imladris will not advance. The defense allows a lot of shots, and Imladris' fate is solely resting upon the hands of Elros.

The Upsets:

1. Isengard (TTN - 19. OFF - 14. DEF - 12. GK - 21)

Biggest weakness is a below-average GK with Ugluk. But Saruman has lead an offense that created the most opportunities of the teams in this group (52 total shots, 23 on target). And defensively, they have been pretty good. With the promise that Caradhras will play very deep to aid Ugluk more, Isengard is primed to pull of an upset.

2. Misty Mountains (TTN - 18. OFF - 10. DEF - 23. GK - 20)

Misty Mts also has the chance to shake up this group. We give them less of a chance than Isengard, simply because with the Misty Mts there is a great probability they play a player short due to all the cards they pick up. Still Durin's Bane and Azog can create several goals on any day.

Round 1
Imladris 0 - 1 Rohan
Isengard 2 - 2 Misty Mountains

Group F Prediction:
1. Rohan
2. Isengard
3. Imladris
4. Misty Mountains

GROUP G

The Favorite: AC Beleriand (TTN - 5. OFF - 12. DEF - 6. GK - 3)

One of the more balanced teams during the friendlies...with the 12th best offense, 6th in defense and Marach 3rd best GK. We will have to wait and see if Marach can keep up the high save %, but even if there is a drop off, we actually expect the offense to get better. Feanor, Eol, and Beren? Tis a mighty attack and it will be hard to hold AC Beleriand to 1-goal.

The Challenger: Nargothrond (TTN - 15. OFF - 2. DEF - 32. GK - 29)

Ridiculously good offense with Glaurung, Finrod, and Gwindor, but how bad is the defense and GK? In this group, they need to find some better balance and play better defense or they won't advance. We think Finrod has the wiser head to realize they need to play less risky. If not, than Nargothrond fans will start grumbling about the high payroll.

The Upset: Anfauglith (TTN - 14. OFF - 32. DEF - 2. GK - 1)

Which one will win out in Group G then? The great offense and non-existant defense, or great defense and non-existant offense? At least in the group stage, we give the edge to a team that can put a plethora of goals at any time in a match. In the later stages, it's always the most balanced team that advances. But in the group stages, I want a team like Nargothrond, and not Anfauglith who on their best days seems only capable of clawing for 1.

The Relegate: Doriath (TTN - 17. OFF - 16. DEF - 10. GK - 24)

This may cause some disagreement with other members of the media, because Doriath isn't a BAD team...however, they're just way too average when compared to the rest of the group. A pretty good defense, and average offense, and mediocre goal keeping isn't enough to contend with the great teams in this group. It will make for some highly thrilling matches, but unfortunately not enough for Doriath to advance.

Round 1
AC Beleriand 3 - 2 Doriath
Anfauglith 1 - 2 Nargothrond

Group G Prediction:
1. AC Beleriand
2. Nargothrond
3. Doriath
4. Anfauglith

GROUP H

The Favorite: Gondor (TTN - 23. OFF - 26. DEF - 18. GK - 8)

This group frustrates TTN like no other. We pull for each one of these hometown fans, but honestly they're all pretty much rubbish. None of them showed anything in the friendlies that would confidently distinguish themselves from the rest of the group. Really, each one of these teams has a 25% chance of finishing 1st, 25% chance of 2nd...etc. We're just going with Gondor as the favorite, because they played the least inept and Hyarmendacil was the best GK of the group. Plus, Eldacar did nothing in the friendlies, and we expect he'll do much better in the group.

The Challengers:

1. Barad-Dur (TTN - 31. OFF - 24. DEF - 26. GK - 22)

Barad Dur has the best potential from this group. That is, we can't figure out why they played so badly, other than maybe just a poor attitude towards friendlies. But with Sauron, Castamir, and Beruthiel in the attack, we can't figure out why the offense isn't better. The defense and GK is a still not good enough to advance beyond the 1st round of playoffs, and may not even be good enough to get to the playoffs.

2. Minas Tirith (TTN - 26. OFF - 29. DEF - 14. GK - 18)

Kind of the same story as Barad-dur, only it's the offense that has been the problem from Minas Tirith. They were the best defensive team in this group and the Stewards know how to deal with trouble that spews out from the Black Gates. Our only hope is this group of intense rivals will make the matches in this group more interesting.

The Upset: Mordor (TTN - 30. OFF - 28. DEF - 19. GK - 25)

When playing against teams of Men, the Nazgul are dangerous and tough foes. So they won't be pushovers in this group, even though their stats are quite...bad. If it comes down to either Barad-dur or Mordor advancing, we expect the talent and dominance of Sauron to prevail over his servants.

Round 1
Barad Dur 2 - 2 Minas Tirith
Gondor 2 - 2 Mordor

Group H Prediction:
1. Gondor
2. Barad Dur
3. Minas Tirith
4. Mordor

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Time for predictions on the first round of group matches! And since TTN is predicting the scores as well as the results, I thought that it's time for me to make other predictions as well.

GROUP A:
Angband vs The Downer
Shire-Bree United vs Tol-in-Gaurhoth

The Downer will get more bookings than shots on goal.

GROUP B:
Inter Beleriand vs Gondolin
Arnor vs Eriador

Elrond will save more shots than the goalkeepers of the first match combined.

GROUP C:
Anduin vs Wilderland
Dwarves United vs Erebor

Wilderland will score more goals than the Dwarves will get shots on goal.

GROUP D:
FC Valinor vs Real Valinor
Armenelos vs Tirion

More people will watch the first game of this group than the number of people who'll watch all matches of Group H combined.

GROUP E:
Hithlum vs The Sea
The Havens vs Valimar

Eärendil will do again what he did late First Age--get to Valinor unmarked.

GROUP F
Imladris vs Rohan
Isengard vs Misty Mts

The number of shots saved in the first game will equal the number of goals scored in the second game.

GROUP G
AC Beleriand vs Doriath
Anfauglith vs Nargothrond

Ooh, Beren vs Lúthien . . .

GROUP H:
Barad-dûr vs Minas Tirith
Gondor vs Mordor

More exciting things will happen in the stands than in the pitch.

[the phantom]

Investing Groups Comment
The Phantom, MESPN News

Here in the break between friendlies and the opening games of Arda Cup 2012, we've managed to get a few quotes from various investment groups regarding the performance and outlook of their teams.

Golden Wood Group- "We feel quite confident about our investments- Anduin and Wilderland. The Lord & Lady of Lothlorien have been good fits on their respective squads which is nice to see, but more importantly the squads as a whole have both won more than they've lost. Anduin's win over Imladris was an excellent way to finish up friendlies, and Wilderland's solid performance over group-foe Dwarves United was quite promising. I think it's entirely realistic to expect both of our squads to advance out of group play."

Rohirrim Ltd. - "Anduin finished up nicely and looks to threaten the betting favorites Erebor and Wilderland, while Rohan is the current favorite to win Group F. This is precisely what we expected from our kinsmen, and we're looking forward to group play."

Annuminas Ltd. - "We're not overly concerned about Arnor's close loss to Armenelos- they're a top-flight team after all, and in one game anything can happen. The early loss to Imladris wasn't pretty, but they rebounded well in the middle with a draw against Mordor and a finely fought win over Gondor- TTN's pick to win Group H."

Belegost- "Well of course the friendly performance of Dwarves United left something to be desired, but Aule definitely had them holding back the full scope of their tough Dwarvish play. In a free-flowing dash of a friendly our opponents generally have the advantage, but they'll find things tougher going in group play. We remain in full support of our Dwarf-centric squad!"

Erebor Craftsman Union- "We're fairly comfortable with the position Erebor is in. Most betting agencies have us going forward- they recognize our blend of talent is a difficult match-up for most. As far as our opening loss to Wilderland- we'll see how it goes once we're playing for real."

Moneybags Monetary Management- "Well, we're not that pleased with where team Erebor's overall salary stands- we were all for fielding a more... budget-friendly team. But so long as Erebor keeps avoiding the losses we're hopeful that we'll turn a profit."

Turgon- "Inter Beleriand did lose the battle to AC Beleriand to open friendlies, but we weren't dominated numbers-wise. Our final match against Angband was promising as far as numbers went as well, so that along with our game 2 victory leaves reason for optimism. Our performance in the Doriath match wasn't the best, but that's just one game out of four. With the talent we have there's no reason to think we won't advance if we only play one poor group game."

Angmar Athletic- "I think we're more than comfortable with the position of team Eriador. They started off with two well-earned shut-outs, and finished up with a solid win over a talented Shire-Bree squad. The lone loss was to Erebor- we just didn't play our best that day- and we don't think that's anything to worry about. With Elrond at the back and our beloved Witch King at the front, I don't see how we won't make it out of group play and into the profit zone."

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

AC Beleriand vs Doriath

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Elenrod/acbvdor-n_zps716250fb.jpg
[Projected formation. Doriath in silver and blue; AC Beleriand in red and white.]

Formation:

It is apparent just from the formations that Doriath's otherwise talented midfield would face a tough challenge. Their projected formation, a 4-2-3-1 (yes, they haven't used it in the friendlies, but they are expected to use it when the tournament starts) would feature a central midfield triangle of Galadhon (holding), Daeron (deep-lying playmaker) and Nellas (attacking). All are fine passers, true, but they would be outnumbered if AC Beleriand sticks to their formation of choice in the friendlies, a 4-4-2 diamond. Beren, and, occasionally, Denethor, do drift towards the flanks when they have the ball, but when AC Beleriand is playing defence their central four pack the midfield and help deny the ball, or at least prevent the incisive forward passes. Doriath could call on Beleg or Lúthien to help in the midfield battle, but they would also be needed to stay in the wings and give fullbacks Fingolfin and Ecthelion second thoughts about moving forward and helping in the attack. So a tough choice for the two otherwise excellent Doriath wingers.

Tactics:

Doriath will most likely be more conservative in this tie than was their wont in the friendlies. Melian has a habit of pushing forward to help in the midfield or in the attack, resulting in a goal and two assists in the last Arda Cup, but leaving Saeros, Galathil, and Nimloth to deal with Fëanor and Eöl (with the possibility of Beren rushing from the midfield) would be suicidal. They need their best defender to stay in the back line, even if it means denying their midfield much needed help. Their attacks would come from deep (with Daeron sending through passes whenever he sees a gap in the defence) or from the wings (Beleg and Lúthien sending crosses for Mablung or cutting inside to take shots themselves); unfortunately for them, AC Beleriand has both covered--Ulrad and Beren could take turns harrying Daeron, and Fingolfin and Ecthelion won't likely be outfoxed by the Doriath wingers.

There would only be one thing on AC Beleriand's mind: let their attacking talent do their work. Two defenders would not be enough to guard Fëanor (especially not the ones from this team), leaving Eöl free to wander around looking for space to work in (like he did in the last Arda Cup when Túrin, Húrin, and Beleg occupied the defence's attention.) Beren and Denethor's runs from midfield would be ever-present dangers, and even Fingolfin and Ecthelion might be tempted to join the party, especially if Beleg and Lúthien decide to help their midfield or become lax in their marking.

Doriath does have one ace in the hole, something that they've pulled off only once in the friendlies--but it worked effectively when they did. In the play leading to Doriath's second goal in their friendly vs Inter Beleriand, Mablung dropped deep almost to the midfield. He had been sending a few threatening shots from long range before that time, and Inter Beleriand defender Haldad followed to mark him. At once, Daeron released Beleg, who charged into the gap, behind the Inter Beleriand defence, and the Strong Boot calmly converted his one-on-one. Excellent finishing from Beleg and superb passing from Daeron, but it was Mablung playing the false striker that gave them an opening.

Anfauglith vs Nargothrond

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Elenrod/anfvngr-n_zpsb2e58339.jpg
[Projected formation. Anfauglith in black and brown; Nargothrond in green and yellow.]

Formation:

Anfauglith's 4-5-1 (with Galdor and Gundor as nominal wingers, although they've almost never attacked from the flanks in the friendlies) supposedly outnumbers Nargothrond's 4-3-3 in the midfield, but comparing the quality of the squads's midfielders (as well as considering the possibility of Finrod dropping deep as he initiates attacks), Nargothrond's three (or four) can hold their own against Anfauglith's five. Nargothrond's trident of Finrod, Glaurung, and Gwindor in their 4-3-3 would give the Balrogs second thought about advancing to help on the offence, while Anfauglith's lone forward Thuringwethil would use her strength, pace, and aerial superiority to press single-handedly Nargothrond's struggling back four.

Tactics:

It seems to be a clear battle of offence and defence. Anfauglith would defend with rows of five and four, harassing the ball-handler at every opportunity and sending long passes towards Thuringwethil as soon as they recover the ball. They will count on the vampire's array of skills and the disarray of the Nargothrond back line in transition to score. On the other hand Nargothrond would use its variety of offensive manoeuvres to crack the Anfauglith ranks open, as well as the varying talents of their attacking three. In Glaurung they have an excellent target of crosses and a player who can hold the ball up well. In Gwindor they have a pacey winger who can either dash past his marker before crossing or cut inside to take a shot himself. And in Finrod they have a playmaker who can set the pace of Nargothrond's attack as well as be a threat himself. From the midfield Orodreth and Finduilas have shown some sparks of attacking flair--Orodreth's occasional runs to the right flank to overlap with Gwindor helped overload Gondolin and Hithlum's left back on several instances in the friendlies.

One thing the Nargothrond attack cannot count on is help from their back four. None of them have the attacking instinct of a Fingolfin or a Morgoth, and, against Thuringwethil, they wouldn't have the leisure to do so anyway. Speaking of defence, Gwindor and Finrod must keep pressing their Balrog markers; giving one of them a chance to help Thuringwethil on the attack would stretch their back line to the breaking point. The midfielders would have a similar task of marking Galdor and Gundor, even if the sons of Hador are not as threatening on offence.

[Boromir88]

Matchday 1 - @ Michel Delving

The Stadium:

The stadium at Michel Delving is much smaller in capacity, and simpler built then a lot of other venues around Arda, but it is the most appropriate to host games in The Shire (certainly better than the dump of a stadium in Little Delving). And in truth, the Hobbits enjoy the simple goodness of their structures, as Gudolpho Chubb told reporters: "The big-folk can keep all their grand statues, the Elves can keep their high talons perched in trees, the dwarves can have their bejeweled crafts, all us hobbits need are some good pints and meals."

So, while the stadium went under renovations, mostly to add more seating (but the Greenhand and Gamgee families planted new seeds to create some pleasant gardens which brightened the atmosphere around the stadium) it still only has a max capacity of 38,000. The true fame of the hobbits is their fan-friendly concession prices, and few will contest the hobbits claim to providing the best food and beverage during the Arda Cup games.

Another event that seems to be sweeping across Arda, and originated in The Shire, is what people are calling "tale-gate parties." We're not sure of the practical purpose of these parties, but they're supposed to be fun to attend. Apparently, fans conglomerate around the gates of the stadium (hours before they actually open for the match), bringing their own food and drink, sporting the colours of their teams, and sharing tales with other fans.

Game 1: Angband v. The Downer (12:20 start time)

The Shire's hosting committee (which the famous hobbits Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin were members) decided a 12:20 start to the first game (3:40 for the 2nd). This would allow hobbits to have 1st and 2nd breakfasts, and brunch, plus plenty of "tale-gating" before the matches begin. But also be able to wrap up for the first day all before dinner and supper! It was a choice many Shirelings approved of, but fans from other teams grumbled, preferring to play their matches at night. Still Arda's competition committee (headed by Eru Iluvatar) saw nothing about these times which would give any team an unfair edge in the group.

The Hobbits will be hard pressed to decide who to support (if they support either of them) in this match. Saucepan Man seems to be one of the crowd favorites going in, but the destructive shenanigans of The Downer, in particular Alien, Hobbits most certainly would not approve. Morgoth has pledged he would reimburse any damages caused by The Downer team. Many wonder what game Morgoth is playing at, if whether this is just a means to "buy" more support away from home, or if he secretly wants a footing in The Downer's finances to get ownership in the team. Morgoth was rather fond of The Downer last year, so this seems like a possibility. With or without Morgoth's pledge to pay for damages, Angband will probably draw the 2nd most support (obviously behind SB-United). While Morgoth was certainly a dark and evil name out of the past, in truth, hobbits were very far removed and didn't feel it effected them. The site of Dragons, Balrogs, and Morgoth while terrifying could also be magnificent to behold.

It's anticipated to see a defense-first effort from Angband. With the powerful might of Ancalagon and evasive skill of Telvildo, Angband's strikers won't likely need much help from the defense in getting scoring opportunities. The battle The Downer will have to win to be competitive is in the mid-field, if focused Hookbill can certainly control the midfield against Angband's traitorous men. Still, they will need to push many more players on goal just to score on Morgoth's defense, and Carcharoth tending goal, which leaves Angband's strikers plenty of room to go to work.

Game 2: Shire-Bree United v. Tol-in-Gaurhoth (3:40 start time)

Tol-in-Gaurhoth supporters grumbled at the news of an afternoon start time, as it is well-known they love playing beneath clouds and darkness. Shastawolf growled: "We expected no favors from these weasle halflings. They have always tried to gain an advantage over us, because straight up wolves vs hobbits, is not contest the halflings would see their team crushed." NerWight had this to say however: "It's not ideal, but it could be worse. They could have tried to make us play in the morning, when we are not fully recovered from celebrating how we will stomp the home team to dust, from the night before." And Nogwolf: "We appreciate support from our passionate fanbase, but we're going to have to learn to play under any condition and at any start time if our goal is to win the Cup."

Shire-Bree fans, while admitting they've rarely been a good match up against wights and wolves, are coming in optimistic for several reasons. Even though the Hobbits were at first disappointed Bandobras was going to be the only halfling on the team, they are coming out in droves for Shire-Bree. Players like Strider and Bombadil are to spectacular to not witness, and they would be playing for The Shire! Optimists also noted TIG looked very disjointed in the friendlies, where their team was relaxed but aggressive. Plus at first, as frightening as it was to see Khamul and the Barrow-wight on the home team, halflings now must admit they would put much more fear in the wolves than they themselves would be able to!

So, as the games are about to begin in The Shire, so have the festivities. The wolves and wights of TIG (plus The Downer) are not taking part in such silly, unwelcome company and the hobbits are more than glad knowing troublemakers would be keeping away.

[Boromir88]

Matchday 1 - @ Minas Morgul

The Stadium:

Formerly called Moonlight Stadium in the days when Gondor owned the deeds to the stadium, it has since been renamed The Vale of Necromancy. It is the grandest stadium in the land of Mordor, seating 70,000 and VIP seats are in a tall tower, with a skull-turret, overlooking the pitch. Gondorians contest the lease should still belong to Gondor since it was illegally purchased, but Sauron has squashed those rumors and the Witch-King made it his personal abode ever since.

Outside the walls circle dozens of Silent Watchers which are enough to keep even the most stout hearted Men from trying to thieve and vandalize Minas Morgul property. The biggest concern before the opening matches will be the security situation. We have two passionate fanbases, whom have often been bitter enemies. Sauron maintains it won't be his base that causes the problems, citing his experience in hosting games and how the minions will follow his lead. Therefor any fights will likely be brought in by the Gondorians. But everyone must wonder how will Mordor react if the Gondor teams actually do advance, and how will Gondor react if the Mordor teams go through to the playoffs?

Game 1: Barad-dur v. Minas Tirith (2:30 start time)

The young captain of Minas Tirith, Faramir, contends every player on his team has withstood Sauron before and they will do so again. However, Minas Tirith will have to rise to the challenge facing Sauron, Castamir, and Beruthiel (plus Sangahyando and Angamaite like being involved in the attack, and White City defenders may simply get overwhelmed). With that said the White City has some dangerous boots as well, with Boromir I, Mardil, and Earnur, plus Faramir to lead smart counters. Barad-dur's defense will have to always be on guard, and they performed quite poorly throughout the friendlies.

Game 2: Gondor v. Mordor (8:00pm start time)

This will likely be more of a defensive game than the first one, since both teams are extremely well organized. The squad of Nazgul are exemplary teammates in complete sync with each other, so besides the home-field advantage, Mordor gets an edge in organization. Although, Gondor has a bit more of an offensive bite, especially when Eldacar decides it's time to play for real. Grishnakh (who seemed to be the only player of Mordor capable of communicating in ways that weren't hisses, screeches, or black speech) said: "The Great Eye is upon Gondor. Shelob is too monstrous for these weak Men to contain, the Nazgul will dominate in the mid-field and no one has the strength to get the ball past our Silent Watcher's will."

[Galadriel55]

It has come as a shock to many football phans that in the very first part of the season the Barrow Wight of team SBU will be playing against none other than the Wights and Wolves of TIG themselves!

TIG considers this plain teason from the side of the Barrow Wight, and extreme unconsideration from the side of those who made the groups. Meanwhile, the Barrow Wight is happy that he is not on the TIG team, which he despises. "They can call themselves Wights," he said, "but it is known that they have drifted away from their kind years ago. They have been playing as wolves for the past...ever! They are Wights only by origin, blasphemous creatures as they now are. They defile the good of Wight, and they put shame on my name!"

The spokesman for the TIG team, NogWolf, says that the Barrow Wight is too old-fashioned and just cannot keep up with the modern trends. "Aye, we started out just as he did - wights, scaring stray hobbits. And we were content. But then we grew more powerful than he, and learned how to adopt the shape of wolves. We are proud as ever of our accomplishment. Are we not still Wights, just Wights more skilled in the art of transformation?" LegateWight went farther. "This Barrow Wight was our superior for years, but now he's jealous. See, we've got more abilities than he does, and we are scarier. And better at football. He just cannot keep up with us. He holds only one evil in his form, but we hold two. And we are proud of it. Personally, I'd much rather be a wolf right now."

The feelings of both sides are boiling over, and the result of the match between TIG and SBU will determine the outcome. One side will have its noses up as high as Taniquetil, and the other will hang their heads in shame. Both sides need to win this important match to prove the truth of their words. It will not only be a victory on the field, it will be the victory of an age-long debate.

[the phantom]

Group B @ Weathertop

Even before Weathertop was officially named as a site host, most knew that it was coming. The stadium renovations that had been completed the year before were fantastic, and it was understood that their investment would be rewarded.

The arena could hold over 90,000 spectators, and it was a glorious blend of old Numenorean-type architecture and modern flash and convenience. This blend of styles could be seen even from a distance in the form of the rebuilt tower upon Amon Sul and the mirror image constructed of glass and metal on the hill immediately to the north. The stadium bound the two towers together, nestled in the saddle between the peaks.

The two local squads, Arnor and Eriador, would doubtless be receiving the greatest amount of support, but the large camp south of the road flying the flags of Gondolin showed that the Elves were willing to travel. There were also some Noldor in the fields to the east of Weathertop out in support of Maedhros, Fingon, and their Inter Beleriand squad. Inter would also pull in some support from the Gondolin Elves thanks to their goalkeeper, Turgon.

A few small bands of Orcs were camping in the hills to the north. Some might root for the Balrog on Inter or Gothmog of Gondolin, but they were there on the whole to support the Witch King and Eriador.

Journalists from every publication were in close proximity to cover the event, as it was simply a parade of big names that would be on display. Besides popular local figures such as Arvedui and Araphor, Arnor also had Elendil and Isildur, who were sure to attract interest of football fans in Numenor and Gondor. Inter had Turgon, Maedhros, and Fingon to provide massive appeal across Beleriand and Valinor. The dashing craftsmanship of Maeglin always drew in large numbers, while his partner Gothmog was hugely popular in the Angband and Utumno regions. Glorfindel and the Witch King would certainly drive ratings on Eriador, but Elrond was the big draw. Not only had he spearheaded the creation of team Eriador and the construction of the Weathertop arena, but he was coming off of a spectacular performance in Arda Cup 2011, where he had the best save percentage and led ALL players in Phantasy points until the finals, despite the fact that his squad had been eliminated in the quarterfinals!

Betting Note: Sports betting on Group B has been heavily in favor of Eriador, with 12 of every 15 putting their money on the host team to finish first. Gondolin has been the popular pick to finish second, with Inter receiving only a bit of support, and Arnor getting hardly any love at all.

[Nogrod]

Group D @ Armenelos

When Númenor won the bid over hosting group F it was clear where the games would take place. Although there are beautiful and large enough stadiums in both Andunië and Romenna, there was no question the action would take place at either. The “Wembley” of the Middle-Earth, the Armenelos stadium, is situated just in the shadow of the tower and the citadel raised by Elros just beside Meneltarma. Even if there are some fancier and bigger new stadiums in Arda, the Armenelos stadium stands as the classic venue, the somewhat grey but revered old king of stadiums. And in its stonework one can still see the craftsmanship of the men of old, and the eye for architecture of the Dúnedain at the height of their power.
Interestingly enough we can open the reporting from group D quoting our own article from last year. Not all investement groups were happy with the Arda Cup board’s decision to make Armenelos a host of a group two years in a row – and there were rumours that certain groups had actually wished to challenge the decision legally. But there is only silence from the part of the authorities on the matter.

Most analysts to the Arda Cup seem to think that Ainulindalë Enterpises ltd. had a strong say on the decision – and that the strength of their argument was not backed up only by money. Be that however it is, on one thing all the analysts seem to agree, and it is that the deal included some major financial transactions The Arda Cup committee was happy to receive – and most other investment groups probably had a decent enough share to keep them from going into the court.

Putting the possible unhappiness of certain big-time investors aside, the choice of Armenelos as the host for group D – and the subsequent choice of teams into that group – is pure sporting nirvana. Whichever media-prediction you look at, you have there four teams that all belong to the top ten of the tournament all playing in one group! And the games will be played in one of the most legendary stadiums in all Middle-Earth, in front of an enthusiastic home crowd who are the living emblems of the history and tradition of football, and the most generous hosts to anyone who just loves the game.

Many have predicted that the Valinor-based teams would make it to the next rounds and are mainly having arguments whether FC Valinor’s win over Real Valinor in the friendlies was telling the truth about their respective strengths or whether it was just an accident (or a deliberate scheming) on the part of Real Valinor. But even if the home team hasn’t been too flashing in their friendlies, at least the home fans expect them to qualify – and no one in the footballing world can take team Armenelos lightly, especially at their home stadium. Tirion in turn has been scoring in the friendlies in more or less unparallelled fashion with Finwë leading the scoreboard by a margin to any other player in the friendlies.

So whatever the results of the group will be one thing will be clear – and that is the sad thing from a sporting perspective – two excellent teams will be left into the group-phase. But to all those who have managed to purchase tickets to the games will be seeing some of the best football on Arda already in a group games which is a rare treat. So let us celebrate that!

[the phantom]

Group C @ Moria

The greatest realm of the Dwarves is set to play host to Group C, and it's quite fitting that Aule himself is here to play on the Dwarves United squad. Defending alongside him is Celebrimbor, who is equally thrilled to find himself in Moria- an old stomping ground of his.

The Dwarves are prepared to receive visitors both inside and outside. Near the Mirrormere and the Dimrill Dale Arena there is a small collection of inns and taverns, and within the gates of Moria several miles worth of chambers have been cleaned up and refurbished to house guests, and one of the main level halls has been turned into an oversized beer tent.

Not only were lodgings both in and out of Moria, but the games were to be held as such- each day game would be held in the beautiful Dimrill Dale, while the night match featuring the home side would be played in the loud and claustrophobic Moria underground stadium.

Though Dwarves United hopes to enjoy a home-field advantage, the sports betting isn't flowing their direction. Wilderland has most of the bets, advancing on 13 out of 15 cards, while Erebor follows closely on 10 of 15. Dwarves United and Anduin are the clear underdogs in Group C.

Dwarves United is certain to receive a large amount of Dwarf support, but there is a large contingent from Lothlorien as well- to support Celeborn and Haldir on team Anduin and to cheer on Galadriel on team Wilderland. A large number of Misty Mt orcs have turned up as well, no doubt intent on supporting Bolg on the Erebor squad.

Game 1 between Anduin and Wilderland kicks off in the dale at 2:30 tomorrow afternoon, while game two will begin under the mountains at 9 o'clock.

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Group G at Nargothrond

When one asks a random passerby about the great football stadiums of Beleriand, the names most mentioned are Doriath's Menegroth Stadium and Gondolin's Song of Stone Stadium, hosts to some unforgettable Arda Cup and league games. Himring's Ever-Cold Arena and Mithrim's lakeside stadium has a following, and many an Orc or Troll will tell you about Utumno's stadium with some affection. But no one will say or even remember the name of Nargothrond's home arena. Why is that so? many of the Nargothrondrim have surely asked. Aren't we one of the great realms of Beleriand, built by the best of the Naugrim and Noldorin craftsmen? Why don't we have an arena that rivals Menegroth and Ondolindë's?

When Finrod returned to his realm late last year, the first thing on his mind was not who to recruit for Nargothrond's squad, but how to build an Arda-class arena to host top-flight football games in. After considering whether a new arena should—or rather, could—be built, it was decided that the ageing Faroth Arena be renovated instead.

From the doors of Nargothrond, down the narrow path beside the banks of Narog, then up the steep slopes of Taur-en-Faroth: it is a long trek to the High Faroth Arena, delved deep down into the bluff overlooking Narog, one of the biggest domed arenas in Beleriand. Originally seating around 40,000, the improved arena now seats a little less than 60,000. The Noldor and the Dwarves have delved deeper into the cliffside, making the stadium asymmetrical—the Narog side seats have around ten less rows than the opposite side.

Despite his initiative to improve Nargothrond's home stadium, Finrod's absentee rulership had been commented on by some Beleriand tabloids. Many recall the exchange between him and Gondolin's Maeglin during their last friendly match over Turgon's plight. “The people of Nargothrond deserve much more than a new stadium,” said the Tumladen Mirror. “How about a stronger commitment to play for the team, and not leaving after a setback? Surely the Faithful wants to aid his friends and kin, but what about his own people? Maeglin is right. He should mind the business of his own realm first, before worrying about the others.” Although these comments have been lightly rebutted by the local journalists, who said that they trust Finrod to do his best for the kingdom, the issue still seemed to be simmering within the population.

Group G, composed purely of Beleriand teams, is a group of many stories. There's Beren and Lúthien, as well as their friends Thuringwethil and Finrod. Eöl and Beren vs their old team. Glaurung against his Balrog buddies. The rematch of Dagor-nuin-Giliath. Every game has a story behind it, but for the most important story, this is all but an opening chapter. Which teams will get a chance to continue their tale in the knockout stages, and which teams will be forced to write 'The End' after only a few pages?

[Nogrod]

Group E @ the Grey Havens

Cirdan had invited a host of teams to play friendlies at the Grey Havens so that the elven organizers would get some experience on handling games and catering for the fans – and for sure to give the locals a taste of what would be on offer later on as the Grey Havens isn’t exactly a “cradle of football” like Armenelos or Gondolin.

But the recently built Lhûnarena with its shape of an elven ship is a spectacular stadium, even if it stands a bit aside from downtown Mithlond. And it is nevertheless still situated in a nice spot beside the river just outside the old city walls, just next to the town’s favourite waterpark and riverside gardens. Thanks to its great location, many elves found it during the friendlies and reading the local tabloids today one could even talk about football-frenzy in the Grey Havens. Well, that is, if one keeps one’s perspective in check.

But what most certainly raises the awareness of the Arda Cup in the Grey Havens is the visitors to the city. Manwë himself will honour the city with his presence alongside many of the Valar the Mithlondians hold in greatest esteem. And the wizards long gone would be there – and from the mortals, some of the greatest and also the most tragic ones ever walking the old Beleriand would come to the city to play. And that, if not football as such, is creating a fuzz in Mithlond.

Now if group D has been labelled “the group of death” for some good reasons, group E in Mithlond could be coined as the “the group of near death experience” like the conservative Mithlond Navigator put it - or “the group of no reservations allowed” as the local tabloid The Lhûnandarwinian had it.

Many betting agencies have Valimar going through the group alongside Ulmo’s The Sea made sharper by some real Númenorian talent. But many are ready to risk their coin for Hithlum believing that Túrin and Húrin will show their leadership qualities once again and can’t be eliminated from a tournament in the group stage – and still many wish to bet on the hometeam looking forwards to Eärendil, Tuor and Olwë himself to show their qualities in front of the cheering home-crowd – not ot talk of Cirdan keeping their harbour safe.

Whoever will qualify from group E will then walk straight into the toughest first qualifiers ever facing the two best teams from group D. But like said so many times before; the teams emerging as winners from that will most probably be teams contending for the whole tournament having played their toughest games already…

[Shastanis Althreduin]

Group F at Isengard

It's been known that Isengard would have the home team advantage when Group F came together to play, but repeated attempts to contact Saruman about the details of Isengard Stadium have been met with maddening secretiveness until now.

There's been a spot on the fields below Saruman's tower that's been under some sort of a cloaking spell for quite some time - no one could tell what was going on under the shifting haze. But as of yesterday, the haze has lifted, and Isengard Stadium stands revealed. It's made almost entirely of stone and rubble; this may be a ploy on the part of Saruman to discourage certain spectators (such as elves; orcs don't sit, and dwarves don't care) from coming to support their teams. Regardless, the men of Rohan are here in droves to support their home team, and Misty Mountains has drawn a cadre of supporters from the Golden Wood, thanks to their signing of Rumil and Orophin. Isengard, of course, has home-court advantage and the number of fans to match, while Imladris, unfortunately has only a small section of devoted supporters to take strength from.

Several members of the White Hand are running concessions, and it's possible (though unprovable) that those wearing Isengard colors are getting slightly better rates on food and drink, but that's a can of worms this reporter isn't quite willing to open just yet.


Game 1 - Imladris vs. Rohan (1:00 pm start time)

As the captains came together to decide on play order, it was decided that the Rohan and Imladris teams, not having as much night-sight capability as most members of the other two teams, would take the first slot rather than the second (which is occuring rather later in the evening than would be expected) - Saruman wasn't insistent on this, exactly, but it's clear that this is the result he wanted, so it's suspected there may be more to watch during the second game than previously thought. Regardless, there's one issue that several groups of people have been wondering about - how will Elladan and Elrohir fare against the horse-filled defense of Rohan? When asked to comment, the sons of Elrond were rather upfront about their chances.

"We'll run rings around them," Elrohir boasted confidently. "Horses are too big to turn on a dime; we're smaller, we have more agility. Besides that, they're horses!"

Elladan was more circumspect in his reply. "Shadowfax is the pinnacle of horsekind, of course, and Snowmane and Felarof are no less good at what they do. However, I feel like they'll be running into each other a lot, which ought to work in our favor."

On the Rohan side, this reporter only had limited time to speak with the horse-line of Rohan's defense to elicit a response to the Imladris forwards - and of course most of it was impossible to understand. However, there seemed to be a lot of snorting and pawing the ground going on - and Shadowfax had a particular glint in his eye that doesn't bode well for the brash Elrohir.


Game 2 - Isengard vs. Misty Mountains (7:00 pm start time)

The staggeringly long delay between Games 1 and 2 has been explained away as having to redo the pitch after Rohan's horses have gouged it with their hooves, but six hours seems a long time for such a short task. Regardless, it means that Isengard and Misty Mountains will be playing under the setting sun, and dusk will fall during the middle of the first half. Neither team should be too hampered by this, so it just remains to be seen - why did Saruman want such a late start time? When asked to comment, the wizard was slippery.

"Well, of course the pitch will have to be redone after Game 1. We can't have people tripping in holes the size of Caradhras left and right, can we? What's that? Oh, do excuse me, it seems something's come up that I'm going to have to deal with."

The "something" appeared to be Lurtz, holding two cones of spun sugar. One wonders what question Saruman was trying to avoid.

In any case, this reporter managed to catch up to Rumil of the Misty Mountains team, one of the most likely to be affected by the late start, in order to inquire about his team's chances.

"Oh, I'm sure we'll do fine. We can all see in the dark, for the most part, and it shouldn't be that lightless anyway. Some of us are a little concerned that Saruman might try something underhanded, though; no one trusts him after he -" and here, he glanced around to make sure no one else was listening, "- took our best goalie with him when he left. Try to keep that hush-hush, by the way; the Great Goblin is doing a fine job, but he's been known to go into a sulk when he thinks he's being compared to Caradhras and that's the last thing we need right now."

No worries. This reporter's lips are sealed. On with the matches!

[the phantom]

Group B at Weathertop

At long last, the games of the 2012 Arda Cup were under way!

Kickoff for the first game between Inter Beleriand and Gondolin was as good as could be hoped for- several thousand supporters filed in through midmorning, and the rest of the seats were filled slowly by locals. The stadium was perfectly designed to allow coming and going, with entry points in the lower portion of the stadium accessed via the east and west paths that rose to the saddle between the two hills, and with entries for the upper levels accessed by the hilltops.

The sky was entirely overcast, providing nice even lighting across the field with no worries of blind spots. Cool temperatures had pushed down from the north, making things nicely mild at 65 F (18 C), though it was certain to warm by the second match.

As the first match kicked off it was soon apparent that Inter had more fan support. Gondolin supporters were certainly out in force, but the lack of representatives from the royal house had undoubtedly affected things, while Inter had Turgon playing for them, perhaps leading to a few defectors. But the difference was primarily seen with the locals, who seemed keen to root for Turgon, Fingon, and Maedhros. Maeglin of Gondolin is a huge name in football of course, but Inter's stars were just as large, and the men of Arnor seemed hesitant to get behind Maeglin's co-star at the front- Gothmog, Lord of Balrogs.

The two squads battled evenly to start, Gondolin pushing the ball aggressively, Inter possessing carefully. Maedhros and Fingon gained an opportunity in the opening minutes, but Egalmoth assisted his keeper nicely and got in the way of Fingon's shot.

On the other end Inter's Balrog did his best to frustrate Gothmog one on one, leaving the rest of the defense more free to converge on Maeglin. The strategy worked for the most part, limiting Gondolin's shots to longer speculations.

Both defenses held the opposition at bay throughout the first half- until the final minutes. Breaking up what had been an extremely clean game, Galdor performed an ill-advised take-down of Fingon, giving Inter a ranged free kick. Fingon's friend Maedhros took it and struck a beautiful ball over the top of the wall but with slightly lowered pace and enough spin to bring it down and challenge Rog.

The ball was placed perfectly high and right and Rog barely deflected it upwards, where it rebounded off the bottom of the bar. First to it was Fingon, who had timed his run nicely, and with his speed and accurate toe it was over the moment the ball bounced out from the bar- Fingon volleyed it into the empty left side with ease to give Inter the lead going into halftime!

When Gondolin emerged from the tunnel after the half they changed tactics drastically, asking their midfielders Duilin and Elemmakil to make aggressive runs forward and feeding them. Already in the second minute a nice through ball from Meleth found Duilin in stride and he fired a laser between the posts, forcing Turgon to make a fantastic save.

Just minutes later Gondolin sprung a nearly identical play, only this time Inter was ready and converged swiftly- which was what Gondolin hoped for. Duilin immediately sent it over to the freed-up Maeglin dashing full speed towards the right post. The panicked defense scampered to recover and stop the fabled "keen-boot" of Gondolin, but he unexpectedly skipped it back over to the forgotten Duilin who couldn't fail to put it in from five yards. The score was tied!

Inter fans grew quiet as Gondolin pressed forward yet again, bringing their full force forward. Turgon's defense was hard-pressed, and he was forced to stop a couple shots himself. At minute 56 Gondolin earned a corner, but Maedhros gained position and rose up high and headed it downfield. Fingon was waiting to dash the opposite way, and Baragund and Forweg were also moving the same way from the far side of the box, starting their run the moment they guessed the ball was coming out from the near side of the goal.

Baragund was first to it, splitting Aranwe and Galdor, who didn't recover quickly enough. With Fingon on the left and Forweg the right Baragund took two touches to draw Egalmoth closer and sent it over to Forweg, who on the first touch sent it forward to Fingon, who outpaced Pengolodh to earn an unopposed attack on Rog.

Fingon dashed forward and deftly faked a shot, then moved to slot the ball home to the near post- or so it appeared to Rog. Instead Fingon sent it sideways into empty territory where it was met solidly by Baragund to give Inter the lead!

Inter fans exploded while Gondolin supporters sat down heavily in stunned silence. Football could turn quickly, and here was the proof.

Turgon organized his defense for the final push they would inevitably face, and Inter went into full time-wasting and possession mode. They would attempt to bog things down and hold on for the victory. Gondolin pushed forward for the draw with everything they had. Inter staved them off again and again and nearly gained a counter opportunity, but the score remained the same.

Finally as time neared 80 minutes Gondolin's persistence paid off. Gothmog finally got the better of his mark and headed in a spectacular cross from Elemmakil, and the score was level once more!

Now on even footing, both teams looked to gain the winning goal, but both somewhat tentatively, not wanting to make a mistake that would concede the winner. Maeglin earned Gondolin a good look with some nifty footwork in the closing seconds, but Turgon made the stop to preserve the draw. The locals applauded the game enthusiastically, not only because they'd witnessed some quality football, but because each team gaining but one point left things open for Arnor or Eriador to move forward.

Inter Beleriand 2-2 Gondolin
on target 6-9
tot shots 14-22
GOALS:
*43, 1-0 Fingon (Maedhros)
*50, 1-1 Duilin (Maeglin)
*56, 2-1 Baragund (Fingon)
*77, 2-2 Gothmog (Elemmakil)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Inter- Forweg, Gorlim
*Gondolin- Galdor

The last remnants of cloud cover drifted away before the start of the late match, exposing the arena to the sun at last. When Arnor and Eriador trotted onto the field for warmups the grass was half in shadows, and the stadium was similarly split between the supporters of the squads, though Eriador probably had a few more thanks to the late-arriving Orcs, most of which sported Witch King replica jerseys.

And those same Orcs were riotous indeed when their hero rifled in the game's opening goal! The only thing they seemed to enjoy more than the goal was when Witch King got carded for a rough tackle on Valandur- almost to remind Arnor that though he was playing the part of good teammate on Eriador, he hadn't forgotten his old rivalry with the men of the North.

As the minutes moved along Eriador was controlling things nicely, and the defense of Arnor was kept running by their fine ball movement. And just before the end of the half, Eriador struck again- but this time the section of Gondolin Elves was given a special reason to cheer, as it was the beloved Glorfindel booting it past Arvedui.

In the second half Elrond ordered a full defensive lockdown, and Eriador went to it with model efficiency. Arnor managed to make Elrond move a couple times, but they were distance prayers with no real hope of getting past a keeper of his caliber. At minute 74 however things got interesting again. Araphor made a superb move past the defense and got to the end line to send a cross, but Gil-galad got in the way and deflected it out for a corner to Arnor.

Elendil sent in a pinpoint corner to his son and Isildur, after using his size to shield his defender, gained the header. Elrond shifted into position to make the save, but the header took an unfortunate deflection to the other side where Araphor made a heads-up reactionary play and kneed the ball into the netting to close the gap to one goal!

The newly energized Arnor faithful began chanting and stomping, but Eriador professionally bounced back from the setback and took full command of the ball and choked off all the action to preserve the margin of victory. The favorites had the early lead in Group B!

Arnor 1-2 Eriador
on target 5-6
tot shots 12-14
GOALS:
*24, 0-1 WitchKing (Arahael)
*41, 0-2 Glorfindel (Arveleg)
*74, 1-2 Araphor (Isildur)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Arnor- Malvegil
*Eriador- WitchKing

[Nogrod]

Group D at Armenelos, round 1


“The final of the 2012 Arda Cup today on the Armenelos Stadium at 18.00 hours! Gates open at noon.” screamed The Mittalmar Sun on it’s frontpage.

“Game Of Death today on Armenelos Stadium at 21.30 hours!” yelled Romenna Rumourer.

The more liberal and always so witty The Númenorian was taken by the frenzy as well: “Armenelos [our’men’no’los(s)] = the best footballing team of men ever, (-stadium) where everything happens, the place to be.”

Even the conservative The Armenelos Times had put football on it’s frontpage with the header: “The West shall see our determination this year!”

The whole city was living the games to the fullest. The Meneltarma Square had received two giant screens for the fans who couldn’t make a ticket to the Stadium and the square predictably started filling with people already before noontime. A bandstand had been brought in to the middle of the square where different bands, comedians, acrobats, wrestlers, poets, actors etc. from all over Arda performed the whole afternoon. When the Royal Citadel Choir finally performed the hymn “Númenor will never yield” it felt like a whole city had joined the chorus.

And like the last year, a game day meant a day out for all the Númenorians, and friends & families gathered together sharing their pic-nic meals with everyone. Inside and outside the Stadium the wineskins changed hands and the flagons were poured full one after another. The visitors to the city were treated well and politely, but it was clear the Númenorians were celebrating the games mainly with themselves.

But behind the jubilant mood the Númenorians delved into they knew the stakes were as high as possible from the very first game on. In the back of their heads the Númenorians knew their team had to win their first game to keep their dream of qualifying alive. And none dared to concentrate into a possibility they could lose. But it wasn’t any easier among the fans of the Valinor-based teams as it was more or less clear the victor would most probably be able to qualify, but the loser would have to fight for real to follow.


~*~


FC Valinor had beaten Real Valinor in the friendlies 2-1. That result and its meaning had been mulled over hundreds of times by different speculators. But whatever the exact contents of any individual speculations were one could say there were a few main categories of interpretations. According to one there was no way you could make any meaningful predictions based on a friendly game where neither team was playing in full force – and even their will to win in the first place could be questioned. According to the second line of thought Real Valinor had purposefully held their dashing forward-trio at bay not to let FC’s defences to accustom themselves to the different combinations they would be using when playing for real (some added to this interpretation that Real was willing to let the FC players feel confident of being better and thus underestimate Real, or to come to the game with not a full 100% energy, and then smash them down in the very beginning of the real game with devastating psychological effect). Third interpretation would say that the friendly proved both teams more or less equal as the second half – which was somewhat competitive in comparison to the first – ended 1-1. Yet a fourth line of thought put it blatantly that FC Valinor showed it was simply the better team of the two; and that Curufin and Celegorm supported by Yavanna were far more sharper and better able to kill games than the somewhat anemic Arien – Miriel – Nerdanel trio.

As the game began, it very soon started to look like the last line of thought was the right one as Yavanna scored 1-0 for FC Valinor after only six minutes into the game – and when Celegorm hammered the ball into the back of the net at twenty minutes making it already 2-0 it felt more or less evident that was the case.

There were many who said that Real had only started the game a bit sloppily and would come back, like it did the last time the teams met. It is hard to say whether FC Valinor’s dominance in the first twenty minutes was due to Real’s sloppyness or just their own goodness, but Real did come to fight back. And so after a lightning start for FC the game evened a lot and the crowds were served some real quality football.

Even if FC Valinor was leading by two goals to nil they were not settling into defence but brought consistent attacks towards Real’s side of the field. And those attacks also revealed a hidden weakness in Real Valinor’s defence, which is a certain lack of concentration. Everyone knows Caranthir has anger-management issues and many had guessed Tilion might have some problems with motivation being forced to play in the defence. Rúmil in turn seemed at times quite absent-minded, like lost in his letters, and Nienna and Elemmírë seemed to momentarily share more griefs past than awareness of what was going on around them. So with their defence in occasional disarray FC Valinor gained a host of chances to add to their lead.

But Real Valinor played back as well. Especially the dashing quickness of Nessa caused continuous problems to FC Valinor’s midfield and as the game grew older also the ladies up front started to find their magical touch at times making the defenders of FC Valinor look very slow and clumsy indeed. But what they were lacking was the accuracy. Miriel hit the post twice and Arien sent two absolute boomers just inches past the frame…

At 74th minute Curufin showed what accuracy means on the other end of the pitch. Caranthir got booked for a late tackle on his brother and Curufin took the shot from 35 meters himself. He sent a wild curveball flying first past the wall of defenders from the right and then bending astonishingly tightly sideways to the left again. When Tulkas realised where the ball was heading in the end it was already too late. The shot left Tulkas standing in the middle of the goal when the ball hit just inside the left corner of the crossbar and bounced inside the goal sweeping the net.

With 3-0 at the scoreboard both teams seemed to have had enough and just passed the ball to and fro for the last fifteen minutes saving energy for the next matches.

FC Valinor had really made a statement. It is hard to figure a team that could beat Real Valinor in two games in a row and to talk about an aggregate of 5-1 would just sound blasphemous. But that’s just what FC Valinor did!

FC Valinor 3-0 Real Valinor
on target 7-4
tot shots 15-14
GOALS:
*6, 1-0 Yavanna (Nahar)
*20, 2-0 Celegorm (Argon)
*74, 3-0 Curufin
YELLOW CARDS:
*FCVal- Curufin, Nahar
*Real- Caranthir



So the table was set for the match the Númenoreans were looking for. And many felt uneasy as it was now clear their number one target in this tournament would be Real Valinor: they would be the team Armenelos would have to beat. And even if they lost 0-3, they looked so dangerous! Maybe Caranthir and Nienna weren’t in their best form today and maybe Tilion was frustrated… but those were the players they would have to get past, and they were such great players even on a bad day – and the Armenelos team would have to stand their ground against the speed of Nessa, the virtuosity of Miriel and Nerdanel and the deadly finishing of Arien another day when they might be in just a bit sharper mood and their shots would go those few inches closer to the target... It was frighteningly clear to the home crowds after the first match.

But first they had to beat Tirion if they were to dream of qualifying and even that felt suddenly like a challenge they hadn’t quite anticipated how strong it was. Seeing the first game kind of made everything more concrete: this is the level of football played in group D. Would their own team stand to the challenge?

Armenelos had played somewhat sloppily in the friendlies but when the referee’s whistle blew the first half of the game opened everyone saw the team was playing with a totally different attitude. They fought for every ball and tackled hard, their game was present and concentrated; they were big, physical, aggressive and active. But especially Ingwë, Aredhel, Finwë and Eonwë showed some real skill and were able to make the Armenelos midfieldfield to run after them by moving and handling the ball brilliantly but getting themselves good scoring opportunities was hard indeed because of the excellence of the Armenelos defence positioning and relentless marking. The beginning then promised a real nail-biter – and some great football.

Now imagine two hundred thousand people cheering (about 70 000 inside the stadium and the rest outside on the great square). Then imagine doubling the sound as it is not mere seventh age humans but Númenorians yelling for joy. Then double it once more as with that outburst a lot of pressure was relieved, like a ton of weight lifted up from their shoulders. The team was answering the call – and in which way!

Tar Telperien cut a pass in the defence and sent it forwards all the way to Ar Adunakhôr who was immediately surrounded by Lalwende and Elenwë. But he made a quick turn and passed the ball backwards to up-running Tar Miriel who passed the ball diagonally forwards to the other side of the field with a one touch pass – and straight in front of Ar Pharazôn who beat Thorondor to the ball and hammered it in from the corner of the goal. Armenelos was in the lead after 22 minutes of the game and the fans were just going wild!

When Tar Ancalimon headed a second goal just before the break from Tar Telemmaïte’s corner one could call the feeling of the homecrowds purely euphoric. The game was tight and even on many fronts, but Armenelos was scoring, and scoring beautifully.

The second half started with a cold shower for the homeside fans when the Grand-grandfather Finwë hammered the ball in from a nice break-in to-the-box pass by his grand-daughter Aredhel. Tar Atanamir had no chance there. After the 2-1 goal Tirion got more energy and started pressing, but Armenelos defences didn’t give them in even an inch. It tells a lot about team Armenelos’ attitude that even Ar Adunakhôr and Ar Pharazôn were seen aiding the defences every once in a while – when they were not building their counter-attacks.

At 70th minute the stadium (and the square beside it) just exploded. Ar Gimilzôr forced a turnover in the midfield and sent the ball sideways to Ar Pharazôn who ran forwards, dribbled Mahtan out of the game and centered the ball just before rushing into Thorondor – and from between the two women running for defence Ar Adunakhôr jumped forwards and headed the ball in behind Finarfin who was totally unexpecting such a quick action. It was 3-1 with twenty minutes to go, but Tirion seemed to unleash the last extra-energy they had tapped in them. It sure was a game of death to them as well as losing to Armenelos would most probably mean being left into the group phase, unless they beat both Valinor teams which seemed quite a task to put it mildly.

So Tirion was charging with all they had – and the attack of the mighty elves shook the defences of the proud Númenorians even if they fought back heroically and with as much gusto you can imagine a great human to have against such a pressure. Time after time the Númenorians forced the attacks back, and when able built their own forcing Tirion to run back to their own half every now and then. But there seemed to be nothing to prevent the determination of the great elves prevailing – even if the goal was actually not made by an elf but Manwë’s herald, the great Eönwë himself. Númenorians are strong and physical, but Eönwë just forced himself through the Númenorian defences and hammered the ball in to the net with sheer power, both physical and mental.

There was ten minutes left of the game and the hosts were leading 3-2. So it was a nail-biter in the end even if the home team had enjoyed 2-0 and 3-1 leads earlier in the game.

And what an ending it was. Armenelos was not keen to fall into defence but started yet again pressing forwards when Tirion did their best to attack as well with all they could bring forward. But both goaltenders made a few spectacular saves in the end kept their sheets clean during the last minutes of maybe the most exciting football seen at Armenelos Stadium.

The crowds lived the last ten extaticly with the game and when the referee blew his whistle to end the game the roar of them could probably have been heard even in the mainland ME. The home team had won 3-2 in a game they had to win. Tirion’s road towards the play-offs on the other hand turned just a little bit rockier. And there and then the people realised the cruelty of the group-system. A team of that excellence was practically out of the games with just this one loss.

During the night the Tirion supporters found a lot of sympathy in the pubs and tavernas and received all the hospitality the island of Númenor could offer. Although, and to be honest, not all the wishes for Tirion to win at least a game, well exactly to beat at least Real Valinor, were purely unselfish by nature.

Armenelos 3-2 Tirion
on target 7-8
tot shots 17-19
GOALS:
*22, 1-0 Ar Pharazon (Tar Miriel)
*44, 2-0 Tar Ancalimon (Tar Telemmaite)
*53, 2-1 Finwe (Aredhel)
*70, 3-1 Ar Adunakhor (Ar Pharazon)
*80, 3-2 Eonwe (Mahtan)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Armenelos- Ar Gimilzor
*Tirion- Eonwe, Thorondor

[Nogrod]

Hunter U. Nogson has returned from the dead!

Well almost. But he is now in Armenelos and has continued blogging after some trouble not too unlike him. You can visit his latest blog-entry Númenoreans are jerks (http://hunterunogson.blogspot.com/2012_05_01_archive.html) by clicking the link.


Official disclaimer by The AKM:
Hunter U. Nogson is no family friendly writer so little puppies should stay away from the blog. Also The AKM is not responsible for Mr. Nogson's language or any views he holds or witholds.

[Boromir88]

The Great Delving stadium was filling up quickly when the gates opened a few hours before the first kick. Most spectators were surprisingly hobbits and thus entered the grand stands as neutrals. Even if most hobbits were not enthusiastic about putting their support behind either of these teams, the Arda Cup was in town, it was just another reason to eat, drink, and have some good-simple entertainment. Who could pass up on this deal?

Of the hobbits who were not neutrals, most seemed to be for The Downer, particularly because Saucepan Man was their favorite player. The large Gamgee family was out in full force, bringing all sorts of pots and pans to bang on and cheer for the family favorite. However, it was Angband who had the most fans show up from the non-hobbit crowd: swarty easterlings and bands of orcs made the trip to root on Morgoth and Angband. The hobbits were noticeably nervous having their borders open to unsavory looking big folk and orcs, but with Morgoth working in tandem the Barrow-wights patrol's they felt the matches would be secure.

Group A @ Michel Delving

At the start of the match, it was clear to any one watching there were just 2 different classes of teams on the pitch. It was if Morgoth wrote the script of the game before even playing it. Angband's passing was quick and precise. Their strikers up front were just lacking the finishing touch, or else they would have likely scored within the first couple minutes. The Downer defenders were actually into the game, but defending doggedly trying to get in the way of Angband's shots. Since Ancalagon looked a bit slow and rusty, it worked at first, but being unable to take possession away, eventually the early game rust falls off.

It wasn't even 15 minutes into the match, when Telvildo was already weaving in, out and around Downer defenders' legs After making mousemeat out of the defenders, Telvildo left the ball to Ancalagon to slam in from close range. That goal would surely give the oft-accused of being overly priced dragon some confidence!

Angband seemed content to go pull back and defend, testing their defenders against The Downer attack. The Downer was able to build some pressure in the mid-field, but for the most part they could not beat the Angband back-line. None of their chances seriously trouble Caracharoth at goal.

A mishap in the mid-field between Lalwende MP and John Fillis led to the next goal for Angband in the match. Gelmir stepped up to intercept a pass, and with Ancalagon and Telvildo already stationed up the field there were plenty of Angband players attracting attention. One who did not attract much attention though was Ulfast. Gelmir found the traitorous man at the top of the box. Ancalagon was doing a good job shielding the Bubble Buddha out of the play, and thus Ulfast was able to send a good drive to the back of the net.

Play got a little chippy towards the end of the half, but both teams seemed to welcome the rougher play. The Downer upping the physicality wasn't bothering Morgoth in the least bit, but this team is completely mental. They were laughing, and begging Angband to hit them harder, yet were showing no signs of injury, or wearing down, they just kept...laughing. It was probably Angband's worst part of their game today, since all it did was get their players a couple of yellow cards before the half, which could see one of their player's sent off in the 2nd.

Alas, there was no sign of strategy or life to The Downer's play. 12 minutes into the 2nd period, Ancalagon got his 2nd goal of the match off a free kick. It began with the crowd hearing a pained screech and seeing a feline sent flying some 40 yards through the air. Morsul avoided a straight red card by saying he sincerely tried to clear the ball, but it's not his fault he whiffed at the last moment and cleared Telvildo instead! It was straight from goal, but quite a ways away, still when Ancalagon takes the free kick, everyone knows what's coming, a shot on goal. Ancalagon lined up his shot, and with his trademark tail whip, struck the ball so hard it cleaved a path through everything.

Things began getting really ridiculous after Angband went up 3-0, and most neutrals wound up exiting the stadium. They liked the play they saw from Angband, but were not at all interested in watching The Downer players getting out of control, just as Morgoth was not interested in putting a stop to the sideshow that was The Downer.

Angband was confident of the shut out, but in this way they allowed overconfidence to let them get lazy. The ball somehow freakishly ended up in Hookbill's possession, but he just kicked it towards the sideline (being more fascinated by Alien trying to catch Lalwende MP's cloak on fire). However, Saucepan Man got to it before going out of bounds and then out ran the Angband defenders. Morgoth was the only one left to beat, but Morgoth didn't step up to challenge at all, he appeared to just let Sauce have an open crack at goal, and Saucepan easily beat Carcharoth with a solid strike. The few Pan Fans left in the stands, clattered.

Afterwards, reporters asked about Morgoth's late game decision "Of course I could have stopped him if I wanted to, but we had scored 3 goals and Carcharoth had yet to save a difficult shot. I knew Saucepan would not disappoint in challenging our keeper. I wish Carcharoth had been able to come up with the save, but I purposefully put our keeper in a difficult situation to see how the werewolf would handle it."

Angband 3-1 The Downer
on target 7-3
tot shots 16-12
GOALS:
*14, 1-0 Ancalagon (Telvildo)
*31, 2-0 Ulfast (Gelmir)
*57, 3-0 Ancalagon
*82, 3-1 Saucepan Man (Hookbill)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Angband- Ulfast, Lorgan, Telvildo, Ulfang
*Downer- Hookbill, Evil Mayo, Morsul

It was the greatest buzz happening in The Shire since the hobbit folk could remember. The weather had been bright and clear all day (which obviously was putting the TIG team in a crummy mood before kick off). Adding to weather conditions, the entire atmosphered seemed to be set against the wolves. Their fanbase is normally quite small, but raucous and travels well, but there was barely 2,000 TIG colors spotted in a small corner of Michel Delving stadium. Why such a low turnout? Was the TIG base that despiritted by the Arda Cup's biased rules limitting the number of werewolves on their team?

And obviously, all the unsold TIG ticket allotment just went to Shirelings, and those sold out quickly. Even the standard baddie creatures, like other wights and civilised orcs were joining chants towards Shire-Bree's victory...no doubt thanks to Khamul and the Barrow-wight now playing for them. "Traitors. Both of them" grumbled Gwathwight.

Whatever the reasons were (and we would contribute the combination of negative factors piled up) TIG were a complete mess to start the match. It was none other than Bombadil playfully skipping circles around the TIG defense. Not even the Phantomwolf, who had a much publicized rivalry with the foolish man, could seem to slow him down effecitively. And in the 8th minute, Bombadil added another score off his famous yellow boots.

After the early goal, TIG's defense regathered themselves and actually showed they could at least hault Shire-Bree from building up prolonged attacks, but they were unable to keep possession for long. The mid-field was being masterfully commanded by Khamul and the B-W. The wolves plan seemed to be make Bombadil ineffective by rattling him. Yet, they were playing quite timid, trying not to attract the attention of the ref and pick up cards, but Bombadil was the type of player no one (including the refs!) could take their eyes off. And whenever there was the window where the ref wasn't watching, the B-W's presense could be felt lurking nearby. It would put chills in any physical being!

So, it was in the 30th minute with TIGs defense completely worn down, from being unable to keep the ball off their side of the field, when Aragorn made it 2-0 Shire. Bombadil after causing a BoroWight and GaladriWight to run into eachother, flicked a pass forward to Aragorn who slid it past the wolf-keeper. The crowd went wild in rioutous applause, chants, and songs. TIG was fortunate to find themselves only down 2 going the half, thanks to some nice stops by Shastawolf.

The halflings couldn't believe it, they knew their team was talented, but did not know they would be this dominating! They spent the half-time glued to their seats, with their cakes and ales, unwilling to leave out of fear they would miss the beginning of the second. And they were doing it against the nasty wolves of TIG!

However, often as the case can be, never assume you have a sure 3 points until the ref blows the final whistle. Especially, since there was still a lot of pride in the TIG players, and they are no strangers to making comebacks. They simply refused to let this pathetic people called hobbits embarrass them in this fashion. They would not allow such nonsense!

Tol-in-Gaurhoth came out of the lockers in a roaring fury. It was one attack after the next, and except for the delusional fanatics in the crowd, people could see what was happening and thus were getting nervous. Shire-Bree's defense was not capable of stopping the monstrous wolves when pressured. Nogwolf pulled the wolves within 1 after re-directing on of sally's strikes back on goal, in the 54th minute.

There were several more minutes of pressure, Halbarad had to tip one of Phantomwolf's strikes out of bounds for the corner. Phantomwolf took the corner and expertely curved one right to the waiting forehead of NerWight who made no mistake with that golden chance. They were tied! And 15 minutes still remained!

The Shire fans deflated a bit after the equalizer, but it was only temporary. With TIG now tying things up, in only made the pro-Shire crowd more determined to get behind their team. "Come on Shirelings! Get behind our valiant heroes!"

Try as they might to be spiritted by the crowd, for whatever reason, Bombadil was not nearly as effective in this half. And TIG began to really rain down the shots on Shire-Bree's goal, devastating their defense. If not for some heroic saves by Halbarad, the wolves could have completely flipped this game on it's head in the 2nd.

Thus when the final whistle blew, the SB fans breathed relief to hold on to the point, but were baffled to how their team could look unstoppable in the 1st, but come out completely flat in the 2nd. TIG, likewise, relieved to get the point, were clearly more angry with their sloppy performance.

Shire-Bree United 2-2 Tol In Gaurhoth
on target 6-7
tot shots 12-19
GOALS:
*8, 1-0 Bombadil (Khamul)
*30, 2-0 Strider (Bombadil)
*54, 2-1 NogWolf (SallyWight)
*75, 2-2 NerWight (PhantomWolf)
YELLOW CARDS:
*SBUnt- Ferny
*TIG- GaladriWight, AganWight

[the phantom]

Group C at Moria

The match between Anduin and Wilderland kicked off the moment the sun peeked over the high wall of Dimrill Dale. The Elves of Mirkwood and Lothlorien were revved up and ready for the game, but some of the men of the Anduin vales were a bit groggy, and the Dwarves that spilled out from Moria made it just in time for the late morning start.

Both teams were wide awake, however, and playing their games. Wilderland got it to their front four as quickly as possible and let them go to work, while Anduin defended stiffly and built up team attacks. In the early going the defenders were fresh and the passes a bit nervous on the big stage, so no attempts of note were gained.

Finally after 35 minutes had passed Wilderland's big guns truly found their stride. Orome held a defender on his back and with a quick and powerful stride left him in the dust. After a quick move past another defender he forced the keeper to commit and served it across to Galadriel for the easy chip-in. Minutes later before the half ended it was Scatha and Elwe scoring in similar team-up fashion, leaving Fram quite upset- as he had been determined to keep the dragon off the scorecard. Wilderland fans were feeling comfortable indeed during the break.

Knowing they had to take some risks to get back in it, Anduin started the second half more aggressively, and despite the change in play style they took to it well and put some nice pressure on Wilderland's back line, particularly since Wilderland's front was unwilling to help much, always looking to be sprung on a counter. In minute 63 Anduin finally changed their side of the scoreboard, as Fram sent a surprise boomer from near the sideline at midfield and found Haldir in stride, and the Elf headed it deftly over the onrushing keeper.

Encouraged by their success Anduin continued the pressure, but the Great Warg between the posts held them at bay with a couple of miracle saves. As desperation grew Anduin began to grow weary, and finally Wilderland sprung the deadly counter they had been attempting to gain all through the half. With Fram helping with the attack, it was the mighty tail of Scatha freed up to put it in and place the game out of reach, and the Wilderland fans began the celebration, knowing the game was out of reach. They were out to the early group lead!

Anduin 1-3 Wilderland
on target 6-6
tot shots 13-16
GOALS:
*36, 0-1 Galadriel (Orome)
*44, 0-2 Elwe (Scatha)
*63, 1-2 Haldir (Fram)
*78, 1-3 Scatha (Galadriel)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Anduin- Fram, Leod, Lenwe
*Wilder- Fimbrethil, Scatha

After the impressive performance by Wilderland in the first game, Dwarves United and Erebor were quite keen to gain a full three points from their night match. The Dwarves of Moria were out in force, and their chanting, stamping, and drumming made the underground arena shake. But the Erebor players were not easily shaken- the likes of Smaug, Gwaihir, and Beorn aren't particularly easy to rattle.

Dwarves United found this out immediately as Erebor opened at a breakneck pace and with high physicality, and the refs were letting them play. Bombur was forced to use his considerable bulk twice in the opening five minutes already, and Aule's side looked nervous. But Aule and Celebrimbor were able to do just enough to keep the sheet clean, and after a furious 20 minutes Erebor's attack began to lose its flow, and the crowd picked up their support.

By the very end of the half it was Dwarves United controlling things. The craftsman in the midfield were moving things beautifully, however they could not crack the back of Erebor. Their primary scoring threat, Legolas, was hounded by the eagles, giving him no room to operate.

As the second half kicked off it looked like more of the same, and the fans grew restless. But it turned out Erebor was resting up for a big mid-half push, which they unleashed after the opening 20 minutes, and the Dwarves didn't know what hit them. Aule and Celebrimbor kept Smaug and Thranduil locked up tight, but the mid-attackers of Erebor were lethal and effective. First it was Bard finding the back of the net, and then it was Bolg surprising the defense with a deep run, and just like that Erebor had a two-goal lead!

Dwarves United tried to fight back with the stadium behind them, but quick scores against the speedy eagles and Beorn just wasn't going to happen for them, and Aule and company soon found themselves standing around on the field watching the Erebor players hug and high-fiving their fans. The second of the two Group C favorites had joined Wilderland at the top of the standings!

Dwarves United 0-2 Erebor
on target 3-7
tot shots 9-16
GOALS:
*70, 0-1 Bard (Nazgul #7)
*77, 0-2 Bolg (Landroval)
YELLOW CARDS:
*DwUnt- Thorin, Thror
*Erebor- Meneldor

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Group G at Nargothrond

It was a beautiful summer afternoon in Talath Dirnen, the Guarded Plain of the realm of Nargothrond. But even if it had been raining cats and wolves it would hardly have mattered to the promise of quality football in the indoor stadium beside the Narog River, the High Faroth Arena.

According to the allotment scheme presented by Nargothrond to the Arda Cup Hosting Committee, twenty-thousand tickets would be allotted to the fans of the teams playing a game, with the rest up for grabs on site. AC Beleriand’s extensive fan base snapped up almost half of these free-for-all tickets, ensuring that Fëanor’s squad would enjoy the semblance of a home crowd for their afternoon game. The remaining seats were taken by Nargothrond neutrals, interested mainly in a good game of football.

When the two teams walked into the field these ten thousand cheered along with the more partisan crowd, happy to be finally witnessing a home game for the first time since 2009, a round of sixteen tie that ended in victory for the visitors, Tol-in-Gaurhoth. And unlike that game, this time there was the promise of five more afterwards, including three from the home team.

Beren and Lúthien were seen hugging each other by the touchline during the warm-ups. Beren then ruffled the hair of Dior, who was saying something to his father. The three shared a laugh afterwards. Melian, Beleg, Mablung, and Eöl were wistful in conversation in the centre circle, doubtless recalling last year’s championship squad.

Soon the opening whistle was blown. One of the biggest surprises in the game had already been sprung even before then. Melian, Doriath’s best defender and the indefatigable left back who contributed to all aspects of their game, was playing central defender with Galathil, up against AC Beleriand’s main scoring threat, Fëanor. Nimloth and Saeros took turns marking the opposition’s other forward, Eöl, committing only when the Dark Elf was in their side of the pitch.

Doriath’s plan to play a possession game was soon in tatters due to the pressure of the AC Beleriand midfield. The Fenced Land’s deep playmaker Daeron was harried by Ulrad, Galadhon was tailed closely by Denethor, and Nellas was guarded by Bregolas. When Lúthien moved in to help, Ecthelion simply followed her there, allowing AC Beleriand to retain their man advantage. And when that man was Beren…

Beren, Fëanor, and Eöl formed passing triangles in front of the Doriath penalty area, occasionally making forays to test the Girdle of Melian. In the fourteenth minute, Eöl found space to chip the ball over the Doriath back four for Beren, and only the linesman’s raised flag, signalling an offside offence, prevented the One-Handed from getting the opener. Five minutes later, almost the exact same play happened, this time with Beren timing his run perfectly. It took a Melian sliding tackle to deny him a goal-bound shot. With Doriath still starved of the ball, the forward from Nan Elmoth found a third opportunity for the same play in the twenty-seventh minute. This time Fëanor made a move to distract Melian, and Beren thundered in the ball past his son for the one-nil lead.

It seemed that there was no adjustment Doriath could make to shift the tide in the favour. True, they gained a few counterattacking chances, but they were profligate with it. During the half-hour mark Galathil sent a long ball to Mablung, but the Heavy Boot lost possession when he attempted to dribble past Imlach. Ten minutes after Saeros headed away Eöl’s cross in Beleg’s direction, and the march-warden dashed downfield, sending a hurried cross a moment before Fingolfin could challenge him. Lúthien connected with it, but her header fizzed wide.

Two minutes before the end of the first half AC Beleriand doubled their lead. Saeros’s cynical tackle on Beren earned Fëanor’s squad a penalty kick. The Nandorin courtier muttered ‘Baseborn mortal’ as he looked down at the fallen midfielder, and Beren jumped up, pushing Saeros as he shouted, ‘Say that again and I’ll leave you as one-handed as I am!’ Melian pushed Saeros away from Beren, not before casting an apologising glance at her former teammate. The referee had already given the Doriath defender a yellow card, and he was forced to deal Beren a similar punishment for his threat. Afterwards, Fëanor calmly converted his spot kick, giving his side a two-nil score line to take into the break.

After the half time the Doriath squad walked in with a determined glint in their eyes. When the game resumed their adjustments were made apparent. Saeros was tasked to mark Eöl, and Nimloth stuck with Beren whenever he approached the penalty area. And it was paying off. Eöl no longer had time to send weighted forward passes, Beren found his dwindling number of shots blocked by Nimloth. Even Fëanor couldn’t dribble his way in; Galathil and Melian did not allow the Fiery Boot to get past them.

The shifting tide was soon felt even in the scoresheet. In the seventy-second minute Saeros made a successful tackle of Eöl and sent a long ball towards Beleg, who dashed forward before being checked by Fingolfin. The Strong Boot found time to send a pinpoint pass between him and Imlach, and there was Lúthien to take it. With one touch she froze Rochallor, and then her left foot rifled the ball past a startled Marach into the net.

Incensed by the goal, Fëanor took it upon himself to put Doriath away for good. He displayed a dazzling display of ball control, dribbling past defensive midfielder Galadhon before turning central defenders Galathil and Melian inside out. But his shot was barely tipped away by Dior, and Nimloth’s clearance landed near Daeron. The minstrel, seeing Beleg making a run, threaded a pass between the AC Beleriand midfielders that found the march-warden in stride. Imlach had to stop him against the rules, earning a booking and giving Doriath a dangerous free kick twenty metres from the goal. Beleg took the kick, and his shot rose above the wall before dipping down just beyond Marach’s outstretched hand. Doriath had their equaliser!

Melian put all ten outfielders behind the ball to defend the draw, and for fourteen tense minutes they held on, aided by erratic finishing from Fëanor and Beren. When the referee signalled the end of the match most of the team were hugging and jumping for joy. Melian tried to remind them that they still had two games to play, but for now, it didn’t matter. They have stolen a point from one of the tournament favourites!

AC Beleriand 2-2 Doriath
GOALS:
27, 1-0 Beren (Eöl)
43, 2-0 Fëanor
72, 2-1 Lúthien (Beleg)
76, 2-2 Beleg

Total Shots
18-12
Shots On Target
7-5

YELLOW CARDS:
2-1
AC Bel: Beren, Imlach
Doriath: Saeros

The afternoon result left the home supporters smelling blood. A win would put their team on top of the table, giving them a good chance to advance (despite still having a game at hand against the still much-feared AC Beleriand, as well as the Doriath squad who pulled even with them.) A loss, on the other hand, would all but consign them to elimination.

The first game’s crowd exited, and a great mass of Nargothrondrim and Anfauglith fans flowed into the stadium. With Morgoth playing in Michel Delving, and Gothmog in Weathertop, the baddie team playing closest to Angband and Utumno was Anfauglith. Thus it was not uncommon to see large bands of Orcs and Trolls among the Elves and Men in the underground streets of Nargothrond. The wardens kept a close eye on them, stopping those who bore signs of carrying a weapon, but for most part the fans from the north kept the peace, respectful of the home team with their talismanic centre forward Glaurung.

Still, this mob was raucous, their war drums almost drowning out their chanting. The Nargothrond faithful singing ‘Nargothrond will endure’ raised their voices as one in an effort to keep up. Soon the music turned into a roar, as the two teams walked into the pitch. Finrod shook hands with Thuringwethil, and Glaurung shared a fiery laugh with the three Balrogs. Soon it was time for kick-off, and the home crowd was given a reason to cheer when, a mere minute after the opening whistle, Gwindor stole a pass from Gundor and rushed like the wind downfield, as he did in millennia past during the fifth battle of Beleriand. He cut inside, leaving Balrog #4 behind, and, at the edge of the penalty area, shot the ball narrowly over the crossbar.

Gwindor continued to give his marker fits as the pacey winger’s play contributed to the opener six minutes later. Wary of him cutting inside, the Balrog showed him to the byline. Gwindor centred the ball for a cutting Orodreth, whose header was blocked by Ungoliant. But then Finrod darted in with a diving header towards far post, and the High Faroth Arena exploded in a wall of sound.

Anfauglith made swift adjustments against the left-wing incursion. Defensive midfielder Gorgol moved from his holding role in the centre of the line of defenders to the left, his role to stay goalside of Gwindor. The effect was noticeable; Gwindor was frustrated with Gorgol denying him a byline run, and Balrog #4 denying him a path inside. In half-hour mark the Gasping Dust squad displayed its own version of wing play, initiated by Balrog #3, who blocked a Finrod through ball to Glaurung. He passed the ball to Gundor, who hugged the touchline, brushed past Mîm, and crossed for Thuringwethil. The vampire muscled past her markers to guide the ball just under the crossbar.

When the second half began, it was soon apparent that a draw was not good enough for Anfauglith. They pressed and disrupted the Nargothrond passing game, hoofing the ball in Thuringwethil’s direction as soon as they have gained possession. Towering Arminas helped contest her in the air, and doughty Baran did his best to keep pace with the vampire. Bëor pulled off a few saves, but the woodwork did more to save them from being a goal down. Although credit to Guilin’s positioning should be given, denying Thuringwethil the easier shots.

But they cannot deny her forever. Taking a long pass from Balrog #3, he split Baran and Arminas and dribbled past Guilin before shooting over Mîm’s head and into the top-right corner of the goal. Anfauglith has taken the lead, and the Nargothrond faithful groaned in despair. Meanwhile the creatures of Angband banged their drums louder. They just have to use their suffocating defence to hold on to the lead.

Just when they thought that the dream of qualifying was dying before their eyes, the Nargothrond crowd was given a sign of life just before the hour. Glaurung and Gwindor pushed even harder against the Balrog line (once earning the dragon a booking for being too rough), and Finrod looked for space between the Anfauglith defence and midfield, daring anyone to mark him. Galdor and Haldir took the challenge, leaving Finduilas free to do a forward run. She took a pass from Felagund, and, finding her path blocked by a Balrog, back-heeled the ball to Barahir, who had managed to drift unseen towards the edge of the 18-yard box. His shot bounced in off the crossbar, catching Ungoliant unprepared, and Nargothrond has drawn level.

The squads were not content with a draw, and they began looking for a winner. Momentum was with Finrod’s side, but the captain urged caution, as Thuringwethil had been single-handedly giving their defence too much trouble. Laborious in their build-up, but dogged in their defending, Nargothrond were unable to get a third goal in the last half-hour, but didn’t concede one either. When the final whistle was blown, a few questions were asked of Glaurung’s motivation this game, but most of the home crowd were relieved to escape with a draw. Just as Barahir had saved Finrod in ages past, he has saved him again. The host's dream of advancing was still alive.

Anfauglith 2-2 Nargothrond
GOALS:
7, 0-1 Finrod (Orodreth)
30, 1-1 Thuringwethil (Gundor)
53, 2-1 Thuringwethil (Balrog #3)
59, 2-2 Barahir (Finduilas)

Total Shots
14-15
Shots On Target
6-6

YELLOW CARDS:
1-3
Anfauglith: Balrog #3
Nargorthrond: Arminas, Barahir, Glaurung

[Shastanis Althreduin]

Group F Round 1 - Imladris vs. Rohan

There was not a cloud in the sky as the sun hung overhead, slightly to the west; neither team would be too hindered by sun in their eyes (Rohan might have been slightly worse off, as the halftime switch would have them facing a slightly lower sun than Imladris did in the first.)

Regardless, the game started off slow. Radagast and the horses refused to let the ball remain in their half very long, aggressively charging any Imladris player unfortunate enough to have the ball. Perhaps taking Elrohir's pre-game comments to heart, Snowmane was a bit overenthusastic about running down Elrohir near the end of the first quarter and was awarded a yellow card. Imladris was given a free kick, but Elladan's right cross was caught by a freak gust of wind and passed just over the top of the goal. Gandalf was, of course, suspected of chicanery, but as he'd been sportingly checking to see if Elrohir was okay at the time, nothing came of the suspicion.

The first and only goal came during the fifty-ninth minute, as another of Elrohir's shots was foiled, this time by Felarof rearing to his full height in front of the hapless forward. Intimidated, the elf didn't put as much spin on the ball as it needed, and it glanced off Felarof's right front hoof and bounced down the field. Eorl skillfully scooped it up, dodging past two midfielders and sending it toward Eomer, who met it with his knee and sent it spinning crazily into the goal, its path so unpredictable that the Imladris keeper picked wrongly and dove to the side, missing the ball entirely.

Rohan locked down their defense after that, only allowing two more shots on goal (and one aborted shot, as Figwit booted Radagast in the shin rather than the ball, and earned a yellow for his trouble.)

And there you have it. So far Rohan's innovative defensive tactics have protected their goal from intrusion, but how long can that last?



Imladris 0-1 Rohan
on target 2-4
tot shots 9-13
GOALS:
*59, 0-1 Eomer (Eorl)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Imlad- Figwit
*Rohan- Snowmane


Round 2 - Isengard vs. Misty Mountains

The evening game promised to be a violent one. Misty Mountains had something to prove - not only were they anxious to prove that they didn't need Saruman's help to win, they were also quite displeased that the defector had stolen their previous year's goalie as he left, and were ready to make their displeasure known. And so the game began. Almost immediately both Chief Wolf and Azog rushed for Saruman, heedless of where the ball actually was. Mauhur and Lugdush leapt to the defense of their captain, and chaos ensued. All action on the field stopped as the referees rushed in to separate the players. Both teams were penalized - however, the referees made a wise decision; knowing how likely it was that the game would get even more violent as it progressed, they handed out yellow cards instead of the usual red. There was no sense in removing four players from the field when there would just be more fighting later.

By now, the moon (about three-quarters full) had risen above the pitch, and it was getting slightly easier to see. Thanks to the increased visibility, Misty Mountains made the first goal of the match, as Azog successfully distracted Lugdush and Lurtz with insults while Narvi made a wild dash through them with the ball and slide-kicked the ball past a burst of hail from Caradhras and a dive from the keeper, Ugluk.

The increased light made it easier for Misty Mountains to score, but it also made the onlookers realize something strange was happening to the field; the grass was growing in certain places. This favored Isengard, as many of their players were taller and the shorter Misty Mountains players would have a hard time seeing over the growing grass. Misty Mountains didn't realize this at first, gamely playing as they could against a furious Isengard offensive led by Saruman and Wormtongue. However, the dense foliage slowed Bert and the Watcher so much that Saruman basically had a free kick against the Great Goblin, who wasn't able to block the shot fired off by the canny wizard. The goal was allowed, but after Misty Mountains realized what was going on, Rumil went after Lurtz (who didn't fight back, but received a yellow card for his role in planting the swiftly-growing grass anyway.)

The game basically ended after that; a halt was called to cut the grass on the pitch down to size, and neither team returned to the pitch after that. The referees were forced to call the game a tie, 1-1.



Isengard 1-1 Misty Mts
on target 5-6
tot shots 13-15
GOALS:
*62, 0-1 Narvi (Azog)
*74, 1-1 Saruman (Wormtongue)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Isen- Lugdush, Lurtz, Mauhur
*MMts- Chief Wolf, Azog, Rumil

[Nogrod]

Group E at the Grey Havens, round 1

The Greay Havens have never been a specially hip or cool place in Arda. It has been an important place to the elves who went and stayed in the Middle-earth as their base of entry and safety at times, and later a main point of departure back to the undying lands. But other than that, it has been taken as a quiet harbour-town mainly for those who come or go – which means more or less nothing to any Middle-earth-born folks. And Cirdan the Shipwright is probably the only person the people know from there even if the town is not the smallest one in the ME, or the poorest. Sadly people don’t seem to know or care of it at all, not to speak of appreciating it’s splendour and beauty.

With group E of Arda Cup 2012 the interest has suddenly been araised. There were a host of ships from the West bringing Maiar and elves into the city and long caravans of elves and men of old, and hobbits turned in from the East as well. Who wouldn’t want to see Manwë and his household with the wizards, or Ulmo and his household with the Númenorian kings, or Húrin and his children, or Eärendil, Tuor and Cirdan playing for the hometeam? The line-ups were so spectacular even the laziest northern-dwellers couldn’t resist and on the game-day the organizers were in trouble with all the football-fans, even if the parks beside the river offered a lot of space for them to fit into.


~*~

The first game of the day was one between Hithlum and The Sea aka. Ulmo and his minions strengthened with some real Númenorian talent against Húrin and his children. The Númenorian fans were a small but a loud bunch who made a noise much over their numbers, and the elves, especially the Teleri, seemed to be mostly supporting The Sea. But the remarkably huge crowds of humans were supporting Hithlum with their chants and flags. With the locals mainly supporting The Sea, Ulmo’s team had the advantage in support but the humans didn’t let them win it easily and the feeling in the first match at the new Lhûnarena was actually quite passionate and loud as there was a feeling of competition also in the stands, and the crowds camped at the park outside the stadium were having a nice afternoon even if there were some complaints about not getting enough information from the game. But people outside reacted to the cheers from inside and at times an announcer announced the latest action in-game.

Now the elves and the other West-folks were pretty confident The Sea would qualify with team Valimar (although some folks from the Grey Havens, and the fans of Eärendil, Tuor and Olwë still believed their team could make it), but the humans were as secure that Hithlum would just outscore at least one Valar-led team and take their place in the qualifiers.

To the Hithlum-fans the beginning of the game between Hithlum and The Sea was pure nightmare. The Sea was controlling the ball frustrating the Hithlum squad and when the Hithlum team got the ball the Sea’s defences were already organised and ready to pick on any imaginable forward plan Hithlum was trying to come up with.

To the end of the first period The Sea started to make results as well. Hithlum concentrated on their defence on a totally different level than in the friendlies, but that was not enough for the hot Númenorian forwards of The Sea. So on 34th minute Tar Aldarion found undefended ground inside the box and got a perfect pass from Veäntur hammering the ball in with a skilled volley. And just before the half-time Tar Minastir ran through Hithlum’s clumsy defences and received a long ball from Tar Ciryatan which left him one on one with Aradan – and you can figure the result with as cool finisher as Tar Minastir…

But Hithlum team was not going to surrender even if the score looked pretty bad on halftime. As The Sea concentrated more and more in the defence Hithlum started pressing more and more. The attacks were raining in but the Sea defenders helped by their midfielders were able to clean their area untill 74th minute when Húrin headed Hador’s corner in after a first touch by Nienor.

There was fifteen minutes of the game left and Hithlum was trailing by one goal. The Sea fell totally down into defence – and with no credible threat of counterattacks by Tar Aldarion or Tar Minastir, Hithlum pressed on in the way they only can. It was a bombardement!

But the clock was ticking and the time Hithlum had to equalize was running out as The Sea managed to either block the final passes or to block the shots, or then Voronwë saved the few shots coming in.
One minute left to the game Morwen went for it and challenged the Western defence with all her defiance and strength, and there was a second of confusion between the mighty-ones when she passed the ball behind Ossë and Uinen – straight to the foot of her son Túrin who didn’t hesitate getting the ball at the penalty-spot and booting it in to the net with the crowds roaring from either joy or disbelief. Hithlum had drawn just one minute before the end of the game!

It was 2-2 and it did stay that way. It was also clear neither team was too happy with the result.

Hithlum 2-2 The Sea
on target 5-6
tot shots 15-13
GOALS:
*34, 0-1 Tar Aldarion (Veantur)
*42, 0-2 Tar Minastir (Tar Cirytan)
*74, 1-2 Húrin (Nienor)
*89, 2-2 Túrin (Morwen)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Hithlum- Androg, Nienor
*Sea- Tar Ciryatan


The afternoon game had been great entertainment so the feeling was high when the hometeam marched into the field following the mighty Manwë and his squad for the late match-up. But as soon as the game was kicked off one realised this was going to be a very different ball game.

Both teams played it very safely indeed trying to avoid mistakes which led there being very few real efforts at attacking. With The Havens defending solidly with the whole team from midfield onwards Valimar had trouble finding alleys to break through, but with Valimar not able or willing to move their squad up forwards there was no chance for The Havens’ downstairs to feed their forwards for breakthroughs with fast long passes behind Valimar defences.

But just when the crowds were starting to show their contempt after half an hour of watching the sides walking in the field it happened. It was a clear marking error from Valimar defence as Amrod and Amras went both taking Tuor thinking Vana would take care of looking after his son – but for some reason she turned into the same direction before noticing her mistake. But that was enough for the great Eärendil to break free. And Angrod’s beautiful pass found him behind the lines perfectly. So against all expectations it was a goal for the home team!

The crowds went just mad. The homeside had just taken a lead against the mightiest of all, team Valimar! And like with a touch of a magic wand the game was suddenly alive. Being one goal down Valimar was forced to attack and that in turned opened opportunities for The Havens to play counter-attacking game they were more than keen in playing.

Some twenty minutes into the second half Valimar was finally rewarded from their effort. Mandos himself rose highest to a corner given by Ilmarë and headed the ball in the net with relentless force leaving Cirdan no chance of denying him.

Sadly for the spectators the evening goal changed the dynamics of the game once again as The Havens fell back into defence not to let Valimar take the lead and Valimar was not showing a real effort to win at any cost either. And like the game in the afternoon, this also ended in a draw.

In the post game press conference Manwë entertained the journalists commenting on Eärendil’s goal: “You know, this guy has entered our territory without permission already earlier… that time I let him go with it, but let’s see will he be forgiven a second time. Let’s not ask Mandos about it though. I’m not sure he thinks his goal is enough of a compensation…”

The Havens 1-1 Valimar
on target 5-5
tot shots 13-12
GOALS:
*27, 1-0 Eärendil (Angrod)
*63, 1-1 Namo (Ilmare)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Havens- Olwe
*Valimar- Vana, Celebrian

[Boromir88]

It was only mid-day, but the sun was being blotted out by a heavy overcast. It put the Mordor orcs in good spirits, since they never liked the nasty brightness of the sun. The atmosphere before first kick was thick with tension, there was definitely no love loss between these two enemies, but the situation could have been much much worse. Or so the MEFA (Middle-earth Football Association - the official governing body in charge of discipline and safety) authorities believed.

Group H @ Minas Morgul

The largely pro-Mordor crowd also had a lot to be pleased with by the way Barad-dur started the match. Barad-dur had a very disappointing friendly performance, but the fans soon forgot that with Barad-dur's positive, attacking strategy to begin. Minas Tirith was putting up the walls and playing a stiff defense, but the chants rising steadily louder, and louder still made a goal for Barad-dur seem inevitable.

It was just so in the 18th minute, when Sauron as he had done so many times before, threaded a perfect ball to Castamir who only had to slightly deflect the ball's path to get it beyond Denethor. And again in the 34th minute, Minas Tirith's defense couldn't hold of the ceaseless wave of Barad-durs attack. This time, Sauron found himself as the goal scorer after, Beruthiel, Castamir, and the pirates were wreaking havoc around Minas Tirith's box.

The half-time whistle came and Barad-dur found itself up 2-0. The crowd was rowdy, but in good spirits (which meant the most threatening they got was jeering the Gondorian fans about having a superior team). It must be said, that while Minas Tirith didn't create many chances in the 1st, while they were in possession, the attack looked dangerous, especially on counters when Barad-dur looked a little sleepy on defense. However, if they didn't start playing more positively in the 2nd, then even neutrals would have to agree Barad-dur looked the more deserving.

It appears Minas Tirith did not want to be embarrassed on this day, since they began the 2nd more aggressive. They were awarded with a quick score, only 7 minutes after the break. A power strike from Earnur made it 2-1.

The orcs taunts and jeers stopped for a brief moment, as the match got a little more nervous for them. But soon they were back to supporting their team, as Barad-dur responded by attacking even more, hoping to regain the 2 goal lead and put the match away. However, a bit of misfortune would force Barad-dur to change strategy. Just as it looked like they would break Minas Tirith's defense again, Ecthelion II poked the ball away from Beruthiel and started a counter. Herumor had no choice but to bring Faramir down from behind. The crowd was livid with the referees decision to send Herumor off, handing the Black Numenorean his 2nd yellow. But truly, they had no stance to complain with the ref's decision.

Barad-dur couldn't put everyone towards the attack now, without risking the defense. Angamaite and Sangahyando dropped further back to fill the hole left by Herumor, and the game began being played mostly in the mid-field. With more possession, Minas Tirith was looking more dangerous, but they still weren't creating enough chances to perturb Sauron. The White City was still too talented to stop when they have a 1-player advantage. Barad-dur defended admirably, and stopped most of Minas Tirith's attacks at the mid-field. However, with time winding down, and Barad-dur's midfield getting worn out, they became less and less effective on the attack.

Minas Tirith put one final attack together in the closing 5 minutes. Faramir got open down the right wing and sent a great cross into the box. Boromir I met it with a beautiful header. The Minas Tirithians let out brief cries of joy, before realizing they were in Mordor and facing a larger, possibly hostile crowd. They dared not press their luck.

It would end 2-2, and after some time to cope Mordorians turned their attention to the night match. For Barad-dur had clearly been the better team, and it took one of their own being sent off for Minas Tirith to just squeak out a draw. Surely, Mordor would beat the pathetic Tarks in the 2nd match.

Barad-Dur 2-2 Minas Tirith
on target 7-4
tot shots 18-9
GOALS:
*18, 1-0 Castamir (Sauron)
*34, 2-0 Sauron (Beruthiel)
*52, 2-1 Earnur (Mardil)
*86, 2-2 Boromir I (Faramir)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Barad-Dur- Fuinur, Herumor
*Minas Tirith- Earnil II, Ostoher
RED CARDS:
*Barad-Dur- Herumor (62, second yellow)

The Mordorians were getting quite aggressive at the sight of thousands and thousands of Gondorians. It was as if Gondor was trying to re-stake it's claim of ownership to Minas Morgul, by a show of force. Fortunately, instead of showing up with swords and clad in full-mail, the Gondor fans came with banners and silver trumpets, or else it may have been perceived as a declaration of war!

The crowd was less enthusiastic to begin this game, in part because of the Barad-dur's disappointing draw, but also in part because Mordor came out less aggressive then Barad-dur. In fact, the pace of this game was a few steps slower than the 1st, as they appeared to be testing eachother out. But Mordorians would prefer seeing the style of play they got from Barad-dur. Gondor was on their turf, any sign of passivity, is a sign of weakness!

Gondor put a first strike into the high spirits of Mordor in the 21st minute. Anarion scoring the opening goal was salt in the wound, since it was only the last few Cups that Anarion was playing for Barad-dur. Mordor definitely let Anarion know what they truly thought of him, while Gondorians soon remembered Anarion's skills. Whomever he played under in the past did not matter anymore, he was playing under his home banner now.

The crowd wasn't kept silent for long though, since Mordor quickly pulled it together to even the match after 8 minutes went by from Anarion's goal. Shelob tunneled her way through the defense and with one of her 8 legs, flicked Nazgul #5's pass into the back of the net.

The remainder of the half was rather unexciting since it went to becoming a fight in the mid-field and there were no more serious threats made on goal, by either team. The Mordor fans were beating their drums all through intermission, believing if their team was more spiritted to start the 2nd then their boys would be victorious.

The exact opposite happened, however, as Mordor apparently came out of the lockrooms asleep. Poor marking by the defense left Falastur open, and the lordly Ship-King had the strong boot to break the Silent Watcher's will in front of the net. Mordor was in shock, but there was still time left. Yes, still lots of game to be played.

Mordor would not go down without a fight, but it must be said Gondor did not go into a defensive shell. They kept Mordor constantly on guard, with some good pressure created by Anarion and Eldacar. The teams traded chances, but Gondor was able to just hold on. Whether that be because Hyarmendacil had a masterful performance saving 5 of 6 shots on target, or Mordor lacked the quality in their shots, Gondor ended the 1st round as sole leader of Group H.

At this outcome, the Gondorian supporters could not contain their joy and blew their trumpets proudly, and loud. This would surely stick in the craw of Mordor, but how they would handle the results was yet to be seen.

Gondor 2-1 Mordor
on target 6-6
tot shots 15-15
GOALS:
*21, 1-0 Anarion (Romendacil)
*29, 1-1 Shelob (Nazgul #5)
*48, 2-1 Falastur (Eldacar)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Gondor- Earnil I, Turambar
*Mordor- Fellbeast #1, Grishnakh, Shagrat

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Group Tables:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Elenrod/standings-matchday-1-3.png

Power Rank:

The Power Rank shall return in the next issue of ArdaCup.com Stats Report.


Top Individual Performers:

GOALS + ASSISTS

2+0
Ancalagon (Angband)
Thuringwethil (Anfauglith)

1+1
Bombadil (Shire-Bree United)
Fingon (Inter Beleriand)
Scatha (Wilderland)
Galadriel (Wilderland)
Ar-Pharazôn (Armenelos)
Beleg (Doriath)
Sauron (Barad-dûr)

GOALKEEPING

Huan (FC Valinor) - 4/4 (100%)
Beorn (Erebor) - 3/3 (100%)
Théoden (Rohan) -2/2 (100%)
Uglúk (Isengard) - 5/6 (83.33%)
Hyarmendacil (Gondor) - 5/6 (83.33%)

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

These predictions can be a tricky business.

GROUP A: 1 out of 2
The Downer will get more bookings than shots on goal.Three shots on goal, three bookings. Darn.

GROUP B: 1 out of 2
Elrond will save more shots than the goalkeepers of the first match combined.Elrond has four saves, Rog and Turgon has 11 combined. Double darn.

GROUP C: 2 out of 2
Wilderland will score more goals than the Dwarves will get shots on goal.Three Wilderland goals, three Dwarf U shots on goal. If I included ties, I would've been two out of three already. Sadly . . . triple darn.

GROUP D: 1 out of 2
More people will watch the first game of this group than the number of people who'll watch all matches of Group H combined.I won't know until the group stage is over, but so far so good . . .


GROUP E: 0 out of 2
Eärendil will do again what he did late First Age--get to Valinor unmarked.Oh, yeah.

GROUP F: 1 out of 2
The number of shots saved in the first game will equal the number of goals scored in the second game.Five saves vs two goals. Whatever did Uglúk and Great Goblin eat that made them play that well?

GROUP G: 0 out of 2
Ooh, Beren vs Lúthien . . .Well, the lovers played on opposite sides of the pitch. But they got a goal each.

GROUP H: 2 out of 2
More exciting things will happen in the stands than in the pitch.No brawls? When did Orcs and Tarks start becoming buddy-buddies?!

8/16 from the first round. Nothing to be proud of, BUT I FINALLY BEAT TTN!!! :D :D :D

Round 2 predictions:

Group A
The Downer vs Tol-in-Gaurhoth
Angband vs Shire-Bree United

The Downer will have more bookings than shots on target.

Group B
Arnor vs Inter Beleriand
Eriador vs Gondolin

Elrond will limit Gothmog and Maeglin to one goal.

Group C
Erebor vs Wilderland
Anduin vs Dwarves United

Dragons will have more goals than Dwarves will have shots on goal.

Group D
Tirion vs Real Valinor
Armenelos vs FC Valinor

Arien will score a hat-trick to make up for the previous round's loss.

Group E
The Sea vs Valimar
Hithlum vs The Havens

Ulmo will score. Or at least he'll create a goal.

Group F
Imladris vs Misty Mts
Isengard vs Rohan

Remember Helm's Deep, Saruman? Helm will get one.

Group G
Anfauglith vs Doriath
AC Beleriand vs Nargothrond

Finrod will get more goals than Fëanor.

Group H
Barad-dûr vs Gondor
Minas Tirith vs Mordor

Erm, good guys win?

[Boromir88]

TWO TOWERS NETWORK
Boromir the 88th

POWER RANKINGS

01. FC Valinor - 74.7
(Previous: #1. Result: W 3-0, Real Valinor)
-Real Valinor may have been overrated at #2, but there is no doubt after FC's 3-0 thrashing they are currently #1

02. Wilderland - 52.5
(Previous: #7. Result: W 3-1 Anduin)
-Anduin did not look like a Top 10 team, Wilderland on the other hand does, especially if the Great Warg is saving 5/6 and Galadriel continues being the maestro leading the mid-field

03. Armenolos - 48.9
(Previous: #9 Result: W 3-2 Tirion)
-Armenolos knocks out the previous #3 to claim the rank as their own. A good result for a team had seemed to lose some of its championship pedigree.

04. Eriador - 36.1
(Previous: #4 Result: W 2-1 Arnor)
-Maintains it's 4th rank. Solid win, but not nearly as impressive (and against weaker competition) as Armenolos and Wilderland.

05. Rohan - 34.6
(Previous: #13 Result: W 1-0 Imladris)
-Rohan is playing like the best defense of the tournament, or it could just be up against some very inept offenses. Still, it will be tough to score on this team.

06. Erebor - 32.1
(Previous: #8 Result: W 2-0 Dwarves Utd)
-Did what they had to, and it's a positive mark when your defense is good enough to shut out Dwarves Utd. True test will come next round against #2 Wilderland. Should be a great battle.

07. Real Valinor - 29.4
(Previous: #2 Result: L 0-3 FC Valinor)
-Their only 2 losses of the campaign have come against FC Valinor. Yet, losing 0-3 like that could kill the morale on this team. They must bounce back against Tirion to salvage playoff chances.

08. AC Beleriand - 28.8
(Previous: #5 Result: D 2-2 Doriath)
-Looked like the much better team against Doriath, but the result doesn't show it. Still likely favorites in their group, but they fall back a few places.

09. Angband - 27.2
(Previous: #11 Result: W 3-1 The Downer)
-Solid win, but against the worst team we've ever seen. Unfortunately, I don't think Angband will be serious tested in Group A, even if the motley Shire-Bree crew could cause them problems.

10. Tirion - 26.2
(Previous: #3 Result: L 2-3 Armenolos)
-Tirion's playoff chances seem to be going out the window, they really needed to beat Armenolos. But defensively they're bad, and appear to have lost some efficiency in offense too.

11. Valimar - 25.8
(Previous: #6 Result: D 1-1 Havens)
-Disappointing draw. If Valimar wanted to cement their standing in Group E they really needed to beat the worst team in the group. But, yet again, complacency and pleasantries will drag Valimar down.

12. Nargothrond - 23.7
(Previous: #15 Result: D 2-2 Angfauglith)
-Despite only drawing against Angfauglith, they were able to leap them in the standings with the friendly win against Hithlum. All Anfauglith has been able to do is draw, Nargothrond has the offense to grab late winners.

13. Doriath - 23.5
(Previous: #17 Result: D 2-2 AC Beleriand)
-Surprising draw with #5 AC Beleriand, but they really were outshot in that match. Still, no telling who will emerge out of this group with all teams completely tied.

14. Angfauglith - 23.3
(Previous: #14 Result: D 2-2 Nargothrond)
-We don't trust their offense to advance. But it's amusing to TTN 3 of Group G teams are bunched together at #12, #13, and #14.

15. The Sea - 23.0
(Previous: #12 Result: D 2-2 Hithlum)
-Not a terrible result to draw with the offensive powerhouse of Hithlum. But there's a lot this team hasn't shown to convince us they're better than Valimar, or even The Havens.

16. Anduin - 21.1
(Previous: #10 Result: L 1-3 Wilderland)
-Clearly we've overrated Anduin based on their friendly performance. Losing 1-3 like that is not a good sign.

17. Misty Mountains - 20.1
(Previous: #18 Result: D 1-1 Isengard)
-Not bad to draw with Isengard, but their next one against Imladris is really a MUST win match. Should be exciting.

18. Isengard - 19.6
(Previous: #19 Result: D 1-1 Misty Mts)
-Pretty much the same as Misty Mountains, the key game will be against Imladris, but they can't look ahead to round 3, because they can't get blown out by Rohan.

19. Hithlum - 19.0
(Previous: #20 Result: D 2-2 The Sea)
-Good to draw with The Sea, can't draw their way to the playoffs though.

20. Gondor - 17.6
(Previous: #23 Result: W 2-1 Mordor)
-Gondor has clearly become the frontrunners of Group H, so why do we have this nagging feeling that they will lose to Barad-dur?

21. The Havens - 16.1
(Previous: #27 Result: D 1-1 Valimar)
-A draw with #6 Valimar gives The Havens a rather significant jump up in our power rankings. But still behind Hithlum and The Sea, who are TTN's picks to advance.

22. Gondolin - 15.6
(Previous: #21 Result: D 2-2 Inter Beleriand)
-Quite disappointing from Gondolin. Granted they ran into a hot Turgon looking to prove himself against his former club, but they needed to win that match.

23. Shire Bree Utd - 14.4
(Previous: #22 Result: D 2-2 Tol-in-Gaurhoth)
-Really fortunate to hold onto the draw, and that time ran out on TIG's furious comeback. Still a dangerous team, Angband can't under-estimate.

24. Tol In Gaurhoth - 13.7
(Previous: #25 Result: D 2-2 Shire Bree Utd)
-Good comeback by the wolves and wights, but they can't keep getting down multiple goals before deciding it's time to play. Not when the competition gets tougher.

25. Imladris - 13.7
(Previous: #16 Result: L 0-1 Rohan)
-Experienced the furthest drop in rankings this week. Yes, they played the toughest opponent of the group, but they have serious goal scoring issues.

26. Minas Tirith - 11.1
(Previous: #26 Result: D 2-2 Barad Dur)
-They were quite fortunate to get the draw with Barad-dur. As it is though, they're in the hunt for a playoff spot in Group H

27. Arnor - 11.1
(Previous: #24 Result: L 1-2 Eriador)
-Don't count the resilient Arnorians out yet. They've played the toughest team of their group and played them close. Inter Beleriand and Gondolin will not be able to walk over this scrappy team.

28. Inter Beleriand - 10.9
(Previous: #28 Result: D 2-2 #21 Gondor)
-A good draw for Inter, as it puts them in a fight for Group B's playoff spots. But the statistics show they were dominated by Gondolin and it was Turgon who saved the draw.

29. Barad-Dur - 8.9
(Previous: #31 Result: D 2-2 #26 Minas Tirith)
-A bit disappointing it ended in a draw. But BD statistically dominated the match and got an unlucky result. For the first time, this actually looked like a team that had one of the top tourney players on it.

30. Mordor - 6.4
(Previous: #30 Result: L 1-2 #23 Gondor)
-Their chance was against Gondor and they just didn't bring it. Mordor will have difficulties advancing unless they pull out a surprise against Minas Tirith.

31. Dwarves United - 6.3
(Previous: #29 Result: L 0-2 #8 Erebor)
-Bad to worse for Aule's team. They can't defend any better upping the effort and they could never score.

32. The Downer -3.1
(Previous: #32 Result: L 1-3 #11 Angband)
-How did they qualify for the most prestigious World Cup tournament again? And why do they exist?

[Boromir88]

TWO TOWERS NETWORK
Boromir the 88th

Predictions - Round 2

Well, that was probably the worst week (in the prediction department) I've ever had. It goes to show this year's Cup will be the most difficult ever to predict. Not an excuse, just a statement of fact. To only go 7/16, and even do worse then TENT! wow, our standards and methods are much better. In the long run, that will win out.

This round, for TTN's own curiousity, we will report the results of what our "computer" (ACS2012 Edition) says after plugging in all the numbers. Followed by our expert's pick and analysis. For posterity purposes, my prediction will be the one I stand behind/the one that counts.

The essential weakness of the computer's predictions is it's designed to predict the results of 2 teams playing 10 matches against eachother. However, in the tournament, it comes down to a single match between Team A and Team B. TTN is just interested to see if all the stats they compile is worthwhile in accurately predicting results, and now we can get some true empirical data, by publishing both the computer's picks and the expert's.

GROUP A

1. The Downer (#32) vs Tol In Gaurhoth (#24)

ACS2012: 2 goal win for Tol-in-Gaurhoth

Boro's pick: Agrees with the computer on this one, a convincing win for TIG. TIG has more goals and conceded less, and all lazy sloppiness should have been left behind after the first game. A 3-1 win for the Werewolf Isles.

2. Angband (#9) vs Shire-Bree United (#23)

ACS2012: 1 goal win for Angband

Boro's Pick: The numbers say in a 10 game series, Angband would win 6, Shire Bree 3, and 1 game a draw. So, it's a more competitive match then at first glance. Bombadil has wrecked havoc against Morgoth's teams before, but we'll again side with the computer's pick. Shire-Bree's defense nearly lost it for them against TIG, and now it will lose it against Angband. Angband wins 3-2.

GROUP B

1. Arnor (#27) vs Inter Beleriand (#28)

ACS2012: Draw.

Boro's pick: Turgon won't be as inspired against Arnor as he was saving 7/9 against Gondolin. While Arnor plays everyone straight up. No matter who the opponent is, they will play the same and give the same effort. Arnor wins 2-1.

2. Eriador (#4) vs Gondolin (#22)

ACS2012: 1 goal win for Eriador

Boro's pick: Sometimes winning by only 1 goal is nerve wracking and a tightly contested match. This however, will be the most comfortable looking single goal win possible. Eriador is just top glass professionals who know how to win close games. 2-1 Eriador.

GROUP C

1. Erebor (#6) vs Wilderland (#2)

ACS2012: 1 goal win for Wilderland

Boro's pick: Wilderland won Erebor in the friendlies, and just came off a convincing 3-1 win against Anduin. However, Erebor has clearly upped their effort since the 1st round friendly. The computer says a Wilderland win, I say 2-2 Draw.

2. Anduin (#16) vs Dwarves United (#31)

ACS2012: 2 goal win for Anduin

Boro's pick: Part of the convincing win thrown out by the ACS2012 is likely from Anduin's strong friendlies. Anduin is not as good as we originally believed, by Dwarves United are even worse then we thought possible. Anduin wins 2-1.

GROUP D

1. Tirion (#10) vs Real Valinor (#7)

ACS2012: Draw

Boro's pick: Something is really concerning about Real Valinor getting thumped by FC. Although, the recipe for going goalless in the first match would be to face Tirion next. Then again, Tirion can also score a plethora of goals. Tough one to call, so we'll go with the computer here. 3-3 Draw.

2. Armenelos (#3) vs FC Valinor (#1)

ACS2012: 1 goal win for FC Valinor

Boro's pick: Armenolos showed why no one should view them as slouches in this group of death. With that said, FC Valinor has just been playing at a level beyond everyone else up to this point and until they show otherwise, we're going to stick with FC Valinor wins 2-1

GROUP E

1. The Sea (#15) vs Valimar (#11)

ACS2012: Draw

Boro's pick: Everything about these two points to a 0-0 draw. The defenses are just that much better than the offenses (conceding 2-goals to Hithlum is not up to Ulmo's standard, but still nothing to be embarrassed about). Ulmo can shut down Valimar's complacent offense, and The Sea is a little more pro-active in the attack. The Sea wins 1-0.

2. Hithlum (#19) vs The Havens (#21)

ACS2012: Draw

Boro's pick: Perhaps the biggest offensive explosion of the group friendlies in this one. Hithlum's defense won't stop The Havens, but Turin and co will cause even more chaos against The Havens. Hithlum wins 4-3.

GROUP F

1. Imladris (#25) vs Misty Mts (#17)

ACS2012: 1 goal win for Misty Mountains

Boro's pick: This is an interesting match, with a lot riding on it for both teams. Imladris can't afford to lose, and Misty Mountains really needs the win since they close out the group stage against the best, Rohan. Unfortunately for the Mountain fortress...Draw 1-1.

2. Isengard (#18) vs Rohan (#5)

ACS2012: 1 goal win for Rohan

Boro's pick: Isengard might pull off the shock and snatch away a draw (a win is extremely unlikely). Really what Isengard needs to do to be in decent position is at least get 1 goal, but even that is easier said then done. Rohan wins 2-0.

GROUP G

1. Angfauglith (#14) vs Doriath (#13)

ACS2012: Draw

Boro's pick: Nargothrond's offense appears unstoppable, so I wouldn't think there's something wrong with Angfauglith surrendering 2-goals. Doriath won't nearly be that aggressive, but can still likely get 1. Draw 1-1.

2. AC Beleriand (#8) vs Nargothrond (#12)

ACS2012: Draw

Boro's pick: AC Beleriand has had some very...uninspiring results, but even so they still haven't been beaten. Nargothrond's playing much better, but the defense will be under a lot more pressure then it was against Angfauglith (and it still gave up 2 goals). So. AC Beleriand wins 3-2.

GROUP H

1. Barad-Dur (#29) vs Gondor (#20)

ACS2012: 1 goal win for Gondor

Boro's pick: Everything now and before has been pointing towards a Gondorian win...but there is such a thing as "stats do lie." Purely based on gut-feeling, that Sauron really couldn't care less about friendlies and was saving everything for the real tournament. Barad-dur wins 2-1

2. Minas Tirith (#26) vs Mordor (#30)

ACS2012: 1 goal win for Minas Tirith

Boro's pick: Minas Tirith appears to primarily want to counterattack, and they are definitely quite good at it. But is Mordor's formationally sound Nazgul a team that you can counter attack on? Barad-dur can definitely be stretched because of their aggression, I'm not so sure the same would work against Mordor. Draw 1-1.

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Anfauglith vs Doriath

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Elenrod/anfvdor-n_zps12cfd5e6.jpg
[Projected formation. Doriath in silver and blue; Anfauglith in black and brown.]

Formation:

As usual Anfauglith would try to pack the midfield with their 4-5-1. But despite the advantage in numbers they wouldn’t be able to dominate possession against an excellent passing team like Doriath, so they’d have to do what they did successfully against Nargothrond—disrupt passing lanes and never give Daeron the time to decide the right pass.

After some adjustments, Doriath’s 4-2-3-1 has proven successful in containing AC Beleriand’s attacking depth. Wingers Beleg and Lúthien have especially proven effective in neutralising fullbacks Fingolfin and Ecthelion. They would have double duty again, preventing the Balrogs from pressing forward as well as providing attacking width to open space for Mablung and Nellas. And since Doriath would likely dominate possession, Melian would have time to press forward and provide the extra player needed to punch through Anfauglith’s defence.

Tactics:

Thuringwethil has proven herself to be the complete lone forward—strong, fast, and aerially dominant. Most of her shots in the game against Nargothrond came when she was the only brown shirt in the penalty area, yet she managed to confound single-handedly Nargothrond’s back four, scoring a brace in the process. She’d likely have a tougher time breaking Doriath’s defence if Melian decides to guard her personally, as she did against AC Beleriand’s Fëanor, but Melian would also be needed to help her outnumbered midfielders maintain possession. In any case Anfauglith has no need to change their counter-attacking long ball strategy that has proven effective against Nargothrond’s attacking game.

As was the case in their tie with AC Beleriand, Melian’s adjustments would be the key to this game. Should she remain in full-time defence, or should she bomb downfield and overload Anfauglith’s right flank, opening the gates to Ungoliant’s goal? Whatever she does, she should expect Anfauglith to adjust as well, and quickly—Gorgol and Balrog #4’s double marking of Nargothrond’s Gwindor successfully took the winger out of play after his excellent opening spell.

AC Beleriand vs Nargothrond

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Elenrod/acbvngr-n_zps8b79472e.jpg
[Projected formation. AC Beleriand in red and white; Nargothrond in green and yellow.]

Formation:

AC Beleriand’s 4-4-2 diamond has proven effective in choking Doriath’s possession game, reducing the forest realm squad to playing a counter-attacking strategy (which, however, they executed well). Their problem was lack of attacking width after Beleg and Lúthien successfully pinned Fingolfin and Ecthelion to the back line. As a result, when Doriath had adjusted to Beren’s forays from midfield, their attacks were reduced to Fëanor solo runs and increasingly inaccurate Eöl passes behind the defence. Fingolfin would be taken out of the offence again, since Nargothrond winger Gwindor would most likely be a handful for him, but Ecthelion can exploit Finrod’s tendency to drift inwards to push forward, giving a different look to AC Beleriand’s attack.

Normally, a 4-3-3 playing against a 4-4-2 diamond, despite having a disadvantage in midfield, would have advantage in the flanks, since a full back in the 4-3-3 would not have to guard a winger (all of the midfielders in a 4-4-2 diamond play in the centre) and could therefore push forward with impunity, but as mentioned in ArdaCup.com Stats Report #5, Nargothrond's defenders have no instinct for attack—in fact, they are hardly sufficient for their main task, having struggled to contain Anfauglith’s lone striker Thuringwethil.

Tactics:

AC Beleriand would be wise stick to its attacking strategy, especially after seeing the dismal performance of the Nargothrond back four against the Anfauglith forward Thuringwethil. If the Nargothrond midfield sits deeper to help their defence then their attackers would be starved of the ball (unless Finrod links the midfielders and the forwards, but that would simply result in another problem: giving Ecthelion freedom to move forward). Nargothrond could play the same long-ball strategy Anfauglith used against them, and that Doriath used to some effect against AC Beleriand, but they have never used such a strategy before in the friendlies, even in their game against FC Valinor. While Glaurung would be suitable for such a strategy (being able to outpace and/or outmuscle his possible markers Imlach and Rochallor), using a play outside of the regular playbook might be disastrous if they could not execute it properly. The onus lies heavily on Finrod's shoulders—what could he do to offset his disadvantage in the defence and midfield?

[Nogrod]

The AKM has met with an unforeseen problems when the luxury yacht the staff was cruising to celebrate the beginning of the Arda Cup 2012 collapsed and Ossë, never a fan of the AKM, decided to drown the whole bunch. With Uinen’s resourcefulness the whole editorial staff has been rescued but all the editors and journalists have been under strict supervision of the Balar Island’s hospital ever since and thus cut out from the world outside.

So as the only person present at the HQ of the AKM (who had a flu and couldn’t join the cruise) I feel it my responsibility to publish a prediction for round two of the group-phase. All the stats and advanced tables & expert memos the regular journalists had are in the bottom of the sea, I understand. But I will do my best to serve our readers.

My apologies if the predictions are not that good, but I’m doing my best with the limited powers I have been given by birth and sources.


~*~


Group A

The Downer vs. Tol In Gaurhoth

If T-I-G wishes to have any say in this tournament they have to beat the Downer – and to beat them good. With a draw against the Shire-Bree they need every advantage in the scoring differences, and Shire-Bree can boast with scorers like Bombadill, Strider and Khamul…

There is no question about the winner then. It will be the T-I-G. But do they have the guts and stamina to score as high scores as possible maintaining a defence tough enough not to let the always haphazard Downers score in return? The AKM believes the werewolves and wights will rise to the occasion and leave the Shire-Bree a mountain to climb in their last game against The Downer.

The AKM predicts: T-I-G wins 4-1.


Angband vs. Shire-Bree United

No one doubted Angband’s defences but some questioned their attacking capabilities after the friendlies. But after Ancalagon scored two goals and Ulfast scoring from the bottom of the midfield against The Downer the doubters have become quieter. Team Angband can score and their defence is a tough one with mighty Melkor leading the team from behind.

Shire-Bree’s chances lay in the unstoppable Bombadil who’s probably the only creature in the whole Arda who doesn’t fear Morgoth even a bit. Strider and the Barrow-Wight might also be able to stand the pressure of evil, but how will players like Butterbur, Ferny or the Nazguls take the challenge of Melkor, Ancalagon, Tevildo, a great Balrog and Carcaroth…

That remains to be seen.

The AKM predicts: Angband wins 3-1 (or 3-2).


Group B

Arnor vs. Inter Beleriand

Arnor lost it’s first game against the group favourites Eriador and that’s kind of fine, but now they need to start winning if they wish to continue the tournament after the group-phase. But Inter Beleriand showed in it’s first competitive game that it is a lot tougher team many agencies were willing to grant after the friendlies.

Inter Beleriand has an intimdating forwards duo in Fingon and Maedhros and Turgon can keep the enemy at bay for a long time, so mainly it’s a question whether Arnor’s not that dazzling forwards can penetrate the Gondolin defences dangerously enough. The AKM predicts they will not.

The AKM predicts: Inter Beleriand wins 2-1 (or 1-0).


Eriador vs. Gondolin

Eriador is finally challenged by a team that can score (on a good day). Gothmog and Maeglin are more or less the first stable quality forwards Eriador has to meet. It is also worth noticing, that gondolin’s defences are probab ly not that bad the stats from the friendlies suggest as Gondolin has met some real shooting-powerhouses while Eriador has basically met none (unless Shire-Bree is counted in).

The result will be decided by two factors: how well Elrond plays frustrating the Gondolin tide, and how well Glorfindel and the Witch King rise to the occasion when they have to score in turn.

The AKM predicts: draw 1-1 (or 2-2).


Group C

Erebor vs. Wilderland

Wilderland showed some real talent and shape in their first game against the (overrated) Anduin team 3-1, but Erebor showed some class as well beating the Dwarves with their more or less tough defences no less comfortably 2-0. So the two favourites of the group meet in the second round.

Now Wilderland beat Erebor in the friendlies 2-1 and one would be easily persuaded to think they would win again. But after beating the “team to beat” in the first round it just might be the Wilderlanders feel a bit too comfortable and are not giving their 100% to the game. So it might end up as a draw as well.

But the AKM trusts the working ethics and morale of team Wilderland is of the first claas and Oromë will lead his team into a victory once again. Now someone might ask if Smaug (0+0) or Thranduil (0+0) could just wake up and make a difference. To that we say: compare them to Scatha (1+1) and Galadriel (1+1) and stop dreaming.

The AKM predicts: Wilderland wins 2-1 again (or 2-0).


Anduin vs. Dwarves United

Only a pathological optimist (if s/he likes dwarves) could still hope for the Dwarves united to qualify from the group-phase. Legolas just can’t score to win games alone. The team is just full of unfootball-like characters and that is a sad truth for the dwarven race.

So Anduin will bring the game home and their target will be 2-0 like Erebor did. They will not be happy with anything less than that in case the qualifying will be up to the goal differences in the end. But the AKM thinks they are not having quality enough to better that. In the end Celebrimbor and Aulë are still quality defenders more than able to keep Grimbeorn, Boromir and Haldir at bay for the most time.

The AKM predicts: Anduin wins 1-0.


Group D

Tirion vs. Real Valinor

This is the death match! The team losing this game will be definitively out from the further stages of competition and it is quite clear neither team will be happy with a draw either. Some real fighting for the points to be anticipated then…

Real Valinor has lost two games thus far (friendlies & round 1) but both of them were against FC Valinor which seems more or less unstoppable at the moment. Other than those two games their stats and performance seem just overwhelmingly great – and looking at the attack with Arien, Miriel and Nerdanel will make any opposite team sweat already before a game has started.

But. And the but is this. Finwë, Eönwë and Aredhel have formed the deadliest forward trio in the friendlies and unlike the Real Valinor forwards they were in flames in the first group game as well all getting their names on the scoreboard. So how confidentially both forwards go into the game this time? Will Finarfin stand to the test, will Tulkas stand firm? This is the death match.

The AKM predicts: Real Valinor wins 3-2.


Armenelos vs. FC Valinor

If the other game in group D is the death match, this will be the hegemony game. Armenelos showed they have not lost their stamina and can take on with anyone. And it sure will be no walk in the park for FC Valinor even if they are the favourites to the game.

Even if some might think FC Valinor is satisfied with their win over Real, the charactersitics of their key-players like Huan and Curufin are not those of playing it half-hearted. So we will see a full fight here as well with neither side giving in an inch.

But there is also an interesting added factor here: the team that wins the game secures their place in the qualifiers. So one might think both teams to fight it to the end just for that. Armenelos will do that as they meet Real in their last game, but will FC Valinor be happy with a draw if that comes to their grip in the last minutes? Maybe?

The AKM predicts: FC Valinor wins 2-1 (or draw 2-2).


Group E

The Sea vs. Valimar

If Manwë’s team Valimar was not able to beat the hosts the Havens when it mattered, it is a case in point to ask whether they are able to beat Ulmo’s the Sea? It is very hard to score against Valimar, everyone knows that, but do they have the killer-instinct to go and win games when they’d need to?

With two draws from the first round this group is totally open and it looks like The Sea has it’s chance of making it in this game. The Númenorian kings, especially Tar minastir, are performing well indeed and Ulmo & his minions form a tough downstairs it took 75 minutes for the attacking-powerhouse of Hithlum to break. So how will the less hungry forwards of Valimar fare in there?

The AKM predicts: The Sea wins 1-0.


Hithlum vs. The Havens

Now here Hithlum will do some real damage and enhance their overall standing considerably. The Havens are playing at their home-arena but the Hithlum team is now both angry and hungry for goals.

The Havens may not be as low as the 21st. team in this competition (as the AKM’s power rankings suggested after the friendlies) but Hithlum will just run them down as Eärendil, Tuor and Aegnor – as good as they are – will not match the attacking stamina of Nienor, Húrin, Túrin and Hador. Hithlum has been scored against frequently in the friendlies but so has the Havens. So the quality of the attack will be the major decider. And there Hithlum will just be that much sharper.

The reclaimer is this, though. The Havens is one of those teams the stats have underestimated the most and it is possible that with their home support they can give Hithlum a real fight.

The AKM predicts: Hithlum wins 4-2.


Group F

Imladris vs. Misty Mountains

This is one of those games where you have a team with solid defence and poor finishing against another with relatively nice scoring but leaking defences. Rohan made themselves the clear favourites of group F by winning Imladris in the first round while Misty Mountains had to contend themselves with a draw with Isengard – something they surely were not foreseeing. So both teams need a win now.

Durin’s Bane and Narvi have shown themselves to be quality-scorers, but Elros is one of the best goalies in this tournament. On the other end it looks like Elrond’s children are not yet ready to carry the resposibility of leading a team on their own, even if uncle Elros supports them from the goal.

But against the slow trolls the half-elven children should be at their best and the chief wolf will most probably be forced to fouls trying to catch them while Elros will be a tough enough opponent for Durin’s Bane and Narvi if the defences fall over.

The AKM predicts: Imladris wins 1-0.


Isengard vs. Rohan

The neighbours clash once again with some divided loyalties!
Isengard may not be as bad a team the stat-based charts on the friendlies might suggest, but it seems to be a fact Saruman is not a Wizard when it comes to football. Playing it even with the Misty Mountains on the other hand suggests there is some untapped power there this time. It will not be enough to challenge the great teams of the tournament, but it might be enough to tease the other teams in group F.

Then again Rohan can more or less secure their place in the qualifiers by winning Isengard, and Rohan’s defences are in many ways one of the best in the tournament. So even if Saruman has Treebeard, Caradhras, and Quickbeam in his squad, there are just too many “beaters of Saruman” in team Rohan for Saruman to win against the chances.

The one word of caution though is this: Isengard won Minas tirith 2-1 in a tournament-style game while Rohan had to concede a draw 1-1. Rohan did not play seriously for a second goal after their first one until Minas Tirith equalised late in the game, but anyway…

The AKM predicts: Rohan wins 1-0.


Group G

Anfaughlith vs. Doriath

Anfaughlith is seen as one of the major defencive powerhouses of this tournament but everyone doubted their attacking capabilities. Then suddenly, meeting the offencive craze of Nargothrond they allowed two goals in one game (they only allowed one in all the total four friendlies), but Thuringwethil also woke up and scored twice (she made their only goal in the four friendlies). The question is, will anyone else aid her in scoring?

With team Doriath it has all being about Beleg and Lúthien Tinúviel scoring and Daeron giving them support while Melian’s defence has not been the all-closing belt one would have wished for and even if Dior is a decent goalie, he’s not a cup-winning one. But will Beleg and Lúthien be able to break in behind Anfaughlith defences? Lúthien has experience on that but will it be enough when she faces the primordial Ungoliant as the last lock this time?

The two teams met on the last round of friendlies and defended strongly ending up 0-0 with neither team wishing to show their offencive cards.
With first games ending in 2-2 draws both teams are now hungry for a win so there is a great fight to be anticipated. It smells like a draw…

The AKM predicts: draw 1-1 (or either team wins 2-1)


AC Beleriand vs. Nargothrond

AC Beleriand is a tough team to beat, but so is Nargothrond (their only loss in the friendlies came to FC Valinor). With both first games drawn the stakes are getting higher. The winner of the game will have a lot safer feeling which kind of rises the chance of a draw here.

Being forced to a draw with Doriath AC Beleriand has clearly fallen in the rankings of most betting agencies, but there are still many who believe in the magic of Fëanor, and with mates like Eöl, Beren and Fingolfin it’s easy to see where that trust comes from. But will it be enough? AC Beleriand played fine in the friendlies and ended up in the top ten of every agency, mosty in the top five. But are they that good when games matter? The game against Doriath speaks differently – even if many admit Doriath’s capabilities may have been underestimated thus far.

But how about Nargothrond then? They are one of the top-scoring teams of the tournament this year with Gwindor and Glaurung leading the way – and Finrod Felagund tempts to rise to the occasion when needed (like we saw in the first game against Anfaughlith).

The AKM predicts: draw 2-2 (or if Fëanor gets wild: 3-2 to AC Bel.).


Group H

Barad-Dûr vs. Gondor

With Sauron aboard one should never underestimate the team he plays in. And the same holds true this time, even if they had to contend themselves with a draw against Minas Tirith on the first round. But whatever the case they just let the other team to make too many shots against their goal the Mumakîl to save.

Gondor on the other hand took a firm hold of the other place in the qualifiers beating Mordor 2-1 in the first game and being the favourites to win the group anyway they stand the favourites also for this game as with a win they would secure their place in the sweet sixteen.

But if Barad-Dûr has any wish to qualify, they will make a game of this forcing Gondor to really fight for the win. And Sauron is no quitter, so Gondor be warned!

The AKM predicts: Barad-Dûr wins 2-1.


Minas Tirith vs. Mordor

Minas Tirith and Mordor draw 1-1 in the first friendly. After that Minas Tirith’s stats look way better than Mordor’s – and them playing a draw with Barad-Dûr looks also better than Mordor losing their game to Gondor. So there is a favourite to win this game and that is Minas Tirith, especially now when it looks like both Boromir and Faramir have shown their qualities when it matters.

Now Shelob has also shown some signs of awakening scoring her second goal in the first game where it actually mattered. Will she be ab le to step up her pace and are the Nazgûls and orcs able to feed her well enough remains to be seen. But thus far it looks like Minas Tirith are the favourites. The added twist comes from the fact that if Mordor loses they will be removed from the tournament and they will do everything to avoid that, so Minas Tirithcan’t afford any loose or reckless playing this time.

The AKM predicts: Minas Tirith wins 2-1 (or draw 1-1).

[the phantom]

Group B @ Weathertop

There were many opinions to be found in the various establishments near to Weathertop. The locals were quite positive, as the host team Eriador had the points lead and nearby Arnor had played them tough- not to mention Inter Beleriand and Gondolin had drawn, meaning that despite the loss they were but one point out of second place.

The Elves of Gondolin were quite optimistic as well, pointing out that the only reason they didn't defeat Inter Beleriand was due to some amazing saves by their own Turgon. "I think we're both going to advance," was the common refrain. "We got our toughest game out of the way and now both Beleriand-based squads are going to show these first-agers how to play.

The fans of Maedhros, Fingon, and Inter Bel were also confident about their chances, but perhaps a little less cocky. True, they had been out-shot by Gondolin in their opening match, but they didn't feel they'd been dominated in any way. "That's the way we play," said Fingon yesterday. "We'll let the opposition take what we feel we can withstand, and we capitalize with efficiency when we get our chances."

And indeed that looked to be the recipe in their early game against Arnor. The men of the North controlled most of the possession during the opening half, but Inter Beleriand managed to get on the scoreboard first thanks to a well-timed interception and quick pass the other way from Haleth, which found Maedhros too alone and close to goal for the star forward to make a mistake.

The Arnor crowd was still in it though, as they had witnessed their team's solid play up until that point and believed they would gain a deserved goal sooner or later. And they were right- the equalizer came just minutes before the first half ended. Isildur forced his way past two defenders and gunned a cross along the end line, which deflected off Brandir and was reacted to beautifully by Argeleb who sent the bounce into the back of the net.

Both teams started the second with some uncharacteristic mistakes, perhaps showing the nerves in a game they both wanted badly. After some sloppy passing Inter made their worst mistake at 53 minutes, when Balrog #5 didn't look carefully before sending the ball back and across to Haldad, and a dashing Araphor cut in front of him and fired a shot at the far corner after one touch. Fortunately for Inter the ball skimmed over the top of the crossbar, as Turgon was a bit unprepared and couldn't have stopped the ball had it been on target.

Just seconds later Arnor made a poor play of their own, only this one proved fatal. After a pass-back, keeper Arvedui sent the ball out to his defense, but unfortunately both Araval and Valandur thought the ball was for them. At the last second both of the converging men pulled up short to avoid a collision, and the ball passed right between them to a charging Hunthor, who wasted no time and sent it rolling to the right side of the box for the onrushing Fingon. Fingon kept his defender pinned on the outside and drove it near-post with his left boot, and the stadium suddenly fell silent, except for the group of Noldor in the eastern stands of course.

Inter Bel played it calm and confidently after that, running clock whenever possible and putting defense first. On two separate occasions their decision not to score more looked like it might doom them, but Turgon was equal to the challenge and stopped the flurry when his defenders got beat. Most impressive was his swat-away in the final minute off a header by Isildur.

When the final whistle sounded the Arnorians filed from the arena quite slowly, numbed by what they'd seen. They hadn't played poorly- in fact, they weren't entirely certain they hadn't played slightly better overall. But the fact was they were sitting with no points after the first two rounds.

Arnor 1-2 Inter Beleriand
on target 7-4
tot shots 18-10
GOALS:
*26, 0-1 Maedhros (Haleth)
*39, 1-1 Argeleb (Isildur)
*54, 1-2 Fingon (Hunthor)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Arnor- Isildur
*InterBel- Balrog #5, Forweg

The Gondolin supporters filed their way into the arena with much shouting and singing in the early evening hours. Quite a few of them had been present for the morning game to see Turgon and his cousins play, and that match had put them in a very good mood, as it supported their theory that the Beleriand teams would be the ones to advance.

The Eriador crowd arrived a bit later. The Arnorian supporters still looked downcast from the early result, but the Elves of Rivendell and the orcs and men of Angmar looked ready to party. The orcs particularly could be seen trading barbs with the Gondolin fans-
"Our Witch King is going to shred you guys!"
"Ha, you wish! We've got Maeglin and Gothmog. If it's a scoring contest, we win!"
"Witch King has your own Glorfindel up front with him!"
"Psh, our front two are still better!"
"Even if that was true, we've got Elrond in goal! End of story!"

When the match kicked off it was a great contest indeed! Both teams flashed some high-quality skill, and the opposition made some athletic plays to fend the attackers off. At the 15 minute mark the Gondolin fans rose out of their seats as Maeglin made a crafty run and found Gothmog's head, but the shouts died on their lips as Elrond guessed right and batted it away.

Instead it was Eriador drawing first blood- and it hurt for Gondolin to see their own son Glorfindel scamper in and slot it past Rog for the lead. Thirteen minutes later Gothmog was frustrated again by Elrond, as his rocket of a drive was tipped off course by the diving Elf-lord. But Gothmog's groan of frustration quickly morphed into a bellow of delight as the deflected ball bounced off the post and the "keen-boot" Maeglin deftly volleyed it out of the air and into the near side, leaving Elrond no time to react. It was tied!

Fans of both squads continued to talk smack during halftime, but it was more in good spirits than it had been in pregame, as the crowd could not help but be put in a good mood by the fine play they were witnessing, and grudging respect was growing even with the most hostile supporters.

The second half began and the crowd was treated to more of the same. Glorfindel sped past nearly the entire defense, but Aranwe came sliding in with a perfect tackle to prevent the one-on-one with the keeper. Then Duilin sent a long cross from nearly midfield that curved in perfectly to Gothmog and looked to have Gondolin ahead, but Malbeth saw it coming just in time and with a mighty leap touched it just enough to send it too high for the Balrog Lord to control.

After nearly 20 minutes of exquisite back-and-forth, the tie was finally broken. Arassuil sent the corner in for Eriador- Witch King was held up and Glorfindel was bracketed, but somehow the defense lost track of the tall Gil-galad, and he struck true with his noble brow. Eriador was up!

As the minute mark passed into the seventies Gondolin began to get more aggressive, but Eriador played soundly and kept the duo of stars contained. At minute 76 it looked like Gondolin had finally won the battle when a corner ricocheted about awkwardly and fell right to Egalmoth, but his point-blank effort was spectacularly smothered by Elrond, and the lead held.

At last in minute 80 the scoreboard was lit again, but not by the aggressors. In their committal to the attack Gondolin had tired themselves out and had also left themselves open to Eriador's counter, and a rather tired pass near midfield was intercepted by a sneaky Arassuil, who had been baiting the opening. He got there first and immediately touched it forward and left. First there was the barely-onside Glorfindel, and with Witch King sprinting down the center they were free for a 2-on-1 with Rog. Rog guessed shot left, Glorfindel went pass right, and just like that Eriador had a commanding two-goal lead!

The Witch King supporters in particular could be heard shouting jubilantly, as he had backed up all their pre-game talk by putting his name on the scoring list. The Gondolin supporters hung their heads. They couldn't be angry- they were getting beat fair and square on the field, and the thought just made them sick. A few optimistic souls still hoped for a comeback, but the wiser ones knew that Gil-galad, Asfaloth, and the men of Arnor weren't going to make a mistake at the back, and even if they did- Elrond would be there to clean it up.

And indeed, that is how the contest ended- at 3 to 1. Eriador was already guaranteed a playoff spot, while Gondolin trudged from the stadium but one point out of last place.

Eriador 3-1 Gondolin
on target 6-5
tot shots 14-12
GOALS:
*22, 1-0 Glorfindel (Arassuil)
*35, 1-1 Maeglin (Gothmog)
*64, 2-1 Gil-galad (Arassuil)
*80, 3-1 Witch King (Glorfindel)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Eriador- Gil-galad, Asfaloth
*Gondolin- Pengolodh, Elemmakil, Egalmoth

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Group G at Nargothrond

Notice to the Public:
On Lótessë the 31st, Year 2012 of the Seventh Age, Boromir the 88th of TTN said:
To only go 7/16, and even do worse then TENT!
We wish to inform our viewing public that neither Tar-Eldar Network Television nor ArdaCup.com is in any way affiliated with the so-called Felagundion’s sports blog. As TENT takes prides in its professionalism, and ArdaCup.com boasts of its statistical methods in predicting matches, the biased and unscientific pieces of sportswriting that the Felagundion comes out with cannot in any way be construed to be a reflection of the virtues we value. In any case, ArdaCup.com doesn’t release match predictions before the group stage is over.

And now, we return to our regular programming:
_______________

Almost half the seats in the High Faroth Arena were occupied by Orcs and Trolls cheering for Ungoliant and the Balrogs of Anfauglith. The outnumbered Doriath supporters tried their best to make themselves heard, but the war drums and the chanting was too much for them to overcome. A few thousand Nargothrond supporters also came to watch the match. Although they wanted to cheer for Doriath, they also hoped for draw, since it would make Nargothrond’s path to advancement much easier.

If that was what they wanted, then the first half was exactly what the doctor ordered. The two squads started conservatively. Melian of Doriath played central defender, marking Thuringwethil personally. With their queen not helping in the midfield, Daeron, Nellas and Galadhon found themselves pressed by Anfauglith’s midfield five. They found no space to work the ball forward, and so for most of the half the ball was contested in the middle portion of the pitch. Lúthien and Beleg tried to play on the flanks, but the Balrogs were more than up to the challenge of containing them. Their few crosses, hurriedly sent, were smothered by Ungoliant or cleared by Borlach before Mablung could even get to them. They two teams remained scoreless when the half-time whistle was blown.

In the second half Doriath found a renewed energy for attack, catalysed by Melian’s shift from centre to left back, which gave her space to move the ball towards the Anfauglith side of the pitch. Her interplay with Lúthien gave Doriath their best chance of the game; five minutes into the half, Tinúviel cut inside, luring Balrog #3 to follow her, before passing the ball to a touchline-hugging Melian. The Maia found space to send a pinpoint cross, but Mablung’s finishing left much to be desired, striking the crossbar with the net at his mercy.

Doriath would rue this wasted chance when, in the sixty-second minute, Galdor, exploiting the space left behind by Melian, received a pass from Thuringwethil and powered the ball into an empty net.

After conceding Doriath became more desperate for a goal, which only fuelled Anfauglith’s counterattacking strategy. Only the efforts of Melian, who blamed herself for the goal, kept Thuringwethil from adding to their lead. However, without their captain’s help in the attack, Doriath were unable to breach Ungoliant’s goal, and Anfauglith soon walked away victorious, one step closer to advancing.

Anfauglith 1-0 Doriath
GOALS:
62, 1-0 Galdor (Thuringwethil)

Total Shots
13-8
Shots On Target
5-3

YELLOW CARDS:
2-1
Anfauglith: Borlach, Gorgol
Doriath: Galadhon

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

[Author's note: The text in triple brackets [[[text]]] are to be struck through. Unfortunately the strikethrough tag doesn't work in the Downs, nor do strikethrough text generators. So sorry. ++N(L)]

Group G at Nargothrond (Continued)

Notice to the Public:
Tar-Eldar Network Television and ArdaCup.com Stats Report are run by pretentious prats. I’ve succeeded in cutting off their feed just this once, so I can give you the coverage free from their corporate-sponsored blathering and give you the real game.

And now, we return to our [[]]regular programming:
_______________

A long time ago, just after Bëor began his pioneering research in [[]]effective goalkeeping , the hosts of the Valar landed in Beleriand and tore the land asunder in their battle against the forces of Morgoth. Morgoth himself cowered helplessly in the deepest pits of Angband and was soon dragged out by Eönwë, Herald of Manwë and typical tough guy, who strode across unstable footing in his Chucks, hauling the One Who Arises in Might by his collar. This was the image conjured in my mind by the dismantling of Nargothrond by AC Beleriand.

This has been done to the hidden realm before, of course. But Glaurung is innocent this time; he’s even wearing the home team’s yellow shirt. No, this time the damage was inflicted mostly by ‘Mr Own Goal’ Fëanor and Beren ‘Luckiest Guy in Arda’, who decided that fourteen second-half minutes would be enough to turn a tightly-contested match into a slaughter reminiscent of Elenna going against a tsunami. And like the ‘Akallabêth’, it was quick, it was generally painless, and it changed the world forever—or at least Nargothrond’s chances of getting past the group stage.

The match began deceptively, as if Sauron, in his guise as Annatar, was in the pitch with Finrod and his lads, offering them the chance to make it to the round of sixteen and beyond. And like the enlightened Noldor of Eregion, they believed it. They attacked with a gusto usually reserved by the Fëanorians for their fellow Elves. Gwindor ‘Charge!’ son of Guilin made a by-your-leave cross past Fingolfin that missed Glaurung’s tail by, I dunno, a few yards. Then there was a perfect Finrod through ball for Imlach ‘In Which Chapter was This Guy Mentioned?’, who had no trouble converting the Wise One’s pass into a clearance. Scintillating.

But all their efforts were not in vain. In the seventh minute, after receiving a lofted pass inside the box from Orodreth ‘Firm Believer in Infrastructure’ son of Finarfin or Angrod (which one is it, really?!), Glaurung ‘The Faithful’ held the ball up against the challenge of Imlach ‘Who Was This Dude Again?’ and ‘I’m a Horse Playing Football’ Rochallor before cutting it back for Finrod ‘Worst Ruler in Arda’ Felagund, who put the ball past the outstretched hand of a helpless Marach (because that’s the perfect adjective to describe most of the Edain during the First Age—helpless.)

One would expect that with the early lead, AC Beleriand would simply fold and hand the group over to Nargothrond. However, much like Maedhros’s triumph over Morgoth in the Fifth Battle of Beleriand, that was not the case. It took a while, but after more than half an hour of kicking the ball up and down the pitch, Fëanor found Beren to the left of the box with enough space to fit the Éothéod in, and Beren… Well, after getting a Silmaril and Lúthien, what more can you deny the man?

The two squads took a tied game into the break, and while Nargothrond seemed to have let their offensive prowess take a sabbatical in the pristine shores of the Falas, AC Beleriand must have asked theirs to call their cousins in Hithlum over, because AC Beleriand took to the pitch with a redoubled fury that reminded no one of Farmer Maggot after Frodo stole some mushrooms again. And like Farmer Maggot it would take them a while (fourteen minutes, to be exact) to find out whom to vent their fury against, but when they did…

Against a lesser goalkeeper, they might have scored one or two. But they were up against Bëor, a record-holding goalkeeper, none of whose records, unfortunately, are related to goalkeeping. Fortunately, some of them are really cool, like AR/DA’s ‘Let It Be Rock.’ Unfortunately, even I think that that pun was totally lame. So moving on…

Fëanor took a long ball from Rochallor and waved to the Nargothrond defenders sipping their daiquiris and lounging in their poolside chairs on his way to an appointment with the netting. Five minutes after Beren, played in by ‘Bungee Jumper’ Eöl, rifled the ball past the Great Wall of Nargothrond (so-called because Bëor is, after all, old and hopelessly useless as a means of defence.) The whole AC Beleriand squad was so pumped up, even Ulrad ‘Where Did Fëanor Find These People?’ and Ecthelion ‘Pointy Hat’ joined the party four minutes later, with the Ultimate Radical heading in a spiked-helmet cross to triple their lead. Then in the sixty-seventh minute, referee Atanalcar[[[, signed by Fëanor from Manwë’s Pelóri squad for $10 million]]] gave a free kick to AC Beleriand from a position so perilous I’m surprised no one has yet placed an ‘Abandon All Hope Ye Who Enter Here’ sign above it. Bregolas took the shot, and Bëor ‘Butterfinger Not Butterbur’ spilled the save into the path of, oh, look, Fëanor. Can I wake up now?

After the fourteen minutes of horror, Nargothrond recovered from their daze (in the defenders’s cases, it was the daiquiri’s fault) and tried to fight back. However, they failed to create any goalscoring opportunities, nor did they have a chance of beating the finest defenders in Beleriand arrayed before Marach. This was particularly the case in the eighty-fourth minute, as Fingolfin did not allow Gwindor to cross; thus his cross, which never happened, was not tailed over the crossbar by Glaurung. And soon the game, like the unfortunate Man struck by Glaurung’s not-tailer, was done.

This must be the curse of the yellow shirts. The last time Nargothrond players took to the pitch wearing their home colours, they lost to Tol-in-Gaurhoth, and before that, to Túna. Or maybe this time it could be the curse of ‘paying too much for offence and having no budget left for defence’. In any case, it’s back to the drawing board for the most reviled prince of the Noldor; his squad now has to defeat the team from Melian’s belt if they still want a chance to go where no other Nargothrond XI had gone before. Oh, and they also have to hope that the Anfauglith-AC Beleriand game doesn’t end in a draw. Yes. Good luck with that. Viva Nargothrondia.

AC Beleriand 5-1 Nargothrond
GOALS:
7, 0-1 Finrod (Glaurung)
38, 1-1 Beren (Fëanor)
59, 2-1 Fëanor (Rochallor)
64, 3-1 Beren (Eöl)
68, 4-1 Ulrad (Ecthelion)
73, 5-1 Fëanor (Bregolas)

[i]Total Shots
22-12
[i]Shots On Target
10-4

YELLOW CARDS:
1-2
AC Bel: Ulrad
Nargothrond: Mîm, Gwindor

[Nogrod]

Group D at Armenelos, round 2

With the home team’s great win over Tirion on the first round it felt like an overwhelming load of tension had been lifted from the Númenorian fans’ shoulders. And the next day the visitors to the great city of Armenelos experienced such hospitability only the greatest of the men could offer. The day between the games was a day of rejoicing and anticipation – and the sun shone from clear skies to underline the general mood.

But as the second game-day broke one could feel some tensions rising behind the smiling faces and general courtesy. It was felt strongest with the fans of Real Valinor and Tirion though as both teams had lost their first game and so the afternoon-game would be a “game of life and death” to both of them: the loser of the match would have packed two losses from two games and would be out of the tournament whereas the winner would more or less have their fate in their own hands come the third round.

In the pre-game press conference the representatives of the teams still managed to be quite relaxed, but some tensions could be found as well. Read the clip from the Armenelos Stadium lounge to learn more…

The Armenelos Times: Mr. Curufin, sir, some people say you are growing overconfident and that gives chances to your opponents. Are you familiar with the proverb that hybris is always followed by nemesis?

Curufin: I’m not too much into proverbs. We call our way determination…

The Armenelos Times: But you must be familiar with the concept, for exactly here I think your renowned family and we Númenoreans share some common ground.

Curufin: You do the best with what is given to you, right?

Nerdanel: As your mother I could say a thing or two about doing the best with what you are given… and were your grandma here I bet she would tell you the same thing. *flashes a sarcastic smile*

Curufin: Oh mom, please. *frowns and smiles*

The Númenorian: Please lady Nerdanel, how do you feel your chances running for the second position against the home team?

Nerdanel: They won Tirion so we have to do the same today and then we’ll see in a match-up on round three which one goes forwards. Unlike most things in life it seems as simple as that.

Túna Watcher: What do you Mahtan think of what your daughter speaks here? Is Tirion going to be walked over like that today?

Mahtan: Of course not. I think she has spent too much time with the Fëanorian side of her family, even if I still love her dearly. But we’ll prevail in the end as we know the trade and have taught it to the others – have you ever seen an apprentice to beat the master or the child to outshine the parent?

Curufin: With all due reverence, aren’t you now messing the strength of blood with football dear Granpa? And many might disagree with your principle even when it comes to smithery…

Ar Pharazôn: Excuse me. We know for a fact that generations evolve into higher forms unless there are some catastrophes that cut the races or nations down and suck the life-blood from their veins. You Tirion guys lost your game to us, so how does that count in your scheme of teachers or older masters always being better than their apprentices? Your team’s legacy may be great but we represent the heyday of the laterborn – and we will go far in this tournament!
*cheers from the local media representatives*

Túna Watcher: So you see Mahtan’s Real Valinor beat his daughter’s Tirion then, and feel good about it?

Ar Pharazôn: Oh, you’re playing it unfair now my good elf… You all firstborn are so last season.
*more laughter*


~*~

So it was the game of life and death then when the players of Real Valinor and Tirion jogged to the pitch with the full stadium roaring in applause. It was clear the homeside fans were taking sides cheering loudly to the Tirion players. There probably wasn’t any special love towards the Tiron team (or hatred against the Real Valinor players), but looking at the table the Númenorians would love to see Tirion beat Real Valimar as that might mean they could qualify with a draw against Real Valinor – in case they didn’t win FC Valinor later the day, into which only a few actually believed even if many liked to say they did.

If one was looking for quality football the game was real value for the money. The game was fast, the individual skills of some of the players were just magical (Nerdanel’s soft touch, Miriel’s intelligence, Eönwë’s commanding stature…), and the team play produced some heart-stopping combos that would wet the eyes of any aesthetically astute person.

But competition-wise it started to look pretty clear from the early minutes on. The game flowed more or less evenly from one end to the other and both teams produced some quality chances while both keepers performed some major saves, but everyone could see that the attacks by Real Valinor were always that magical inch sharper, that little bit more dangerous-looking – and their visits on the Tirion’s defence seemed to become all the more frequent, longer, and more concentrated the older the game turned.

The goal was hanging in the air, and it did land on the pitch at 26th minute when Real Valinor’s deadly trio just tore the Tirion defence to pieces. Arien had an easy job to move the ball into the empty net from beside the post of the goal after Miriel had taken Finarfin with her – being in turn released alone against him by a perfect pass by Nerdanel – and made a dazzling back-heel pass leaving Finarfin totally helpless.

Oftentimes the dynamics of the game change considerably after the first goal, but this time it went on exactly it had gone before the goal, and thus Real Valinor pressed even more, slowly taking the whole game into their hands. And before the half-time they did actually score again. Now it was Nessa’s flashing speed that left the Tiron defenders look as mobile like statues of marble. With Miriel’s perfectly timed pass she broke free from them and scored beautifully first running out of reach of Finarfin who tried to come forwards to challenge her.

But those who thought at the half-time that the game was over and done with couldn’t have been more wrong.

Real Valinor players are an experienced and smart bunch and they know that securing the lead with just falling back and trying to defend the goal leads to ever more opportunities to the opposing team, building of ever more pressure, and to a high risk of a thriller come-back by the other team. But leading with two goals it is hard not to fall back just an inch when you have everything to lose with a bit riskier game.

Tirion on the other hand was with their back against the wall: lose now and basically be kicked out of the tournament. So they came into the second half with a fury. Eönwë had grown to his full stature creating awe everywhere he went and Finwë looked as noble and high as the great father and the first High King of Noldor should look like – and his grand-daughter Aredhel looked just plain dangerous: tall, strong and beautiful.

With a newly found determination they started rolling their attacks one after another against Real Valinor’s defences and for the first 15 minutes it seemed there was only one team in the field. Real started to find their form slowly and managed some offencive play at times after that, but it was clear where the dangerous situations were. Aredhel headed the ball to the post, Eönwë’s freekick boomed just inches over the crossbar, Thorondor beaked the ball straight to the upper corner of the goal but Tulkas managed to tip it a way at the last possible moment…

And Tirion got their well-deserved goal at the 75th minute when Finwë slided to the ball from a rebound at close range after Aredhel’s top shot.

So the last 15 minutes were a thriller with Tiron chasing for an equalizer and Real Valinor willing to keep their goal safe. But here the greatness of team Real came to the fore. They started attacking more decidedly forcing Tirion into the defence every other time and keeping them on their toes not to allow Real to score a 3-1 decider… And that decided the game.

Tirion was out of the tournament and would only play for their honour in their last match against FC Valinor. But looking at their squad there surely is a lot of honour to defend, so FC Valinor will get nothing from them for free. Real Valinor in turn should now have everything in their own hands: win Armenelos in the last game and qualify. Other options would be known only after the evening game…

Real Valinor 2-1 Tirion
on target 7-5
tot shots 16-13
GOALS:
*26, 1-0 Arien (Miriel)
*41, 2-0 Nessa (Miriel)
*75, 2-1 Finwe (Aredhel)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Real- Caranthir, Arien
*Tirion- Anaire


After the thriller it was the home team’s turn to run into the arena – and to face the number one favourites for the whole tournament by any decent footballing agency there are. The sun was already setting and the hundreds of torches planted around the pitch were being lit to light the field and the exits from the stands – on top of the stadium there was a ring of greater fires creating a general light over the audience and even to the pitch. It’s hard to describe the mood with anything else but saying it was just awesome: the dark bluish sky with a tint of bright colors from the setting sun, the bit flickering but strong light from the torches and fires, the tension; the hopes and fears of the homeside fans, the majesty of the players of both teams, the anticipation of a great game, nervousness, joy, the amounts of wine spent that day already.

It is these moments, among others, that make football such a larger than life phenomenon.

The game itself was an awesome torture to the homeside crowds and a sovereign show of just how strong the FC Valinor team is at the moment. Armenelos played beautiful football: the big, strong and graceful kings moved the ball with astonishing ease and confidence but the defences they faced were just even bigger, stronger and more graceful! Nahar, Oromë’s great white horse seemed to be everywhere and never late dominating the Nümenorian kings also with it’s pure size and stamina. And where Nahar was absent, Penlod, the tallest of the Noldorin was shutting the way with Maglor, the son of Fëanor with some real staying-power and integrity. And Lórien also fell down repeatedly to help the defences with his commanding presence. So even if the Númenorians fought bravely their alleys of attack were just shut off before them forcing them oftentimes to shoot form a far (that actually explains the bigger than normal difference between the overall shots and those on target).

Now team Armenelos has a tough defence as well, but facing a forwards squad made up from brothers Curufin and Celegorm, one of the hottest and toughest duos this year (and last), and Yavanna’s and Idril’s grace, well that spells trouble – and will do it to any defence this year. Actually one thing that makes team FC Valinor such a strong one this year seems to be their great balance of skills and different characteristics: there’s brutal force and stamina, there is speed and elegance, there’s creativity and determination, there is poetry and heroism, spiritual and physical prowess, you name it.

After half an hour of play FC Valinor started to deliver. Celegorm just pushed himself trough the defencive line and hammered the ball in behind Tar Atanamir from the edge of the box at 31st minute. And only eight minutes later Tar Atanamir had to pick the ball again from inside the net when Lórien had risen highest of the crowd after a cornerkick and headed the ball unstoppably to the low corner. The visitors were leading 2-0 at the half-time and had been impressive indeed in everything they did.

Which doesn’t mean Armenelos didn’t or couldn’t fight back. And especially early on the second half Armenelos was even closer to score than FC Valinor who had lessened the pressure a little being two goals ahead and not willing to use their energy 110% anymore. But there was still Huan to beat and both shots on target on the second half were picked up by the hound. The second by Ar Pharazôn was actually quite a spectacular one when Huan “nosed” the ball off from the upper-left corner of the goal just at the last moment making such a leap to it the spectators were gasping their breath when most were already rising up to celebrate a goal.

Towards the end of the game the tensions loosened little by little when it started to become evident Armenelos was not going to score, at least not going to score twice to even the game. So the ending of the game was a kind of an anti-climax when for the last five minutes both teams seemed happy to just kick the ball around. But it was understandable as well when FC Valinor had nothing to gain for adding a goal more and Armenelos was keen to save their energies to their last match against Real Valinor which would decide the other qualifying team from group D.

Armenelos 0-2 FC Valinor
on target 3-6
tot shots 12-14
GOALS:
*31, 0-1 Celegorm (Curufin)
*39, 0-2 Irmo (Celegorm)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Armen- Ar Zimrathan, Tar Ancalimon
*FCVal- Irmo


Two games:

FC Valinor 6pts. 5-0
Armenelos 3pts. 3-4
Real Valinor 3pts. 2-4
Tirion 0pts. 3-5


Last matches:

FC Valinor vs. Tirion
FC Valinor has secured the first place in the group and a place on the next rounds. Tirion has no chance of qualifying and will play their last game purely for honour.

Armenelos vs. Real Valinor
Armenelos and Real Valinor will fight it out for the second qualifying slot. In case of a draw Armenelos will qualify because of their better goal-difference.

[the phantom]

Group C @ Moria

The Group C games were scheduled a bit closer together in the second round at Moria, for the host committee simply could not justify a late-morning start for the highly anticipated match between Erebor and Wilderland. Pretty well every publication had both teams ranked in the top 10- some of them in the top 5. The much-respected TTN Power-Rankings had Wilderland slotted at #2 and Erebor at #6 heading into the clash.

Wilderland was the favorite in the eyes of most, and with Galadriel, Orome, Elwe, and Scatha making the attacks it was easy to see why. But Erebor was nearly dismissive of the threat at the pre-game interviews. Defender Girion said: "Gwaihir is right up on par with Thorondor himself- he's a swift-flying defending menace, and has a lightning quick beak and huge size to boot. Frankly I think he'll lock up anyone he's on. And his relatives Meneldor and Landroval have similar skills, and I'm no slouch, and even if we grant the edge on a play or two we've got Beorn minding the nets. This end of the field is going to be even. The difference will be at the other end- and we've got the advantage there."

And the publications didn't entirely disagree with the second half of Girion's statement. Bolg, Bard, and Nazgul #7 were all solid supporters of the attack, and Thranduil is of course a proven play-maker, and there was absolutely no question that Smaug could prove too hot to handle. Monster Magazine dragon-columnist Ruharg the Red noted before even the first round of group play that Wilderland's Ent defenders were not going to match up well with Erebor. "Fire-breathers like Smaug freak Ents out to be honest, even if they're not allowed to blow fire. But when he's breathing hard out there, the air directly in front of his face is going to get spicey like it or not, and should there be ready kindling close by (in the form of Ents), well... they will certainly be nervous about it."

And when the late afternoon game in the beautiful Dimrill Dale kicked off Ruharg and other such critics looked smart indeed, as the Ents were definitely giving the dragon too much space, and already in the fifth minute Thranduil found him open and the Great Warg was lucky to keep it out. After applying steady pressure to open, Erebor cracked the scoreboard at fifteen minutes, and no surprises- it was the dragon.

The Ents were sending some passes at the back and Smaug suddenly launched forward to challenge, momentarily panicking Beechbone. The frightened Ent mis-kicked a ball over to Skinbark, and the Ent was not quick enough changing directions and Smaug swooped over and beat him to it with a flick of his tail, and Erebor had the well-deserved lead!

The defenders got verbally hammered by Orome and Galadriel after that- told that like it or not they had to D-up on Smaug. The ashamed Ents took the advice to heart and got up close to the dragon, matching their tough bark to his iron scales. Smaug appeared flustered by it, as the Ents had the strength and size to upset his movements and give him a bruise or two. Skinbark even drew a card for being a bit excessive. Fumes emerged from Smaug's maw and it looked certain he would start retaliating in a big way, but Dain and Thranduil ran to calm him, pointing out that Wilderland's tactics were probably to get him carded out of the game.

Smaug and company countered by sending the dragon to the air, having him dive down for quick touches and constantly threatening to beat the defenders on a long-ball behind them should they push up the field. In the meantime Wilderland was finally getting some threats of their own at the other end with some nifty passing from the front four, but the great eagles were equal to them and always took up enough space to clutter up the box, forcing their shots to be ones that Beorn could handle.

Just before the half, Erebor executed to perfection to gain the two-goal lead. With Smaug distracting the defense, Thranduil and Bard outmaneuvered the back line of Wilderland with some delightful back and forth, sharp as the archers they were, and it ended with Bard finding a sliver of space through just inside the right post and the Erebor crowd screamed, high-fived, and exchanged looks of shocked delight. The world hadn't expected this!

During halftime there was much discussion in the Erebor locker room as to the tactics they should follow in the second half. Bolg and Bard wanted to ride the wave of momentum and put up some more goals, but Girion, Dain, and Thranduil insisted on focusing on their defensive efforts. Eventually caution won the day thanks to the support of Beorn. "We can't leave ourselves open for them to jump back into the match in the opening minutes. We could lose doing that. We're playing fantastic, but let's not fool ourselves into thinking we're far and away superior. Let's just lock this thing down. If we do, I can't see any way we give up three goals. We have points in our hands- let's make sure and capitalize."

So with that strategy in mind Erebor came out and tightened their defenses. Wilderland accepted the tactics grimly- they had guessed what was coming, and put their own plans into operation. Knowing they weren't going to beat the three eagles back on a counter anyway, Wilderland didn't mind Erebor falling back to defend, and focused on a fast-moving passing game to cross up the defense.

Erebor cleared it whenever possible, happily handing Wilderland corners. And indeed Wilderland barely ever tried to send it all the way in on corners, as with three giant eagles and now even Smaug back in the defense, header opportunities were as scarce as mushrooms after a hobbit dinner party.

Erebor's defenses held until 74 minutes, when finally Scatha muscled his mark away and tail-struck a deft one-touch pass from Elwe after a wonderful flipping of attack-sides by Wilderland. The riotous Erebor supporters quieted somewhat and chanting began to spill out from the Lothlorien Elves in the west side of the stadium, but as the minutes passed Erebor cranked it up again, particularly after minute 84 when Beorn professionally handled Wilderland's best last hope- a distant free kick taken by Orome.

The Dwarves in particular began partying in earnest as the final seconds ticked off. King Dain and Erebor had won. Perhaps today was the day of the Dwarves. Perhaps this victory foreshadowed a win by Dwarves United in the underground night match.

Erebor 2-1 Wilderland
on target 7-7
tot shots 18-16
GOALS:
*15, 1-0 Smaug
*42, 2-0 Bard (Thranduil)
*74, 2-1 Scatha (Elwe)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Erebor- Bolg, Bard
*Wilderland- Skinbark, Beechbone

The contest between Dwarves United and Anduin got off to a later start than planned, as it took a bit longer than expected for the crowds to funnel across the famed Bridge of Khazad-Dum and on down to The Underground, the famed arena at the roots of the Misty Mountains.

There was plenty of optimism in the cheers of the Dwarf crowd as the teams warmed up. Erebor had pulled off the upset earlier, so why couldn't they follow suit? And once the match started up, the home squad looked like it believed as well. Anduin had a bit more possession, but the iron will of the Dwarves was unwavering when meeting the attacks of Anduin.

Aule countered the size and strength of Grimbeorn, while the nimble of deft-footed Celebrimbor hounded Haldir. Azaghal and Durin took it in turns to body up on the athletic Boromir II, doing their best to make things rough-going for him. On the opposite end Legolas and Gimli both gave their friend an opening with a nice through ball, but Fram managed to get in the way of both of them enough to give Amroth a manageable save.

Late in the half Anduin managed a couple quality headers from Boromir II, but Bombur's girth denied them both, and there was little else brewing for either side. The fans were restless, waiting for something to happen.

After the half it was more of the same- solid defending on both ends, careful attacks nicely foiled. Anduin had more chances and possession, however no tale of this was seen where it counted- on the scoreboard. But the imbalance could not last forever without telling, and predictably it was Boromir II breaking the tie with a header over top of his marks and the home crowd was silenced.

The mood was worse than a one-goal deficit dictated, but the fans couldn't help it. They hadn't seen much to cheer for in the opening game either. Could their squad score? Could the dwarves on their back line do anything about headers?

The squad on the field on the other hand had not given up- they were fighters. And as the final fifteen minutes arrived their big-name defenders, Celebrimbor and Aule, thrust themselves forward into the action, taking command of the offense and hoping Anduin wouldn't take advantage at the other end. And indeed they did not, for Anduin had fully committed to defense.

And to the delight of the shocked home-crowd Anduin paid for their conservative play, as they passed up two quality chances to run and push the lead and gave up the goal anyway. The equalizer came on the foot of Celebrimbor, who caught the Anduin defenders entirely unprepared for the skill of the Feanorian line, and he cut through the heart of them after receiving it from Zirak and Amroth had no shot at stopping the point-blank drive!

At first the Dwarves were too shocked to cheer, but then they exploded with the beating of drums and the clashing of cymbals. Boromir II and Grimbeorn bellowed at their teammates to shake away the cobwebs and mount a push in the final minutes to retake the lead, but the Dwarves were energized and committed to securing the draw they had forged, and there was nothing Anduin could do.

The hosts were still alive in Group C!

Anduin 1-1 Dwarves United
on target 5-4
tot shots 15-9
GOALS:
*68, 1-0 Boromir II (Leod)
*82, 1-1 Celebrimbor (Gamil Zirak)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Anduin- Lenwe, Borondir, Amdir
*DwUnt- Gimli, Azaghal, Aule

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

More overcast skies over the Vale of Necromancy have the hordes of Orcs and Easterlings supporting the local teams in good spirits, despite the results of the previous matchday. They believe that one good result could overthrow the pall cast over their chances of qualifying, and the lack of sunlight will surely help their teams’s performance on the pitch.

Group H at Minas Morgul

Meanwhile, the Gondor players looked sharp and focused despite the seemingly unnatural weather. After all, they have some players who have played superbly under these conditions before, foremost of which was Anarion, who was part of the winning team in the Orodruin (II) Invitational. Anarion’s final game in that tournament was played against the very same team they were facing today, a Sauron-led Barad-dûr squad.

And it was the younger son of Elendil that proved to be the catalyst to Gondor’s flying start, a half-hour spell aptly named the Siege of Barad-dûr. Ten minutes into the game he played a breath-taking one-two with Turambar through the heart of the Black Tower’s defence, with Turambar chipping past the bulky Mûmakil to score the opener. Fourteen minutes later Anarion was left free to rifle a long-range shot that hit the far post before ricocheting in.

With his team down by two due to one Man’s work, Sauron commanded his Mouth to guard Anarion, and for the rest of half the Númenórean was denied space to work in. With Gondor's talisman silenced, their Siege was lifted, and soon the Kings felt the bite of Barad-dûr’s offence. They held on due to some robust defending, inaccurate shooting from their foes, and a couple of fine saves from Hyarmendacil. But just before half-time Berúthiel slipped the ball past Gondor’s defence, and Sauron coolly slotted a low shot past Hyarmendacil, giving the home crowd something to cheer about.

In the second half the Orcs and Easterlings were confident that their team would get the equaliser they sought, and five minutes after the break they erupted into cheering when Berúthiel took a lofted ball from Sauron and put it past Hyarmendacil. But the linesman’s flag was raised, signalling an offside offence—the Queen had timed her run wrongly, and the referee disallowed the goal. Boos and whistles rained down on the referee, and some of the audience even attempted to climb the walls to invade the pitch. But Sauron stopped them all with a glance. I will win this game, so stay in your seats, is what it told them, and the minions of Mordor renewed their chanting. There was no way Gondor would beat Sauron’s will.

If the first thirty minutes of the game was called the Siege of Barad-dûr, then the first twenty minutes of the second half should be called the Siege of Gondor. It seems that most of the Black Tower’s players were camped outside the Kings’s penalty box, and only poor finishing from the besieging side and inspired defending from the besieged side kept the scoreline unchanged.

The high defensive line of Barad-dûr, leaving hectares of space behind them, was begging to be exploited, but Gondor found no chance to do so until the sixty-fifth minute. Imrahil booted a clearance downfield that Anarion took in stride. The Mouth and the other Barad-dûr defenders were calling offside, but the flag was down; he had timed his sprint perfectly. Fellbeast #2 got goalside of Elendil’s son, but Anarion had already seen Eldacar running behind him. He chipped the ball over the fellbeast, and Eldacar chested the pass before sending a thunderous strike past the great beast guarding Barad-dûr's goal.

The home fans were deflated by the goal. There was still enough time to claw two goals back, but Gondor seemed too sharp, and Anarion was simply unplayable. A Castamir header in the seventy-seventh minute gave them a glimmer of hope, but when Gondor started putting eleven players behind the ball, the Black Tower found the wall unbreachable. Soon, the whistle was blown, and the few thousand fans of the South Kingdom in the stadium were jubilant. Their team was already assured of a spot in the round of sixteen, with a game still at hand.

Barad-dûr 2-3 Gondor
on target 5-8
tot shots 14-19
GOALS:
*10, 0-1 Turambar (Anarion)
*24, 0-2 Anarion (Ciryandil)
*43, 1-2 Sauron (Berúthiel)
*65, 1-3 Eldacar (Anarion)
*77, 2-3 Castamir (Sangahyando)
YELLOW CARDS:
*BDur- Angamaitë
*Gondor- Turambar, Calimehtar, Eärnil I

The afternoon game left the Mordor crowd with a bad taste in the mouth, but many still returned to the stadium for the evening tie, hoping that Mordor can get a result against Minas Tirith. Shelob entered the pitch with her six legs encouraging the crowd to cheer for them, which they did, albeit half-heartedly. But a few minutes after the opening whistle their cheers became louder. Mordor played a high-tempo attacking game that led to a few chances, but it seemed that the theme of the day was profligacy. Denethor II was never seriously tested at goal, since most shots sailed harmlessly off target or were blocked by the defenders. Minas Tirith seemed to content to sit back and absorb the pressure, with only Faramir and Boromir I waiting to pounce on counterattacking opportunities.

After more than half an hour of pressure Mordor finally got their opener when Shelob headed in a Nazgûl #3 cross. But they weren’t content with their lead and continued their attack on the Minas Tirith goal. However they were exposed at the back when Denethor II, after saving another Shelob effort, sent a long ball towards his son, who dashed past the Nazgûls and Grishnákh forming the last bank of Mordor players. With only Fellbeast #1 to beat, Faramir faked a shot and then released Mardil, who was running close behind him. The first Ruling Steward mustered his will and powered a shot past the Silent Watcher.

Both teams were partly relieved, partly enraged, to take an even game into the break. In the second half Mordor started playing a little more conservatively, worried about Minas Tirith’s counterattacking game. For Minas Tirith, Faramir took position in their first defensive line, adding another player to deal with Mordor’s offensive pressure. Only Boromir I was left forward to take the long balls downfield, but he found himself marked by the #1 Fellbeast and Nazgûl.

After fifteen minutes, Mordor grew impatient with the White Tower’s dogged defending, and their back line inched its way forward again to offer additional passing targets. But they left themselves open to Minas Tirith’s primary strategy—Telumehtar intercepted a Nazgûl #5 through ball and sent it downfield. Boromir I won the ball against Nazgûl #1 and raced towards the goal. Outside the Mordor box Grishnákh slid in to win the ball, but he collided with the Steward’s ankle instead. That was clearly a free kick for Gondor, and a yellow card for the Orc, which he was lucky to escape with—a tougher referee would have given him the red. After a few moments to compose himself, Boromir I stood up and told Faramir that he’s fine, and that he can take the shot. Concentrating on the back of the net, he curled the ball past the wall and the Silent Watcher to give the Stewards the lead.

The Mordor fans howled with rage. Nobody knew what would happen if their team lost this game after Sauron’s defeat in the first game, and nobody wanted to find out. The team channelled their anger and started playing at a higher tempo, forcing the Stewards to desperate challenges. Telumehtar tackled Nazgûl #4 a few yards from the box, and the midfielder tumbled to his knees, screeching in pain. The King protested that he was going for the ball, and that a Ringwraith couldn’t have been hurt by a kick, anyway, but the referee had already taken out the yellow card. Afterwards the Nazgûl stood up, healthy once more, and the Orcs and Easterlings cheered at that bit of deception from their team. Denethor II nervously arrayed his defenders before him to block all attempts at goal, but Nazgûl #4 sent a short pass to Shagrat instead, and the Orc was left with a free shot that went past the last Ruling Steward’s outstretched hand.

After the goal Mordor’s offensive pressure eased off a little, wary of Minas Tirith’s counterattacks, and the White Tower put all ten outfielders behind the ball, wary of Mordor’s attacks. Both teams were more concerned with conceding a winner than scoring one, and so the closing minutes of the game, compared to the back-and-forth in the first seventy minutes, was a great letdown.

Minas Tirith 2-2 Mordor
on target 5-6
tot shots 14-14
GOALS:
*34, 0-1 Shelob (Nazgûl #3)
*38, 1-1 Mardil (Faramir)
*62, 2-1 Boromir I
*69, 2-2 Shagrat (Nazgûl #4)
YELLOW CARDS:
*MTirith- Eärnil II, Eärnur, Telumehtar
*Mordor- Nazgûl #1, Grishnákh, Gorbag

Gondor has won the group with a game to spare. Minas Tirith is second with two points, but they can still drop out if they lose to or draw even with Gondor and someone wins the game between Barad-dûr and Mordor.

[Nogrod]

Group E at Grey Havens, round 2

After the first round games had both ended in a draw, everything was open in group E at Grey Havens. To make the day’s match-ups even more interesting, both the favourites were clashing against each other and both the less favourites were doing so as well – even if in general this group has been seen as one of the most even groups of all. So any team pulling out a win today would take a huge step towards qualifying…

The tabloid-media did all it could to make interesting people meet each other in order to make scoops or at least hot-selling headlines. It was clear they weren’t able to lure Valar like Mandos or Ulmo into their games so they had to settle with stories like The Lhûnandarwinian’s headline after arranging Elwing to shortly meet with Amrod and Amras: “Kinslayers do not repent but suicidal thief-bird forgives them anyway after running away with the prize!”; or Mithlond Mist’s exclusive interview with Andreth: “Wiseheart’s wisdom of heart: I chose to betray my kin and play for the elven team with good conscience – and better looking fellow midfielders!”; or The Seaside Gossip’s story: “Voronwë’s Stockholm syndrome: He might have jailed me to the sea for seven years only to then release me, but I do love and honour Ulmo still”.

The word had spread around the city that the Riverside Gardens would be the place to be on game days – and the local elves clearly had heard the call, for as early as the midday the park started to fill with people, even if many of them didn’t quite understand anything about football. But who cared if there was a party? Quite a many were bitten by football-frenzy though and those of them not able to purchase a ticket set their own camps to the park with flags and other Grey Havens –accessories. The organisers had learned their lessons from the first game day and now multiple loudspeakers were assembled around the park so that people could listen to a live commentary of the games also outside the stadium. Some of the not-so-keen-to-football partyers found that a bit disturbing and tried to complain but the after some fans showed them their place there were no major interruptions…


~*~

No one though the match between The Sea and Valimar would be the fastest or most furious one could see, but still the pace of the game was more or less bad publicity to the whole game. The players were skillful, top of the skill one might say, and the tactics were even better – from the POV of the coach who wishes to eliminate any randomness or chance and plays it as safe as possible. But for the spectators it was just boring, unless you took your enjoyment from tactical manouvering and great defencive positioning.

That said, Vairë the Weaver managed to create a web of anticipation distracting the Maiar defences of Ulmo for a second or two creating a blue moment with enough wide a path for Alatar to swing in behind them. And it was a goal for Valimar – with their first shot at the goal! Voronwë looked like he had sold his honour and the whole elven nation, but Ulmo was seen pacifying him and pointing at Vairë, like promising that kind of thing wouldn’t happen again.

Whatever Ulmo’s point was, nothing happened during the rest of the first half, and even the second half started with more or less the same as both teams took it extremely conservatively playing every attack carefully from the defence building them carefully with long passing combinations eventually broken by the opponent. But the farther the game got the more pressure there was for The Sea to actually start attacking in more active and risky manner.

Twenty minutes from the end of the game Ulmo finally blew his horn and the waters in the sea and the river started rising forcing pick-nicking crowds near the water to run for safety around the stadium. If one had time to take a glance into the Númenorian forwards’ eyes, one could have seen the flash of relief in there: that was finally the sign telling them to go for it for real! Meanwhile the eyes of the Maiar vassals of Ulmo narrowed and they grew in size and strength to compensate for the lack of defending aid of the Númenorians.

And suddenly the game was alive when The Sea finally started to go for the equaliser for real. And what a show it was! One rarely sees Manwë sweating, but even that wonder was witnessed by the crowds on Lhûnarena this day.

It was busy time for Fëanor’s sons as Mandos could not scare every Númenorian coming forwards at the same time. And eventually at 77th minute Amrod had to foul Vëantur when he was about to force himself free from him going for a perfect pass by the stargazer Tar Meneldur. There was a free kick from just outside the box. Tar Minastir, the one who beat Sauron himself, took the free kick and what a shot it was! Manwë just barely managed to fist the ball away only to fall and watch in terror how Tar Ciryatan slided to the rebound and the ball went… inches away from the post and an empty goal.

Three minutes later Ulmo himself rose highest to head in a corner given by Tar Aldarion but Manwë managed to tip the ball to the post from where Vana swept the rebound away – straight into the feet of Tar Meneldur who’s reaction-shot just went wide off the mark.

Three minutes from the previous Valimar had some rare counterattacking going on when Ulmo broke a half-risky pass backwards by Celebrian and sent the ball far forwards to Tar Minastir who took it in speed running for the far end of the pitch on the left side getting Amrod and Vana after him trying to shut his way both from ahead and from behind. Vëantur and his grandson Tar Aldarion rushed forwards being guarded by Mandos and Amras respectively. Suddenly, about ten meters from the box and when Tar Minastir was closing in the end of the pitch, Vëantur stopped, made a 180 degree turn and dashed towards the goal in the middle. Mandos yelled with the speed of the turn and followed, behind. Amras noticed the alarming situation and acted on his speed charging straight towards the old Vëantur to force him away from the coming pass. But given room, Tar Aldarion turned left and paced towards the center ten meters behind the action that was now centering a few meters inside the box. Tar Minastir saw him and centered the ball not in front of the goal the defenders were running into after Vëantur, but a little backwards to Tar Aldarion who shot a cannon one-timer from just the edge of the box from behind the crowd of defenders closing in. Manwë didn’t have a clear line of sight to the ball but still got his fingers in the way of the ball when it came, but it was not enough to change the trajectory of the ball to deny the goal.

The spectators burst into cheers, for even if there was slight favour in support for team The Sea amongst the locals it was not that great – but now everyone felt the equalizer was well earned indeed – and many hoped The Sea would put in a winning goal as well in the last seven minutes. But that never happened.

So one more draw from group E.

The Sea 1-1 Valimar
on target 5-3
tot shots 15-10
GOALS:
*35, 0-1 Alatar (Vaire)
*83, 1-1 Tar Aldarion (Tar Minastir)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Sea- Osse, Veantur
*Valimar- Amrod, Alatar


If the afternoon match between The Sea and Valimar had been more or less like a children’s train ride in an amusement park (except the last twenty minutes), the evening match with the home team against the men of Hithlum was a first class rollercoaster ride where the elderly spectators sure needed their pills to stay alive following the game. Let a random fact illuminate the intensity of the game: Hithlum shot 20 and The Havens 19 shots. That means, cutting the corners, that there was a shot intended at scoring every other minute during the whole game. Forty shots!

Knowing the result of the first match both teams knew a win would be worth silmarils in regards qualification, so both teams really pressed hard to score from the first minutes onwards. And it was easy to see why the game was so balanced between the two sides: Havens’ elven defence with Cirdan at the goal is steady and strong but Hithlum’s attack is one of the fiercest in the whole tournament. Then again Hithlum’s defences are not the best there are, but even if Tuor and Eärendil are major figures they are not in the same class with Húrin, Turin and Hador Goldenhead. But both teams gave it all they had.

It is actually interesting how different teams receive an image from the media and how unfounded those images may be. If you asked before the tournament from any journalist or analyst about teams Hithlum and The Havens they would have told you that Hithlum would be badly defending attacking whirlwind outshooting every other team in the cup and that The havens would be a mediocre and dull team not able to either attack or defend well enough to get through but maybe from the weakest groups (like G). And here the teams were arranging such a shooting-gallery not many teams could put up – and both teams were also defending remarkably well forcing a host of shots to go wide the mark while both goalies did a marvellous job picking those shots that came on target. So if there were elves in the stands watching the game who were not football fans yet they sure were turned into ones!

The home team opened scoring on 21st minute when Eärendil passed the ball to his dad between the legs of the great Arroch defending at the edge of the box – and Tuor nailed the ball in from close quarters, again between the legs, of Aradan this time.

After fifteen minutes it was time for Túrin to show some willpower. You can see an animated re-enactment of the goal here here (http://en.gotd.uefa.com/videopoll/#!/33). Now that could be called determination – and confidence in one’s own skills!

The second half was just as intense as the first one had been. After a few hits at the posts and few tight saves The Havens went ahead another time from a nice free-kick trick. Grithnir had fouled Eärendil close the box and was carded for his foul. The wall was prepared and both Tuor and his son stood behind the ball ready to give the free kick. With everyone’s eyes at the father and son, no one quite realised that Andreth was standing idly beside the ball looking forwards like concentrating on a run after the ball would be off. But when the referee blew his whistle and Tuor and Eärendil glanced at each other dashing forwards one after another it was actually Andreth who turned quickly about and passed the ball – with dad and son still a few meters away from the ball – sideways to king Olwë who rushed in from behind – and booted it from the bottom of his heart and to the back of the net having a clear path for the ball. Aradan stood no chance there as he realised it with all the others way too late what was happening. The homecrowds were cheering crazily.

But Hithlum was not giving in – and neither was The Havens falling back to just defend their goal. So the high-paced game continued. All fans were literally standing on their toes for any action on the field as it was so fast and furious any could lead into a goal by either side.

On 60th minute there was a beautiful family-effort when Morwen passed the ball from midfield to her husband running towards the box, but instead of taking the ball into his control he passed it back diagonally with a onetimer touch to where his daughter Nienor had rushed creating some major disarray in the defences.

But instead of passing the ball to Hador who was breaking through on the other side, Nienor just stopped the ball realising her brother coming behind her with full speed – and stepping aside she gave Túrin a perfect shot into open. The shot would have knocked out a raging bull but it went just a few inches off target (which actually wasn’t a bull of any sorts but The Havens’ goal).

On 63rd minute Aegnor made a run with the ball to the end of the field and centered the ball at the last moment being pressed by Grithnir. Eärendil slided to the ball from under Arroch but the touch was bad and the ball went high up ending up to the roof of the goal.

On 68th minute The Havens were up to it again. This time it was Eärendil’s astonishing singular performance when from a counter-attack he flew through half the field alone leaving Androg and Gethron behind with nice dribbles but finally shooting Arroch managed to dash into the way and the ball went from it’s back far off the pitch – giving the home team only a throw they managed to waste.

On 70th Nienor made an effort from 30+ meters and Cirdan managed hardly to fist the ball away. In the ensuing row for the rebound in front of the goal Túrin managed to nick the ball from between Elwing and Annael backwards to Hador who was breaking in – and he hammered the ball in from full speed with no one being able to deny him. It was even once again with twenty minutes to go!

On 78th minute Hithlum was on it once more. This time Morewn’s intelligent pass reached Húrin behind the defencive line and he was about to shoot when the referee whistled offside. Túrin protested mightily but was pulled away by his sister before he got booked.

On 84th minute Tuor and Eärendil made a combined run towards the goal on a quick turnaround. Nearing the box Eärendil suddenly fell back just a little to confuse Grithnir shadowing him enough to buy time for a pass – and he succeeded in sending the ball exactly to the feet of his dad rushing forwards on his left but just as he was going to shoot Arroch managed to put him off balance just enough for the shot to fly high over the goal. The crowds were demanding a penalty but the referee was firm.

On 88th minute Húrin was elbowed nastily by Elwing when they were reaching for the high ball coming from Aradan. Húrin’s mouth was bleeding and Elwing got carded. Húrin was taken outside the pitch to be stiched and Túrin took the free-kick from about 25 meters. The homecrowds were holding their breath…
The shot went straight to the wall and bounced high up. Hador beat Lindo to the header and the ball went towards the low-left corner of the goal. Cirdan dived for it but somehow couldn’t catch it… the ball slipped from his fingers and hit the post from where it bounced into Annael’s leg taking another bounce back towards the goal. Olwë and Nienor slided towards the ball both trying to reach it only to collide into Cirdan who was trying to rise up after the ball. The ball hit Olwë in the back and bounced outwards from the goal where Hador was running with full speed – and he was just giving it a shot when he missed his balance, possibly aided by Eärwen trailing him, and both of them ended up in the pile began by Olwë and Nienor felling Annael as well while they went down. Amidst the chaos Elwing finally beat Túrin to the ball and just kicked it as far off as she could to make good her initial fault.

It was still even. And when the game actually resumed after a lot of discussion as to who did what and to whom and in which purpose or within or off the rules, the referee whistled it over and done with.

With some heated feelings flaring after the final whistle Tuor came to Túrin offering his shirt as a token of good will and mutual respect, and after a short pause his cousin accepted the exchange with an embrace. With Hador and Andreth doing the same the other players finally realised the game was over and that they were friends after all – and slowly also the audiences started chanting for both the teams and in praise of a tough and even game.

The problem with group E though seems to be too many even games… After four games no one has won a game but all games have ended in a draw. So the stakes will be astonishingly high on the last round. And even if every team wishes to qualify, it is clear no team wishes to meet FC Valinor in their first play-off game. So it is not only about winning the last game but about winning the last game with better goal difference the other possible winner does it.
We sure are looking forwards to those games!

Hithlum 2-2 The Havens
on target 8-8
tot shots 20-19
GOALS:
*21, 0-1 Tuor (Earendil)
*37, 1-1 Turin (Hurin)
*56, 1-2 Olwe (Andreth)
*70, 2-2 Hador (Turin)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Hithlum- Arroch, Grithnir
*Havens- Andreth, Elwing


Two games:

Hithlum 2 4-4
The Havens 2 3-3
The Sea 2 3-3
Valimar 2 1-1

Last matches:

Valimar vs. Hithlum
The Havens vs. The Sea

As all games have ended in a draw any team who wins their last game will qualify. In cases of further draws Hithlum has as now the best situation having scored the most and Valimar is in the worst situation, but the number of goals scored in the last round will finally settle the order of the teams.

[the phantom]

Group A @ Michel Delving

The hobbits were a bit surprised by the proposed start-times for round 2- they were later than they were used to, particularly considering their team was playing against Angband. It’s always been a tradition of “goodie” teams to force Orcs, Balrogs, etc. into playing early in the day, but admittedly this wasn’t a traditional Shire team, as it included Khamul, Nazgul #6, Golfimbul, and The Barrow-Wight.

Another way in which the Hobbits were breaking a trend- they weren’t anti Tol In Gaurhoth for the moment. Hobbits have shown a notable dislike for the Werewolves over the past few years, but they didn’t seem fussed about allowing them to play in the afternoon instead of the morning against The Downer. Some of the hobbits were set to openly root for the Wolves, as that would leave The Downer with nothing to play for in their final match against Shire-Bree United.

And so it was that the first match of the day wasn’t started until the sun was well past its high-point (which left the hobbits with plenty of time to eat multiple breakfasts and a lunch or two). There was the usual rambunctious herd of TIG fans in the arena, but the comfortable padded chairs were mostly filled by locals, partly because The Downer’s fan-base was many of the same Wights that supported TIG so faithfully. But if there was any question of loyalty, it was answered by the shirts and banners which largely ignored the existence of The Downer. Tol In Gaurhoth obviously came first in their hearts.

But The Downer did draw plenty of cheering during the first half as they unexpectedly went toe-to-toe with the famed Wolves and Wights of Tol In Gaurhoth. If there is one area in which TIG has excelled through the years, it would be in the realm of intimidation- but The Downer is famously fearless, to the point of stupidity. The half-insane rascals of The Downer fear no player, referee, crowd, or challenge, and meet all obstacles with reckless energy, and absolutely nothing else at times.

But today they had a plan, devised by captain Hookbill no doubt, which was to pester the heck out of TIG. Even the smaller and more frail members, such as Burnt Bert, who is little more than a stack of bones, followed TIG Wolves around gamely, chatting nonstop and grinning foolishly. And sadly for fans of the game, it worked. SallyWight, GaladriWight, and PhantomWolf in particular were soon more interested in cracking jokes than playing, while NilpWolf, AganWight, and NerWight were visibly angry and annoyed by The Downer and lost all sense of focus.

After a somewhat successful showing in the early going TIG’s game turned into a mess and The Downer owned the ball more and more as the first half progressed, but they still posed no serious threat. They booted a couple balls ShastaWolf’s direction almost to pacify the crowd it would seem. At the other end NogWolf and LegateWight were pretty well by themselves in executing and trying to make things happen, and so it was no surprise that the half ended at 0-0.

When the second half started it was pretty obvious that the Wolves had received some stern words at the half, for they were all sharply focused on the task at hand. An early corner was very nearly converted by AganWight, and just a minute later SallyWight forced another save.

The determined Wolves finally broke through in minute 52 when BoroWight hung a ball up over the middle just begging for one of the Wolves up front to make a play, and PhantomWolf did- a thunderous bicycle, and TIG was in front!

But The Downer had continued with their first-half tactics, and they were set to pay off. The Wolves and Wights that had been happily distracted the first half had been snapped back into focus, but those that had been severely annoyed and angered, among them BoroWight, were just getting angrier. And at last, BoroWight snapped.

Hookbill himself had been focusing on BoroWight, ribbing him about his substandard predictions on the first round, and about the Detroit Lions’ lack of Super Bowl appearances, and particularly about his love life. “In fact, I’m fairly certain your dog is the only thing that loves you!” Hookbill could be heard shouting as he received the ball and sent it back over to Lalwende. “But that’s only because you feed him! Stop that and I bet he’d eat you and think nothing of it!”

BoroWight closed in on Hookbill, intending to do something sly, like step on his shoe-laces, but Hookbill continued his treatment. “I hear you’re such a lazy bastard you’re making Phantom write your match report this round.” At that BoroWight forgot his previous intentions and bodied up on Hookbill, putting his knee none to gently into his hip briefly and whispering, “One… more… word…”

Hookbill flashed a grin and continued. “Sorry, old chap- never mind what I said about that dog of yours- Max, is it? There’s no way he could ever eat you. Not since I had Alien drive past your place this morning and toss him an arsenic-laced bone, ha ha!”

Throwing aside all decorum BoroWight threw an obvious right hook, which connected with Hookbill’s face- but not as hard as BoroWight hoped, as Hookbill was already in motion, flinging himself into a flailing cartwheel so that the refs would be certain to spot the blow.

And it was the cartwheel that did it, for indeed the men with the cards hadn’t spotted the punch, but they certainly saw that something had happened, and jogging over to investigate the mark on Hookbill’s cheekbone was clear enough to send BoroWight off- and frankly he was lucky they didn’t give him worse, or recommend he be out for an extra game or two.

Now a man down Tol In Gaurhoth scrambled to collect themselves and devise a game-plan, and Downer took advantage of the chaos efficiently by letting loose a surprisingly well-organized attack. Already a minute later The Downer equalized with BW Himself running up in support to slot it home, and the surprised Shire fans applauded and sat up with fresh interest. TIG wasn’t going to win this going away after all.

Or were they? The Wolves and Wights were sharper than ever with their backs against the wall, and Bubble Buddha found himself under a hail of withering shots. After a couple near misses and forced saves, NerWight sent a crafty back-heel pass to AganWight who deftly put TIG back in front!

There were cheers from both the TIG fans and the Hobbits- all had appreciated the goal. But Downer did not fold, but launched into a frantic one-touch pass cycle, their players dashing circles around the ten-man TIG squad that feared pressuring the ball lest they be left short-handed in an attack on their goal. Downer built up to a top-flight header from Alien, but ShastaWolf saved their hides. A couple minutes later ShastaWolf was forced to save the day again, this time on a power-drive from Saucepan Man. Hookbill very nearly cleaned up the rebound, but NilpWolf arrived just in time to clear it.

But TIG’s luck didn’t hold on the resulting corner, as SPM had his height and angle perfect on the feed to the far post and Alien outfought everyone for the right to touch it and smacked it with his bloody snout and the game was level once again!

TIG made ready some counter-strategy for the closing minutes, but shockingly Downer fell back to play defense and no longer pushing their advantage. Were they not playing to win? The tactic left TIG without their bearings for a moment, but finally they got organized and launched what they hoped would be the winning flurry in the final moments.

NogWolf only just pushed a header wide, PhantomWolf sent a 35-meter free kick just over the bar, SallyWight gained space with a quick turn but Bubble Buddha turned it aside, and next thing TIG knew the ref was blowing the whistle. It was a draw. TIG fans weren’t sure whether they should be upset with their squad, upset with the opposition, or just plain sad.

The Hobbits though- they were pleased for the most part. If they could draw Angband they’d be tied in second with the easiest final game, and if they won, well- they’d practically be in already. And even a loss wouldn’t kill them, as TIG could very well lose or draw Angband in the final match, so Shire-Bree United could still get in with a win over The Downer. It was a good start to the day for the Hobbits.

The Downer 2-2 Tol In Gaurhoth
on target 6-8
tot shots 17-21
GOALS:
*52, 0-1 PhantomWolf (BoroWight)
*59, 1-1 Barrow-Wight Himself (Lalwende MP)
*67, 1-2 AganWight (NerWight)
*78, 2-2 Saucepan Man (Alien)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Downer- Evil Mayo, Alien, Peter Hampton, Morsul
*TIG- PhantomWolf, BoroWight, NilpWolf
RED CARDS:
*TIG- BoroWight (57, second yellow)

All the lamps were lit for the start of the feature match- Angband versus Shire-Bree United. The sun was nearly down and the field was already drawing most of its light from the many oversized encased flames perched on posts thirty feet above the top row of seats. But it was still a bit dim- the stadium wasn’t particularly meant for night matches (unlike Tirion, for instance, with their Feanorean lamps), and so it was commonly thought that those with better night-vision would be helped in this contest.

Carcharoth, Telvildo, Gelmir, and Ancalagon would certainly be fine with it, and probably Morgoth as well. For the home-side, Golfimbul, Nazgul #6, Gildor, Barrow-Wight, Khamul, and Bombadil were fine with the dark, so the Hobbits actually considered it an advantage.

When the game kicked off, it certainly appeared Shire-Bree had some sort of advantage anyway, as everything they did was a notch better than the opposition. They advanced the ball to the wings a bit too easily, and Angband was just a bit slow and unorganized. The imbalance continued until, inevitably, Shire-Bree struck, as with a nice individual effort Khamul brought it along the end line, continually looking to send a quick cross to Strider and Bombadil, and eventually Carcharoth bit too hard and his eyes flitted to Bombadil and Khamul jammed it in near post off of Carcharoth’s back paws!

The Hobbits rang bells and shouted, and the little groups of Orcs and Rangers joined in the celebration as well. The game was off to a splendid start!

But it was no mere brigand leading the forces of Angband, and Morgoth was hard at work whipping his troops into better shape. Shire-Bree gained a few hopeful looking opportunities following their first goal, but neither was as high a quality as that one, and as the first half ticked away Angband began taking ownership.

At the half-hour mark they got their first serious chance on a long cross from Telvildo. Ancalagon looked to be the target rushing in and the defense collapsed, but the cross bent back to the trailing Gildor who met it cleanly and unopposed, and Halbarad barely batted the ball down. The following corner was a near thing too, but Ancalagon’s high tail-strike deflected off of Golfimbul’s back before it could challenge Halbarad.

Just before the half ended Angband gained their coveted equalizer. In a similar looking play, Telvildo sent it in from the wing, only this time the defense didn’t sell out on Ancalagon, but unfortunately for them this ball was to the dragon and he smacked it home with authority!

The reviews at the half were mixed- Shire-Bree had started fast and the optimists believed they had the talent up front to get it done, but the others pointed out the direction things had gone, and pointed out that they really had no answer for Ancalagon. “We’ll just have to deny him,” answered the hopeful Hobbits.

And that looked like the strategy when Shire-Bree opened the second half. They ran a beautiful possession game and kept the ball off the feet of Angband. They gained a couple decent looks as a result, but Carcharoth was equal to them. After 20 minutes Angband got their first quality attack going and earned a look or two, but the shots were not precise coming in from the midfield, and Angband was bracketed any time it looked like it might go his way. Morgoth bellowed for the rest of the offense to take advantage, but when Angband pressed in- that’s when things went wrong.

Nazgul #6 made a nice slide to break up the possession, and sent it on up to a dashing Barrow-Wight who broke from the possession tactics and took it upfield immediately, Bombadil and Gildor on either side. Angband was definitely not prepared, and only Morgoth and his Balrog recovered in time to help shield Carcharoth.

As they neared the box the Balrog decided to force the action and challenged Barrow-Wight, and BW touched it beautifully to Gildor moving towards him, who touched it right back to BW who had run around the opposite side of the Balrog. But BW didn’t hold it for even a second, for he had spotted Morgoth making his move and knew he couldn’t recover if he played it right, and he served up a perfect ball up over the dark lord and to the left post. Bombadil and Carcharoth both left their feet for it, and Bombadil was there just a hair sooner, heading it right off the paw-tips of the Werewolf and in for the lead!

The stadium went just plain wild- perhaps it was as loud as it had ever been. The Orcs and stray creature or two in the Angband section looked two seconds from leaving. Indeed some of them could be seen gathering their things in their laps, prepared to dash if things got even more embarrassing.

But as is so often the case, the fans were overreacting, and their squad rebounded and looked dangerous enough once again to force them to put their drinks down. Shire-Bree meanwhile was hanging on for dear life as Angband went full-pressure, and found some success.

Morgoth himself had a tricky header off the ground that was barely controlled, and Telvildo sent a snipe off the post and forced a save on another. Finally the damage was done off of a long free-kick, with Morgoth rising above all others and heading it again, only this one high instead of off the ground, and it scraped in under the bar to level the match.

Both sides were deathly afraid of giving up the winner in the final minutes, but they soon found the same was true of the other side and neither was doing much to close the match out. Shire-Bree was frankly okay with getting out of the match with a point, as was Angband after being behind with under ten minutes to play. Both would control their fates in the final round.

Angband 2-2 Shire-Bree United
on target 6-8
tot shots 18-16
GOALS:
*13, 0-1 Khamul (Bandobras)
*42, 1-1 Ancalagon (Telvildo)
*68, 1-2 Bombadil (Barrow-Wight)
*83, 2-2 Morgoth (Ulfang)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Angband- Uldor, Balrog #1
*SBUnt- Nazgul #6

[Shastanis Althreduin]

Having lost previously to the Men (and Horses) of Rohan, Imladris came into this game knowing they needed a win in order to have any hope of advancing. With that in mind, they planned a high-pressure, high-possession game. However, Misty Mountains was just as desperate, and more used to getting close to the ball, using their physicality. This game promised to be an exciting watch.

And exciting it was! Both teams came out of the gate with blazing speed and energy - Imladris gained possession of the ball first and drove it down the center into the Misty Mountains area. The ball bounced like a pinball between Arwen and the sons of Elrond; Tom dove into Elrohir seconds after he had chipped it left, towards Elladan, and received a yellow card for his trouble. The Misty Mountains card march had begun.

Play resumed in the Misty Mountains area, and Elladan wasted no time in blasting in a header from Figwit, at the seventeen-minute mark. Bert and William were not best pleased by this, and earned yellow cards for themselves as well through a bit of rather intense blocking, to prevent Varda from nabbing the ball away from Orophin.

The ball was given back to Imladris, but a crafty steal by Orophin (who really, really wanted the ball) resulted in a line drive down the right side of the field, where Durin's Bane was waiting for the easy chip into the goal. Misty Mountains had tied it up by the half.

A tie wasn't going to be good enough for either team, though, and Imladris came back in the second half with energy to spare. Misty Mountains, on the other hand, was flagging a bit, and it showed. They kept possession for a while, but didn't have the speed required to break through Imladris's defense, and around the hour-mark things took a turn for the worse. A blocked shot by Durin's Bane resulted in Imladris possession, and Arwen kneed the ball at an awkward angle, sending it flying down the field, spinning wildly. As it landed, it bounced randomly - but Erestor read the wacky bounces perfectly and swooped in, sending the ball into the high right corner of the Misty Mountains goal.

Poor Tom was so worked up over this, he kicked Elrohir rather than the ball, earning himself a second yellow and ejection from the game.

Now a man down, Misty Mountains seemed to lose their spirit. Elrohir booted in another goal late in the match easily enough, with help from Varda, and the match ended in Imladris's favor, 3 - 1.




Imladris 3-1 Misty Mts
on target 7-6
tot shots 16-14
GOALS:
*17, 1-0 Elladan (Figwit)
*28, 1-1 Durin’s Bane (Orophin)
*63, 2-1 Erestor (Arwen)
*78, 3-1 Elrohir (Varda)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Imladris- Figwit, Elrohir
*MMts- DBane, Bert, Tom, Watcher, William
RED CARDS:
*MMts- Tom (66, second yellow)


The sun was still high in the sky as Rohan and Isengard prepared to battle - there would be no devious tricks by Saruman this time. However, that didn't mean the Rohan defenders weren't particularly on the alert for anything devious. Saruman, however, had decided to spend his time more wisely, in practice with his team, and had prepared a (relatively) clean game this time. The match began with Rohan taking possession and sending the ball down field, but Gandalf's shot from way back was easily caught by a gust of wind from Caradhras and Isengard returned fire.

Wormtongue and Wulf were pressuring the Rohan defense, but the ball slipped away from them and Radagast managed to nab it. He sent it flying upfield toward Gandalf, and his fellow wizard continued the ball's flight with a sturdy kick.

Saruman dove for the ball, but missed (rather badly, in fact - a couple people in the crowd tittered about it, but only a couple), and the first person to get to it was Rohan's Helm Hammerhand. Helm slid into the ball, and it bounced several times - first, off the back of Saruman's head; second, off the right goal post; and finally off a mis-timed lunge from Ugluk and into the back of the net.

One goal was enough for Rohan; they went completely into lockdown mode for the rest of the match, giving their defense more practice. Even the midfielders got into the act, rarely venturing across the center line into Isengard territory. The match ended rather anticlimacticly, but Rohan was happy enough; with two wins, they were virtually shoe-ins to move on to the next round. Isengard was less happy, knowing they'd have to have a stellar performance against Imladris in order to have a hope of continuing in the tournament.



Isengard 0-1 Rohan
on target 3-3
tot shots 8-9
GOALS:
*80, 0-1 Helm (Gandalf)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Isengard- Wulf, Wormtongue, Freca
*Rohan- Helm, Eomer, Radagast

[the phantom]

Group A

Angband clinches first with a win, or with a draw and a SBUnt draw or loss, or if SBUnt wins by less than two goals. They clinch at least a playoff berth with a SBUnt loss or tie.

Tol-In-Gaurhoth clinches a spot with a win. They also clinch with a draw and a SBUnt loss, or a SBUnt draw should SBUnt score fewer total goals than TIG.

SBUnt clinches a spot with a win. They also clinch with a draw and a TIG loss, or a TIG draw should TIG score fewer total goals than SBUnt.

The Downer can make the playoffs with a win combined with a loss or draw by TIG. They can also get in with a win and an Angband loss should the goal difference of the two games add up to 5 or more.

Group B

Eriador is in. They clinch first with a win or draw over Inter Bel.

Inter clinches first with a win and second with a draw. Should they lose they will still advance unless Gondolin wins and the differential of the two games adds up to 3 or more.

Gondolin must win and have Inter lose, and the differential must combine to be at least 3.

Arnor has been eliminated and is playing for pride.

Group C

Erebor is in. They clinch first with a win or draw. They can still get first with a loss if Wilderland loses or draws, or even if they win so long as the combined differential does not exceed 2 and they out-goal Wilderland.

Wilderland clinches a berth with a win, or with a draw combined with an Anduin loss or draw. If they draw and Anduin wins by three goals or more their spot is not guaranteed.

Anduin clinches with a win combined with a Wilderland loss. Should Wilderland draw Anduin can still advance by winning big.

Dwarves United clinches with a win, unless Anduin also wins and by a margin equal to or greater than Dwarves Unt.

Group D

FC Valinor is in. They’ve clinched first unless they lose by a large margin and Armenelos vs Real Valinor is also a blowout.

Armenelos clinches with a win or draw.

Real Valinor clinches with a win.

Tirion has been eliminated and is playing for pride.

Group E

Every team is tied with 2 points (Hithlum, Havens, Sea, Valimar). Any team that wins clinches a berth.

A draw by Hithlum clinches a berth due to goals scored, unless Havens and Sea also draw and both exceed Hithlum’s total goals in their game. Should all teams draw goals scored will determine which squads advance. If teams are also tied there then the right to advance and/or first-second placement will be decided with penalty kicks.

Group F

Rohan is in. They clinch first with a win or draw, or with an Imladris loss or draw. Should Rohan lose and Imaldris win, Imladris would take first.

Imladris clinches a berth with a win, or with a draw combined with a Misty Mts draw or loss. Misty Mts advances if Imladris draws and Misty wins by margin exceeding 3.

Isengard clinches with a win combined with a Misty Mts loss or draw. If they both win by equal margins, Isengard advances on goal differential.

Misty Mts advances with a big win combined with a draw in the other game or a narrow win by Isengard.

Group G

AC Beleriand and Angfauglith can clinch first with a win. A draw clinches a spot for both, with first going to AC Bel on goal differential. Both teams also clinch if Doriath vs Nargothrond ends in a draw.

AC Bel can also advance with a loss so long as it isn’t lopsided combined with a lopsided win for Doriath. Angfauglith can advance with a narrow loss and a Nargothrond win by less than four goals, or with a one goal Doriath win so long as Doriath doesn’t score more total goals.

Doriath clinches with a win combined with an Angfauglith loss so long as the combined differential is greater than 2, or if it’s exactly two and Doriath scores more goals in their game than Angfauglith.

Nargothrond advances with a win and an Angfauglith loss and a combined differential of five or more.

Group H

Gondor is in. They’ve already clinched first.

Minas Tirith clinches second with a win over Gondor. They also clinch with a draw combined with a draw in the other contest. The can advance with a one-goal loss and a draw in the other contest so long as Barad Dur does not score more goals than them.

Barad-Dur advances with a win combined with a Minas Tirith loss or draw. Barad-Dur will advance with a draw if Minas Tirith loses by more than one goal, and can advance with a MTirith one-goal loss if they score more than MTirith.

Mordor gets the second berth with a victory and a Minas Tirith loss or draw.

[Nogrod]

Group A
Angband – Tol-In-Gaurhoth
Shire-Bree united – The Downer

At the moment the table and schedual looks most promising for Shire-Bree Utd.: winning the weakest team in the group in their last game they will definitively qualify. So it is all in their own hands and it looks promising to them.

The Downer isn’t totally out of the competition either as by winning Shire-Bree – and Angband simultaneously winning or drawing against T-I-G – they are through. It’s just that only a few would bet their money on that from the masters of erratic behaviour. Never say never, but the AKM wouldn’t suggest you to count on their qualifying.

That said, most eyes will turn into the game between Angband and T-I-G.
There are many things for Angaband’s favour here. The first one of them being that a draw is enough for them to qualify, however the other game ends up with. Second is, that their attack led by the black Ancalagon himself has clearly been the most deadly in the group thus far (with 38,5% scoring rate from shots on target). Thirdly: Carcaroth has been the best goalie of the group thus far with 72,7% saving-rate (compared to Shastawolf’s 66,7% - which is not a big difference though).

Also and fourthly, if The Downer manages even to draw with Shire-Bree, Angband will qualify even if they lose. But as it is not too probable – and because there will be two teams qualifying – we need to look at the team T-I-G as well.

Now team T-I-G really messed up drawing with the Downer. There’s no denying it: starting the last game with 4 points rather than 2 would have made a huge difference. But as it stands T-I-G basically needs to win. To take the positive side of it, the T-I-G team is a frequent team in the semis or at least quarters, and they tend to lighten up when the stakes are high (they are even known to be a bit lackluster in group-games & friendlies when there is no real price in the game). The negative side then is, that this T-I-G team has been just lame. The AFA’s decision to deny them all playing as werewolves but as wights is easy to see in their performance, but even the few werewolves have performed an average performance thus far at best. All the flash and flair has been missing.

But can they find it for their last game for unless they can, it will definitively be their last game in the whole tournament.

The AKM predicts: Angband and Shire-Bree to qualify.

The AKM advice for phantasy-players:
1) Shire-Bree will score so anyone in their team probable to score or assist is a good pick for your team.
2) T-I-G will not be able to shut Angband out so Ancalagon or Tevildo might be reasonable picks.
3) Angband backstairs (goalie & defenders) are a risky choice as T-I-G may get into berserk mode.
4) Don’t even think of The Downer backstairs – and looking at the games you should probably pick your goalie & defenders from another group in general.

Group B
Eriador – Inter Beleriand
Arnor – Gondolin

So Arnor has no chances to qualify and will play solely for their honour. But they are the dunéadain and they play on their homeground, so they will not let Gondolin win them. They may – and probably will – lose the game, but they will not give in an inch just because their hopes of qualification have vanished.

Eriador on the other hand has secured their qualification already, but seeing Glorfindel, The Witch King and Gil-Galad finally warming up to the competition and seeing Elrond back in the goal, it is hard to see them just making a walk-through in their last match – especially as they sure would wish to avoid meeting Fëanor’s and Beren’s AC Beleriand on the first play-off round and thus will not wish to lose the game against Inter Beleriand.

So is it Gondolin or Inter who are going to qulify?

Now Gondolin has been a bit disappointing for a second year in a row. But with a draw against Inter Beleriand in their pocket they have all chances to end up even with them. Here their 1-3 loss to Eriador come to some signifigance, as they do not only need to win, but they need to win by a margin (or hope Inter Beleriand loses to Eriador badly as well). Their advantage is that they will know the result of the previous game when their game starts so they will know just with how many goals they will have to win to qualify. Sadly, for them, Arnor will not just let them do as many goals they wish…

But if Inter Beleriand snatches even a draw from Eriador, everything Gondolin might have planned will go down the drain. And that’s exactly what Inter will wish to do. Unlike most news agencies and the general public, the AKM believed that Inter Beleriand was better team than they looked in the friendlies, and their first games have shown the AKM to have been at least partially true.

Looking at the stats from the first two rounds reveals clearly that there are teams from two different levels in this group: Eriador and Inter score better than 40% of their shots on target while Gondolin and Arnor only manage around 20%; also the goalkeepers’ saving percentages are around 80% with Elrond (Eriador) and Turgon (Inter) while both Gondolin and Arnor’s goalies
precentages are rather around 60%.

The AKM predicts: Eriador and Inter Beleriand to qualify.

The AKM advice for phantasy-players:
1) Don’t pick any Arnor-players.
2) Pick Gondolin forwards, well Maeglin or Gothmog, if you feel risky. Rôg at Gondolin goal might be a nice idea – but do remember that if Gondolin doesn’t qualify all your Gondolin players become redundant and need to be replaced and there are limited changes from this round on…
3) If you don’t have Fingon or Maedhros in your team already this might not be the time to include them as Elrond will be proving a tough goalie to beat and the qualification of Inter is far from being secure (even if more probable than Gondolin’s).
4) Eriador will probably play at least a few games still so players from the team are decent investments. And the opposition rarely scores over one goal against them so even defenders could be entertained. Elrond, of course, but it costs you two stars… and has only carried the owner 4 points / round thus far (which is not bad but not great if you reach for a jackpot).

Group C
Wilderland – Dwarves United
Erebor – Anduin

While knocking on wood the AKM says this to be one of the easiest groups to predict. Anduin looked like a team to challenge the two frontrunners of this group after the friendlies (playing even with Wilderland, beating Imladris and losing to Valimar only 0-1) but losing 1-3 to Wilderland and only managing a draw 1-1 with the Dwarves United has basically brought them down from any decent betting for qualifiers.

Now there is a possibility that either the Dwarves or Anduin could qualify over Wilderland – as Erebor is already through for sure – but that is a great but.
Wilderland only needs a draw against the Dwarves United in their last game and they are through. They won Dwarves Utd. at friendlies 4-1 and there has been no sign thus far that Dwarves Utd. would have found an extra gear to pull in in the group-games.

Erebor in turn has secured the pole position of the group and thus they know they are not going to meet Rohan on the first drop-out –round. That leaves the door open for Anduin to go for a good result – if Erebor wishes to take it lazy with nothing at stake. And that is a possibility. But that Erebor would let Anduin win the game? Nonsense.

The AKM predicts: Erebor and Wilderland to qualify.

The AKM advice for phantasy-players:
1) All Erebor-players are good picks at this time. They will most probably play at least two games still and thus will not become obsolete too soon. Facing most probalby Imladris in the first knock-out round they have all the chances to go even further. Bard seems to be hot at the moment and Beorn is a good pick for a “cheap” goalie.
2) Looking at Dwarves Utd’s stats it seems all Wilderland players would be good picks as well for this round, but if (and when) they qualify they will (most probably) meet Rohan and there their forwards might not be the smartest players to have around (remember the limited choices you have when the play-offs begin).
3) A problem for a phantasy player with Wilderland is the fact that there are at least four players; Scatha, Oromë, Galadriel and Elwë who can produce the result – so unlike with Ancalagon and Angband you can’t quite pin-point the one to bring you the points.
4) Don’t pick players from Anduin or Dwarves United, or if you really wish to do so, then pick someone from Anduin (in case you believe Erebor is not willing to play it seriously as they are already the winners of the group). Or maybe Legolas lights in fire in the last game and scores a hat-trick? Well, you pick him at your own risk.

Group D
FC Valinor – Tirion
Armenelos – Real Valinor

In group D the sitution is quite clear-cut. FC Valinor has qualified and they face Tirion in the last round who have no chance of qualifying. So all the pressure will be on the late game between Armenelos and Real Valinor where the winner will take it all.

FC Valinor could take it easy and relax in their last game if they wished, but with Huan, Celegorm and Curufin aboard, or Penlod or Lórien, or…, it is hard to see them lazying through the game. Then again they are facing fex. the hottest striker of the friendlies aka. Grandpa Finwë, Ar-Feiniel the White Lady and Eönwë the mighty, great Thorondor, and the first awaken Ingwë. So let us not decide on the outcome just yet as it is a game of honour and effort rather than competitive match, as the other team will win the group and another will stay in the group whatever the result.

But Armenelos against Real Valinor then? That is a game that will give a headache to many. They are both at same points (3) but Armenelos has a better goal-difference (-1) and has scored three goals while Real Valinor has a lousier goal difference (-2) and has scored only two goals. So in case they draw, Armenelos will qualify. In case either team wins, the winner qualifies.

Now the first question concerns the celebrity-trio Nerdanel, Miriel and Arien many had bet their money before the tournament (the editor of the AKM included). Where is their flare and flash? Is it that their midfield is not able to feed them well enough? Have they lost their touch? How is the number one goal-scorer Tilion faring in the defence and why has he not been brought up at least to the midfield? Is there a rift between Arien and Tilion that they can’t perform together? Whatever the reason, Real Valinor has the least effective attack of the whole group D! With a band of players like that who would outscore any opposition in any other group just like that! Well, more or less so…

Then again, can Armenelos deliver without Elros and without a few of their hottest scorers gone into the team The Sea? After more or less mediocre friendlies they have shown some real quality beating Tirion in a thriller and only losing to FC Valinor with two goals. But is it enough against Real Valinor which plays it’s back against the wall? Like Armenelos does. But Armenelos has the home advantage and in their case it is not a small thing but rather like some say, the twelveth player on the pitch.

The AKM predicts: FC Valinor to qualify, Tirion not to qualify… (not hard to “predict”)

The AKM bets: Real Valinor will qualify. To paraphrase a 7th age writer Edmund Husserl we say that we love Armenelos but we love even more the amazing trio of Real Valinor. We feel Armenelos has all it takes to qualify but we do believe Real Valinor will step up to the challenge and wake up to win the game.

The AKM advice for phantasy-players:
1) FC Valinor will go a long way in this tournament, possibly and probably to the very end of it, so any players from that squad are generally good picks, especially at this point of the tournament you should have one or two of their players in your team. Facing Tirion in their next game the backstairs might not be the best option but in the long run even they might pay off. Although: Huan has still not given in even one goal (the AKM believes he will concede at least one against Tirion though).
2) If you believe that the female power-trio of Real Valinor will light up in the game where it matters it might be sensible to pick one of them into your team, but if they lose you will have to change them as they will them come obsolete.
3) Armenelos will most probably score at least once and Ar Pharazôn is probably your best bet at it – but Ar Adunakhôr is a wise choice as well regarding the stars you wish to spend. But choosing Armenelos players demands you believe Armenelos will qualify: otherwise don’t pick them.
4) If you think you can afford choosing a player from a team that you know will not qualify – like a spot on special recruitement for one match – then consider Finwë of Tirion. He was the best forward in the friendlies and has been consistently good in the real tournament as well. He will most probably carry you points this round. Sadly he won’t be available to do the same on the next one.


Part 2 to be published sometime soon.

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Group Tables:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Elenrod/standings-matchday-2_zps5ff9151a.png

(1) secured first seed
(q) qualified for the knockout stage; seeding undetermined
(x) eliminated

Power Rank:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Elenrod/power-rank-2nd-group.png

Greatest gain:
+19 Gondor
+15 Inter Beleriand
+11 Mordor
Greatest loss:
-30 Real Valinor
-21 Armenelos
-17 Anduin

The Power Ranking is based on the aggregate of offensive and defensive ranking, combined with the adjusted goal difference rank of each team. The listed offensive and defensive rankings are from the actual numbers by the teams, and not adjusted. Ties are broken by a) win-draw-loss record; and b) goal difference.

The offensive ranking is based on the goals scored throughout the matches. Ties are broken by a) greater number of shots made on target; and b) greater number of shots made.

The defensive ranking is based on the goals allowed throughout the matches. Ties are broken by a) least number of shots allowed on target; and b) least amount of shots allowed.

Top Individual Performers:

GOALS + ASSISTS

3+1
Fëanor (AC Beleriand)

3+0
Ancalagon (Angband)
Beren (AC Beleriand)

2+2
Anarion (Gondor)

2+1
Bombadil (Shire-Bree United)
Fingon (Inter Beleriand)
Glorfindel (Eriador)
Scatha (Wilderland)
Celegorm (FC Valinor)
Túrin (Hithlum)
Thuringwethil (Anfauglith)
Sauron (Barad-dûr)

2+0
Saucepan Man (The Downer)
Witch-king (Eriador)
Bard (Erebor)
Finwë (Tirion)
Tar-Aldarion (The Sea)
Finrod (Nargothrond)
Castamir (Barad-dûr)
Boromir I (Minas Tirith)
Shelob (Mordor)

GOALKEEPING

Huan (FC Valinor) - 7/7 (100%)
Théoden (Rohan) -5/5 (100%)
Beorn (Erebor) - 9/10 (90.00%)
Turgon (Inter Beleriand) - 13/16 (81.25%)
Elrond (Eriador) - 8/10 (80.00%)
Elros (Imladris) - 8/10 (80.00%)
Manwë (Valimar) - 8/10 (80.00%)

YELLOW CARDS

2 Yellow Cards

Evil Mayo (The Downer)
Morsul (The Downer)
BoroWight (Tol-in-Gaurhoth)
Forweg (Inter Beleriand)
Lenwë (Anduin)
Caranthir (Real Valinor)
Figwit (Imladris)
Tom (Misty Mts)
Herumor (Barad-dûr)
Turambar (Gondor)
Eärnil I (Gondor)
Eärnil II (Minas Tirith)
Grishnákh (Mordor)

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

In case you didn't notice, I put one over the man in this matchday, hijacking TENT's feed and replacing it with my own. Now I'm sure those media moguls will be back with more than a vengeance, but free speech has triumphed, and no one can deny that! O happy day!

Anyway, I got a pathetic 5/16 on the games this round, drawing even TTN this time. We probably wouldn't hit the side of Hithaeglir with a catapult at this rate.

Group A: 0/2
The Downer will have more bookings than shots on target.Fail. Anyway, I know the goalbound shots aren't his fault, but seriously, ShastaWolf, what's wrong with you this year? Seer got ya?

Group B: 1/2
Elrond will limit Gothmog and Maeglin to one goal.Win. So sure, Maeglin and Gothmog are First Age legends, but Elrond was the first one to face a Kinslaying and live. Nothing beats that.

Group C: 0/2
Dragons will have more goals than Dwarves will have shots on goal.Fail. The Dwarves even created a goal, who would have thunk it?

Group D: 1/2
Arien will score a hat-trick to make up for the previous round's loss.Fail. Just one goal, plus one yellow card. Hotheaded much?

Group E: 0/2
Ulmo will score. Or at least he'll create a goal.Fail. As a side note: apparently, Ulmo is too sporting to leave his peer goalless. That's the only way Valimar could have scored against The Sea.

Group F: 2/2
Remember Helm's Deep, Saruman? Helm will get one.Helm pwns j00. And gets a yellow card to boot.

Group G: 0/2
Finrod will get more goals than Fëanor.For 52 minutes, he did. T_T

Group H: 1/2
Erm, good guys win?Erm, does the draw count as a moral victory?

Round 3 predictions (sans the other predictions, since they're really not working):

Group A:
The Downer vs Shire-Bree United
Angband vs Tol-in-Gaurhoth

I don't think the Wolves deserve to qualify. A draw with The Downer, seriously? My mother's sewing buddies could pull that off!

Group B:
Arnor vs Gondolin
Eriador vs Inter Beleriand

Elrond will school his grand-uncles. You will curse the day you let him live, Maedhros!

Group C:
Erebor vs Dwarves United
Anduin vs Wilderland

Poor Anduin. Denied two years in a row. But if even Galadriel and Elwë, Elves who probably read siege-survival manuals before going to bed, get that look in their eyes, the one where everything looks like a path to the back of the net, I doubt anyone can stop them. (Well, Erebor did. :D )

Group D:
Armenelos vs Real Valinor
Tirion vs FC Valinor

Fiddlesticks! So it's come to this? . . . Sorry, Arien, I choose Tar-Míriel.

Group E:
The Havens vs The Sea
Hithlum vs Valimar

So . . . if Hithlum and Valimar have a one-all draw and The Havens and The Sea have a scoreless draw, what happens to this group? Okay, Hithlum advances, and then what? Can they take the third team in Group D instead?

Group F:
Imladris vs Isengard
Misty Mts vs Rohan

Gandalf vs Durin's Bane, round two. I'm betting on the Grey Guy.

Group G:
Anfauglith vs AC Beleriand
Doriath vs Nargothrond

The day I stop believing Felagund is the day I die. And don't tell me about the goal difference!!!

Group H:
Gondor vs Minas Tirith
Barad-dûr vs Mordor

1. Eldacar is the only known victor in an actual fight between Dúnedain. Advantage: Gondor.
2. Spiders > Dark Lords. Advantage: Mordor

[Nogrod]

Group E
Hithlum – Valimar
The Havens – The Sea

With all teams even before the last round this is the hairiest group there is. In the trickiest possible situation we might need to start counting the number of goals made. In that scenario – before the last games that is – Hithlum is having the best situation (4 goals made) and Valimar the worst (only 1 goal made); both The Havens and The Sea have made 3 goals so they are following Hithlum closely (and with Hithlum having a game against low-score –masters Valimar, the two have actually good chances to overcome them in goals scored).

One thing is clear though: any team winning the last match will qualify.

That should secure that every team will fight for a win in the last games. And it is easy to see all the teams thriving for just that, with the possible exception of Valimar which is a team it is always so hard to figure – and which fact has suddenly turned the tables making the group favourite look like the most vulnerable team at this point. Weird enough: if Valimar forces Hithlum into a 1-1 draw and The Sea and The Havens play 3-3 both elven teams qualify…

If Hithlum scores two goals against Manwë they will most probably qualify – unless Valinor scores three (which we think quite improbable). It will in the end be a game of Húrin and his children against Manwë: whichever champions ovet the other wins.

The match between the elven teams is just too tight to call. The Havens has been a little more active in shooting but a bit less effective with it’s shots. On defence The Sea has allowed clearly fewer shots towards their goal, but Cirdan has been a notch better keeper than Voronwë.

The AKM predicts: Hithlum to qualify.

The AKM bets: All other three are possibilities to qualify, but Valimar the least probable. If forced to bet on a team, the AKM would bet on *flies a coin* The Sea.

The AKM advice for phantasy-players:
1) Because of the extremely uncertain outcome of this group you should be careful choosing players from these teams. You should be especially careful not to choose too many players from the elven teams unless you wish to play a “great risks and great rewards” –game.
2) Best picks from this group could be the offencive players from team Hithlum as they will most likely score at least once (possibly twice) and will most probaly continue the tournament from these teams (which is not to say they will qualify, but are the best bet for it).
3) Valimar defences are always a good choice but the AKM doesn’t encourage it this time.

Group F
Rohan – Misty Mountains
Isengard – Imladris

The first game is not a totally meaningless even if Rohan has secured the top position of the group, for Misty Mts. does have a theoretical chance to qualify. The problem for them is that it a) requires miracles from them, and b) is not totally in their own hands as it requires the hosts Isengard to beat Imladris. And to top that all, they would need to win Rohan with a better goal difference (with two goals at minimum) than Isengard would beat Imladris… You can assess yourself how probable it is that Rohan which hasn’t given in a single goal in two games would suddenly let Misty Mts. score two or more. So basically we say goodbye to team Misty Mts.

Now even if Isengard has chances to qualify, and even if there has been talk about Imladris’ problems in scoring, and even if Isengards defences and goal-keeping are actually almost as good as Imlardis’, there seems to be only one favourite for this game. Imladris might not be FC Valinor or Angband, but they still have scored three goals in two matches where Isengard has only scored one. The offencive stats thus far make this clear: Imladris scores 33,3% of their shots on goal, Isengard scores 12,5% - and they shoot about the same amount… while their goalies’s saving percentages are about the same.

The AKM predicts: Rohan and Imladris to qualify.

The AKM advice for phantasy-players:
1) Rohan is a good choice especially for defencive players. They will most likely meet wilderland in the first play-off game – and even if wilderland has an effective-looking attack, Erebor managed to keep them in one goal so it might be safe.
2) Imladris is not as good an investment as they will face Erebor in the play-offs (if they get there) and their defence will be put into a real test they might fail (Elros will get you a few points anyway).
3) The AKM does suggest you to basically ignore the forwards from group F when picking your team.

Group G
AC Beleriand – Anfaughlith
Nargothrond – Doriath

In theory the group is wide open as every team has a chance to qualify. In practise it is one of the clearest groups thus far as AC Beleriand and Anfaughlith will qualify – and the only question remains which one of them needs to face Eriador in the first play-off game.

Looking at the stats the defences are more or less equal except that Ungoliant (77,8%) is a better keeper than Marach (66,7%). But in the offenciv e stats AC Beleriand just crushes Anfaughlith. So it’s easy to see AC Beleriand as favourites to win the group.

Now the chances of Nargothrond and Doriath are tied into a “partner team” above them. Nargothrond only has chances if Anfaughlith loses and Doriath ony has chances if AC Beleriand loses. But even in those cases their chances are slim as the goal differences are huge: Anfaughlith is having +1 against Nargothrond’s -4; AC Bel is having +4 against Doriath’s -1. So that should be clear.

The AKM predicts: AC Beleriand and Anfaughlith to qualify.

The AKM advice for phantasy-players:
1) If you don’t yet have Fëanor, Beren or Eöl in your team it would be high time to recruit one of them. And as AC Beleriand will most probably play at least two games after the group-phase, you might think of some midfield / defence options as well.
2) Anfaughlith’s defences are one of the best in the tournament (even if they showed some vulnerability against Nargothrond’s attack) and even if their most probable adversary in the play-offs is Eriador, it might be just a team they could defend well against. But the AKM wouldn’t bet on Thuringwethil now, at least looking forwards to the play-offs as Elrond is more than ready to face her.
3) If you want to hire a striker for just one game and are ready to dispose of him, the AKM suggests considering Finrod Felagund of Nargothrond, or maybe Glaurung, or Beleg of Doriath.

Group H
Gondor – Minas Tirith
Barad Dûr – Mordor

Here we face a dilemma: Gondor is through and has actually secured their pole position whatever happens in the last games. Now their last game is against Minas Tirith who have 2 points while the Mordorian teams both have only 1 point and play against each other.

It is beyond doubt that the Rohanians have entertained the question of whether they should lose intentionally to their fellows from Minas Tirith to get their kin through and leave the Mordorians into the group-stage. That would be tempting especially as a loss wouldn’t drop them from the pole position. But what they have decided on the issue is far from beyond doubt.

The AKM does actually feel Gondor might indeed lose their game. But if that doesn’t happen, then we’d say Barad Dûr stand somewhat favourites against Mordor, especially because of Sauron in front of BD –teams attack against a team formed mainly from his own minions.

The AKM predicts: Gondor to qualify, then possibly Minas Tirith (if not then Barad Dûr).

The AKM advice for phantasy-players:
1) Anarion of Gondor has been valuable player (and Eldacar to an extent as well) but with the chance of dealt loss in the air the AKM wouldn’t make him a top choice at this round. But if you believe in that theory, then Boromir, Faramir or Mardil from Minas Tirith might be good ideas.
2) Going for another route Sauron, and if he’s too expensive (in stars) then Castamor or queen Bruthiel might be picks to consider.
3) Shelob of Mordor has scored pretty well but Mordor is most probably staying in the group-phase so you’d need to trade her after this game anyway.

[Boromir88]

TWO TOWERS NETWORK
Boromir the 88th

The latest TTN Power Rankings, after Matchday #2

KEY: (Previous rank. Results from first 2 matches. Goal Differential)

POWER RANKINGS

01. FC Valinor - 104.0
(Previous: #1. Results: WW +5)
-There has been no slowing down FC Valinor thus far. They have been making mincemeat of the "group of death"

02. AC Beleriand - 52.2
(Previous: #8. Results: DW +4)
-After a 5-goal slaughter of Nargothrond AC Beleriand rises to take 2nd. True Nargothrond's defense is terrible, but nevertheless, a 5-1 thumping will raise attention.

03. Erebor - 51.0
(Previous: #6. Result: WW +3)
-Nice win over the previous #2 Wilderland, and Erebor looks to make some noise in the playoffs.

04. Eriador - 43.4
(Previous: #4 Results: WW +3)
-Well, Elrond's side comes in at #4 yet again. Good 2-goal win over probably the most talented team in their group, but Group B doesn't have any serious championship contenders (excluding Eriador, of course)

05. Wilderland - 41.6
(Previous: #2 Result: WL +1)
-Not terrible to lose against Erebor, but they must bounce back with at least a 2-goal win over Dwarves United, for TTN to start respecting Wilderland more.

06. Real Valinor - 38.4
(Previous: #7. Results: LW -2)
-We think there's a bit of a flub in Nilp's rankings, since some how Real Valinor is dropped to the worst team of the tournament? They needed that win against Tirion, and the match against Armenolos should draw the largest crowd for a group match ever.

07. Rohan - 37.9
(Previous: #5 Result: WW +2)
-A pair of 1-0 victories, as Rohan seems to want to play like the Valar teams of previous years. Very good defensively, but they haven't been challenged by a dangerous attack yet.

08. Armenolos - 36.9
(Previous: #3 Result: WL -1)
-Tough loss to FC Valinor, but they have the best in their group finished and Armenolos' playoff fate is entirely in their own hands. They wouldn't want it any other way.

09. Angfauglith - 34.9
(Previous: #14 Result: DW +1)
-Needed that win against Doriath, but now plays AC Beleriand in the final match, and they can not get blown out.

10. Imladris - 29.9
(Previous: #25 Result: LW +1)
-We really can't understand this team. For several consecutive matches they couldn't score at all, then they put up 3 against Misty Mountains. Now watch, Isengard will shut them out.

11. Angband - 24.9
(Previous: #9 Result: WD +2)
-They could have taken complete control over their group, but a rather disappointing draw with The Shire leaves all of Group A up for grabs.

12. Valimar - 23.8
(Previous: #11 Result: DD 0)

13. The Sea - 22.5
(Previous: #15 Result: DD 0)

14. Gondor - 19.0
(Previous: #20 Result: WW +2)
-Gondor begins a nice climb as they wrap up Group H and are automatically advancing. Even though Group H is the void when it comes to legitimate contenders.

15. Doriath - 17.6
(Previous: #13 Result: DL -1)

16. Hithlum - 17.2
(Previous: #19 Result: DD 0)
-Another draw, but they really needed that win against The Havens. Fortunately they can draw in their last match and still be pretty sure about advancing, due to scoring the most goals in their group and the fact that no one can win a game.

17. Nargothrond - 17.2
(Previous: #12 Result: DL -4)
-An absolutely pathetic performance, Finrod should be embarrassed.

18. The Havens - 17.1
(Previous: #21 Result: DD 0)

19. Shire Bree Utd - 16.7
(Previous: #23 Result: DD 0)
-Nice draws, but for some reason I feel The Downer has a surprise or 2 left to spoil The Shire's apparently good chances of advancing.

20. Inter Beleriand - 16.5
(Previous: #23 Result: DW +1)
-Gondor has clearly become the frontrunners of Group H, so why do we have this nagging feeling that they will lose to Barad-dur?

21. Anduin - 16.3
(Previous: #16 Result: LD -2)

22. Tirion - 16.2
(Previous: #10 Result: LL -2)

23. Misty Mts - 14.7
(Previous: #17 Result: DL -2)

24. Isengard - 14.1
(Previous: #18 Result: DL -1)

25. Tol In Gaurhoth - 11.3
(Previous: #24 Result: DD 0)
-Not a good result against The Downer, and BoroWight's inbox is flooded with hate-pms :p

26. Gondolin - 9.7
(Previous: #22 Result: DL -2)

27. Minas Tirith - 9.4
(Previous: #26 Result: DD 0)

28. Dwarves Utd - 9.2
(Previous: #31 Result: LD -2)

29. Arnor - 7.1
(Previous: #27 Result: LL -2)

30. Mordor - 6.2
(Previous: #30 Result: LD -1)

31. Barad Dur - 6.0
(Previous: #29 Result: DL -1)

32. The Downer - 5.4
(Previous: #32 Result: LD -2)

[Boromir88]

TWO TOWERS NETWORK
Boromir the 88th

Round 3 - Predictions

Well it appears we can throw in all the advanced stats and metrics we want and it still won't do much good in trying to predict matches this year. Still we will plod on and there is one final round left to restore sanity back in the world of predictions.

Group A

1. Angband vs Tol In Gaurhoth

ACS2012: 1-goal win for Angband

Boro's pick: TIG did not do themselves any favors with a disappointing draw against The Downer. Although, we expect the phantom to have a highlight game against Morgoth's side. The wolves always perform under pressure, but will the wights fold? Draw 2-2

2. Shire-Bree United vs The Downer

ACS2012: 2-goal win for Shire-Bree

Boro's pick: For some reason we are cautious to pick Shire-Bree in this one. It will depend on how they handle a pressured situation, even though they are clearly the more talented team. The Downer will be The Downer, and that should have Shire-Bree concerned. Shire-Bree gets it done though, win 3-2.

Group B

1. Arnor vs Gondolin

ACS2012: Draw

Boro's pick: The Arnorians are honourable enough to not cave in completely, but they don't have the skill to stop a Gondolin team that must win to advance. Gondolin wins 2-1

2. Inter Beleriand vs Eriador

ACS2012: 1-goal win for Eriador

Boro's pick: Inter Beleriand has been quite impressive so far, but now they play the top team of the group. And we doubt Eriador will give a lackluster effort, even though they are already through to the knockout stage. Eriador wins 2-1

Group C

1. Anduin vs Erebor

ACS2012: 2-goal win for Erebor

Boro's pick: Erebor has already defeated group rivals Wilderland, they have been playing very well...and Smaug hasn't even shown up on the stat sheet much yet. Erebor wins 2-0.

2. Dwarves United vs Wilderland

ACS2012: 2-goal win for Wilderland

Boro's pick: The Dwarves should play a bit sharper than that 4-1 shelacking Wilderland gave them in the friendlies, but this is a terrible match up in the mid-field for Aule's team. Wilderland wins 3-1.

Group D

1. Tirion vs FC Valinor

ACS2012: 3-goal win for FC Valinor

Boro's pick: If anyone can score on FC Valinor it would be Tirion, since goals are their specialty. But giving up goals is also their speciality. FC Valinor wins 3-1

2. Armenelos vs Real Valinor

ACS2012: Draw

Boro's pick: This will be the premier match of Round 3, and possible the premier match of the whole group stage. The winner advances, and in the event of a draw, we believe Armenolos advances due to goal differential. Armenolos in front of their home crowd, will get the edge, they win 3-2.

Group E

1. Hithlum vs Valimar

ACS2012: Draw

Boro's pick: Will anyone in this group actually win a game, and you know...seize control of it? Wait..what's that? No one? Draw 2-2.

2. The Havens vs The Sea

ACS2012: Draw

Boro's pick: Of anyone, we suppose The Sea could win a game in this group, but Ulmo's defense has really been disappointing thus far. Ah well, let's go for it anyway. The Sea wins 2-1.

Group F

1. Misty Mts vs Rohan

ACS2012: 2-goal win for Rohan

Boro's pick: Rohan appears to want to win all games 1-0 (they had the same strategy in the friendlies remember). Which is all fine, until they actually play a threatening attack, but as it stands for this group...Rohan wins 1-0.

2. Imladris vs Isengard

ACS2012: 1-goal win for Imladris

Boro's pick: All stats and reason point to a win for Imladris, but we've got no clue what side will show up for Imladris. The side that took it to Misty Mts winning 3-1, or the side that's been shut out several times? We'll go out on a limb and say Saruman has a few dubious wizard tricks left. Isengard wins 2-1.

Group G

1. AC Beleriand vs Angfauglith

ACS2012: 1-goal win for AC Beleriand

Boro's pick: Based on the 5-1 onslaught of Nargothrond, AC Beleriand should win this one fairly comfortably. I will stress should, because this was the same team that only drew with Doriath. AC Beleriand wins 2-0.

2. Doriath vs Nargothrond

ACS2012: Draw

Boro's pick: Finrod should be ashamed of his team this year and that's all we have to say about that. Draw 3-3.

Group H

1. Gondor vs Minas Tirith

ACS2012: 1-goal win for Gondor

Boro's pick: Motivations will severely come into question in this one...will Gondor tank the match just so Minas Tirith is also assured of advancing? Would they dare do it in the middle of Mordor? Minas Tirith wins 2-1.

2. Barad-Dur vs Mordor

ACS2012: Draw

Boro's pick: After Gondor obviously throws their match against the White Tower, how will Mordor react? That has MEFA authorities worried the most. Sauron may even refuse to play the match, if they don't just cancel it due to outrage. In fact, with everything that's happened this year, that will be my prediction. Seriously. Match CANCELLED.

What a way to end the group stage of Arda Cup 2012. :D

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Doriath vs Nargothrond

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Elenrod/dorvngr-n_zps5e31d47f.jpg
[Projected formation. Doriath in silver and blue; Nargothrond in green and yellow.]

Formation:

For the first time, at least in this group, we’ll see a battle of even numbers in the midfield: Nellas, Daeron, and Galadhon for Doriath vs Orodreth, Finduilas, and Barahir for Nargothrond. However Doriath also have Beleg and Lúthien in wide midfielder roles. So far they have been unable to help their teammates in the centre, but that's because they had to pin down the attacking fullbacks of AC Beleriand and Anfauglith. And Nargothrond has none of those. So expect Doriath to gain advantage in midfield.

Tactics:

But would Doriath turn it into an advantage in possession? They’re up against a potent offensive squad that attacks from deep (midfield runners Orodreth and Finduilas) and wide (winger Gwindor). When Doriath faced AC Beleriand, a team with offensive capabilities comparable to Nargothrond, they chose to absorb the pressure and play on the break, resulting in a draw. When they played a more attacking style against Anfauglith, they lost to a counterattack. So a wiser course of action for Doriath seems to be to play defensive with two banks of four and attack in transition. Nargothrond’s back four has been woeful when left to their own devices—note the four-goal explosion of AC Beleriand when Nargothrond’s midfield tried to press higher, leaving their defenders without protection.

The only other tactical consideration of note would be Melian’s position in the back four: should she mark Glaurung in the centre or move to left back and exploit Finrod’s movement to push forward? Gwindor’s right wing runs would most likely be met by the pacey Nimloth.

AC Beleriand vs Anfauglith

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Elenrod/anfvacb-n_zpsd862c46e.jpg
[Projected formation. AC Beleriand in red and white; Anfauglith in black and brown.]

Formation:

There is little to comment on the two side’s formation: an extremely defensive 4-5-1 against an offensive 4-4-2 diamond. Fingolfin and Ecthelion would both be free to move from the back line to help in AC Beleriand’s offence, and Beren would be a constant threat with his runs from midfield, turning AC Beleriand into an old-school 2-3-5 when they have the ball.

Tactics:

The first tactical question of this game would be: Will AC Beleriand come and play? Even with a draw, they would advance first and avoid a first-round meeting with Eriador, whereas Anfauglith needs a win to avoid the Elrond-led squad. The problem is that Anfauglith has no options for an all-out attack. Thuringwethil is a fine forward on the break, when she is left with four markers at most, but she cannot outplay eight defensive-minded players on her own. Galdor has shown in the Doriath game that he can exploit space left behind by fullbacks charging forward, but he can’t create his own space.

If AC Beleriand decides to play, the next question would be: How would Anfauglith stop them? An on-form Fëanor can turn circles around Balrog #2 and Borlach, and the full back Balrogs would have their hands full with Ecthelion and Fingolfin’s forward runs. Eöl would then be left free to find space and create chances for Fëanor and Beren. So it would require a balancing act from Anfauglith's midfielders: exploit the space left behind by the attacking fullbacks, but be diligent enough to guard against attacks from the midfield. Someone (most likely Gorgol) would also have to pick Eöl up when he drops deep.

[the phantom]

Pay-Out Numbers Announced, Luxury Tax & New Minimum For 2013
The Phantom, MESPN News

After analyzing the revenue from television, tickets, merchandise, etc. thus far the Arda Cup Finance Committee has solid enough expectations to announce the pay-outs for this year’s Arda Cup.

Eliminated in Groups = 60 million
Eliminated in Round 1 = 80 million
Quarterfinalists = 95 million
Fourth Place = 115 million
Third Place = 120 million
Second Place = 130 million
First Place = 140 million

These numbers were met with mixed reactions throughout Arda. Some were horrified by the lowest number, as it would potentially cripple expensive squads that didn’t produce, but those owners that seemed to expect lower totals and fielded cheaper than average squads from the start, notably Sauron, seemed quite pleased by the figures.

The spokesman for Arda Cup stated that the numbers could shift slightly in the coming years as teams adjusted to the new luxury tax and league minimum. A luxury tax will be imposed at 110 million, meaning that any dollar spent above that amount would have to be paid in double- once in salary and again to the league. The new league minimum will be 45 million.

[the phantom]

Eru Mandate: “Inter-dimensional squads (Downer & TIG) must feature Tolkien characters”
The Phantom, MESPN News

Following the salary and pay-out announcement this morning, Eru himself released a statement demanding that The Downer and Tol In Gaurhoth gain “a more Tolkien-ish flavor” for next season’s competition or risk being banned.

Team owners and players refused to comment following the announcement, except for captain NogWolf of Tol In Gaurhoth, who said only, “We’re not thinking about next season until this one is over.”

This so-called “Tolkien Mandate” is sure to have a major impact on Arda Cup 2013. Already fans are speculating on which teams may have their talent raided by the inter-dimensional Wights, but we at MESPN will save the serious speculation for the off-season.

[Nogrod]

Group D at Armenelos, round3

One of the most striking consequences of this year’s groupings is that Tirion has zero points from their two first games and is without a chance to qualify. Being put in almost any other group it is clear they would have been strong contenders to continue into the play-offs, but in group D their fate is sealed already before the last round.

Now the Númenorians are know to be patriotic, nationalistic and even a bit racist bunch of proud people, but they also have a deep-rooted football culture and are thus also able to value things worthy of appreciation. So when team Tirion arrived to the pitch they received huge applauses from the crowds. In the end the homecrowds cheered to both teams in the field: to FC Valinor because of their incredible skill and unrelenting stamina and to Tirion for their honourable fight combined with their ill-fate – it was to the Númenorians a game between heroes and tragic heroes, both descriptions Númenorians could identify with.

And what a game the crowds were offered! Neither team had anything at stake tournamentwise, so in that way they were both able to play a “pressure free” game. But it was clear from the very first minutes that both wanted to show who they are and how good they are – and neither team was willing to give in an inch.

Five goals, over forty shots, a bunch of tough but within rules tackling, fighting for every ball, speed, intelligence, great personal performances, awesome combinations, great shots, great saves and the game deciding goal only five minutes before the ending whistle. What else can a football-fan ask for?
The game rolled to and fro in an astonishing pace the first period with FC Valinor creating some of the more dangerous attacks, but Tirion had their fair share of chances as well including one shot hitting the post and another barely tipped over the crossbar by Huan. Still it felt more or less just that FC Valinor took the lead just before the half-time.

People talk about “will-goals” or “determination-goals”. Curufin’s goal was exactly that. He got a pass from Yavanna on the midfield and just pushed through the Tirion defences, even ignoring Thorondor’s effort of separating him from the ball. Finally he pulled a mighty shot past his half-uncle from close range leaving Finarfin no chances to deny him.

But Tirion gathered some added spirit to their effort during the break and came into the second half like a whirlwind. It was the first time in this tournament FC Valinor was forced into being the receiving side. Like in their previous game against Real Valinor, it looked like especially Eönwë, Finwë and Aredhel had grown in stature and even in size. But also the rest of them looked sharper, nobler, tougher… It’s not that players like Huan, Nahar, Lórien or the sons of Fëanor would be intimidated by that kind of show off. But it wasn’t a show off. They were really coming on FC Valinor faster, stronger, more determined… and Tirion did open with a flash.

Three minutes into the second half the whole Tirion offence rolled unstobbably towards the goal and plain opened the defence with their aggressive charge and astonishing passing. Coming near enough the goal Eönwë had the ball and challenged Huan one on one. The herald of Manwë pulled Huan close enough and then flipped the ball away from Huan’s reach - and Aredhel managed to dive to the ball despite Nahar’s effort of stopping her. Huan had been forced to surrender the first time in the actual tournament!

But there was more to come. Ten minutes later Ingwë gave an undirect freekick from forty meters, left of the box and shot it totally wide.But Finwë was first to pick it on the right side and after dribbling his wife he centered the ball towards the goal where the concentration had just started to loosen a bit. First it looked Aredhel was going to reach the header, but already in the air, at the last moment, she ducked her head down letting the ball go over. Huan was already on the move right anticipating Aredhel’s header when the ball flew just inches over Nahar’s back straight at Eönwë who headed it down to the low left corner of the goal leaving Huan surprised another time in ten minutes.

The mainly Númenorian crowds were pleased and some even joined Tirion supporters in their chanting. But when FC Valinor pulled itself together and kind of “changed gear” the same crowds were only happy to change their songs as now FC Valinor was showing them some really astonishing football –but Tirion was standing firm playing very impressive defence, something none had thought they could do.But when it is honour more than points that are at stake, then one can strech into remarkable deeds.

Tirion defences held the waves of attacks by FC Valinor for fifteen minutes but then the inevitable happened. And it was Curufin again. This time he got a centering pass from Idril the Silverfoot who had dashed to the edge of the field, and rushing from between Elenwë and Irimë he slid the low pass in from two meters.

The last fifteen minutes were a pure thriller. The game was even 2-2, but neither team seemed to accept a draw. The football fans were peeing honey. How wrong was it that Tirion had to drop out from the tournament now that they really showed their qualities struggling even with, and forcing the team most agencies would put as the number one favourite to win the whole Arda Cup 2012 into defence at times!

But in the end FC Valinor proved the stronger willed or just plain better. Or then it was just Curufin. He was in flames after the two first tournament games where he had been shadowed by his brother Celegorm, and it seemed there was no one that could stop him this day. Curufin scored his hat-trick with an impressive volley to a great long pass from the lower midfield by his broither Maglor. One rarely sees such goals: a thirty-meter high-pass and a turning volley – to the upper corner of the goal from just beside the box! It was just fantastic! The hats were being thrown into the field when Curufin made a celebrationary-run around the pitch to an unanimous standing ovation of an impressed crowd.

It was said before the match that this game had no signifigance. And tournamentwise it didn’t. But to everyone who was there witnessing the game – or to those who saw it live through Palantir Broadcasting Service (PBS) – it really meant something. To have lived such a game, to have lived such a game… it was something folks would tell their grandchildren about.

Tirion 2-3 FC Valinor
on target 7-9
tot shots 18-24
GOALS:
*38, 0-1 Curufin (Yavanna)
*48, 1-1 Aredhel (Eonwe)
*57, 2-1 Eonwe (Finwe)
*74, 2-2 Curufin (Idril)
*85, 2-3 Curufin (Maglor)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Tirion- Mahtan, Thorondor
*FCVal- Celegorm


So all was set for the “main game” of the day. With such an appetizer as they had just seen it was hard to see how the feeling or intensity could rise any more, but it did; it skyrocketed, quite literally. When the home team marched into the pitch the noise was just ear-piercing: the drums, the trombones, the chanting… the waves going round the stadium incessantly for the first twenty minutes of the game… you name it.

But even if the game outshone the earlier one in emotion and feeling for the majority of the homeside fans at the stands, a football cognoscenti must have missed the flash and flare of the earlier game. Not that the game or the players were bad, quite the contrary: had it been played at any time or at any place it would have been a great match of the best talent for football in whole Arda to remember for a long while, but after the Tirion vs. FC Valinor –game it just didn’t feel like it. Like The Valmar Bells put it in their headline the following day, it was like “the great beauty produced by the harps of the Ainur in Aman fade in comparison to the Ainulindalë”.

The first half was goalless with Real Valinor creating slightly the more dangerous chances. Many fans of Real Valinor were happy to see the dynamic-trio Nerdanel, Miriel and Arien being fed better than in the earlier games creating a few good chances as their performance – or actually the lack of it – has been the main reason for the situation Real Valinor is. But Armenelos was not content on playing a second fiddle either and made some pretty good build-ups, even winning the possession on the first half. Real was just an inch sharper on the first period while Armenelos’ attacks ended up more often into shots out of target or them losing the ball just before they could shoot. In the latter case especially Caranthir and Tilion were forcing turnovers time after time creating some real frustration in team Armenelos.

The second half started in the similar vein and in the end Real Valinor produced a result. 15 minutes into the second half Tar Calmacil was carded for a late tackle on Arien, quite nastily to the ankle actually, just behind the box. Arien had to be aided by the first-aid staff, but she insisted to take the free kick herself. And what a shot it was! The ball went round the wall and suddenly bent steeply towards the other direction. Tar Atanamir had no chance. Real Valinor had taken the lead.

That made Armenelos to push it all in. They took the control of the game and came forwards like a tidal wave. But going all in carries with it the risks of counter-attacks and just ten minutes into the great pressure by the home-team Tilion stole the ball and sent it forwards to Nerdanel who sent it immediately forth to Miriel who broke away behind the Armenelos defenders and ran alone to face Tar Atanamir. And she scored with her speed totally outweighing Tar Atanamir’s effort of trying to keep up with her.

There was twenty minutes left and the home team was trailing with two goals. The crowds were stunned and quiet. It looked like Real Valinor was making it to the play-offs and Armenelos would stay in the group-phase.

Armenelos had no chance but to press on, but with a two goal lead Real Valinor clearly draw back more they had done earlier.

Tar Ancalimon shot it just wide from thirty meters free kick.

Ar Adunakhôr headed a corner from a great situation straight to Tulkas’ hands.

Ar Pharazôn made an astonishing bicycle-kick from in front of the goal but it was bounced back to the midfield from Rumil’s back.

Tar Miriel was just breaking through inside the box when Caranthir’s sliding tackle took her from the control of the ball.

Ar Pharazôn took a rebound from a shot by Tar Ancalimon and shot it from between two defenders – exactly out of reach from Tulkas but still inside the posts!

It was a goal! Armenelos was only one goal behind with… three minutes to go.
Real Valinor decided to play it safe and pulled everyone down leaving only Arien to threaten a break-through and thus forcing Armenelos to consider leaving at least one player to look after her. It was like a cat trying to attack a hedgehog: there was no way in for the cat. With the home fans supporting their own furiously the Armenelos team tried to crack the all-team defence of Real Valinor – and it felt like they banged their head on a wall that didn’t give in. They didn’t manage a shot in the last three minutes even if they tried their hardest. The hometeam had lost and were left in the group-stage.

The disappointment was huge. The empty feeling at the stadion was undescribable but overwhelming. After such experiences, after so many highs (the first game included) and the final hammering blow the stadion was awkwardly silent. It was like too much to bear. There were slow and silent tears in the eyes of many proud and bold Númenorians while many just swallowed them and bit their lip. The Númenorians were refusing to leave the stadium, like their staying would open up a window for a third period to be played or what not – which none of them of course thought would happen.

When the visiting fans and supporters of the other teams finally dared to start exiting the stands the Númenorians spontaneously started to sing “Númenor will never yield” with great emotion. It was moment everyone present would remember the rest of their lives.

Later both the organizing committee and the visiting foreigners were afraid of troubles during the night but nothing drastic happened. One Vanyarin elf had to be taken to a emergency care after being beaten up badly in a row in a local tavern, and a decent number of bruises and minor wounds were treated at the first-aid centers around the city. But the numbers were unexpectedly low regarding the expectations or horror-scenarios.

One thing that might have eased the feelings was that Real Valinor sent Nienna and Arien to represent their team into the post game press-conference. They both praised the Armenelos team, the local fans and the organising committee to the high heavens and bowed to the footballing culture of Númenor.

When asked by The Armenelos Times, do they feel they can represent this extraordinary group in the play-offs with honour when, so to say, their scoring powder has been so wet, Arien seemed relaxed when answering: “There’s no reason to reveal all your cards prematurely or to perform your best before the time it matters. Real Valinor will go far in this tournament, you bet, and it will be for the honour of the Númenorians as well to see that a team that so thinly won your team will cruise it all the way.”

Armenelos 1-2 Real Valinor
on target 4-7
tot shots 11-16
GOALS:
*60, 0-1 Arien
*71, 0-2 Miriel (Nerdanel)
*87, 1-2 Ar Pharazon (Tar Ancalimon)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Armen- Ar Gimilzor, Tar Calmacil
*Real- Nessa


Group D final results
FC Valinor 9 3-0-0 8-2
Real Valinor 6 2-0-1 4-5

Armenelos 3 1-0-2 4-6
Tirion 0 0-0-3 5-8

FC Valinor (D1) and Real Valinor (D2) to qualify.

[the phantom]

Group B @ Weathertop

It was quite a mix of spirits in the hearts and goblets of the game-goers as the final round approached at Weathertop. The steadfast Arnor supporters, particularly Elendil and Isildur’s posse, were quite down knowing they wouldn’t be advancing no matter the results. Many of the Arnor supporters were clinging to a bit of cheer however in the form of team Eriador, which featured some of their favorites- Araphant, Malbeth, Valandil, Arahael, Arassuil, and Arveleg. And they were going through no matter the results.

But with their fates already decided, how hard would the sides play?

Arnor always fought hard and had pride, but then they were rarely in such a position, and Isildur was notoriously moody. The Elves of Gondolin sincerely hoped their opposition would roll over for them, as they needed a solid win to have a hope of advancing. Fans of Inter Beleriand also hoped Eriador would be a bit uninspired, but Maedhros and Fingon poured water on those hopes in interviews, pointing out that AC Beleriand looked in best shape to take the top spot in Group G and Eriador would doubtless wish for at least a draw to avoid running into Feanor & Fingolfin already in the first round of the playoffs.

The Arnor faithful that attended the early game against Gondolin had greater numbers, but the Elves were making all the noise- more noise than usual without a doubt, trying to will their team to a playoff berth.

The fans started getting desperate as the first half wore on with no results. Both teams were defending decently, and Arnor didn’t look like they’d give up, and Gondolin wasn’t exactly playing with the necessary desperation. But through good execution and persistence Gondolin finally put up a tally in the 36th minute as Maeglin made a nifty cut and got himself clear to feed Gothmog for an easy header.

As the second half ticked past the Arnor fans started getting into it more than the Gondolin Elves. They could very well gain a draw or win out of this, and thus send mighty Gondolin packing, and that was worth bragging about! Whereas the Gondolin faithful knew a one-goal win wasn't going to cut it if they hoped to qualify.

Near the hour mark Isildur received a ball from Malvegil and, holding Aranwe on his back, he spun round with a perfect turn and drawing the defense chipped it over to Araphor for a ringing header. But Rog with an amazing leap and stretch saved it! The resulting corner was sent in to the far side and Elendil jumped clear and directed it just inside the post- but Rog saved it again!

Rog yelled at his team, "Why am I making the plays here?! Do you want to be in or not?!" And as simple as it was it seemed to be precisely the spur Gondolin needed to crank up their intensity. The midfield hadn't been doing the best job of getting it to the forwards, but now they looked sharper, and in the 61st minute Meleth released Duilin behind the off-side trap and he made it count, drawing Arvedui and serving it up to Gothmog for the finish.

In no time at all Gondolin was on the hunt again, forcing Arvedui and his defense to scramble. Elendil managed to get in the way of a Duilin drive, and Gothmog was just barely too tall on another header. But the quickness of the "sharp-boot" Maeglin could not be denied. Duilin gave it to him with some space on the end-line and Maeglin carved up the defense with a run to the center and slammed it into the top-shelf to give Gondolin the 3-goal lead!

The Gondolin faithful were just going nuts now- their team had hope again! They had equaled Inter Beleriand's goal differential, which meant if Inter lost, Gondolin was in!

With that in mind Gondolin fell back to lock down on defense and concentrated on keeping possession rather than attacking. The despirited Arnor seemed to have nothing left to challenge, however, and Gondolin sensed it. At minute 76 Gondolin unexpectedly risked possession as Egalmoth sent a sudden longball down the right side. The speedy Maeglin received it well clear of defenders and brought it in towards Arvedui as the lead-footed defense attempted to regain positioning.

But Maeglin gave them no such opportunity, instead sending it sharply across the box where it was met by the flaming comet of Gothmog. No one had a chance to challenge him and Arvedui could only guess. He guessed near- Gothmog went far. The death-blow was struck!

With the extra cushion Gondolin pulled back once again, but Arnor did not seriously challenge. They knew they were packing their bags that night, and they knew they wouldn't be able to save even this contest for a bit of pride. They were beaten. Free to run out the clock, Gondolin did so with respect and the refs didn't worry about having enough stoppage time and blew the whistle everyone was waiting for.

Gondolin had not clinched, but after the glorious performance they had witnessed the fans could be forgiven for assuming it was in the bag, for it seemed quite easy to believe and hope that the group-favorites and home-team Eriador would take care of Inter later that night. This Gondolin team simply had to advance after such a dashing performance!

Arnor 0-4 Gondolin
on target 4-8
tot shots 12-21
GOALS:
*36, 0-1 Gothmog (Maeglin)
*61, 0-2 Gothmog (Duilin)
*68, 0-3 Maeglin (Duilin)
*76, 0-4 Gothmog (Maeglin)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Arnor- Earendur, Araval
*Gondolin- Gothmog, Salgant

But Maedhros, Fingon, Turgon, and the rest of Inter Beleriand still had a say in matters. If they forged a tie with Eriador, they qualified second. If they won- first place. And they certainly had no plan of losing.

Both fan-bases were relatively confident their side could win. "Even Elrond can't hold off Fingon and Maedhros forever, and we've got a Balrog to counter their offense, and Turgon minding the net."

"Yes, but Glorfindel can handle a Balrog, and there's still Witch King to deal with- and Elrond won't be getting Fingon and Maedhros's best efforts as Gil-galad, Malbeth, and Asfaloth will bother them plenty."

Football fans everywhere were keen to find out who was right. The fans at Weathertop on the other hand mostly wanted to see Eriador sweep the group. The disappointed Arnor fans were notably present, and most were drunk and cheerful. They looked to Eriador for redemption- for if they took first then at least they'd have something to be pleased about.

In the early going it didn't look like either fan base was right. The game was very even- good passing, bright ideas on offense, quality runs, but all countered by swarming defense and timely tackling. Each team gained but a single shot on goal in the opening 30, and both boots were professionally smothered by Turgon and Elrond.

Towards the end of the half Inter looked to have the upper hand, owning the ball just a bit more, and looking just a bit more dangerous around the box. But at minute 40 a fortunate bounce on a clearance found empty space in front of Malbeth, and the far-seer spotted an opportunity and sent a bullet into the other half.

Glorfindel was off to the races and put a spectacular first touch on the pass, spilling the ball out in front of him without breaking stride. Balrog #5 caught him as he closed on Turgon, but Glorfindel made a nifty cutback and back again to cross the flame-demon's feet and earn him a clear shot at goal, which he converted high and left, despite Turgon getting a fingertip on it. It was 1-0 for the homeside at the half!

When the second half began the home team took the initiative again, pressing in and finally earning a corner from a deflected shot attempt. Arassuil swung it in near post, and whether it was the plan or just good execution on the fly, Witch King got to it but knew he wasn't getting through with a good effort from his position, so he nodded the ball on through to the opposite side where Arveleg met it leaping in rhythm and put the header back to the original side into the side netting, and Eriador had a two-goal lead!

The pockets of Gondolin supporters screamed even louder than the Eriador fans. This was exactly what they hoped for! Even if Eriador reigned it in, Elrond wouldn't be scored on twice, surely.

Inter certainly attempted to force the issue, but Eriador was given over entirely to defending now, and Glorfindel and Witch King were immensely helpful at the back. Finally a near-impossible solo run by Fingon created an opening out of nothing and Inter gained a quality chance, but the foresighted Elrond was camped perfectly for Haleth's header location and he slapped it back out towards midfield.

Inter didn't get another decent sniff until minute 72 when Maedhros was given too much space outside the box and he crushed it with his left foot, forcing Elrond to dive- and the Master of Rivendell just barely poked it away and out of bounds.

The Inter supporters were finally allowed to cheer in minute 81 when Maedhros struck a seemingly intentional volley off of Asfaloth's flank which deflected in to cut the deficit to a single goal, but Eriador barely gave the ball back during the remaining time, and the contest ended at 2-1. Without much fanfare Inter exited and left the field open to the celebrating home fans, who were joined by several Gondolin supporters in their merry-making.

Eriador had swept their way to first place, and Gondolin had stolen second!

Inter Beleriand 1-2 Eriador
on target 6-6
tot shots 13-13
GOALS:
*40, 0-1 Glorfindel (Malbeth)
*48, 0-2 Arveleg (Witch King)
*81, 1-2 Maedhros (Fingon)
YELLOW CARDS:
*InterBel- Gorlim, Baragund
*Eriador- Arassuil, Araphant

Q: Eriador
q: Gondolin
Eliminated: Arnor, Inter Beleriand

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

MESPN Postgame Exit Interviews

MESPN: Elendil- any words for your fans?

Elendil: Thanks for your enthusiasm, and we're sorry we couldn't keep this train going.

MESPN: Arvedui? Why are you left in the group stage?

Arvedui: Well, we certainly didn't have our best game today, and style-wise and personnel-wise this was perhaps our most problematic match-up in the group, but the fact is we were already eliminated coming into today. That's the concerning issue.

Elendil: With something to fight for we might've done better- yes.

MESPN: So what's the outlook for next year then?

Arvedui: With the pay-outs released and the low-end below what people expected, league-wide salaries will see some shaving, and so likely we'll trim just a little bit- but overall I expect we'll be the same or very slightly higher.

MESPN: Higher after cuts? How does that work?

Arvedui: We need to bring in a piece or two that might make the puzzle fit better. We can't be content to sit where we're at. So the existing roster will probably see slight decreases while a position or two will be exchanged for something slightly higher.

MESPN: Is ownership going to remain the same- Elendil, Isildur, and Annuminas Ltd?

Elendil: Annuminas Ltd. undoubtedly will retain a good chunk, but Isildur and I will have to crunch some numbers and see which way we should go.

Arvedui: It wouldn't surprise me if we ended up with just a bit of extra help next year- but someone we trust of course. Perhaps a bit of financing from Norbury Sport? They're doing well with Eriador obviously.

MESPN: All right. Thanks guys.

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

MESPN: Maedhros- you aren't used to missing the playoffs. How does it feel?

Maedhros: Very wrong. This squad ought to be on the big stage.

MESPN: What stopped it?

Fingon: We didn't execute when we needed to, plain and simple.

Turgon: We played our game decently against Gondolin and got the draw, but then against Arnor Gondolin took the initiative whereas we were outplayed, and it showed up in the differential.

MESPN: Is it hard for you, Turgon, to see Gondolin move on without you?

Turgon: Whether they move on or not I'm disappointed to be out of the playoffs, so that stands on its own. But does it make me extra sore? No- I must say I'm pleased with anything that gives my subjects reason to celebrate.

MESPN: Are you considering a return?

Turgon: Not currently. I'm invested here and I don't wish to bail when there is so much promise.

MESPN: So you think Inter Beleriand will be improved next season?

Maedhros: I think we all believe that.

Fingon: The combination of us playing just a bit better and bringing in a piece or two where it's needed should make us a serious contender. No one is far out of contention under these new salary rules, least of all us.

MESPN: Thanks very much. Good luck in the off-season.

[the phantom]

Group C @ Moria

The Group C hosting committee was a little ahead of the curve this year. Not only did they have two quality venues within a short hike of one another, but they also had the final games scheduled to be played simultaneously- a feature that was rumored to be a requirement for Arda Cup 2013.

They had gotten word out early about the double-game final round, and that combined with steeply discounted tickets ensured that a veritable flood of fans would pour in to the Dimrill Dale and Moria in the days before the matches. The efficient dwarves were prepared for them, and the visiting Arda Cup officials were probably taking some notes, marking Moria down as a good site to visit again.

Not only was the site good, but the matches promised to be excellent as well. It’s all a fan can ask for- to attend a game where every team in the group has a shot at advancing on the final day!

The only shoe-in was Erebor- they were through with 6 points, but they hadn’t clinched first. When asked about their drive to win their final match, goal-keeper Beorn promised a full effort. “Well frankly we’re not fussed about our placement- we’ll be meeting a quality opponent in the playoffs no matter what, and should we win that our next match will be against one of the power-houses of Group D or E, so both paths are remarkably similar. But that doesn’t mean we’re not trying our best. We owe it to the other teams in the group and the fans. It’s not in us not to fight.”

Anduin supporters were fervently hoping Beorn was merely giving lip-service to the integrity of the game and would rest up and roll over for them. But the host Dwarves United was certainly hoping for the opposite- they wanted Anduin beaten so that they could nab the 2nd spot by winning Wilderland. But the oddsmakers said that such a task was perhaps beyond the dwarf-centric squad, as Wilderland had been mighty impressive in their six contests since friendlies kicked off this year.

Would Erebor prove their dominance? Would Wilderland show they belong among the elite? Would Anduin or Dwarves United help spring their counterpart to an upset qualification? The answers were forthcoming.

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

The outdoor game in the dale was Anduin versus Erebor, while the game in the deeps of Moria was Dwarves United versus Wilderland. The wood-elves were out in force to support King Thranduil of Erebor, but their loyalties were split in the other contest. A few hundred headed underground sporting “Legolas 4 Dwarves!” shirts while an equal number passed through the doors of Moria to support King Oropher and Galion.

There were many, many Elves of Lothlorien invading the area. In fact, it seemed as if the entire realm had relocated. Many of the long-time dwellers were out to support Amroth and Amdir with Anduin, while the late third-agers were split between Celeborn of Anduin and Galadriel of Wilderland. There were certainly more of them in the Dimrill stadium though, as Wilderland supporters had a slightly tougher time gaining tickets, as the Dwarves were swift to buy them up, and for prices that could not be ignored.

There were also quite a few Dwarves in attendance in the dale- mostly from the Lonely Mountain and the Iron Hills. They travelled well, it seemed. And though they eyed them with suspicion and a bit of dislike, the hosts also opened for the Orcs. There were quite a few Minas Morgul and even a few Mordor Orcs there to support Nazgul #7 of Erebor, and even more Misty Mts Orcs showed up to cheer on Erebor’s Bolg.

Needless to say, both stadiums were full to capacity when the contests kicked off at 5 o’clock, and given the hopes of all four teams there was much singing and chanting, and every movement of the ball had fans cheering and clapping!

(IN THE DALE)

The sun was behind the mountains and it was cool and windless, providing perfect conditions for an important contest. From the start it looked like Erebor would be true to their word and compete hard, and already in the opening 10 minutes they forced Amroth to get his hands dirty twice- first on a header from Nazgul #7 and then on a trade-mark tail-shot crushed by Smaug.

Anduin wasn’t defending with their usual tenacity, as they seemed to be looking upfield more than usual, as they needed to outright win, and possibly with a decent differential. And this shift in ideals hurt them finally in minute 17 when Thranduil timed his run perfectly and was given an unopposed header by Smaug, and the woodland King converted for the early lead!

(UNDER THE MOUNTAINS)

While the underdog was off to a poor start, the “under-dwarves” were absolutely bringing the home fans into a state of frenzy. After defending expertly and forcing a couple no-problem shots in the opening minutes, they sprang a surprising speedy counter, with Aule dashing up the right side. Gamil Zirak got it out in front of the Dwarf-Father as they crossed midfield and after several huge strides Aule sent a heavenly pinpoint cross curling into the box, and sprinting full-on Legolas dove into it perfectly and Dwarves United had the lead!

Deep-throated voices bellowed throughout the echoing halls, and drums launched into a frantic roll! The Wilderland supporters (and even a few players) covered their ears and hung their shoulders. This was a bad start indeed.

Orome went around and clasped the hands of his teammates to make sure their heads were in it, and Elwe followed his example. But as the half continued Wilderland made no headway. With the lead Aule and Celebrimbor were fully committed to defense, and Scatha and Orome found themselves without an inch of breathing room. Only the midfielders gained opportunities to shoot, but they were hurried and harassed and either shot wide or were easily handled by Bombur, who appeared to playing under the impression that the ball was made of cake.

When the halftime whistle sounded, the score remained 1-0, and the Dwarves roared in approval as Dwarves United exited to the lockers.

(MEANWHILE BACK IN THE DALE)

Things were looking much the same out in the dale, only it was the favorite holding the 1-0 lead. After Thranduil’s goal Erebor really locked down on the defensive end and Anduin was not having any luck cracking it. The three eagles and Girion were simply too good at getting in the way, breaking up attack after attack.

Finally towards the end of the half Anduin seemed to give up on gaining a quality shot and started slamming drives at the goal- but the tactic was not wholly bad, as Grimbeorn and Boromir II both possess fantastic legs, and though he has slightly less power Haldir is an expert marksman with excellent spin control. In the closing minutes all three came close- Grimbeorn spraying one just a couple feet high, Haldir forcing Beorn to dive to bat a curler away, and Boromir rattling the woodwork in the final minute.

As halftime began the Anduin fans were more hopeful for the second half than they had been. All it would take was for a couple of those shots to go in for them, and they were back in it.

(BACK UNDER THE MOUNTAIN)

The halftime score in the Dimrill Dale was announced just before the start of the second half, and the Dwarves United fans applauded with great enthusiasm. The stars were aligning for them!

But perhaps not. The Dwarves were immediately put on their heels by the now desperate side from Wilderland. Elwe and Galadriel in particular looked miles quicker. “After winning the title last year- I’m not going out like this!” Elwe could be heard calling. “Not in group play! And not to Dwarves!”

When word of these comments spread around the arena the King of Doriath became the target of booing every time he touched the ball, but the determined Elf ignored it and pressed on, and in minute 59 the Lady Galadriel fed the tall Lord a perfect cross and the game was level!

The angry Dwarves wailed and tore at their beards, and some even hurled bags and cups onto the field. Of all the people to dash their hopes, they were furious that it was Thingol! But the Dwarves on the field kept their cool thanks to the calming presence of Aule. “One goal and this is forgotten!” he told his side.

But it didn’t look like the goal would be coming any time soon. Not that Dwarves United was playing poorly- in fact they were playing better than ever. But they were playing their team defensive game, and that was simply not likely to yield a goal. And as their discouraged fans looked on with increasing anxiety, rumors trickled into the arena that the game in the dale was now tied!

(IN THE DALE)

And the rumors were quite true. After playing hard-line competitive ball for the opening 20 minutes, Erebor appeared to grow a bit lazy. Perhaps it was finally sinking in that group play was nearly finished and they were through to the playoffs. But whatever the reason, Anduin began to own the ball more and look the more dangerous. And in minute 74 Haldir made them pay- another one of his crafty snipes challenged Beorn and he barely tipped it away, and it bounded off a defender and to the feet of Grimbeorn who wasted no time in putting it away to level the match!

And indeed word had reached the dale about the game taking place under the mountain. Anduin was disheartened to hear that Wilderland was level, as they were hoping for a one-goal Dwarf win, but Celeborn encouraged them to hope for the desired outcome and take care of their end of the bargain and bring home a win against Erebor.

(BACK UNDER THE MOUNTAIN)

Most of the stadium already knew what was happening when the announcer officially acknowledged the 1-1 score in the dale, but it was still tragic to hear. Things had started so well, but now both games were moving in the wrong direction.

But to the astonishment of the crowd, with 10 minutes left in the contest, Aule shouted, “Dwarves- let’s get it!” and the game turned. Dwarves United completely changed their tactics, moving the ball quickly and efficiently, with Aule and Celebrimbor pressing forward more and more. The crafts-dwarves Gamil Zirak and Telchar showed their marvelous handling skills, which just shocked Wilderland. They knew to expect it from Celebrimbor and Aule, but now that there were four players that could move about with the ball at will and dribble a defender away, they weren’t certain what to do.

Twice it looked like Dwarves United had gained a decent look at a go-ahead goal, but both times the shooters (Legolas and Thorin) passed up the opportunity and sent the ball moving back. They were waiting for something better.

As time ticked away the crowd began roaring- some in encouragement, some in desperation, and some in frustration, but Dwarves United stayed on their plan. Finally at 88 minutes it happened.

Telchar received it at the left corner of the box and after faking a boot back out to the midfield he turned and found Celebrimbor dashing in from the left side. As soon as he sent the pass Telchar took off towards the goal and the defenders that closed on Celebrimbor desperately tried to recover as he immediately one-touched it back to the moving Telchar. But Telchar just touched it right back to Celebrimbor! Right between the crossed-up Ents went the ball, and Celebrimbor met it hard and accurately with all his Feanorian skill, and the Great Warg keeper didn’t even have a chance!

Telchar leaped onto Celebrimbor and both spilled onto the ground while their teammates converged to join in the congratulatory pile! The arena absolutely throbbed with noise! Finally the refs got the game restarted for the final minutes, and Elwe and Orome tried desperately to make something happen, but the Dwarves won it away and refused to give it back, and soon it was all over! Scatha stamped in disgust and Elwe sagged to the turf in disbelief. Galadriel however made her way over to congratulate her old friends Celebrimbor and Gimli, and the crowd made note of the sportsmanship.

But, but… Dwarves United was not necessarily into the playoffs. Some of the Dwarves seemed not to care about the other result- merely intent upon celebrating the well-fought victory over a quality foe, but most of the arena grew quiet as they waited upon word from the Dale. Had Anduin kept their rally going to send both them and Erebor through?

One minute went by… two… three… Then a buzz could be heard by Dwarves nearest the north entrance. As Dwarves on the south side of the stadium watched and listened, a wave of motion and noise slowly swept around both sides of the stadium towards them. But they could not tell if the Dwarves were wailing in agony or celebrating.

As the disturbance grew nearer the drums started beating in the upper balconies. Surely that was a good sign. Also, it became clear that the fans were waving flags- another good sign. And just as the news reached the south stadium, the announcer made it official.

“The final score- Erebor, one. Anduin, one. DWAAAAARVES UNITED ADVAAAAAAA---“

But the end of the word or anything that came after was not heard. The stadium under the Halls of Moria was perhaps as loud as it had ever been since it was delved long ago. Dwarves United, barely picked by anyone to advance, was into the playoffs!

Anduin 1-1 Erebor
on target 6-5
tot shots 15-14
GOALS:
*17, 0-1 Thranduil (Smaug)
*74, 1-1 Grimbeorn (Haldir)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Anduin- Frumgar, Borondir, Grimbeorn
*Erebor- Nazgul #7

Dwarves United 2-1 Wilderland
on target 4-7
tot shots 8-18
GOALS:
*12, 1-0 Legolas (Aule)
*59, 1-1 Elwe (Galadriel)
*88, 2-1 Celebrimbor (Telchar)
YELLOW CARDS:
*DwUnt- Thorin, Durin
*Wild- Skinbark, Elwe

Q: Erebor
q: Dwarves United
Eliminated: Anduin, Wilderland

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

MESPN EXIT INTERVIEWS

MESPN: So, gentlemen, a big disappointment for Anduin.

Celeborn: Indeed. We thought we’d be advancing.

MESPN: Why didn’t it work?

Fram: Well, Wilderland’s offense proved a tough matchup, and we didn’t execute our own efficiently enough to keep even.

Boromir II: Yes, we needed a bit of a spark.

Grimbeorn: Same with our match against the Dwarves. We didn’t make the most of our offensive chances.

Celeborn: And we gave up that late equalizer.

MESPN: So then, do you feel you already have the necessary team put together?

Boromir II: This team is good enough, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t looking to improve.

MESPN: Anyone in particular you’re looking at?

Celeborn: Well, it wouldn’t be proper to discuss names with the tournament still going.

MESPN: Is there anything you can tell us?

Grimbeorn: We’ve very nearly secured, a… er… spectacular home grounds- and I imagine we’ll be a host next season.

Fram: Quite so. And we suspect the opportunity to be on such a stage might help us snag a prospect or two.

MESPN: Thanks for your time.

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

MESPN: Team Wilderland was ranked as high as #2 in TTN’s power rankings. This has got to sting.

Scatha: It’s infuriating! We could score a heap on anyone and we choked!

Orome: Erebor won us fair and square, but that finale against Dwarves United- that was ours for the taking.

Galadriel: They wanted it more- had more team spirit.

MESPN: Can you rectify these problems in the offseason?

Oropher: Certainly. I’ll be back and working harder than ever.

Scatha: I won’t be contained next season!

MESPN: Elwe- you certainly looked upset. How about you?

Elwe: I can’t really say where I’ll be next year.

MESPN: Galadriel?

Galadriel: I have no plans of being held out of the playoffs again, but it’s too soon to guarantee where I’ll be.

MESPN: Oropher- this team seems splintered. What do you expect to happen next season?

Oropher: Well, it certainly seems there will be some roster turnover, but we ought to have most of our investors back. I don’t expect us to take a step back.

MESPN: All right. Thanks for your time.

[Nogrod]

Group E at The Havens, round 3

The day came to the Grey Havens sneakingly as the sun arose somewhere behind a dark wall of clouds towering over the city. It felt like a mysterious fog had arisen from the sea and wrapped the whole town into it’s gentle but overwhelming embrace. Folks realised it was not a night any more not because of the light but because of the absence of pitch darkness. The men, hobbits and dwarves visiting the city for the games were nervous, for sure it was some kind of magic of the West. Some even packed their bags and sped off from the city just in case something strange and bad was to happen.

But even some of the elves felt disturbed. They knew Ossë could not be predicted at all, and even Ulmo, their great friend, was well, more of a god than a mate to them – “and you know what gods can be...” they whisepered to each other walking the foggy streets trying to take care of their businesses before the matches.

When the pre-game press conference started it was realised the Valar and the Maiar were nowhere to be found. Celebrian and Tar Aldarion were not able to fill in the hungry press, but Túrin was ready to speak: “You know Mandos hasn’t ever been my favourite, and I have lost my faith to those big ones during my life enough many times not to be bothered of them any more. If they do not appear into the pitch when the game is to begin then we will win by surrender. And if they come forwards, one fog isn’t going to stop me from hammering a few goals into their net…”

About an hour before the first game was set to begin a fresh wind started blowing from the sea and scattered the cloudy pillow sealing the city, letting in a bright sunlight like they had never seen. As the fog disappeared, the ships of the Valar and Maiar were suddenly spotted sailing up the river and anchoring beside the stadium – and they were glimmering and shining this extraordinary light making the park around them appear in an unnatural light which almost hurt the eyes of anyone daring to keep them open.

Now a wide-spread rumour, first reported by The Lhûnandarwinian says that seeing the grand entry, Túrin had whispered to his dad that: “So they are trying to intimidate us”, into which Húrin had answered: “Whatever it is they are doing, they mean business now”. Túrin had them paused for a moment and said: “Good, even if took some time…” The exchange of course can’t be confirmed by any independent source.


~*~

Every newsmedia had made their own calculations as to the different outcomes of the night’s matches and who would qualify with which combinations of results – and there sure were a wealth of possibilities. But one thing remained clear: winning a game today would mean qualifying – and that sure was a no-nonsense rule to follow.

Valimar came into the field shining bright and looking just awesome. Some football lovers complain that human football stars are too interested on how their hair is in the game or how their shots or cheering looks like in television, but the Valar and Maiar had clearly perfected the art of how they look… Somewhat against the flare of their appearance, the Valimar team started the game with its trademark defence suffocating Hithlum’s attempts at attacking with their strong midfield & defence co-operation, attacking themselves only when they had it in control and could build it up slow and carefully. But it was effective.

And just past the half an hour mark Valimar was given the prize. Andróg tackled Ilmarë while she was breaking through the Hithlum defences into the box after a long and tedious build-up. Andróg was righteously carded but that the referee gave a penalty-shot to Valimar was something one could argue for or against. The slow-motion replays show a contact and a succesful effort to bring Ilmarë off balance but did it happen inside the box or not? Many will speculate about that in days to come.

But it was a penalty and Mandos came to take a shot. He didn’t wait to deliver but just after a few backtracking steps from the ball made a short run immediately to the ball and shot it securely – and with astonishing power – into the middle of the goal when Aradan hunched the left corner. “Eru’s will completed!” he yelled as he ran to face his embracing team-mates.

Hithlum never kind of recovered from that on the first half, and even if they tried to build attacks the strong defence in front of them felt like an unsurmountable obstacle they just couldn’t get through or around anyway they tried.

But if someone thought Hithlum had given in they were very wrong indeed. If the first half had been about Valimar’s control, the second looked to be about Hithlum’s willpower turned into great performance.

Valimar played very conservative tactics in the lead. Vairë dropped down beside her husband Námo and Estë was seen more at their level in the defence than in the midfield. Both wizards took a more defencive stance as well so that they had only Ilmarë higher up to run for possible turnovers and Celebrian somewhere in the middle both threatening to make runs upwards or taking part in the defence.
But even with eight players under the ball most of the times Valimar couldn’t thwarth Hithlum’s passion and determination. And time and time again they managed to break through here or try a good shot there.

And who else but Túrin evened the game on the 68th minute! Túrin managed to outwit Amrod and Amras dashing through them, and with a nice pass from his dad he got the ball behind the defences, had cool and nerves to just wait Mandos sliding in trying to cover the coming shot and with a short side-pass to himself repositioned and let the boot swing leaving Manwë no chance to relocate. Some spectators claimed they had seen Túrin passing a self-righteous grin to Mandos as the Vala was still on the ground and Túrin passed him just starting to celebrate the goal.

There was twenty minutes of the game left and it was even 1-1. Even if the winner would secure a place in the qualifiers, to Hithlum this was already a good result as they would be ahead of Valimar in the final tally with better scoring – so whichever team won the other match Hithlum would qualify alongside them. And the two other teams would have to play 3-3 to outscore Hithlum. So even if Hithlum did continue pressing they did it in a bit more careful fashion trying to make sure Ilmarë, Celebrian or either of the wizards didn’t have chances for quick turnovers.

On the other hand Valimar knew their situation was grave, but having played for defence more or less all the game and with Hithlum now having the drive on they found it hard to change gear even if they wished to – especially with Hithlum backing off their all-out attack just enough to shut out any hopes for fast counter-attacks Ilmarë or Celebrian could run for. And in a dire situation both Alatar and Pallando seemed more or less frozen. Maybe there was a reason they were sent to the east for easier tasks than Olórin back then…

And so the referee blew his whistle ending the game… in a draw once again.

Hithlum 1-1 Valimar
on target 5-3
tot shots 14-9
GOALS:
*31, 0-1 Namo
*68, 1-1 Turin (Hurin)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Hithlum- Androg
*Valimar- Pallando, Amras


The last game of the group was about to begin and the tension was mounting. The men of Hithlum had kicked Valimar off the tournament despite the show-off of Valar, but how would the hosts fare with the dangerous-looking team of Ainur combined with the Númenorian talent for scoring?

Ulmo and his vassals were awe-inspiring when they came to the field. Ulmo himself had put on his glittering green armour and at times it was hard to tell his wavelike being apart from the storming Ossë. The blows from Salmar’s horns sent thrills into the backbone of every spectator making them tremble while Uinen felt like a summer-rain spreading throughout The Sea’s half of the field. It was a magical entry to say the least.

But if there was a plan to make the hosts react in some way favourable to the Sea, it didn’t seem to work. The Havens started with a mighty pressing making the homecrowds go wild with support after they realised the team doing the attacking was their own. It looked like Ulmo’s team was busy kicking the ball away from their half when it was there again. Before the first ten minutes had been played Eärendil had already hit the post and Andreth had forced Voronwë to a save of the day. The magic sometimes wears thin pretty fast.

After the initial attacking-frenzy by the Havens the game evened and calmed down little by little. But it had sowed a seed of hope into the elves of Grey Havens and little by little they started chanting ever more loudly. They had thought throughout the games in their hearts that Ulmo’s team was just far too strong for them, but the first ten-fifteen minutes had shown otherwise. And halfway through the first half the homecrowds were becoming bolder and bolder in their chanting requiring a goal from their team.

Aided by the fanatic crowd the players found the extra momentum needed and the scales started to turn towards The Havens’ favour once again. And on 40th minute the stadium plain exploded when Aegnor’s center went in taking a bounce from Tuor’s missed header totally surprising Voronwë at the goal.

And what a boost that was! The Havens started pressing after the goal – probably also half-willing to show they could score also without the aid of dear lady Fortuna. And Aegnor did finally hammer the ball in just a minute before the half-time after a nice dribble around the edge of the box and a furiously twisting shot that left Voronwë armless a second time.

The home team was leading 2-0 on half-time! The Havens and Hithlum were qualifying leaving the pre-tournament favourites Valimar and the Sea behind. The elves of Grey Havens on the stands and all around the city were getting a hang of the game called football… and as the word spread the inhabitants started massing towards the Lhûnarena to get at least a glimpse of what was going on via the audio-commentary at the Riverside Gardens and to join the celebration.
Those elves who knew something about football were biting their nails though as they knew a match lasted 90 minutes and they were only halfway through – and it was unthinkable that Ulmo would just give up and go home like that, especially after all the pomp and circumstance of the early day.

To the great relief of the cognoscenti at the stands and to the great joy of all homeside fans The Havens came in to the second half inserting pressure to the Sea and almost scoring a third with a fiery shot by Eärendil just five minutes into the half. But the Sea was slowly gathering it’s force and like a tsunami which first draws back to gather momentum they allowed the Havens to bring it on them before they suddenly unleashed their whole power against the Havens defences. And the tables were turned.

The shots started raining on The Havens’ goal – on target, hitting the frame or going just a little off – finally putting Cirdan to a test for real. And Cirdan was standing to the test. He made two brave saves in ten minutes and Tar Minastir’s breakthrough was called offside by the linesman. But finally Cirdan’s old friend, the Commander of Men Vëantur outwitted him closing in from the left and booting the ball behind the great elf from between him and the near post.

With roughly 20 minutes of the game left the Havens still led by two goals against one. And the game turned into a thriller.

A tidal wave called the Sea now roamed over the pitch but The Havens defended courageously blocking shots with daring that brought back memories of some rougher times past. Olwë himself blocked a hammering shot by Ossë running up from his side and had to be attended to by the medical staff after losing all the air from his lungs by the force of the shot.

The clock was ticking the minutes away from the Sea.

The excessive attacking opened up chances for the home team as well. At five minutes before the full time Lindo’s intelligent long break sent Aegnor into a half break-through from the midfield. Aegnor ran like crazy having a second goal in his sights but Ossë was swifter and overcame him snatching the ball away into a throw for The Havens. With most of the players now stacking the Sea’s half Angrod threw the ball searching for Tuor’s head at the middle beside the box only to be cut off by Salmar.

There was a sound of a great horn blowing freezing most players to where they stood. Ulmo looked furious calling his team to attack, all of them. And the Sea rolled forwards, all of them. The Havens were almost panicking even if Tuor and Olwë tried to calm them down while concentrating… on running.

Salmar had passed the ball to the Stargazer Meneldur who sent it again forwards to his son who’s adventurous nature he didn’t always appreciate that much, but now the son was making some great progress advancing far into the Havens’ defencive territory. Olwë and his daughter Eärwen were facing him though and his wannabe-breakthrough came into a halt.

But there were the horns again as Ulmo himself dashed through the field like a roaring thunder. Tar Aldarion was shook by the horns like everyone, but was alert and cabable enough to pass the ball diagonally forwards… and there was Ulmo himself passing the running defenders like a giant wave passes through everything on it’s way. And Ulmo just ran the ball in almost ending up in the net himself.

No one could blame Cirdan for that goal as many speculated afterwards could even Manwë himself have been able to stop the fury and strength of Ulmo they witnessed there and then.

So it was 2-2 with four minutes to go and it seemed both teams had used all their energy. It was clear neither team wished for a draw but they had just ran out of new gears to change into. And so the game ended 2-2 with the audience and even most of the players unsure about what that would mean.

The Havens 2-2 The Sea
on target 7-6
tot shots 16-13
GOALS:
*40, 1-0 Tuor (Aegnor)
*44, 2-0 Aegnor (Earendil)
*68, 2-1 Veantur (Tar Minastir)
*86, 2-2 Ulmo (Tar Aldarion)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Havens- Annael, Angrod
*Sea- Uinen


Group E final results
Hithlum 3 0-3-0 5-5
The Havens 3 0-3-0 5-5
The Sea 3 0-3-0 5-5

Valimar 3 0-3-0 3-3



All teams ended with three points (three draws) so a difference cant be made on the basis of points or even matches between the teams, or the goal differentials. So it comes down to how many goals they have scored. That drops Valimar out of the competiton but doesn’t yet make a difference between Hithlum, The Havens and the Sea.

The tournament jury announced the ruling in this case soon after the late game ended.

There would be a shoot-out competiton the following day between the three teams and it would be played as long as an order between them would be reached. A special report of that hair-rising event will follow as soon as the competiton takes place tomorrow.

[Nogrod]

Group E penalty shoot-out cancelled for today! / The AKM

Today's penalty shoot-out at Grey Havens has been cancelled due to the sudden storm that hit the town with ferocity of a kind the locals didn't have a living memory of. The combined power of the rain, winds and thunder forced everyone indoors for the whole day and there was no way the competiton could have been held.

There has been a host of speculations as to where this storm came from and why. Even if - and exactly because of - it was Manwë's team that got left out from the shoot-out, the AKM will not speculate about it but encourages it's readers to draw the conclusions themselves.

If the weather clears up and the pitch can be dried the shoot-out competition will take place tomorrow - with full AKM commentary on it.

Stay tuned for the spectacle!

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Group G at Nargothrond

The High Faroth Arena was filled to the brim with the supporters of AC Beleriand and Anfauglith; there was no room for neutrals. The Elves supported AC Beleriand, and the creatures of Angband rooted for Anfauglith. The Bëorians lamented Rían’s choice of side, but they were all for Beren and Bregolas. The people of Hador felt sympathy for Marach and Imlach, but their hearts belonged to Galdor and Gundor. The folk of Haleth were not torn and cheered wholeheartedly for Haldir.

The two squads had already met before, a fiercely-contested friendly resulting in a scoreless draw. They had played with their cards close to their chests, and not even a player of Fëanor’s calibre could unlock the Balrogs’s defence in front of Ungoliant’s goal.

But this time AC Beleriand didn’t come to play. Assured of first seed (and avoiding Elrond’s Eriador in the first round of the knockout stages) even with a draw, they elected to keep the ball in the half-court line, not playing passes or bringing the ball towards the Anfauglith third of the pitch. Imlach to Bregolas. To Denethor. To Rochallor. Back to Bregolas. To Beren, who dribbled forward half-heartedly before passing back to Denethor.

Anfauglith tried to make a game of the proceedings, but they couldn’t take the ball away from AC Beleriand. No matter how hard they pressed, AC Beleriand simply retreated, passing to the open man regardless of position on the pitch. Anfauglith were basically chasing ten players with six, since their defenders refused to break formation, for fear of a sudden AC Beleriand attack.

AC Beleriand didn’t remain quiet forever, though, as Fëanor made his anticipated solo runs in the closing minutes of the half. The Fiery Boot left behind a trail of Anfauglith players in his wake as he forayed first through the centre and then down the left flank, carrying the ball at pace as if it were a puppy obediently following him. In both cases, however, Ungoliant was up to the task of saving his shots, and the half ended with both teams scoreless, but the AC Beleriand supporters were upbeat, chanting Fëanor’s name with fervour.

The second half began as the first had ended, with another Fëanor solo run down the right wing. It took a Borlach sliding tackle to deny him a goalbound shot. But after that initial frenzy AC Beleriand returned to their passive passing game. The nerves of the Anfauglith players were being stretched thin—they tried to chase the ball around, but they also had to be wary of sudden forward runs. It was more this nervousness, and less the physical effort of having to run all over the field, that tired them out, and the final blow was struck when, fifteen minutes before the time, AC Beleriand changed the game’s tempo again.

Imlach took a backward pass from Bregolas, and he passed it sideways to Fingolfin. Galdor and Rían plodded after the High-King, but a sudden burst of speed left the two behind. Balrog #3 went out to challenge him, but he passed the ball sideways to a charging Fëanor. Just outside the box, Borlach and Balrog #2 stood before the AC Beleriand captain. He faked a shot and then dragged the ball back, leaving a sliding Borlach behind. He turned on the Balrog and took a snap-shot, but Ungoliant got a leg in to flick the shot away. Beren had a foot in the rebound, but Balrog #4 headed his chip away. Anfauglith has denied AC Beleriand once again, but they have conceded a corner.

AC Beleriand players flooded the Anfauglith penalty box, leaving only Imlach and Rochallor at the half-court line. Beren took the corner, a short one to Eol, who quickly sent a cross into the box from an angle the Anfauglith players didn’t anticipate. Fingolfin was waiting at the near post, and he rose highest to guide the ball in past the legs of Ungoliant.

And that was the last straw. AC Beleriand’s passing killed the game; Anfauglith were simply too tired, too deflated to press AC Beleriand. The denizens of Angband booed loudly even before the final whistle was blown, but the AC Beleriand supporters cheered for their team. They chose a prudent approach; they didn’t need to win the game, and they got to rest in preparation for a game against either Gondolin or Inter Beleriand (or perhaps, though unlikely, even Eriador). And they saw that an on-form Fëanor was unplayable, even by one of the best defences in the tournament. Despite all the attention on the teams of Group D, they believed that Fëanor’s team was something special, and could go all the way.

AC Beleriand 1-0 Anfauglith
GOALS:
77, 1-0 Fingolfin (Eöl)

Total Shots
12-6
Shots On Target
5-2

YELLOW CARDS:
3-2
AC Beleriand: Fëanor, Ulrad, Fingolfin
Anfauglith: Rían, Gorgol

The home team Nargothrond was in last place, so to speak, in the race for the knockout stages. They were four goals down in difference, and they knew that their defence would have a hard time shutting down Doriath, who took two goals against AC Beleriand’s Fingolfin-led backline. Can Finrod, Glaurung, and Gwindor score five or six to qualify? Will Melian and Dior let them?

Doriath elected to play on the break instead of contesting Nargothrond in the midfield, with Melian starting at central defence for the third time running. They knew that both teams had equal numbers and almost equal talent in the midfield, but the Nargothrond offence cannot be contained by their back four alone. As for their offence, they had no player of Thuringwethil or Fëanor’s calibre who could dribble out the defenders and force multiple markers. Their front line’s greatest strength was their ability to create space and exploit them, especially with Mablung playing the false-striker role to the hilt, dragging away central defenders and leaving holes for Lúthien and Beleg’s inside runs.

They almost rued their decision to absorb the pressure instead of pressing themselves when Dior was called to action after fifteen minutes of play. First he palmed away Glaurung’s tailer from a Gwindor cross, and then he punched Finrod’s volley of the rebound over the crossbar. It was a fine double save, but now Nargothrond have won a corner, delivered by Finduilas, and Glaurung poked the ball between Galadhon’s legs; Dior could only stand helpless as the ball crossed the goal line.

Doriath fielded a lopsided 4-4-1-1, with right winger Beleg as the only outlet for long balls behind Mablung (instead of central attacking midfielder Nellas). But it was his wing partner Lúthien who created Doriath’s first chance near the half-hour mark, when she intercepted a sloppy Orodreth pass and zoomed downfield. She took on Mîm and found space to centre the ball, and Mablung stabbed it in with Nargothrond keeper Bëor diving too late.

The half ended in a deadlock, which had been the case for all but one game in the group (the AC Beleriand-Doriath tie), and the spectators knew that whoever came out of the locker rooms with fury would win the tie. The almost forty-thousand home supporters chanted their lungs out, knowing that their team had created far more chances in the first half, and would continue to do so, but the Doriath faithful noticed that, while Nargothrond’s many chances yielded but one goal, Doriath with their few chances were level with them. Their defence was better, and so was their finishing; thus they believed that their team could outlast the Nargothrond pressure.

Three minutes into the second half the Doriath crowd uttered a collective groan that was drowned out by the home supporters’ cheers. Finrod sent an incisive ball through the heart of the Doriath defence, and Gwindor’s superb turn-and-finish proved too much for Dior to handle. Nargothrond needed three more goals, and they still had plenty of time. However, Doriath would not simply roll over and die. A few minutes before the hour mark Melian sent a long ball to Beleg, who moved forward while Mablung pulled back. The Nargothrond defenders were unsure whom to guard, and Beleg had enough space to pass to a charging Daeron, whose drive from thirty yards clanged off the side post and into the net.

Nargothrond would answer eleven minutes later, when Gwindor found space to send a low cross that Finrod hooked in. But Doriath would equalise again in the seventy-fifth minute, after Mablung, in a rare display of strength, outmuscled Baran and Arminas to head in Beleg’s cross. The Nargothrond fans were snacking on their fingernails—would fifteen minutes be enough? Can they stop Doriath long enough to get the four goal difference they need?

They were given a glimmer of hope when, in the seventy-seventh minute, Gwindor dribbled past Nimloth into the box and Saeros’s sliding tackle collided with the winger’s ankle. A yellow card for the defender, and a spot kick for Nargothrond. Finrod took the penalty, and he sent it zooming to the left. But Dior guessed correctly—he had saved the penalty! Doriath supporters heaved a sigh of relief and the Nargothrond crowd clutched their heads. It seems that it was not meant to be.

Their pessimistic observation was borne out when Mablung completed his hat trick four minutes from time, taking a long pass from Melian before rounding past the Nargothrond defenders in a rare display of ball control. Nargothrond wondered why they had to meet Mablung on his day, and Doriath hoped that he would enjoy more days like this one.

Doriath 4-3 Nargothrond
GOALS:
16, 0-1 Glaurung (Finduilas)
29, 1-1 Mablung (Lúthien)
48, 1-2 Gwindor (Finrod)
56, 2-2 Daeron (Beleg)
67, 2-3 Finrod (Gwindor)
75, 3-3 Mablung (Beleg)
86, 4-3 Mablung (Melian)

Total Shots
17-22
Shots On Target
7-9

YELLOW CARDS:
1-2
Doriath: Saeros
Nargothrond: Mîm, Arminas

AC Beleriand gets first seed, and, despite their head-to-head game, Doriath snatches the second seed from Anfauglith due to goals scored.

Exit interviews shall soon be provided in the ArdaCup.com Tactical Review.

[Nogrod]

Group E at the Grey Havens, the shoot-out competition

The AKM’s reading instructions for the coverage: If you are wiling to just get the results scroll down until you find bolded results from each match-up and the end-result from the bottom of this post. If you’re into some hair-raising action and enjoyment of the drama of football, scroll carefully not letting yourself be spoiled with the bolded results coming your way as you go. Whichever way is your way, enjoy!

PS. The AKM understands this is probably the longest ever article in the history of the Arda Cup, but the situation was quite unique as well, so we here in the AKM thought it deserved a full coverage to all the fans in Arda and beyond.


~*~

The shoot-out competition

It was a time for the shoot-out competition at Lhûnarena to decide which two teams from Hithlum, The Havens and The Sea would qualify and who would qualify as E1 and who as E2. There had been some rumours that Manwë and his retinue had left the city after the defeat and the storm of yesterday had kind of confirmed that to many, but when Manwë and Mandos appeared in front of the full-packed stadium to perform as the shoot-out judges those stories gained a new twist. On the other hand Ulmo and his minions had made a great effort to dry the the pitch and the surrounding gardens for the day's shoot-outs to go on. Some sceptics said it was business as usual: the Ainur create problems and then correct them waiting to be honoured and praised...

So not all faces smiled seeing the ultimate judges personalities, but most of the folks packed at the arena and the dried surroundings were most of all happy for the matches to go on.


Mandos anyway declared the rules: every team would go against each other and after every team had faced the others it would be seen if there was a result or not. If not, the rounds would be repeated as many times it was needed to produce a result. The rules for an inividual match-up would be the following: both teams take five shots and if the scores are even, they go one by one until the winner is found. And no player would be allowed to make two shots until every player of the team had made one. So it would not be only the stars of each team competing each other but every team would need to produce some wider quality.

The order of the match-ups was then drawn with the team captains present. First it would be Hithlum against The Sea, then The Sea against The Havens and lastly The Havens against Hithlum.


~*~

Match 1, Hithlum vs. The Sea

The first shoot-out competition between Hithlum and The Sea was ordered to take place at the south-end goal and the crowds on that part of the stands were more than happy. Malach Aradan and Voronwë shook hands before starting to walk slowly towards the goal. Their concentration had already started and both the great grandfather of men and the heroic elf walked quietly forwards ending up in the opposite sides of the goal, waiting for their task to begin.

After Manwë and Mandos had received shooting order -lists from both teams the competition was ready to begin after a coin was tossed to determine which team would go first. It would be Hithlum.

It was no surprise to anyone that Túrin took the ball first walking with easy pace to the penalty spot while both teams stood at the center, team Hithlum players holding each other from shoulders.

Túrin set the ball into the chalked spot without hesitation, took a few quick steps backwards, glanced at Voronwë with a grim smile – and charged. Gooooaaaalll! Voronwë stood no chance against that cannon-blast straight into the upper-left corner.

Túrin is a great and renowned man, but so is Tar Minastir, the unrivalled and strongest King of all the Middle-Earth at his time, a man who was the key in beating Sauron himself. And he was as fast and pragmatic as Túrin had been: the ball into it’s place, a short few steps back, a challenging glance at Aradan and an unstoppable hammer into the back of the net. And like Túrin, he didn’t cheer or run around, only nodded at his team-mates and walked back at a leisured pace.

Hithlum 1 – 1 The Sea

The next shooter was the man with fire within him, a man no less than Húrin himself. And his determination was easy to see even to the other end of the stadium. Unlike the first two shooters he did take his time after setting the ball and taking his steps back. He was staring at Voronwë, challenging him with his gaze. If possible he looked even more grim his son looked – and with the first sign of Voronwë blinking he dashed forwards – and sent the ball hard into the center of the goal when Voronwë dived to the right feeling the need to react.

Tar Aldarion was the next shooter – a king who is perhaps unfairly known better from his marital problems than for his intelligence and capabilties. But on his turn he left no one a chance of questioning those characteristics: he took a long run to the ball – and stopped suddenly just as his boot was going to hit it. Aradan made a reflection dive forwards-right believing the shot was coming, but it didn’t come… yet. Tar Aldarion looked over when Aradan landed to the ground and then tossed the ball into the lower left corner of the goal like he couldn’t care less.

Hithlum 2 – 2 The Sea

It was Húrin’s grandfather and Aradan’s grand-grand-child Hador the Goldenhead who came forth the next. And like the previous shooters he didn’t give the goalie a chance. A powerful and accurate shot just under the crossbar left Voronwë totally helpless.

After starting with two Númenorians The Sea now sent it’s first Maia into the game. Ossë took the ball firmly into his hands and settled it sternly into a position. Nodding to Aradan with a grin he took only one step back and leaned backwards – and then shot an amazing blast of a kick that would have broken a skull if any had been on it’s way. But the ball went flying high over the goal and into the upper level of the stands. It was a miss!

Hithlum 3 – 2 The Sea

It was Niënor Niniel’s turn when Hithlum had taken the lead, and many Hithlum supporters were afraid if the young woman could handle the situation without breaking. She took the ball, settled it, took the steps back and breathed deep staring at the middle of the goal, like she tried to gaze through Voronwë. Then she dashed forwards and shot the ball closing her eyes… Voronwë hunched her intention to be shooting into the center and stood still only grounding his feet deeper on the ground to receive the force of the ball coming in – but Niniel’s shot that started plain forwards went curving neatly to the right side of the goal and Voronwë was totally late when he realised it. Niënor had outwitted him and scored!

The Hithlum supporters were going crazy while the Sea’s supporters fell totally silent… Hithlum led by four goals to two and if the next shooter from The Sea would fail it would be all over as the last round wouldn’t be needed.

But it was Ulmo himself who turned out to shoot next! The supporters went exploding and praised Eru of the tactical choice that was made before the shooting started: who else could bear the pressure if not Ulmo? “Praised be Mandos”, many of them thought – and many men cursed the same thing suspecting some foul games behind the scene. But it was clear, Ulmo had not made his shot and Manwë declared it was now his turn.

Ulmo took a deep breath after setting the ball and taking his distance. Aradan looked nervous but steadfast: he would stand his ground whatever the second of the Aratar would do. Ulmo was not hurrying up but started somehow growing, not in size but in stature, and suddenly he was on the move. The spectators felt like they were witnessing a slow-replay, like something happened and they just saw a slow-motion replica of it… and Aradan must have felt the same as the ball was in the back of the net before he realised Ulmo had taken the shot. Many humans were booing and some discredited the goal for “some Western wizardry”, but it was a goal nonetheless.

Hithlum 4 – 3 The Sea

The stadium fell silent as Morwen walked towards the box. The tension was building up. If She scored Hithlum would claim victory over The Sea. And Morwen, if someone, would know what it is to act under pressure… many Hithlum supporters silently praised Eru for the wise choice of the team.

Morwen took the ball, settled it for quite a long while before she was happy with it, took the steps back and breathed heavily. It was the decisive shot and she knew it. It was all upon her now and she just needed to act. And she did. With a few slow steps she got into motion and then sped on dashing to the ball sending it powerfully towards the lower left corner of the goal – and Voronwë hunched it right diving to the the ball and tipping the ball away from the post! It was the first save of the day and the Sea had a chance to get even!

And it was Vëantur, grandfather of Tar Aldarion, the mariner, the great captain of King’s ships, who proceeded towards the penalty spot… It was now up to him whether the game continued or whether The Sea lost it. With steadfast hands he placed the ball and took his steps away from it, quite a many of them. He was staring at the right corner of the goal incessantly totally ignoring the gaze of Aradan. And he ran, and he shot the ball with power… to the right corner of the goal – and it was in! Aradan hesitated just a part of a second trying to decide whether Vëantur’s intent gaze was a trick or not – and that did it, he was an inch late and only managed to touch the ball with the tips of his fingers, but couldn’t deny the goal.

Hithlum 4 – 4 The Sea

After all the five shooters had taken their shots it would then be one on one – in a reverse order. And the first pair where one scored and the other didn’t would decide the game. It was getting unbearably tense – even if the home team wasn’t part of it yet – but every elf in the stadium realised they’d have to face the same drama with their own team soon enough…

So it was Uinen who came forwards the next. Many humans in the crowds were sighing in despair just realising how many of the Ainur the Sea boasted in it’s ranks – and comparing them to what their team had in store for the next rounds. But they didn’t lose faith, on the contrary they started chanting songs to distract Uinen and to aid Aradan.

And Uinen missed the goal! She shot it wide! The humans were rejoicing. Their next shooter had a chance to win the game for them.

And it was actually none other than their goal-keeper Malach Aradan who came from beside the goal to take the shot. “It takes one to know one” they say – and so the Hithlum fans sang away when Aradan settled the ball to the spot. Aradan was in no hurry but took his time looking around the different areas of the goal clearly trying to make Voronwë guessing what he was going to be up to. Then he suddenly sped himself to the ball and made a shot… and fell down to the grass!

He had slipped at the crucial moment and the ball went on with half the speed it would have done if he had managed the shot normally. But it was heading to the opposite direction Voronwë was diving for! Voronwë made an incredible stretch and was able to touch the ball with the tip of his left foot changing the angle of the ball’s trajectory just enough to make it roll slowly just beside the post and off.

With both goalies lying in the grass and watching the ball roll past the goal the fans of the Sea rose up in the stands cheering wildly while the human fans fell silent. The game was still on!

Hithlum 4 – 4 The Sea

The Sea was able to put forwards yet another Maia and the fans were getting really excited. After all those shots they had been making with a knife at their throat they were now feeling like back in the steering wheel. And Salmar was a mighty if somewhat shady character just fitting for a shoot-out competition. And like some of the first shooters it looked like he really knew what to do. A short walk away from the ball, a sharp glance at the upper left corner, and a shot into the lower right corner. And it was a goal! The Sea was in the lead for the first time.

So now it was up to proud Andróg whether Hithlum would continue the game or whether they would lose. Andróg took his time and breathed slowly: it was him or the elf and he had to make good his error of giving Valimar the penalty-shot in the game. He just had to. He gathered energy, gathered feeling inside him, gathered rage, gathered power to release – and he dashed to the ball. It was a mighty shot from a mighty man and Voronwë dived to the opposite side of the goal! But the ball went wide!! Andróg missed!

Andróg fell on his knees from disappointment. He had been given an opportunity to make good his deed and he had failed. Voronwë walked past him and pat him gently on the shoulder before the cheering The Sea players reached him and joined in a group embrace.

Hithlum 4 – 5 The Sea

The Sea had won the first match-up 5-4 – and unless all the teams played cross-wins, they would qualify! So it was a huge step ahed for The Sea and a real setback for Hithlum.


~*~

Match 2, The Havens vs. The Sea

The second match-up would be the hosts The Havens vs. the winners of the first match The Sea. If The Sea would win this they would secure their qualification as number one (facing Real Valinor then) and leave the hosts fight it out against Hithlum for the second place in the group (to face FC Valinor). If The Havens won, they’d have a similar situation facing Hithlum in the last match-up. But with all teams ending up with one win, all the matches would be replayed as long as there was a result.

The Sea’s players were allowed a fifteen minute pause to regain their energies and to concentrate on the match to follow. The order of the shooting was meanwhile decided by throwing a coin again, and The Sea would be shooting, again, as the second team while The Havens would start. And like the last time: if five shots would not be enough to decide a winner, there would be one-on-one shots in a reverse order until there was a result.

While others were preparing themselves around the Mid-spot of the pitch, Cirdan walked quietly to the north-end goal where Voronwë was already concentrating sitting beside the goal. The two elves embraced and seemed to change a few light words before they both sat down next to each other to just sit still and get ready for the shoot-out. What they might have been sharing their laughs on is anybody’s guess.

When Mandos blew the horn as a sign for the second match to begin, Eärendil took towards the goal and Voronwë rose up walking in between the posts clapping his hands together to boost himself. The second match-up was getting started and the crowds cheered wildly for their hero Eärendil as he settled the ball into position and took the few steps back from it he needed. It was a remarkably short distance, just a few steps from the ball. Suddenly a dragon-killer’s fire eas lit in his eyes and he made a dash… and before Voronwë even realised the ball was in the net. Voronwë was left literally standing against the cannon booted from Eärendil’s foot. The crowds went crazy and enjoyed the humiliation to the fullest. Eärendil was their man!

Cirdan nodded with compassion to his fellow keeper and encouragingly patted his shoulder as they passed each other, Voronwë on his way outside the pitch and Cirdan going to face his turn on the goal.

Tar Minastir had already reached the penalty spot and was settling the ball into a position he would be happy with. And if somene had thought the Tower Watcher could be derailed with a lots of pressure from the crowds, they were very wrong. He looked at Cirdan to the eye, nodded, and took off. Cirdan hunched it right and dived towards the lower-right corner but the shot was just too powerful for him to reach it. Like the last time, Tar Minastir barely waved his hand to celebrate the goal but nodded to his team-mates after turning around and starting to walk slowly towards them.

Cirdan received a pat in his shoulder from Voronwë walking out from the pitch. They smiled and shook their heads while passing each other. It takes one to know one, and it takes a goalie to understand another goalie’s feeling in a penalty shoot-out…

The Havens 1 – 1 The Sea

The Havens continued with their strongest players sending Tuor to take the second shot. The two Ulmondili looked at each other for a moment in silence. Then Tuor bowed graciously to his one time guide and friend Voronwë who payed the courtesy back with a deep bow in turn. Tuor took the steps away from the ball walking backwards, looking at his friend to the eye as he backed away from him and the ball. And suddenly he was off with it shooting a real boomer to the upper-left corner of the goal.

But Voronwë got it right and made an unbelievable dive to the ball, catching it with his both hands and falling down still clinging to the ball in his fingers. There was a loud sigh in the crowds but with Tuor starting to cheer to his friend clapping his hands together high in the air the crowds slowly followed and in the end Voronwë was applauded for what he was due. It was by far the most beautiful save of the day.

Tar Aldarion now had a chance of putting The Sea in the lead and the crowds remembered just too well how he humiliated Aradan in the first match-up. The elves of the Greay Havens were biting their nails but Cirdan stood firm: Aldarion could not repeat his trick on him. And he didn’t.

Instead Tar Aldarion made a powerful run to the ball and booted it into the exact upper-right corner of the goal, the ball going in by slightly hitting both the crossbar and the post. Cirdan stood no chance against a shot like that. The Sea was in the lead.

The Havens 1 – 2 The Sea

Had the Havens known they would be down one goal after Eärendil and Tuor they sure would have chosen someone else to take the third shot, but they had declared Angrod as their third shooter and Angrod it would be. His tournament hadn’t gone too well thus far, gaining only one assist and one yellow card thus far it seemed Angrod’s self-reliance wasn’t the best it could be. The pressure was heavy on him: should he fail The Sea had a chance to take practically an unreachable two goal lead.

Angrod breathed heavily and concentrated with care before executing his shot. And he scored! Voronwë hunched it wrong and went to the opposite direction from Angrod’s sharp placement of the ball to the lower-left side of the goal. His relief could be seen from his body-language from the farthest point of the stadium as he went on jumping and cheering around from relief. Coming towards the rest of the team in the middle of the pitch Andreth ran to embrace him witch his borther Aegnor in her trail. The crowds cheered wildly.

But Ossë was already marching towards the penalty spot with steady feet. He had shot the ball high over the goal in the match-up against Hithlum – and the crowds started whistling and booing to him hoping he would miss the target again… in vain. With his trademark “one step run” to the ball Ossë hammered the ball straight into the center of the goal while Cirdan started reaching for the lower-left corner only to realise the real target a moment too late and unable to correct the trajectory of his weight. He fell on all fours to the ground and the ball slowly rolled back from the net just past him. It was humiliating.

But to the amazement of many in the stands Ossë came down to help his friend up and they nodded to each other holding their hands at each other’s shoulders. It did look like Ossë was saying “sorry pal”, and Cirdan was answering “never mind friend, my fault” – with their eyes only. Whatever it was, The Sea stayed in the lead.

The Havens 2 – 3 The Sea

So Aegnor faced the same pressure his brother had faced just a moment before, but in a bit more serious situation. If he failed and the next shooter from the Sea scored it would be all over. He placed the ball carefully to the spot trying not to reveal his decision to go for the left side of the goal with his eyes. Instead he tried to think of the crowds cheering and Andreth giving him a dear embrace as well after a succesful shot shutting off the images of failure from his mind.

He ran towards the ball and sent it flying towards the left side of the goal. Voronwë was about to jump to the right but realised at the last instant the shot was coming to the left and managed to change the momentum of his motion towards left… his fingertips touched the ball slightly swerving it more to the left.
The ball hit the post – and bounced inside from it!

The crowds exploded and Aegnor jumped high rolling his fisted right hand in the air. Jogging towards his team-mates he saw Andreth Saelind actually coming towards him with his brother on her trail. Aegnor and Andreth embraced – and Andreth kissed him! The crowds awed.

But the cheers died as quickly as they had started. Like in their first match-up The Sea marched forwards none less than Ulmo himself as their fourth shooter – and everyone remembered the awkward and almost magical goal he had made against Aradan of Hithlum. Could the Lord of the Falathrim stand up for the challenge of Ulmo? Suddenly it was strangely silent as Ulmo settled the ball to his liking at the spot.

Many vowed afterwards Ulmo had used a similar kind of a mind-trick as they claimed he had done in the first match-up, others were less sure. But everyone agreed things happened with incredible speed: at one moment they saw Ulmo bending backwards some ten feet away from the ball and next they saw it flying high up in the air towards the middle of the pitch after Cirdan had stood his ground and fisted it back and away from the goal. There was a moment of awed silence after which the stands broke into wild yells and cheer. Cirdan had saved Ulmo’s attempt and the game was even once again! Whatever had happened Cirdan had anticipated it… so it was not in vain he was called the most foresighted of the Falathrim.

The Havens 3 – 3 The Sea

The last shooter on the regular round from the Havens was none other than Olwë himself. Coming even from behind and seeing the great king coming to the fore the elves of the Havens were feeling confident again.

The white-haired king settled the ball into it’s place, glanced at Voronwë at the goal and backstepped a few feet away from the ball. With the home crowds cheering and chanting Olwë closed his eyes to breath in the strength from the elven crowd and stiffening his body. And he went for the shot booting the ball like he was, despite his years, still a youth. The shot took a mighty swerve…

Voronwë’s reaction was once again correct but despite his great reaction he seemed just inches late as the ball swerved ever more to the right – and off the goal just missing the post! Olwë had missed the goal!

For a moment Vëantur walked towards the penalty spot in total silence but slowly the crowds awoke to booing and whistling. At the time he adjusted the ball into it’s place the noise was already angbandal. And the reason was clear: if he scored The Sea would win, if he didn’t The Havens would still have a chance to fight for the win. With the win The Sea would not only qualify but they would also avoid facing FC Valinor which would be the destiny of the second team qualifying from this group. So being E1 was paramount.

Vëantur ignored the crowds and greeted his old friend Cirdan with a courteous nod before taking the somewhat lengthy way back from the ball. Cirdan saluted the Sea-Commander by raising his right hand to his forehead. Under all that pressure and the tens of thousands of fans the man and the elf seemed congenial. They were in a competition but they weren’t fighting eact other: what an example to any youngsters at the stands or reading this report: so children, remember this!

Vëantur took his time standing behind the ball. Then he suddenly raised his hand and pointed to the upper-left corner. Cirdan glanced up there and turned his eyes back to Vëantur smiling and nodding. Vëantur returned the nod and dashed forwards to the ball. Instead of the upper-left corner the ball whirled towards the lower-right side of the goal. And Cirdan got it right diving towards the shot into the right corner… Cirdan’s fingers caught the ball but there was a spin in the ball and it just rolled over Cirdan’s hands. Cirdan managed to take a second chance with his reflexes grasping the ball again with his left hand but that just doubled the spin and sped it’s way into the goal. It was a goal indeed!

The Havens 3-4 The Sea

The Sea had won group E by beating The Havens 4-3 and Hithlum 5-4! They would face Real Valinor in the first round of qualifiers while The Havens and Hithlum would fight it out in the last match-up which team would follow The Sea into the qualifiers meeting the feared FC Valinor.


~*~

Match 3, Hithlum vs. The Havens

So it was then that the homeside and Hithlum would play it out which one would qualify and which one would be left into the group-phase. The always keen statisticians started making predictions while the teams were preparing for the day’s finals contest in the field. Those in favour of The Havens went on reminding that Aradan hadn’t made a single save whereas Cirdan had made one – and they said also that behind the four top players Hithlum’s talent was light indeed and the wider spread of players able to clutch a game would make The Havens win. But those supporting Hithlum in turn reminded that both Tuor and Olwë had failed while all the Hithlum top-players had succeeded, and that Cirdan’s save against Ulmo was in part due both to him knowing Ulmo a way better Malach Aradan ever could and that he had seen the trick already so there was no way of telling which was the better goalie. The more level-minded people liked to note that the overall stats from the actual group-games showed Cirdan to be 3% more effective in shutting the shots on goal than Aradan, but on the other hand team Hithlum was about the same 3% more effective in scoring than The Havens, so it would be a tight match-up in any case.

The coin-toss ordered Hithlum to begin the shoot-out and Túrin was more than ready for the task. He was just like in the first competiton – or like he always was, as some noted. He took a glance at Cirdan and made his short run to the ball – and kicked it with power straight into the net leaving Cirdan without a chance whatsoever. Hithlum fans were having good times, this was how their team scored.

But when Eärendil came forth to shoot the crowds just went wild. Túrin was a great player, an icon in football to be sure, but Eärendil was the elves’ favourite and he had a dragon under his belt as well as Túrin. And it took him no hesitation to even the scoreline with a mighty boot to the upper-right corner of the goal. It was a mighty start for the final competition: two Arda-class finishes from two great players who left the goalies basically standing in between their posts.

Hithlum 1 – 1 The Havens

Húrin walked to the box and took his time with settling the ball as he used to do and took the steps back slowly with a determined look in his face. He stared Cirdan to the eyes. One who had stood against Morgoth’s gaze and all his torments, and seen and done what Húrin had, was such a strong soul even a mighty elven lord felt the pressure of his eyes.

Húrin ran towards the ball and Cirdan blinked to the right just before Húrin was hitting the ball. He saw Cirdan reacting rightwards and booted the ball from the bottom of his darkened heart to the left only to realise Cirdan outwitting him as the reaction had been a trick and Cirdan actually dived left. But such was the force of Húrin’s shot that Cirdan managed just barely to fist the ball off target even if he was spot on. But the goal was untouched! The Havens took a claim to victory with Cirdan denying none other than Húrin himself. The elven crowds were going nuts.

Tuor met his uncle halfway up to the northern end of the field walking towards the goal and the two exchanged looks. It was clearly an emotional moment for both of them, even if Húrin wasn’t exactly betraying his emotions with his face. In a post-game interview Tuor actually told the press that he surely wished all the Hithlum players to miss their shots, except his uncle who’d had “enough misfortunes and hardships for a thousand lives”.

But to be honest Tuor had his own pressures as well. Voronwë had beaten him in the first match and he had a lot to show for the Havens’ supporters. After adjusting and then readjusting the ball into its place after Mandos’ orders, Tuor looked concentrated when he walked away from the ball while Aradan jumped up and down to get himself into a right feeling to deny him. Tuor licked his upper lip and set himself forwards. And he produced probably the most confident goal of the day thus far!

Just as he was going to kick the ball he slowed his motion almost imperceptibly letting Aradan make the first move – which was going to the right – and then he just chipped the ball in the middle of the goal.

That was cool (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=807ZjU-YPHw/)!

Hithlum 1 – 2 The Havens

With the homefans in a celebratory mood it was time for Hador Lórindol to show what the great men were made of. Like Túrin he just hammered the ball in with such force that even if Cirdan was actually diving for the right direction he had no chance to divert the ball’s trajectory as it rocketed in, partly from between his hands. Hithlum clearly was in no way surrendering the fight. Hador’s stature and body-language told it to the whole stadium as he just raised his fisted right hand while turning back away from the goal to walk back to the other players centerfield.

Hador’s cool defiance didn’t make the situation easier for Angrod. If he missed Hithlum would have evened the scores. Oh, the pressure…

Angrod took his time once again and went for a trick inspired by Tuor’s magical shot. It must have been something in his eyes or just pure luck but Malach Aradan hunched what he was trying to do and after pretending to fall slightly to the right he actually dived towards the shot and caught the chip safely into his gloves. For a moment there was an awkward silence at the stadium except the supporters of team Hithlum who yelled as loud as they could in support of their great grand-grand-father.

Hithlum 2 – 2 The Havens

Niënor Niniel had earned all the trust of Hithlum supporters with her cool scoring in the first match-up and the fans were getting loud indeed while the locals were biting their nails fearing Hithlum would take the initiative once more. The whistling of the homecrowd sure overtook the chants of the visiting fans but it didn’t sound as confident one would have anticipated. There was nervousness in the stands.

Niënor settled the ball and took her steps away from it in total calm not even glancing at Cirdan. After a few heavy breaths in and out she went for it and shot once more a nasty curve-ball that seemed to go straight but then started bending half-way to the goal. Cirdan had anticipated something like that and hadn’t moved when the shot took off but went after it with instinct the part of the second later when he thought he had a hunch as to where it would bend – and he got it wrong! Diving right he gasped in mid-air seeing the ball taking an incredibly strong bend leftwards. The ball was heading into the empty net and the homecroeds held theior breath while Hithlum supporters jumped up only to realise in the middle of their jump that the ball bent too much and went just an inch wide the target.

Suddenly the crowds were alive again. It was a miss from Niënor! The Havens could still take the lead after four shooters! And Aegnor had scored the last time so he would be an elf to grant them their lead. The cheering of the crowds were rekindled into full force.

Aegnor tried to stick into the good things while walking towards the goal… he could visualize himself scoring, he could hear the crowds cheering at him, he could feel Andreth’s lips pressed against his… Suddenly he saw his sister Galadriel and brother Felagund with his mind’s eye. They weren’t looking too happy with his procrastinations, Suddenly he felt weak. But he would not show it. He would not think of it. He would throw it away and score… He was muttering to himself as he settled the ball into it’s position and took the steps backwards.

He ran for it looking straight forwards trying not to reveal to Aradan his thoughts that were at the upper-left corner of the goal. A moment before his boot hit the ball he saw Aradan hunching up-left. A split second’s hesitation proved disasterous. He was about to change the plan at the last instance but realised it was too late – and the shot ended up more or less to where he had originally intended but with half the power and accuracy he could have pulled out sticking to his plan and ignoring the keeper’s reactions.

Aradan shoved the shot away from the goal with his palms. The crowds were having a real roller-coaster ride this time. After four shots each, the game was even.

Hithlum 2 – 2 The Havens

Morwen walked to the penalty spot her eyes almost closed when the homecrowds started their whistling to try and distract her. But there was nothing that could have taken Morwen out and off her misery at that moment. Voronwë had saved her shot in the first match and her husband had been shut out cruelly in this one. She was filled with agony and despair. It was just going to go down the drain as it used to, she thought walking away from the ball trying to shut out the yells from the crowds.

After standing motionlessly a while she suddenly turned her face towards Mandos standing beside the goal searching for his eyes. Catching his attention her eyes flared and she yelled out aloud over all the whistling of the crowds: “For Húrin, for my children!”.

Closing her eyes she ran to the ball and shot it from the bottom of her soul – into the goal! Cirdan might have been distracted or then he wasn’t, but the shot was just such a hammer-blow he had no way of getting in between it and the goal he was keeping. Some thouhgt afterwards Mandos might have grown soft on such appeals and froze Cirdan for the decisive second but most reasonable commentators disqualified such speculation as nonsense it was.

But Hithlum was in the lead now and the Havens just had to score… otherwise the games would be over for the team and Hithlum would qualify.

Olwë walked towards the penalty spot slowly and majestically looking nothing like an elf-king who had missed his shot in the first match. He was proud and tall, radiating confidence and honour to the highest rows of the stands. And slowly the trust spread within the homecrowds and they started cheering and chanting for him.

This time there was no swerve in the ball but just a plain old-fashioned power-shot that left Aradan taste the grass on the wrong side of the goal while Olwë slowly rolled his fist a few times over his head and bowed then to the cheering crowds before walking back to his team-mates.

Hithlum 3 – 3 The Havens

After the first five shots the match for qualifying was even. It would be one on one then to decide. It was getting more intensive many of the home-team supporters, most of them new to football, were ready to handle. And it would be the home team that would shoot first now.

But seeing that Cirdan himself would be shooting the first one the crowds kind of awoke from a spell. Cirdan was their hero and who else could lead them if not the bearded elf, the friend of the mighty and lesser folks as well?

The stadium awoke to a full cheer when Cirdan took the ball and settled it for a shot. Wawing to the stands Cirdan backtracked a few steps and emptied his lungs with a long blow out. Taking the air in he straightened his back and there he was, on the run.

He hadn’t given Aradan any hint of what he was thinking about by avoiding his eyes and the goal itself all the time, suddenly, at the moment just before hitting the ball he raised his eyes from the ball and glanced quickly at the top-left corner of the goal and then shut his eyes and booted the ball to it’s way.

Aradan was an experienced goal-keeper and quickly realised the trick the other goalie was trying on him. With such a plain revealment of where he was “going to shoot” it was clear it was just a game Cirdan was trying to play with him, and Cirdan would anticipate him understanding it and thus not go to the other end but actually dive to the left – and if that was what Cirdan hoped for he should dive right.

The moment the ball got loose from Cirdan’s boot Aradan jumped to the right and the ball headed just that way… only to suddenly swerve slightly back to the middle. Aradan had little options in mid-air but trying to reach for the ball with his legs while flying away from the ball. And he managed to stretch his left foot to hit the ball!

The ball bounced from Aradan’s foot to the roof of the goal just a few inches behind the crossbar and rolled along the net to bounce again from the bottom-bar rolling out of the goal over Aradan who laid down on the grass watching it go. The Havens was on the lead and Cirdan was their hero once again.

But when Aradan got himself up and walked not to the side of the goal but to the penalty spot the mood suddenly changed again. If a goalie can thusly fool another goalie why wouldn’t another goalie do the same? The home-supporters were worried and nervous feeling good only about the fact that their team could not lose the game with this shot. But their sudden joy of winning was now challenged and they didn’t know what to do or feel.

Now Aradan had slipped off balance the last time he made a shot, but even then he had only barely missed the goal as he had totally fooled Voronwë into the wrong corner. And Aradan looked again so confident the crowds forgot to whistle to him for a while.

Aradan was one of the first men and when he straightened to his full height some ten feet behind the ball he looked majestic indeed. He concentrated with his eyes closed for a moment and then opened his eyes gazing straight ahead with kind of a blind stare. Then he eyed the upper-right corner of the goal, then the lower left-one, then the upper-right corner again only to let his eyes fall down to the lower-right with his head coming down – and he was on the run.

Cirdan had never liked tricks and schemes and now he felt really uncomfortable: Aradan had given him a dozen of hints just to scheme it, but what was he really up to? Unable to pick up a better plan Cirdan went with the old maxim that the shooter who tries to fool you often reveals himself showing his real target not as the first but as the second one he glances. So at the moment Aradan hit the ball Cirdan dived towards the lower-left corer of the goal. And that was a mistake!

While cirdan jumped to the left, the ball headed straight towards the center of the goal. Aradan was raising his hands to celebrate when the ball hit the crossbar and bounced off and up to the stands behind the goal!

Aradan had missed another shot and Hithlum was out!

It took some time from the crowds to realize what had happened, but when they did there was no limit to their joy and cheers. The Havens had qualified!

Hithlum 3-4 The Havens



~*~

So The Sea goes forwards as E1 (facing Real Valinor) and The Havens as E2 (facing FC Valinor). Hithlum is left into the group-phase with Valimar.


Look for the AKM's selected post-group interviews & investment-group articles to come into a computer near you soon!

[Boromir88]

Group A @ Michel Delving

Group A was still completely up for grabs. Angband had the upper hand but they still needed at least 1 point to assure their advance. And they were facing the dreaded Tol-in-Gaurhoth, who had not looked like their usual selves so far, but they always show up under these pressure situations. The bigger the stage, the more they thrive, but Angband is used to being in these games as well.

The match was set to start mid-day, but there was a heavy, dark overcast which blocked out the high sun and conditions were getting wet on the pitch. Many believed this was the work of Morgoth but some also noted TIG seems to be followed but an aura of bad weather, remembering the tornado and thunderstorm they played in a couple years ago.

Tol-in-Gaurhoth came out pressing more, for they were the team that desperately needed the 3 points with a win. Phantomwolf was really commanding the mid-field, overpowering the Men of Angband. Although they were not consistently threatening Carcharoth, because Angband's back line was led by Morgoth and his Balrogs. The defense-wights of TIG seemed a bit timid to come further up, with the wet pitch, they were nervous of hitting a slippery patch and Angband's ability to counter if Morgoth intercepted a pass.

Gradually Angband started taking firmer control as the half went on. Morgoth stepped up into the mid-field and that nullified phantomwolf's presense. Any TIG attack was stopped before it could begin and Angband was now seeing more possession. Ancalagon unleashed a couple wicked tail blasts on goal, to test TIG's keeper. Shastawolf was more than able to swat the attempts away, but Angband won a few corners. In the 37th minute, Morgoth crossed a corner into the box, Ancalagon rose above everyone else, to head it straight down and over the line.

Angband didn't let up on the pressure either, as they appeared to want to have an excellent close to the first half, and perhaps put this match away (and thus win the group) early. Nilpwolf was matched up against Ancalagon, and some thought it might have been better to put the lone wolf-defender on the cat. But Telvildo was agile enough to avoid the few wolf-players of TIG and still find openings. The feline, jumped, weaved, and then flicked a pass to Ancalagon who whipped the ball in with a trademark blast off its tail. It was center goal, but too high and hard for Shastawolf to react in time. The wolves and wights would head into the break, down 2-0 and desperately in need of a win.

The 2nd half was a classic example of letting up on just some of the effort and your performance plummets. Morgoth appeared to want to coast the rest of the match, as if it were a friendly. TIG however needed to win and they were not broken yet. If anything, they know how to stage comebacks in roaring fashion.

It still seemed to take TIG too long to finally break through Morgoth's defense and Angband's hand. NerWight didn't have much work to do with phantomwolf's precise pass, just redirect it's trajectory to the far post as Carcharoth was well off his line. Now with only a 1-goal lead Morgoth yet again stepped up in the mid-field to nullify TIG's advantage there. Only, unlike the 1st half, TIG was no longer timid.

They were going to throw caution to the wind and push everyone forward, if Angband got a goal on the counter, so be it. At least they would go down in a fury. As it turned out TIG's aggression paid off in the 84th minute as NogWolf pounded in LegateWight's shot off the post.

It was all level now, but TIG was not going to let up. They were not eliminated with a draw, but they could assure advancing with a win. Morgoth had no choice but to throw up the barricades and have his entire team practically defending on Carcharoth's lap. With only a few minutes of extra time left, TIG really started risking everything. They even pulled ShastaWolf out from goal just to have an extra player attacked. But in the final seconds, Morgoth cut off a pass and cleared it all the way back down TIG's end.

That was it. Angband is already qualified no matter what happens in the late match. TIG was currently sitting in 2nd, with 3 points. But if there was a winner between SB United and The Downer, they would be eliminated. So, they all had to wait, and hope for that one to end in a draw.

Angband 2-2 Tol In Gaurhoth
on target 8-7
tot shots 17-19
GOALS:
*37, 1-0 Ancalagon (Morgoth)
*44, 2-0 Ancalagon (Telvildo)
*66, 2-1 NerWight (PhantomWolf)
*84, 2-2 NogWolf (LegateWight)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Angband- Morgoth, Gelmir, Uldor
*TIG- SallyWight, GwathWight

After the first match had been played under an overcast, the clouds broke immediately. Michel Delving stadium was completely filled even an hour before the match was scheduled to start. With hobbits, wights, wolves, orcs, men, elves and others all in attendance. Shire-Bree was clearly the team the fans were fully rooting for. The Downer had very few supporters and the TIG fans were solely there to root for a very specific result. (Either a 0-0, or 1-1 draw would mean TIG advances. 2-2 draw would lead to a shoot out for 2nd place. A 3-3 draw, or a winner would clearly not be good).

Despite the entire stadium rocking, chanting, and drumming support the match began very slow. It was perhaps because Bombadil was not at all making his presense known. Normally he's either not on the pitch at all (and thus people notice he's not there) or he is and his skill can't be contained. Bombadil was actually on the field and playing, but he was completely neutralized.

In fact, that seemed to be captain Hookbill's strategy, to make Bombadil ineffective and force someone else from Shire-Bree to beat them. A smart plan, but neutralizing Bombadil was perceived as impossible by most others, as they could only wait and hope for the funny man to be distracted by lilies or something ridiculous. However, Hookbill placed Alien on Bombadil duties, and as it turns out Bombadil was very intrigued by Alien. Bombadil even began reading some of his poems, that is, until Alien produced a flame-thrower and set Bombadil's feathered cap on fire (Alien of course received a yellow).

Hookbill was quite pleased with his strategy, because with Bombadil being shut down, Shire-Bree was still getting more chances, but they weren't very good chances. They lacked the finishing touch and expertise of Bombadil. In the 35th minute, Shire-Bree received a gift of a chance though.

Khamul and Barrow-wight were causing the most havoc and, Khamul looked sure to score, but John Fillis stuck out his arm in what was a clear handball in the box. Fillis was carded and it was now a penalty kick, to be taken by Strider. In a cool display of skill, Strider struck and the ball slipped just inside the right post. The stadium erupted with cheers of STRIKER! STRIKER! STRIKER! Except the small section of Downer and TIG supporters.

The halftime whistle blew and the crowd was still partying and elated. Their team was winning, and it was time to get refills on all their pints before the 2nd began. However, SB-United had a cold awakening, realizing The Downer might be whacky and unpredictable, but they were not deflated and demoralized yet. Far from it, as The Downer began concentrating efforts on an equalizer.

They would get it in the 62nd minute, off a pass by Saucepan Man and finished by Hookbill. The TIG neutrals were suddenly livened again, because a 1-1 result means they would advance instead of the Shire team. SB-United grew slightly nervous for the first time in the match, even if there was a lot of time left, Bombadil was still completely ineffective while being marked by Alien. Who would have thought there could be a player who was more annoying than Bombadil? Could SB United win with their star-striker having no impact on it?

Their players were determined to win in front of their home crowd, on this final round of group matches, though. In the 79th minute, Gildor raced down the left flank and passed it back into the center to the Barrow-wight. The B-W made excellent contact and hit a rising thunderbolt, scraping the top crossbar and into the back of the net. One could not hear their own screams it was that loud in Michel Delving Stadium. TIG fans slumped at the goal, realizing what this meant to their fate, and were further annoyed when The Downer appeared to have no interest in even trying to equalize again.

A draw wouldn't do The Downer any good, so they simply stopped, as Hookbill told them that was it and to have fun. "Fun" on this day meaning watching Alien devise new ways to torment and make fun of Bombadil's outfit and poetry. Strider was protesting to the ref, but the ref had his hands tied...they weren't violently hurting anyone nor damaging property. Even with the anti-climatic end, that did not stop the crowd from singing and partying.

In fact, the rather boring end, seemed to only make anticipation of the victory party grow as the game was coming to an end. For when the ref blew the final whistle, the stadium exploded in jubilee. They did not remember the last time they could be this excited about a team from the Shire. Even if it only contained 1 hobbit and even though now, they already knew their first playoff opponent was going to be Gondor (since Gondor already qualified for 1st after Round 2). They would not think about that, however. They were going to celebrate thru the night and then book a route to Gondor in the morning.

Shire-Bree United 2-1 The Downer
on target 7-4
tot shots 16-13
GOALS:
*35, 1-0 Strider
*62, 1-1 Hookbill (Saucepan Man)
*79, 2-1 Barrow-Wight (Gildor)
YELLOW CARDS:
*SBUnt- Bandobras, Golfimbul
*Downer- Burnt Bert, Alien, Fillis

Standings (after 3 matches)
Angband, 5 pts (+2) Q
SB United, 5 pts (+1) q
Tol-in-Gaurhoth, 3 pts (0) e
The Downer, 1 pts (-3), e

[Boromir88]

Group H @ Minas Morgul

Minas Morgul's stadium was barely half-full for the 1st match of round 3. Gondor had already won the group, and the locals had no desire to see their rivals finish off the group, especially when they were to play the "other" Gondor team. Mordorians stayed underground and in local watering holes in preparation for the later match. Many were waiting for an excuse to riot, which had MEFA on high alert. Mordor fans were convinced since Gondor had nothing left to play for, they would throw the game to Minas Tirith. If Minas Tirith won then the Barad Dur-Mordor match would be irrelevant, since both would be then eliminated.

Minas Tirith began in an opening flurry looking to take control of the match, but Gondor defended admirably. The orcs watching in the pubs scoffing that Gondor was just doing enough to look as if they were making an effort to play and avoid charges for purposefully rigging matches. But on a quick counter finished by Anarion, Gondor grabbed a shock lead. It appeared the Minas Tirith fans were under the same impression as Mordor and assumed Gondor wouldn't play this game; not for real at least. Also, surprising, Anarion is having one of the best performances amongst mid-fielders this tournament, already with 3 goals and 2 assists.

Minas Tirith upped the pressure for the next 15 minutes and it paid off right before the halftime whistle. Faramir shot a precise snipe from the left-side, right outside the penalty box and it dipped below the crossbar. This of course gave the Mordor supporters much to grumble about throughout the break. "It's 1-1 now, but we see the plan clearly now. Put on a good show and effort in the 1st, but just watch, they will give the 2nd to their disgusting friends."

What Mordorians believed would happen didn't matter, because again Gondor surprisingly won the lead back within the first several minutes. In the 53rd a poor pass by Ostoher that Eldacar intercepted and quickly passed to the unmarked Falastur. And Falastur had no trouble rocketing a shot past Denethor II. Granted it the goal was due to a defensive mistake, but the fact that Gondor so quickly pounced on it to capitilize should put to any rest theories that they would tank the match.

Gondor though did not want to work themselves too hard, afterall they were guaranteed of 1st place already, so Minas Tirith had little problems possessing the ball after Gondor's 2nd goal. And if Gondor did win possession, they would simply try some classic time-wasting tactics before booting it back to Minas Tirith's end.

Minas Tirith still had a difficult time working the ball past Gondor's mid-fielders, but as the match was winding down Cirion and Ecthelion II stepped up from their defensive positions to aid the attack. Some thought they waited too long since Gondor was clearly not interested in expanding their lead at this point. In the 79th Earnil II blasted in a shot of his own, beating Hyarmendacil. It was all level again.

The final 10 minutes was quite an interesting battle, with Minas Tirith pressing for a win would guarantee advancing, but Gondor still defending admirably. Mordor spectators were all the ready to riot at the first sight of an "inconvenient mistake" that would happen in the final minutes, to give Minas Tirith the win. But it was not to be, for seemingly Hyarmendacil did not appreciate anyone questioning his honor, or his team's and he made some final key saves to preserve the draw.

As it stands Minas Tirith remains in 2nd with 3 points, but if one of the Mordor teams won in the 2nd match, that team would advance with Gondor. If it ends in a draw, Minas Tirith would advance.

Gondor 2-2 Minas Tirith
on target 7-8
tot shots 16-18
GOALS:
*29, 1-0 Anarion (Romendacil)
*44, 1-1 Faramir (Tarandor)
*53, 2-1 Falastur (Eldacar)
*79, 2-2 Earnil II (Mardil)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Gondor- Calimehtar
*MT- Faramir

The 90%+ orc crowd (with some Corsairs, Khandans, and other men sprinkled in) were quite rowdy before kick-off. The situation was pretty ideal for them, even though they would have obviously liked it if both of their teams could make the playoffs, at least one of them could go through...if one of them could win today. They couldn't imagine a scenario where this would end in a draw, the situation was set up perfectly, whichever Mordor team wins would knock Minas Tirith out of the playoffs. Many believed this would be Sauron's team, since he appeared to have the better squad, plus he was their ruler. It would seem very odd for Sauron to miss out on the playoffs. In the end, though, it didn't matter. The entire stadium could get behind both teams, hopefully watch a thrilling Mordor-styled match (of rough play and many goals), and continue supporting the winner for the playoffs.

The game started out very open with both teams playing fast and attacking football (the ref was also swallowing his whistle, just letting them make daring, hard challenges that may have been whistled foul if it were other teams). Barad-dur looked a little more haggardly in defense, and it cost them early in the match. Shelob was an intimidating presense, even Barad-dur's defenders seemed frightened the great spider would sting them and feast on them afterwards. So it was in the 6th minutes, when Nazgul #2 led Shelob to an open area, and the spider flicked it underneath the Mumak's large girth.

Barad-dur regathered themselves defensively, but the match's pace still was not slowing down. Both defenses were pressed and forced to play at a high-level, the difference in the first half being the Silent Watcher was doing a much better job tending the net than the Mumakil. As in the 40th minute, off the boot of the 4th Nazgul Mordor grabbed a 2-0 lead on a shot the Mumak did horrible on trying to save. It was not the team they had expected, but it didn't matter, after 45 minutes Mordor had a 2 goal lead and it looked like they would be the Mordor team going through.

To the crowds' immense delight more goals were to come, this was the football they liked watching! Goals and excitement! This time it was Sauron though putting Barad-dur on the scoreboard, in what truly was a wonderful display of striking skill. It was clear Sauron was the best player on the field, and he was not shy to show it.

But Mordor did not let up, as the game became even more then at any other point previously. 10 minutes after Sauron's goal, the team of Nazgul working in perfect sync put Mordor back up by 2 goals with 30 minutes remaining. And there was still yet another goal in the 73rd minute, headed in by Castamir after Sauron's free kick.

Goals galore in Mordor and as the match was coming to an end the entire stadium was rocking wildly, with Mordor sure to advance. Since after the wild pace, the match finally started slowing down in the final 10. However, another free kick in the 84th minute led to disaster.

As usual, Sauron took the kick and made a rather lazy effort that deflected sideways off the Nazgul wall and then ping-ponged off Herumor's foot...over goal line! Where was the Silent Watcher, it seemed to just be statued to its spot. And why would Barad-dur make that kick at that time, or even have people in the box where freakish ricochets can often happen? Nooooo! It was all over, both of their teams now eliminated, which soured what had been a wonderful display of Mordor-styled football.

Barad-Dur 3-3 Mordor
on target 8-7
tot shots 18-17
GOALS:
*6, 0-1 Shelob (Nazgul #2)
*40, 0-2 Nazgul #4 (Grishnakh)
*49, 1-2 Sauron (Angamaite)
*59, 1-3 Nazgul #4 (Nazgul #5)
*73, 2-3 Castamir (Sauron)
*84, 3-3 Herumor (Sauron)
YELLOW CARDS:
*BDur- Gothmog II, Fellbeast #2
*Mordor- Fellbeast #1, Shagrat, Shelob

Standings (after 3 matches)
Gondor, 7pts (+2) Q
Minas Tirith, 3 pts (0) q
Barad-Dur, 2 pts (-1) e
Mordor, 2 pts (-1), e

[the phantom]

(place-holder results post until Shasta can put up the full story)

Group F @ Isengard

Misty Mts 1-1 Rohan
on target 5-4
tot shots 14-12
GOALS:
*37, 1-0 Rumil (Narvi)
*73, 1-1 Helm (Radagast)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Misty- Chief Wolf, Tom
*Rohan- King Dead, Felarof

Imladris 1-1 Isengard
on target 4-4
tot shots 12-12
GOALS:
*44, 0-1 Quickbeam (Wormtongue)
*69, 1-1 Elladan (Arwen)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Imlad- Elladan
*Isengard- Lurtz, Wulf

Q: Rohan
q: Imaldris
Eliminated: Isengard, Misty Mts

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

MESPN EXIT INTERVIEWS

MESPN: Excuse me, Saruman!

Saruman: Ah, there you are. I knew you'd be waiting somewhere.

MESPN: So, what sort of changes are you going to make in the off-season?

Saruman: Yes, well, something needs to be done evidently. I can say for certain that my current players won't all be making so much after their performance this year.

MESPN: So, just slashing salaries and calling it good?

Saruman: No, no- there will be a couple subtle shifts. Perhaps a formation change and swapping of positions, and the addition of a quality piece.

MESPN: Nothing sweeping then?

Saruman: No, no- that would be the actions of a panicked manager. With some slight alterations we'd nearly break even despite going out early.

MESPN: So turning a profit is the top concern?

Saruman: Well of course. One can easily discover the highest priority by supposing gross imbalance. Would my franchise remain viable if we won the title ever year but hemorrhaged money?

MESPN: Well, I suppose not.

Saruman: Indeed. As much as the fans wish to win, one must remain fiscally sound.

MESPN: Ideally both.

Saruman: Which is why I'll have my eyes and ears open for a good signing.

MESPN: Was it particularly tough losing to Rohan- featuring Gandalf?

Saruman: I don't take his choice to play there personally. He can't have known he'd be facing me. And losing is losing- the opponent is inconsequential.

MESPN: I doubt Isengard supporters see it that way.

Saruman: But perhaps hearing it from me will sway them.

MESPN: Quite right. Thanks for your time.

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

MESPN: Not what you hoped for guys.

Durin's Bane: Not at all.

Rumil: Nope.

MESPN: So- thoughts?

Orophin: I think we could've advance.

Narvi: Yes! We showed what we could do drawing Rohan.

Durin's Bane: Rohan earned that top spot- they are a fantastic team, but that draw showed we could play at that level.

MESPN: So how do you improve that for next year?

Narvi: Well, I think our investment groups won't be hurting too much, so we should be in the market for a couple new additions.

Durin's Bane: Likely we'll freeze or lower current salaries as the entire league was a bit overpriced and we didn't earn it, but with adding a couple players we'll end up back at the same overall salary or slightly higher.

MESPN: So you feel comfortable with most of your team as it is.

Narvi: Definitely. We're not far off, and I think we're all committed.

Rumil: We weren't certain what to expect when we joined, but my brother and I really feel like we belong.

Durin's Bane: It'll be tough letting anyone go at all. Frankly we don't have plans for it exactly, but rather we'll be looking for slight upgrades and if we land them we'll fit them in where we have to.

MESPN: All right. Best of luck.

[Nogrod]

The AKM’s journalists have been where they need to be and we are proud to present the interviews of some of the leading minds behind the scenes aka. the ones behind these shadowy investment groups that have taken a firm hold of the tournament this year.

So it was that the Arda Cup Finance Committee – an organization no one had heard about before this year – announced the salary-gaps already a year ago and thus defined the room within which the financiers could move, but it has only recently been issuing the rules as to how to share the revenue from the tournament. Many affluent sites have protested to the redistribution of the wins gathered from the ticket sales and the merchandise sold, and some even boasted they could have made better Palantir-deals themselves without the ACFC. But be that as it may, AFA (the Arda Fotball Association) stood behind the rulings of the ACFC and that seems to be how it is going to be.

The low compensation of 60 millions for the teams that were left in the group-phase has raised some discussions as whether the rules favour the rich and oppresses the poorer ones, or whether the rich are exactly the ones that mistreated if their big-money-teams didn’t produce, or whether it is plain unsporty to make that huge gaps between the different achievements as it is after all the Arda Cup where all should flourish together…

Having that as the background, the AKM is proud to offer it’s readers the interviews of three main actors behind three investment groups they have been able to follow more closely. We didn't aim to those philosophical questions, but got many interesting answers anyway.



The Evil House, an interview with Morgoth

The AKM: It looks your investment group is losing a lot of money unless team Angband goes all the way, twenty to forty millions that could be. How are you prepared to take that kind of loss?

Morgoth: Money is the meter of power for the weak and the faint-hearted. Money is not something I care a lot about, you know it comes and goes, and if you lack it, you grab it… And you forget that if team Angband wins the tournament we are going to gain about 20 million.

The AKM: But you have to be disappointed with Anfaughlith’s performance, I mean The Evil House spent over 90 million to that team and they only brought you back 60. Thirty millions should not be an insignificant sum even to someone like you?

Morgoth: That was an annoying result I must admit. Anfaughlith won their game against Doriath who qualified! They ended up in even points and just this ridiculous rule that more goals scored is better than less goals allowed made them go through… Be that as it may, we had, I must admit, counted for Anfaughlith to qualify in our economic schemes, but no can do. We’ll find a way to make that better if not in this year, then the next one. Getting financed, after all, is not our main problem or concern.

The AKM: But aren’t the finances, well the restriction on them, just your concern as comes to the salary gaps and luxury taxes?

Morgoth: Ahh, in that respect you’re quite right. Eru, you know, is a socialist. I hate socialists who seek for equality. I mean where do you put excellence then, where do you put individual cababilities and their rewards; why can’t one stand out from the crowd, higher, brighter, if he’s more cabable than the others? Why this cutting and basically cursing of talent? Without limits forced by the ACFC and the AFA, and in the last instance Eru himself, my team would look veruy much different than it looks now.

The AKM: You’re bitter, aren’t you?

Morgoth: Shove off you nerd!

The AKM: I was just to ask you about your plans for the next year…

Morgoth: Just get out before…



Meneltarma Capital, an interview with Tar Atanamir

The AKM: You ended up with a decent saving percentage of 71,4%. Why is it you didn’t qualify?

Tar Atanamir: I’m surprised you have the nose to ask that kind of a question. Have you yourself tried keeping the goal against the forwards of FC and Real Valinor and Tirion? If not, then shut up. I thought this interview was about something else altogether.

The AKM: Please excuse me… I just tried to start this with an easier question. But well, it looks like Meneltarma Capital is going to take a blow of 20 millions. What is your take on that?

Tar Atanamir: Meneltarma Capital wished to invest carefully this first year even if some yelled for a more aggressive tactics, but we think that as a wealthy nation and as a wealthy investment group we made it better we worked in a bit more conservative fashion and looked around this year. And the groupings we and The Sea were placed were just frivolous acts of partiality and / or lopsided thinking, something we will demand will get changed come the next year. Otherwise we might pull off the tournament.

The AKM: Númenor would pull out from the Arda Cup?

Tar Atanamir: There has to be another solution to the Ainur not playing it fair than punishing a few ME teams for it. Honestly. We’re going to raise the issue, to be sure.

The AKM: Now you might be losing some 24 millions if The Sea loses to Rea Valinor – which wouldn’t surprise anyone. How does that affect your plans for AC 13?

Tar Atanamir: Like I said, Meneltarma capital is a wealthy group and it can take in some losses without losing it’s chances of an active role in the player-market for AC 13. But yes, that’s no pocket money and it does hurt. Yes, we’re going to demand a different system for the next year as regard to the Westerners. If they can’t play it fair then let us shut them out of the competition, or make them have their own groups in there, or – which we would see as the best option – let their players be spread to different groups for the highest bidders. This year’s grouping was just plain unfair… So if our idea doesn’t go forwards, maybe the teams could be divided into kind of “baskets” based on their strength from where they would then be picked into the groups? We’ll be active with this issue after the tournament ends.

The AKM: Will you be playing for Armenelos – or basically a Númenor-based team the next year?

Tar Atanamir: Most certainly… that is in case we play the next year. This issue must be resolved before you can see a real Númenorian site at the pitch. This year's tom-foolery can't be repeated!

The AKM: Thank you for the interview.

Tar Atanamir: No problem.



Oath & Blood Alliance, an interview with Maglor

The AKM: FC Valinor is sailing under a bright sky and strong winds. How does it feel?

Maglor: My brothers have played well and we have a great team, so thank you for asking. But I was told this interview would be about the Oath & Blood Alliance and not about FC Valinor… even if it is nice to be complimented.

The AKM: Sure. Just warming up here… Well, the Oath & Blood Alliance, of which you are one member of, is financing four teams and it seems you are coming more or less to a zero result. How do you look at the finances?

Maglor: Well… with three teams still up and running, isn’t it a pretty premature to speculate on the financial results? I mean the gap between the best and worst scenario is quite wide as yet: we might lose some, come to a balanced budget or win big time…

The AKM: How about AC 13? What are the plans for Oath & Blood Alliance?

Maglor: Let’s see this year first…

The AKM: Any chances of seeing all of you brothers playing together, with your dad even?

Maglor: Hah! No way! You know, it would be fun, but look at the price tags, and the positions we like to play… there’s no point in having five or more star-forwards, whatever. You know there is this story about a seventh age kingdom called Holland who had a team full of great finishers and superstars but put into a team they lost all their games. That’s what would happen to a team Fëanor & Sons, let me tell you.

The AKM: But any more concentration of you guys in one team then? Would that be possible, like your youngest brothers and you perhaps dealing with the defence and then maybe Maedhros, Curufin and Celegorm going forwards? And Huan of course as the keeper… Would that be possible? It would be quite a team!

Maglor: If dad would finance it without willing to intervene or, Valar forbid, join the team, then maybe, but otherwise… I think no way. We are not playing for free and the salary cap with the luxury tax takes care you will not see us playing together all of us – unless miracles happen, or there is a totally different kind of a tournament.

The AKM: But how come an alliance like yours can be so divided? Why couldn’t you just join together and win it all? Accept smaller purses and go for it?

Maglor: That’s easier said than done, like I told you already.We’re bound by an oath and by blood, but other than that we’re not bound. And some of the things some of us have done in the name of that oath do still haunt us and our relations as a brotherhood. We can and even wish to keep together in certain things but it would take more than money or a tournament based on these mediocre salaries to get us together once again. There would need to be blood or honour to defend for that to happen or something real at stake, like the Silmarils...

The AKM: Uhh… erm… *gasp* Thank you Maglor, and all the best for FC Valinor.

Maglor: You’re welcome, human.



~*~

The AKM analysis, predictions & suggestions for the phantasy-players concerning the first play-off round are coming tomorrow, or soon enough! Stay tuned to the Barrow Downs and to your computer / pad / smart-phone!

[the phantom]

MESPN NEWS: Playoff Preview Special

Philip McPhantom: Good afternoon, everyone. We saw some major drama in the group stages, but things are only getting more serious now- it’s the playoffs!
I’m going to break down the match-ups for you, and to help me I have two very special guests.
On my left is Ruharg the Red, dragon of the Withered Heath and lead sports editor of Monster Magazine.
On my right is Ar-Tar-Aradil of Numenor, writer for Westernesse Weekly and president of the Numenorean Association for the Advancement of Football (NAAF).

Ruharg: Hey.

Ar-Tar-Aradil: Greetings.

P McPhantom: So guys, let’s get right into it. Are these the teams you were expecting to see?

Ar-Tar: Generally.

Ruharg: But there were certainly some failures.

P McP: With teams more even this year, you still feel like there were some that were too good to go out in the group stage, Ruharg?

R: Tol-In-Gaurhoth certainly, Wilderland as well- maybe others to a lesser degree.

ATA: TIG had Angband and Shire-Bree to compete with- no slouches. And Anduin, Erebor, and Dwarves United weren’t push-overs either.

R: Wilderland had Scatha, Orome, Galadriel, and Elwe up front. Even as good as Celebrimbor and Aule are Dwarves United shouldn’t have been able to contain them. And the TIG offense should’ve scored in bunches as well, and should’ve held Downer’s offense in check better.

ATA: I think they would’ve without that red-card leaving them short-handed. But as far as Wilderland, I nearly agree, though I still don’t think people respect the tenacity and organization of the dwarves enough.

PP: Well let’s move on to the playoffs now, and we’ll start at the top. What do you think about Angband and Minas Tirith.

R: Angband has it in the bag. There’ll be no answer for Telvildo and Ancalagon especially.

ATA: I think Angband may have an edge, but don’t count the white city out. They’ll play smart and opportunistic, controlling the ball and denying the Angband forwards.

R: No way. Both Group H teams are going to lose to the Group A squads.

ATA: I’ll definitely disagree with that. I think Gondor will win Shire-Bree for certain. They’ve looked impressive.

R: They’ve looked impressive because their group was awful.

ATA: You’re calling a group with Sauron in it “awful”?

R: He had no help. Shire-Bree will throw Strider, Khamul, BWight, and Bombadil at that Gondor defense and they won’t know what hit them.

ATA: But Shire-Bree doesn’t exactly have an all-star defense, and Anarion has been leading a very efficient attack for Gondor.

PP: All right, so you guys are disagreeing on both of those games. Interesting. As for me, I can see both sides… I suppose I’ll probably just take the group winner in both matches as the safe play. Next up- Eriador versus Doriath.

R: This is another time where I’m taking both teams from the same group- I think AC Beleriand and Doriath both win their games. Group G looked very good this year. I would’ve picked the eliminated squads, Nargothrond and Angfauglith, to win this match too.

ATA: Group G did have good teams, but I still like Eriador to defeat Doriath. They’re solid back to front.

R: I just like Doriath’s attack better. Either Witch King or Glorfindel will be neutralized by Melian, where as Doriath- I think Daeron and definitely Luthien are superior to Eriador’s midfielders, and they have their own duo up front with Mablung and Beleg.

ATA: Even if that were entirely accurate- there’s still the keeper to remember, and it could be argued that Elrond is the best in the tournament. In addition, though Melian’s a better defender individually that anyone from Eriador, it could be argued that all four of Eriador’s defenders would rank above all of Doriath’s defenders not named “Melian”.

R: Yes, well- either way I think it’ll be a tight contest.

PP: No argument here. And since you mentioned them earlier, Ruharg- you’re picking AC Beleriand over Gondolin?

R: Yes I am. I feel a bit bad for Gondolin as I think they’d win many others in the playoffs and could make a run with solid play up and down and super talent at the front, but AC Bel is not a good match-up for them.

ATA: Well good- we agree for once, ha ha. Maeglin and Gothmog would pose a major problem for nearly anyone, but AC Bel happens to have a perfect Gothmog stopper in Ecthelion. And for Maeglin- we all know that the deft skill of the craftsman types such as Miriel and Curufin etc. throws defenses into disarray, but AC Bel is one of the few squads equipped to handle him without having to help much thanks to the highly athletic Fingolfin on the back line.

R: Exactly. I mean, how many squads have someone suited to mark an elite skill player like that? Doriath has Melian, the Dwarves have Celebrimbor, and then to an extent there’s Shadowfax and Felarof on Rohan, Maglor for FC Valinor, Caranthir for Real Valinor, and the Werewolves of TIG, but no one else.

PP: What about elite defenders like Morgoth, Ulmo, Namo, and others?

ATA: No doubt they are quality, but they match up better against the larger strikers and meet power with power. Those lightning-quick skilled dribblers can cross them up and create space.

PP: But Fingolfin is up to the task?

R: I think so. Not to mention- Gondolin’s defense is not prepared for both Feanor and Eol.

ATA: Indeed. They’ll have to dedicate extra man-power to them. If they don’t, they’ll score. And if they do, that’ll leave a fully capable Beren or another midfielder unmarked.

PP: All right, it looks like you guys have that one settled. How about Erebor playing against Imladris?

R: Same as with Angband- the defense needs a special answer for a dragon, Smaug in this case, and I’m not sure Imladris has it. I’m definitely going with Erebor.

ATA: And our paths have forked again. Personally I think Varda will do a decent job helping keep Smaug in check, and her defensive helpers are heady and helpful. Plus there’s Elros to kick it past to finish.

R: I think Imladris is too dependent upon building offense off of defensive stops, though. They play defensively and then rush forward to catch the opposition short-handed, but the eagles for Erebor simply won’t be beaten speed-wise up the pitch.

PP: The children of Elrond are proficient team-work passers though. Eagles can be crossed up in flight.

ATA: Indeed. The ball changes directions quicker than they can.

R: And Beorn isn’t an easy keeper to score on either.

ATA: Bah, you just like them because Smaug is your cousin.

PP: Ha ha ha!

R: Well naturally I want to be sure and not get him angry right before my birthday. He always sends the best presents, heh heh.

PP: All righty, moving on- how about the other C vs F match, Rohan versus Dwarves United?

ATA: I could be wrong, but I think we’re going to agree on this one. Dwarves United has had some trouble scoring, while Rohan allowed just one goal in three contests. Mismatch?

R: Definitely. This is a perfect opponent for Rohan. I can’t see Dwarves United scoring without help from Celebrimbor and Aule, and that’ll leave the Dwarves open to Gandalf and company.

PP: So no chance Dwarves United guts out another upset?

ATA: Ah well, we can’t say “no chance”. There could be a carding, or perfect execution on set plays, but I think the deck is stacked.

PP: Okay then. Now let’s talk about the games between groups D and E.

R: Well, we all know Group D was the “group of death”, but that doesn’t make victory automatic. I mean- Group E was in the running for the second best group with most people.

ATA: Oh, I think Group E was the second-best group. Just look at the squads that didn’t qualify from E- Manwe’s Valimar squad, and Turin’s Hithlum side!

PP: So you give The Sea and The Havens a chance against the two Valinor squads?

ATA: I definitely give The Sea a chance- in fact I may pick them in my weekly blog. I’m still deciding. Ulmo and his sea-crew at the back (Osse, Uinen, Salmar) are a formidable defense, and those Numenoreans at the front led by Tar Minastir know how to score.

R: I’d pick The Sea against nearly any team in the tournament, but I think Real Valinor matches up well against them. Those big sea-Ainu may be able to cool off Arien, but Nerdanel and Miriel move the ball so quickly and accurately- I think they’ll run rings around them.

PP: The dynamic duo hasn’t exactly been living up to past standards this year, though.

ATA: To be fair, that might be a product of their group. Armenelos controlled the ball so well and was so great at gumming up the box, and FC Valinor was of course a bad match-up for them, with Indis there to counter Miriel and Maglor to take care of his mum.

R: So, are you going to pick Real after all, Ar-Tar?

ATA: Hmmm…. No, I don’t think so. In the end I think The Sea will just execute better, and I think Ulmo will keep Arien out of things, and the rest of the team should be able to help enough with Miriel and Nerdanel to keep them to one goal.

PP: So The Sea will get two against Tulkas?

ATA: It’ll be tough, but yes, I think they will. Perhaps the second in overtime.

PP: Okay, and what about FC Valinor and The Havens?

R: The Havens was highly under-rated by most publications in my opinion. I mean- they have Angrod and Aegnor feeding Tuor and Earendil up front! There aren’t many squads that wouldn’t straight up trade their front four for that attacking quad. They’re weakest at the back, but Olwe and company aren’t slouches, and Cirdan in goal is solid.

ATA: I sense a “but” coming on…

R: But, yes, you saw it coming- BUT, they’re playing FC Valinor.

ATA: How can you pick against them?

R: Exactly.

ATA: Until they lose, why not ride the wave? In the friendlies they beat Downer- not a crown accomplishment, but they also won Nargothrond and of course the team they’re playing here- The Havens. Then they won Real as well in both friendlies and group play, and offed a quality Tirion squad and *sigh* my beloved Armenelos.

R: Yes- they’ve proven it against good foes.

PP: How are they doing it?

R: They just have nice pieces at the right places. They have a couple defenders with good size, one that’s extremely fast, a conventional athletic type, very solid midfielders that possess well but can attack well enough not to be ignored, and some quick skill at the front with respectable power.

PP: So here’s the question- if you had to lay money down, would you take FC Valinor or the rest of the field?

ATA: No, no, that’s going a bit far. Things are definitely more balanced this year. If last year’s Doriath squad was entered then maybe I take that bet on them, but I don’t believe that firmly in anyone this year.

PP: Ruharg?

R: No, I would take the field. Even if I’d favor FC Valinor in individual games, it’s going to be incredibly tough to win four straight games against, oh, maybe Havens, Erebor, Angband, AC Beleriand, or whatever combination comes their way.

ATA: In this salary cap era, on any given day pretty well any team can beat any team.

PP: Okay, well there you have it. Ruharg and Ar-Tar-Aradil- thanks a lot for being here today. Enjoy the football everyone!

[Nogrod]

The play-off games rarely turn out the walk-in-the-park sessions for the pre-tournament favourites the media always loves to rise to the fore. Play-offs are an entirely different world. That said, it is true as well that some games look rather clear from the start while others offer only steps into the darkness where even the best analyst has little to offer in way of telling which team will triumph.

This year clearly makes no exception. Some of the games look like they are predeterminend already before the referee has whistled the game to start while some others just raise the predictor’s hair with frustration. It’s hard to see fex. Minas Tirith having any chances whatsoever against Angband , but with games like The Sea vs. Real Valinor or even AC Beleriand vs. Gondolin one feels that flipping a coin might be as productive a way to make one’s bet as any “deep analysis”. The AKM will anyway offer it’s readers something to lean on making their bets for the outcomes of the matches.

Every game analysis begins with a stats-section which is explained underneath. Now the special thing this time is, that we are also providing you with the combined stats from all the seven games the teams have played (3 group stage games + 4 friendlies) just to give you more perspective. Of course an intelligent reader remembers that the friendlies aren’t always good measures to a team’s real performance when they play it with full steam, but that accounted for, they might give you some new insights. At least that is what the AKM hopes to provide its readers.

Reading instructions to the “stats-section” are as follows:

A1 Angband 7-5 1-2-0
33,3% 21 (51) – 18 (47) 72,2%
vs. The Downer 3-1
vs. Shire-Bree Utd. 2-2
vs. Tol-In-Gaurhoth 2-2

vs. Doriath 1-1
vs. Anfaughlith 1-1
vs. Valimar 0-0
vs. Inter Beleriand 1-0
r.10 10-7 2-5-0
27,7% 36 (93) – 32 (83) 78,1%Broken into pieces it has in it the folowing facts...

A1 Angband 7-5 1-2-0
33,3% 21 (51) – 18 (47) 72,2%

1st line:
A1 Angband = team #1 from group A, Angband
7-5 = goals made vs. goals allowed from the group stage
1-2-0 = wins – draws – losses form the group stage

2nd line:
33,3% = scoring percentage from shots on goal at the group stage
21(51) = total shots on goal (all shots made) at the group stage
18(47) = total shots allowed on target (total shots allowed) at the group stage
72,2% = goalkeeper’s saving percentage aka. goals allowed / shots on target allowed.

vs. The Downer 3-1
vs. Shire-Bree Utd. 2-2
vs. Tol-In-Gaurhoth 2-2

lines 3-5:
The games played in the group stage: the first number is the goals scored by the team in question (here Angband), the latter the team named = vs. The Downer 3-1, means Angband won The Downer with three goals to one.

vs. Doriath 1-1
vs. Anfaughlith 1-1
vs. Valimar 0-0
vs. Inter Beleriand 1-0

lines 6-9:
The games played during the friendlies: the first number is the goals scored by the team in question (here Angband), the latter the team named = vs. Inter Beleriand 1-0, means Angband won Inter Beleriand with one goal to nil.

r.10 10-7 2-5-0
27,7% 36 (93) – 32 (83) 78,1%

10th line
r.10 = The AKM’s ranking of the team after the friendlies
10-7 = goals made vs. goals allowed in all seven games they have played
2-5-0 = wins – draws – losses from all seven games they have played

11th line:
Same as the 2nd line except that it has all seven games counted: scoring percentage from shots on goal, shots on goal (shots overall) – shots allowed on target (overall shots allowed), goalie’s saving percentage.


The stats that have the friendlies involved are italicized.
The stats the AKM think are the most important are bolded.




GAME 1

A1 Angband 7-5 1-2-0
33,3% 21 (51) – 18 (47) 72,2%
vs. The Downer 3-1
vs. Shire-Bree Utd. 2-2
vs. Tol-In-Gaurhoth 2-2

vs. Doriath 1-1
vs. Anfaughlith 1-1
vs. Valimar 0-0
vs. Inter Beleriand 1-0
r.10 10-7 2-5-0
27,7% 36 (93) – 32 (83) 78,1%


H2 Minas Tirith 6-6 0-3-0
35,3% 17 (41) – 20 (48) 70%
vs. Barad Dûr 2-2
vs. Mordor 2-2
vs. Gondor 2-2

vs. Mordor 1-1
vs. Armenelos 1-2
vs. Rohan 1-1
vs. Isengard 1-2
r.29 10-12 0-5-2
29,4% 34 (90) – 41 (94) 70,7%

It would be a surprise if there would not be a surprise-qualifier on the first round of the play-offs. But the AKM doesn’t think that surprising team is Minas Tirith. That said, if one takes look at the numbers, they are surprisingly even. With a noteworthy exception: Angband hasn’t lost a single game (friendlies and group-stage combined) whereas Minas Tirith hasn’t yet won a single match.

Another thing worthy of paying attention to is the quality of the opponents they have faced thus far: it is more or less obvious Angband has in general played tougher matches. One should especially look at the stats of “shots allowed” during the group stage: the numbers as such are more or less even, but Angband has played against three very offensive minded and cabable (not counting The Downer to that latter class though) teams and has still managed to beat Minas Tirith’s numbers.

Third remarkable difference between the teams is that Angband has Ancalagon who can single-handedly win games to his team: after some lazy friendlies (only two goals in four matches) the Old Black has gotten into mood for scoring and has finished five goals in three matches!

The only reservations to the AKM otherwise quite clear verdict on the game are as follows:

1) Carcaroth hasn’t been that reliable. Everyone knows he’s a bit moody but a saving percentage around 70% just is not enough for a team who wishes to go far in the tournament – unless they are a top-scoring team just out-scoring their opponents, which Angband is not.
2) Minas Tirith may lack an Ancalagon from their attack, but they have still scored two goals in every group-game and the scoring responsibility is well spread over the team: so if one player doesn’t have a good day another may fill in.
3) Some people have been asking after Morgoth’s performance: why is he so invisible? If Ancalagon has a bad day and Morgoth is not able or willing to change gear could Angband be in trouble even against a team like Minas Tirith?

The AKM prediction:
Angband hasn’t lost a single game in the tournament and Minas Tirith isn’t going to be The Team to force them into defeat the first time. Minas Tirith may score one if they get their act together, but unless Angband has some real attitude-problems they’ll score two (if MT doesn’t seem to score Angband may be happy with one goal).

Angband wins 1-0 / 2-1 / 2-0


GAME 2

B1 Eriador 7-3 3-0-0
38,9% 18 (41) – 16 (37) 81,3%
vs. Arnor 2-1
vs. Gondolin 3-1
vs. Inter Beleriand 2-1

vs. Isengard 1-0
vs. Imladris 1-0
vs. Erebor 0-1
vs. Shire-Bree Utd. 3-1
r.8 12-5 6-0-1
33,3% 36 (83) – 31 (78) 83,9%

G2 Doriath 6-6 1-1-1
40% 15 (37) – 21 (53) 71,4%
vs. AC Beleriand 2-2
vs. Anfaughlith 0-1
vs. Nargothrond 4-3

vs. Angband 1-1
vs. Gondolin 2-3
vs. Inter Beleriand 3-2
vs. Anfaughlith 0-0
r.17 12-12 2-3-2
31,6% 38 (90) – 39 (97) 69,2%

This is another game where the AKM doesn’t look for a surprise either but presumes that Eriador will hold it’s ground and qualify for the next round. With the same breath the AKM will acknowledge that the game will not be an easy one for Eriador as the kind of surprise-team Doriath will challenge them seriously: forcing AC Beleriand into a draw in the group stage is a warning sign for Eriador not to take Doriath for granted.

The number one problem for Doriath will be Eriador’s defence. Looking at the stats Doriath has problems scoring against tough defences (Anfaughlith, Angband) but score impressively against more laxed ones (Nargothrond, Inter & AC Bel). With Elrond standing between the posts Eriador defences have allowed only five goals in seven games thus far and will most probably prove to be an insurmountable obstacle to Beleg and Mablung.

Doriath’s own defences are the second problem for them. Where Elrond’s saving percentage from the group stage is 81,3% (83,9% with friendlies combined) Dior’s is ten points lower 71,4% (69,2%). Also, Doriath lets the other teams shoot a lot more than Eriador does – and with about even scoring-percentages it means Eriador should score more.

Now Mablung did score a hat-trick against Nargothrond and Beleg has had a strong tournament as well so far (Luthién did well in the friendlies but has kind of faded in the group-stages), but it looks that Glorfindel and The Witch King are just getting the hang of the game after some lackluster friendlies – and the midfield of Arnorian kings are coming more and more involved in the play. So even if the offenses of both teams are evenish, the AKM would say that looking forwards Eriador’s offence is that tiny inch sharper that decides games at the moment. Unless Mablung is able to repeat that dashing hat-trick performance – which the AKM finds quite unlikely: he scored in Doriath’s first friendly, then went dry for five games (not gaining even a pass leading to a goal) until the last game’s hat-trick.

That doesn’t mean Glorfindel and The Witch King can play comfortably on the level they play right now: if Eriador wishes to go it all the way to the finals the two must really find their form everyone knows is there (or at least has been there the previous years). They are a level better strikers they have shown thus far.

The AKM prediction:
Overall Doriath has scored handsomely but against tougher defences they have scored only 0,3 goals per game. And Eriador knows how to keep the other team from scoring. Doriath though is in a high-flying mood and that might work in their favour. After their first friendlies Eriador in turn has scored consistently two or three goals per game and Doriath’s defences are not that much better – if at all better – than those of Arnor, Gondolin or Inter Bel, so they should score at least two.

Eriador wins 2-0 / 2-1


GAME 3

C1 Erebor 5-2 2-1-0
26,3% 19 (48) – 16 (40) 87,5%
vs. Dwarves Utd. 2-0
vs. Wilderland 2-1
vs. Anduin 1-1

vs. Wilderland 1-2
vs. Dwarves Utd. 1-0
vs. Eriador 1-0
vs. Misty Mts. 2-2
r.12 10-6 4-2-1
23,8% 42 (102) – 33 (81) 81,8%

F2 Imladris 4-3 1-1-1
30,8% 13 (37) – 14 (39) 78,6%
vs. Rohan 0-1
vs. Misty Mts. 3-1
vs. Isengard 1-1

vs. Arnor 2-0
vs. Eriador 0-1
vs. Dwarves Utd. 1-0
vs. Anduin 1-2
r.14 8-6 3-1-3
28,6% 28 (71) – 35 (90) 82,9%

It would look like Erebor should just march through to the quarterfinals from this game and the AKM will actually be joining the obvious-looking prediction. But we’ll naturally stand for a moment to make a few reservations before doing that. Let’s start anyway with why Erebor will win and add the reservations as we go.

Firstly, Erebor has been a consistent team and has lost only one game thus far (their first friendly game against Wilderland which they then beat later in the group stage). Now they were forced into a draw with Misty Mts. whom Imladris beat 3-1 in a real game and that might give someone a pause. But that pause should not be a too long one. In the friendlies, they both beat Dwarves Utd. 1-0 so that would be an even call, but then again Erebor beat Eriador (whoa!) 1-0 while Imladris lost them with the same numbers (Erebor also draw with Anduin in the group stage while Imladris lost them in the friendlies). So all in all, it looks Erebor is the favourite by their previous results.

Secondly, Beorn is looking that much sharper goalie right now than Elros – yes, sharper than Elros himself. Their saving percentages were more or less the same in the friendlies, but after that Beorn has been Mr. Safe himself while Elros’ level has dropped significantly. To counter that claim we could say that Dwarves Utd. or even Anduin are not exactly testing the goal-keeper to his limits. But at the same time we might wonder whether Rohan or Isengard are that either? Both teams have faced one offensive powerhouse in their groups aka. Wilderland and Misty Mts. so that would be a draw there – but Beorn still has a ten point lead in saving percentages…

Thirdly the scoring. Erebor has scored one more goal in the group stage than Imladris, but looking at the other teams in the groups it is evident that playing against such defence-oriented teams like Dwarves Utd. and Anduin is much more difficult than scoring against Misty Mts. or Isengard. But how to compare fex. the following facts from the group stage: Imladris managed to score three goals behind Misty Mts. in one game vs. Erebor scored two behind the hedgehog-defence of Dwarves Utd.?

One important element here is Smaug. He scored three goals in the friendlies (four games) but only one in the group stage (three games). Where is the Smaug we all know? Bard has taken some of the responsibility for scoring to team Erebor when Thranduil has also been pretty invisible.

But if there is a team people have been thinking might have problems scoring, then that’s Imladris (well, Dwarves Utd. to be sure, but even there Celebrimbor and Legolas have kind of awaken): so are Elladan and Elrohir ready to fill the boots of top-scorers? Thus far they haven’t been, and looking farther into the tournament one must say it would be a miracle if they did.

The AKM prediction:
All the numbers and general reasons favour Erebor, but the AKM wishes to bring in a few factors. Now if Elros raises up to the occasion with his “winner-genes” and Elladan and Elrohir answer the call – and if Smaug continues his sleepy ways, there is a fair chance Imladris can draw or even win the game (if there is a penalty shoot-out it will be really close with star forwards of Erebor against the star-keeper Elros!). That said…

Erebor wins 1-0


GAME 4

D1 FC Valinor 8-2 3-0-0
36,4% 22 (53) – 14 (44) 85,7%
vs. Real Valinor 3-0
vs. Armenelos 2-0
vs. Tirion 3-2

vs. The Havens 3-2
vs. Nargothrond 4-2
vs. Real Valinor 2-1
vs. The Downer 4-0
r.1 21-7 7-0-0
39,6% 53 (117) – 36 (103) 80,6%

E2 The Havens 5-5 0-3-0
25% 20 (48) – 19 (45) 73,7%
vs. Valimar 1-1
vs. Hithlum 2-2
vs. The Sea 2-2

vs. FC Valinor 2-3
vs. Tirion 3-5
vs. Barad Dûr 3-2
vs. AC Beleriand 1-3
r.21 14-18 1-3-3
29,8% 47 (107) – 52 (107) 65,4%

FC Valinor has been just a phenomenon: 21 goals scored in seven matches bring about the incredible but exact average of three goals per match. They have also won all their seven matches: no losses, no draws. During the group stage Huan’s saving percentage has been 85,7%, and that is from games against sides like Real Valinor, Tirion and Armenelos! Meanwhile the team has scored from more than one third of their shots on goal – 40% if counting the friendlies… while shooting the staggering number of 117 shots in total and 53 on target in the seven games they have played.

Can anyone stop them? Can The Havens stop them? One might have to answer the frist question with a slight but insecure nod; someone should be able to stop them on a good day, but to the second one? Probably not. Enter the “but-men”, though.

The Havens only lost 2-3 in the first friendly against FC Valinor. So, they have scored behind Huan. That’s a point (on top of that only Nargothrond and Tirion have managed to score two goals behind Huan, in competitive games only Tirion). But then again the friendly between the two went more or less in a way that FC Valinor scored, pulled down on purpose, Havens equalised to make FC score again, pull back etc.

Another point to make it a bit more tight game: many analysts thought after seeing the groups that the winners of group D would face their toughest adversaries in the first round of the play-offs, the winners from group E. AC Beleriand sure has something to say on that if not Eriador or Angband. But the fact that The Havens cleared it’s way through group E says something of the strength of the team. Yes it was penalties, but still they draw with all their opponents, no lesser teams than The Sea, Hithlum and Valimar. So, The Havens is not an easy team to beat for anyone.

Now some say it was just their home-advantage that took them such a long way forwards – and with something like a penalty shoot-out deciding the final outcome a home advance (or disadvantage) might have a role. But that still doesn’t take away the fact they draw with three major teams in the group stage.

Cirdan has raised in stature to be a way better goalie he was in the friendlies and the penalty shoot-out has boosted him, but that is probably not enough when facing Curufin and Celegorm – and the active midfield of FC Valinor led by Yavanna. Tuor and Eärendil on the other hand are quality forwards but the AKM thinks they face a bit too big a task if they need to produce results the two of them (Aegnor rose to the occasion on their last game against The Sea but being good in one game doesn’t exactly spell for steady or reliable support).

The AKM prediction:
All that said, the numbers and the general feeling is just overwhelming: The Havens may tease FC Valinor and put them into a test, but they will not be the first team to beat them. The Havens scores once though, FC Valinor scores at least two or three. If the game turns really tight The Havens may force FC Valinor into the extra time but FC will win that before any shoot-outs.

FC Valinor wins 3-1 / 2-1 / (3-2 ot.)


GAME 5

E1 The Sea 5-5 0-3-0
29,4% 17 (41) – 15 (41) 66,7%
vs. Hithlum 2-2
vs. Valimar 1-1
vs. The Havens 2-2

vs. Tirion 2-2
vs. Rohan 1-1
vs. Armenelos 1-1
vs. Barad Dûr 2-1
r.7 11-10 1-6-0
26,8% 41 (90) – 34 (95) 70,6%

D2 Real Valinor 4-5 2-0-1
22,2% 18 (46) – 16 (39) 68,8%
vs. FC Valinor 0-3
vs. Tirion 2-1
vs. Armenelos 2-1

vs. Gondolin 3-1
vs. Hithlum 5-2
vs. FC Valinor 1-2
vs. Tol-In-Gaurhoth 3-1
r.2 16-11 5-0-2
32,7% 49 (111) – 37 (99) 70,3%

The AKM will call this game to Real Valinor. Now many have a feeling Real hasn’t quite performed as they were presumed, but looking at their stats one can only find a very compact and solid performance. They have lost to FC Valinor, two times actually, but they have won all the other matches they have played. And actually taking away the factor that they have played, and lost to, FC Valinor twice, they would actually end up with five victories from five games with a goal differential of 15-6! The average being more or less 3-1 per game… and the teams they have played against are no less quality than Armenelos, Tirion, Hithlum, Gondolin and the T-I-G… (this imaginary scenario would lead up to a seven game total of 21-8 or 21-9 which is the same, well only one or two goals allowed more of what FC Valinor has… but had they had even one easier opponent – like FC Valinor had The Downer they beat 4-0 – then even that stat would have been the same, if not better than that of FC Valinor!) So the AKM still thinks Real Valinor is going strong and forwards.

But going into the “what if” and “but” –departments then…

First of all and obviously: The Sea is a very good team and a master of draws. Ulmo’s tactics are almost as conservative as Manwë’s and they are thence also masters in freezing the game. And given room, the two Númenorian forward-players Tar Minastir and Tar Aldarion can vreac some havoc. Looking at the stats of the group stage they have actually been more efficient than the famous Real Valinor trio Nerdanel – Miriel – Arien! Also Voronwë has proved to be, according to the numbers, as good a goaltender as Tulkas and his great saves in the penalty shoot-out competition must have only made him stronger. So what if they manage to suffocate Real Valinor’s attacks and then hit on counter-attacks they might be in for a surprise? They might.

But first of all the AKM wishes to look behind those two defeats of Real Valinor to FC Valinor before talking about the stats anything more. Erasing the two defeats to FC Valinor, Real Valinor’s scoring effectivity would be 36,6% and Tulkas’ saving percentage would be 75%. Both numbers, but especially the latter, would take Real Valinor clearly over The Sea. And had they had even one “easy opponent”, what would those numbers be then?

Secondly. People talk of the “inefficiency” of the Real Valimar forward-trio, but let’s remember they have played against such super-solid defences as FC Valinor and Armenelos during the group stage – during the friendlies they were very effec tive indeed (Arien 5+0, Miriel 4+3 and Nerdanel 0+3 in four games). Now to be honest The Sea has a solid defence as well, but if The Havens can score twice behind them the AKM sees no reason why Real Valinor couldn’t do the same, or better.

The AKM prediction:
The Sea will keep the game close but Real Valinor will prevail in the end. If The Sea manages to score the first goal it will become harder for Real Valinor to win comfortably as The Sea will then draw back and defend their goal with basically all their players. In case their tactics work it might even be a draw, but Real Valinor will win the overtime. If they get to the penalties The Sea might be stronger with their great performance in the group stage… or then not. But if Real Valinor scores first they’ll have an easier day out and could win with two goals as being behind forces The Sea to open their game.

Real Valinor wins 3-1 / 2-1


GAME 6

F1 Rohan 3-1 2-1-0
27,3% 11 (34) – 10 (31) 90%
vs. Imladris 1-0
vs. Isengard 1-0
vs. Misty Mts. 1-1

vs. Barad Dûr 2-0
vs. The Sea 1-1
vs. Minas Tirith 1-1
vs. Gondor 1-1
r.16 8-4 3-4-0
25% 32 (77) – 24 (66) 83,3%


C2 Dwarves Utd. 3-4 1-1-1
27,3% 11 (26) – 19 (49) 79%
vs. Erebor 0-2
vs. Anduin 1-1
vs. Wilderland 2-1

vs. Misty Mts. 0-0
vs. Erebor 0-1
vs. Imladris 0-1
vs. Wilderland 1-4
r.31 4-10 1-2-4
13,8% 29 (69) – 36 (95) 72,2%

Even if this game might actually turn into a much more interesting competition than many would predict, the AKM is not going to bet it’s money on Dwarves United to qualify. But why then do we think this might be a close match? There are several reasons.

Now Rohan is playing into that sensational mearas-defence behind which stands Theoden like they could repeat the miracle. But the last time they had also scorers in their team which they are desperately lacking this year. It’s not enough to defend proudly, but one needs to score as well to win games. Especially the farther we go int the tournament.

Secondly, with memories of that celebrated team looming large in the back of the minds of people many tend to overestimate the strength of team Rohan. The AKM thinks that it’s own ranking of team Rohans as no. 16 after the friendlies is more or less accurate. The only game they have played even worthy of mention is their 1-1 draw with The Sea in the friendlies, but even that was a lapsed walk-through with no real effort by either side.

And here are the chances of the Dwarves Utd. So if Dwarves Utd. plays their defence up to their standards Rohan will have hard time scoring even one goal (the AKM actually believes they will score one, but not more). Meanwhile, Celembrimbor has been on an upward path in the tournament: he has made three of all the four goals Dwarves Utd. has scored (friendlies & group-games combined), two of them in the last two group stage games. So it might well be the game ends 1-1 as well. If it goes to penalties Rohan stands up as clear favourites for two reasons: Theoden outshines Bombur as a goalie and Rohan has more than one player able of scoring goals.

The AKM prediction:
So it will be a tight game as both teams are great defencively. Sadly both teams lack in offence so it might be a boring one. And whichever team wins, it will be dropped out of the competition on the next round. Rohan qualifies.

Rohan wins 1-0 , or a draw 0-0 / 1-1 (Rohan wins ot. or pen.)


GAME 7

G1 AC Beleriand 8-3 2-1-0
36,4% 22 (52) – 11 (30) 72,7%
vs. Doriath 2-2
vs. Nargothrond 5-1
vs. Anfaughlith 1-0

vs. Inter Beleriand 2-0
vs. Valimar 1-1
vs. Angband 0-0
vs. The Havens 3-1
r.4 14-5 4-3-0
32,6% 43 (102) – 27 (75) 81,5%

B2 Gondolin 7-5 1-1-1
31,8% 22 (55) – 16 (40) 68,8%
vs. Inter Beleriand 2-2
vs. Eriador 1-3
vs. Arnor 4-0

vs. Real Valinor 1-3
vs. Doriath 3-2
vs. Tol-In-Gaurhoth 2-2
vs. Nargothrond 3-4
r.19 16-16 2-2-3
33,3% 48 (113) – 49 (105) 65,3%

It is undeniable that AC Beleriand is the favourite team here. The AKM is still holding to their view that AC Beleriand is actually the only team from this side of the bracket that can challenge the winners from the game between The Sea and Real Valinor and make it to the finals instead.

Enter the “buts”…

Now Gondolin’s performance has been, to put it nicely, a bit incoherent. They took quite nasty 3-1 beatings from both Real Valinor and Eriador, but whenever they have met a team with not a top class defence they have been creating havoc on the opposite side’s goal: 16 scored goals from all seven matches speaks for it’s own (especially if one considers they have been left into just one goal in those two afore-mentioned games = 14 goals in 5 games aka. basically 3 goals per game in others).

And well, Gondolin has 20 million forwards Maeglin (6+3) and Gothmog the lord of Balrogs (8+3) doing their job there pretty effectively. Compared to AC Beleriand’s forward duo Fëanor (5+3) and Eöl (2+4) that is plain crushing statistics. Now one could say that Beren (4+1) has an important role in AC Bel’s attacking, but Duilin (2+4) balances that nicely on Gondolin side.

If there is a weakness in AC Beleriand that is their defence, or especially Marach’s goalkeeping (72,7% from the group stage is not exactly bad, but not especially good either). So add here the stupendous attacking-machine of Gondolin and you might see interesting things.

But there is also an extra-factor involved: persona relations. Gothmog and Fëanor fex. will meet again in the field! Fëanor surely looks for a revenge, but Gothmog hardly is going to willingly allow Fëanor to outshine him. Adding to that, Echtelion surely would like to stand his ground in defence in revenge against Gothmog, but Gothmog might rather have a replay in mind. Also, not too many in AC Bel’s line-up have anything nice in mind when meeting the mighty Maeglin – but how will his father cope with the meeting, especially when he is playing for AC himself and his son is actually playing for Gondolin?

But, but, but… even if Gondolin knows how to score they also allow too many goals, way too many. Especially Rôg has been a real disappointment this time around: saving percentage of 68,8% (65,3% friendlies included) is just not enough when meeting AC Beleriand with a hungry Fëanor and a top-form Beren.

The AKM prediction:
It will be a game of outscoring the opponent. Gondolin might have a slight edge in the quality of their attackers (hard to belive that being said against a team that has Fëanor in their squad, but that is true nevertheless) but AC Beleriand’s defences have a wider edge against Gondolin’s and that will in the end decide the match.

AC Beleriand wins 3-2 / 4-3 / (3-2 ot.)


GAME 8

H1 Gondor 7-5 2-1-0
33,3% 21 (50) – 19 (47) 73,7%
vs. Mordor 2-1
vs. Barad Dûr 3-2
vs. Minas Tirith 2-2

vs. Armenelos 1-1
vs. Isengard 1-1
vs. Arnor 1-2
vs. Rohan 1-1
r.27 11-10 2-4-1
26,9% 41 (96) – 42 (97) 76,2%

A2 Shire-Bree Utd. 6-5 1-2-0
28,6% 21 (44) – 17 (50) 70,6%
vs. Tol-In-Gaurhoth 2-2
vs. Angband 2-2
vs. The Downer 2-1

vs. Nargothrond 4-4
vs. Misty Mts. 3-3
vs. Isengard 3-3
vs. Eriador 1-3
r.25 17-18 1-5-1
34% 50 (107) – 61,7% 47 (113) 61,7%

It is a kind of odd to see these two teams play in the play-offs while such a many great teams have been dropped out in groups levels higher. Well, whichever wins will have some serious problems meeting the winner from AC Beleriand vs. Gondolin match on the next round. But of the two Shire-Bree United is the favourite by the AKM.

Now one question though is, will Bombadill turn his attention from the daffodills to the game again? He was playing like only he can in the friendlies, scoring 5+2 there, but in the group stage his attention span and thus also his results have been coming down steadily: in the first game he made 1+1, on second 1+0 and in their last he was left in 0+0. Strider, Khamûl and The Barrow-Wight will offer backup and score the goals needed against gondor for Shire-Bree to qualify for the next round if Bombadill doesn’t. But if they are dreaming of anything more than the next game, then Bombadill must come back and join the scoring.

On the other side, Anárion, the Númenor-born High King of Gondor and Arnor (3+2 / 5+4) has risen to lead his team with the first Ship-King Tarannon Falastur (2+0 / 4+1). A lot depends on them being able to answer the scoring of the Shire-Bree offence.

In the end it might prove a closer game than expected as Shire-Bree has a slight edge on offence while Gondor claims one in defence. But even if gondor’s stats look a bit better on every front the AKM still thinks that the Shire-Bree has had stronger opponents, especially more offencive opponents – which means Shire-Bree’s defencive stas should better when comparing them to Gondor’s stats. And that we think will decide the game.

The AKM prediction:
Shire-Bree Utd. has a wide range of players who can score when others don’t – and if Bombadill is awake they will get an additional scoring-boost. Gondor is a decent team and will fight back but will in the end need to accept a loss, even if it goes overtime.

Shire-Bree United wins 2-1 / 3-1 / (3-2 ot.)

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Group Tables:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Elenrod/standings-matchday-3.png

(1) secured first seed
(2) secured second seed
(x) eliminated

*Group E was decided by penalty shoot-outs:
Hithlum 4-5 The Sea
The Haven 3-4 The Sea (2-0)
Hithlum 3-4 The Havens (1-1)

Bracket:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Elenrod/bracket-matchday-4.png

Power Rank:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Elenrod/power-rank-3rd-group.png

(Teams in bold are group leaders; teams in italics are eliminated.)

Greatest gain:
+11 Gondolin, Real Valinor
+9 Nargothrond
+6 Tol-in-Gaurhoth, Minas Tirith
Greatest loss:
-9 Arnor, Inter Beleriand
-7 Doriath, Wilderland
-5 Armenelos, Isengard

The Power Ranking is based on the aggregate of offensive and defensive ranking, combined with the adjusted goal difference rank of each team. The listed offensive and defensive rankings are from the actual numbers by the teams, and not adjusted. Ties are broken by a) win-draw-loss record; and b) goal difference.

The offensive ranking is based on the goals scored throughout the matches. Ties are broken by a) greater number of shots made on target; and b) greater number of shots made.

The defensive ranking is based on the goals allowed throughout the matches. Ties are broken by a) least number of shots allowed on target; and b) least amount of shots allowed.

Top Individual Performers:
(Players in italics are from eliminated teams.)

GOALS + ASSISTS

5+0
Ancalagon (Angband)

4+1
Gothmog (Gondolin)
Curufin (FC Valinor)

3+3
Sauron (Barad-dûr)

3+2
Anarion (Gondor)

3+1
Fëanor (AC Beleriand)
Glorfindel (Eriador)
Túrin (Hithlum)
Finrod (Nargothrond)

3+0
Beren (AC Beleriand)
Mablung (Doriath)
Castamir (Barad-dûr)
Shelob (Mordor)

2+3
Maeglin (Gondolin)

2+2
Fingon (Inter Beleriand)

2+1
Bombadil (Shire-Bree United)
Scatha (Wilderland)
Celegorm (FC Valinor)
Thuringwethil (Anfauglith)
Witch-king (Eriador)
Tar-Aldarion (The Sea)
Saucepan Man (The Downer)
NerWight (Tol-in-Gaurhoth)
Maedhros (Inter Beleriand)
Ar-Pharazôn (Armenelos)
Eönwë (Tirion)
Finwë (Tirion)
Nazgûl #4 (Mordor)

1+3
Beleg (Doriath)

0+3
Tevildo (Angband)
Eöl (AC Beleriand)

GOALKEEPING

Théoden (Rohan) - 9/10 (90.00%)
Beorn (Erebor) - 14/16 (87.50%)
Huan (FC Valinor) - 12/14 (85.71%)
Elrond (Eriador) - 13/16 (81.25%)
Manwë (Valimar) - 12/15 (80.00%)

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Group stage is finally over, and, while two teams from each group continue their quest for glory, two teams are left behind to wonder where they went wrong. TENT and ArdaCup.com's joint analysis would break down the Group G teams who failed to go further, and look at their bright spots, where they would need to improve, and what they could do to improve.

Anfauglith

What They Got Right:
Conceding two to Nargothrond was not a shame; Gwindor gave trouble to every left back he met, including AC Beleriand’s Fingolfin. And Barahir’s shot (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXoK5q7vPC0) was just, well, too good, and a bit too lucky. But Anfauglith shut Doriath’s dynamic front line out, and conceded just one goal to powerhouse AC Beleriand (although we admit that they would have probably conceded more had the game been for real, but then Anfauglith would probably have scored, too.) So their defence is fine, three goals against in three games against highly-rated offensive teams.

Furthermore, Thuringwethil was a pleasant surprise, scoring two goals and an assist in three games despite the supposed lack of support. She is the perfect lone forward for a counterattacking team; her team was always on the short end of possession, but she has been efficient with her time on the ball.

What They Got Wrong:
Anfauglith’s midfield was a bundle of energy, pressing well and disrupting the opposing midfield’s rhythm. However they were generally clueless on offence—Galdor and Gundor were the only names they had on the score sheet. So their nominal wingers were the only ones in their midfield who had some attacking instincts. If they were to break down teams who sat deeper against them, they would need more from the most populous part of their line-up.

What Can They Do:
Anfauglith lost $33 million this season, and, while Morgoth and Sauron can absorb the losses, the Houses of Edain can ill afford another losing season. Now, Anfauglith really should have advanced to the knockout round due to their head-to-head record against Doriath, but even had they advanced, they would still find it difficult to get past Eriador. Clearly they could no longer return to their 2011 form, which featured big (and expensive) names, but an improvement in their attack, even at the expense of their back line, would help them go a long way.

Quotes:
Thuringwethil: I know many are bitter about how we lost the second seed to Doriath, but it didn’t have to come down to goals scored. We should have beat Nargothrond; their defence was weak, and one more attacker would have made a lot of difference against them. We should have scored more against Doriath; Melian’s a good defender, but she’s only one player, and another brown shirt in their penalty box would have overloaded her. One more offensive-minded player on our side would have brought us out of our group.

Nargothrond

What They Got Right:
Nargothrond forwards had two hat-tricks in the friendlies, Gwindor was a terror of the opposition left flank, and Finrod had three goals and an assist in the group stage. So it’s easy to see that their strong point is their offence.

What They Got Wrong:
But is it, though? Many notice the five goals AC Beleriand put past them, but only a few see that they scored just one in return. And to think they had a better match-up against AC Beleriand’s defence: Glaurung vs Rochallor and Imlach. When one compares that to his markers vs Anfauglith (Balrog #4 and Borlach) and vs Doriath (Melian and Galathil), then one would see that he should have overpowered the two non-Maiar centre backs. But he didn’t even get a single goal against them. Overall, the Father of Dragons had a bad tournament, with only a goal and an assist to his name in three games.

The worst part of Nargothrond, however, was their shambolic defence. They failed to contain Thuringwethil, Fëanor, Beren, and Mablung. Now, very few can fault their performance against the Fiery Boot, but how about Thuringwethil running circles around them? Mablung overpowering and out-finessing them?

Their midfield could have helped them out, sitting deeper and holding a disciplined position in front of them. And it helped—during the first half of their game against AC Beleriand, they allowed only one goal. But when Nargothrond got impatient with breaking down Fingolfin’s defence and ordered their midfield forward, disaster followed.

What Can They Do:
The good news is that Nargothrond is a wealthy realm, able to absorb their loss this year (-$35 million), but their citizens have to be tired of dropping out so early in the tournament, left behind by their neighbours Doriath and Gondolin. They need better defenders, clearly, or at least one who could act as a leader—notice how Melian turned her woeful defenders (in the friendlies) to decent ones (in the group stage). A better goalkeeper, too—Bëor is obviously out of his depth, and he seems to be getting worse and worse the more they field him as shot stopper. 2010 Arda Cup-winning goalie Huor is a free agent, and, while his services would not come cheap, it’s cheaper than having them lose embarrassingly in 2013.

Quotes:
Finrod: We were unlucky to have faced four players on their good day. And we managed to snatch a draw despite Thuringwethil’s double. I have confidence in most of my players, though we would be taking less next year, which is what we deserve for losing. But we’ll have a look at our options, like who can play better at certain positions that we need to address. This team will be better come next year, I promise you that.

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Right, the sportswriters are nowhere to be seen, so the editor was left with no choice but to let me, a statistician, write the report. So this won't be pretty, but considering how well we did in the last round of sixteen prediction, we're still worth reading.


A1 Angband vs H2 Minas Tirith

Minas Tirith has done well to limit the above-average offences of the teams in Group H to two goals per game, so it's a safe bet that, even with Ancalagon (leading scorer of the moment) and Tevildo (assists leader), Angband would score that much. However, Minas Tirith has been scoring against only lousy defences so far (except Gondor, which, however, is still a fair-to-middling defensive team). How well do you think would the Stewards fare against Morgoth, a Balrog, and Carcaroth? (They might score one, but that's the most I expect they'll get.)
Angband 2:0 Minas Tirith

B1 Eriador vs G2 Doriath

Elrond's no longer the ridiculous clean-sheet machine that he was last season, but he's allowed all teams against him (ranging from mediocre Arnor to fearsome Gondolin) only one goal. So expect Doriath's free-flowing offence to score that much. On the other end, Melian and company would be hard-pressed to stop two fleet-footed strikers who play well off each other complemented by midfield runs from Arveleg.
Eriador 2:1 Doriath

C1 Erebor vs F2 Imladris

Imladris had a tough time scoring in the group stage. Erebor conceded just one to Wilderland's First Age offence.
Erebor 1:0 Imladris

D1 FC Valinor vs E2 The Havens

FC Valinor conceded only to Tirion in a game that no longer counted. They bludgeoned Real Valinor, their putative rivals, as well as perennial Cup contender Armenelos. The Havens has a mediocre defence and a good offence. That won't be enough even to slow FC Valinor down.
FC Valinor 4:0 The Havens

E1 The Sea vs D2 Real Valinor

The Sea scored one against Valimar, and conceded just two to Hithlum. Real Valinor is about Hithlum's level in offence, and just a notch below Valimar in defence--they did concede three to FC Valinor, but only one each to Tirion and Armenelos. Fortunately for them, Tar-Minastir and Tar-Aldarion aren't Curufin and Celegorm.
The Sea 1:2 Real Valinor

F1 Rohan vs C2 Dwarves United

This is one of the better match-ups for the Eorlingas. They can play their slow-paced possession game, starve Dwarves United of the ball, and build up safely for their winner.
Rohan 1:0 Dwarves United

G1 AC Beleriand vs B2 Gondolin

Expect Gondolin to score even against AC Beleriand's defence. Expect AC Beleriand to score more against Gondolin's so-so defence.
AC Beleriand 4:2 Gondolin

H1 Gondor vs A2 Shire-Bree United

Shire-Bree United held Angband and Tol-in-Gaurhoth to two goals, and Gondor, with their offence, is expected to get as much. But SBU also got two past the same teams, who had better defensive personnel than Gondor has (although TiG's sudden dip in form is puzzling.) They'd probably need extra-time to do so, but expect the stronger attack of SBU to prevail.
Gondor 2:3 Shire-Bree United

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Eriador vs Doriath

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Elenrod/erdvdor-n_zpse674b20d.jpg
[Projected formation. Eriador in white and black; Doriath in silver and blue.]

Formation:

Doriath would most likely use the same lopsided 4-4-1-1 they used to great effect against Nargothrond, with Beleg the link between the two defensive banks of four and Mablung. Melian’s three straight starts at central defence would be extended for at least one more game, matching her and Galathil against the strong and agile Witch-king, leaving Nimloth to counter Glorfindel’s pace and intelligent positioning. But one problem with Doriath’s 4-4-1-1 is that it leaves at least one fullback free. Against Nargothrond that was no problem, since their defenders rarely press downfield, but against Eriador, Lúthien’s deep position would leave Gil-galad with space to push down the pitch. If Arveleg timed his run perfectly against Saeros on the right (which we know he can do), then Gil-galad would have space to take on the distracted Doriath left back.

Eriador has been using the same 4-1-3-2 for three group stage games with great results, and would not likely change it.

Tactics:

Doriath has been one of the most tactically interesting teams of the tournament, neutralising teams deemed to be stronger than them by having the right players in the right places. Fielding Beleg and Lúthien as defensive wingers against the offensive fullbacks Fingolfin and Ecthelion of AC Beleriand, and then arraying two rows of four defensive players to contain the powerful and versatile attacking line-up of Nargothrond, they got a draw against one of the Cup contenders and a win against the team most expected to advance second in their group. Along the way the Fenced Realm had greater success as a counter-attacking team, losing the only game where they tried to take the initiative, so expect them to use the same strategy against a superior Eriador side.

Eriador’s defence is bound to get more attention due to the presence of star shotstopper Elrond, but credit must also be given to their offence, scoring more than two goals per game in a group containing decent defences. Wiki and Glorfindel have great synergy—their off-the-ball movements create enough space for each other—and Arveleg’s intelligent runs from midfield has proven to be the extra punch Eriador needs to break through stubborn defences.

AC Beleriand vs Gondolin

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Elenrod/acbvgdn-n_zps246ed7a5.jpg
[Projected formation. AC Beleriand in red and white; Gondolin in blue and white.]

Formation:

The formation battle promises to be interesting, with the two teams fielding different interpretations of the venerable 4-4-2: AC Beleriand’s wingless 4-4-2 diamond vs Gondolin’s skewed 4-2-2-2. Meleth, despite not being in the stat sheet, has been a quietly effective distributor, having initiated many of the Hidden Realm’s chances from deep in the midfield. Gondolin’s attacking width comes from Maeglin working the channels between central and right defenders and Elemmakil looking to find space to cross on the left of the box. Duilin provides the midfield runs that break down defences paying too much attention to the powerful Gothmog and the crafty Maeglin.

AC Beleriand, as stated by MESPN, have natural markers for the Gondolin striker duo—left back Fingolfin against Maeglin and Ecthelion (who would have to move to centre back, perhaps in place of Imlach) against Gothmog. And when AC Beleriand is in possession, Maeglin must not be lax in marking Fingolfin; Gondolin’s back four would already have a handful in Fëanor and Eöl, and letting Fingolfin make his way downfield would push them past the breaking point.

Tactics:

It would be a close battle in the midfield, with four central midfielders from each side. AC Beleriand’s Beren is without a doubt one of the best attacking midfielders in the tournament, and his teammate Bregolas and Gondolin’s Salgant are adequate holding midfielders, but overall Gondolin have slightly better passers: Duilin and Elemmakil have a combined nine assists (including friendlies), and Meleth, as has been mentioned earlier, has been an efficient deep-lying playmaker. However, considering the two squads’ last group games, AC Beleriand would have more energy to press than Gondolin, and that might tilt the possession stat in favour of Fëanor’s side.

Looking at their projected formations, the players who would have the most amount of space play on the same side of the pitch: Denethor and Imlach (or perhaps Ecthelion) on AC Beleriand’s right, and Elemmakil and Galdor on Gondolin’s left. It looks like the natural tendency would be for the free fullbacks to mark the free midfielders, but moving higher up the pitch would leave their respective sides with only a back three. Doing so might leave high work-rate strikers, especially those who move around looking for space (AC Beleriand’s Eöl and Gondolin’s Maeglin) with a lot of room.

[the phantom]

@ Erebor

The Dwarves of the Lonely Mountain and men of Dale were nearly giddy with excitement leading up to their first round playoff match against Imladris. Team Erebor had been quite impressive thus far- they defeated the playoff-bound Dwarves United in the friendlies and in group play, split with an impressive Wilderland squad, earned a friendly win over Group B winner Eriador, and came out on top in Group C with room to spare.

Smaug and company had been efficient on the attack, and Beorn and his eagle defenders had done a nice job at keeping the opposition off the scoreboard. Erebor fans felt they had a right to be confident.

But their foes from Imladris had some confidence as well- having Erestor and Varda herself protecting Elros’s goal was nothing to sneeze at, and the children of Elrond certainly had some skill on the attack. But they were a bit concerned about the midfield game. Lindir, Figwit, and Gilraen weren’t ones to exactly strike fear into the hearts of opponents, while Erebor boasted King Dain, the merciless Orc-King Bolg, and the grim sniper Bard in the midfield.

It was this advantage that had most of the betting agencies leaning in Erebor’s direction, as well as many football experts on MESPN and other networks. But the game, as always, would be decided on the grass and not on paper.

Or not on grass, actually, but the grass-like carpet covering the Stadium Under the Mountain at Erebor. When Erebor won the right to host the contest, many thought they would opt to host the game in the stadium down in Dale, as it was more convenient for folks staying there and at Lake Town, but the Lonely Mountain ownership wanted the game at their own stadium- which to be fair was slightly larger, and certainly noisier.

As evening approached a steady stream of football fans flowed to the gates of Erebor, though far more were filling the seats from inside the mountain. There were small pockets of Imladris fans, but the crowd was as lopsided as could be in favor of the home side.

By the time the teams entered the field of play the audience was in an absolute fever, chanting and waving flags with confidence. The game started and their volume increased, and the team on the field didn’t let them down. Erebor controlled things from the word go, and Imladris was defending. Erebor possessed well, and made trial of Imladris’s defense from every angle.

But fortunately for Imladris, team defense was their specialty, and Varda and company did their job well enough to keep Erebor off the board, bothering and rushing the shots just enough, and just generally getting in the way. Twice in the opening 20 Imladris couldn’t keep the ball away from Elros, but their keeper showed his mettle and rose to the challenge.

As the half wore towards its end, things started swinging the way of Imladris, and the somewhat tired Erebor side had trouble getting the ball away. Twice Imladris earned corners and twice they got the ball between the posts off of it, but Beorn batted away both attempts and Erebor breathed a sigh of relief.

In the midst of holding off yet another Imladris attack in the closing seconds of the half, Erebor at last gave their fans something to celebrate. Gwaihir got in the way of a pass and Bolg cleaned up the loose ball, sending it forward to the dashing Thranduil. The Elven King hauled it in and sent it to the wing for Nazgul #7 who immediately recognized the opportunity as it arrived- Imladris’s back line held up to force the offside ruling, but the heady Nazgul immediately sent it into the box before Smaug crossed through. The dragon was perfectly level as it was sent, and no one had a hope of challenging his thunderous header. It was 1-0 to the home team!

The atmosphere at the half was festive. The fans were confident that Erebor had weathered the storm and the opposition would fold. Some of the cooler heads reminded their fellows that things rarely prove so easy in the playoffs of Arda Cup, but on this day there was no need for caution, as team Erebor busted out of the gates in the second half with a withering assault, and after but a few minutes it was 2-0 Erebor, with the previous distributor Nazgul #7 smartly volleying in a rebound!

King Dain and King Thranduil agreed to pull back and rest up for a bit, confident that their defense would hold, and hold it did. Erebor was not as gassed as they were towards the end of the first half, and so Erebor found little success with the ball on their feet. And many remembered well the words of the MESPN analyst who pointed out that Imladris was in fact more comfortable playing defense and counter-attacking.

As the minutes slipped past the Kings ordered Erebor back on the attack- but more reserved than before. There would be no aggressive runs, but rather careful trial of the Imladris back. Imladris took to the task with enthusiasm, thinking this was more suited to their style, but they felt foolish indeed at minute 69. Smaug was simply too large and physical to handle on the ground and too fast when in flight and he proved it with his second goal of the contest, this time off a feed from Thranduil.

With a 3-0 lead and 20 minutes left the crowd began celebrating in earnest. Imladris was not an offensive power, and the home defense was quality. It was in the bag. The more cautious among them perhaps thought of warning of early celebration, but remembering how Erebor had proved them wrong after the half they gave themselves over to blind optimism and joined in the party!

And that was the wise decision, as Erebor simply didn’t allow Imladris an inch. They played keep-away to force Imladris to pressure the ball, and when Imladris had it the eagles and Smaug swooped down at every opportunity, harrying the possession game.

Imladris kept trying doggedly until the very end and perhaps they felt they earned respect in that, but all praise was aimed squarely at Erebor. In dominating fashion they were through to the quarterfinals!

Erebor 3-0 Imladris
on target 8-2
tot shots 19-7
GOALS:
*43, 1-0 Smaug (Nazgul #7)
*52, 2-0 Nazgul #7 (Bolg)
*69, 3-0 Smaug (Thranduil)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Erebor- Landroval
*Imladris- Galdor, Gilraen

[Nogrod]

Arda Cup 12, play offs round 1 @ The Grey Havens, a preview


Now because of the ban of the undying lands to host any matches this year the AFA was in dire need of venues the Valimar-based teams could play their first games at. And a solution did present itself – although it would be clear not all footballing sides would be too happy about it. The Havens was the only team still on from groups D and E, and it had hosted the group E and several friendlies with success: and they had a new and shining arena, Lhûnarena, to hold the games in – and with all this buzz, there were some signs the Havens might just bring about a spreading of football-culture in that corner of Arda normally not referred to as “footballing country”. So there was a lot to win in giving the games in there.

The AFA had one requirement though: entertaining the folks outside the arena with just audio-broadcasting the events was not going to be enough. The waterpark and the riverside gardens outside the wall were a great place to bring around an all-folks football-jubilee for those who had not been able to purchase a ticket, and the parks could easily take in even a hundred- to two hundred-thousand crowd. So there had to be giant screens broadcasting the games live from inside the stadium, and some other conveniences offered to the people outside the arena if the Grey Havens was willing to hold the two matches. Cirdan had easy time promising them as the tourists would bring in such quantities of revenue that those investments would be a fly’s buzz in their coffers.

And it really was a boost to the Grey Havens! On top of luring even more of the elves, men and hobbits from the surrounding lands, the Grey Havens draw crowds especially from Valimar, Númenor and Beleriand – and there were many football cognoscenti from all around the ME who reserved their tickets asap as they heard about this double-game evening. It was something a football fan would not let slip from his or her hands. Some media might have been over the top though, like the local tabloid The Lhûnandarwinian which screamed on it’s frontpage: “See the finalists of the AC 12!”, but no one could deny that there would be some real quality football on offer and a dashing display of players.


~*~

The teams did give a short pre-game press audition from where the AKM brings its readers just few clips to give you an idea how things were forming before the games.

The AKM: With the breaking news just in we hear that Imladris lost to Erebor 3-0, any comments on the performance of your son and grandchildren?

Eärendil: That’s the final result? Uhh… I would have hoped Elros and the young-ones to fare better, but this certainly is no surprise either. I mean if you want to go far in a tournament like this you need more stars in your team.

The AKM: But they did have Varda?

Eärendil: Haha. I’m afraid she’s not able to create the kind of stars I’m referring to...

The Lhûnandarwinian: How do you see our chances of qualifying?

Eärendil: Well, FC Valinor surely are the favourites this evening, but if the crowds come to support us, they might become the infamous twelwth player on the pitch and who knows what might ensue? So I hope everyone turns out to cheer for us. We'll make it a game to remember!

The Armenelos Times: Many say Real Valinor hasn’t quite lived up to the expectations, so how do you see our… erm… your chances this evening against The Sea?

Tar Minastir: That’s media-talk, statistician’s pillow-stories, you know. Real Valinor has lost two games, but both those games were against FC Valinor, and they have won all the other matches they’ve played – and against some pretty good teams. So I think there is no reason to think they’re not as tough a team as their opening line-up tells. That said, we’re going to challenge them securing our own end first and trying to imbalance them when or if they get too greedy coming forwards.

The Númenorian: Counter-attacking tactics that is?

Tar Minastir: One doesn’t simply go attacking full force against a team with such skill, experience and talent as Real Valinor. We don’t want to be 0-4 behind at the half-time.

The AKM: Taking an earlier question as a lead, how do you think your team has fared thus far and how do you think your opponents of this evening, The Sea?

Arien: I do agree with wise Tar Minastir about the statisticians “not seeing the forest from the trees”. FC Valinor has been a too tough a nut for us to crack, but hopefully we meet in the finals where we might finally know how to do it. What comes to the Sea, well, Ulmo and his minions will be tough in defence and the great Numenorian talent will surely be a constant threath to our defences. I mean I’m one of those who didn’t think it a surprise they qualified as number one from that tough group they played in: they are both a well balanced team unlike hithlum fex., and they are not as conservative as Manwë’s Valimar so they have what it takes to produce results as well.

The Lhûnandarwinian: How will you plan to bring down The Havens this evening?

Maglor: I see the pointy end of that question of yours. So I’ll answer in kind: I’ve done it once so why not another time? Let me put it this way: how many players do you think we would like to change with the Havens if we had chance?

The Lhûnandarwinian: Well, Eärendil surely would fit any team, and Tuor, and Cirdan is a quality keeper, and Olwë sure brings some backbone into the defence…

Maglor: Heh. The white-haired king of Alqualonde is probably the only one we would even consider… Would you change Huan to Cirdan at the goal? Or my brothers Curufin and Celegorm to Eärendil and Tuor? No offence intended, but don’t make me laugh. You see, the Havens has some pretty good players, but they wouldn’t even fit our opening line-up. That I think tells enough.


~*~

A full match report from both games will appear on this channel as soon as the games are played...

[Nogrod]

Play-offs round 1, two games @ The Grey Havens

So it was to be quite an evening with football at the shining new Lhûnarena sold full already days before. The full capacity of the stadium was “only” some fifty-five thousand, but the surrounding Riverside Gardens and the park were hosting some two hundred to two and half hundred thousand fans and enthusiasts around the eight giant screens brought up around the stadium. Elves, the men of all ages and races, hobbits and even some dwarves were having an evening of fun and excitement ahead of them and many fast improvised stands were offering snacks, beverages, team-merchadise, pic-nic accessories, what have you.

One of the most popular entertainments aside with heavy speculation between friends and strangers and the general merry-making was the betting for the results: from small-scale betting between friends or newly-found acquintances over a pint to serious betting through both minor and major betting-agencies who had their own stands at the park as well. Interestingly enough the odds to win for both games were about even as the great number of homeside supporters evened out the betting of the game between the Havens and FC Valinor, whereas Real Valinor’s not that impressive tournament-trail clearly evened the bets between them and the strong-looking The Sea the locals seemed to favour as kind of a second “home team” anyway.


~*~

At 7pm the sun was still shining from the clear evening sky when the players from teams The Sea and Real Valinor ran to the field creating enthusiastic cheers from the crowds both inside and outside the stadium. The first game was about to begin and one could see the importance of it in the faces of the players while the official Arda Cup Anthem was played live by the Grey Havens Symphony Orchestra in the middle of the pitch.

After the necessary ceremonies the game was finally on. It was clear from the first minute that both teams had decided to start very carefully feeling for the opponent and their game. But with neither team willing to take a real offensive initiative or any risks whatsoever, the first half an hour of the game was actually a bit boring.

Towards the end of the first period both teams finally started to press on with their attacks a little more daringly creating a few nice chances to both ends. But with both teams really keeping their defences solid the few actual shots made were going wide because of the strict defending forcing the shots from bad positions or from too far away.

While the football enthusiasts had enjoyed the first half immensly as very skilled game from both sides and a remarkable tactical play, the less educated homeside fans were actually booing and whistling when the teams retreated to their lockers for the half-time. The Maiar-defence led by Ulmo had managed to make the feared Real Valinor attack quite armless but the Númenorians hadn’t been given any room at the other end of the pitch either.

But come the second half it was like a totally different game. Real Valinor had had it’s “scouting” done and was now pressing on for real into any weaknesses they had found on the first half. After some ten minutes of probing different variations Real Valinor started a full attacking phase. They seemed to avoid the center where Ulmo and Ossë were keeping their ground and came from both left (playing for Nerdanel) and right (playing for Miriel) while Arien made Ulmo and Ossë busy with her dangerous cross-runs in the middle giving them no pause to go and help the defenders on the sides.

And suddenly there were sparks all around when Real Valinor went on offence. The home-crowds were totally amazed by what they saw as no team had forced The Sea they had seen playing many games at their stadium into that kind of trouble. The attacks rained in both right and left: the saying that a “goal hangs in the air” was looking more and more true – untill it became a fact.

Tilion had caused a lot of trouble to the Sea’s defences with his aggressive runs deep into their defensive territory but at the 66th minute he managed to fool The Sea’s defences big time. Running deep into the left side of The Sea’s half he draw Uinen to come and challenge him. Getting rid of her with a neat trick he forced Ossë to rush down on him to prevent him from openly challenging Voronwë. With Arien making a steep run inside the box Ulmo had no chance but to follow her leaving Nerdanel open rushing in the second wave – and Tilion passed the ball neatly to her feet inside the box. Nerdanel scored booting the ball with a one-timer from the bottom of her heart making her first goal of the tournament.

The Sea tried to come aggressively forwards after being put one down to even the score as soon as possible, but Real Valinor was not yielding an inch and on the contrary gained more chances the more The Sea put an effort on offence. And with a nice counter-attack Caranthir sent the ball far forwards, after ripping it away from Andreth, and Miriel was suddenly in a running competition with Salmar going after the ball. Voronwë hesitated a moment at the goal as to whether to run for the ball or stay back ready for a shot, but as it instantly seemed Miriel was outpacing Salmar, he rushed for the ball as well.

Salmar was losing the fight and Miriel reached for the ball while Voronwë closed in from ahead… and it was close one! But Miriel did get the first touch chipping it with an elegant touch over the diving Voronwë. Avoiding a collision with the sliding keeper Miriel jumped up and waved her hand in the air while wittnessing the ball bounce into the goal. It was just such a cool finish!

With two goals down and only twenty minutes left The Sea faced a dilemma: go forwards with all you have and dare more goals by the Valinor team, or take it more carefully not opening your defences but still try to press for two goals. It seemed like an impossible equation.

The Sea fought bravely and even managed to create some pressure to the Real Valinor defences at times, but with the dangerous counter-runs the Valinor forwards kept The Sea at the bay.

Interestingly enough, the game ended with both teams shooting quite evenly (The Sea had 3 shots on goal vs. Real Valinor 4 shots on goal – overall 10 vs. 13), but Real Valinor won the game quite confidently 2-0. And there was no doubt as to which was the better team – even if the local supporters were not too happy about their favourites ending up as the losing side.

But whichever side, Rohan or Dwarves Utd., is coming to face them on the next round Real Valinor sent a message that they are on the top of their form and play intelligently for the result. Or who knows how they will play the next time, but this time it was a pure victory of tactics and great performance of some shining stars.

The Sea 0-2 Real Valinor
on target 3-4
tot shots 10-13
GOALS:
*66, 0-1 Nerdanel (Tilion)
*69, 0-2 Miriel (Caranthir)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Sea- Tar Aldarion
*Real- Nessa, Tilion



So all was set for the The Game in The Lhûnarena. At 9.30 pm the teams finally jogged into the field facing a mighty roar of the crowds. The sun was slowly setting and the lights had been lit over the stadium producing an awesome turqoish-white light over the pitch. Now the feeling was really up – and anyone questioning The Grey Havens’ lack of footballing culture was at least temporarily put to a shame.

There was a touching episode before the game began when after the official Arda Cup anthem Idril went to embrace her husband Tuor and their son Eärendil, and her daughter-in-law Elwing. In the spirit of football Maglor also shook hands with Cirdan and Elwing, and both Curufin and Celegorm were seen to exchange a few polite greetings with Olwë and Eärwen. The past was present and absent at the same time, but tonight they would be first of all playing football.

And it was a game to remember!

The home team started with flare and gusto making the crowds their twelwth player Eärendil had hoped for and they forced the game into FC Valinor’s side of the field. Idril came down to help the defences against the rolling attacks of her husband and son but it was not enough, as after seventeen minutes into the game the Havens scored! Eärendil put a nice pass from between Nahar’s hooves and Tuor managed to get rid of his wife to score a goal behind Huan from around the penalty spot! The crowds were going mad!

The Havens were causing the first serious upset of the tournament! They were leading the general favourites to win the whole tournament, the winners of the notorious group D – and they were not backing down after their goal either. On the contrary. With the crowds getting wild with their support they pressed on. But slowly their attacks wore down one after another and FC Valinor started keeping the ball more and more… and like a flash from the sky, at half an hour’s mark, Idril released Celegorm into a solo run and he basically ran over Cirdan just putting the ball into the goal after running Cirdan down.

After the equaliser the game went into a bit subdued mode as both teams were clearly looking for the half-time and neither wished to go there trailing the other team. So the first half ended with extremely sharp defending by both sides – and even if the crowds woke up every now and then after some nice performances of their homeside players and tried their best to beat their team into scoring, FC Valinor seemed to have no trouble keeping Tuor and Eärendil at bay the last fifteen minutes of the first half.

The shadow of all those drawn games played on the Lhûnarena at the group stage loomed heavily over the stadium during the half-time, but when the second half started those clouds of doubt were cleared for good.

The Havens started with even more fervor they started the first period and took the crowds along them. But after the few first minutes FC Valinor was coming back with even more stamina. Well, with more The Havens could handle it seemed. The game started to turn into a nightmare to the homecrowds as FC Valinor finally unleashed their offence full scale.

Olwë and Elwing were more busy than ever before trying to contain Curufin’s and Celegorm’s aggressive moves in the center, and Annael and Lindo ran their breath away trying to denounce the background runs by Argon and Yavanna at the sides – and Idril and Lórien were always dangerously looking on making sudden dashes forwards when FC Valinor was attacking keeping also The Havens midfield away from any offencive ideas. And Maglor could just make a dash from nowhere to penetrate The Havens’ defences. It was a nail-biting time for the home team fans – and a jubilee of offencive football.

Maglor made a dash and shot the ball with power into the post from thirty meters. The crowds sighed in relief, fearing the worst.

With Elwing’s one second error of judgement Curufin was released from her hold by a perfect pass by Yavanna, but Cirdan tipped the ball just inches away from the low-right corner of the goal with a wonderful dive. From the ensuing corner-kick Celegorm rose the highest and headed the ball just off the mark.

At hour’s mark FC Valinor had played the ball to and fro at The Havens’ side of the field for a few minutes searching for a route inside the box when Annael managed to cut a pass by Celegorm around the corner of the box and footed it away as far as he could – and seeing him kicking the ball with all he had to put in all the defenders dashed forwards to bring in the offside-trap.

But Curufin managed to stretch his boot in the way and instead of flying to the other end of the field the ball went high and towards the left. The havens regrouped as soon as they could with Lindo and Eärwen going for the high ball and Annael, Elwing and Olwë closing the center from the brothers and Idril who was dashing in with force.

Yavanna got the first touch of the ball from in front of Lindo and Eärwen and volleyed the ball diagonally forwards far over the heads of the players concetrated in the the middle of the edge of the box – and Argon was making a run for it behind the backs of the defenders on the right side – and he volleyed the ball as well, straight in to the roof of the net, leaving Cirdan no chance whatsoever letting the shot ring from some ten meters away from the goal.

It was just such an amazing feat the crowds fell totally silent for a fleeting moment before they all applauded it with it’s due – even if the home team supporters weren’t actually delighted of the goal. But it was just so great they just instinctually cheered for it after they reaised what they had seen.

The Havens was trying to fight back and put all it had on offence but FC Valinor was now on charge of the game and pushed them back time after time. And they were not sitting idle on their lead either, but went for offence almost as hard they did before their last goal – and little by little the balance was yet again turned towards the Havens’ side of the pitch.

The defences of The Havens were now more or less scitzophrenic about whether to especially guard Celegorm and Curufin or Yavanna and Argon, or the constantly running Idril, the unpredictable Lórien, the crafty Maglor… and while trying to make some forwards play themselves they soon realised they were going nowhere. And FC Valinor did hit into that confusion.

Yavanna was bringing the ball deep into the Havens territory by the left side and made a centering pass over the field. The defenders remembered the volley of Argon while seeing him running for it at the right side trailed by Idril – while Maglor was rushing forwards from left to the center… Yavanna’s pass forced the defence into a fast reaction-mode. Annael and Elwing rushed for Argon, Lindo caught Maglor’s dash from the corner of his eye and went for him and Olwë – as the old fox in the middle – stood firm keeping Curufin at bay and calling Eärwen to come and help in the center.

Annael, Elwing and Argon all jumped for the ball and Argon managed to head it back towards Idril who was running into the place. Without hesitation Idril centered the ball back but now towards the actual center. Maglor made a run turning towards the ball leaving Lindo behind. Seeing that, Eärwen dashed to cut Maglor’s route, but Maglor turned around seeing Celegorm runnning free in the center towards the left corner of the goal. Without a second thought he passed the ball sideways with the first touch. Now Olwë had to run for it and he charged Celegorm. Cirdan had ran forwards to almost reach the ball on Celegorm’s feet and Olwë was coming on him when he just passed the ball sideways again only to reach his brother who booted it in from the center of the field, just five meters away from an empty goal!

It was 3-1!

There were twenty minutes of the game left and The Havens sure gave their best. But slowly their efforts became less and less serious as they realised FC Valinor held them at bay at their will. There was no way for them to score against this team and the last ten minutes both sides more or less just kicked the ball around – even if at times the homecrowds tried to boost their team for an effort once more. But as the result of those efforts were more often than not tight situations at their own goal they finally decided they would not like to lose more than 3-1 and the last minutes went just kicking the ball around. Some people booed but most were just so taken by FC Valinor’s performance they felt wrong to boo on such a side even if their favourites had just lost a game. And FC Valinor had given both the home team and the spectstors a lesson in effective football. And in a beautiful game as well.

The crowds exiting the stadium and the parks were happy with one thing though: even if their team had lost, they had seen the undoubted champions play.


FC Valinor 3-1 The Havens
on target 8-4
tot shots 17-12
GOALS:
*17, 0-1 Tuor (Earendil)
*32, 1-1 Celegorm (Idril)
*58, 2-1 Argon (Yavanna)
*71, 3-1 Curufin (Celegorm)
YELLOW CARDS:
*FCVal- Maglor, Argon
*Havens- Angrod, Aegnor

[the phantom]

@ Osgiliath

The citizens of Gondor were mighty pleased going into the first round of the playoffs. Not only had team Gondor and team Minas Tirith both advanced, but they had done so over the heads of their bitter rivals- Barad-Dur and Mordor.

Though the competition level was set to go up (it was the playoffs after all!) Gondorians were hopeful. The name Angband rightly put fear into the opposition, but with the new salary cap rules the squad from Morgoth's stronghold was not quite the exclusive all-star club it had been in the past. And Shire-Bree United wasn't a perfect squad either, despite the relative ease they seemed to score with. Both of these matches were winnable.

Of the two, team Gondor seemed to be a little more confident- not necessarily based on their opponent, but more upon their own performance in the tournament. Aside from a one-goal setback to Arnor in the friendlies, they were unblemished. They earned draws with the high-quality squads of Armenelos and Rohan, and defeated both of Sauron's squads along the way, and after that they felt they belonged. King Anarion was just on fire this tournament, and the rest of the team was doing the job solidly.

Osgiliath had a couple of quality venues in which to host the contest, but everyone knew the oldest and largest would be chosen. The old coliseum on the banks of the Anduin had been home to many an important contest in the Gondor League through the years, and had certainly hosted an Arda Cup match a time or two through the ages. The traveling Shire-Bree fans certainly had no objection to the site selection. Though one of the smaller and more modern stadiums might have been more comfortable, the original Osgiliath stadium was one of the places a true football fan just had to visit one time.

And speaking of the out-of-towners, Shire-Bree drew a bit better than most believed they would, and their fans were doing anything they could to get their hands on tickets. Orcs of Mordor drifted into town in surprising numbers to cheer on Nazgul #6, Khamul, Barrow-Wight, and Golfimbul- hoping these favorites of theirs would knock their hated Gondor rivals out of the playoffs. And Shire-Bree even received a bit of support from the locals thanks to the presence of Strider, or King Elessar as he was called there.

So it was that when the late afternoon match was ready to begin, the crowd was very nearly a 70-30 split. Something more along the lines of 90-10 had been expected, and so it was strange and a little embarrassing to see for the locals.

But the Gondor supporters were not at all embarrassed by what they saw on the field, as Gondor started strong- passing intelligently, timing runs, breaking up opposing runs with efficiently legal contact and forcing the ball back in the field. They looked the most dangerous without a doubt, and Falastur in minute 18 shaved the top of the crossbar with a header. Certainly a goal was hanging in the air.

And it finally came just before the half-hour mark, and not surprisingly it was thanks to a fine play by Anarion. Gildor was defending him quite well, but Anarion simply made a turn and cross-over that was too good to stay with, gaining himself just enough space and a lane to deftly send it to Eldacar who athletically booted it straight in from 10 meters!

The crowd hollered their approval and squeezed the shoulders of their neighbors in happiness! This was what they had envisioned!

But Strider kept Shire-Bree cool, and they continued to battle on as the first half progressed, and slowly but surely the skilled front of Shire-Bree found their rhythm, putting Hyarmendacil under pressure for the first time. Though Shire-Bree was unable to gain a quality opening to make him handle the ball, it was obvious they were finding their stride and figuring things out, and Gondor needed to do something.

As the final 5 minutes of the first half arrived, Gondor moved back to choke their half of the pitch, but unfortunately the lack of open space really seemed to fully wake up Bombadil. He has always been curiously passive about some things, but on his own land he is powerful, and when his space gets invaded on the football pitch he takes serious notice.

Suddenly he was a blur, and the midfield of Shire-Bree wasted no time in getting it to him. His first possession he crossed up three defenders and shot one which was only barely redirected into the post by a stray shin. His second try he earned himself free for a drive and sniped it accurately forcing Hyarmendacil to make a fantastic save. But the third time is the charm- after running rings around the box and even causing a few defenders to collide, he earned himself an opening in which he shockingly passed it over to the completely ignored Khamul who had an easy time nodding it into the net to equalize!

The Gondor fans weren't so giddy at the half. Things were deadly serious- this Shire-Bree team could play, especially that Bombadil. But they did not panic, for they knew King Anarion and friends were devising something in the locker room. And in fact they were.

When the second half began Gondor decided they would leave Bombadil alone without the ball, and when he got it the would have multiple defenders stay in front of him a few yards back, not pressuring him, but not attacking him either. And much to the frustration of Strider and Khamul the tactic worked quite well, and suddenly their offense was at a halt and things were flowing Gondor's way.

They earned a couple decent looks that went high, and Anarion bent one in that forced Halbarad to awkwardly smother the ball, and the onlookers knew that Gondor couldn't be held off for another 30 minutes. And in fact they were barely held off for another ten- Barrow-Wight was forced to foul Anarion from behind after he was released exquisitely by Romendacil, and Anarion sent the resulting free kick straight in for the lead!

As Gondor celebrated, Strider and Khamul were near midfield trying to get Bombadil's head in the game. Strider appeared to be telling Bombadil, "If we lose, it's on you! All on you!" But whatever he said, Bombadil certainly was jump-started, and like the wind before a storm the game turned nearly instantly.

Suddenly the offense of Shire-Bree was running through Bombadil and the pieces were rotating around him like a well-oiled machine. The ball was moving quicker than anyone could hope to keep track of- the announcer for the radio broadcast was able to say the names of the players at most as they one-touched it around. Barrow-Wight found an opening for a 25 meter power drive, but it was turned away. Strider gained a header, but the defense slowed him just enough to make the attempt weak enough to be saved.

But at last the net was found- and appropriately it was the spark-plug Bombadil doing the damage. It was 2-2 with under 10 minutes left!

Gondor fans were fearful that Shire-Bree would continue the assault and win without extra time, but predictably Bombadil thought he'd done his job and settled back into his lazier distracted style of play. In no time at all extra time arrived and fans on both sides were buzzing. What would be the strategy? Be aggressive and be left open, or look to counter, or play for a shoot-out?

Shockingly, as extra time rolled along it became obvious that both sides had selected the same strategy- play smart and cautious, and if the opponent doesn't make mistakes to pounce on just win it on penalty kicks.

Gondor felt they had the superior keeper, and they also liked their depth. They didn't really have any weak kickers on their squad, and the idea of PKs appealed to them. Shire-Bree on the other hand felt their top players had the best scoring knack and that they would have the advantage of sure-fire early goals in PKs. And so it was that overtime just turned into an anxious waiting game, with fans hoping for safe play, and nearly covering their eyes any time it looked like an opportunity was there- but both teams did fairly well at preventing openings, and the seconds slid by and indeed- it would be PKs to decide the victor!

First up was Gondor's Eldacar- possibly the best finisher on the squad. Strider knew the Gondor squad fairly well, but he could offer his keeper Halbarad no advice on Eldacar other than to take a guess. And guess he did, but not correctly- Eldacar faked the drive then sent it perfectly to the opposite side after Halbarad jumped.

First up for Shire-Bree was Bombadil, and his teammates looked cool. Though his effort and concentration could be suspect his pure ball-striking was as constant as the flow of a mighty river, and though Hyarmendacil guessed correctly the ball was simply too perfect and too hard to give him a real chance at the save. It was tied!

Next up was Anarion- the man who could not be stopped this tournament, and no surprise he couldn't be stopped this time. But equal to him was Strider, sending it unstoppably into the net to keep things level!

Now it was Romendacil's turn, and taking no time to settle or to allow the crowd to prepare he fired it. Halbarad was caught flat-footed, but the ball was too tall and off the crossbar! The larger part of the stadium groaned and covered their faces. Shire-Bree had an opening!

And making it worse- it was Khamul up next for Shire-Bree. If one of the hated Nazgul were to be instrumental in the defeat of Gondor, it would be just agonizing. Khamul stepped back and kicked it perfectly, but Hyarmendacil was on it perfectly and batted it away! Perhaps the keeper had scouted Khamul particularly well, as he did not want to be beaten by him.

Still level with two kicks remaining, Falastur stepped up and efficiently sent the ball off the inside of the post and into the net, leaving Halbarad with no chance. But then Barrow-Wight did a perfect copy of Falastur, and things were still level headed into kick number five.

The crowds were biting their nails, chewing on their cups, and other such nervous ticks, and it was as silent as it had been all day. Turambar stepped up and placed the ball, took a deep breath, and retreated. He set himself, and Halbarad danced about on the endline. Turambar strode forward and pulled his leg back for the drive, and then hesitated.

Halbarad would leap to one side or the other leaving him free to poke it the opposite way- or at least that was the plan. But Halbarad hadn't budged at all! Turambar gave it as much leg as he could muster from his awkward position, but without the extra impetus after the hesitation move the flight was slow enough for Halbarad to react, and it was a save! Halbarad tipped the ball off course to the left of the goal, and Shire-Bree had a chance to win it!

And it would be Gildor the Elf stepping up to take what could be the winning kick. While he wasn't a good source for advice on PKs (always counseling to kick both left and right), Shire-Bree was confident he could deliver, and the Elf looked confident himself. As he set the ball he asked loudly, "Am I going to be on target?" and as he backed off to strike he asked, "And are you going to save it?"

Then dashing forward he shouted, "YES, and NO!" and sent a drive high and middle, and Hyarmendacil could only flail at it helplessly with his trailing legs as he sailed off in the wrong direction. It was in!

Shire-Bree was through to the quarterfinals!

Gondor 2-2 Shire-Bree United (SB wins on pens. 4-3)
on target 6-8
tot shots 17-18
GOALS:
*28, 1-0 Eldacar (Anarion)
*42, 1-1 Khamul (Bombadil)
*72, 2-1 Anarion
*81, 2-2 Bombadil (Barrow-Wight)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Gondor- Ciryandil
*SBUnt- BWight

PENALTY SHOOT-OUT:

Eldacar (goal)
Anarion (goal)
Romendacil (miss)
Falastur (goal)
Turambar (save)

Bombadil (goal)
Strider (goal)
Khamul (save)
Barrow-Wight (goal)
Gildor (goal)

(Note: MESPN exit interviews with Gondor and Imladris are taking place and will be aired soon.)

[Boromir88]

@ Angband

Tens of thousands of Orcs and servants of Angband packed into the mighty caverns of Morgoth's iron stadium. Since the match was to be played underground, there was no natural light, but it was still bright enough do to the fires of Angband (although this also made it very hot underground). For those who remembered, Morgoth was obviously hoping to deliver to Angband a repeat of the 2009 first-round playoff match against Minas Tirith, where Angband easily dispatched the White City 3-0. Many pundits had been predicting the same, that Minas Tirith, while playing well, came out of a very weak group and would be no match to the deadly power and talent of Angband. Morgoth was trying to set up the same atmosphere and conditions in 2009, and in this way intimidate Minas Tirith off the pitch.

Very (very) few Minas Tirith fans braved the journey to Morgoth's Iron Hell, and those who did were definitely taunted and jeered at, but their courage was admirable and they never felt their lives were at risk. To go from Minas Morgul in one week only to then be sent to Angband, must be admired indeed. And, in truth, the people of Minas Tirith were quite different from their Rohirric allies. It is known the Rohirrim like their spacious, open fields to run their premier passing game. While the sturdier, grimmer, Minas Tirithians do not mind the tight and dark conditions so much. Although, the White City would be tested today like they have never been tested before.

The first half was an extremely defensive affair. The Orcs of Angband began as loud and raucous as ever before, but slowly as the half was drawing on became quieter and quieter. And when the stadium had turned dead silent, it soon became restless and anxious (probably not at all helped by how cramped everyone was). For they saw the grim determination of Minas Tirith to resist to the end. And with each passing second that the score remained 0-0, Minas Tirith was actually growing more confident and determined, not showing signs of wearing down, or breaking, at all.

The half quickly came, and there was really neither team had a significant chance to break the deadlock in the first half. And when the teams went to the lockers, Angband became stirring and growing ever louder again. It was as if the new half, would bring new life to Angband's fans. Afterall, they had seen Morgoth's strategy before, to cleverly prod and test the abilities of the opponents, before confidently putting the match away in the 2nd. Even if Minas Tirith was stubborn in resistance, they posed almost no scoring threats in the 1st, and it appeared to all Morgoth never lost control. He was yet again, the Maestro on the pitch, composing every rythym and outcome.

And so the 2nd began, again to the unnerving beats of the Orcs. The 50th minute passed, and the drums stopped beating. The 60th passed and the crude songs stopped. Then the 70th and the humming died out. It was still 0-0. When will these weak Men realize their efforts against the Might of Morgoth was fruitless? But now, Minas Tirith was even getting possession and starting to threaten Angband's goal.

But Morgoth had a key interception in the back-line and as sudden as the flames had poured out over Ard-Galen, Morgoth launched a counter. So quick and furious was the counter, it took Minas Tirith by complete surprise. Angband poured forward and the the Balrog defender fired in a powerful shot. It was bravely blocked by Cirion, but Telvildo pounced on the loose rebound and knocked the ball passed the diving fingertips of Denethor II. The creatures of Angband never doubted their master for a minute, or so they would have you believe. But now the wilfull stubborness of Minas Tirith had been broken, and they were confident Minas Tirith had been beaten down for good.

They were not, however. Feeling like they had absolutely nothing to lose, the 1-goal defecit did not break their spirits, and forgetting all caution they pressed for an equalizer. Morgoth seemed not too concerned, but actually confident they could shut this weaker age of Men out, quite easily. It was this over-confidence that cost him yet again. Never under-estimate the brave resolve of men like Faramir, Cirion, Boromir I and Mardil. In the 86th minute it was the purest display of teamwork, effort, and courage between Boromir I and Mardil which leveled the match at 1. With only mere minutes remaining it appeared Morgoth decided to resolve this fight in overtime, as the ref signaled the end of regulation.

After a small break overtime periods ended without any goals and so this one would have to be decided on penalties.

Ancalagon stepped up first for Angband. The dragon had been held in check all game, but stopping a penalty shot off the tail of Ancalagon is another matter completely. The dragon wasted no time in blasting a thunderbolt into the net, that Denethor had no chance of reacting to. 1-0 Angband.

Boromir I was first to shoot for Minas Tirith. And nearly matching the power of Ancalagon, and Carcharoth having reacted slightly sooner, nearly was able to poke it away. Yet, not quite, it zipped passed the wolf, and everything was level.

Telvildo came up next, and how effective can a cat be at a penalty kick? Telvildo was known for agility and an ability of sneaking through tight spaces, unseen, but not at all a powerful leg. The feline would have to rely on clever deception to beat Denethor II. Yet the son of Ecthelion was known for perceiving the thoughts of others, even the thoughts of great wizards such as Gandalf. He was not fooled and caught the cat's weak effort.

Mardil shot next. Carcharoth dove left, for that's where it seemed Mardil was going to shoot for it, but at the last instant he shot for the right post. After 2 shooters each, Minas Tirith had a 2-1 lead.

Morgoth, ever reliable and able to calm the doubts of his team and fans down, did not bother trying to trick Denethor. He simply overpowered the Steward's will and forced it in the back of the net.

2-2, but Minas Tirith still had their 3rd player to send up. Earnur, with a strong finish shot it to the right corner, out of Carcharoth's leap. 3-2 Minas Tirith.

Balrog #1 was up for Angband, and like Ancalagon and Morgoth before him...the Balrog over-powered Denethor, who simply had no time to react to the thunderous shot.

Faramir stepped up for Minas Tirith, and Carcharoth putting the past 3 attempts out of his mind, reacted perfectly this time, to knock Faramir's shot away from goal. After 4 rounds, Angband had leveled the shoot out at 3.

Ulfang was next, and with the recipe of the way to beat Denethor was through sheer force he put as much power behind his leg as possible. But too much, way too much and the Easterling over-hit it, sending the ball flying over the top cross bar. He had missed and the crowd groaned.

It was all in the hands of Cirion now, make this and Minas Tirith would advancing. If not, the teams would continue to just shoot in pairs until it was no longer tied. Cirion tried a similar trick to Mardil's penalty, but with the confidence of the prior save, Carcharoth was not fooled and the hound made the biggest save of his career. Remained 3-3 after 5.

So, now Ulfast was to shoot and the crowd, being spiritted after Carcharoth's heroic saves, fully got behind the son of Ulfang. Only this time, Denethor again perceived the thought of Ulfast well and punched the shot out of harm's way. The crowd groaned again, why this much trouble over penalty kicks? 6 attempts and only 3 goals?

Tarandor would take the next on for Minas Tirith. Like Cirion, it was his chance to end it. Here and now. Make this, and he would be immortalized in the annals of Minas Tirith sporting lore. Angband's wolf was stomping and howling, trying to rattle the mid-fielder. The ball was hit, Carcharoth leapt the right direction, but it rocketed just beyong the wolf's reach!

That was it. It was all over. Minas Tirith had won on penalties, 4-3. Angband and Morgoth had been defeated. A weak 3rd Age force of Men, came to the Iron Hells and were not daunted. Minas Tirith was onto the quarter-finals and Morgoth experienced his earliest exit from the Arda Cup...ever.

Angband 1-1 Minas Tirith (MT wins on pens. 4-3)
on target 4-5
tot shots 12-13
GOALS:
*73, 1-0 Telvildo (Balrog #1)
*86, 1-1 Mardil (Boromir I)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Angband- Ulwarth, Ulfast
*MT- Earnur

PENALTY SHOOT-OUT:
Ancalagon (goal)
Telvildo (save)
Morgoth (goal)
Balrog #1 (goal)
Ulfang (miss)
Ulfast (save)

Boromir I (goal)
Mardil (goal)
Earnur (goal)
Faramir (save)
Cirion (save)
Tarandor (goal)

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Doriath at Eriador, Weathertop

Weathertop, the pride of stadiums in north-west Middle-earth, would be host to its fourth straight game, after Group B hosts Eriador qualified with maximum points, beating Arnor, Gondolin, and Inter Beleriand. Most of the ninety-thousand seats of the arena had been taken by the local fans as soon as the tickets were put on sale, and only twenty thousand were left to the supporters of Doriath, the surprise qualifiers from Group G. They have drawn even with the powerhouse AC Beleriand, lost narrowly to Anfauglith, and beaten the hosts Nargothrond.

Yet there was no doubt in the minds of the Eriador faithful (and the hangers-on from team Arnor) that Doriath’s fairy tale run would end today. Elrond was light years away the better keeper than his grandfather Dior, and Glorfindel, the Witch-king, and Arveleg have scored more than Mablung, Beleg, and Lúthien. Melian was a top-tier defender, true, but the rest of Doriath’s back line wouldn’t compare to Eriador’s back four. So it’s an advantage in three areas for Eriador, and the midfield battle was the only one where Doriath had a fair chance.

There was one ace in the Fenced Realm’s sleeve, though. Their fluidity and adaptability to the opposition’s formation have given them a chance to upset superior teams. If they can blunt Eriador’s strategy and force them to play to Doriath’s tune, then they would have a chance despite their inferior personnel.

Soon after the opening whistle, Doriath skipped the obligatory feeling out period and pressed the Eriador outfielders towards Elrond. The Northerners needed time to identify their opponent’s formation before they can mount their attack, and they were hoping that Doriath would give them the leisure to do so. Instead Elrond, holding midfielder Valandil, and their defenders were forced to stop a Doriath squad intent on drawing first blood.

In the ninth minute, Mablung headed Beleg’s cross wide.

In the sixteenth minute, Lúthien dribbled Gil-galad out of position, but Asfaloth got a boot in her ensuing shot.

In the twenty-seventh minute, the tide began to turn as Eriador finally had a grip on Doriath’s formation. They were playing a defensive 4-3-3 formation, with Beleg and Lúthien pressing the Eriador fullbacks Malbeth and Gil-galad and a midfield trio of Nellas, Daeron, and Galadhon holding position in front of their defenders; Melian was once again playing centre-back, matched against the chief of the Nazgûl. Their formation left Valandil without any natural marker, and he found time to pick his passes. When someone moved forward from the midfield line to guard him, then one of Eriador’s attacking midfield trio was left free. It was this numerical advantage in the midfield, combined with intelligent off-the-ball runs, that gave Eriador their opener.

With Valandil bringing the ball up to the halfway line, Glorfindel made a run towards the centre, dragging Nimloth with him, and Wiki drifted to the left, forcing Galadhon to follow him. When Valandil was ten metres from the box, Galadhon closed in to mark him, but it was too late—the son of Isildur chipped the ball to Glorfindel; at the same time, Arveleg, given space with the departure of Galadhon, made a run past Daeron, forcing Saeros to leave the left zone to guard him. Arahael charged towards the space the courtier vacated, and Glorfindel then tapped a simple pass to him. Arahael’s impressive low effort snuck under Dior’s body, and Eriador was in the lead half an hour into the game. Just as expected, the home crowd thought as their cheers filled the stadium. The Doriath faithful groaned in despair— to win, Doriath had to get two goals past Elrond, something no team has ever done in a real game since 2010. And a draw won’t do—a penalty shoot-out against the legendary shotstopper was something no one wished to contemplate.

The half ended with a couple of Doriath chances, but none that really bothered Elrond. The Doriath supporters wondered what would be discussed in the locker room. Mablung was not in the form he was when he pulled a hat trick against Nargothrond. Beleg and Lúthien were locked in a stalemate with Malbeth and Gil-galad. And there was no inspiration from the midfield, so occupied were they with containing Eriador’s midfield threats.

The beginning of the second half was exactly as the Doriath supporters feared—and expected. Eriador applied pressure on the ball handlers once more, and Doriath were unable to make headway from the midfield zone. A few long balls from Melian to Mablung were the only times Doriath managed to get as far as the box, but in one instance Mablung was quickly dispossessed by Araphant, and in another his hurried shot sailed straight into Elrond’s hands. Eriador, meanwhile, gained few counterattacking chances themselves; most of the downfield passes from the defence were won by the indefatigable Melian and sent back to the Doriath midfield.

After twenty minutes of stalemate, Melian whistled for attention and raised two fingers. Eriador didn’t know what the signal was for, but soon they noticed a marked difference. Doriath was controlling the ball more, and Beleg and Lúthien took up higher positions on the pitch, pressing the Eriador back line aggressively. Mablung went deep into the midfield, and his presence made the numbers even there—even in numbers, but not in the quality of passing. Doriath was ahead in that aspect. They made their way slowly towards Eriador’s penalty box, and the two wingers made blazing runs that drew attention away from the ball-handlers. Elrond was still not being tested at goal, but the defence was getting nervous. They were anxiously waiting for Doriath’s blow.

And the blow did come five minutes before full time. Daeron was given too much time on the ball, and Mablung made a forward run that drew Araphant to him. Arveleg came to challenge Daeron, but he had already sent the ball to the left of the box, a pass to no one, it seemed. But then Beleg snuck past Malbeth and got to the ball first; his one-touch volley zoomed past Elrond’s outstretched hand, and Doriath had equalised with minutes to spare.

Full time ended with a few chances. Beleg came closest after receiving a lofted ball from Nellas; he managed to fool Elrond to committing, but the Peredhil’s outstretched foot deflected his shot enough that it hit the post and ricocheted out.

The Doriath crowd was brimming with excitement. Elrond could be beaten, and perhaps their team could do something no-one else had done in two years. Meanwhile a nervous silence has descended upon most of the stadium. Eriador only needed to hold on—surely they can win if it came to spot kicks.

The first half of extra time was a conservative affair, with Doriath content to hold the ball in midfield, and Eriador content to keep them there. But when the second half began Eriador started pressing hard once again. Doriath’s midfield began to lose control of possession, and Eriador gained some dangerous chances. The Witch-king struck the side netting in the 108th minute, and three minutes later Glorfindel curled a chance over the crossbar. But Eriador’s attack also gave Doriath a few counterattacking chances—a cross sent by Lúthien, after she had outrun Gil-galad and Valandil chasing after a long pass, was snatched by his great-grandson moments before Mablung could head it in. For most parts, however, the ball was in Doriath’s side of the pitch, and the pressure was stretching them to the breaking point. Six minutes before the end of extra time Daeron handled an Arassuil corner, and the referee pointed to the spot. The Doriath fans prayed for Dior to pull off a save like the one he had against Finrod in the last group game, but it was not to be. The Witch-king of Angmar sent a spear of terror screaming towards the bottom-left corner, and Dior, despite guessing correctly, was unable to force it out.

And that was it. Doriath made a furious run to force a shootout, but they were up against a wall of ten players arrayed before one of the best goalkeepers in the game. Soon the whistle was blown, and a great cheer erupted from Weathertop. They were through to the quarterfinals, three games away from the greatest prize in Arda football.

Doriath 1-2 Eriador
(after extra time)
GOALS:
30, 0-1 Arahael (Glorfindel)
85, 1-1 Beleg (Daeron)
115, 1-2 Witch-king

Total Shots
16-16
Shots On Target
7-5

YELLOW CARDS:
1-1
Doriath: Daeron
Eriador: Asfaloth

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Gondolin at AC Beleriand, Mithrim

This was only the second Arda Cup game to be held in the lakeside stadium of Mithrim, but the stadium was once again playing host to a team touted as one of the favourites to win the Cup. When Fëanor accepted his half-brother’s offer to provide a home arena, he also gave provisions for its expansion. The original stadium had a capacity of forty-thousand spectators, but the new arena seated almost fifty-thousand with the same level of comfort as the old stadium.

And it was indeed fit to host the latest team assembled by Fëanor, a collection of talent that, admittedly, would not rival the great Formenos team, winner of the 2008 tournament; but in the new era of the salary cap, it was one of those closest to being a super team. Surely few need introduction to the football talents of the Fiery Boot, as well as Fingolfin, Beren, Eöl, and Ecthelion. But even their less renowned names were pulling their weight: Marach was one of the ten best goalkeepers in the tournament, and the Imlach-Rochallor pairing was one of the best centre-back tandems, the core of the fourth-stingiest defence in the tournament, allowing the fewest shots per game (10) against names such as Glaurung and Thuringwethil. Their closest rivals were the mearas pair Snowmane-Shadowfax (10.3 shots allowed per game), but the only comparable striker in Rohan’s group was Durin’s Bane. AC Beleriand was definitely strong on both ends of the pitch, and they have proven it against quality opponents.

They would have to prove it again, however. They were up against another quality opponent in Gondolin, led by the Sharp Boot Maeglin and the Lord of the Balrogs Gothmog, qualifying second from Group B due to a draw with Inter Beleriand and a crushing victory over Arnor. After meeting Glorfindel in an Eriador uniform and Turgon in an Inter Beleriand one, Gondolin would once again face their city’s son in another shirt: AC Beleriand defender Ecthelion was part of their 2010 Arda Cup-winning squad (Fingolfin and Eöl as well). Ecthelion would also be meeting his bane and close friend Gothmog, and their match-up was one of the most heavily anticipated ones in this game.

There would be none of that, though. Guarding the Balrog chief would be Imlach and Rochallor, after Fëanor, with advice from Fingolfin, refused to break up the proven central defence partnership. They have kept a dragon silent before, and surely they could do the same to a Balrog. Ecthelion would then be free to make his runs from deep or act as a sweeper should their defence be breached.

The first half game turned out to be very conservative, as if the two teams were just shyly asking each other’s names for forty-five minutes. The only exciting moments came whenever Fëanor or Maeglin got enough space to make a solo run, but for most parts they were guarded well: the Fiery Boot by Aranwë and Pengolodh, the Sharp Boot by his grandfather Fingolfin.

When the two teams streamed out of the locker room after the interval, the supporters of both teams gave a nervous cheer. They were uneasy; both teams were built to score in buckets, so why were they being passive? The home crowd heaved a huge sigh of relief just three minutes after the restart. Elemmakil was caught napping when Ecthelion dribbled past him and continued past Galdor. He got a cross in as Beren streaked towards the six-yard box. With Fëanor holding back the Gondolin centre-backs, the One-Handed was unmarked as he headed in Ecthelion’s ball. Rog parried it out, but there was Eöl to bicycle-kick in the rebound, and finally, the scoring was opened.

Everyone expected Gondolin to push for a goal more fiercely after that, and so they did. But the chances they gained were too few and too tame. Meleth, pressed by Beren, was unable to send forward balls to Duilin or Elemmakil. Duilin found Bregolas persistently goalside of him, and he couldn’t get enough space to make a sudden forward run or to play a through pass to the forwards. Fingolfin chased Maeglin all around the pitch, willing to be dragged centre or right just to keep the Sharp Boot from finding room to work in. And Gothmog found himself bracketed by Rochallor and Imlach; he couldn’t outrun Rochallor, nor could he outdribble Imlach. The few times he got away from them there was Ecthelion to stand as the last sentinel between him and Marach. More often than not, a Gondolin run at goal resulted in a fast break opportunity for AC Beleriand, and Salgant once earned a booking for grabbing Beren’s shirt when Denethor was about to send him through for a one-on-one with Rog.

Disaster struck Gondolin in the seventieth minute, when Salgant collected his second yellow. Ulrad dispossessed the holding midfielder on the edge of the box, and his clumsy sliding tackle brought the outlaw down, clutching his shin. He had to be brought out to be treated, while the offender was sent off. Down to ten players, Gondolin found it increasingly difficult to muster an attack while keeping safe at the back. Soon AC Beleriand’s advantage in the midfield swung the possession battle in their favour, and Gondolin found themselves pegged back in their own box. Fëanor ended all resistance with an impressive effort, a roulette that took him past Pengolodh and then a dragback that sent Aranwë the wrong way; his subsequent curler proved a bit too high for Rog to reach.

Gondolin fans started streaming out of the stadium after AC Beleriand’s second goal. This was a team that had limited Nargothrond to only one goal, and there was no way Gondolin would get two in fifteen minutes, not with the way the two teams were playing. Maeglin almost pulled a goal out of thin air three minutes before time with a stunning right flank run; his cross connected with Gothmog’s head, but the Balrog fired straight at Marach. Soon, the final whistle was blown, and most of the AC Beleriand players calmly walked out of the pitch to the applause of the home crowd (Eöl and Ecthelion stayed behind to exchange shirts). A quarterfinal berth was not this team was created for; they wouldn’t be happy until they have the Cup at hand.

AC Beleriand 2-0 Gondolin
GOALS:
48, 1-0 Eöl (Beren)
75, 2-0 Fëanor (Ulrad)

Total Shots
15-11
Shots On Target
6-3

YELLOW CARDS:
AC Bel: Imlach, Rochallor
Gondolin: Galdor, Salgant
RED CARDS:
Gondolin: Salgant (70, second yellow)

Exit interviews from Doriath and Gondolin shall soon be provided in the ArdaCup.com Tactical Review.

[the phantom]

@ Dunharrow

Most casual fans assumed that Rohan would host their playoff match in their Edoras Stadium, but serious footballers knew better. Without a doubt they would choose to play high above Edoras at Dunharrow, where thousands could sit on benches carved into the natural amphitheater in the White Mountains. It was large, it was noisy, but perhaps most importantly- it was where team Rohan had trained. And as a bonus, it was at an altitude that made most a bit uncomfortable.

Many wondered if the altitude would impact the sturdy Dwarves United squad. Certainly Dwarves lived in the Misty Mountains and such, but more accurately they lived under the mountains, so perhaps it would play a slight role.

But most were looking more to the performance of the squads for clues as to how the game might develop. And the fact that most could not skip over- Rohan had allowed but 4 goals in 7 contests, while Dwarves United had only managed to score 4 goals in 7 contests. If Rohan could score even once on the Dwarves, that could prove enough in the minds of most.

Rohan midfielder Gandalf gave a refreshingly honest interview two days before the match that received a lot of play on sports radio throughout Middle-Earth. In it, he predicted a low-scoring affair. "The Dwarves are tireless and play unified intelligent defense, and Celebrimbor and Aule are as good a pair of defenders as any team possesses. So really, this talk about Rohan 'trampling' the Dwarves seems absurd to me. We'll have to work hard to dent the scoreboard! But thankfully our defense is top-notch, so they won't get any freebees either. If I had to place a bet, I'd say 1-0 us."

We will wait and see if his words prove accurate.

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

The locals knew to begin the journey to the stadium early, for the path to the Dimholt was narrow as it wound up the cliff past the Pukel-men. It was overcast to start the day, and as noon arrived a light rain began falling on the line of travelers that stretched from the arena to the clifftops and down to the public houses and inns in the valley of the Snowbourn.

As the stadium slowly filled the precipitation increased, and the temperature began inching down in spite of the day approaching late afternoon. The crowds were barely paying attention during warm-ups, as they were busy purchasing umbrellas, blankets, rain-coats, boots, and hot drinks from the various vendors in the halls beneath the stadium.

There was much debate as to which side the elements favored, and exchanges like these were common throughout the stadium.
"The addition of luck always favors the underdog."
"But the slickness will nullify Rohan's speed."
"The horses will handle it plenty well."
"But the Dwarves don't mind the chill as much."
"Rohan practices on the real turf. United has been playing on the artificial stuff."

And on and on with no clear answer, leaving many to assume the rain wouldn't change the outcome at all. But as the game kicked off, it certainly appeared the game was a bit different. Everyone was moving just a bit slower than expected, and passes were a bit off, and deft touches were a little slippery. On more than one occasion an attacker plain lost his footing attempting to make a cut with the ball. What a different story it would be if a couple defenders went down at once! But the defenders kept their feet well, and when they stumbled they managed to make their mark do the same usually without drawing a card.

At the 20 minute mark the section of Dwarves in the north end of the stadium exploded with noise when Celebrimbor made an unexpected run all the way up the right side of Rohan's defense. The clever craftsman was simply better with his feet, and he either outran others or crossed them up and sent them skidding on the soaked pitch. When Shadowfax closed out to stop him deep in Rohan territory Celebrimbor turned the horse sideways and dove between the front and back hooves dragging the ball with him. On the other side he rolled to his feet and immediately cracked a shot at the near post. Theoden was frozen by the unlikeliness of the move and could only watch the ball, but fortunately for him it hit off the post!

Celebrimbor knew that such shots were more likely than usual to fly off course given the wet ball and shoes, but he still looked monumentally disappointed. Chances were going to be hard to come by, and that was one they might not get again.

As the first half progressed a markedly darker mass of rain moved in from the north-east. As it rolled in, soon the upper deck crowds could barely see even the middle of the field, and even those up front couldn't see the far side. And the ever-witty Gandalf was ready for the opportunity. He had spotted what was going on and had a plan for it, and when the rain got worse than ever in minute 39 he shouted to his teammates, and they hastened to enact his plan which had been passed player to player during the previous 5 minutes.

The Rohan horses came forward and used their large bodies to set picks for Gandalf, shielding him from having to deal with any defenders in his hip-pocket. Once he came clear, the midfielders got him the ball (about 15 meters on their own side of midfield) and Gandalf stopped the ball, stepped back, paused briefly, then struck the ball mightily- high and down the middle.

Most of the crowd couldn't even see the center of the pitch, and those few that could had no idea what he was doing kicking it away, and so there was no audience outburst to prepare the Dwarves United keeper- nothing to let him know that something was on the way out of the blinding sheets of rain. And suddenly the ball fell out of the heavens and passed just beneath the crossbar! It was 1-0 Rohan!

Gandalf had judged the distance, wind, and rain-resistance perfectly! Bombur only saw it at the last moment, as he had been looking lower downfield, and most of the crowd behind him didn't see it until it bounced up into the netting. It was a brilliant notion and beautifully executed! Celebrimbor and Aule thought of trying their own foot at the ploy, but the worst of the rain had passed and Rohan was doing all they could to keep possession until the half, which they did rather successfully.

During the break the rain grew lighter and lighter, and when the second half starting it was barely a drizzle, until around 55 minutes the rain was gone altogether. And as the rain lifted the spirits of the Rohan fans were lifted ever higher. They had the lead and a premier defense- they were going to witness a playoff win! For the first time the singing started in earnest and Rohan drew energy from their supporters and locked down on defense as well as they ever had. Twice Legolas forced Theoden to move, but the horses had left him with a lot of distance to cover and the great king had no trouble catching the efforts.

As the game neared its end it was Rohan that looked more likely to score the next goal, and Aule and Celebrimbor weren't allowed to help their offense much at all as Rohan kept the pressure on. Bombur only barely tipped away a fine header by Helm with five minutes left, and that was the last real chance by either team. Rohan kicked it out the rest of the way and the setting sun sent its final rays out from under the westering storms and lit up the top rows of rabid Rohan fans as they celebrated.

Rohan was into the quarterfinals!

Dwarves United 0-1 Rohan
on target 3-4
tot shots 10-13
GOALS:
*39, 0-1 Gandalf (Eorl)
YELLOW CARDS:
*DwUnt- Azaghal, Thror, Thorin
*Rohan- Eomer, Snowmane

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

MESPN Exit Interview with Dwarves United

MESPN: You guys were just inches away from a quarterfinal appearance. Describe your disappointment.

Aule: I don't know about my teammates, but I'm not overly broken up. Fact is no one picked us to even get this far. I think we've proven something, and I think we're going places.

MESPN: So you believe Dwarves United can continue to be a playoff threat?

Durin: Absolutely! We proved our mettle, and it should make us an attractive destination. I think we'll be in position to make a couple minor tweaks and we'll be back in a better form next year.

MESPN: So you don't think you'll be losing any of your talent?

Celebrimbor: No, no- we had great team spirit and everyone enjoyed the run, and we're determined to keep our noses to the grindstone for the cause.

MESPN: Has anyone expressed interest in joining your squad next season?

Celebrimbor: Ah, I think you suspect or you would not have asked that question, heh heh. Well- I'm going to leave it unanswered for now, and merely give a little wink.

Gimli: I'll answer the question!

Aule: Wait Gimli, not yet! In good time. I know you're anxious.

Gimli: It had better be soon. I can't keep my mouth shut on this for long.

Durin: Well there you go media members- you know precisely which of us will crack like an egg to give you your story.

*laughter*

MESPN: All right guys, thanks a lot. Gimli- we'll be calling with bribes.

*laughter*

[the phantom]

MESPN Exit Interview With Gondor

MESPN: So guys, what went wrong this year?

Anarion: Not much, honestly. We did what was necessary through the friendlies and group play and most of that last game, but in the end it was Bombadil.

Eldacar: Indeed. I think we played him correctly- he just one-upped us.

MESPN: How do you think you would've fared in the next round against AC Beleriand?

Anarion: Good question. Let's see... I think Feanor would be a potential Bombadil for us- just depends on if he makes the plays. But I think we'd deny the ball to their front line pretty well and possess decently.

Eldarion: I think we'd score. Our set-piece execution and across the board size and power- I would hope we wouldn't be shut out.

MESPN: So what- a draw?

Anarion: I think we'd both get a goal, and the third of the contest would be the winner one way or the other.

MESPN: So you think your team is pretty well where it needs to be?

Anarion: Yes.

MESPN: So, no changes next year?

Eldacar: Word is the nautical teams (Havens & Sea) have been trying to talk to a couple of the players here, but I wouldn't expect much turnover.

MESPN: And the salaries?

Anarion: The teams altogether were overpriced a bit this year, so we'll likely correct very slightly down.

Eldarion: Though Anarion here has probably earned himself a little salary bump.

Eldacar: Quite right- fine tournament, captain! I think you might be the overall phantasy point leader right now!

Anarion: Thanks, thanks, but I have you all to thank for that of course.

MESPN: All right- glad to see you're optimistic. Nice tournament, and see you next year.

Anarion: See you later.

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

MESPN Exit Interview With Doriath

MESPN: So- no championship repeat then.

Melian: No indeed. It's tough to repeat at Arda Cup.

MESPN: But you were at least in the playoffs pushing a fine team to the brink.

Melian: Yes, I don't think our performance was anything to be ashamed of. We're disappointed, but we played decently and don't feel like we were out of contention.

MESPN: So, what about off-season acquisitions?

Melian: I'm sure there will be a couple. If I had to guess, I'd say we'll lose at least one of our current players, as the other Beleriand squads will be coming after them. We've got good talent, and talent always draws attention.

MESPN: But you have replacements lined up?

Melian: Well, I'm fairly certain my dear husband will be returning, so there's at least one. It's too early to say more, however.

MESPN: All right. Thanks a lot for your time.

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Bracket:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Elenrod/bracket-matchday-5-1.png

Power Rank:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Elenrod/power-rank-ro16.png

(Teams in bold are quarterfinalists; teams in italics are eliminated.)

Greatest gain:
+8 Real Valinor, Doriath
+3 Minas Tirith
+1 AC Beleriand, Erebor
Greatest loss:
-17 Imladris
-16 The Sea
-11 Gondolin

The Power Ranking is based on the aggregate of offensive and defensive ranking, combined with the adjusted goal difference rank of each team. The listed offensive and defensive rankings are from the actual numbers by the teams, and not adjusted.

The offensive ranking is based on the goals scored per game throughout the matches. Ties are broken by a) greater number of shots made on target per game; and b) greater number of shots made per game.

The defensive ranking is based on the goals allowed per game throughout the matches. Ties are broken by a) least number of shots allowed on target per game; and b) least amount of shots allowed per game.

Top Individual Performers:
(Players in italics are from eliminated teams.)

GOALS + ASSISTS

5+1
Curufin (FC Valinor)

5+0
Ancalagon (Angband)

4+3
Anarion (Gondor)

4+1
Gothmog (Gondolin)
Fëanor (AC Beleriand)

3+3
Sauron (Barad-dûr)

3+2
Bombadil (Shire-Bree United)
Glorfindel (Eriador)
Celegorm (FC Valinor)

3+1
Witch-king (Eriador)
Smaug (Erebor)
Beren (AC Beleriand)

3+0
Mablung (Doriath)
Tuor (The Havens)

2+3
Maeglin (Gondolin)
Beleg (Doriath)

2+2
Míriel (Real Valinor)
Eldacar (Gondor)
Mardil (Minas Tirith)

1+3
Tevildo (Angband)
Eärendil (The Havens)
Eöl (AC Beleriand)

GOALKEEPING

Théoden (Rohan) - 12/13 (92.31%)
Beorn (Erebor) - 16/18 (88.89%)
Huan (FC Valinor) - 15/18 (83.33%)
Elrond (Eriador) - 19/23 (82.61%)
Manwë (Valimar) - 12/15 (80.00%)
Marach (AC Beleriand) - 11/14 (78.57%)

[Nogrod]

GAME 1

H2 Minas Tirith 7-7 1-3-0
31,8% 22 (54) – 24 (60) 70,8%

B1 Eriador 9-4 4-0-0
39,1% 23 (57) – 23 (53) 82,6%



The AKM considers this game the easiest one to predict as it thinks that Erebor has better chances to beat FC Valinor than Minas Tirith has championing over Eriador. Minas Tirith has had it’s free run and glorious team-play against either mediocre (the group phase) or very dissappointing (Angband) sides and will drop from the tournament when facing their first top-class opponent and having used already all the good luck resources any side could possibly have.

The two teams have shot and allowed pretty similar numbers but Eriador has had better opponents and their percentages (scoring efficiency & goal-keeping percentage) are roundly ten points higher. Also just looking at the scores from their group-games and friendlies Elrond has mostly given in one goal or then in few games none, while Denethor has given in mostly two and sometimes only one.

Minas Tirith seems to have found a collective game where all the players share the same pay and they seem to even score democratically. But this time they have to face very talented – even if mildly under-performed – Glorfindel and The Witch King (3+1 in four tournament games thus far for both of them) with their defence, and their offence would have to get past defenders like Gil-Galad and Malbeth only to face Elrond at goal. Purely looking at the price tags one could say that the area of the game Minas Tirith has chances to excel over Eriador is the midfield, but even there one has a) reason to believe that the MT salary-pact has overcompensated many of their midfielders while Eriador has hired them with decent market-prices, and b) to look at the stats to realise that Eriador midfield has been quite active indeed, a lot more than MT midfield anyway.

The AKM prediction:

Eriador wins 2-0

Phantasy-draft suggestions by the AKM:

You probably shouldn’t hire any Minas Tirith players into your team and if you have some, you might wish to get rid of them. Eriador defenders and forwards are all decent picks, and Elrond surely is a worthy pick. Now you might wish to pay heed to the fact that Eriador will most probably meet FC Valinor in the semifinals and so the defenders might be a bit riskier picks – but then again the team will play in the last game as well so they could still prove useful players in your line-up.


GAME 2

C1 Erebor 8-2 3-1-0
29,6% 27 (67) – 18 (47) 83,3%

D1 FC Valinor 11-3 4-0-0
36,7% 30 (70) – 18 (56) 83,3%



In this game there is also a clear favourite to win it. And it is no surprise it is FC Valinor. They have just been so confident and crushing in their game it is hard to see too many teams able to even challenge them to a fair battle. But… and there are two important “buts” here.

First of all, FC Valinor has played against some real quality sides (Real Valinor, Armenelos, Tirion, The Havens, Nargothrond…) but they haven’t yet played against a real top-quality keeper. And Beorn sure is this year’s sensation at the goal! And the eagle-defence has shown some remarkable skill and team-play thus far, so Erebor’s defence will also prove challenging.

Secondly, Smaug and Nazgûl #7 showed some real signs of awakening in their first play-off game, and if they are playing their best, they will surely give hard times for Huan and FC Valinor defenders.

That said, the AKM will still think FC Valinor will go forwards from this pair for they still are superior scorers – even against tougher opponents thus far – and Huan will just not be dropped this early from the games. But the stats of the both teams will be remade after the game asthus far both have scored a lot but given in inly a handful of goals: this time both will score, which means their defencive stas will go down quite a bit.

The AKM prediction:

FC Valinor wins 3-2 (3-1)

Phantasy-draft suggestions by the AKM:

Now this is a bit harder than the previous one. The players you have from the losing team will be eliminated from the tournament so it’s not all the same what you pick. The AKM will trust FC Valinor and suggest their players are good pick overall. But fex. if you don’t have Huan at your goal already this might nor be the best situation to pick him (leave that change for the next round if you mean to do it). If you wish to take risks or if you have confidence in your other picks so that you could afford a few ones to check for either a surprise (that they would continue playing) or for one game net-gain (to be changed away for the next round), then the AKM suggests considering Smaug, one of the defending eagles, or Beorn. You’d probably acquire some points with those picks at least on this round.


GAME 3

D2 Real Valinor 6-5 3-0-1
27,3% 22 (59) – 19 (49) 73,7%

F1 Rohan 4-1 3-1-0
26,7% 15 (47) – 13 (41) 92,3%



Now the AKM thinks this to be the hardest one to predict on this round. Had we been asked about the outcome of this game before the tournament we would have had no problem in declaring Real Valinor the obvious winners of the game, but after seeing all the games thus far we must take some of that back.

It is clear Rohan is not a scoring team but that they live and die with their defence: the three greats of the mearas aided by Radagast has been a real block in front of Theoden who is known as a quality keeper. They have been scored against only one goal in the four tournament-games thus far! It has, statistically, been the toughest team to score against in the whole tournament.

On the other hand, Real Valinor’s attack has been criticized of not performing up to the anticipation and many have felt the trio Arien – Miriel – Nerdanel hasn’t quite been up to what we looked for from them. At the same time, some voices (like that of the AKM) have tried to remind others that if we take away the two games against FC Valinor who clearly seems to have had an edge on the Real team, the performance of Real Valinor is not that bad but actually quite impressive (three goals made on average in every game if the friendlies are counted as well – and two per game if only tournament-games are included!).

So it will be in the end a question of whether Real Valinor’s attack is not in as a bad shape many believe it is – and thus unable to score enough against Theoden – or whether they can show their form and just outboot Rohan from the competition as Rohan surely will not score a lot.

The question then becomes, at the very end of the inquiry, that if Rohan manages to score one can Real score two? Or do we go to extra time or even penalties? The last possibility is a real one in this game, unless, like said, Real Valinor’s trio gets into the bussiness for real.

The AKM prediction:

Real Valinor wins 2-1 (normal or overtime)

Phantasy-draft suggestions by the AKM:

If Erebor vs. FC Valinor was somewhat hard here then this is a real killer. For even if we here in the AKM do predict that Real Valinor will win, it is not that clear – and when one makes phantasy drafts there are so many ways to try and balance those cruder choices one makes when only predicting a winning team.

But we have a rule of thumb for you anyway: if you think Rohan has chances to win or that Real Valinor isn’t going to make a horde of goals, then a Rohan defender or Theoden could be good ideas to have in your team (anyway we don’t suggest you take Rohan midfielders or forwards into your team); but if you believe in Real winning the game, then probably most of the Real players are good picks as Rohan will not score too much and then going through to the next stage they will not be redundant players aka. they would give you room for those limited choices you have. The question as to the power-trio and whether to take one of them in your team – and whom – is something we can’t give you an advice on as we’re wrestling on the same issue ourselves and don’t honestly know what to do.


GAME 4

G1 AC Beleriand 10-3 3-1-0
35,7% 28 (67) – 14 (41) 78,6%

A2 Shire-Bree Utd. 8-7 2-2-0
27,6% 29 (62) – 23 (67) 69,6%



This is another game the AKM would have had a straightforward answer before the tournament but on which we need to be a bit more careful after seeing the games thus far. But even if we try our best to find reasons why Shire-Bree could surprise us once again, we just don’t seem to find that. Their greatest result thus far is drawing with Angband but even Minas Tirith beat Angband (even if only with penalties but nevertheless). And winning Gondor on the first round of the play-offs isn’t that much a feat: or would you take that’s as a proof of AC Beleriand’s especially tough form if they had beaten Gondor? ‘nuff said.

Now many have questioned AC Beleriand’s defences and it is true that they have not met too many attacking powerhouses thus far and thus their defencive stats might look a bit too good. But then again, they left Gondolin into zero goals in their first play-off game. And winning Gondolin 2-0 in the first play-off game is just worlds apart from winning Gondor in a penalty shoot-out after a 2-2 draw.

So yes, Bombadil is one of the best there is, in anything he does it seems, and he has sdome quality support in offence if he is interested in playing in the first place. But Shire-Bree’s defences are the worst in the play-offs at this time. Facing a team with attacking quality AC Beleriand has – Fëanor, Beren, Eöl – it seems clear they are on the receiving side in this game. A lot of the outcome will be actually decided on how well Fingolfin can organise his defences against Bombadil and the Barrow-Wight as Fëanor & co will score ruthlessly anyway.

The AKM prediction:

AC Beleriand wins 4-2

Phantasy-draft suggestions by the AKM:

Unless you wish to go for one-time point-gathering risk with Bombadil, The Barrow-Wight, Khâmul or Strider, then the AKM suggests to stay away from the Shire-Bree team. AC Beleriand team’s players seem to be a lot better picks.

On a short term a lot depends on whether they will meet Real Valinor or Rohan in the semis: in the first instance defending players would be better choices but in the latter offensive ones. Looking just at this game, offencive players are a good idea but as SB might also score a few, the defenders might not bring you top points unless they score or assist themselves. Fëanor is a pricey choice (he’s even in the phantasy points with Bombadil at the moment!) but more often than not he also delivers. Beren was on fire on the first games but has cooled down lately, whereas we’re still looking forwards when Eöl will flash forwards… maybe this game?

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

The tournament has lost half its teams again in the first round of the knockout stages. Favourites displayed strong showing, but some surprise names dropped out just after the initial hurdle. In this edition of the tactical review, we take a look at the playoff runs of Beleriand teams Doriath and Gondolin. Again, we look at their bright points, dark spots, and their possible actions for 2013.

Doriath

What They Got Right:
For a team hit hardest by the hard salary cap imposed this year, Doriath has managed to go far--surprisingly far, if you consider what the media had said about them. They were placed in a group with teams that had a defence stronger than theirs (Anfauglith), an attack stronger than theirs (Nargothrond), and a team just plain stronger than theirs (AC Beleriand), and still they managed to advance to the round of sixteen. How did they do it?

Simple: they have the right pieces at the right places, and they knew how to use them. Melian was the core of their defence--it wouldn't be a stretch to say the she was their defence. Holding Fëanor, Thuringwethil, and Glaurung to one goal each was a feat very few others could accomplish. In fact, since Fëanor's goal against Doriath was from the penalty spot, and Thuringwethil's goal came after Melian switched to left back, the only goal from open game that she conceded to those centre-forwards was Glaurung's.

Furthermore, they were a team of excellent passers from player #1 to #11, and it showed in whatever strategy they chose to play, be it possession or counter-attacking. Daeron in particular was intelligent in his passing, distributing efficiently to either wing. And speaking of wings, their fluid attacking trio of Mablung, Beleg, and Lúthien were superb in their interplay, compensating for their lack of a single striker who broke defences down single-handedly.

What They Got Wrong:
Unfortunately they ran into teams that had superior numbers in the midfield, and we were never able to see their passing game at its full power. Normally a team packing the midfield could be broken on the flanks, but this fact merely exposes a key Doriath weakness: their best centre-back (the one that kept the opponent's star scorer quiet) was also their best fullback (the one who helped in the attack with runs from very deep). Melian was asked to do too much in the back line--help contain the opponent's attack while helping her midfield maintain possession. We saw only one chance she created in her interplay with left winger Lúthien, the Mablung miss against Anfauglith. She could have focused on the wings had she a goalkeeper she could trust, but unfortunately Dior was not the one. A save rate of a little below 70%, to the tune of 8 goals allowed, would not do for a team who didn't have a suffocating defence, or a go-to scorer to claw back the deficit.

What Can They Do:
In making it to the bracket stage, they lost only $4 million, a sum they could easily make up by trimming some of their salaries. Furthermore, Elu Thingol might return to his home team, considering what he said after Wilderland's loss, and his height and power would help them either in the front or the back. However, their two wingers performed well enough this year (Lúthien's actual stat notwithstanding, she produced more chances than any other Doriath player) that the risk of them being lured by other Beleriand teams exists--especially Beleg, considering his long-standing partnership with Túrin.

Quotes:
Daeron: I think we surprised a lot of people with what we did this year. Hardly anyone counted on us to get out of our group, but we made it, and we came close to forcing Eriador to a shoot-out, even. Next year, with one or two more pieces, I believe we could go further.

Gondolin

What They Got Right:
No-one doubted what Gothmog and Maeglin can do, which is to score. After taking a friendly game to adjust, they did exactly that, accounting for fourteen of their team's sixteen goals in eight games, and assisting in the two others. Maeglin was a walking highlights reel, combining his father's craftsmanship with his mother's Finwëan grace and power. And Gothmog was the terror of centre-backs with his size and speed.

Their midfield was also useful on attack: Meleth shared the ball efficiently, Elemmakil sent quality crosses into the box for target-man Gothmog, and Duilin was a gem as attacking midfielder. He played killer balls into the box for the strikers and made late runs after the teams have focused on their intimidating forward duo.

What They Got Wrong:
For every goal they scored, however, it seemed that they conceded one in return (they had seven goals for and against). Their defence allowed almost fourteen shots per game. This would not have been a problem had Rog been in top form, but sadly he has never quite returned to his 2010 form (despite his slight improvement from his performance last year):

Rog's save rate:
2010: 85.19% (vs Ar-Pharazôn, Phantom, Túrin, Maeglin)
2011: 61.11% (vs Eönwe, Varda, Arien, Míriel, Nerdanel)
2012: 68.18% (vs Fingon, Glorfindel, Witch-king, Fëanor, Eöl)

What Can They Do:
A loss of $3 million is easy enough for the Hidden Realm to handle. Besides, Gondolin is a realm of great footballing talent (they have the Cup to prove it), so even if they lose one of their star forwards in the off-season, they surely have someone who could step up. They would need more help for their back line, however, and perhaps on goal, too, unless they trust the blacksmith to shake out of whatever funk he had sunk into. A small upgrade in midfield would also help--their holder Salgant was exposed by AC Beleriand's midfield for his lack of positional awareness, when he was supposed to be the one plugging the holes in their defence.

Quotes:
Maeglin: Despite the initial hiccup, and that was against Real Valinor, our team has done well enough for something that was built almost on the fly. We have other talents to draw from that are now playing in other teams, so we'll eventually find the pieces we need to go further into the tournament.

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

AC Beleriand vs Shire-Bree United

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Elenrod/acbvsbu-n_zps5dd01cad.jpg
[Projected formation. AC Beleriand in red and white; Shire-Bree United in brown and green.]

Formation:

AC Beleriand would meet the same formation for the second time running in the knockout stage; Shire-Bree United fields a normal 4-4-2 with a flattish midfield and wingers. Bandobras and Ferny would be unable to compete in the centre of the pitch with AC Beleriand's four midfielders, so expect the Beleriandrim to win the possession battle. But Shire-Bree United would have an advantage in the wings: right back Golfimbul and right winger Khamûl would overload Fingolfin and force Beren to the flanks. On the other side is the strong spine of Shire-Bree: Bombadil, Barrow-wight, and Gildor. Denethor should start paying attention to defence; otherwise Ecthelion would be swamped on the break by three players on his zone.

Tactics:

There are two questions to ask regarding this game:

1. Will Shire-Bree play on the break?

AC Beleriand's midfield diamond enables them to dominate possession by sheer force of numbers, so most teams facing them would either have to expend a lot of energy pressing in the midfield to regain possession or absorb AC Beleriand's pressure and wait for a counterattacking opportunity. So far only Doriath had done the latter successfully, getting a 2-2 draw against Fëanor's squad.

Shire-Bree United had already been forced to play a transition-based game in the group stage against Angband, where they obtained a 2-2 draw. Centre-back Nazgûl #6 was in scintillating form during that game, breaking up Angband's attack and then sending the ball quickly to the wings, where the pacey Khamûl and Barrow-wight waited to dash forward.

2. Which Bombadil will show up?

As everyone surely knows, there are two kinds of Bombadil in football. One of them is the daisy-chasing, poetry-reading kind who takes up space but is otherwise not present in the pitch. The other is the force of nature that tears defences apart no matter what they do. In this game, if Bombadil fails to pay attention to the game it would be doubly disastrous for his team: Ecthelion would be free to push forward and enable AC Beleriand to field five players in Shire-Bree's box.

AC Beleriand has its own game-changer in Fëanor, a player who's always in the discussion as the best player ever (it's usually either him or Túrin). Expect him to give Shire-Bree's struggling defence a lot of trouble, so Strider's squad needs an on-form Bombadil to have a chance in the scoring battle.

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Eriador vs Minas Tirith

Eriador keeps on conceding one goal to its opponents, it seems. They would pay for it sooner or later, but probably not now.
Eriador 2:1 Minas Tirith

FC Valinor vs Erebor

Against almost any other team we would have fancied Erebor's balance of strong attack and resolute defence. Unfortunately, they're up against a team a tad better than them at both ends of the pitch.
FC Valinor 2:1 Erebor

Real Valinor vs Rohan

Rohan has kept numerous teams from scoring against them, but they have had trouble putting the ball behind the net themselves. Real Valinor, on the other hand, held Tirion and Armenelos to one goal and even shut out the Númenórean forwards of The Sea.
Real Valinor 1:0 Rohan

AC Beleriand vs Shire-Bree United

Despite AC Beleriand having conceded but one goal to Nargothrond, and none to Gondolin, we have a feeling that Shire-Bree would score at least one. With that said, Gildor and company would need a lot of help keeping Fëanor et al. from scoring.
AC Beleriand 3:1 Shire-Bree United

[Nogrod]

The AKM at Lothlórien


As everything starts to gear up towards the quarterfinals, the AKM managed to get the goalies from both FC Valinor and Erebor into a short interview together. And so here it is, unabridged, straight to the readers of the AKM!



The AKM: Great to have you two giving us your time for a moment. So let’s get straight to the bussiness. What are your feelings now at the eve of the quarterfinal?

Huan: I’m both confident and relaxed and so is our team. But sure, there are no walks in the park left in this tournament and every team that comes against you is a top quality one.

Beorn: This sure will be our biggest challenge thus far, but I think we have shown to any doubters out there that Erebor plays very good football this season and we believe in our chances, naturally.

The AKM: What do you think is the most challenging feature in your opponent’s game, and how are you going to deal with it?

Beorn: Well the brothers sure are a nightmare to any goalie or defence with their ruthless scoring – but many people often forget that they have also players like Yavanna and Lórien in the midfield who are an elemental part of their team’s success. And my colleague here sure is one of the very best when it comes to keeping your sheet clean between the posts… so there will be challenges. Well, how to deal with it? We need to go defence first this time. And it’s not only our great eagles, but also our midfield needs to really fly this time, if you forgive me the expression. And Smaug, Bard, the Nazgûl… they have to deliver in this game.

Huan: Well my colleague here is very modest, but he sure is this year’s sensation and the hottest goalie right now – and flying in front of him are three great eagles. So that clearly is the nut for us to crack in this game. And also, even if we’re going to attack fervently like we do in all our games, we shouldn’t forget players like Smaug who can really be deadly if given room to manouver. But what to do about it? We’ll just play our game: pressure, attack, posses the ball, shoot a lot, run fast, keep lines tight, aid the mates, no blunders… yeah, we need to play our game. That’s the answer.

The AKM: Would you be willing to predict or to bet for the outcome?

Huan: Let’s leave the betting to humans, dwarves and orcs. But I do believe that the nice defencive stats of both teams might look a bit worse after this game as you'll be seeing some scoring on both ends of the pitch. But we will outscore Erebor in the end, let's say 4-2, or 3-2 if it gets tight.

Beorn: I would actually disagree here a bit about the nature of the game. Well, surely it won’t be 0-0, but I’d say we win 2-1. There is some real attacking power in both teams but as the game is such an important one neither team won’t be having open doors in defence either.

Huan: Even if you tried to "close the door", Curufin anf Celegorm would just break through it to score... and I don't think Smaug either is one who knocks and waits if someone comes to open.

Beorn: That was only a metaphor my canine friend.

Huan: Sure, but I'm afraid you over-estimate your own powers at the goal - and maybe mine too. You're young and not that experienced in football yet. Let me tell you there will be... more than four goals in the game. There is such a talent and power in the offence that goals just can't be avoided - even if we as the keepers would wish it.

The AKM: Would you like to bet on that?

Beorn: I'll buy you a pint of the best mead there is available in Lothlórien if you guys score three goals.

Huan: That's a fair offer. And to show I'm no less generous I'll offer you a pint of your choice of mead if you score two.

The AKM: That's a bet?

Huan: No. I'm sharing a pint with my colleague here after the match. The outcome only tells which one of us pays.

Beorn: Well put.

The AKM: Okay then. Well, thank you for your time and may the better team win.

[Nogrod]

The AKM @ Lothlórien, part 2

The elves of Lothlórien had a dilemma concerning the game between Erebor and FC Valinor. They would have all cheered for FC Valinor without doubt were there not the three brothers, but even if Erebor had some of their local favourites like Thranduil and Bard the Bowman, and the Great Eagles, the presence of Smaug, Bolg and a Nazgûl kind of made that team even more unbearable. So it seemed the majority of them had in fact turned into supporting the Valinor team.

But but to balance that Erebor had a sturdy bunch of supporters from the north: wood-elves, men from the Laketown-area, Dwarves from the Lonely Mountain and even farther… and beornings and eagles… even a load of orcs from both Misty Mountains and Moria, some from Mordor itself.

There had been a discussion on the general policies concerning the guests for the games as some had maintained that all the traditional “no strangers, especially no dwarves” –rules should apply, football or not. But it was seen as impossible to maintain unless Lothlórien wished to share the fate of the Blessed Realm and not be able to host any games in the future. Most elves seemed not too bothered by the men or even the dwarves as long as they stayed only for the game and were guided in and out via particular paths, but orcs were a tougher deal to sell for the common elves.

Now Galadriel had managed that promising the orcs would be under 24/7 surveillance and from the first provocation or breaking a set of visitor-rules, laid carefully before all the tourists with the ticket, they would be sent off and banned from Lothlórien for eternity – whatever games they would hold in the future. But the case of the Nazgûls was a real challenge.

For the eight had announced they were intent in coming to see their mate play – as their teams had already dropped from the games. The thought of the Nazgûl wandering through the precious Lórien seemed just blasphemy to the elves. Why had they defended their realm for millenia if they then willingly let the ringwraiths come and corrupt the holy forest just like that? Should they invite Sauron and Melkor next, some asked trying to hammer in the point. Even Celeborn was reserved and thought it better the Nazgûl would not step into the precious soil of Lórien.

But Galadriel had her way with this as well. When doesn’t she get it her way?

”If that is the requirement, then so be it: the Nazgûl will not step on Lórien’s soil. I can promise you that. But they will attend. This is PR, you know, and I know how to handle it.”

And so the Nazgûl were told they could come to follow the game with a few conditions. Firstly they would not be allowed to put their feet on Lórien’s soil which meant they would have to fly in. Also, to avoid stepping on Lórien soil, they would need to land on top of the stadium where they could take their seats. And thirdly, they would have to suffer the company of a great fleet of Great Eagles who were going to have their seats up high as well – and if there was any malice or even an intention of breaking any rules of conduct indicated by their tickets, the Eagles would have the authority to get rid of them. If they behaved, they would have a chance to meet their fellow after the game so long as they didn’t exit the stadium. The only exit from the stadium for them was by air and out from Lothlórien.

[the phantom]

MESPN News: Playoff Preview Special

Philip McPhantom: Hello football fans. We're to the quarterfinals now, and I've got the experts back with me again to take a look at things- Ruharg the dragon, sports editor of Monser Magazine, and Ar-Tar-Aradhil from Westernesse Weekly and president of the Numenorean Association for the Advancement of Football (NAAF).

Ar-Tar-Aradhil: You're kind to call me an expert after last round.

Ruharg: Ha ha! Yes, you've had better weeks.

Philip McP: Well let's just take a quick look back, shall we?

Ar-Tar-A: Must we?

Ruharg: Heh heh...

P McP: Let's get those A vs H upsets out of the way first.

ATA: We both missed one there.

Ruharg: Yes- I was a believer in Group A and you in Group H, and they proved us both right, and wrong.

P: Which upset was more impressive?

ATA: Well, I thought Minas Tirith could get it done playing their game, but they straight-up out-shot Angband.

Ruharg: Yes, that definitely came as a surprise. Many people thought Gondor would let Shire-Bree play their game and just play tighter with better execution, so no surprise that SB had a couple stat edges, but really that's more a product of Bombadil.

P: That's what I thought, and that's why Minas Tirith was so impressive- because it was a total team effort.

ATA: Oh, definitely! Ancalagon was a match-up problem for them, but they denied him the ball so well, and just controlled the midfield.

Ruharg: They had about a 65-35 possession edge, didn't they?

P: Let's see... 68-32 actually.

ATA: Angband doesn't need high possession to do damage, but they weren't looking for numbers like that.

R: Yes, all credit to Minas Tirith. They really played well.

P: Aradhil- are you particularly disappointed in Gondor?

ATA: Like we said- Bombadil was the difference. I think they had a good showing, so it's not a total disappointment.

R: They weren't getting past the quarters anyway.

P: Ah, hold on- we're not ready to discuss those match-ups yet.

R: Right, then let's get through these quickly so we can start talking about them.

P: All right- how about the other 2nd place finisher defeating a 1st place finisher, Real Valinor over The Sea?

R: Not really an upset. I think they were both serious contenders at about the same level, but the head-to-head match just favored Real.

ATA: Yes, I should've listened to you last week. I really went back and forth on this one deciding the winner, and in the end I backed the wrong side.

P: Head versus heart problem, perhaps?

ATA: Perhaps.

P: And how about the victories for Eriador, Erebor, FC, Rohan, and AC. Anything stick out?

R: I'll confess to being wrong about Eriador. They showed they could handle themselves.

ATA: And I was horribly wrong about Erebor. They put an absolute beating on Imladris. Seems I didn't respect the way their pieces fit together.

P: Were you impressed with the fight Dwarves United and Gondolin showed in their losses?

ATA: The Dwarves have really impressed me this tournament. Gondolin I knew was good though I thought AC Bel was a bad match for them. I think the lack of margin in that contest despite the red card was more a product of AC Bel being content to sit on their lead.

R: Yes, the Dwarves showed some nice tenacity, but against some of the other teams out there I think the score would've been ugly. Rohan doesn't run it up.

P: And the hottest team- FC Valinor?

ATA: Another two-goal margin. Same old, same old, heh heh.

R: They've definitely executed the best to this point, though Havens wasn't entirely unimpressive.

ATA: Yes, Havens competed well getting the lead initially, but their defense couldn't keep up in the end. With a couple pieces that team could really contend.

**********

P: Well all right- I think we're ready to cover the quarterfinals now!

R: Great!

ATA: Time to redeem myself!

P: Minas Tirith versus Eriador?

R: Eriador. They've got the most dangerous attack with Glorfindel and Witch King, and they've got Elrond at the back.

ATA: I'm rooting for Minas Tirith, but I definitely consider Eriador the favorite.

P: Could this be a blowout?

ATA: No, no- Minas Tirith will at least do that much. They'll play smart and won't give up anything easy, and they'll put enough pressure on Eriador to keep them honest.

R: Plus Elrond will be content to sit on a lead and isn't the sort to try and embarrass anyone even if his team was in the position to do so.

P: So, maybe a 2-1 game here?

ATA: That's what I'm picking.

R: I'm going with 2-0.

P: Now let's talk about Erebor versus FC Valinor.

ATA: Another smooth FC victory I figure, though with your cousin playing there I suppose you'll disagree, Ruharg?

R: Heh- yes yes, Smaug would never forgive me if I picked his squad to flame out like that. I've got to at least pick it to be close!

P: Family aside, what do you guys seriously think here?

R: I do think it will be close. FC won't get easy counters with the three eagles always wining back on defense, and their ability to move forward and help with pressure will be unique. All through Erebor's front they possess well- they just don't have a weak link. They can all move things and attack. And my good cousin Smaug will be the first such striker FC has faced.

ATA: I think Nahar is a decent dragon-stopper though.

R: We'll see.

ATA: I agree with your other praise, though. Though lacking a Feanor or Bombadil, Erebor can throw a lot of quality players at the opposition. Problem is, so can FC, and I think theirs are a bit better. I certainly wouldn't trade their forwards or midfielders for Erebor's anyway.

P: And the defense?

ATA: Erebor's eagles have performed well together, but Maglor is more useful on offense and has the ball skills, and once they're on the ground I wouldn't say the eagles are better than FC's defense.

P: And lastly, the keepers?

R: Beorn's been playing some excellent ball, but Huan is a proven commodity through the years.

ATA: So probably a wash, really.

P: So- final score?

ATA: FC wins 3-1.

R: Hmmm.... I suppose FC, but only by one goal. Perhaps in overtime.

P: And now let's talk about the other Valinor- Real playing Rohan.

ATA: I'm excited about this one! I think it'll be quite a tense contest!

R: Definitely. I really think it will come down to which side shows the most discipline.

P: Explain.

R: Real's triple-threat (Arien, Miriel, Nerdanel) I think will be countered by Felarof, Shadowfax, and Radagast, while on the other end I think Tilion, Caranthir, and Nienna can nullify Gandalf, Eorl, and Helm. Which squad will get frustrated first? Which will task their defenders with helping apply pressure on the other end, and will the double-duty distract them or tire them?

ATA: Indeed- both squads like to feature occasional deep runs from the hard-shooting defenders, but they can't afford to be caught to far upfield on a possession change.

P: Does that favor either side?

R: It's a draw, really. I think the horses are more likely to get in deep and have double-duty, but they can also dash back more quickly.

P: We know they have the speed, but after a long run upfield and a mad dash back, will they still have the legs to handle the agility and direction changes of Real's forwards?

ATA: That's the one thing I've wondered about- whether the terrific trio can misdirect and/or outsmart the athletic back line. That would give Real the definite edge.

R: I don't think they will. I think they'll play fast with good instincts. Plus I think Real will put more mental pressure on themselves to see a result.

P: So what's the verdict?

ATA: I'm taking Real 1-0.

R: Rohan 1-0.

P: And now for the final match- AC Beleriand against Shire-Bree United.

R: I'm betting we'll agree this time.

ATA: Heh, I imagine so.

P: Let me guess- you're going with AC?

ATA: Definitely. No disrespect- Shire-Bree's front four have proved so effective, but they aren't strong enough at the back.

R: Can you imagine Butterbur or Golfimbul trying to stop Feanor or Eol in the open field? Or attempting to outleap Beren for a header?

ATA: Shire-Bree will have to sell out in favor of possession in order to keep the score from being silly, because if AC is allowed to work, they'll get goals.

P: But can that fine front four of Shire-Bree keep them in it with scoring?

R: Bombadil is a genius, but he may not be on his game. And if he is, AC can bracket him with Fingolfin and Rochallor.

ATA: And that will still leave Ecthelion free to take care of Strider or Khamul, and then the rest of the team can surely apply pressure to the others.

R: Indeed. Possession won't be easy.

P: So, how about a score?

ATA: I hesitate to name one too lopsided, as Feanor might not consider it worth the exertion to keep scoring, and Fingoflin will likely encourage them to be sportsmanlike and call off the dogs.

R: I still think they get four.

ATA: I'm going to go with three.

P: And how many for Bombadil and company?

ATA: I suppose I can give the master one.

R: Zero.

P: All right then- there you have it. The experts have made their quarterfinal picks. Enjoy the games, everyone!

[Boromir88]

TWO TOWERS NETWORK
Boromir the 88th

Club Interviews

TTN is back but there are a couple club interviews we first must catch up our readers on. All detailing preliminary plans and strategies of the eliminated teams in the tournament thus far. So, let's get to it.

Group A

The Downer (Hookbill, Barrow-Downs)-

Even with their elimination in the group stage, Hookbill's squad played fairly well and as the dirt cheap team of the tournament, they still leave with a fairly nice chunk of change to work with. They will still likely be at the lower end of salaries next year. Hookbill says to expect several changes to the Downer next year: "Since we're financed by the Barrow-Downs website we will definitely pursue several of the TIG Barrow-Downer's. And due to Eru's new rules about squads being "Tolkien relevant" we'll consider adding on talent from Tyrn Gorthad. However, any player we do add on will have to fit within our team mold and designs."

So, it appears we can expect much of the same style of play from The Downer, but with better players and a change of venue it should yield even better results.

Tol In Gaurhoth (Barrow-Downs, Tol In Gaurhoth Realty)-

There is a somber attitude around the TIG clubhouse, as they were certainly one of the better teams that did not advance. Still, they will not take much of a financial hit, so should be able to field a better squad, especially since Sauron has now hired, BD legal guru Saucepan Man to appeal Eru's decision about the limit on werewolf-players. Through their new legal spokesperson, SPM issued this statement: "We are not going to appeal the new Tolkienish mandate issued by Eru, so the team will be looking outside the boundaries of the website to pick up players. However, after looking at the case, and gathering all testimony, there is a strong legal argument that the limit on werewolf-players falls under the unfair competition clause. The rule stating teams must become more Tolkienish is an across the board one that all teams must abide. The werewolf-limit is enacted only against TIG, and thus the ONLY team it harms is TIG. These are grounds to get the rule overturned."

Group H

Barad-Dur (Barad-Dur’s Gold & Silver Jewelers)
Mordor (Barad-Dur’s Gold & Silver Jewelers, Black Sorcery Guild, Harad Inc., North Umbar Trading Company)-

Sauron has launched a major PR campaign through his representative, The Mouth, to quell Mordor's upheaval after both home squads were eliminated.

The Mouth: "What many have to realize is both Gondor clubs outspent both Mordor teams this year by 20 million. So they already had an advantage in talent, and we still had a good opportunity to make the playoffs."

Ortak, from The Gorgoroth Plain Dealer: "But much of the outrage stems from the fact it was Gondor who came here and beat Mordor. Surely, Sauron knows this is unacceptable. Will Sauron still be invested in Mordor?"

The Mouth: "Sauron will stay heavily invested in both Barad-dur and Mordor. He is committed to making Mordor a contender, but fans must remain patient. For, he believes overall salaries will trend downwards, and this will free up talent from other squads. Yet, he will not over-spend to bring in a big star-athlete or keep players who decide to take more money elsewhere. You witnessed what happened to Hithlum, who dumped 10s of millions into Turin, but still could not advance."

Ortak: "Can you tell us any specific players you have in mind, which may either leave the Mordor clubs, or come in to play here?"

The Mouth: "Heh. Patience, my friends, patience. It's too early to know what the off-season will bring. Sauron's general designs are, he will not enter into bidding wars for any player, whether it be to retain a current one or to add new. This means the salaries will still be on the lower end of clubs next year. However, we ended the year in the black, and therefor with some room to improve and siphon quality from other squads that took big hits."

[Boromir88]

TWO TOWERS NETWORK
Boromir the 88th

In further catch-up mode we now bring the latest news out of Angband's exit in the Octo-finals as well as Quarter-final predictions. There is a time crunch, and therefor the analysis will be back to our old bloggerish roots from '09, but with the way the year has gone, our predicted scores will return to past glory.

Angband

Melkor was not in the merriest moods after realizing his squad will take a 21million dollar hit due to their 1st round playoff loss. Yet if anyone can, Melkor has tons of resources and absorb the loss. Although he is expressing to be more efficient when it comes to spending money.

Melkor: "This tournament showed where there are clear weak spots in the roster. There are a couple players whom I have my Eye set on to bring in and sure up those weak points; primarily in the midfield. The bottomline is also, those who under-performed will have to take a paycut or leave. No excuses for what we gave to the fans in our final match."

Quarter-finals Predictions:

Eriador vs Minas Tirith - Minas Tirith had an unexpected victory against Angband, and it's possible Minas Tirith can go on a similar run to Mirkwood in '09. Eriador will not blow anyone out of the game, that's for sure. With that said, Eriador is loaded with talent from top-to-bottom. They don't need to heavily rely on any single player to win. Except maybe Elrond, but he never wavers in goal, and there is plenty of help for the Rivendell Master.

Eriador wins 1-0

Erebor vs FC Valinor - This will be closer then what most people believe. Erebor is a very balanced team that can win either with offense or defense. Although, FC Valinor is also very balanced. And despire Erebor's good defensive numbers, their players don't match up well against FC Valinor's star-studded attack. It will still go to a shootout.

2-2. FC wins in shootout (4-3)

Rohan vs Real Valinor - Real's only struggles actually seems to be against their rival counterparts, FC. However, Rohan's defense is suffocating and tireless, and the mid-field doesn't make errors. Even if Gandalf doesn't show up with large phantasy numbers, he's a wizard at commanding both offensive and defensive responsibilities in the mid-field. This will also go to a shootout:

1-1. Rohan wins in shootout (3-2)

AC Beleriand vs Shire-Bree United - This will be the most pro-offensive game (even though Erebor and FC feature the more dangerous attacks, they still seem to play more balanced). Shire-Bree's only hope is to try to match AC Beleriand goal-for-goal, but not even Bombadil can counter a Feanor, Eol, and Beren trio. Especially since Feanor is ever determined to snatch another Arda Cup and this may be his best chance since winning in '08. Shire-Bree shouldn't be too disappointed, since they will exit with a huge profit and able to improve their roster next year.

AC Beleriand wins 4-1

[the phantom]

Lothlorien Set To Host

It had been some time since the Golden Wood had hosted Arda Cup games, and many felt a visit to Lothlorien was long overdue. The image of the stadium at Caras Galadhon was recognizable all over Middle Earth, built to resemble the surrounding forest. Pillars of smooth silver-grey supported soaring spans of blended green and silver, while the walkways were all the golden color of fallen leaves. And more often than not on game-days crews of elves went over the entire grounds sprinkling actual mallorn leaves on the ground, driving home the effect even more.

But if that wasn't enough, a true mallorn grew at each of the four corners of the stadium- some of the largest in the land. Their massive trunks rose up alongside the pillars, dwarfing them with their mighty girth. When they at last emerged above the top row of the arena, their boughs spread in all directions, and they stretched over several rows of seats inside the arena. Those seats which were not covered by the true mallorns were given the same effect, with delightfully woven green and silver tarps stretching in various angular shapes across from height to height.

The capacity was not quite so great as some of the other football centers, but at 75,000 it certainly was enough to host. Ticket allotments had been sold through vendors affiliated with the visiting clubs, but it remained to be seen how many out-of-forest guests would show and how many seats would be left over for the locals, though probably at least 10,000 as that number had been reserved for sale at the home offices.

It was also unknown which squads would receive the most support. Erebor certainly had a shorter trip than FC Valinor, but the host elves might balance things out. And Minas Tirith and Eriador had a somewhat equal distance to travel, so that one could very well end up even.

Gondolin Also Prepared

It came as no surprise that the Hidden Kingdom was chosen as a neutral site host for the Arda Cup. There were few locations in Arda that could compete with Gondolin in terms of lodgings and facilities and sheer attraction as a travel destination.

The stadium was large and masterfully built- gleaming white and sitting on the edge of a cliff above the plains of Tumladen. Lodgings were all in close proximity to the arena, and there were plenty of them, though some fans would doubtless choose to rent cottages on the peaceful plains, or mountain cabins in the surrounding foothills. Though it would leave them with a tidy horse-ride to get to the match, the picturesque setting was well worth the extra effort.

The main path to Gondolin, coming in through abandoned stream tunnels to the southwest, was guarded well with several security checkpoints, but they kept traffic moving fairly well. The one or two treacherous paths from the northern mountains were unlikely to be attempted by anyone, but to be safe small contingents were patrolling, just in case any traveling parties were stranded- and making sure no trouble-makers were sneaking in illegal goods.

Locals were hoping that some extra tickets would be available to them, particularly in the case of Real Valinor versus Rohan, as both squads had some distance to travel. AC Beleriand however was almost guaranteed to show up in force, so extra home tickets were going to be tough to come by, which was unfortunate as AC featured three players with Gondolin ties- Ecthelion, Fingolfin, and Eol. Needless to say the stadium was likely to be on their side.

[Nogrod]

Quarterfinal Erebor vs. FC Valinor @ Lothlórien


It was gametime!

The stadium was full to the last place, well it was clear to everyone it was overbooked. On the top of the stadium, behind and above the highest rows of benches loomed the eight dark riders with their beasts and some two dozen Great Eagles. Many could have been intimidated by the eight, but the presence of the eagles did wonders. And when the special quests were introduced the crowds got quite relaxed indeed. For Oromë was there to see his great white horse play, and Mandos, Vairë and Estë were there as well to witness Lórien’s game now that their teams had been already relegated from the tournament. Some whispered that Manwë himself would be present with Varda, but if they were, they were there incognito.

The teams were introduced player by player as they had finally reached their opening positions. And it was a sight! Let’s see the line-ups before going into the game.

On FC Valinor’s side.

At goal the huge hound Huan whom a faint-hearted would not even dare to approach, let alone to try and get a ball behind him.

On defence. At the bottom, in a kind of an libero-role, Nahar, Oromë’s great horse: taller than any seen in the ME, swift and muscular, as frightening as Huan. In front of him Penlod, the lord from Gondolin, the tallest of the Noldorin. There was no easy way behind these two in the middle.

At left Indis the Fair, Galadriel’s grandmother, proud and beautiful as ever. At right Maglor, son of Fëanor, a bard and poet, from his fëa more like his mother maybe, but in stature and countenance no less intimidating than his brothers up front – and everyone knew what this dark and strong elf was able and what was his inheritance.

On the midfield. Turgon’s always dangerous daughter Idril the Silverfoot on the left. You never knew how fast he could be and where. On the right the high commander Argon, Indis’ grandson: as royal and fair the old Noldorin would be.

In the middle there were the two Valar. On the left Yavanna herself, the great favourite of the homecrowds and one of the real threats to any defence. On the right-center spot Lórien, another great favourite of the homecrowds, a master of spirits.

On attack. Celegorm and Curufin, Fëanor’s sons. Wild, tall, proud and… well the words fail here in front of their charisma. Standing at the center-ring opposed to Smaug one tended to notice them first and the huge dragon only after them. That should make plain what is meant.

Team Erebor then.

At the goal the huge skinchanger Beorn, almost half a bear even in his human form. If a normal person wouldn’t want to get into closer dealings with Huan, he would be wise to stay away from Beorn as well.

The defencive line boasted three Great Eagles, the brothers Windlord and Wide-Wing and their friend Sky-King. It was clear that Huan’s words about them as a real challenge were not only sweet-talking. It would take even the champions of FC Valinor some effort to get past these defenders.

In the middle, in front of the Eagles the last lord of Dale, Girion, the grand-grand father of Bard the Bowman.

On the midfield, left-side, Dain Ironfoot, the great warrior and king under the mountain. On the right side Bolg the leader of the Misty Mountain orcs in the Battle of Five Armies who had since made it good with Beorn…

On the center midfield, as the so called “number ten”, Bard the Grim Sniper – as the elves called him. A devastating weapon behind the forwards trio ready to shoot accurately with even a slightest of chances.

On attack a trio of intimidation, sterness and power. Nazgul #7 on the left, the master of intimidation. Thranduil on the right, the stern leader of the Silvan elves. And in the peak position in the middle Smaug the Golden for whose brutal power nothing goes undetected.

It looked like a huge game indeed! This was what the Arda Cup was for! Great players, heroes and villains together enjoying the sports and giving their best. As said, it was gametime!


*~*

Erebor had clearly a premeditated plan to go for a full attack from the get go, going for the surprise-factor. And they actually did manage to put FC Valinor’s defence in some disarray for the first few minutes. FC Valinor clearly was not prepared to this kind of onslaught from the first minute. But as soon as Maglor had called the defencive lines to stand their ground and the midfield fell a bit to support them Erebor’s attacks were slowly suffocated. And little by little FC Valinor started rolling their own attacks to the other end of the pitch rising their whole field upwards, careful to keep the distances short enough in case of any unforeseen events.

Especially Idril’s dashes deep into the Erebor’s half were a constant threat to the otherwise fast but slow-turning eagles. And while the Erebor defences in the center had their hands full with Celegorm and Curufin, Yavanna made quick runs inside the box from left (trailing Idril) or right (sometimes supported by a run by Argon). The mighty Erebor defences were in trouble. Seriously.

At half an hour mark the game settled down somewhat as neither the initial pressure of Erebor or the forceful pressing of FC Valinor hadn’t produced an outcome. FC Valinor had forced Beorn into one parade-save from the top-right corner fisting the ball off after a mighty volley by Celegorm, but other than that FC Valinor had only managed a few shots just slightly wide or over the target. Curufin and Celegorm were unhappy as they thought they were not getting into good enough scoring-positions and so they started re-arranging their tactics on the fly.

Many judgements have been made thus far on dwarves’ talent or overall ability to play football – not all of them without justification it must be admitted – but the king under the mountain, Dain Ironfoot really did honour to his race this time forcing the homecrowds to just gasp in awe.

For it thus happened that Lórien rose up from the center with the build up as the new formation demanded, but on his side Argon was getting forwards as well, which he was not supposed to do, leaving a huge gap on the right side of FC Valinor’s lower midfield. Noticing that Dain rushed forwards into the empty space and when Landroval managed to snatch the ball away from Idril he immediately saw the situation and winged the ball fast forwards high in the air. Already when the ball was in mid-air Huan made a terrifying howl calling the defenders back but it was already late: while all the midfielders and defenders had to turn around before dashing back, the Grim Sniper was actually on the run already. With a one touch pass Dain sent the ball diagonally across the field only to land perfectly at Bard’s feet at the corner of the box with Nahar closing in at full gallop just the crucial few feet behind him. Had Bard tried to control the ball first Nahar would have been on him – so Bard just volleyed the ball as soon as he reached it. And it went into the back of the net! Even Huan had no chance to react to such a boomer!

And so, after 36 minutes of play Erebor was leading the game 1-0!

Maglor called his team to settle down for the last ten minutes to avoid any further mistakes – and Curufin and Celegorm didn’t seem to oppose their brother’s politics of keeping their goal safe for the last minutes of the first half either. And so the teams went into their lockers for the half-time in Erebor’s lead.

There was something to ponder for the statisticians: after the first half FC Valinor had the possession 62% vs. 38%. FC Valinor also had 7 shots vs. 4 shots by Erebor, and the “serious scoring opportunities” (as the statisticians count them) from those were blatantly 5 vs. 1. Yet Erebor was in the lead.


The feeling at the stadium was getting into a full peak when the teams came back for the second half: the Lothlórien elves were now mainly supporting FC Valinor and the northern guests were just going wild with pride and confidence their team would make it through the second half. The noise was just ear-breaking.

As soon as the second half got on the name of the game became quite clear. FC Valinor had gathered some dedication and rage in their lockers – like some northern people said, they had swallowed some snake-broth indeed! FC Valinor was fast, it was furious, it was dangerous – and the only thing Erebor could do was to draw back, try to put their feet and heads in between the ball and the goal and hope for the best… Even Smaug was eventually forced to draw back to aid the defence.

It was possibly the simple most one-sided top-match half of this tournament. Erebor managed five shots overall on the second half, only one of which was on target – and even that was an easy save for Huan as it was a desperate shot from 35 meters by Thranduil when Maglor was pressing on and he had to do just something with the ball when all the passing-lines were already shut.

But what did FC Valinor do then? Well a lot.

Already on 49th minute Idril broke free from her side and after drawing Beorn to her chipped the ball from the corner of the goal into the middle from where Celegorm dived for a header only to slightly miss the touch sending the ball over the goal hitting the crossbar.

Only five minutes later Yavanna sent Curufin free inside the box but his blast went wide by a margin.

A few minutes from that Celegorm played an intelligent wall-play with Yavanna enabling her to break free from the eagle-line but her power-shot was tipped off the goal by Beorn’s ghost-save.

On 64th minute Bolg got carded from tackling Idril pretty badly (what else he could do against her speed one might ask). FC Valinor got a free kick from some twenty meters from the goal between the center and the corner of the box. Celegorm took the shot and hit the crossbar again – but Yavanna dived to the rebound! Only to head the ball off hitting Meneldor on it’s way and resulting in a corner.

Curufin tried a sneaky one with the corner and sent the ball swerving towards the back post – it would have probably gone straight in had not Girion cleared it holding fast the far post while all the others were maniacally rushing after the ball or the possible trajectories it might take if someone headed it this or that way. As the ball flew over the field for a throw Beorn was seen shaking Girion’s hand and his grand-grand son hugged him passionately for saving the day.

The clock was ticking but FC Valinor was not letting it bother them. Erebor fell down and even lower down. At times it seemed all the eleven players were inside a twenty-meter radius from their goal defending it like a hedghehog. The northern supporters chanted and yelled their throats sore to boost their team to hold the all-out offencive back for the last twenty minutes. But the elven fans were also inspired by the sovereign exposition of skill, effort and fighting-spirit FC Valinor showed.

It was a game against only one goal.

On 75th minute Yavanna discovered Argon’s smart run and passed the ball to him over and behind the defenders in full speed on the right. He took the control of the ball but it took just the precious second too much so that when he was able to shoot he had already drifted into a too slight an angle that Beorn could shut the shot away easily – trying to make a last second surprise-pass in the middle only ended in Gwaihir’s talons.

But only two minutes after that Argon was up again making some real damage! He single-handedly fooled first Dain an then Gwaihir on the right side of the pitch and closing in towards the goal centered it powerfully so that Landroval had no chance of cutting it… Curufin slided to the ball but was an inch late and the ball continued it’s path. Curufin kept sliding inside the net but Girion managed to boot the ball into the FC Valinor side of the field from where Huan brought it back.
That was the name of the game ten minutes before the final whistle: all the players, except Huan were on the Erebor’s side of the field.

At 83rd minute Lórien passed the ball from some forty meters forwards high in the air. Celegorm chested it down and chipped it diagonally forwards from just outside the box – Curufin rushed in for a volley only to boot it to the upper levels of the stadium. What a prodigal son he was, Curufin!

Two minutes after the previous, Penlod had risen from the left side. Pretending to center the ball Meneldor dived to shut the passing line but Penlod actually kicked the ball backwards with his heel – and lo and behold! – the Silverfoot was in full speed coming from behind him and took the ball with one touch booting it with the second touch –only to be just tipped away by Beorn! That was probably the closest one thus far for FC Valinor!

Five minutes of the game left and even the defenders of FC Valinor were up and actively creating mayhem – like we saw with Penlod just there. Few minutes before the final whistle even Maglor joined the attack as the second last one – they still kept Nahar around the center-ring just in case of a runaway ball that a speedy attacker might run for. It was now all or nothing – and the crowds were going nuts: the Erebor supporters were not believing they were winning the game and the elves were not believing FC Valinor was losing! But both made even more infernal noise as a result.

On 87th minute Maglor actually took the initiative and tried to force himself through the tightly packed defence only to be harshly winged down by Gwaihir who was clearly late of the situation when Maglor had managed to fool Bolg out. And it was true: the first card of the game! Such an intensive game with no cards dealt until three minutes from the end. It told everything of the game: hard, powerful, aggressive – but clean. Thus far, that is.

The free-kick was from a good position, about 18 meters from the goal. The three brothers were seen discussing it around the ball – well, arguing about it, it seemed – while the wall was being built with the aid of the referee inside the box, with both Argon and Yavanna trying to fit inside it. The three brothers all stood behind the ball some meters away from it when the referee whistled for a go.

Celegorm tossed Maglor away and glanced at Curufin, nodding to him. Despite the heavy toss Maglor kept his balance and continued walking sideways not looking back and cursing while he went. The two brothers exchanged looks and started running at the ball at the same time… Suddenly Curufin took a dash and got to the ball first only to trick-play it with the heel of his left foot and the point of his right so that the ball flew high up in the air. And it was an exact timing. The defenders from the wall started rushing forwards.

Curufin took a fast dash forward-right – Landroval and Girion went to close the passing line to him. Erebor had it now with Meneldor and Smaug closing in on Celegorm who was just going to reach the ball coming down; Bolg and Dain were keeping Argon and Yavanna away from the action; Bard was in close-quarters with Idril not giving her any room to breathe…

Celegorm reached the ball first. That was no surprise. He just hadn’t anyone to pass it except backwards as Erebor had closed every door. Celegorm caught the ball and glanced swiftly behind him before Meneldor and Smaug caught him. Turning forwards he saw Meneldor and Smaug pressing on him bending on the sides to be able to intercept a possible pass side- or backways. But as a gap between Smaug and Meneldor emerged, Celegorm swiftly sent the ball fast forwards slightly to the left.

And it was none else but Maglor who had sneaked forwards the seconds others had concentrated on everyone but him – and now he dashed to the ball. Landroval shrieked and made his best to turn mid air while Gwaihir answered the call leaving the guarding of Lórien behind… Girion stood helpless for a fraction of a second and then turned on his heels to follow Landroval. Beorn saw what was going on and closed the distance between him and Maglor trying to leave him as little angle possible to shoot it past him.

But Maglor did not take a shot. He passed the ball forwards-right – and yes, Curufin was now free and had dashed to the corner of the goal where he only had to put his boot in to the ball’s way to guide it in! FC Valinor had evened the game just three minutes before the end of the game!

The three brothers hugged passionately. All the tossing and “arguing” had been just a trick!

FC Valinor somewhat had the upper hand at the last minutes, but it was clear both teams were now concentrating for the extra-time. And that was to follow.

The statisticians were once again puzzled: how can a game be even when the other side has 74% of the possession, has 20 shots overall against 8 from the opposition, and shots on goal are 7-3. On second period alone FC Valinor made 12 shots and 5 of them went on target (posts and crossbars are not counted): that is more than many teams are able to accomplish in a whole game – and while the “serious scoring opportunities” were 5 vs. 1 after the first period, after two periods different statisticians saw them from 13 vs. 3 all the way to 15 vs. 2!

But the game was still 1-1 and it was the extra time.


After the few careful first minutes of the extra-time it was clear who was going for the goal. Unsurprisingly it was FC Valinor.

On 7 minutes into the extra-time Celegorm headed a cool center by Idril nicely via the ground but Beorn managed to stretch his leg for an astonishing reaction-save.

Few minutes later there was a great row on the field after Bolg had clearly kicked Nahar into his lower belly, in purpose. After that Nahar was more or less unstoppable and charged after Bolg around the field. Lórien was at the route Bolg tried to escape and managed to stumble him down with a kick to his side. As he was ready to cast a spell on Bolg suffering eternally of recurring nightmares, the referee finally caught the action and carded all three.

But if Bolg had wished he’d take some energy away from their opposition by his trick he was totally wrong. FC Valinor looked now doubly threathening, hard and unforgiving. And by Valar they scored after 16 minutes of the extra-time! Many thought it was finally some justice being delivered.

After one of the rare trials at attacking Erebor lost the ball somewhere half into the FC Valinor’s side of the field. Lórien took the ball and sent it immediately far up to Argon whom he saw was ready to make a spurt. And Argon did the run of his life ducking Landroval on his way and catching the ball before the end-line.
With a last second turn-pass – basically executing that from mid air as he had to jump for the ball unless it went over the line – he managed to center it and as the few defenders there were had been after him Yavanna was all alone in the middle to receive the pass. She took the ball in control by stopping calmly at the penalty spot. Beorn rushed forwards as soon as he realised the situation but Yavanna just passed the ball slightly sideways to herself with her left foot and chipped the ball out of reach of him and into the back of the net with her right!

FC Valinor was finally in the lead and the elven crowds were just going crazy. Fourteen minutes to go. FC Valinor had been the sovereign side thus far, but the lapse in the beginning. The tables had finally been turned.

Erebor did not mean to accept the loss and fought for the equalizer, but FC Valinor was not giving in an inch even if Erebor now came forwards with full force.

On the contrary, every time Erebor tried to attack FC Valinor sent Idril and Curufin – or Celegorm and Argon, or Yavanna and Nahar – a different pair every time into to the front with full speed dashes forcing Erebor to leave players to see after them and thus they never got the chance of building up an attack of a kind FC Valinor had played most of the second half. FC Valinor was keeping them at the bay with a counter-threat too serious to be ignored.

Three minutes before the end of the overtime there was one more clash of wills and personalities. Penlod and Smaug were reaching for the ball in the midfield and Smaug tailed Penlod away sending him into the ground. Not taking any more of that – and not willing to wait for the referee’s judgement – Penlod went on to challenge Smaug. To Penlod’s defence it can be said Smaug had pushed him all the game when the referee had not being looking, but yes, now Penlod had had it. Only the fact that Maglor and Lórien forced him off Smaug’s throat saved him from a red card. They both got yellow cards but the following free kick was given to Erebor as the “revenge” was deemed more unsportsmanlike than the original foul.

Nazgul #7 gave the free-kick from fifty meters trying to find Smaug’s tail from the edge of the box. But Nahar beat Smaug for it nice and clean. It was a perfect turnaround.

Nahar sent the ball flying forwards and Curufin, Celegorm, Yavanna, Idril and Argon all ran for it looking on their own routes for a great ending of the game. The elven crowds were cheering! This would be the final nail into Erebor’s coffin! 3-1 was on it’s way!

Idril got the ball farthest to the left and ran with it a moment before stopping – as Meneldor was closing in on her – and crossing it then to the center to Curufin who had now almost reached her level. Curufin sent the ball immediately forward-right towards Argon who was making way to the end of the pitch – and got the ball nicely before the end of the field on the right – and had time to decide what to do before Gwaihir was upon him. And he decided to dribble the great eagle – which he did! Getting rid of Gwaihir Argon centered the ball seeing both Curufin and Celegorm dashing towards the goal.

But somehow Gwaihir managed to put it’s wing in between while falling down from a too fast a turn. The ball went over the brothers and as a gift into the feet of Girion who did not mess around but kicked it far away from the Erebor side.

In the midfield Indis rose higher than Bard but due the contact she was not able to head it the way she meant and it went backwards, far away from where she meant it should go. Deep on the right of the FC Valinor’s side Thranduil took the ball and centered it immediately – amd Smaug was there to push free from the middle. With the FC Valinor defence a bit disarrayed as Nahar was not in his place and Penlod was understandably not willing to gather another yellow, Smaug actually got room to manouver just to tail the ball… into the net!

Erebor had drawn the game two minutes of the overtime left!!!

Nobody believed their eyes at first, not even the players. But after Smaug roared and the first Erebor players reacted to it starting to jump up and down, part of the stadium holding the fans of Erebor finally burst into cheering and a kind of hysterical laughter. They had been so sure down under that they would lose the game, but now it was once again anybody’s game! Erebor ruled!

The Lothlórien elves were just shocked – excluding those who actually cheered for Erebor. It had been a clear game after all the trouble and hardship in the beginning… and what now? A toss of a coin? Were there not the loud crowds cheering for Erebor the elves might not have realised how on the edge this was now.

But it was to be a penalty shoot-out.


Erebor 2-2 FC Valinor
on target 5-9
tot shots 14-23
GOALS:
*36, 1-0 Bard (Dain)
*87, 1-1 Curufin (Maglor)
*16, 1-2 Yavanna (Argon)
*28, 2-2 Smaug (Thranduil)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Erebor- Gwaihir, Bolg, Smaug
*FCVal- Nahar, Irmo, Penlod



A report from the penalty shoot-out will be published later today.

[Nogrod]

Erebor vs. FC Valinor, penalty shoot-out.

While the players rested and concentrated on the following shoot-out the fastest minds already went through different possibilities… It was hard to believe Huan on the losing side when clashing with any other goal-keeper, but then again Beorn was the comet of this season and statistically better, and especially in this game he had been just phenomenal while Huan had been mostly jobless most of the game… What else?

The three brothers would score. It was a hard place for the elves of Lothlórien to admit that they now relied on Fëanor’s sons, but that was what they were doing. There were the two Valar as well. It would be hard to see Yavanna or Lórien not to score. So how about it got further? Argon was a great elf – and so was Idril. And Penlod was a real hero... and Nahar was such a creature no-one could stand against it. Yes we have it, the elves thought to themselves even if they knew someone would fail anyway. But they had such a tough bunch that even if one failed it should not matter.

Meanwhile most of the supporters of Erebor were too busy to celebrate the draw to concentrate on the penalty shoot-out to come, but those who realised what was coming the next were thinking more or less along the following lines… Now Beorn would keep them safe often enough to give their team a change to win: that was something they were confident on after seeing all his parade-saves in this game. But how would their shooters fare against Huan? Smaug sure was in the same league with the Hound, and so were the Great Eagles – those would fight it out at the same level. But how about Thranduil, the men, Dain and Bolg?
Now these were some anguish-begging questions. It was Huan after all they faced.

The two goalies took it towards the goal walking silently side by side – with Beorn in a full bear-shape going in all fours as well. Reaching the goal they turned to face each other and leaned their foreheads slightly on each other to show respect. After that Beorn retreated to the side of the goal slowly transforming back to a human form while Huan took himself between the posts. Erebor would shoot first.

Smaug came forwards and settled the ball into the spot. Then it retreated somewhat to the right to let it’s tail fall in perfect position to hit the ball. The two beasts stared each other to the eye for a moment while Smaug waved it’s tail to and fro in the air. The air was thick with anticipation. There wasn’t even a sigh in the crowd as everyone held their breath.

Suddenly Smaug’s tail swang in a mighty loop. Huan saw the trajectory of the ball to come clearly and dived for the upper-left corner, but just as the tail would have hit the ball Smaug pulled it up and moved it’s hind-leg in astonishing speed chipping the ball to the lower-right corner while Huan was already diving left! It was sensational!

But Curufin didn’t let the show-off bother him. If they had counted on someone scoring from the Erebor side Smaug sure was the pick. Setting the ball Curufin took a few steps back, nodded to Beorn with a determined expression. There was no emotion on his face.

A short run and a shot – like a bull’s hit! The shot was so powerful Beorn just hadn’t time to react to it before it was already in the back of the net, in the upper-right corner going in slightly touching the crossbar and swerwing through the net to bounce back into the field. Unlike Smaug, Curufin didn’t celebrate the goal in any way but only walked back his face as neutrally grim it is possible to have. But the crowds were cheering even wilder than with Smaug’s goal. They were surely being entertained!

The shoot-out was even 1-1.

Passing Curufin in the midfield Thranduil seemed a bit nervous. King and all he was, but Curufin was an old and great Noldorin lord whose stupendous skill and confidence just outshone him on every measure. But he bit his lip adjusting the ball to it’s place. Fëanor’s sons or not, the Great Hound or not, he would show what the Silvan elves were made of. Mostly to entertain himself and to build self-confidence he took a few dancing moves away from the ball, made a twist around and then rushed for the ball.

Huan jumped forwards to beat the angle and stretched it’s claws… and he tipped the ball – but not enough! The ball swerwed from the touch and flew inside the goal just inches away from the post! Dropping down all the air had already ran away from the ball and it had to be replaced by a new one. Meanwhile the referee gave Huan a warning that should he destroy a ball a second time the shot would be declared a goal whether it went in or not.

Thranduil was waving his hands in the air while walking back to the center of the field, but Celegorm looked like a copy of his tight-lipped brother walking slowly to the penalty spot. Like his brother he took only a few steps from the ball, nodded to Beorn and then dashed for it.

Beorn had suddenly a crazy idea and went for it on instinct. It was argued a lot afterwards whether he stole the jump going for it already before Celegorm’s boot hit the ball (even if the video replays after the game showed it quite clearly) – but he did go towards the upper-right corner thinking Celegorm would copy his brother in that as well. And he fisted the ball off! Celegorm had been denied! The Erebor fans were exstatic!

Erebor led the shoot-out 2-1.

Bard had the whole stadium watching on him as he walked to the spot. The pressure was high: scoring now would put Erebor a big step forwards to victory while missing would mean losing the gain they had just made with Beorn’s dashing save. But Bard the Bowman was not nicknamed “the Grim Sniper” for no reason. He made a stupendous curve-ball shot and while Huan did dive into the right side of the goal the ball changed it’s trajectory in the middle of the flight and suddenly started swerving towards the center. Already mid-air Huan had no chance to change his own flight, and even if he made a brave try to reach the ball with his feet it was a lost case for him. Bard scored!

Now the concept of a curve-ball (or a “banana-shot”) sure is familiar to all football fans, but to be able to make the ball swerwe that much in as short a distance than a penalty shot was something no-one could have foreseen anyone could deliver. There was something magical in this Bowman to be sure. And Smaug indeed was one of the first to congratulate him for his feat.

But if the Erebor fans had been overwhelmed by their players thus far yelling and chanting like mad men the elegant and graceful presence of Yavanna just silenced them once and for all. The lightness of her steps on the grass, the grace of her movement, the lightness of her being, the age and wisdom in her eyes… it was, well otherworldly in every possible sense of the term. Beorn felt really uncomfortable in between the posts when she glanced at him after setting the ball to the spot.

And it looked like Yavanna had called the grass to grow roots around Beorn’s ankles as when she finally set into motion and shot the ball – accurately to the lower left corner of the goal – it seemd Beorn just froze and only managed to move slightly towards the ball when it was already crossing the line. It was time for the elves to go crazy in the stands! Following the example of Oromë the crowds stood for a standing ovation for Yavanna. And she did curtsey to the fans left and right as she walked back to the center of the field.

Erebor was still in the lead, 3-2 now.

When the Nazgûl #7 walked to the spot the other ringwraiths up over the stadium let out a shrilling scream that silenced the crowds once again. The Eagles gave them an evil eye and the Nazgûl seemed to get the hint. But the mood was set.

Huan concentrated on his goal. He psyched himself into the shot… he had faced Melkor himself, the Balrogs… and now what was this guy, a mere corrupted human servant of a servant of Melkor, Sauron, a maia like himself… Would another maia be scared of his corrupted animal servant? These guys had the show, it had to be admitted, but no, he would stop this guy and even the game.

As soon as the Nazgûl had set the ball Huan started staring at him, challenging him with his burning eyes. And little by little the Nazgûl felt the pressure heavier and heavier. He went for a shot but Huan was faster – diving into the exactly right side and gripping the ball firmly in between his claws, being careful not to blow the ball this time. That was a sensational save, vintage Huan! And Erebor was denied the first time.

Argon came in turn and made it quick. Set the ball, a few steps back, short concentration, blowing out the extra air from his lungs, a dash… and a goal! Beorn was actually nicely with the shot but Argon just hammered it that powerfully he had no chance to really stop it.

The elven crowds were almost unable to control themselves. It was even again! FC Valinor had risen again like it had done in the game. And the farther the shoot-out would go, the better chances they had as they had a lot wider spread of quality. It was looking good once again for the Lothlórien elves and other supporters of FC Valinor.

The shoot-out was even 3-3.

The last shooters of the first round of five were ready to take their turns. And Gwaihir took to his wings making more like a longish jump to the penalty spot. The twenty plus eagles at the top of the stadium shrieked for support, and this time around the Nazgûl were not able to repay the “compliment” of silencing them. They just didn’t have the numbers or support by Sauron to do that.

It was once again a meeting of two great creatures highly mightier the men or elves. They eyed each other in a respectful way for a moment before Gwaihir took a few steps away from the ball concentrating on his shot now with eyes closed.

After flapping it’s wings around and about for a moment Gwaihir finally opened his eyes, rose up a little off the ground and dived forwards. He gripped the ball into his talons and swang himself in the air so that his head and upper torso went backwards but the talons and lower torso forwards – balancing the move with his great wings. And the ball shot off with a mighty velocity. Huan did actually get the direction correctly and dived for it – only to be just an inch late as the ball slipped through his outstretched claws.

Gwaihir the Windlord had scored! For the astonishment of all both the great Eagles and the Nazgûl were screaming for joy at the same time up over the stadium – and it must have been an interesting realization to them as well – they were after all supporting the same team but it had somehow been forgotten in the middle of all the security demands and all that jazz.

Maglor was the last shooter from FC Valinor’s side – and with Gwaihir scoring he had to score as well if FC Valinor was to stay in the game. Unlike his brothers though he smiled when he placed the ball to the spot and eyed Beorn curiously while taking his steps back. Beorn was a little confused as Maglor seemed at the same time so similar and yet so different from his two brothers: he had the same eyes of steel and pride and stature of a Noldorian lord of old, well of the descendant of Finwë himself, but there was playfulness, even humour in there one could not find in the eyes of some darker sons of Fëanor.

Maglor glanced at the upper-right corner of the goal his brothers had shot at and suddenly, noticing that Beorn had caught his glance, winked an eye to Beorn before laying his head low to concentrate. It made Beorn mad with frustration: was he being straightforward, bluffing, double-bluffing, triple-bulffing? Everything but the frist option seemed plausible – and he had no time to mull it over. Maglor had taken a longish distance to gather speed but he was on the move already building speed as he neared the ball.

Beorn thought feverishly… “in the end all this show is him trying to make me think he is different from his brothers so he wishes me to go for the other side – so I need to take the same one…” and Beorn jumped for it to the upper-right corner of the goal. Maglor shot the ball with power… into the left of the goal! He threw Beorn a smile before turning on his heels and walking relaxedly back to his team waving his hand casually in the air as he went. The crowds loved Maglor for that – and his cool finishing.

It was 4-4 after the first five shots.


From this on, it would be a game of sudden death with every round: if one scored and another didn’t, it was all over. The pressure was felt all around. And FC Valinor would be shooting first from now on.

It was Idril who walked trough the field next. The elves were holding their breath seeing Turgon’s fair daughter walk gently over the field her head held high. Silverfoot she really was. If Yavanna had walked through the pitch gracefully and lightly then Idril was, if possible, of even lighter feet. It was like her feet didn’t touch the grass at all as she more like slid over it.

She kissed the ball before putting it down to the spot and took a fair distance from it to gain speed. Beorn stood expressionlessly staring at the ball and Idril feet. Idril dashed forwards with incredible speed and shot the ball towards the lower right corner – but Beorn had hunched it right and dived to intercept the ball’s flight. The ball was coming in with such speed that even if he had gotten it right he was in time only to just tip it off the goal. But he did it! FC Valinor was denied the second time!

Erebor had their chance now. A goal now and they were through to the semifinals! Who would come to shoot for them? The crowds tried to look into the center of the field to see who would break from there and walk to the spot, but no one did. Instead Beorn himself was changing into a bear-form and emerged from the side of the goal to pick the ball.

Erebor supporters were going totally wild! Of course Beorn would be the shooter – and it would be so fitting for him to make the decisive shot! And in a bear-form! It was so exciting! And even Huan showed some signs of nervousness. A great bear was for him a much more worthy adversary than just a man, how great he otherwise was. There would be power in the shot and he had to do his best to FC Valinor a chance to continue the shoot-out.

The great bear roared and then charged. And the shot was a mighty one. It would have fallen anyone who tried to come to it’s way – but not Huan! Huan charged straight towards the ball at the moment it boomed from the bear’s foot – throwing his both fore-feet towards it he fisted it high in the air. The shot had been coming straight in the middle as Beorn had clearly thought Huan would dive for either corner – and if he wouldn’t the shot would be too powerful for even him to stop it. But he was wrong. Huan stopped it – and roared mightily for it making the elven spectators jump up in cheers and chants. Erebor was denied as well!

It was still 4-4.

Nahar emerged from the center and trotted to the spot. Now the crowds could find signs of weariness from Beorn’s countenance. The great horse would boot the ball with some worrying force as well. Beorn had thought it for a moment to take the shot in the bear form to be stronger to withstand it, but he would be so much slower in his first reaction as a bear he didn’t dare to try it. So feeling quite naked he stood as a human in between the posts looking at the great horse ready to charge at any moment. The crowds were holding their breath and Oromë was seen biting his nails in the audience.

Nahar sped into speed and booted the ball with ferocious force straight towards the upper-left corner of the goal. And Beorn hunched it totally wrong flying for the right side! But Nahar missed it! The ball went just an inch over the crossbar almost touching it as it went – but it had missed! The crowds awwed and sighed heavily. Oromë had closed his face into his palms.

So Erebor was given a second chance to win the game. And both the players and the fans knew it well they couldn’t afford wasting too many opportunities to end the game as FC Valinor would come back to score sooner than later and then they would just have to score themselves as well with no chance of winning it at that round. So it was now or never.

Bolg walked slowly to the penalty-spot feeling the pressure in his back. The orcs in the audience were thrilled! It was great Bolg, son of Azog, who would nail it for Erebor! Most of the Silvan elves and dwarves were not that confident though. Especially the dwarves would have loved to rather see Dain taking the shot. But those were petty differences, they knew it. And so they all cheered for Bolg crossing their fingers for him. Even if many questioned why the Meneldor or Landroval weren’t given precedence?

Bolg took his time to settle the ball in the way he was happy with and took slow steps away from it. It was hard for Bolg to look at Huan whose fiery eyes challenged him. He was just one shot away from being the celebrity everyone would love and appreciate. Just one shot…

And he was on it! He booted the ball with all the might he had – and it flew high up over the goal to the high rows of the stands. The elves were laughing from relief but probably a little for the lousy performance on the orc chieftain as well. They felt so justified in their mock of the orc. To the surprise of many Smaug came to meet Bolg half-way back to the center and patted him on the shoulder.

But FC Valinor had ducked a defeat a second time. The name of the game should change now the fans thought. It had to.

It was even 4-4 still.

To the great joy of the homecrowds it was Lórien who would take the next shot. Irmo of the Valar would not let them down! Even Oromë looked relieved. Mandos, Estë and Vairë were cheering loudly.

The Master of Spirits approached the penalty spot slow and majestic worthy of his stature. He was not going to rush anything. After setting the ball and taking the steps back from it he finally turned his eyes to Beorn – immediately seeing his deepest hopes, thoughts and dreams. But he didn’t let them affect his game. That would have been cheating anyway, he thought.

But he did hammer the ball in with precision leaving Beorn no chance in saving the goal. Beorn was first almost going to dive for the right but changed course at the last moment and went left instead… only to see the ball flying securely out from his reach, just lightly hitting the left post. Even if he had went to the left immediately he would have had no chance to catch it. It was fast and accurate shot impossible to save.

The Lothlórien crowds went just mad and shouted the name of their namesake. Now this was what they had been looking for from the shoot-out! And now Erebor was between the rock and the hard place. Did they miss now, it would be all over.

It was Girion’s turn. And it was time for some serious nail-biting on behalf of team Erebor fans. How could a lord of Dale beat Huan himself? Yes rich and powerful man at his time, and the great grandfather of Bard, but still…

It was clear Girion had the pressure of his life on his shoulders when he settled the ball down and concentrated on his shot. Huan looked calm and focused.
Girion took only a shortish run and went for it… he had to score… he shot it low… towards the right corner of the goal… Huan dived to the right… but high! He tried to grasp the ball flying under him but couldn’t but slightly touch it with the tip of his claws. It was a goal! Girion scored! Erebor had ducked relegation!

And the game was still on… ninth shooters were coming forth.

It was even, 5-5.

A seriously tall figure of an elf took to the penalty-spot. Penlod the Gondolian was next. And the elves were cheering to their hero of the battle of Gondolin, although some exchanged curious looks as to why Huan hadn’t been unleashed yet; he sure would score. But Penlod was a mighty elf and the cheers for him were ear-piercing. And he looked composed staring at the beorning between the posts.

He took a longish run but just as he was coming to hit the ball he almost stopped. Beorn was already leaning on towards right going to dive – and seeing that with the help of his little trick – Penlod made an accurate shot to the lower left corner of the goal, almost more like a pass than a shot.

Somehow Beorn managed once again to change direction at the last possible moment… and he tipped the ball away! Unlike with Lórien’s powershot Penlod’s slower one gave him the slight chance to make it – and he did it! Erebor was once again having a chance to wrap it for themselves.

And when Landroval flew in the Erebor fans were once again having their hopes up. He would score just like Gwaihir did. They had felt they had not such a wide spread of talent FC Valinor had but now it looked they were ready for anything and everything.

Huan was ready for Landroval and the two beasts nodded to each other in mutual recognition. Gwaihir had tricked Huan on the first rounds and Landroval knew he wouldn’t be surprised that easily a second time.

Landroval closed his wings around him and fell silent, concentrating to his shot. Huan stood motionless staring at the ball. Suddenly Landroval opened his wings and jumped up and forwards dashing towards the ball. Huan’s every muscle was on alert as his body was ready to bounce anywhere a split-second’s decision would send it. Momentarily it looked like Landroval was falling to his side, but at the same moment people realised what it was: Landroval made the shot with a huge swing of his wing sending the ball booming towards the upper-left corner of the goal. And Huan reached for it like a spring that had been unleashed.

Huan’s claws hit the ball! There was a curious thudding sound when the sharp claws tore the skin of the ball apart. The air ran off from the ball with a whining noise and the ball… or what was left of it… dropped just inches inside the goal.
There was a total silence for a few seconds when nobody was quite sure what had happened or how the referee would interpret it.

But when the referee then showed with his hand that it was a goal the crowds broke into wild cheers or protests – depending on the side they were supporting. Curufin and Celegorm went after the referee so aggressively it looked like they were going to kill him right there and then, but happily Huan came to stop them and defended the referee from a plain onslaught. He made it clear that firstly what was left of the ball was inside the goal and that the referee had already warned him beforehand that if he tore one more ball into pieces after the first one he would judge it a goal whatever happened.

Some reports had it that Celegorm had yelled back at Huan that he had defected once again, but that report couldn’t be confirmed.

Be that as it may, Erebor had taken a sensational victory over the clear favourites FC Valinor who were now out from the games.

And Huan owed Beorn a pint of the best mead Lothlórien could offer…

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

AC Beleriand vs Shire-Bree United at Gondolin

After AC Beleriand’s thrashing of the home side in the previous round, many neutral observers expected Fëanor’s side to be met with much booing when they played their quarterfinal tie against Shire-Bree United in Gondolin. But the Beleriandic side entered the pitch to a rousing cheer from their supporters as well as from the home crowd. Certainly Ecthelion, Eöl, and Fingolfin weren’t names that the Gondolindrim could easily learn to hate, considering that they helped bring the Cup to the Hidden Realm.

The other team, the heretofore-unknown (to the Beleriandrim) Shire-Bree United squad, was greeted with a polite applause (and a wild cheering from a small section of the stadium). They had drawn even with Angband and Tol-in-Gaurhoth, two footballing teams that still commanded respect despite what had happened to them this year. This was a team that had gone through difficulty and came out not wanting. Surely they would put up a fight even against one of the tournament favourites.

In the centre circle, team captain Strider gathered his team, a collection of curious creatures (Bandobras the Perian, the Barrow-wight, the two Nazgûl, and the biggest enigma of them all, Bombadil) along with lesser Men, the Dúnedain, and the Noldo Gildor. It was far more diverse a union than the one Fëanor’s son Maedhros formed before the Fourth Battle of Beleriand, but they were united for roughly the same reason—victory against the odds. Strider delivered a rousing speech to motivate the team, punctuated by a ‘This day we fight!’ cry by all eleven players. When they broke up to take their positions on the pitch, there was a glint in their eyes. They’re not just happy to have gone this far; they can still go further.

Or so they believed, until the game actually began. AC Beleriand put on a display of dominating possession (the possession stat by halftime was 72-28) and turning it into goals. They made smart passes and refused to give Shire-Bree an easy turnover. When they lost possession, they applied pressure all throughout Shire-Bree’s formation, moving as a cohesive unit and forcing the Shire-Bree players into hurried passes, testing their first touch under pressure. Eöl took up position in the right wing to match up against Gildor, and Nazgûl #6, unsung hero of the game against Angband, was neutralised by Fëanor himself. The Ringwraith’s defensive partner Butterbur was repeatedly exposed for his lack of pace by the Fiery Boot’s array of ball-handling tricks. Shire-Bree United’s wing outlets on the counterattack, the Barrow-wight and Khamûl, were closed down smartly by Denethor and Fingolfin. Beren took up position at the tip of AC Beleriand’s midfield diamond, where he totally outclassed Ferny, and Ulrad went out wide to occupy Golfimbul. And Shire-Bree’s main threat, Bombadil, was nowhere to be found, presumably deep in discussion with Ecthelion about poetry in some corner of the pitch.

AC Beleriand’s efforts bore fruit just twelve minutes into the game. A threefold run by Beren, Fëanor, and Eöl into the box confused the Shire-Bree defenders, and, when Denethor brought up the ball from the midfield, the back line was in shambles. The Green-elf played an uncontested pass to the Dark Elf, and Eöl had too much space to take a power drive that was too fast and too strong for Halbarad to keep out.

AC Beleriand were not done. Less than twenty minutes after the opener Fingolfin beat Khamûl in a straight-line dash and sent a cross from the byline before Golfimbul could close in; Beren brushed past Ferny to head it in. Almost half an hour into the game and AC Beleriand was already ahead by two. Such was the mismatch between their attack and their opponent’s defence.

Normally even a two-goal lead wouldn’t be safe against Shire-Bree’s attacking power, but they were still starved of the ball. AC Beleriand’s midfield diamond, supplemented by Fingolfin and, at times, Eöl, held the ball well and played smart passes to each other when pressed. Shire-Bree United’s wing threats Khamûl and the Barrow-wight were forced to positions they were unfamiliar with just to maintain even numbers in the midfield. With their displacement, the Shire-Bree defenders lacked outlets to whom they could pass recovered balls and were forced to play long passes to the forwards. This would have been no problem had Bombadil’s head been in the game, but he was now discussing flower arrangement with Ecthelion and unaware of what was going on around him.

Five minutes before the half Fëanor put his dazzling ball-control skills on display once more as he dribbled Butterbur and Nazgûl #6 out of position before firing a snapshot that Halbarad managed to turn away. But Bregolas beat Gildor and Bandobras to the rebound and poked it in past a despairing Halbarad.

Half-time ended with only three Shire-Bree United attempts in forty-five minutes; they clearly lacked the drive and energy, especially on the attack. The handful of Hobbits and Dúnedain that made the journey to Gondolin hoped that Strider could snap Bombadil back to attention. Surely even a three-goal deficit would be easily made up if the strange man was on form.

For the first few minutes of the half it seemed that their predictions would be borne out. With Bombadil back in the game, Shire-Bree United retained possession better, and they gained some chances to put the AC Beleriand back line under pressure. But Fingolfin’s men rose to the challenge. Imlach and Rochallor made timely tackles on Strider, and, after a Bombadil solo run down the right wing, Ecthelion recovered from the misdirection well enough to clear Bombadil centring pass.

The thirty minutes of sustained pressure (yielding just six shots, the closest being a Bombadil bullet from outside the box that Marach managed to beat away) must have tired the Shire-Bree players out. They were becoming more laborious in their build-up, and AC Beleriand’s superior midfield slowly began to deny them the ball once again. Bombadil grew bored when all his efforts led nowhere, and he was soon spotted picking flowers in the precipice near the stadium. AC Beleriand’s passing killed the game once and for all, and Strider realised that his squad was up against a true championship contender, and that there was no chance of recovery. With ten minutes left, he shook hands with Fëanor, and the ball never crossed past the middle third of the pitch. Soon the final whistle was blown, and the AC Beleriand squad left to a standing ovation from their fans, some of whom raised banners with Shire-Bree United’s name crossed out, Real Valinor and FC Valinor written above it. They were marking out the path they knew their team would take to the championship, and the message has been sent: ‘Real Valinor, you’re next.’

AC Beleriand 3-0 Shire-Bree United
GOALS:
12, 1-0 Eöl (Denethor)
29, 2-0 Beren (Fingolfin)
40, 3-0 Bregolas (Fëanor)

Total Shots
16-9
Shots On Target
7-1

YELLOW CARDS:
1-0
AC Bel: Ulrad
SBU: –

[Boromir88]

Eriador - Minas Tirith @Lothlorien

The stadium was nearly split even in terms of who it would be rooting for. As fans from both realms flocked to Lothlorien. Some of the Orcish media got word that there was no group of orcs or wraiths in Lothlorien to cheer for the Witch-King. He in fact, seemed like a fish out of water, amongst the droves of Elves and living Men. They grumbled "Is this not why there is a ban on games being played in Aman?" Although, truth be told, in those situations civilian ticket-holders were mysteriously dropping out of all existance. Where here, honestly no Orcs wanted to bother purchasing tickets to Lothlorien, just to see the Witch-King, for their disdain for Elves and the Rangers on Eriador was greater.

Lothlorien did not have a team in the Arda Cup, and Galadriel and Celeborn had both been eliminated, so they were back home. They were anxious to see football again, and had no reservations about watching these two teams play, a clean and disciplined game. There might be a slight home advantage to Eriador, since the Lorien elves were more behind Elrond, Gil-Galad, and Glorfindel than the lords from Minas Tirith. They would, however, be respectful toward Minas Tirith, of course.

A few hours before the match, the captains of the teams addressed the media in a press conference.

Elrond, as calm as ever, you would hardly be able to know a trip to the semi-finals rested on the next match by looking at his face: "We're going to keep playing the game that got us here, it's that simple. The best defense isn't a top goal-keeper, it's having possession of the ball. The opponent can't score if you have it. That does not mean we are going to play a boring game of keep away. Our defenders and mid-fielders have to move the ball up to Glorfindel, who I have full confidence in to score, if we give him the opportunities."

Faramir, almost as if he was a mirror image of Elrond, expressed the same wisdom and serenity: "Eriador is not all that different from Angband. I mean, their defense is based on foresight, intelligence, and team-work. Angband's is more strength and intimidation, but their styles are essentially the same. They both thrive on possession and low-scoring games. It will be a difficult challenge scoring on a keeper of Elrond's reknown, but not even Morgoth could keep us shut out. I also believe, in the Angband match, my father showed a gift of foresight worthy of Elrond even."

Many in the room looked around, feeling that was very high praise, perhaps too much even, given by Faramir. But no one challenged the man with a follow-up, because there is no denying Denethor entered Angband, and was arguably the most vital player in Minas Tirith's upset win. The captains shook hands and then departed for their final pre-game rituals and preparations with their respective clubs.

The stadium was buzzing with excitement, this was really the locals first major football experience of the year. And while there were no goals in the first half, it was proof that simply because a match did not have 3, 4, and 5 or more goals does not mean it's a snooze-fest. Lothlorien was excited to see a good, clean match again. As Elrond promised, with possession, there was nice flow and movement, from Eriador's defenders up to their mid-field players and forwards. Both sides were creating several chances and moving it forward when they had possession. It was just, both defenses were doing an excellent job of getting in the way time and time again.

Minas Tirith appeared to be pressing and playing a bit more risky than Eriador, in order to try to grab a lead. However, it was as if Eriador's defenders practiced and played with Minas Tirith all the time, because they were arranged perfectly every time. Never out of position and always close to a Minas Tirith player. Faramir was being frustrated, as he would look to option A, only to find it taken away. It was the same story for B, and C, and D. There was just nowhere to go with the ball. So Minas Tirith's attempts were even further from goal, and became further off-target that never seemed to trouble Elrond in the least.

On the other end, Eriador built their attacks a bit more slowly, but they were able to be more patient with it. Even if Cirion and the MT defenders were playing very well, there were a couple quality chances because Glorfindel and the Witch-King's creativity were too difficult to handle at times. The Witch-King got 2 nice cracks on goal, but Denethor rose to the occassion when his defense was beaten. The Witch-King was frustrated that he was indeed, being hindered by a man, and as halftime ended 0-0, perhaps Faramir was right to give his father such high praise.

The 2nd began and it was like a replay of the 1st. Neither team was changing their gameplan, but sticking to the ways they new best. And the crowd was still energetic, on the edge of their seats. The defenses and goal-keepers were playing absolutely flawless, so they knew whoever broke the deadlock, that would likely be the only goal of the match.

Eriador began more positive in the 2nd half. If you create enough quality opportunities, something is bound to go in your favor eventually, no matter how flawless the opponent's defense and goalie are playing. And in the 68th minute, Eriador finally broke the scoreless deadlock with superior ingenuity and skill.

Arveleg had possession on the left side and passed it, on the ground, towards the center. The Witch-King had a step on Cirion, and acted like he was going for the shot, but no! He let it through. Glorfindel had also made a run at goal beside him and Glorfindel slotted it into the open net, since Denethor had his attention on the Witch-King and did not anticipate the Witch-King's fake.

So, like in the Angband match, Minas Tirith found themselves a goal down and started throwing all caution out the window to equalize. They were confident they could hold Eriador to 1-goal and then perhaps get this to another shoot out where anything could happen. However, nothing had changed from the 1st half. Eriador's defense was perfectly executed, perfectly positioned, every time. Faramir got Minas Tirith's best chance in the 78th minute, when he finally beat his marker, Gil-galad. Only, that as everyone knows, is only the first difficult obstacle, as Elrond was right there to make a strong save and deny Faramir the goal.

It was over. Eriador was deservedly advancing to the Semis, and many of their fans planned to stick around to mingle and celebrate with the Lorien elves. The Minas Tirith fans were definitely disappointed, because they honestly believed they had a great chance to go to the semis, but Eriador was just too good for their team today. However, after upsetting Angband, and battling Eriador down to the very end, they could return to Gondor with heads held high, and with their honour.

Eriador 1-0 Minas Tirith
on target 6-2
tot shots 14-14
GOALS:
*68, 1-0 Glorfindel (Arveleg)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Eriador- Arassuil, Arahael
*MTirith-

[Shastanis Althreduin]

As the fourth quarterfinal match got underway, the weather decided it wasn't going to co-operate. Rain had been threatening all day, and as the first minutes of the match began, the sky had finally had enough. The match between Rohan and Real Valinor would be played in the rain.

It wasn't a hard rain, but the players were wet and and irritable all throughout the first half. Horses especially are known for disliking being wet, and it may have been due to that that Arien was able to slip around the defensive Rohan line of sodden, mournful horses to knee in a linear shot from Nerdanel at around the sixteen-minute mark.

Having let in a goal so early, of course, meant the Rohan players went into the half with even less morale than normal. Nothing particularly changed for them in the second half, either. In comparison, Real Valinor was cheerful, but still anxious about the weather, as lightning flickered across the sky and thunder continued to cause spectators to duck in cover. Early on, some makeshift leather awnings were produced so that the fans stayed relatively dry, but no leather awning could stop the wind blowing torrents of water up under the covering. The end result was a group of spectators that weren't quite as soaking wet as the players, but only barely.

Real Valinor came into the second half ahead by one, but they didn't let that lull them into complacency. As the half started, Enerdhil had a bit too much enthusiasm in chasing the ball and slip-slid right into Rohan's King Dead, who, already down on account of the rain, was less than happy about an opposing player tackling him into the dirt. The altercation that followed was a bit blurred for some on account of the rain, but both players walked away with the only yellow cards of the match.

Sadly, that was the last real bit of spirit Rohan showed in the match. At just over an hour, it was again RV's Arien that scored for her team, this time off a hefty bicycle kick from Miriel.

The game basically fell apart after that, as both teams agreed to end it and get out of the weather. Rohan was saddened by their loss, but "on the bright side, at least we lost to a fantastic team like Real Valinor." (Gandalf was heard to say this to console a downcast Radagast, who was taking the loss a bit hard. There was ale involved.)

So, with a 2-0 victory against the horse lords, Real Valinor advances to the semifinal round!




Rohan 0-2 Real Valinor
on target 3-7
tot shots 13-15
GOALS:
*16, 0-1 Arien (Nerdanel)
*62, 0-2 Arien (Miriel)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Rohan- King Dead
*Real- Enerdhil

[the phantom]

The Game Within the Game

Every year the Phantasy Competition is nearly as exciting as the play on the field, and this year is no exception. Here’s what the competitors had to say when we asked them for a brief quote.

Boro: In the upper ranks again, though too far back for my liking. If only my pre-tourney predictions would hit, maybe I could close the gap.
Eomer: I don’t know why I’m not allowed to field a team made entirely of Wargs. I’ll be appealing this.
Eonwe: TIG wouldn’t have been eliminated so early if SteveWight had been on the team. Just saying…
Galadriel: Only my second year, and I’m within easy striking distance of Eomer and Kuru. I’ll be finishing in the top half this year, and next year- winner.
Gwath: They’re going to have to seriously consider naming the Phantasy Championship “The Gwath Award”.
Inzil: Not going quite as planned, but at least I’m beating that blasted Legate.
Kuru: Whew- these several-week Phantasy contests aren’t exactly in my wheel-house. We Dwarves are natural sprinters, you see.
Legate: This noob is two up from the bottom and I’m about to pass that annoying Inzil. Watch out next year, because I’m seriously getting the hang of this.
McCaber: This is like golf, yes? Lowest score wins?
Morm: I maintain my faith in my squad members, whether they’ve been eliminated or not. That’s the sort of chap I am!
Nerwen: Curse those Cupkicks! I’m supposed to be the girl that challenges the boys every year!
Nilp: Gwath is a baby gazelle, and I’m a lion. I think we know what’s going to happen in this chase.
Nog: How can I continually come so close and not take the top?! Grrr… I’m getting there no matter what it takes!
Sally: Look at me way up here, hee hee. Poor little Boro and Shasta are going to be so annoyed when I beat them.
Shasta: Sally said what?! Oh, it is ON! I’m passing her up.

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Bracket:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Elenrod/bracket-matchday-6-1.png

Power Rank:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Elenrod/power-rank-qf.png

(Teams in bold are semifinalists; teams in italics are eliminated.)

Greatest gain:
+8 Real Valinor
+1 AC Beleriand
Greatest loss:
-12 Shire-Bree United
-3 Rohan
-2 Minas Tirith

The Power Ranking is based on the aggregate of offensive and defensive ranking, combined with the adjusted goal difference rank of each team. The listed offensive and defensive rankings are from the actual numbers by the teams, and not adjusted. Ties are broken by a) win-draw-loss record; and b) goal difference.

The offensive ranking is based on the goals scored per game throughout the matches. Ties are broken by a) greater number of shots made on target per game; and b) greater number of shots made per game.

The defensive ranking is based on the goals allowed per game throughout the matches. Ties are broken by a) least number of shots allowed on target per game; and b) least amount of shots allowed per game.

Top Individual Performers:
(Players in italics are from eliminated teams.)

GOALS + ASSISTS

6+1
Curufin (FC Valinor)

4+3
Anarion (Gondor)

4+2
Fëanor (AC Beleriand)
Glorfindel (Eriador)

4+1
Gothmog (Gondolin)
Smaug (Erebor)
Beren (AC Beleriand)

4+0
Arien (Real Valinor)

3+3
Sauron (Barad-dûr)

3+2
Bombadil (Shire-Bree United)
Celegorm (FC Valinor)

3+1
Túrin (Hithlum)
Finrod (Nargothrond)
Witch-king (Eriador)

2+3
Maeglin (Gondolin)
Beleg (Doriath)
Míriel (Real Valinor)
Eöl (AC Beleriand)

1+3
Tevildo (Angband)
Eärendil (The Havens)
Thranduil (Erebor)

GOALKEEPING

Beorn (Erebor) - 23/27 (85.19%)
Théoden (Rohan) - 17/20 (85.00%)
Elrond (Eriador) - 21/25 (84.00%)
Marach (AC Beleriand) – 12/15 (80.00%)
Manwë (Valimar) - 12/15 (80.00%)
Ungoliant (Anfauglith) - 11/14 (78.57%)
Huan (FC Valinor) - 18/23 (78.26%)

[Nogrod]

GAME 1

B1 Eriador 10-4
5-0-0
34,5% 29 (71) – 25 (67) 84%

C1 Erebor 10-4
4-1-0
31,25% 32 (81) – 27 (70) 85,2%


Had we been asked before the tournament which team would win a crucially important match between Eriador and Erebor, we would probably not have hesitated too much to say Eriador would win. And we would have given at least the following reasons. First, while Smaug is a dangerous striker Glorfindel and The Witch King form a much more dangerous duo. Secondly Erebor may boast of the eagle defence but eagles has been proven shifty the earlier years – while Eriador has the best goalie aka. Elrond to whom you can’t even compare Beorn to.

Having seen first the friendlies and then the games that had a stake we have to say all the above is more or less rubbish now.

Let’s start with the forwards: Glorfindel (4+2) and Smaug (4+1) seem neck to neck in effectivity, but The Witch King has played a bit under the expectations (3+1, though). Meanwhile Bard the Bowman (3+0) has risen from nowhere while Thranduil (1+3) is their passing genius. So far from Eriador being stronger the numbers suggest the teams are quite even in their attack. And in the last two games Erebor’s attack has looked like the deadlier one indeed.

What comes to the defence, the talk about the Eagles being hazards in the defence has yet to materialize. Meanwhile they have done some pretty good work – and it would be shortsighted an stupid to say they wouldn’t match the defence of Eriador led by Gil-Galad and Malbeth. The most interesting detail on that is that even if Erebor played 120 minutes against FC Valinor (who made a dashing 9/23 shots against them) the numbers in the defence are still that even – meanwhile Eriador played Minas Tirith... So if there is an edge on one defence over anpther we’d say Erebor is in a sharper condition right now.

And the golkeepers then? Beorn just happens to be the sensation of this season! With numbers Beorn is better than Elrond himself – but especially his performance in the game against FC Valinor showed his qualities! So we can’t put Eriador ahead even with the goalkeeping…

Now the stats are so close and both teams are top quality ones, so it will not be an easy game to predict, but if forced to say which team has the edge we’d say it is Erebor. Eriador might have tougher defence than FC Valinor but they’re galaxies away from their offence – and if Erebor managed to keep FC Valinor at bay for almost 90 minutes, they should have no problem keeping Glorfindel fronm scoring.

The AKM predicts:

Erebor wins 1-0 (or 2-1 extra-time)



GAME 2


D2 Real Valinor 8-5
4-0-1
32% 29 (74) – 22 (62) 77,3%

G1 AC Beleriand 13-3
4-1-0
37,1% 35 (83) – 15 (50) 80%


The stats are pretty straightforwards: AC Beleriand is the favourite to win this game. AC Beleriand scores more and shoots more while allowing less goals and shots. But, and unsurprisingly there is a “but”: Real Valinor has had clearly a tougher schedule – even if it can be argued that AC Beleriand hasn’t had the easiest schedule either.

It is a no-brainer that getting oneself forth from group D and then from the first playoff round against the winner of group E was a far greater deed than to qualify from group G and beat the second team from group B. No-brainer or not, but many people tend to forget that when they get excited about the stats only – or that Fëanor plays for the AC Beleriand. So the stas might not tell the truth.

It is also interesting to note that the match-up favours both teams in different ways. Now both teams have won all their games except one. Real Valinor had problems with an especially strong attacking team (FC Valinor) and AC Beleriand sure is one. Then again AC Beleriand’s only point-loss came against a fairly balanced offencive-oriented team (Doriath) which Real Valinor seems to be.

That said, AC Beleriand’s defencive stats look pretty awesome even if they haven’t exactly met any offencive “powerhouses” – and Real Valinor has a full day’s work to get a decent amount of shots towards Marach to score.

But before declaring AC Beleriand the slight favourites to win the game we must add two disclaimers. Firstly, Real Valinor’s attack has been very efficient when they have needed to be that, and whatever some people say, their attacking trio is still one of the deadliest – and with a different schedual their numbers would be different as well. Secondly, we have both Fëanor’s mom and wife playing for the opposing side: what is their effect on his game?

The AKM predicts:

The game ends 1-1 or more probably 2-2, AC Beleriand wins on extratime.

[Boromir88]

TWO TOWERS NETWORK
Boromir the 88th

The Minas Tirith squad returned home after their hard fought defeat to Eriador. While, certainly, there are no parades for those teams eliminated in the quarter-finals, the mood around Gondor was less grim than normal. The football players were greeted in the streets of the City, as interested fans were already trying to get the low down on next year's tournament and what moves will Minas Tirith make to progress further.

Our TTN team was able to schedule a sit-down interview with Minas Tirith's defender, and captain, Cirion.

TTN: First, we would all at the White City, like to congradulate you on your club's performance in the Arda Cup. Last year was rough on the folks of this realm, but it seems that both squads are in capable management and heading in the right direction.

Cirion: Thank you. Indeed, we are feeling good enough about what we accomplished this year. Mind you, we are not content with merely making the quarter-finals, our objective each year is to put out a solid group of players that can compete for the Cup. But, it's always a positive when you can defeat your rival, Sauron, and there was the added bonus of going into Morgoth's territory and getting the victory. The boys gave a heroic effort, and left the better team that day.

There is a bit of disappointment, because we truly felt like we could knock off Eriador and get to the semis. And how about this, we could be playing Erebor right now, another team I think we could have stood firm against. I mean, it's honestly not out of the question we could have been to the finals this year. Eriador doesn't have the flash as the other teams remaining, but they are playing some excellent football right now. Elrond's got the defense in lockdown mode, not to mention Elrond himself. Erebor can't get cocky simply because they knocked out the favorites this year.

TTN: Surely, finishing with a nice bit of profit helps curtail the disappointment of losing to Eriador?

Cirion: *chuckles* It does help having flexibility, extra options, and not having to be overly concerned with hacking costs.

TTN: What then can we expect Minas Tirith to look like next year? This year you went with the interesting equal-salaries approach and it seems the players responded well.

Cirion: They truly did. Salaries are likely trending back, and in truth while it's nice to end in the black, it's a relatively low, 7 million profit. That's not a lot of room to make a big splash in the free agency blitz. We're probably going to scale back most of our players salaries from 8 mil to 7 next year. This will give us some more room and add a needed player or two.

TTN: Who are you going to target?

Cirion: Come now, you know better then to ask me that question at this stage in the game. Everything is preliminary, but I do feel we could use a horse and its rider. Now, I'll let you all go to speculate on all our future transactions.

---

[Boromir88]

TWO TOWERS NETWORK
Boromir the 88th

As the semis of the 2012 Arda Cup approach it is an exciting, yet anxious time for all. Statists and media personalities rush to get the latest stories of club house gossip and predictions. Here at TTN we like to bring unbiased and honest predictions. It's been an up and down year, as the team salaries have thrown an extra challenge and there's been more balance than ever before.

We bounced back fairly well last round, with just a serious complete miss on the Real Valinor and Rohan match. However, we return to the world of predictions, because we take serious issue with AKM's report, particularly in the Eriador-Erebor game. So let's start there:

Erebor vs. Eriador:

It seems as if since Erebor knocked out the presumed favorites, they are suddenly the sexy pick for AKM:

Let’s start with the forwards: Glorfindel (4+2) and Smaug (4+1) seem neck to neck in effectivity, but The Witch King has played a bit under the expectations (3+1, though). Meanwhile Bard the Bowman (3+0) has risen from nowhere while Thranduil (1+3) is their passing genius. So far from Eriador being stronger the numbers suggest the teams are quite even in their attack. And in the last two games Erebor’s attack has looked like the deadlier one indeed.

This is a rather deceptive slight of hand. "Let's show the production of 2 Eriador players, and 3 Erebor players and make it seem as if the better production has come from Erebor." The bottomline is, both teams have scored the same number of goals, and thus their production is the same. Yet, reading AKM's trick of showing you an extra Erebor player (Thranduil) leads one to think Erebor has the better attack. The point here, is AKM is quick to point out the surprise performance from Bard. But not mention the importance of Eriador's midfield. Arassuil (0+2), Arveleg (1+1), Arahael (1+1).

Now some might wonder, have you just not did what you accuse AKM of doing...by showing more Eriador players it looks like they're the better offense? Not so fast, my friends. My point here is Eriador's mid-field has been highly productive with a combined 2 goals and 4 assissts. They are the table setters who feed passes to Glorfindel and the Witch-King to finish. They have done their jobs very well up to this point, yet AKM does not even aknowledge their production, preferring only to show you the flashier combination of Smaug, Thranduil, and Bard.

How long is it since Smaug bought the AKM? What was the promised price? Those are the questions we are asking.

Eriador and Erebor's offensive and defensive stats are essentially a complete wash. One might make the argument Erebor has had the tougher opponents so far, but this ignores the fact that Eriador themselves are a tough opponent! When the stats are essentially a wash, you go with the more steady and sure hands of Elrond over a team that is just coming off the high of beating a team like FC Valinor. Getting the upset is a great feeling, but how you handle the after-effect and sudden "fame" is another.

We can see it going to a shootout, but think Eriador gets an OT goal and wins 2-1.

On to the other Semi-final...

AC Beleriand vs. Real Valinor

We must admit, as a Middle-earth based sports station, the Beleriand and Aman teams are not our forte. So take this one with a pinch of salt. There's just something about Real Valinor we don't like. They seem to be a bit more inconsistant than a solid well rounded playoff team. Particularly the defense, which has conceded the most goals of the teams remaining and AC Beleriand has a triple threat attack that can make mincemeat of any defense.

AC Beleriand wins 2-1 (no OT).

[the phantom]

MESPN NEWS: Semifinal Preview Special

Philip McPhantom: Hello football fans. We're to the semifinals now, and I've got the experts back with me again to take a look at things- Ruharg the dragon, sports editor of Monser Magazine, and Ar-Tar-Aradhil from Westernesse Weekly and president of the Numenorean Association for the Advancement of Football (NAAF).

Ar-Tar-Aradhil: Hello.

Ruharg: Hey, guys.

P McP: A better round for you this time around, wasn't it Ar-Tar?

ATA: Definitely. Three out of four isn't too bad.

R: One more than me, anyway.

P: Well, let's start with the one you disagreed on- Real vs Rohan.

R: I definitely missed on that. Arien was just a bit too big for the horses to bother, and her heat definitely made them shy, while Nerdanel and Miriel did in fact prove quick and crafty enough to give them problems.

ATA: Yes, Real definitely proved themselves, and with FC dropping out maybe Real has proved their the top Valinor squad.

R: Well, I think they need to at least make the finals to secure bragging rights after FC beat them in friendlies and group play.

P: Let's go ahead and discuss that other Valinor squad- FC. What happened with Erebor.

ATA: Well, even though Ruharg didn't get this match right, he still deserves some credit. I thought it'd be an easy FC win, but Ruharg didn't.

R: My comments proved true- about the recovery speed of the eagle defense, and the Smaug matchup. Erebor is a tough squad.

P: Well- why don't we go ahead and discuss what's next for Erebor- team Eriador.

ATA: We both figured they'd win Minas Tirith. Eriador is just solid up and down, punctuated by some surpassing talents.

R: They're similar in that respect to Erebor, only with a different play style.

P: So, the big question- who wins that match?

ATA: Eriador hasn't let me down yet and I'm going to stick with them. They don't make mistakes and play smart, the Witch King and Glorfindel are talented and opportunistic up front, and Elrond's foresight in the goal is just amazing.

P: But I'm guessing you disagree, Ruharg?

R: Naturally.

ATA: Heh- of course.

P: I suppose your cousin wouldn't forgive you, right?

R: Well naturally Smaug would be upset, and he'd have a special right to be after what Erebor did last round. I already thought more highly of them than most, and they really proved themselves in the quarters. I don't think Eriador is quite the team FC was, so I must pick Erebor.

P: Even if it's true that FC has an edge on Eriador, doesn't it come down to matchups? Perhaps Eriador is a worse matchup than FC.

R: There's something to be said about the discipline of Eriador, but their attack does not have the quick-strike ability of FC, and their individual players don't quite have the ball skills of the sons of Feanor. And I still think Smaug is a tough matchup.

ATA: I agree that they don't have an obvious natural dragon-stopper, but Asfaloth has the speed to track him when he's airborne, and decent enough weight and size to make things tougher on him than a normal human or elf.

R: Still not enough though- Eriador will have to deny him opportunities, and with all the forwards and midfielders for Erebor that know how to move the ball I don't think Eriador will be able to deny him.

ATA: We'll see. Personally I think Eriador will possess well enough to keep Erebor's offense off-kilter, and I believe Elrond will come up with the goods when necessary.

P: Okay, now we know where you guys stand on that one. How about the other semifinal- AC Beleriand vs Real Valinor?

ATA: I've really struggled to call this one. They're nearly the same teams in a way. They both possess skilled attackers and a big boot or two at the front, and both have a couple talents at the back to attempt to match up with them.

P: So which defense will match up best?

R: Miriel and Nerdanel both like to cause damage with pinpoint passes and runs and dribbling their defenders out of the play, while Arien stays near the middle and looks for powerful finishes. I think Rochallor will be the natural marker of Arien. Fingolfin could nullify Miriel or Nerdanel with his supreme athleticism, but what to do with the other? Meanwhile Tilion or Nienna would be a good counter for Beren, but Caranthir can only take Eol or Feanor, and what to do with the other?

P: So you're saying even under perfect conditions with the defenders finding the people they're best suited for, both teams might have a problem?

R: Yes. I don't think this game will be 1-0 or 1-1. There will be goals out there.

ATA: I think I'm with you on that. You'd be crazy to predict that Feanor gets held scoreless in a big game, and the trio from Real is just too crafty to be held off, particularly if Arien plays on fire and powerful like she did in the quarters.

P: So- who wins?

R: I'm taking AC. If Caranthir doesn't take Feanor then he'll shred Real, and if he does then Eol will do damage and Feanor can still come up with something when it counts, as no one can silence him completely. And I have big-time faith in Fingolfin on defense.

ATA: And again, I'm going the other direction. I'm picking Real. I think Tulkas in goal gives them the edge, and I think those forwards have found their stride and won't be held down. On defense I think they'll be willing to take the damage from Feanor and shut down everyone else and hold the ball when they can. After those early losses to FC I just think Real is hungry to prove they aren't second-best in their own land.

P: All right- a split on both games! Best of luck guys, and no matter what, the matches will undoubtedly be exciting. Enjoy them, everyone.

[Nogrod]

It is always nice to see that when our fellows at the TTN fare badly they try to move the eye away from their own shortcomings. Such an unprofessional move - and so predictable. But what the TTN suggests is preposterous enough to merit a disclaimer.

Now the TTN claims that the AKM has fallen victim into the "sexy team" fallacy and distorts the view - that while the stats are even the AKM says Erebor is better with a "deceptive slight of hand", which they also state is an intentional act on behalf of the AKM.

Now that is an insult both to the objectivity and the professionality of the way the AKM works.

Funnily enough, they quote the important part in it's entirety when trying to mock us (unlike in some presidential elections in some randon 7th age places), but still are not able to see what is said there - probably being too happy to go for anything that could divert the attention away from their own shortcomings.

So what the AKM said? Let's quote it one again - with our bolding & underlining. Let’s start with the forwards: Glorfindel (4+2) and Smaug (4+1) seem neck to neck in effectivity, but The Witch King has played a bit under the expectations (3+1, though). Meanwhile Bard the Bowman (3+0) has risen from nowhere while Thranduil (1+3) is their passing genius. So far from Eriador being stronger the numbers suggest the teams are quite even in their attack. And in the last two games Erebor’s attack has looked like the deadlier one indeed.Now the AKM started their article by saying that had we been asked before the tournament which team would win, we would have said Eriador. But now the stats seem to tell the teams are actually even: a thing TTN makes a lot of fuzz while the AKM actually stresses the same point a few times as well, even making the following starting line for a summary: Now the stats are so close and both teams are top quality ones, so it will not be an easy game to predictBut we also said, that even if the overall stats are even, the Erebor offence looks the more deadly right now. That is according to the last two games - it is said quite openly there. In those Eriador won Doriath 2-1 and Minas Tirith 1-0, while Erebor beat Imladris 3-0 and managed to score 2-2 against FC Valinor (and winning with penalties - which means their scoring was in a sense better than FC Valinor's!!!).

The AKM is ready and willing to engage in an argument where TTN tries to argue how and why Eriador's forwards-performance in their last two games looks better - or even as good - as that of Erebor.

Anyway. In the end - like already quoted, the AKM came to the conclusion that the stats are so close and both teams are top quality that it is hard to predict. The AKM actually continued from there with this: if forced to say which team has the edge we’d say it is Erebor. Eriador might have tougher defence than FC Valinor but they’re galaxies away from their* offence – and if Erebor managed to keep FC Valinor at bay for almost 90 minutes, they should have no problem keeping Glorfindel from scoring.

The AKM predicts:

Erebor wins 1-0 (or 2-1 extra-time)We see no reason to change that prediction or the grounds on which it is made.

* In case the address of the pronoun "their" was unclear, it is naturally FC Valinor (and not Erebor). We are also happy to counter TTN's possible argument that Eriador's offence is better than FC Valinor's - or that it isn't far inferior compared to it.




As an offshoot, now as we speak on TTN's incompetent journalism...
There's just something about Real Valinor we don't like. They seem to be a bit more inconsistant than a solid well rounded playoff team. Particularly the defense, which has conceded the most goals of the teams remaining and AC Beleriand has a triple threat attack that can make mincemeat of any defenseBeing not experts on some areas of the Arda is no excuse for a Arda-wide journal! If you don't know, then find out and learn! Or stand back and accept the position of a small community-level wannabe-journalists... This is Arda Cup!

And what is TTN's argument (or gut feeling if they really don't have a clue)? There's just something about Real Valinor we don't like. They seem to be a bit more inconsistant than a solid well rounded playoff team. Particularly the defenseSomething? Inconsistant? Particularly the defence?

Let us remind the readers about Real Valinor's performance.

After losing to FC Valinor 0-3 (which is bad, and they lost to them twice - on the other hand FC Valinor is the only team they have lost to in the whole tournament) they have made such a play: 2-1 against Tirion (even FC Valinor allowed two against Tirion), 2-1 against Armenelos, 2-0 against The Sea, 2-0 against Rohan...

The AKM sees no inconsistency or problems in defence but a solid performance against some of the best teams there are.

Nevertheless our prediction of the outcome of the game was and is more or less the same TTN has. But looking at the grounds by which they reach their conclusion is just a sorry wittness to their sad state of unprofessional journalism.

[the phantom]

All the peoples of Arda were awed by the 2010 debut of the Amon Hen Coliseum, built in secret by the Gondor Arda Cup Host Committee in return for a promise of hosting the semis and finals two consecutive years, with options to return to the site before the normal mandatory gap between hosting Arda Cup finals.

There is no question that The Coliseum is the largest venue in all of Arda, thanks largely to the magic of Amon Hen, the “hill of seeing”, which allows the stadium to climb far higher than others so long as it flows up the side of Amon Hen, which was found to amplify the natural visionary capabilities of anyone upon it, and more so as one nears the pinnacle of the hill.

Because of this the stadium appears extremely lopsided. The east quarter of the stadium overlooks the great falls of Rauros and seats around 25,000, while the north quarter hugs the shores of the lake and seats slightly more. But as the stadium runs to the south-southwest up the slopes of Amon Hen, the seats just pile higher and higher, and after two brand new additions this past offseason the total seating for the stadium is now in the neighborhood of 190,000!

But believe it or not the whopping size of the monstrous arena is not the number one thing that typically arrests the attention of fans and critics, but rather it is the architecture. The stadium is a tribute to the history of football in Arda, featuring sections which expertly capture the architecture, décor, and adornments of various famous stadiums from elsewhere in Arda. Any walkway, restroom, eatery, and entrance in a given section also mirrors the style, making visitors feel as if they were actually in a different stadium.

The initial construction featured sections from Valimar, Utumno, Tirion, Angband, Gondolin, Doriath, Numenor, Mordor, Mirkwood, and Rohan, while Moria and The Shire were added in 2011. In the most recent off-season teams of Noldor and Teleri put in some hard work to reproduce a piece of Alqualonde's arena, and workers from Nargothrond had successfully mimicked Finrod's famous deep-delved stadium.

When stadium planners were asked earlier this week if there were new additions in the works, they answered: "Yes, definitely. There is a Gundabad section that should begin as soon as Arda Cup ends, and we're attempting to line up a Lothlorien section for early next year."

But the stadium isn’t the only thing expanding- there is also the infrastructure. There are a good number of inns, pubs, and rentable homes in a rather new town a short distance west of the stadium along the shores of the lake, and a good number of cabins farther along, or in the woods higher up on the slopes of the surrounding hills. It was the same the last couple years, only this year there are more of them than ever, as well as a growing number of permanent residents now that Gondor had opened the area to settlement. There is also a good deal of boating on the lake, and the marinas to accommodate it. A bit farther up the lake there are several ski lodges. It is not the season for snow obviously, but the lodges are still open to host guests and show off their facilities and runs, in hopes that visitors will return in the winter.

The docks beneath Rauros and the ingenious series of hydro-powered lifts that transported travelers up to lake-level had been improved as well. Specifically, the docks were larger, and a fourth lift path had been installed to allow for shorter waiting times. Additionally, a second winding nature trail had been constructed that wrapped around the west side of Amon Hen for anyone so inclined to enjoy a challenging day-long hike to their destination. All in all the committee had done all they could to ensure that the Amon Hen Coliseum would be recognized as the king of match locations.

[Nogrod]

Semifinal AC Beleriand vs. Real Valinor @ Amon Hen Coliseum

The widely anticipated game was to begin. Many thought AC Beleriand was probably the most serious contender for the Arda Cup 12, but there were also those who thought that Real Valinor was the number one claimant for the trophy, some of them because FC Valinor had been already relegated – and still there were those who just waited to see who would meet their favourites Erebor or Eriador in the final.

However it was, one thing was clear: there was little that could aid anyone to come into any educated guess as to the relative strengths of the two teams. Real Valinor won Gondolin 3-1 in the friendlies and AC Beleriand won them 2-0 in the first play-off round; in the friendlies AC Beleriand draw 1-1 with Valimar which was relegated after the group phase by group one The Sea (which Real won 2-0 in the first round of the play-offs) and group two The Havens (which AC in turn won 3-1 in the friendlies). So basically no comparable matches to evaluate.

But both teams had shown their stamina and effectiveness – and one doesn’t end up in Arda Cup semifinal for nothing in the first place. These were two huge teams. Thus far AC Beleriand had won Anfaughlith and Nargothrond and drawn with Doriath in the group phase. After that they had beaten Gondolin and Shire-Bree United in the play-offs. Real Valinor meanwhile had lost to FC Valinor but then won Armenelos and Tirion to beat The Sea and Rohan in the play-offs. Whether one route has been easier than another is in the eye of the beholder - while the AKM would like to add that there is also some truth in the claim that Real had come through the harder way. But well, that is an open dispute. And anyway: the game would be decided right here and now at the great Coliseum of Amon Hen, not on their previous performances.


~*~

As the teams entered the arena the noise went into infernal levels. And it is a rare occasion you see such figures together at one place! There was Fëanor himself, there was Eöl, There were Arien and Tilion like chasing each other, Tulkas, Fingolfin, Nienna, Ecthelion… it was just overwhelming! All those grandiose figures there in front of the audiences in flesh and blood – or whatever substance they were made of!

A short introduction to the teams was conducted as the players took their places.

AC Beleriand, on goal: Marach, the ancestral father of men like Hador, Húrin, Huor etc. Saving percentage 80% sharp.If not the best keeper around, the percentage is good indeed.

Defensive line: In the middle Rochallor, Fingolfin’s great horse, and Imlach the son of Marach (whose son took service with Maedhros). On left the High King of Noldor Fingolfin himself, the one who duelled Morgoth – and on the right Echtelion, the slayer of Gothmog from Gondolin. An intimidating defence indeed. If these guys were ready to take on Gothmog or Melkor would they shy away a random attacking midfielder?

Midfield: low on midfield Bregolas, uncle of Beren and the grand-grand son of Bëor the Old himself, in front of him the shifty Ulrad – some would say the weak spot of the AC Beleriand midfield.. On the left and making his deadly runs deep into the opposite field Beren himself, while on the right side Denethor the leader of the a little mysterious Nandorin elves in a more defensive role.

Forwards: nothing less than a most fitting pair of extreme smiths, Eöl the Dark and Fëanor the Fiery Boot, son of Finwë. No reason for any more introductions there for the magic and devastating duo.

Real Valinor then, on goal Astaldo the great, Tulkas, “greatest in strength and deeds of prowess”. ‘nuff said.

Defence: In the middle Caranthir the dark, son of Fëanor, known for his quick temper everyone would be wise not to try – and one who will stop anyone trying to come in from his mark. To his left Nienna, in some interesting contrast, the lady of pity. On the right side as well Rumil, the deviser of written characters and a great sage of the Noldorin. The side-defenders indeed are more like in a supporting role there and can also make runs deep into the opposite territory. And holding all that together, Tilion, the steersman of the moon in front of Caranthir in a “libero” role holding the defences or aiding the attack – whatever is needed.

The midfield: Low (just in front of Tilion and filling for him if he’s needed elsewere), Elemmirë, the creator of Aldudénië, the lament for the Two Trees. On left Nessa, Oromë’s sister and Tulkas’ spouse, lithe and fleetfooted, swift as an arrow – and always dangerous to any defence with her runs. On right Enerdhil the great, even mythical smith of Gondolin to counter the two smiths of the opposing side, playing in a more securing or defencive role, especially today.

Forwards: The Trio. Nerdanel – Miriel – Arien. Nerdanel the red-haired wife of Fëanor. Nerdanel the wise, and firm of will – known to be the only one who has been able to restrain Fëanor. Surely there would be a role for her in this game alongside being the master pass-giver. Miriel Serindë, Finwë’s first wife and mother of Fëanor. A deadly forward able to both pass and score – and should have some authority over Fëanor as well. And last but not least, Arien the sun-steerer, the scorer, the striker, the arrow-head, the sniper… whatever you call her, she’s the deadliest weapon.

What a set-up for the semifinal!


~*~

And finally it was a go when the referee blew his whistle!

Now the crowds were anticipating a slow start with both teams kind of scouting each other and their tactics for the game, but after less than ten minutes of both teams doing exactly that Real Valinor actually turned into attack-mode and started pressing in a way AC Beleriand was not used to or could even imagine anyone would dare to play against them. The trio – aided by Nessa and Tilion who both seemed to be everywhere – made the AC defenders sweat for their game.

On 13th minute Nerdanel managed to pass the ball inside the box between Rochallor’s hooves but Miriel’s one timer went just sightly off the post.

After the ensuing keeper’s shot Tilion won the header on the midfield against Bregolas and Elemmirë sent the ball immediately forwards to Nessa who made a dash leaving both Fingolfin and Echtelion behind her – from the end of the pitch she centered the ball where Arien dived for a header past Imlach who was clearly just too slow to guard her. Imlach’s father was no better positioned to the sudden pass by Nessa, and Arien headed the ball into the net with no chance given to Marach.

Less than 15 minutes into the game Real Valinor was leading 1-0!

And it was not going to stop there as Real Valinor felt like they were only inspired by the goal. Blocking all the alleys for AC Beleriand to build their attacks they just forced the ball into the AC Beleriand’s side of the field. One saw Fëanor’s frustration markedly when his wife picked the ball from in front of him and passed it to a yeat another bright attack – which that time ended in a pass by Miriel that only missed Nessa’s head an inch and went out of the pitch.

But not too long after that Miriel was creating havoc among the AC Beleriand defences with none else but Arien. Miriel gave a nice flip past Imlach to set Arien free past the defenders in to the box. But seeing that Rochallor was closing in from her left in time to deflect any shot she could make - and feeling both Imlach and Echtelion closing in from both sides from behind – Arien made a daring move and heel-kicked the ball diagonally backwards to where it came from: and Miriel had followed the situation to boot it with a one-timer in to the back of the net giving Marach no chance to even reac t to the shot as he had been following Arien’s advance with the ball.

With 22 minutes into the game Real Valinor was leading 2-0! The followers of Real Valinor were in heaven. Meanwhile the AC supporters were not able to believe their eyes: It was a butchering.

But it was not that simple, like most of the crowds realised – even if Real Valinor’s start had been a dashing one. And the game did settle down after Real Valinor’s second goal. And towards the end of the first period AC Beleriand actually had better chances to lessen the goal difference than Real Valinor had to widen it.

But there was an interesting facet to AC Beleriand’s attack as everyone could clearly see that Fëanor was of no help to anyone being shadowed by his mother, his wife or his son in turn – depending on the area of the pitch he was moving on. And Fëanor himself seemed frustrated by that, in a major scale.

Beren did get a breakthrough but Tulkas beat him on a duel there getting his foot in the way, and Eöl sent a killer free-kick from twenty-five meters just inches over the crossbar. On the other end Miriel hit the post with her cannon-shot from thirty meters and Enerdhil’s header after a corner by Nerdanel went off the post because of a bad touch.



It was halftime and Real Valinor led 2-0. AC Beleriand had not been in this kind of trouble earlier in the tournament and one can only fathom what they were talking at the lockers during the break. But coming to the second period AC Beleriand was full of fighting spirit and attitude. They were like a thunderstorm.

Real Valinor was cool and collected and played marvellously well – but it was not enough as AC Beleriand was now playing in fervor rarely seen in Arda Cup. Fëanor and Eöl were in flames and Beren was pressing as though he was trying to enter Morgoth’s lair instead of Real Valinor’s defence.

To the disappointment of Beren’s fans the Noldorin sage Rumil managed to close the routes for Beren entirely on the left side, not without the aid of Caranthir, but Beren was blocked away anyway. In the same vein Nienna proved just too hard a nut to crack for Denethor on the other side. But with Real Valinor’s defence holding at the sides AC Beleriand striked in from the middle.

Now Eöl and Fëanor were constant threaths to Real defenc es in the middle, but they changed guards in their defence seeing the onslaught they were up against and now Caranthir was guarding Eöl and Tilion was taking care of Fëanor. And it seemed to work quite fine for a while. At least it did put Fëanor into check – to his even greater frustration.

But just ten minutes into the second half AC Beleriand scored! And in an interesting way.

Seeing their attacks being shielded away Fingolfin thought it was his time to come forwards and leaving his position in the defence he rushed into the attack. With their hands and feet busy with keeping the forwards and attacing midfielders at bay the Real Valinor was suddenly outnumbered in defence – Eöl saw what was happening and centered the ball from the edge of the box into the empty space Fingolfin was running into. Before Caranthir or Tilion could react to Fingolfin coming through from “nowhere” in the center of the field, basically around the penalty-spot. Fingolfin left Tulkas no chance to catch the shot.

AC Beleriand was only one goal behind! The crowds supporting them were getting their spirits back. They would draw this and then go past Real Valinor! There were 35 minutes to go still.

Real Valinor didn’t give in though but kept their game – and without any new unforeseen ideas by the AC they were keeping the Beleriand team forwards and attacking midfielders at bay with Enerdhil coming down every more often to aid the defence. But Real Valinor was also finding it’s attacking game once more – and with AC Beleriand keenly focusing only on reducing the one goal lead they were clearly unprepared to take in a full frontal attack – and that was exactly what Real Valinor was now doing.

The AC defenders and midfielders were forced to run for their lives at times when Real attacked, even Fëanor and Eöl were seen dashing down tohelp the defence at times. But there was nothing they could do when Nienna sent a turnover by Caranthir far into the side of AC’s defence and Nerdanel just flew to it past both Eöl and Echtelion – and after dribbling Rochallor passed it intelligently backwards where Arien was coming into the position only to shoot it straight from the pass and into the back of the net! It was like a copy of their first goal, only that it was Nerdanel this time who did the run and Arien booted it in instead of heading it in.

Real Valinor was leading 3-1! AC Beleriand had enjoyed the one goal difference only 7 minutes!

But there was almost an half an hour of the game left. And AC Beleriand was not going to give up. The rest is history… It was a game to be remembered. And Real Valinor did pull back concentrating on defence…

At first it seemed to work as they were able to deflect any serious attempts at breaking through by AC Beleriand, but little by little AC started making deeper and deeper cuts into Real’s defence.

On 69th minute Eöl got rid of Enerdhil and dashed to the right dribbling Caranthir on his way. Suddenly the Real defence was in disarray and Fëanor took advantage of it dashing forwards past Tilion… and Eöl saw him coming through and centered the ball… and Fëanor hammered a killer one-timer towards the upper-left corner of the goal – only to be denied by Tulkas!

Two minutes later Fëanor was pressed heavily by his son and wife but he was able to send the ball backwards to Ulrad who found Beren in full speed on the left. And Beren booted the ball! It hit Rumil and changed course – but only slightly! Tulkas was diving to the original direction and could only gasp in mid-fly seeing the ball changing it’s course – and the ball flew… to the post! Eöl was following it and jumped on it… but Nienna was faster and kicked the ball far away into the top rows of the stadium.

On 74th minute Rumil got carded for a nasty tackle against Bregolas and Fingolfin set himself to give the free-kick from some 35 meters to the right of theReal’s goal. He made a sverwing shot going for Beren who had sneaked just behind the wall of defenders – but Caranthir jumped high and headed the ball back. Denethor got the ball and sent it immediately to the right where it was pretty empty – except for Eöl who was rushing in full speed – and he dived for a header! And Tulkas tipped the ball away from the goal!

The time was running out for AC Beleriand. But they kept coming in.

On 77th minute Fingolfn made a huge shot from thirty meters an the ball swerwed out of reach from Tulkas – just a little off the post!

On 79th minute Bregolas headed an opening shot by Tulkas back forwards – Eöl ran for it with Caranthir and Tilion chasing him – and at the edge of the box he dived down to let the ball go while Caranthir and Tilion crashed with him because of his sudden leap! Meanwhile Fëanor had made a reflecting run from the right and was now dashing for the ball. Nienna saw his intention and basically flew after him… but Fëanor reached the ball first and shot the ball turning ninety degrees as he made the shot falling on his back towards Nienna who was coming to stop him. Beren had been following things guarded by his now familiar overcoat Rumil – but now he elbowed him down and dashed for the possible rebound from the left…

Tulkas made a reaction-save managing to tip the ball with his fingers, but it flew upwards and hit the crossbar! The ball landed and Beren was there to slide it in! AC Beleriand had scored and was only one goal behind with ten minutes of the game left!

But what? The referee blew his whistle and gave Beren a yellow card!

For a moment there was great confusion. Beren had been carded for a reason as he did elbow Rumil down against the rules when dashing free from him – but after a short chat with the linesman the referee pointed to the center-spot! It was a goal neverheless! The ball had landed inside the goal already before Beren slid to it and so his foul was not affecting the outcome – and as the referee had only noted it when Fëanor was already shooting there was no basis for him to call the foul in hindsight and deny the goal: had it been Beren who scored the goal it should have been denied, but as it was already in the referee did stand behind his call. It was widely thought of as a decent judgement from the referee – even if Real Valinor supporters were mad with it in the heat of the game.

So eleven minutes to go and the game was open once again: 3-2 to Real Valinor.

Fëanor was rallying up his troops: losing 3-2 was no different from losing 6-2, so they had to put everything for it! “Fight or die!” he yelled so loud even the spectators of the top-rows heard it. It was an elecrtifying moment.

And AC Beleriand came forwards with full force! Defenders Fingolfin and Ecthelion were leading their attack beside Fëanor! Now this was all or nothing game! And for a moment that even confused the Real Valinor defences. With great elven heroes like Fingolfin and Echtelion coming towards you enraged, accompanied by Fëanor and Eöl in no lesser state of mind, it is understandable even Real Valinor defenders were having cold sweat running in their backs.

And Echtelion made a real cannon-shot from little under thirty meters only to be denied by Tulkas. A few minutes later Fëanor fired it only for the shot to be deflected from Tilion’s foot into a corner. From the corner Eöl headed the ball via the ground towards the lower right corner only to be kicked away by Nienna guarding at the post.

But there were risks in that full-attack and on 86th minute Nerdanel managed to steal the ball from her husband and passed it to Tilion who sent it far forwards – to Miriel who had foreseen the steal and went for it. And it was a breakthrough!

Marach rushed forwards to meet Miriel while Miriel dashed towards the goal. There were only those two on the AC’s side of the field now. The spectators were holding their breath. The two were closing in…

Miriel realised Marach was up to sliding the ball away from her feet as he was now clearly outside the keeper’s area and was not allowed to take the ball by hands. Coming nearer Miriel waited until Marach went on a slide just a few meters away from her – and she flipped the ball over him, herself dashing around him… but the pass she had made to herself was just a tiny bit too hard and she really had to run to catch it before the angle got too narrow – and she reached it, turned in mid-jump and booted it! And it went to the net – outside the goal. Some ten inches away from the post.

There were two minutes of the game left and AC Beleriand was giving all they had. But Real Valinor kept their nerve and draw back to defend their goal with no lesser effort. The last two minutes were played on just the one end of the field.

And Eöl did find out Fëanor trying to break free from the defences around the box – and he sent the ball to him. Nerdanel was leaning on Fëanor and forced him to take a few sidesteps while Miriel slid the ball away from in front of him! Fëanor was seen cursing but when his mom and wife turned towards him he seemed to swallow his curses.

But it was a corner. Fingolfin gave the corner and both Fëanor and Eöl went for it – but Tilion rose the highest and headed it high in the air! Echtelion was the first to reach the ball a few meters outside the box and headed it back towards the goal beating Caranthir to the header. Fëanor had his moment! Real Valinor had risen their defence to play an off-side trap but Rumil was a bit late and Fëanor was not offside sliding to the ball that was coming his way. Tulkas was at the other side of the goal and was only starting to move towards Fëanor!

But Nerdanel slid from nowhere and managed to hit the ball just before Fëanor – and in a way that the ball hit Fëanor’s foot after her own so that it wasn’t even a corner but a goalie’s shot!

After Tulkas made his shot the referee whistled the game over. Real Valinor had won 3-2 and went to the final while AC Beleriand would have to get along with the idea of a bronze-match!

Nerdanel and Miriel tried to approach Fëanor after the referee's whistle but it was clear Fëanor was not in a mood for small talk or consolations. A bit later it could be seen that Caranthir run up to his dad and patted him to the shoulder, and he did actually respond to it by nodding to his son touching his hand fleetingly before continuing his walk towards the lockers. Fëanor was beaten, once again: one of the best there are, have ever been, and not winning in the end.The curse of Fëanor.


AC Beleriand 2-3 Real Valinor
on target 8-6
tot shots 16-16
GOALS:
*14, 0-1 Arien (Nessa)
*22, 0-2 Miriel (Arien)
*55, 1-2 Fingolfin (Eol)
*62, 1-3 Arien (Nerdanel)
*79, 2-3 Feanor (Bregolas)
YELLOW CARDS:
*ACBel- Beren, Rochallor
*Real- Caranthir, Rumil



Real Valinor goes to the final, AC Beleriand goes to the bronze-game.

[Boromir88]

Semifinal Erebor vs. Eriador @Amon Hen Coliseum

Following the pre-game build up of the first semi-final, as players from both sides took their positions, they were briefly introduced by the announcer. Every race and group seemed like it was represented at this magnificent accomplishment, Amon Hen Coliseum.

So, it was when Gwaihir was introduced for Erebor, the Eagles rose out of the constructed eeyries and circled high above as a salute to the Windlord. And the orcs made raucus noise when Bolg was named. They were quickly quieted by the ritualistic and mystical dance of the Beornings, called their 'Bear-dance.' Which legend said, would give their forefather the power to shape-shift. There was a large section of Dale men, and their dwarven allies when their kings were introduced. But the loudest and greatest cheers were saved for Erebor's FW trio, which every ticket holder from Mirkwood was fully behind Erebor, either because of Thranduil or Nazgul #7. And of course, there was Smaug, who for whatever unknown reason was one of the favorites (except amongst the dwarves and Dale men).

Then came Eriador's introductions, which held support from the majority of elves and men from Arnor and Gondor. It was Erebor that appeared to follow the Mirkwood formula of 2009. Supporting a diverse squad that tries to capitalize on the strengths of all the diverse races, to create a well balanced team. And then Eriador, which was far less diverse, but the strong friendship between the Eriador elves and their elf-friends, the Dunedain, was unrivalled in Arnor. So, while Erebor's applause were more spread out, it was more for each individual player. Bolg drew loud applause from the orcs out of the Misty Mountains, but mere polite claps from the rest of Erebor's supporters. Where Eriador, there was near constant and consistant cheer during the team introductions, representing the true friendship and unity amongst the team and their fans. Even the Witch-King, who was announced last, by that time it didn't even matter to the Eriador fans, the noise had reached a crescendo and all were lost in the moment.

What a beginning indeed!

~~~

Eriador took immediate possession and they were not squandering it away. The rangers of the mid-field in particular were dominating and controlling the action. Even if they were only creating testing and speculative shots just to keep Beorn on his paws. Erebor's defense was unable to relieve the pressure building around their box, because their mid-field was unable to maintain possession. As the first semi-final can attest, how do you control the midfield? Simply have more players there than your opponent.

So, it was when Eriador took the lead in the 14th minute there was wild cheers amongst everyone rooting for Eriador (of course), but also good applause amongst the neutrals, for the deserved goal. They really looked the better team in the first 15. It was not shocking to see Glorfindel and the Witch-King getting the majority of attention from Erebor's defenders, but with the mid-fielders playing more aggressive than normal, there was bound to be openings for them. It was the Arahael passing to an unmarked Arveleg, making an open run at goal. Beorn decided not to come off his goal line, and perhaps a person of his speed and athleticism should have and could have beaten Arveleg to the ball, but he did not. And Arveleg fired off a quick low drive beneath the arms of Beorn.

A change needed to be made, but that was the strength of having a diverse squad like Erebor. Eriador basically played one game, and they played possession better than anyone else, but it was still the only way they would play. Smaug recognizing they would get nowhere in this game if they could not get control of the mid-field. Thus Smaug commanded the Nazgul #7 to drop back. This helped Erebor somewhat, but still not enough. The Nazgul were usually intimidating enemies to the Dunedain, and the 7th Nazgul had indeed played the mid-field before, however it had less impact on the tactics than Smaug had hoped. Strangely enough, when you play with the Lord of the Nazgul for an entire season, an unknown Nazgul was not nearly as intimidating. Thus, Thranduil also had to drop to the mid-field, which finally did give Erebor the needed advantage to maintain possession, but it left Smaug as basically the lone scoring threat.

Everything was trying to be run through Smaug, as powerful and skilled as everyone knows he is, even the dragon could not beat the double teaming of Gil-Galad and Malbeth. Eriador's top 2 central defenders. And when able to finally get off a half-decent chance, Elrond was in perfect placement to save, every time. Erebor was getting a foothold on the match, but nothing was too troublesome or tricky for Elrond to pick up, when the defense did let some rather harmless balls through.

The first half was over and Eriador was up 1-0. A point of little note so far is this is now 170 straight shut out minutes by team Eriador, a remarkable feat. Even if they have not faced the deadliest of offenses, that is quite an accomplishment in playoff football; especially at the Arda Cup!

The 2nd half began and it was much the same story as the first 45. Although, Eriador was no playing more defensively minded to protect their lead, they were still holding the majority of possession. Yet again, the Nazgul and Thranduil had to go to the mid-field, but Erebor fans were for the first time quite nervous of their chances. If Bard, Bolg, and Dain could not rise up and get the job done, there was little hope, because Smaug as the lone-FW simply was not good enough by himself against a team that has not conceded a goal for 170 minutes (and growing!)

Erebor really desperate for an equalizer, began putting Gwaihir and Girion further up field, as they were not really worried about Eriador making a counter attack, when they were focused on defending a lead. This freed up Thrandul to join Smaug and create slightly more of a threat on goal. in the 64th Erebor won themselves a corner. Girion was to take it Erebor packed the box with everyone except their two deepest defenders. And Eriador had all of theirs also packed into the box. Girion curved one towards the far post and Thranduil had an open header! Supposedly the Witch-King was supposed to have the Elven-king marked, but the Nagul was no defender and not even Elrond could save Thranduil having a wide open header. It was level! And Eriador not having conceded a goal for nearly 190 minutes was snapped.

After the score was tied, there was still clost to 30 minutes of regulation, and neither team seemed thrilled to want it to go into OT, but the defenses, and particularly the goal-tenders were determined to not give up a heart breaking late winner. So as the clock was ticking closer to 90 both teams gradually began playing more conservative and unwilling to really risk losing it at this point. Plus, it may be everyone was getting tired legs and a brief intermission to regather some strength, seemed needed as passes were getting very sloppy.

90 minutes was up and it was on to over-time. There is no golden goal rule. Two 15 minute halves would be played in full, and the score at the end of 30 minutes determined the winner. If still tied then we would be on to the exciting penalty shoot outs! Which was indeed, exciting for spectators, but rather unfulfilling to the players on the teams, because it felt disingenuous for a winner to be determined on something as random as a penalty shoot out after fighting hard for over 120 minutes. But we are getting ahead of ourselves, because there was still the 30 minutes of overtime to be played, and that was also an exciting added football for any fan of the sport!

The first 15 minute period, finally saw Erebor's mid-field start getting themselves into the game. Eriador seemed always more willing to get this to a shootout where they would trust their great captains Glorfindel and Elrond in such a high pressure situation. Erebor was pressing for the lead almost immediately. Confident that if they grabbed a 2-1 lead, at worst Eriador would only be able to tie and thus take it to penalties (believing Eriador's offense simply wasn't good enough to score 3 goals on their defense). And at best, that 2nd goal may be all that was needed, because it's not like Beorn and their defense were slouches. Thus, Erebor was severely threatening the goal in the first OT period, but the defense of Eriador and Elrond held on.

After another brief rest, the 2nd OT period began and taking Erebor completely by surprise, Eriador launched a quick attack. It was as if they forgot that Glorfindel and the Witch-king were a dangerous striking force. Arassuil was looking to send a long ball over top the defense, but that was a hard play, considering Gwaihir controls the skies very well. But just as Arassuil made the long pass, the Witch-King gave a terrible shriek that paused Gwaihir only momentarily. That moment was all that was needed though to give Glorfindel with the necessary space to pass it on to the Witch-King. It was Glorfindel who had greater foresight than Malbeth, and knew precisely where Arassuil's pass would land. Beorn was crossed up, expecting Glorfindel to take the free space to shoot, but Glorfindel, slid a pass to the Witch-King who then pounded it into an open goal. It was the 16th minute, the very start of the 2nd OT, and it was Eriador with a 2-1 lead!

But now, the offensive fury of Erebor was about to be unleashed. This was it, they had 14 minutes to salvage their chance at making the Arda Cup finals. Eriador was going to just purely protect the lead, and everyone knew that, so Erebor rushed everyone on goal for the frantic final minutes. Eriadors defense was barely holding on, but each time there was a momentary lapse, Elrond was present to cover.

10 minutes left, and Elrond batted an effort of Bard's foot wide. 5 minutes left and Elrond caught Thranduil's header, protecting the lead. 3 minutes left and a gift of an opportunity for Erebor! The ref ruled that Asfaloth hoof-balled it in the box. Arda Cup rules determined that the front hoofs of horses would be ruled as hands if they were raised high off the ground. And in an effort to block Smaug's powerful drive, Asfaloth reared up and the shot was blocked off the horses front hoofs. It was determined to be unintentional, thus Asfaloth was only given a yellow card, but still as the horse handled the ball with its "hands," in the box, Erebor was going to get a penalty kick!

This was likely to be Erebor's final and best chance to tie the match and send it to a shootout. Smaug was going to take the shot. The great dragon stared at the elven lord and many could swear they heard the dragon uttering an enchantment to control which way Elrond would react. Eriador's keeper was too great for dragon's tricks, many had judged, and thus Smaug would have to rely on its sheer power and the advantage of knowing where it would hit the shot.

Smaug wound up and unleashed a rising rocket to the top right corner. Elrond leapt, he was at full stretch. Everyone in the Coliseum gasped in awe, in this moment, not even upon the neighboring Amon Lhaw, the Hill of Hearing, could you hear a pin drop within the Amon Hen Coliseum. It was that silent in the 190,000 seat stadium. And Elrond punched it over the top crossbar!

Elrond saved it. Elrond saved a penalty shot...shot by Smaug! The Eriador fans had to take a moment to comprehend what they just witnessed and then thundered their hearts out in joy and total euphoria. Even the always stoic Elrond, was smiling, pumping his fists high up in the air, and ran to embrace Gil-galad and the rest of the team. Erebor was dejected and heart-broken. They would still play to try to win the bronze against AC Beleriand, but how does one cope with such a devastating loss? While Eriador was on to the Championship match to play Real Valinor.

Erebor 1-2 Eriador (OT)
on target 8-7
tot shots 20-15
GOALS:
*14, 0-1 Arveleg (Arahael)
*64, 1-1 Thranduil (Girion)
*16, 1-2 Witch King (Glorfindel)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Erebor- Bard, Meneldor, Girion
*Eriador- Arahael, Asfaloth

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Bracket:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Elenrod/bracket-matchday-7.png

Top Individual Performers:
(Players in italics are from eliminated teams.)

GOALS + ASSISTS

6+1
Curufin (FC Valinor)
Arien (Real Valinor)

5+2
Fëanor (AC Beleriand)

4+3
Anarion (Gondor)
Glorfindel (Eriador)

4+1
Gothmog (Gondolin)
Smaug (Erebor)
Beren (AC Beleriand)
Witch-king (Eriador)

3+3
Míriel (Real Valinor)
Sauron (Barad-dûr)

2+4
Eöl (AC Beleriand)

GOALKEEPING

Théoden (Rohan) - 17/20 (85.00%)
Elrond (Eriador) - 28/33 (84.85%)
Beorn (Erebor) - 28/34 (82.35%)
Manwë (Valimar) - 12/15 (80.00%)
Ungoliant (Anfauglith) – 11/14 (78.57%)

[the phantom]

MESPN NEWS: Finals Preview Special

Philip McPhantom: Hello again, football fans. I'm chief MESPN football corespondent Philip McPhantom, and I'm here once more with Ruharg the dragon, sports editor of Monser Magazine, and Ar-Tar-Aradhil from Westernesse Weekly and president of the Numenorean Association for the Advancement of Football (NAAF).

Ar-Tar-Aradhil: Great to be here!

Ruharg: You would be cheerful, Aradhil.

Ar-Tar-Aradhil: Heh heh. Two for two in the semis!

Ruharg: Grrr, well done. I'm not pleased with my performance obviously.

Philip McPhantom: Well Ruharg, this is your chance to redeem yourself. Let's talk finals!

Ar-Tar-Aradhil: A great matchup to be sure. The patient discipline of Elrond and the Dunedain versus the flare and grandeur of the Ainu and Elves of Valinor. This should be a dream to watch!

Ruharg: And the bronze game ought to be great as well.

PMcP: Let's start there, why don't we... Who do you like in the bronze match?

Ar-Tar-A: I'm guessing Ruharg will have to go with his cousin's team again.

R: It bit me last round- maybe I shouldn't.

ATA: Well, I for one think AC Beleriand will get it done. Some teams don't play their best in the bronze match because they're disappointed they're not in the finals, but I don't think a letdown is in AC Bel's character.

PMcP: That's definitely a factor to consider. Look at the bronze match a couple years ago between Mithrim and Utumno-- many believe Mithrim won primarily because their defenders talked to Utumno non-stop about how meaningless the game was, and they weren't going to win the ultimate prize.

R: Yes- a Celegorm and Curufin ploy, wasn't it?

McP: Who else?

ATA: That's an excellent example, Philip. Personally I think Erebor would be more prone to that attitude. Feanor and Fingolfin have such a ridiculous amount of pride- I can't see them ever relaxing. They always want to win.

McP: Why wouldn't Erebor be the same?

ATA: They've already over-achieved in the eyes of many, and they might just be on enjoyment mode at this point. I mean, what's the big difference between 3rd and 4th place? They made the semis, and that's what will be remembered.

McP: Where as AC won't think that way?

ATA: I don't think they'll be looking big picture so much. Feanor gets one thing stuck in his head and he drives at it. In this case, he has a game to win- and we all know how good he is at getting others to go along with his plans.

McP: I see your point. Ruharg?

R: Well, I can't really refute that, but I think Erebor will put up a decent fight. Smaug is always a tough matchup, and the eagles will make AC work for their goals.

ATA: But they'll be ready to work. I'm thinking a two-goal win- maybe three.

R: I'm going with 2-1 or 2-2.

McP: All righty, now that the bronze game is settled- how about the championship?

ATA: I think it'll come down to possession. Eriador will want to own the ball and shorten the contest, because if Real owns it they are simply too effective at creating opportunities and Elrond can't stop an unlimited number of attempts.

McP: How aggressive will Real be on defense, and how much help will they give if Eriador turns up the pressure?

R: I don't think they will over-pressure. They'll keep balanced over the field encouraging Real not to over-commit to defense, and then hope their smart midfield will work to to Glorfindel and Witch King in good positions to do damage. If Real is looking to dash the other way then all the better for Eriador.

ATA: But if the Real defense can force any mistakes or bother passes to spring counters, Real enjoys a mad dash down the field. The terrific trio up front thrives on recovering defenses. It's easy to misdirect a charging defender, and Miriel and Nerdanel are just so quick and accurate.

R: That's another reason I say it will be in Eriador's best interest to keep a couple defenders back. I think Eriador will be playing to deny such counters.

McP: And what about when Real is on offense?

R: Eriador knows how to play D- they'll cramp the space and try and deny the distributors.

McP: What about Arien?

ATA: She'll probably have Asfaloth marking her nonstop, but I think the real key to shutting her down is doing what Ruharg said- keeping her fellow forwards from seeing much of the ball. Arien will still be dangerous on set plays, but in the natural flow of the game it's really the maneuvering and passing of Miriel and Nerdanel that opens Arien up for finishes.

McP: So will Eriador be successful?

R: No. I don't think they'll have lapses necessarily, but I don't think they'll hold possession quite long enough- Real will have opportunities and their skill is too great up front to be held scoreless.

ATA: I do think it's a bit much to expect Eriador to hold Real scoreless, but I do think they can keep them to one goal, and I think they can get one themselves.

McP: So you're thinking 1-1 then, Aradhil?

ATA: Yes. In overtime anything could happen, but on penalties I'd probably favor Eriador thus I'm picking them to win.

McP: Ruharg?

R: I'm going with Real... Let's say 2-1.

McP: Well there you have it. No matter what the result, I think we'll definitely enjoy these final games. Have fun watching everyone, and thanks for stopping by to talk each round guys.

R: No problem.

ATA: Yeah, enjoy the finals.

[Galadriel55]

Only a few days ago football fans have seen a match to the death between Real Valinor and AC Beleriand. Feanor's team walked off the field defeated, with 3rd place as their best perspective for this year. The captain himself was seen striding away from the crowds in a fey mood, perhaps to seek solace in solitude. His loss is more bitter than that of his teammates; they lose to a team, but Feanor loses to his family. Moreover, his family bested him, the best of the best.

What Feanor thinks of his loss remains unknown, but we know what his mother, wife, and son think of it.

"I played against him as a player from the opposing team, not as my father," said Caranthir. "I love and respect him, but I also want to win this Cup. We all risk t lose here, even the greatest." Miriel was of a like mind, "I barely know him; I left for the Halls of Mandos when he was but a child. But I love him nonetheless and am sorry for his grief at the loss. But on a football field my loyalty lies firstly to my team."

Nerdanel, meanwhile, was not so friendly. "If he loses, that is his problem," she was heard saying. "He never heeded any of mine. He left me in Eldamar when he waged wars against Morgoth. Didn't give me a thought once he got the best fighters to go overseas with him. He doesn’t need a wife to pass swords or footballs to him in Middle Earth. I rarely asked him for anything when we lived together. There is only one time I can remember, when I asked him for good-quality balls for the kids to play with. Something that wouldn’t pop every time they kicked it hard. And possibly look pretty with it too. And what did he bring me? After years and years of doing Eru knows what he brought home three jewels. Round, yes. Pretty, yes. Hard to break, yes. But not a football! And once he made them, you’d think he’d pass them out for family to enjoy. Ha! His them in a box and locked them in the darkest corner of the castle. What a waster!"

However the family feels, luckily they will not battle against Feanor this year again, and hopefully not next year as well. We wish all the luck and not at all the muck (and perhaps a roast duck) to Feanor, his son, and his beautiful wife and mother in their future games!

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

The final matchday of the 2012 Arda Cup is upon us, two games featuring the best teams in Arda (bar one, perhaps). Due to the intense preparations made by the Tar-Eldar Network Television and ArdaCup.com for its coverage of the bronze medal and championship ties, today's Stats Report article shall be shorter, but we shall go directly to the meat of the matter, and leave the trivia for the others to handle.

(For statistical comparison, FC Valinor has a +6.28 adjusted goal difference and +1.6 true goal difference per game, the first in both categories, perhaps one of the best teams ever not to make it to the final four.)

Bronze Medal Match: AC Beleriand vs Erebor

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Elenrod/acbverb-n_zps86ff26fa.jpg

Erebor

+4.28 adjusted goal difference [4th]
+0.83 true goal difference/game

Offence:
1.83 goals/game
16.83 shots/game (10.87% goal conversion rate)
6.67 shots on target/game

Defence:
1.00 goals allowed/game
14.17 shots allowed/game
5.67 shots on target allowed/game (82.35% save rate)

Erebor has the most inefficient offence of the semifinalists, which, combined with their midfield disadvantage (and hence losing the possession battle), has been their downfall against Eriador, and it will be bad news against AC Beleriand's shot-stingy defence and possession-controlling diamond midfield. The onus will then be on Erebor's defence to prevent AC Beleriand's front line from doing what they will (despite the fact that they have conceded two goals to their last two opponents). The good news is that Beorn is the third-best goalkeeper in the tournament, having cemented his reputation as a top-tier shot-stopper against FC Valinor. Replicating Tulkas's feat in the semifinals against AC Beleriand will help Beorn's team get a fighting chance against Fëanor's squad.

AC Beleriand

+4.61 adjusted goal difference [3rd]
+1.50 true goal difference/game

Offence:
2.50 goals/game
16.50 shots/game (15.15% goal conversion rate)
7.17 shots on target/game

Defence:
1.00 goals allowed/game
11.00 shots allowed/game
3.50 shots on target allowed/game (71.43% save rate)

AC Beleriand is statistically better in almost all areas than their Lonely Mountain foes. They feature an attacking line-up, with main threat Fëanor, playmaker Eöl, Beren making runs from the midfield, and Fingolfin attacking from deep accounting for almost all of their goals. The Rochallor-Imlach partnership remains the best centre back tandem, conceding only 11 shots per game and stopping strong centre-forwards Glaurung and Gothmog along the way. They were, however, exposed against the free-flowing offences of Doriath and Real Valinor. If Thranduil and company were to have a chance against AC Beleriand, they would not only have to rely on Beorn making the stops, but also keep their front three (and Bard) probing the Beleriandic back line with defence-splitting passes.

PREDICTION: AC Beleriand 2:0 Erebor

* * * * *

Championship Match: Eriador vs Real Valinor

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Elenrod/erdvrev-n_zps96ba0520.jpg

Eriador

+4.67 adjusted goal difference [2nd]
+1.17 true goal difference/game

Offence:
2.00 goals/game
14.33 shots/game (13.95% goal conversion rate)
6.00 shots on target/game

Defence:
0.83 goals allowed/game
14.50 shots allowed/game
5.50 shots on target allowed/game (84.85% save rate)

Eriador has a better defence and offence (in numbers and efficiency) than Real Valinor, but they had an arguably easier path (with only Erebor, and, perhaps, Gondolin, as real threats). They have more midfielders (with better attacking stats) which would translate to control of the possession, unless Tilion or Nerdanel offsets that disparity in numbers by helping their midfield (as Tilion has done in their semifinal game against AC Beleriand). Elrond has regained his position from last year as the best goalkeeper in the game during their tie with Erebor, and Glorfindel, the Witch-king, and Arveleg spearhead a very efficient offence (with the second-best goals scored per game in the least shots).

Real Valinor

+3.28 adjusted goal difference [5th]
+0.67 true goal difference/game

Offence:
1.83 goals/game
15.00 shots/game (12.22% goal conversion)
5.83 shots on target/game

Defence:
1.17 goals allowed/game
13.00 shots allowed/game
5.00 shots on target allowed/game (76.67% save rate)

After a red-hot Arien and joint assists leader Míriel, the scoring numbers drop off drastically. Coming into the semifinals, Tulkas was statistically the worst goalkeeper among the four, but he saved six shots (for a 75% save rate) against Fëanor's AC Beleriand, not to mention getting clean sheets against Rohan and The Sea along the way. Their free-flowing offence, tempered by the years their front line has spent together, has ripped apart AC Beleriand's previously nigh-impervious back line, and they need to be on that form if they were to duplicate that feat against a defence almost as unyielding in Eriador, anchored by the premier shot-stopper of two straight tournaments.

PREDICTION: Eriador 2:1 Real Valinor

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

AC Beleriand vs Erebor at Amon Hen

There were still four teams in the competition, and two games yet to play, but if you ask all forty-four players, only two teams are playing in the game that matters. The other one is just a consolation game for those who were good, but not quite good enough.

One bad day, said Fëanor in his semi-final post-game interview. One bad day by his team was all it took to deny them the Cup. It wasn’t a matchup problem against Real Valinor: he knew that Fingolfin and Ecthelion were good enough to stop his mother and wife, and Rochallor and Imlach have muzzled centre forwards like Arien before. His midfield was sharper than theirs. And he knew that he was better than his sons, who had carved up Tulkas’s defence twice before.

He refused to listen to those who pointed out that Ulrad, the player at the tip of their diamond midfield, was exposed for his lack of offensive awareness. (Denethor, and even holding midfield Bregolas, had completed almost as many forward passes as the outlaw.) He denied those who told him that AC Beleriand had no plan B beyond sending the fullbacks forward, hardly a prudent course of action against teams with wingers as talented as Míriel and Nerdanel. Then again, he has never listened to any counsel other than his own, both to the good and ill of those around him.

Smaug would blame bad luck for their loss to Eriador, though many would say that they have already used up their luck against FC Valinor. Due to some bracket jinx, Erebor had to meet two teams with elite shot-stoppers in straight games. But after having overcome Huan in the quarterfinals, Smaug argued that that they could have similarly beaten Elrond. Yet the Peredhil overcame his dragon troubles (he was eliminated last year by an Ancalagon goal, and a Smaug goal proved to be the winner in Eriebor’s friendly match against Eriador) in dramatic fashion when he denied Smaug an equalising penalty in the dying minutes of extra time, sealing a narrow victory for Eriador.

The two centre forwards would not feature in the main event, true, but they understood the significance of their undercard match. If they cannot be the best, they can at least be better than another team. The spirit shown by the twenty-two players on the pitch and the chanting of their supporters in the stands combined to give the match an atmosphere approaching that of a championship tie. The stadium was evenly split between the two teams, with AC Beleriand’s more extensive fan base making up for Erebor’s proximity to the stadium. The dragon and the Noldo shook hands in the centre circle before moving to their respective positions, and, soon, the opening whistle was blown.

From their semi-final tie against Eriador’s 4-1-3-2, it was made apparent that Erebor’s midfield three could not hold the ball indefinitely against a four-man midfield. And it was exactly what AC Beleriand had, a diamond midfield that was the core of their having the highest possession rate among all teams. Nazgûl #7 tried dropping deeper to help control possession, as he once did against Eriador, but Ecthelion simply followed him there, enabling AC Beleriand to maintain their numerical superiority in the midfield. The ball stayed longer in Erebor’s side of the pitch, and after seven minutes Beorn had to bat away the first clear chance of the game after Eöl took Fëanor’s lay-off and fired a snapshot before Gwaihir could close in. Five minutes later Ecthelion sent a cross zipping across the face of the goal, but Bolg managed to deny Beren a run for a header and Fëanor was bodied well by Girion; the ball ended up getting cleared by Meneldor.

So far Erebor has only mustered a Smaug shot from range, but they didn’t have enough of the ball to create more chances. In the twenty-second minute Fëanor finally opened the scoring when he intercepted a passing error from Dain (meant for Girion), rounded Beorn, and tapped the ball into an empty net.

After the opener, Erebor pressed fiercely for an equaliser, but they were still being starved of the ball. Possession was AC Beleriand’s best defensive weapon as well as the sparkplug of their offence. If we have the ball, you can’t score against us. And we have a chance to score against you. Such was the philosophy of Fëanor’s squad, and they were unlikely to change it when it has brought them this far. Ulrad, despite his offensive shortcomings at his position, made his value clear as an advanced ball-winner. After stopping an AC Beleriand offensive effort, barely had Erebor recovered the ball when Ulrad tackled Girion, Meneldor, or Dain to regain possession, allowing his teammates to reset their attack. This repeated pounding on the Erebor box resulted in a second goal for the Beleriand side, and Fëanor had a hand in it once more, turning creator this time. Eöl sent a through ball into the penalty area for the Fiery Boot, but Landroval recovered to deny him a clear shot at goal. Instead of pressing the issue, he sent a back-heel pass to a charging Beren, who had his own clear shot. The One-handed powered the ball past Beorn’s outstretched hand and into the net to double AC Beleriand’s lead four minutes before the break.

If Erebor were to make a contest of this, something clearly needed to be done to AC Beleriand’s passing game. It had killed two matches before, with Anfauglith and Shire-Bree United unable to recover the ball while retaining a coherent back line against counterattacks; thus they never gained a chance to threaten Marach’s goal seriously. Fortunately, Erebor had a defence and a goalkeeper they could trust. So, during the restart, Girion advanced to the midfield, turning Erebor to a 3-4-3, matching three eagle defenders against two crafty forwards. The evening out of the midfield numbers allowed the Lonely Mountain a fighting chance at the possession, and they gained more chances in the first fifteen minutes of the second half than they had in the entire first half. But even with more of the ball, Smaug and company still had to deal with one of the best back four in the tournament, having once denied Glaurung, Thuringwethil, Gothmog, Maeglin, and Bombadil.

Twenty-five minutes have passed, and the score remained two-nil. Erebor was running out of time, and they were still unwilling to push everything forward; Fëanor gave them a scare and almost got his second goal of the match after Fingolfin booted a recovered ball downfield towards him. He sent Meneldor the wrong way and turned on Landroval, but he contrived to fire wide from fifteen metres. Fortunately for Erebor, AC Beleriand’s back line was slowly turning timid. Rochallor and holding midfielder Bregolas were already in the book for rash challenges on Smaug and Bard, respectively, and they were fearful of getting their second yellow card. Fifteen minutes from full time, Thranduil made a run down AC Beleriand’s right flank. After forcing the right back Ecthelion and centre back Imlach to commit, he then sent the ball cross field to Nazgûl #7, who had enough space to cross (Fingolfin had tracked back to help Rochallor cover Smaug after Imlach left the dragon to track Thranduil). Fingolfin tried to recover, but he ended up getting caught between two chairs, marking neither the Ringwraith nor the dragon, and Smaug outmuscled Fingolfin’s steed and smashed a tailer past Marach.

Surely, fifteen minutes was enough to get an equaliser, thought the Erebor faithful. They had already exposed AC Beleriand’s back line with their fluid ball movement, the same thing Real Valinor had done. But Fëanor had different plans; he ordered his midfield back to help in defending, assigning Beren to mark Erebor’s number ten Bard. Denethor guarded Thranduil, with Ecthelion moving to help on Smaug. The two forwards remained downfield to provided counterattack opportunities, giving Erebor second thoughts about an all-out attack. Their attack completely neutralised, Erebor were unable to create another clear chance, and after their one last push, with even the eagles helping on the attack, was denied soundly by Fingolfin’s back line, the final whistle was blown. AC Beleriand could now claim to be the third-best team in 2012. It was hardly good enough for Fëanor and company, but, as some of his teammates conceded, it was a good enough start for their team.

AC Beleriand 2-1 Erebor
GOALS:
22, 1-0 Fëanor
41, 2-0 Beren (Fëanor)
75, 2-1 Smaug (Nazgûl #7)

Total Shots
14-12
Shots On Target
6-4

YELLOW CARDS:
2-2
AC Bel: Rochallor, Bregolas
Erebor: Meneldor, Gwaihir 

[the phantom]

The entire western bank of Nen Hithoel was absolutely crawling- Men, Elves, Dwarves, Ainur, Orcs, Hobbits, and everything else Middle-Earth had to offer was represented. Hotel courtyards and patios were littered with loungers, the pubs were overflowing, and the hiking trails were being trampled into small roads. Many folks were flocking to the beaches intent on gaining some color, and boats dotted the lake from side to side (but all steering well clear of mighty Rauros, of course).

The day was warm and sunny- a bit too warm for some, but the evening promised to be more comfortable. And the evening was what it was all about in the end. The Arda Cup championship match- Real Valinor versus Eriador!

Gamblers, fans, and the paid publication experts were very much split on predicting the outcome. Eriador hadn’t lost a match in the tournament, but five of its six victories had been by a single goal. Real Valinor on the other hand lost badly in their opener to FC Valinor but had a +5 goal margin in the playoffs. Would the hot team win, or would the consistent squad get it done again?

The rooting interest of the Elves was split. Rivendell natives were firmly behind Elrond and Glorfindel, the Elves of Lindon were behind Gil-galad, Tirion natives were solidly behind Real’s Noldor, and Beleriand Elves had to choose a side. A contingent of Gondolin Elves was there in support of Glorfindel, while quite a few residents of Himring and areas to the east and south were there to cheer for Caranthir.

Unaffiliated Elves and other peoples of Middle Earth tended to gravitate somewhat towards the flash of Real, and added to that number was a good number of Ainur and Elves of Valinor that turned up to cheer on Real, but this was balanced out by the nearby Gondorins (the largest group by a good bit) who were for the most part on the side of their northern Dunedain cousins. But in the end it was the Witch King that decided things- pretty well every dragon, orc, troll, etc. was supporting him, and thus supporting Eriador. They were expected to own a 60-40 advantage in the coliseum when the game kicked off.

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

As the sun disappeared behind the Emyn Muil, excitement and anticipation reached a fever pitch. Throughout the late afternoon and early evening the gargantuan Amon Hen Coliseum had filled, and now there was not an empty seat left. Several thousand more spectators were seated on blankets higher up the slopes of Amon Hen, as they knew they’d be able to see just fine thanks to the magic of the Hill of Seeing.

Both teams looked steady and competent in warm-ups, and they were sporting during the pregame midfield meeting and player introductions. But their lack of hostility did not predict a lackluster game, for their faces and body language showed forth focus and determination.

From the first touch Eriador showed they intended to dominate possession. The four Arnorian midfielders moved the ball accurately, occasionally giving the forwards a touch or sending it back to Malbeth or Gil-galad. But though they could not steal it away, the Real defense gave Eriador little opportunity to do actual damage, and when they tried to force the issue they were able to clear the crosses or force the speculations off target.

And when Real got the ball on their feet, Eriador found themselves in the same position- unable to interrupt the flow of their opponent. Real’s midfield with assistance from Caranthir and Tilion showcased speedy and effortless movement, little by little forcing the action closer to Elrond between his posts. But like Eriador, Real found their final steps to be tough going. Nerdanel and Miriel on the wings only got touches when dashing out to meet a pass from the midfield, as Eriador kept a marker by them and always sent help when a pass came in towards one of the playmakers. Arien hardly got a sniff of the ball forward in the middle, marked by the muscular Asfaloth, and with her wing feeders always forced to give up the ball.

As time neared the half-hour mark Real began pushing things, moving their defenders up tighter and tighter. At minute 31 Tilion made a great dash from center-field and Nessa found him on the move. He booted it forward and after one stride struck a high rocket from 25 yards. The ball was perfectly on-target just under the bar, but the foresighted Elrond was miraculously there, fisting it up and over.

On the ensuing corner Nerdanel bent in a beauty that was headed solidly by Nienna at the top of the box, but that space gave Elrond just enough time to make another save, this time snatching it out of the air. Real fans and players betrayed no signs of disappointment, however. Elrond was going to make some saves. The good news was that they were the ones getting the shots. One would go in eventually.

Just before halftime it looked like Real would finally have their breakthrough. Miriel received the ball towards the left sideline and showing her first real burst of the match she somehow split her defenders and kept the ball, and after freezing the defense with a fake pass she closed in on the goal and pulled the trigger for real. The ball slid between the outstretched feet of two defenders and curved away from the goal- it was a cross, not a shot! And Arien dove into it full speed, beating Asfaloth by mere inches, earning herself a point-blank header!

But Elrond was there again! His dive took him directly into her path and they collided heavily, and the end result was the ball going off her head and hitting his hands and falling to the near post. Both regained their feet immediately to continue the play, but Asfaloth was first to it and immediately cleared it far down the field.

The Real fans groaned and Eriador supporters sighed, but quite quickly their relief turned to happy screaming as Asfaloth’s clearance was masterfully touched down by Glorfindel right in front of Rumil and both Eriador forwards were off to the races with only Nienna between them and Tulkas in goal!

Nienna retreated at pace equal to the dashing forwards, and she swerved ever so slightly between the two- Glorfindel on the right and the Witch King on the left. She hoped to force a poor pass, but Glorfindel refused to pull the trigger and continued the run. Finally as they neared the box Nienna made the choice she knew she’d be forced to make eventually and wheeled towards Glorfindel swiftly, looking to block his path at goal while simultaneously leaning slightly towards the Witch King in order to force a wider pass.

Glorfindel faked a pass, Nienna veered a bit too far towards Witch King, and Glorfindel pulled the trigger without hesitation. It was a fine hard shot, but Tulkas had it played correctly near post and with a leap knocked the shot down- but it bounced directly towards the feet of the Witch King on the opposite side! The Witch King swung his mighty leg forward, but the ball went flying sideways and up into the stands! Caranthir had run down the play and slid from behind and toed the ball up and over so that the Witch King struck the ball with the inside of his shin! Tulkas sprinted over and lifted Caranthir off the ground and into a mighty embrace, and was soon joined by Nienna and the other defenders. Caranthir had spoiled a sure-fire goal!

In the remaining minutes of the half neither side was able to accomplish much, and soon the athletes were disappearing into the tunnels to regroup. The fans in the stands could be heard arguing over which tactics would be changed, but there was no obvious answer. Both had played well and both had gained an opportunity or two that was stuffed by a fine defensive play. Did it make sense to switch tactics when playing well? Would that be a sign of panic? Or perhaps the opposition could actually be caught off guard…

As the second half started, it looked to be more of the same- Eriador grabbed possession and passed intelligently. But Real fell back farther this time, allowing Eriador to push upfield without resistance, but leaving little room for their forwards to try and get open in. Eriador didn’t appear to be bothered, however, as they weren’t ones to force things unwisely. Real was giving them prime real estate, and an opening to make a play would emerge.

At minute 49 a golden opportunity arrived- Arassuil wrong-footed his mark and went forward fast, played a nice one-two with Arahael and gained entry into Real’s box. The defense closed quickly and Arassuil displaying excellent touch lifted the ball sideways to the Witch King who headed it solidly to the opposite side where Gil-galad’s proud brow redirected it to the near post!

It was definitely a goal- but a desperate leap from Caranthir into the path of the ball sent it slightly off course and directly into the arms of Tulkas! Eriador was foiled again. The Real supporters shrieked in delight- particularly those Noldor who were loyal to the Sons of Feanor. The cameras particularly zoomed in on Maedhros, Amrod, and Amras who were seated together in one of the front rows, and definitely trying to shout themselves hoarse.

Real fans slowly took their seats again as Eriador gained possession once more, but they wouldn’t stay seated long. In minute 52 Valandil sent the ball across the box for the Witch King, but he was too bothered by Tilion to get a good jump at it, and it went straight through to Nienna who boomed it straight out of the air on a line about halfway between the center and the right side.

Real fans leaped to their feet as they realized Arien would be first to it ahead of Araphant! Miriel and Nerdanel were dashing down the center with Malbeth between and Asfaloth guarding their right flank. All three ladies turned the burners to the max and Araphant and Malbeth fell a stride behind, and Amon Hen Coliseum began rumbling and roaring like a giant-sized Rauros. As the forwards neared the box Asfaloth pulled up hard to close on Arien and send Miriel and Nerdanel offside past him, but Arien was expecting that exact tactic and immediately sent a laser to Miriel, who was running at the left post.

Had the pass been even a hair slower Malbeth would have caught up to it, but it crossed right in front of his face and an entirely open Miriel took in Elrond’s hopeless position with her peripheral vision and deflected the ball forward and right to an unmarked Nerdanel, and the dexterous right foot of Nerdanel easily slotted it home! Real Valinor was ahead!

The cameras swept the field and the stands, capturing the joy of the players and fans. The girls up front were piling on one another, and one camera managed to sneak a shot into one of the luxury boxes where Feanor and Finwe could be seen wearing grins and high fiving, obviously pleased with the skill displayed by their wives.

As the game restarted, Real shifted out of their defensive set and into a more balanced field-spreading alignment, and even showed a bit of pressure of the ball. Eriador played it smart, but the energized Real side was anticipating everything and seemed to be playing on a different speed setting. Suddenly Eriador couldn’t work the ball into favorable positions, and Real was controlling the ball and looking like they would add a second goal before Eriador would get an equalizer.

At minute 65 Arien came free off a perfect pass from Enerdhil, but Malbeth forced the shot off target. Just minutes later Tilion made a run deep into Eriador territory and forced Elrond to make a flying save, and the resulting rebound was sent just a bit high by Nessa.

As time approached the final 10 minutes Eriador flushed their regular building offense and tried to win longballs or straight up dribble through the defense, but Caranthir, Nienna, and Rumil would have none of it, and as time continued to flow through the fingers of Eriador Real tightened up their defense more and more, forcing Eriador to be more careful- which cost them precious time.

When there was but 3 minutes left there wasn’t a viewer left seated. Eriador supporters were begging for an equalizer and Real fans were nervously willing their team to hold off the attack for just a few more kicks. They cheered wildly with every clearance, and as the final seconds ticked away they let loose with every bit of noise they could still muster.

Before Eriador could manage a respectable effort at the net the referee signaled the end of the game, and from all sides of the field the Real Valinor players raced towards one another and collapsed together in a celebratory pile! The Ainur and Elves of Valinor went crowd-surfing in the stands and began singing, Feanor and Finwe climbed out of their box to join the party, and NogWolf went bounding onto the field to congratulate Real personally, shouting something or other about his “Phantasy predictions”.

Real lost their first game by three goals, but then they didn’t lose again! It’s all about the finish at Arda Cup, and Real Valinor was without a doubt the strongest at the end.

Eriador 0-1 Real Valinor
on target 3-6
tot shots 12-17
GOALS:
*52, 0-1 Nerdanel (Miriel)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Eriador- Araphant
*Real- Nienna

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Final Standings:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Elenrod/standings-final.png

(1) - champion
(2) - runner-up
(3) - third place
(4) - fourth place
(q) - quarterfinalist
(o) - reached knockout stage
(x) - failed to reach knockout stage

Bracket:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Elenrod/bracket-final.png

Power Rank:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Elenrod/power-rank-finals-1.png

The Power Ranking is based on the aggregate of offensive and defensive ranking, combined with the adjusted goal difference rank of each team. The listed offensive and defensive rankings are from the actual numbers by the teams, and not adjusted. Ties are broken by a) win-draw-loss record; and b) goal difference.

The offensive ranking is based on the goals scored per game throughout the matches. Ties are broken by a) greater number of shots made on target per game; and b) greater number of shots made per game.

The defensive ranking is based on the goals allowed per game throughout the matches. Ties are broken by a) least number of shots allowed on target per game; and b) least amount of shots allowed per game.

Top Individual Performers:

GOALS

6
Curufin (FC Valinor)
Arien (Real Valinor)
Fëanor (AC Beleriand)


5
Smaug (Erebor)
Beren (AC Beleriand)
Ancalagon (Angband)

4
Gothmog (Gondolin)
Anarion (Gondor)
Glorfindel (Eriador)
Witch-king (Eriador)

ASSISTS

4
Míriel (Real Valinor)
Eöl (AC Beleriand)


3
Sauron (Barad-dûr)
Beleg (Doriath)
Tevildo (Angband)
Eärendil (The Havens)
Anarion (Gondor)
Glorfindel (Eriador)
Thranduil (Erebor)
Fëanor (AC Beleriand)
Nazgûl #7 (Erebor)
Nerdanel (Real Valinor)


GOALKEEPING

Théoden (Rohan) - 17/20 (85.00%)
Elrond (Eriador) - 33/39 (84.62%)
Beorn (Erebor) - 32/40 (80.00%)
Manwë (Valimar) - 12/15 (80.00%)
Tulkas (Real Valinor) – 26/33 (78.79%)

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Four defenders, three midfielders, and three forwards. No limits on players per team. Here is our best XI of Arda Cup 2012:

Elrond of Eriador
The best goalkeeper in the tournament for two years in a row. The last time he had conceded twice was during the second group stage game (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showpost.php?p=628407&postcount=65) of the 2010 Arda Cup, when Tilion of Utumno scored a brace to beat Rivendell 2-0. That’s thirteen straight games of allowing teams to score at most one goal against him.

Fingolfin of AC Beleriand
The leader and the work-horse of the AC Beleriand back line. His pushes down the left flank resulted in two goals and an assist, and, more importantly, gave attacking width to a team with no natural wingers. He also helped organised one of the best defences in the tournament.

Imlach of AC Beleriand
The second outstanding defender from AC Beleriand. His partnership with Rochallor conceded only an average of 11.14 shots per game, the stingiest in the tournament. (In comparison, Eriador conceded 14.86 shots per game.) Although Rochallor did get one assist, we chose Imlach over Fingolfin’s steed due to his better positional awareness and having one less booking.

Tilion of Real Valinor
After conceding three to FC Valinor (the only team Real Valinor lost to), they conceded just four more goals in six games. And Tilion had been largely responsible for this improvement. As he got accustomed to his role as sweeper, he used his intelligence and energy to plug holes his team needed him to. Aggressive centre forwards (vs Tirion, Armenelos)? Teams sitting deep (The Sea, Rohan)? Disadvantage in the midfield (AC Beleriand, Eriador)? Tilion did what he had to do, wherever it was, so his teammates can focus on what they had to do.

Maglor of FC Valinor
FC Valinor conceded five goals in the tournament, but none came from Maglor’s right wing. He also provided some runs from deep, creating two goals in the process.

Arveleg of Eriador
After AC Beleriand and their diamond midfield, the team with the next best possession rate was Eriador. Like AC Beleriand, they also field four central midfielders, the best of whom was Arveleg. He didn’t have the ridiculous passing statistics of his teammate Valandil or AC Beleriand’s Bregolas, but he was excellent at what he did—keeping possession by completing passes and providing additional goalscoring opportunities by making late runs to the penalty area. His two goals and two assists are a testament to his movement, finishing, and passing accuracy.

Anarion of Gondor
Perhaps the best individual performer of the tournament. By the time his team was eliminated on penalty kicks, four games into the tournament, he already had four goals (behind only Curufin and Ancalagon), as well as three assists (joint leader). Gondor scored a total of nine goals in the tournament; Anarion had a hand in all but two of them. His player-of-the-match performance against group rivals Barad-dûr will be something to remember for the people of Gondor.

Beren of AC Beleriand
One of the best midfields in the tournaments obviously deserves a representative in this list, and who better than Beren to be that man. He had five goals and an assists in seven games, forming dangerous passing triangles in the opposition right flank with Eöl and Fingolfin. A tireless midfield runner, a goalscoring threat, he was also excellent on defence, nullifying the influence of attacking midfielder Orodreth (Nargothrond) and deep-lying playmaker Meleth (Gondolin) on the game.

Míriel of Real Valinor
After a bad start against rivals FC Valinor, Míriel had turned in a consistent performance game after game, scoring or creating a goal in all six games after. Her excellent interplay with second-year teammates Arien and Nerdanel helped break down two of the most formidable defences in the tournament on their way to a long-overdue Cup victory.

Fëanor of AC Beleriand
It was either him or Arien in this slot, and the Fiery Boot was two assists better. As one of the best ball-handlers ever, there were times when he created chances out of nothing. His rapport with fellow crafts-Elf Eöl, half-brother Fingolfin, and Silmaril-purloiner Beren was key to AC Beleriand’s impressive record of seventeen goals in seven games.

Curufin of FC Valinor
An all-family affair in the front line proves just how much talent flows through the veins of football’s regal house. What else can one say about six goals and an assist in five games? Only two season removed from his switch from defender to forward, he pulled off one of the only three hat-tricks in tournament play, as well as shared a tournament-record six goals, but accomplishing it in two less games than his father or Arien.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Elenrod/2012bestxii-n_zps31ad8cb3.jpg

The Second Team:

Beorn of Erebor
The two best goalkeepers in the tournament met in a semifinal tie in Amon Hen; unfortunately, someone had to lose, and it was Beorn. His performance against FC Valinor won't soon be forgotten.

Ecthelion of AC Beleriand
In the seven goals scored against AC Beleriand, none came from Ecthelion's right wing. He also provided attacking width with his runs from deep, assisting on one occasion and creating scoring chances on many others.

Melian of Doriath
Far and away the best defender of Doriath, whose only goal conceded from a centre forward in open play was Glaurung's. Times have fallen hard on the Hidden Realm, only a year removed from a championship year, but Melian remains a quality defender.

Nazgûl #6 of Shire-Bree United
He had a blinder of a game against Angband. His performance against Tol-in-Gaurhoth and Gondor weren't bad, either.

Celebrimbor of Dwarves United
The offence and defence of Dwarves United. He was the reason they made it past the group stage.

Bard of Erebor
When Smaug wasn't his usual self when the tournament began, the Grim Sniper took it upon himself to score for Erebor.

Yavanna of FC Valinor
In a team with a Fëanorëan front line, the fleet-footed Vala was the extra punch that broke defences down.

Beleg of Doriath
In terms of talent, there was little to separate Doriath's wingers Beleg and Lúthien. They were both pacey, excellent finishers, willing defenders, and great passers. In the end, though, Beleg has two goals and three assists to Tinúviel's 1+1.

Sauron of Barad-dûr
This was a down year for the first Ainu to win the Cup, with his team not having progressed past the group stage (a first for him; coincidentally, his 2009 Arda Cup winning team Armenelos also failed to advance for the first time). Still, Annatar averaged a goal and an assist per game, cementing his reputation as an offensive maestro.

Glorfindel of Eriador
Two years after leaving Gondolin, having just won the Cup, Glorfindel seems to have flourished as an individual within Elrond's system, coming within a whisker of his second championship. Seven goals and six assists in twelve games is impressive, no matter how you cut it.

Arien of Real Valinor
The attacking trio of Valinor/Real Valinor seem to have finally got how to play together. With Míriel and Nerdanel on the wings to provide killer passes, Arien has thrived in her role as a number nine, a target man in the box. She has not lost the ability to win (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showpost.php?p=629094&postcount=82) games almost single-handedly, as shown by her performance against AC Beleriand.

[the phantom]

MESPN POST-TOURNAMENT SPECIAL: TEAM REVIEWS

Fans from Valinor to Mordor are already talking about next year's Arda Cup, but let's pause for a moment and reflect on the performances of each of the 32 teams this year.

Following each squad we will say whether the stage they reached and their results accurately reflected their talent or if they underperformed (or overperformed).

ANDUIN- Underperformed. They outshot Dwarves United solidly but conceded a late goal and thus earned 1 point rather than 3. Had that not happened they would have advanced to the playoffs. Against Erebor they played well, once again outshooting the competition in a draw. Only Wilderland outshot them, but the on-target number was equal. With Fram and Celeborn at the back and Grimbeorn, Boromir, and Haldir at the front and solid pieces surrounding them, they could have made a run, and with a couple minor upgrades in the off-season it'll be expected of them.

ANGBAND- Underperformed. When you've got Carcharoth, Morgoth, and a Balrog at the back and Telvildo and Ancalagon up front the minimum expectation is quarterfinals. In their first-round playoff against Minas Tirith they simply did not impose their will and really let Minas Tirith play their game and send it to PKs where anything can happen. To separate themselves they really need to add another skill player at the front or back to build off of.

ANGFAUGLITH- Underperformed. They had the same record and differential as the advancing Doriath, but Doriath's wealth of goals was the tie-breaker. With their defensive focus and majority of strong players at the back, it was expected that they would play low-scoring contests, but the strategy perhaps wasn't the best fit for Group G, which was laden with offensive fire-power. They certainly could have made the playoffs in another group. Next year they need to decide if they're going to gain scoring ability or if they're going to focus in more on defense.

ARMENELOS- Underperformed. The reason here is quite obvious- Group D (D for Death). The eventual champion Real Valinor nipped them by a goal and they lost to the streaking FC Valinor as well. The close Real loss along with beating a quality Tirion side they proved they likely would have advanced in pretty well any other circumstance, and once in the playoffs- who knows how far they go? They don't feel great pressure to improve their roster for next season, but certainly their results must improve.

ARNOR- Expected. Arnor was in a sense the light version of Eriador, so they could hardly be expected to beat them. They outplayed Inter Beleriand (even outshooting them by eight!) but simply didn't finish as efficiently. But even had they won that one, Gondolin obviously wasn't a good match-up for them in a 4-0 drubbing. They're smart and don't really have weaknesses, but they're going to have to add another talented piece to build around if they wish to improve their fortunes.

BARAD-DUR- Underperformed. They owned most of the game against Minas Tirith but only managed a draw, and they played an extremely uninspired half against Mordor and only managed a draw there as well. BUT- in other groups we would've rated them "expected", as such a cheap team can hardly expect to compete properly, Sauron or not. If they hope to make it out of groups next season he's got to up the team salary at least a bit- to either give himself another helper at the front, but more likely to shore up the defense.

AC BELERIAND- Expected. They were in the semis with a chance at the title, and that's where this team belonged. They played even with the champs in the semis (putting 2 more shots on-target in fact), but lost by one. Most teams would be content to field a squad with a similar chance of making the semis, but Feanor is likely to try and improve his squad in some manner- even if it means a bit more money.

INTER BELERIAND- Expected. When you've got Turgon and a Balrog in back and Fingon and Maedhros in front one expects to be in the playoffs. But Eriador and Gondolin took advantage of the edge their non-big-name performers had over Inter's regulars. If Inter wishes to give themselves a better shot they need yet another big name or they need to do a couple minor upgrades in the midfield or back line.

DORIATH- Expected. They had quality attackers up front and were fairly solid through the middle and back with Melian holding things together. In the playoffs they played the runner-up Eriador very tough, and things could have gone different. If they can nab a small upgrade in the back midfield or defense they could definitely make a run.

DWARVES UNITED- Overperformed. With Celebrimbor, Aule, Durin, and Azaghal defending they obviously have something to build on, but they didn’t have enough offensive firepower or ball control to run with the big dogs consistently. They upset Wilderland to make the playoffs, but if they don’t want to depend on upsets to advance they need to gain some scoring ability next year.

EREBOR- Expected. Though there were other teams that critics will argue were better on paper, Erebor certainly had enough talent that their semifinal run was not unexpected. The midfield and forwards behind Smaug were solid in support and in creating opportunities, and the eagle-laden defense in front of Beorn was quality. It’s going to be expensive to keep the team together next year with other squads looking to poach players though.

ERIADOR- Expected. Again, some critics might say that they weren’t one of the top two teams, but they were certainly good enough to make a deep run with quality diverse defense in front of super-Elrond and a solid midfield supporting Witch King and Glorfindel. And like Erebor, they might have trouble keeping the bill down next season, so there may be a financially imposed roster shake-up in a couple spots.

GONDOLIN- Expected. They were good enough to get in the playoffs and they did, but then ran into a tough matchup in AC Beleriand. They could’ve made the quarters with a friendlier draw, but if they want to give themselves a better chance next year they need a minor upgrade or two in their back half.

GONDOR- Expected. They didn’t have any super-stars, but they had definite quality all over without weak links. They were PKs away from the quarters, so they were right there. If they want to improve their likely longevity they need to try for another one-star type talent or add some sort of skill diversity.

HITHLUM- Underperformed. When you have Turin, Hurin, and Hador you expect to be in the playoffs, and in other groups perhaps they would’ve been rather than missing out on tie-breaking PKs. To ensure their success Hithlum needs to beef up their defense, but that might prove too expensive unless they get a financial partner or two.

IMLADRIS- Expected. This was a playoff squad with talents like Elrond’s children, Varda, and Elros, but they appeared to have too many weak links to be a sure-fire contender to make a deep run. A couple minor upgrades would go a long ways here.

ISENGARD- Expected. Saruman and the Ents can be a tough matchup, but with a budget that low Saruman couldn’t fill the holes well enough around them. If Isengard wants to be in the playoffs they need to open up the checkbook and nab another talent.

MINAS TIRITH- Overperformed. A similar squad to Gondor, they were solid all over and earned a spot in the playoffs, and then played an excellent match to upset Angband. Though their run was not entirely unbelievably, they’re probably not ranked in anyone’s top 8 despite the quarterfinal appearance. If they wish to return regularly they need to diversify or make a couple small upgrades.

MISTY MTS- Underperformed. With diversity and skill at all levels they wanted to be in the playoffs. Durin’s Bane is a great finisher with a solid Azog to compliment and three good feeders in the midfield. At the back the trolls, Watcher, and Chief Wolf are good at handling most types. With one or two minor upgrades they could definitely improve their finish.

MORDOR- Underperformed. With Nazgul all over the field complimented by Shelob and other baddies they were not hoping to be relegated, despite their cheap budget. If Sauron and his partners are prepared to up the spending they could give Mordor a better shot, but it remains to be seen what his strategy is.

NARGOTHROND- Underperformed. Nargothrond boasted an extremely dangerous front six, but they didn’t do a good enough job at keeping the squads in their group off the scoreboard. Finrod will be looking to upgrade at the back for certain.

ROHAN- Expected. They had a nice blend of athleticism and prudence, and with a different draw perhaps they could’ve gotten into the semis. If they want to up their chances for next season they need to look at getting another skill player up front to free up Gandalf and Eorl.

SHIRE-BREE UNT- Expected. Though they might’ve been a surprise to some in the quarters, they had the talent to make a run- particularly at the front. With their relatively low salary, they have a real chance at buying improvements at the back and making themselves an expected repeat performer.

THE HAVENS- Underperformed. Though some think them lucky just to make it out of their tough group, Cirdan and Olwe on one side and Earendil, Tuor, and Finrod’s twin brothers on the other make Havens a legit threat to make a run. With a minor upgrade or two critics will definitely count on seeing them in the playoffs again.

THE SEA- Underperformed. They had a big budget and a fine mix of Numenorian and Ainu talent around the pitch, and they weren’t happy to be out after four games. Real outplayed them and provided a tough match for them. They’re good enough, but if they want to up their odds of seeing a final they ought to diversify slightly.

TIRION- Underperformed. With the names on this squad you expect to see the playoffs, but of course they were in the group of death. Simply by switching groups they can change their fortunes next season, but doubtless they’ll be looking to add new faces, as doubtless the other Valinor squads will be looking to steal members of their roster. An upgrade at the back would be in order.

VALIMAR- Underperformed. Manwe and company should not be missing the playoffs, though their group did them no favors. In the end it was lack of goals that did them in, so without a doubt they’ll want to upgrade their next season. They’ll need to cut payroll though, so it’s a tricky situation.

FC VALINOR- Underperformed. After streaking through friendlies, groups, and the first round they ran into upset-minded Erebor and couldn’t close the deal. It’s tough to say where they need to upgrade after such solid performances, but they’ll be scrambling on account of needing to get payroll down.

REAL VALINOR- Expected. Though it seems ridiculous to say a title is “expected”, they certainly felt they were a heavy contender and they proved it. Their payroll is probably about where they want it, but after their performances some players undoubtedly will want raises. Which players they can afford to keep will determine where they try and make switches for similar but lesser-paid talents.

WILDERLAND- Underperformed. As high as some publications had them ranked they have to be hugely disappointed. Their front four were about as good as any, so they likely place the blame on the defense (letting the Dwarves score twice, for instance), though frankly the offense didn’t live up getting held to 1 twice. A minor upgrade or two at the back ought to have them at serious contender status.

THE DOWNER- Expected. When you’re the cheapest squad by a large margin there isn’t much in the way of expectations. They showed promise with a close loss to Shire-Bree and a tie with TIG (thanks to a timely red card), but if they wish to truly be a threat they need to take Eru’s “Tolkien Mandate” to heart and add some decent Middle-Earth talent.

TOL-IN-GAURHOTH- Underperformed. After being in the finals last year being relegated doesn’t sit well. Even with the restrictions on their Werewolf forms five powerful athletic Werewolves supported by six solid conniving Wights should’ve been enough to make a run. They outplayed Shire-Bree but couldn’t overcome their slow start to gain 3 points instead of 1, and then they got out of control against The Downer and only took 1 point there. Their tie against Angband was their best outing. To improve their fortunes they’ll need to smartly comply with the Tolkien Mandate- perhaps upgrade one of their Wight positions and trade the others evenly.

[the phantom]

MESPN All-Tournament Teams

As always there were many excellent performers and it's tough to whittle the field down to 11 players, but we do our best. We consider a player's production, timing of production, and just generally what they and their team accomplished and whether they propelled their squad to the best of their abilities.

FIRST TEAM

GK Elrond of Eriador

DF Celebrimbor of Dwarves United
DF Radagast of Rohan
DF Maglor of FC Valinor
DF Fingolfin of AC Beleriand

MF Beleg of Doriath
MF Anarion of Gondor
MF Beren of AC Beleriand

FW Curufin of FC Valinor
FW Feanor of AC Beleriand
FW Arien of Real Valinor

SECOND TEAM

GK Tulkas of Real Valinor

DF Namo of Valimar
DF Morgoth of Angband
DF Caranthir of Real Valinor
DF Tilion of Real Valinor

MF Mardil of Minas Tirith
MF Bard of Erebor
MF Yavanna of FC Valinor

FW Sauron of Barad-Dur
FW Smaug of Erebor
FW Miriel of Real Valinor

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Honorable Mention
GK Beorn of Erebor
GK Huan of FC Valinor

DF Ulmo of The Sea
DF Ecthelion of AC Beleriand
DF Girion of Erebor
DF Gil-galad of Eriador
DF Nahar of FC Valinor

MF Galadriel of Wilderland
MF Tar Aldarion of The Sea

FW Bombadil of Shire-Bree United
FW Gothmog of Gondolin
FW Maeglin of Gondolin
FW Glorfindel of Eriador
FW Nerdanel of Real Valinor