DOZEN BALLS MISSING!
-Feanor of the Peredhil
A break-in was reported today by the Elves of Rivendell, those keepers of the MEFWC official artifacts. It appears that twelve regulation game balls have been stolen from the keepers. Top suspects in the robbery are as follows:
the phantom: already convicted with the criming of stealing ladies' hearts, he seems to be more interested in these games than strictly necessary. A confidential source has told us under threat of torture that she witnessed the phantom slinking through the halls of Elrond's home. Some time later, he was seen leaving the premesis looking suspiciously lumpy.
The Saucepan Man (charged with protection of the Golden Boots Award): armed with knowledge and a large amount of kitchenware, citizens are advised to avoid this man unless prepared to duck the large cans of worms that he has been witnessed throwing around. It is unknown if he cooks with these worms or not, but they are dangerous to preconceived notions and should be avoided at all costs should you desire to remain a cognitive miser. Responsible for the prestigious Golden Boots Award, it is speculated that The Saucepan Man intends to usurp the award and add to it the soon-to-be collectors items and auction them off on ME-bay.
Firefoot: suspected with the destruction of multiple footballs already, due to flaming feet, rumours abound that Firefoot has the balls in her possession and intends to play a good tough game of football with them, thereby burning them to cinder as she dribbles, should her demands not be met. Word has not yet reached us as to the nature of these demands, but given the credibility of our anonoymous tip, we cannot yet be certain that the lass even has anything to do with the game. However the public should keep in mind that if she is guilty, we should be very worried and perhaps lynch her, but if innocent, her cool logic will help us to track down the criminals.
Could Arwen be another suspect? - Drawn and written by Valesse
Stakes High for Erebor and Nargothrond
-Firefoot
If either of these teams wants to be guaranteed to continue in the cup, they must win in this match - unless Ephel Brandir pulls an upset in their upcoming game with Mirkwood, Mirkwood will be one of the teams advancing from this group, leaving Nargothrond and Erebor to fight for the qualifying spot.
Both Nargothrond (0-0-2) and Erebor (1-1-0) are confident, though not cocky. Nargothrond’s captain, Turin, said, “This is a quality group – arguably, the most evenly-matched. We haven’t won any games yet, but we have tied both and I think that proves that we’re up to the competition. Where we have tied, Erebor has won one but also lost one. We just have to put it all together, and I think we can beat the Erebor team. It will be a hard game, yes, but we’re up to it.”
Finrod Felagund, Nargothrond’s offensive midfielder, was also questioned. “I’d hesitate to make a prediction. Do I think we could win? Certainly. Could they? Of course. The teams are pretty evenly skilled; I think it will come down to teamwork and desire. The team that wants it more will win. And I’d say that we certainly want to win – the whole team has put a lot of work into this.”
Erebor’s captain, Thorin, showed just as much and more confidence in his team: “We’ve been playing together for a long time; even when I was a young lad – when Thror was King under the Mountain, that is – we used to take the ball out and kick it around. I think it’s time for that hard work to start paying off. We had a couple of bad breaks in our game against Mirkwood, but I think we really are the best team in our group. We should be able to win, now that Smaug is back in action. And, quite honestly, we don’t even have to win this game to advance – a tie would also do the trick.”
Smaug, the goalie injured in the team’s first game, was also interviewed. “It feels good to be back in action. The game won’t be easy, but I think we will win. We have a lot of talented players, and we’ve been playing well together.” When asked how it felt to be the only dragon on an otherwise all-Dwarf team, he simply responded, “I think it’s a mark of our quality that we haven’t had the same problems as, say, the Moria team.”
No Longer Rioting
-Arcticstorm87
After their humiliating loss to Gondor on day one, many people thought that Angband was going to go down with little resistance. When the moral of the team is down, usually they will keep on losing. But even without their star player/coach, Angband showed the entire middle earthen community that they are still a force to be reckoned with. With their impressive 4-0 win over Cirdan and the havens yesterday, they are now second in their group and able to quite possibly move on. I talked to Gothmog yesterday after the game and he seemed to still view them as having a chance to get into the finals, even without their star player. But one thing that he was not too sure about was when I asked him whether or not the shadow extending from him was in actuality a pair of wings. It will be interesting to see how this squad does in the days ahead.
The H-group supervision continued
-Gothmog
Called the “Most Controversial Group” group H demands a bit of extra attention, and we’re going to give it to you!
Finally Angband is back in old shape, as we’re used to see them. A comfortable win against a Grey Havens with enormous problem. It really do look like they brought together the worst players they could get, as stated by Galdor in an interview earlier this week.
Angbands two scorers, Gothmog and Ancalagon, is now featured in the Yellow Boot list, a great honour according to Ancalagon (see interview below). The absence of their captain, Melkor, didn’t stop their team from performing, as was expected. Instead, a lot of players seemed to feel much more responsibility towards the team and they all did their share of work, and more than that. They played like a team. And if this play will continue and they make it to the quarter finals, they’re going to be awfully strong with their captain back on the pitch.
After the game was finished we found a breathless Ancalagon and changed a few words with him:
Gothmog the interviewing Balrog: Congratulations, and welcome back to the tournament if I may say so!
Ancalagon: Thank you. That was an easy win, but I’m not in the shape I once was...
G: No, you were one of the first players in the Angband team, right? I mean, the first of your kind?
A: That’s right. I was the first in a new generation focusing on the air-play and swift, sweeping attacks. But even if one is getting to old for this, it’s just too fun to quit.
G: I understand. The performance today was something totally different from your last game. How come?
A: Well, we got a massive dressing-down by our captain/coach efter the last game and that made us realize that we must work harder. I was also nice too see more players stepping forward and filling the empty space behind a dominating player like Melkor. I must say that Gothmog did an excellent work out there today.
G: Yes, it looked like you played like a team all the way. A last question before you go to the changing room: you scored two goals today. The leader of the Yellow Boot trophy list (Beleg) only has 6. Is that something you think about, the possibility to win the title?
A: No, not at all. I play for the team and it doesn’t really matter who scores. Of course it’s good for the self-esteem, but it’s not like I’m going for the trophy.
G: Thank you and good luck!
Next game for Angband will be against Gondolin, not the easiest of opponents. They played really good in their opening game, but collapsed in their game versus Gondor. As Gondor will be playing Grey Havens, a secure victory if nothing extreme happens, they’ll probably win this group. The final game between Gondolin and Angband will decide who ends up second and makes it to the quarters. Expect an exciting game with two hungry teams with their aim at the title as Middle Earth Champions.
Today's Fixtures - The Odds And Evens
Game 1 - Old Forest vs. Rohan
Rohan though an excellent team have been struggling for form in this tournament while Old Forest haven't been much better, in fact I daresay they were worse. Either way I just don't see Rohan winning and I definately don't see Old Forest winning. This one will be a draw. But whatever happens neither of these teams are going to qualify.
Predicted Result - Draw
Game 2 - Shire vs. Vinyamar
If this was the start of the tournament I wouldn't have given Shire any hope but seeing how well they've been playing I think they'll win this as well. With a young star in Pippin and a veteran in Gandalf, this team is solid. Young, experienced and just fantastic. I don't see Vinyamar coming close to winning this game. Shire will only need a draw here to ensure their qualification.
Predicted Result - Shire
Game 3 - Barrow-Downs vs. Valimar
The Barrow-Downs has won all their games so far and has already qualified even if Valimar beat them here they won't be in any danger. I believe the Barrow-Downs will rest some of their players and take this match easy and perhaps settle for just a draw.
Preditced Result - Draw
Game 4 - Nargothrond vs. Erebor
This will be a very hard match with both teams looking for a win, anything else could be bad. If they draw, Nargothrond will go through on goal difference so Erebor has the harder task in this game. Despite the odds I believe Turin will make all the difference and win this match for Nargothrond.
Predicted Result - Win for Nargothrond
Game 5 - Dale vs. Numenor
This group has made no sense yet but I believe Numenor will win this match, even if they draw they're through. If they lose however, things could get a bit... 'sticky'. Anyway if Numenor don't win this match I don't believe them worthy to lift the cup.
Predicted Result - Win for Numenor
Game 6 - Goblin-Town vs. Isengard
This will be the match for third place and I believe it will be Isengard's only win of the season. No matter what happens in Tol-In-Gauroth vs. Doriath, neither of these two will qualify.
Predicted Result - Win for Isengard
Game 7 - Lothlorien vs. Alqualondë
If Alqualondë win this match they will have a chance to go through however if they lose or even draw then they will not make it through. So for their sake they better hope they win, however I see Lorien hanging on for a draw game.
Predicted Result - Draw
game 8 - Gondor vs. Grey Havens
This match has been cancelled due to Grey Havens admitting that they fixed the results. Gondor will be given 3 points which ensures them a berth in the Quarter-Finals.
Tournament Happenings
Injuries -
Barliman Butterbur (Bree) will be out indefinately due to a hamstring injury.
Cards -
Melkor (Angaband) recieved a red card and a 1 match suspension.
Bill Ferny (Bree) recieved a red card and 1 match suspension.
Elros (Numenor) recieved a red card and 1 match suspension.
Most Promising Player - Gothmog (Angband) impressed us all with his firey performance. He burned up the field and lit up the crowd, and when he blazed towards the goal it sure did get hot. Other than being a good person to make
pun of Gothmog is also an excellent player. He played a crucial role in Angand's 4-0 win but that match was fixed but still its nice to see them back in form.
Most Impressive Team - Angband, after a humiliating 1 goal loss to Gondor they came back, knocked on our door, ran it down when we didn't answer and showed us why they're still favorites. Even without their captain they managed to destroy Grey Havens and pull off an amazing win. I believe they will go all the way, hats off to them.
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Thank you Firefoot, Gothmog, Fea, Valesse and Arctic. Special thanks to Fea and Arctic for coming up with something on such short notice. Rimbaud and Boro said they'd get me something as well but I haven't recieved anything as of yet, if I do it will be edited in with the rest of the article. The results will be up late today, mayhap later than yesterday because I'm going out for dinner. If I can't get them up before that then after it. Sorry.