[the phantom]

Numenor 1 - 0 Buckland

As expected, Numenor's athleticism showed forth as they dominated the shots 11-2. Buckland is fortunate that Numenor's aim was a bit off, otherwise the score would've been nasty.

Tol In Gauroth 0 - 2 Misty Mountains

And yet another expected result. Misty Mts is now in good position to advance out of group play, but Tol In Gauroth is by no means out of it. Group E isn't particularly strong, with likely cannon fodder Old Grey Hill and the very troubled Fangorn team rounding out the quartet. Of course, if Fangorn could ever unify they'd be pretty good. Tol In Gauroth will have to hope against that, pick up their play a bit, and avoid any more red cards.

Bree 1 - 0 Mirkwood

Ah- here we have our first hobbit-biased refereeing of the tournament. If you'll look at replays of that Necromancer shot, the ball clearly crossed the line, but surprise surprise- the ref sided with the hobbitish Bree. It's ridiculous. Now, I have no problem with the fact that Bree scored a goal. It's pretty difficult to completely shut down old Tom Bombadil. But Mirkwood should have been able to put up a couple goals of their own. Their shooting was far below what they are capable of, and the one time they did it right their goal was taken away. Ask yourselves- how could sharpshooters Necromancer, Beorn, and Legolas not put in a single goal in ten tries, considering that the goalie is a sluggish willow tree? I'd check their Gatorade cooler for athletically inhibiting drugs. Hobbits have been known to spike drinks in tournaments.

Rivendell 2 - 3 Ham

This game was very fun to watch! Of course, it is likely to end up meaningless, seeing as Arnor and Doriath are in that group. But I suppose now if Ham can catch one of those two clubs on a very poor and unlucky day, they might manage a tie at least, and then they would have a chance at advancing.