[the phantom]

--GROUP H--

The final games for Group H were a hot ticket. Orcs were standing on street corners selling them for twenty times what they payed for them originally- and people were buying! The stadium would not be empty for the first game as many others had been for the final round, for both games had playoff hopes riding on them.

Valimar and Angband were set to play each other in the night match, and both sat at four points in the group with a +2 goal differential. A loss by Annuminas in the first match would guarantee both a spot in the playoffs. But if Annuminas won, as most expected, they would take the points lead and either Valimar or Angband would then have the opportunity to eliminate their bitter foes by defeating them and allowing Annuminas to advance with them.

Many fans of Valimar and Angband could not decide which scenario they wanted to see. "Well, I'd feel much safer if Annuminas lost or tied in the first match, but at the same time I'd just love to see Angband have to stay home for the playoffs," said one Valimar fan, expressing quite well the conflicting emotions of many of his fellows.

As Annuminas took the field they looked grim and determined, but so did their foes from Brethil, who did not intend to return back to the forest without picking up a point, or at least scoring a goal. The match was intense, and rough, with neither side willing to give an inch. Both teams had their chances, but the defenses held. The deadlock was not broken till more than half an hour into the match when Annuminas counter attacked quickly and Araphor was able to find an open Arantar for the header.

After the half both teams came out and worked as hard as ever, only this time it was Brethil who was rewarded in the 67th minute on a goal by Haleth. Many of the Valimar and Angband fans cheered, knowing that a tie would clinch it for their teams, but Annuminas ignored the crowd and kept fighting valiantly for the win.

In their first match against Angband, Araphor scored after minute 80 to score a tie. In their next match with Valimar it was again Araphor scoring after minute 80 for the tie. And unbelievably, for the third straight game Araphor came through yet again in the final minutes, scoring the game winner off of a nice feed from Valandur. The Annuminas section screamed with joy and the Valimar and Angband fans bit their nails in worry as time ran out and the whistle sounded.

Annuminas had taken the points lead in Group H.

Annuminas 2-1 Brethil
shots 14-11
on target 7-4
GOALS:
*Annuminas, 36 (Arantar- Araphor)
*Brethil, 67 (Haleth- Hunthor)
*Annuminas, 81 (Araphor- Valandur)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Annuminas- Arveleg, Arantar, Elendur
*Brethil- Hunthor, Dorlas, Handir, Manthor

As the final game prepared to start, the pro-Angband crowd began working itself into a frenzy. Orc captains round the stadium encouraged their troops not to be nervous, but rather confident that their team would prevail so long as the crowd was behind them. The crowd for the most part took this advice to heart, and so it was that Angband trotted out to wild cheers and Valimar to rumbling boos.

As the game progressed it was clear that these two titans were evenly matched. The heroic Eonwe, Tulkas, and company pushed hard, but the mighty Balrogs pushed back. The skillful Istari and Ulmo defended brilliantly, but Ancalagon and Gothmog up front gave them everything they could handle.

Both sides forced a narrow save by the opposing keeper, but at minute 29 Earendil fired such a pin-point rocket that even Carcharoth couldn't do anything and Valimar took the lead. The crowd was not deterred, however, and continued supporting the home team loudly. Shortly before the half they erupted as Ancalagon pounded in the equalizer.

As the second half rolled along the intensity and tempo increased, and cards had to be handed out. In minute 62 the crowd was quieted a bit for the first time as Earendil sent in a screamer that bounced off the post straight to Eonwe who sent the rebound in for the lead. But Angband came storming back, building up the attack, and at minute 75 it was Melkor himself taking matters into his own hands, running in and deflecting Gothmog's pass into the back of the net to pull even yet again.

As the seconds ticked away both squads seemed determined to eliminate their foes from contention, but the defenses held, and the game ended with a 2-2 tie. Many of the fans were confused, wondering what that result would mean for the group standings. And then the group point totals flashed on the screen.

Annuminas- 5
Angband- 5
Valimar- 5

A three way tie!

And then the goal differentials-

Annuminas +1
Angband +2
Valimar +2

The orcs and dragons sent up a mighty cheer as their team would be advancing to the playoffs. The only question left- who had won the group? Valimar or Angband?

Angband 2-2 Valimar
shots 13-14
on target 5-7
GOALS:
*Valimar, 29 (Earendil- Tilion)
*Angband, 42 (Ancalagon- Melkor)
*Valimar, 62 (Eonwe- Earendil)
*Angband, 75 (Melkor- Gothmog)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Angband- Ulfast, Balrog #3, Balrog #2
*Valimar- Pallando, Orome, Tulkas