Wow, such a hot streak of predictions comes to a swift, and brutally wrong end in the final two games. I'm at a loss for words on what happened...whoulda thunk? Although, I can't be too disappointed as both matches were a joy to read through and witness. I don't think anyone would tell you the 4 best teams were not represented on the field. None of them were there by some fluke, or divine grace, they each played an amazing tournament from beginning to end. The teams were so even, matches so well played, it could have gone either way. The best thing about the Arda Cup, is the teams played all the games out on the field, and we have a proven, single champion. There aint any Eru-Vista plugging numbers into a formula to crown a champion. Armenolos won for being the most complete team all tournament.
So, this will be my last entry until the next time, and how I would like to end, is to give you some of the under-rated and over-rated players from the tournament.
Let me start with the under-rated, because typically I find more suspense, interest (and disagreement), in the over-rated group.
There are many different arguments as to what does 'under-rated' actually mean, and who is under-rated? What I mean by it is a combination of the player's performance (as well as how they were expected to perform - '*' rating), how that impacted his/her teams performance, how many phantasy owners had the player on their team, and of course how much recognition (awards/all-tournament teams) did the player receive.
Without further ado, the 5 most under-rated players of the 2009 Arda Cup:
5.
mormwolf (TIG) - early on he was picked by some phantasy owners to be their keeper. TIG drastically underperformed in this tournament, they did not fulfill their expectations, but it was not due to goal keeping. Earlier in the year I called morm 'swiss cheese,' but didn't take into account the fact that TIG was where all the teams strengths were offense. He had to face some of the deadliest FWs and on top of that TIGs defense was no help to
mormwolf. The only reason the games were close were because of him, and if it wasn't for his many spectacular saves TIG may not have even made it out of group play.
4.
Nazgul #6 (Mirkwood) - No *'s and received the 2nd most points out of all the MFs. Also of all the 'Zero *' he received the most points. On a team that has Scatha, Thranduil, and Legolas, it's easy to look past a random Nazgul. He is so under-rated no one can tell us his name...really! I'm not joking!
Few phantasy owners had him (and some only added him in the last couple matches), and no one had him from start to finish and he was the star performer of the Mirkwood team. He is #4 because of course, for his performance he is getting on some all-star tournament teams and deserves it.
3.
Boromir I (Minas Tirith) - In group play he was one of the best, picking up an assist in each of his 3 matches and a key goal in the final game against Moria to advance Minas Tirith to the playoffs. When Aragorn is on your team (who is himself a fine player, and one of the best motivators) it's easy to get overlooked, and that's what happened to Boromir I. No one had him on their phantasy team and of course he has not received any special honors, nor has any *s. But I doubt he'd complain too much, being happy with Minas Tirith's performance, and wanting to prove they are better than how they played against the mighty Valar. If a mish-mash of races from Mirkwood can beat 'em you can bet Aragorn will have his guys ready come next Arda Cup. This will be a surprise team to watch.
2.
Ar Pharazon (Armenolos) - He was one of the best FWs when it mattered the most, and he was definitely the best when Armenolos needed it the most in the championship game. He was expected to lead his team, but no one predicted Armenolos (or Ar Pharazon) to accomplish so much. 29 phantasy points and only 2 phantasy owners owned Ar Pharazon. He received a Finals MVP award but was snubbed from the all-star tournament teams.
1.
The Witch-King (Minas Morgul) - It was close between Ar Pharazon and the Wiki, Ar Pharazon had 11 more phantasy points, and only one *. However, Ar Pharazon also had a solid defense, great goal tending, and the assist-master Sauron on his team. Armenolos may not have won without Ar Pharazon as a piece, but they still would have been a solid team and competed for the title.
Minas Morgul would be no where without it's captain, The Witch-King. When no one predicted Minas Morgul to come out of group play, they did, and only one person predicted they would beat Edoras in the 1st round. Minas Morgul made it to the Final 8 teams, they have no representatives in any of the tournament teams. Edoras has more representatives and The Wiki beat 'em! To cap it off, not one of the phantasy owners,
ever had The Witch-King on their team. Minas Morgul played way above expectations in group play (even tying Hithlum! - in that game the Wiki had an assist and the game-tying goal!) and got farther than anyone imagined The ignorant back that's been turned on not only The Wiki, but the Minas Morgul team, by everyone in the soccer community is a travesty. The Witch-King's only arguably bad game was in the playoffs against Armenolos, look what Armenolos accompished? And pinning the Wiki against his master, that was just cruel.
That is why The Wiki is taking home the top under-rated player honors.
Congradulations to all of you, and now you know this means you are no longer officially under-rated. Once you are recognized for being underrated it ends immediately as everyone then notices...'Wow you have been underrated' and we will be expecting more from you in the future.
By Jim "Scoop" Johnstone
The Boro-Blog