[Boromir88]

GROUP G- Gondolin is a shoe in for first, I can't see any one in this group beating them. If Doriath's odds are 1,000,000/1 go for it, if not, don't bet money on them to advance. Leaving 2nd to be battled between Gondor and Wold.

Doriath- I can't imagine them being as bad as they were in the friendlies, because they did hit rock bottom. They were out-shot by 22, and 2/3rds of Doriath's were off-target. I refuse to believe they will be that bad in tourney. Having said that, they're still not going to be good enough to advance. I don't think they'll leave empty handed though, it's not out of the question they win a draw against Gondor or Wold. I think skill-wise the Elves will be able to keep it pretty even against the mortals, and conglomeration of Orcs and trees. Plus you have to wonder if the Wold has enough ability to score on Melian. So, I predict a better performance for Doriath (seriously, just showing up on the pitch should do it) but still not good enough.

Gondolin- The only team that could be a bit of trouble is Gondor. Gondor has shown they can play even against the more-talented teams, but none of these teams can match Gondolin's skill. That is, as long as Gondolin decides now is the occassion to start playing and not slack off as they did in the last 2 friendlies. Over-confidence after seeing who their competition is in this group could be their stumbling block. The games are played for a reason, Gondolin found that out last year as heavy favourites only to miss the playoffs.

Gondor- I can't put my boys above Wold, simply because there is nothing about this team that makes them dominating. They play competive, that's all. The only team they'll out shoot is Wold, but will they turn that into multiple goals against Hama? They play respectable, they're not going to get run over by anyone, but they're also not going to run over anyone. And when someone says "You played respectable" that really means "You played better than what I thought, but you still lost." That's what you see from Gondor. They don't dominate, and you have to, to win.

Wold- Offense is going to be a big concern. Eomund did nothing in the friendlies, and way too much of their offense were produced by the defenders! Quickbeam showed some ability, he'll have to do more with Eomund though, because you can't rely on your defenders to do the scoring for you game-in and game-out. And their defense will be tested by quality FWs (even against Doriath - I am baffled by what Thingol's problem has been) for the first time. I like them for 2nd because Treebeard's brought the Mirkwood spirit with him. They won't make it as far as Mirkwood, but if you want to know how you resolve conflicts between several vastly different peoples, hire Treebeard.

Predicted Group Standings
1. Gondolin
2. Wold
3. Gondor
4. Doriath

GROUP H- In an ironic way, as offensively-geared this group is, it will come down to what defense is the least in-effective. The teams here can score on even the best defense, I wonder what they'll be capable of against eachother? For those of you who like smart 1-0 games, watch Group A. For me, I'll be watching this group with great interest.

Dol Guldur- For Mirkwood Oropher was not that bad of a goalie. It was their offense which provided the main spark getting to the semis, but Oropher made several spectacular saves which allowed them to upset Tuna and Valimar. I wonder what changed in a year? Part of the problem could be the newly added spiders on defense. Oropher had a mighty Ent and Radagast, the master of hues, on defense. (Aside: Radagast moved to FW because the Arda Cup committee said he would no longer be able to change colors, or distract players with butterflies as a defender. Since they specificed defender, he thinks he will still be able to at a different position). Where was I? Oh right, Oropher was behind a better defense last year, which in turn made him an adequate GK, now...not so much. They'll clearly score, but so can Tirion, Havens, and don't be shocked in the mighty Boromir I seeks revenge against the King who killed him.

Havens- I think Olwe finally has the right players, formation, and strategy to get his team over the hump, into the playoffs. I think they are also legitimate challengers ot the clear favorites, Tirion. Both drew with Vinyamar, so these nimble Elves while getting slaughtered for fighting the mightily-clad Noldor with sticks and cloth, have shown it won't be the same this year in football. With that said, I still expect another kin-slaying as Tirion runs through this group fairly easy. You got to love a team who can build a comfortable 2-goal lead. Sure Tirion can get a goal whenever they need one, but so can these guys.

Minas Anor- Rough draw for them, but I don't know if I'd like their chances even if they were in another group. The stewards historically provide strong competition and prove tough to break, but I think this team lost too much with the departure of Aragorn. They lost a bonified leader, and you just can't replace him with anyone. I see them easily losing all 3 matches, but I do think will give Dol Guldur their toughest game. Possibly, even manage a draw. Nothing brings out the best play in teams like a good and bloody heated rivalry.

Tirion- Will more than likely sweep, because not only are they the best offensive team, but in this group, they probably have the best defense. We'll definitely see opponents' shots increase, simply because of the caliber of the offenses they'll be playing. However, expect a big spike in their own shots as well. Feanor's remarks to MESPN are interesting, and if I may add, very wise. He made a rather ingenious decision to shore up the defense and prepare them for what they will be up against in this group. I think that will have a huge payoff, as Tirion looks to the championship.

Predicted Group Standings
1. Tirion
2. Havens
3. Dol Guldur
4. Minas Anor