[the phantom]

Heading into the final round of group play at Vinyamar, the extremely diverse crowds were feeling quite excited. All the teams were still alive, which is more than could be said of several other groups. “This is the way I like things!” commented one of the many construction dwarves who had stuck around for the games. “They’ll all be giving it their best effort on the final day!”

If the prediction of the dwarf proved to be true, then most believed Aman and host Vinyamar would advance, as they had looked more impressive in their first two matches. But Beleriand and Ithilien fans still kept their spirits high, knowing that a break here or there paired with continued stellar play from their side could beat the oddsmakers.

The first teams to play, Aman and Ithilien, were greeted enthusiastically by the packed stadium when they entered the field of play. The announcers thanked the fans for their participation on behalf of the Arda Cup Committee, noting that several venues had consistently failed to sell out the matches not involving the host side.

In the opening minutes of play it was clear that it would be another group A battle, as both sides played mistake free and really got after it on the defensive half. Aman managed a couple of contested shots, and Ithilien tried a couple quick strikes off of the counter, but the looks simply weren’t good enough to get past keepers like Mumakil and Nienna.

Finally as halftime approached Aman started looking more dangerous on offense, as their amazing skill up front finally wore down the solid team defense of Ithilien. Ar Pharazon gained the best look yet, but he unexpectedly held it, and it was clear why when he touched a pass across to Orome who had slipped in from the side unmarked against the overwhelmed back line. The pass was beautifully placed, barely squeezing past three defenders on the way to the charging Vala, and Orome was perfect from point blank for the 1-0 lead.

With their backs against the wall, Faramir and company found new life in the second half and turned away the advances of Aman, though they were still unable to crack the defense of Aman. But fortune smiled upon Ithilien, and in minute 61 they were granted a golden opportunity when Vaire was sent off. It appeared on replay that Vaire’s crushing of Beregond was the result of falling off balance, but the fact remained that the ref saw Vaire come down on the head of Beregond and put him on the ground and then come down on his back.

Ithilien went to it with renewed vigor, and Faramir was barely denied off a rebound, but after that Turgon fired up the defense to rise above their setback and Aman kicked up their energy and concentration to undiscovered heights and firmly took control of the pitch over the final minutes.

The Ithilien supporters were disappointed, but cheered for their team when they left the field, as they had put forth a fine effort against the lords from over the sea. Ar Pharazon was unusually humble and gracious after the match, declaring to reporters that, “We really had a narrow escape there, and I feel fortunate to be able to return to the playoffs. It was an honor to have played against so many resilient and competitive foes in this group, and I feel this experience has prepared us well.”

Aman 1-0 Ithilien
tot shots 12-9
on target 5-4
GOALS:
*38, 1-0 Orome (Ar Pharazon)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Aman- Vaire, Irmo
*Ithilien- Anborn, Adrahil, Bergil
RED CARDS:
*Aman- Vaire (61, second yellow)

The volume reached the highest level yet when the two teams with the largest followings, Beleriand and Vinyamar, charged onto the pitch for their game. The final match of group play would decide who would advance with Aman, and in what position. A win for Vinyamar would gain them the top spot, a tie or one goal loss would yield the second spot, while a two goal win by Beleriand would grant them the second spot.

In pregame interviews Beleriand sounded as if they were up for the task, but as the play on the field rolled along it was soon clear that Ulmo and his friends on the back line were having none of it, completely shutting down the attack of Beleriand. In the midfield and higher Vinyamar looked good as well, with their players passing and dribbling flawlessly, and making Halmir sweat between the posts.

In minute 24 the goal was breached by a beautifully placed snipe from Egalmoth, and the crowd exploded as if the playoffs had been clinched, knowing that a 3-0 run by Beleriand against the defense of Vinyamar was extremely unlikely. Not only was it unlikely- it was proved to be impossible, as Rog and the defenders arrayed in front of him were unshakable for the rest of the half. In fact the next score to occur was again by the home team in minute 67, this time courtesy of the tall Egalmoth, who rose above the defense to nod in a lovely cross from Duilin.

With a 2-0 lead in hand and one of the toughest defenses in the Arda Cup, their place atop the group was assured, and the fans began celebrating early, feeling grateful indeed for the top spot and thus avoiding having to start the playoffs on the road against the terrifying offense of Tirion. The clock ran down to zero, and the crowds streamed out to find their favorite sports bar, where they hoped to catch the tail end of some of the other matches. Bringing the games to Vinyamar had been a great decision indeed!

Beleriand 0-2 Vinyamar
tot shots 6-11
on target 2-5
GOALS:
*24, 0-1 Egalmoth (Tuor)
*67, 0-2 Penlod (Duilin)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Beleriand- Belegund, Mim, Magor
*Vinyamar- Egalmoth, Osse

GROUP A FINAL STANDINGS
Vinyamar (7 pts, +4 gd, 5-1)
Aman (7 pts, +2 gd, 4-2)
Beleriand (1 pt, -3 gd, 2-5)
Ithilien (1 pt, -3 gd, 1-4)