[the phantom]

Each sports paper or magazine has a certain lense that they view things through, and thus there are many differing opinions to be found as to which teams will be moving on into the Arda Cup quarterfinals. Here are a couple of those views...

Monster Magazine
Ruharg the Red, dragon of the Withered Heath

Once you're at this stage it's obvious all the teams are quality, but who will have that extra something to push on towards a title? If you ask me, competitive fire and an extra bit of power will be the difference. Titles are won by those with no mercy who are willing to use the full scope of abilites to get a win. Two years ago it was the hound in goal, Huan, and a determined Feanor up front that led the way. Last year Armenelos would never have won without the ruthlessness and cunning of Sauron and Ar Pharazon.

What I'm saying is, you can write off the teams filled up with nice guys. Who made the Cinderella run last year, eh? It was Mirkwood, featuring a Nazgul and Scatha the dragon on the attack, and a defense led by the gritty Grimbeorn. If there's such a run this year, it will be made by a similar team.

Dol Guldur over Vinyamar

Are you kidding me? No way will Vinyamar be able to match the killer instinct of The Witch King, Bolg, Khamul, and the Bear-men.

Barrow-Downs over Gondor

I don't think either of these teams can go all the way. Barrow-Downs lost their chances of that when they decided not to be Werewolves. But a couple of them have at least carried over their flair, and the Warg keeper will come through for them.

Mithrim over Bywater

Saruman and the Nazgul have been kept on too short a leash by Gandalf to carry the day, while on the other side Huan is always solid in goal and Celegorm and Curufin know how to get things done on defense. And up front, who can deny that Turin has the attitude it takes to pull their team through?

Numenor over Eithel Sirion

The side from Numenor has certainly lost a lot of their swagger, sacrificing those go-getters Sauron, Ar Pharazon, and Tar Minastir for replacements that are high quality but lack that extra oomph and fire (Tar Palantir, Elros, Tar Miriel). But if you ask me, they have just enough of the old flame left in the form of Ar Adunakhor, Ar Zimrathan, and a couple others to get them through.

Utumno over Gelion

Surely I don't need to explain this. Balrogs, vampire, spider-queen, Melkor...

Valimar over Norbury

Neither of these teams is going to get past Utumno should they advance, but despite the presence of the annoyingly kind Manwe I think Arien, Tulkas, and the blue wizards bring enough passion to beat those ranger boys.

Gondolin over Barad-Dur

Now this may seem like a pick against my science, but let's look closer here. Sauron should never be doubted, and Isildur certainly has a bit of fire in him, but Gil-Galad and Elendil are bound to be dead weights to be pulled. On the other side, Maeglin is quite a schemer and was just clutch in last year's playoffs. Aredhel is strong willed and has an attitude certainly (as well as two years consecutive in the finals), and Fingolfin obviously has what it takes, riding alone to challenge Morgoth to a duel. And Eol- like father like son. Barad-Dur has more baddies, but not as big difference makers.

Tirion over Aman

Neither of these teams are to my liking, but I think in the end Feanor has just a bit more "it" quality than Ar Pharazon, and a supporting cast more likely to back him up and do what it takes to win. Whoever advances I'd take Barad-Dur or Gondolin over them.

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Westernesse Weekly
Ar-Tar-Aradil of Numenor

The age of men has come, and the playoffs are bound to reflect that. Last year's win by Armenelos should be a hint to everyone- the younger race playing a beautiful team game will triumph over others. The elves can't take as much of a beating and rely too much on individuals, the monsters aren't strategic enough, and the dwarves and hobbits aren't big enough. The most serious threat would probably be from the Ainu, if they weren't stuck in their outdated ways. The only teams that can stand up to the top mortal talent are teams featuring Edain with other races mixed in here and there for situational flexibility.

Vinyamar over Dol Duldur

Dol Guldur is too uncontrolled and undisciplined to make it against Vinyamar, which features Tuor, Elves, and Ainu playing a very Westernesse style game.

Barrow-Downs over Gondor

Now this one is very tough to call, as both teams play the right way. I'll give the nod to Barrow-Downs due to past experience.

Mithrim over Bywater

This one won't be close, as the heroic men of the north playing alongside some good supporting Elves should be able to beat the hobbits in the air again and again.

Numenor over Eithel Sirion

This one has the makings of a great match, but I think the Numenoreans will be tougher down the stretch, and that their defense will be a touch more flawless. Combined with their experience from last year's title, this team will be difficult to knock out.

Utumno over Gelion

A tough one to call here, as I love the way Gelion plays, but the monsters of Utumno seem to be held in check by Melkor and made to play properly, and given that line of talent I think Gelion isn't quite up to the task, though I think they'll play them tougher than people give them credit for.

Norbury over Valimar

Some of team Valimar is too passive and polite (Manwe, Ilmare, Vana, Namo, Eonwe), while others have a habit of losing focus when they get overheated (Arien, Tulkas, Pallando, Alatar). Norbury on the other hand has the habit of playing to the level of opposing talent, minimizes mistakes, capitalizes on opponent mistakes, and just plays a fabulous team game. Look out for the upset here.

Barad-Dur over Gondolin

Sauron is willing to work with anyone to get the victory, and his minions will follow suit, so what we'll have is ten players playing a beautiful Numenorean style assisted by the air attack of a Fellbeast. Now, Gondolin has Huor and quite a collection of talent, so this one isn't in the bag, but Barad-Dur has to be the favorite here.

Tirion over Aman

Sort of a toss up here between two teams I'm not fond of. Aman plays solid team defense for the most part, but lacks the initiative or skill often to get it up to their scorers. Ar Pharazon can't both score plus get himself the ball. Tirion on the other hand can score a ton, but too many of their skill players don't have the physique necessary to last a whole tournament of tough play. I figure they have enough gas to get through this one, but they'll flame out soon after.