[Nogrod]

Tirion upon Túna was not exactly bursting with visitors even if this was one of the few chances for anyone from the Middle-Earth to make a trip to the Sacred Lands. And the reason was obvious: despite the “open seas” policy publicly announced by the Valar there were not that many ships to offer the crossing after the group stage – and there had been these rumours of tighter rules at Tirion which scared even some more peaceful travellers – especially as the games could be seen through the Palantir Network all around the Middle-Earth anyway.

But the locals really filled the stadium. Even with the strongest supporters of team Tirion away to watch the game of Tirion vs. Real Valinor at Valmar there were hosts of elves willing to see their “team of the town” FC Valinor to face the Middle-Earthians. And they were pretty confident FC Valinor would make it through easily against these oddballs from the far away ME where everything was minor in every way.

Even with the scarcity of transport there was a strong contingent of Misty Mountains supporters at the stadium in the end – fenced off from the rest of the crowds into the one end of the stadium. But with their enthusiasm and numbers of some seven to eight-thousand they were able to make a difference to the mood of the stadium forcing the locals to sing and shout not to be overpowered by the small but loud group of fans of the visiting team.

The goblins were the most numerous of the guests, then came the dwarves, wolves and trolls. There were also a few of the creatures of the deep old times and some Balrogs in the crowds – as well as a clearly visible host of Great Eagles who – even if they were there markedly also on a security mission - were supporting either team, so some of them clearly supported the visiting team.


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The game itself wasn’t exactly something you would tell legends about to your grandchildren.

Misty Mountains started the game bravely trying to make a game and Durin’s Bane created some real trouble in the FC Valinor downstairs forcing Eönwë and Thorondor to play it for real at the first ten minutes – but other than that the Misty Mountains offence was kept at bay with what seemed like a half-hearted effort. Now you ask how about Azog? Well Maglor held him with a decimal effort compared to holding the Gap of Maglor against Melkor…

Misty Mountains soon learned they had nothing to throw at FC Valinor but some long shots hoping for the best. But even that realiztion was preceded by a goal by the home team.

FC Valinor started the game with an easy pace just to get the hang of their opponent – and finding it lacking any decent threat they tried a few offences of which the second brought results already at 18 minutes. After William’s late tackle on Curufin he took the free kick himself targetting his brother running timely to the corner of the goal and heading the ball in comfortably behind the Chief Wolf like fooling a pet – well with Celegorm you’d figure he’d know something about the canine creatures and their ways…

The goal was something of an anticlimax to the game as the Misty Mountains seemed to draw back in fear of a bad beating but FC Valinor didn’t seem too enthusiastic to press on either as it seemed they had the game sovereignly under control – as they had.

And so it went that even without any real effort FC Valinor scored another goal before halftime when Curufin broke free from the box with a genius cross-pass by Yavanna and booted the ball in from in front of the Chief Wolf.

The game seemed over at the half time.

Misty Mountains came to the second half with an effort but was shut down the tighter the more they tried – and they soon gave away the game for good. FC Valinor was just a level too hard an opponent for them. Leading 2-0 FC Valinor had no reason to press either but took the second half of the game as a nice pressure and passing practise.

In the end it was not only the visiting fans who were discontent but also the homecrowds started booing towards the end as they wished to see goals and to feel some excitement. But FC Valinor knew they had a few levels stronger opponent to face on their next game and were not willing to exhaust themselves in this game that was a walk-through for them – and thus resisting the calls of their supporters they were content to just pass the ball around and keep Misty Mts. at bay when they tried to attack.

Finally the referee whistled the game to end. 2-0 was a result flattering the visiting team – the home team clearly was not interested in trying to win more.

Although, and to be fair, one reason for the low numbers would also be in the fact that even if there was a wide gap between the the team’s qualities the defence of the Misty Mts. with Caradhras, Gwaihir and Watcher was tougher FC Valinor might wish to admit: getting past them would have required some work and a tougher effort which FC Valinor was not willing (or able) to make this evening after they made their two goals securing their lead.


Misty Mts 0-2 FC Valinor
on target 3-6
tot shots 8-13
GOALS:
*18, 0-1 Celegorm (Curufin)
*45, 0-2 Curufin (Yavanna)
YELLOW CARDS:
*MMts- William, GreatGoblin, Watcher
*FCVal- Eonwe, Indis


FC Valinor goes through to the quarterfinals.