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It was decided that the respective group winners would be given the opportunity to host the first round of the knockout-stages of the Arda Cup. Since Valimar won group H, match 8 was supposed to be held in th fair, silver-domed city, but as it turned out, it was impossible for the authorities of Aman to grant entry-visas to the mortal men of Minas Tirith, not to mention their fans. Regardless of this, Cirdan of the Gray Havens would not have been able to provide with white ships to transport all the involved personal on the straight path to the West, at least with such short notice. Therefore Valimar team leader Eönwe asked the Cup administrators if it were at all possible to play the match in Bree instead, since the team was already settled here and enjoyed it. This was an arrangement to everyone’s liking, since the travelling fans of Minas Tirith could make it here in numbers. Barliman Butterbur of the Prancing Pony, as well as all the other Inn-owners, was also well pleased, as his business could enjoy a prolonged period of Arda Cup boom business.

There was no question of which team the locals cheered for. Although they’d enjoyed seeing Valimar play in the group stages, and were proud that the mighty Ainur wanted their stadium as a home away from home, Aragorn played for Minas Tirith and that was all the Bree-landers needed to know. Aragorn, or Striker as he is known in these parts, is a legend after all the charity work he’s done over the years and if anyone could disturb the mighty Valimar, Aragorn was the man to do it, at least according to the pundits at the Pony. But the neutrals and betting agencies all agreed that no matter how good Aragorn was, he alone would not make the difference. Minas Tirith had surprised everyone just by making it past the group stages, but Valimar had impressed perhaps more than any other team in the tournament and anything but a comprehensive win for the Aman side would be a sensation.

Ahead of the match Goldberry sang the national anthem, and the crowd was moved to tears by the aural and visual beauty. But when Ungoliant and the Balrogs entered a great fear fell on them although they’d seen the monsters before. This was nothing you’d get used to. Aragorn also came out and the crowd roared, chanting his name with deafening power. There was also Melkor, He who arises in Might, still in a fair hue, very pleasant on the eye. His behavior had been impeccable so far, but the Bree crowd remembered the naughty tricks played on Tom Bombadil, and although Melkor was seemingly innocent of the events not a few suspected that he was the mastermind behind the scandalous attempts to injure the star man. There had also been signs that Melkor had assumed the real leadership over this Valimar team, with the exception of Tulkas who remained loyal to Eönwë.

On the field however, there was no sign of internal troubles for Valimar. They were all professionals and here to play well, and that they did. In the group stages they’d dominated, but now when it mattered even more, they seemed to have a higher gear still to kick in. Minas Tirith were soon clinging on for dear life, and even the deadly duo of Aragorn and Boromir had to help out at the back in order to contain the mighty Ainur. Melkor was playing like in ages past on the midfield, not selfishly as one would have expected ahead of the tournament, but well-balanced, passing the ball when that was the best option, and taking on defenders himself or shooting when this fitted his counsels better. To be fair, Minas Tirith never had a chance. The first goal came in the 22nd minute when Tulkas headed Eömwë’s cross past Etchelion after a wonderful flowing move by Valimar. The White City defended well, and Ecthelion made a few stunning saves to keep them afloat, but little before half time Melkor managed a second goal, as he collected a return pass from Tilion and with great composure scored with a placed shot. Based on what the crowd had seen two nil down in halftime was a pretty good result for Minas Tirith.

Aragorn tried to inspire a comeback, but had to realize that Valimar were too good on the night. Mardil the Faithful, who’d impressed earlier with his creative play, came closest for the White City, as his curling free kick clipped the ouside of Ungoliant’s post, but in the 62nd minute the match was practically over when Eönwë scored his third goal of the tournament off a threaded pass from Arien. The Bree crowd applauded politely although their favorite team had been beaten. At least they felt better about their own team now, which actually managed to disturb this impressive Valimar side, at least for a while. The question is, will anyone better their effort, or can Valimar perhaps go all the way?

Valimar 3-0 Minas Tirith
shots 19-7
on target 10-2
GOALS:
*22, Valimar (Tulkas, Eonwe)
*41, Valimar (Melkor, Tilion)
*62, Valimar (Eonwe, Arien)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Valimar- Pallando
*Minas Tirith- Calimehtar, Beregond