ARDA CUP Football 2012

[Nogrod]

Group E at Grey Havens, round 2

After the first round games had both ended in a draw, everything was open in group E at Grey Havens. To make the day’s match-ups even more interesting, both the favourites were clashing against each other and both the less favourites were doing so as well – even if in general this group has been seen as one of the most even groups of all. So any team pulling out a win today would take a huge step towards qualifying…

The tabloid-media did all it could to make interesting people meet each other in order to make scoops or at least hot-selling headlines. It was clear they weren’t able to lure Valar like Mandos or Ulmo into their games so they had to settle with stories like The Lhûnandarwinian’s headline after arranging Elwing to shortly meet with Amrod and Amras: “Kinslayers do not repent but suicidal thief-bird forgives them anyway after running away with the prize!”; or Mithlond Mist’s exclusive interview with Andreth: “Wiseheart’s wisdom of heart: I chose to betray my kin and play for the elven team with good conscience – and better looking fellow midfielders!”; or The Seaside Gossip’s story: “Voronwë’s Stockholm syndrome: He might have jailed me to the sea for seven years only to then release me, but I do love and honour Ulmo still”.

The word had spread around the city that the Riverside Gardens would be the place to be on game days – and the local elves clearly had heard the call, for as early as the midday the park started to fill with people, even if many of them didn’t quite understand anything about football. But who cared if there was a party? Quite a many were bitten by football-frenzy though and those of them not able to purchase a ticket set their own camps to the park with flags and other Grey Havens –accessories. The organisers had learned their lessons from the first game day and now multiple loudspeakers were assembled around the park so that people could listen to a live commentary of the games also outside the stadium. Some of the not-so-keen-to-football partyers found that a bit disturbing and tried to complain but the after some fans showed them their place there were no major interruptions…


~*~

No one though the match between The Sea and Valimar would be the fastest or most furious one could see, but still the pace of the game was more or less bad publicity to the whole game. The players were skillful, top of the skill one might say, and the tactics were even better – from the POV of the coach who wishes to eliminate any randomness or chance and plays it as safe as possible. But for the spectators it was just boring, unless you took your enjoyment from tactical manouvering and great defencive positioning.

That said, Vairë the Weaver managed to create a web of anticipation distracting the Maiar defences of Ulmo for a second or two creating a blue moment with enough wide a path for Alatar to swing in behind them. And it was a goal for Valimar – with their first shot at the goal! Voronwë looked like he had sold his honour and the whole elven nation, but Ulmo was seen pacifying him and pointing at Vairë, like promising that kind of thing wouldn’t happen again.

Whatever Ulmo’s point was, nothing happened during the rest of the first half, and even the second half started with more or less the same as both teams took it extremely conservatively playing every attack carefully from the defence building them carefully with long passing combinations eventually broken by the opponent. But the farther the game got the more pressure there was for The Sea to actually start attacking in more active and risky manner.

Twenty minutes from the end of the game Ulmo finally blew his horn and the waters in the sea and the river started rising forcing pick-nicking crowds near the water to run for safety around the stadium. If one had time to take a glance into the Númenorian forwards’ eyes, one could have seen the flash of relief in there: that was finally the sign telling them to go for it for real! Meanwhile the eyes of the Maiar vassals of Ulmo narrowed and they grew in size and strength to compensate for the lack of defending aid of the Númenorians.

And suddenly the game was alive when The Sea finally started to go for the equaliser for real. And what a show it was! One rarely sees Manwë sweating, but even that wonder was witnessed by the crowds on Lhûnarena this day.

It was busy time for Fëanor’s sons as Mandos could not scare every Númenorian coming forwards at the same time. And eventually at 77th minute Amrod had to foul Vëantur when he was about to force himself free from him going for a perfect pass by the stargazer Tar Meneldur. There was a free kick from just outside the box. Tar Minastir, the one who beat Sauron himself, took the free kick and what a shot it was! Manwë just barely managed to fist the ball away only to fall and watch in terror how Tar Ciryatan slided to the rebound and the ball went… inches away from the post and an empty goal.

Three minutes later Ulmo himself rose highest to head in a corner given by Tar Aldarion but Manwë managed to tip the ball to the post from where Vana swept the rebound away – straight into the feet of Tar Meneldur who’s reaction-shot just went wide off the mark.

Three minutes from the previous Valimar had some rare counterattacking going on when Ulmo broke a half-risky pass backwards by Celebrian and sent the ball far forwards to Tar Minastir who took it in speed running for the far end of the pitch on the left side getting Amrod and Vana after him trying to shut his way both from ahead and from behind. Vëantur and his grandson Tar Aldarion rushed forwards being guarded by Mandos and Amras respectively. Suddenly, about ten meters from the box and when Tar Minastir was closing in the end of the pitch, Vëantur stopped, made a 180 degree turn and dashed towards the goal in the middle. Mandos yelled with the speed of the turn and followed, behind. Amras noticed the alarming situation and acted on his speed charging straight towards the old Vëantur to force him away from the coming pass. But given room, Tar Aldarion turned left and paced towards the center ten meters behind the action that was now centering a few meters inside the box. Tar Minastir saw him and centered the ball not in front of the goal the defenders were running into after Vëantur, but a little backwards to Tar Aldarion who shot a cannon one-timer from just the edge of the box from behind the crowd of defenders closing in. Manwë didn’t have a clear line of sight to the ball but still got his fingers in the way of the ball when it came, but it was not enough to change the trajectory of the ball to deny the goal.

The spectators burst into cheers, for even if there was slight favour in support for team The Sea amongst the locals it was not that great – but now everyone felt the equalizer was well earned indeed – and many hoped The Sea would put in a winning goal as well in the last seven minutes. But that never happened.

So one more draw from group E.

The Sea 1-1 Valimar
on target 5-3
tot shots 15-10
GOALS:
*35, 0-1 Alatar (Vaire)
*83, 1-1 Tar Aldarion (Tar Minastir)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Sea- Osse, Veantur
*Valimar- Amrod, Alatar


If the afternoon match between The Sea and Valimar had been more or less like a children’s train ride in an amusement park (except the last twenty minutes), the evening match with the home team against the men of Hithlum was a first class rollercoaster ride where the elderly spectators sure needed their pills to stay alive following the game. Let a random fact illuminate the intensity of the game: Hithlum shot 20 and The Havens 19 shots. That means, cutting the corners, that there was a shot intended at scoring every other minute during the whole game. Forty shots!

Knowing the result of the first match both teams knew a win would be worth silmarils in regards qualification, so both teams really pressed hard to score from the first minutes onwards. And it was easy to see why the game was so balanced between the two sides: Havens’ elven defence with Cirdan at the goal is steady and strong but Hithlum’s attack is one of the fiercest in the whole tournament. Then again Hithlum’s defences are not the best there are, but even if Tuor and Eärendil are major figures they are not in the same class with Húrin, Turin and Hador Goldenhead. But both teams gave it all they had.

It is actually interesting how different teams receive an image from the media and how unfounded those images may be. If you asked before the tournament from any journalist or analyst about teams Hithlum and The Havens they would have told you that Hithlum would be badly defending attacking whirlwind outshooting every other team in the cup and that The havens would be a mediocre and dull team not able to either attack or defend well enough to get through but maybe from the weakest groups (like G). And here the teams were arranging such a shooting-gallery not many teams could put up – and both teams were also defending remarkably well forcing a host of shots to go wide the mark while both goalies did a marvellous job picking those shots that came on target. So if there were elves in the stands watching the game who were not football fans yet they sure were turned into ones!

The home team opened scoring on 21st minute when Eärendil passed the ball to his dad between the legs of the great Arroch defending at the edge of the box – and Tuor nailed the ball in from close quarters, again between the legs, of Aradan this time.

After fifteen minutes it was time for Túrin to show some willpower. You can see an animated re-enactment of the goal here here. Now that could be called determination – and confidence in one’s own skills!

The second half was just as intense as the first one had been. After a few hits at the posts and few tight saves The Havens went ahead another time from a nice free-kick trick. Grithnir had fouled Eärendil close the box and was carded for his foul. The wall was prepared and both Tuor and his son stood behind the ball ready to give the free kick. With everyone’s eyes at the father and son, no one quite realised that Andreth was standing idly beside the ball looking forwards like concentrating on a run after the ball would be off. But when the referee blew his whistle and Tuor and Eärendil glanced at each other dashing forwards one after another it was actually Andreth who turned quickly about and passed the ball – with dad and son still a few meters away from the ball – sideways to king Olwë who rushed in from behind – and booted it from the bottom of his heart and to the back of the net having a clear path for the ball. Aradan stood no chance there as he realised it with all the others way too late what was happening. The homecrowds were cheering crazily.

But Hithlum was not giving in – and neither was The Havens falling back to just defend their goal. So the high-paced game continued. All fans were literally standing on their toes for any action on the field as it was so fast and furious any could lead into a goal by either side.

On 60th minute there was a beautiful family-effort when Morwen passed the ball from midfield to her husband running towards the box, but instead of taking the ball into his control he passed it back diagonally with a onetimer touch to where his daughter Nienor had rushed creating some major disarray in the defences.

But instead of passing the ball to Hador who was breaking through on the other side, Nienor just stopped the ball realising her brother coming behind her with full speed – and stepping aside she gave Túrin a perfect shot into open. The shot would have knocked out a raging bull but it went just a few inches off target (which actually wasn’t a bull of any sorts but The Havens’ goal).

On 63rd minute Aegnor made a run with the ball to the end of the field and centered the ball at the last moment being pressed by Grithnir. Eärendil slided to the ball from under Arroch but the touch was bad and the ball went high up ending up to the roof of the goal.

On 68th minute The Havens were up to it again. This time it was Eärendil’s astonishing singular performance when from a counter-attack he flew through half the field alone leaving Androg and Gethron behind with nice dribbles but finally shooting Arroch managed to dash into the way and the ball went from it’s back far off the pitch – giving the home team only a throw they managed to waste.

On 70th Nienor made an effort from 30+ meters and Cirdan managed hardly to fist the ball away. In the ensuing row for the rebound in front of the goal Túrin managed to nick the ball from between Elwing and Annael backwards to Hador who was breaking in – and he hammered the ball in from full speed with no one being able to deny him. It was even once again with twenty minutes to go!

On 78th minute Hithlum was on it once more. This time Morewn’s intelligent pass reached Húrin behind the defencive line and he was about to shoot when the referee whistled offside. Túrin protested mightily but was pulled away by his sister before he got booked.

On 84th minute Tuor and Eärendil made a combined run towards the goal on a quick turnaround. Nearing the box Eärendil suddenly fell back just a little to confuse Grithnir shadowing him enough to buy time for a pass – and he succeeded in sending the ball exactly to the feet of his dad rushing forwards on his left but just as he was going to shoot Arroch managed to put him off balance just enough for the shot to fly high over the goal. The crowds were demanding a penalty but the referee was firm.

On 88th minute Húrin was elbowed nastily by Elwing when they were reaching for the high ball coming from Aradan. Húrin’s mouth was bleeding and Elwing got carded. Húrin was taken outside the pitch to be stiched and Túrin took the free-kick from about 25 meters. The homecrowds were holding their breath…
The shot went straight to the wall and bounced high up. Hador beat Lindo to the header and the ball went towards the low-left corner of the goal. Cirdan dived for it but somehow couldn’t catch it… the ball slipped from his fingers and hit the post from where it bounced into Annael’s leg taking another bounce back towards the goal. Olwë and Nienor slided towards the ball both trying to reach it only to collide into Cirdan who was trying to rise up after the ball. The ball hit Olwë in the back and bounced outwards from the goal where Hador was running with full speed – and he was just giving it a shot when he missed his balance, possibly aided by Eärwen trailing him, and both of them ended up in the pile began by Olwë and Nienor felling Annael as well while they went down. Amidst the chaos Elwing finally beat Túrin to the ball and just kicked it as far off as she could to make good her initial fault.

It was still even. And when the game actually resumed after a lot of discussion as to who did what and to whom and in which purpose or within or off the rules, the referee whistled it over and done with.

With some heated feelings flaring after the final whistle Tuor came to Túrin offering his shirt as a token of good will and mutual respect, and after a short pause his cousin accepted the exchange with an embrace. With Hador and Andreth doing the same the other players finally realised the game was over and that they were friends after all – and slowly also the audiences started chanting for both the teams and in praise of a tough and even game.

The problem with group E though seems to be too many even games… After four games no one has won a game but all games have ended in a draw. So the stakes will be astonishingly high on the last round. And even if every team wishes to qualify, it is clear no team wishes to meet FC Valinor in their first play-off game. So it is not only about winning the last game but about winning the last game with better goal difference the other possible winner does it.
We sure are looking forwards to those games!

Hithlum 2-2 The Havens
on target 8-8
tot shots 20-19
GOALS:
*21, 0-1 Tuor (Earendil)
*37, 1-1 Turin (Hurin)
*56, 1-2 Olwe (Andreth)
*70, 2-2 Hador (Turin)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Hithlum- Arroch, Grithnir
*Havens- Andreth, Elwing


Two games:

Hithlum 2 4-4
The Havens 2 3-3
The Sea 2 3-3
Valimar 2 1-1

Last matches:

Valimar vs. Hithlum
The Havens vs. The Sea

As all games have ended in a draw any team who wins their last game will qualify. In cases of further draws Hithlum has as now the best situation having scored the most and Valimar is in the worst situation, but the number of goals scored in the last round will finally settle the order of the teams.

[the phantom]

Group A @ Michel Delving

The hobbits were a bit surprised by the proposed start-times for round 2- they were later than they were used to, particularly considering their team was playing against Angband. It’s always been a tradition of “goodie” teams to force Orcs, Balrogs, etc. into playing early in the day, but admittedly this wasn’t a traditional Shire team, as it included Khamul, Nazgul #6, Golfimbul, and The Barrow-Wight.

Another way in which the Hobbits were breaking a trend- they weren’t anti Tol In Gaurhoth for the moment. Hobbits have shown a notable dislike for the Werewolves over the past few years, but they didn’t seem fussed about allowing them to play in the afternoon instead of the morning against The Downer. Some of the hobbits were set to openly root for the Wolves, as that would leave The Downer with nothing to play for in their final match against Shire-Bree United.

And so it was that the first match of the day wasn’t started until the sun was well past its high-point (which left the hobbits with plenty of time to eat multiple breakfasts and a lunch or two). There was the usual rambunctious herd of TIG fans in the arena, but the comfortable padded chairs were mostly filled by locals, partly because The Downer’s fan-base was many of the same Wights that supported TIG so faithfully. But if there was any question of loyalty, it was answered by the shirts and banners which largely ignored the existence of The Downer. Tol In Gaurhoth obviously came first in their hearts.

But The Downer did draw plenty of cheering during the first half as they unexpectedly went toe-to-toe with the famed Wolves and Wights of Tol In Gaurhoth. If there is one area in which TIG has excelled through the years, it would be in the realm of intimidation- but The Downer is famously fearless, to the point of stupidity. The half-insane rascals of The Downer fear no player, referee, crowd, or challenge, and meet all obstacles with reckless energy, and absolutely nothing else at times.

But today they had a plan, devised by captain Hookbill no doubt, which was to pester the heck out of TIG. Even the smaller and more frail members, such as Burnt Bert, who is little more than a stack of bones, followed TIG Wolves around gamely, chatting nonstop and grinning foolishly. And sadly for fans of the game, it worked. SallyWight, GaladriWight, and PhantomWolf in particular were soon more interested in cracking jokes than playing, while NilpWolf, AganWight, and NerWight were visibly angry and annoyed by The Downer and lost all sense of focus.

After a somewhat successful showing in the early going TIG’s game turned into a mess and The Downer owned the ball more and more as the first half progressed, but they still posed no serious threat. They booted a couple balls ShastaWolf’s direction almost to pacify the crowd it would seem. At the other end NogWolf and LegateWight were pretty well by themselves in executing and trying to make things happen, and so it was no surprise that the half ended at 0-0.

When the second half started it was pretty obvious that the Wolves had received some stern words at the half, for they were all sharply focused on the task at hand. An early corner was very nearly converted by AganWight, and just a minute later SallyWight forced another save.

The determined Wolves finally broke through in minute 52 when BoroWight hung a ball up over the middle just begging for one of the Wolves up front to make a play, and PhantomWolf did- a thunderous bicycle, and TIG was in front!

But The Downer had continued with their first-half tactics, and they were set to pay off. The Wolves and Wights that had been happily distracted the first half had been snapped back into focus, but those that had been severely annoyed and angered, among them BoroWight, were just getting angrier. And at last, BoroWight snapped.

Hookbill himself had been focusing on BoroWight, ribbing him about his substandard predictions on the first round, and about the Detroit Lions’ lack of Super Bowl appearances, and particularly about his love life. “In fact, I’m fairly certain your dog is the only thing that loves you!” Hookbill could be heard shouting as he received the ball and sent it back over to Lalwende. “But that’s only because you feed him! Stop that and I bet he’d eat you and think nothing of it!”

BoroWight closed in on Hookbill, intending to do something sly, like step on his shoe-laces, but Hookbill continued his treatment. “I hear you’re such a lazy bastard you’re making Phantom write your match report this round.” At that BoroWight forgot his previous intentions and bodied up on Hookbill, putting his knee none to gently into his hip briefly and whispering, “One… more… word…”

Hookbill flashed a grin and continued. “Sorry, old chap- never mind what I said about that dog of yours- Max, is it? There’s no way he could ever eat you. Not since I had Alien drive past your place this morning and toss him an arsenic-laced bone, ha ha!”

Throwing aside all decorum BoroWight threw an obvious right hook, which connected with Hookbill’s face- but not as hard as BoroWight hoped, as Hookbill was already in motion, flinging himself into a flailing cartwheel so that the refs would be certain to spot the blow.

And it was the cartwheel that did it, for indeed the men with the cards hadn’t spotted the punch, but they certainly saw that something had happened, and jogging over to investigate the mark on Hookbill’s cheekbone was clear enough to send BoroWight off- and frankly he was lucky they didn’t give him worse, or recommend he be out for an extra game or two.

Now a man down Tol In Gaurhoth scrambled to collect themselves and devise a game-plan, and Downer took advantage of the chaos efficiently by letting loose a surprisingly well-organized attack. Already a minute later The Downer equalized with BW Himself running up in support to slot it home, and the surprised Shire fans applauded and sat up with fresh interest. TIG wasn’t going to win this going away after all.

Or were they? The Wolves and Wights were sharper than ever with their backs against the wall, and Bubble Buddha found himself under a hail of withering shots. After a couple near misses and forced saves, NerWight sent a crafty back-heel pass to AganWight who deftly put TIG back in front!

There were cheers from both the TIG fans and the Hobbits- all had appreciated the goal. But Downer did not fold, but launched into a frantic one-touch pass cycle, their players dashing circles around the ten-man TIG squad that feared pressuring the ball lest they be left short-handed in an attack on their goal. Downer built up to a top-flight header from Alien, but ShastaWolf saved their hides. A couple minutes later ShastaWolf was forced to save the day again, this time on a power-drive from Saucepan Man. Hookbill very nearly cleaned up the rebound, but NilpWolf arrived just in time to clear it.

But TIG’s luck didn’t hold on the resulting corner, as SPM had his height and angle perfect on the feed to the far post and Alien outfought everyone for the right to touch it and smacked it with his bloody snout and the game was level once again!

TIG made ready some counter-strategy for the closing minutes, but shockingly Downer fell back to play defense and no longer pushing their advantage. Were they not playing to win? The tactic left TIG without their bearings for a moment, but finally they got organized and launched what they hoped would be the winning flurry in the final moments.

NogWolf only just pushed a header wide, PhantomWolf sent a 35-meter free kick just over the bar, SallyWight gained space with a quick turn but Bubble Buddha turned it aside, and next thing TIG knew the ref was blowing the whistle. It was a draw. TIG fans weren’t sure whether they should be upset with their squad, upset with the opposition, or just plain sad.

The Hobbits though- they were pleased for the most part. If they could draw Angband they’d be tied in second with the easiest final game, and if they won, well- they’d practically be in already. And even a loss wouldn’t kill them, as TIG could very well lose or draw Angband in the final match, so Shire-Bree United could still get in with a win over The Downer. It was a good start to the day for the Hobbits.

The Downer 2-2 Tol In Gaurhoth
on target 6-8
tot shots 17-21
GOALS:
*52, 0-1 PhantomWolf (BoroWight)
*59, 1-1 Barrow-Wight Himself (Lalwende MP)
*67, 1-2 AganWight (NerWight)
*78, 2-2 Saucepan Man (Alien)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Downer- Evil Mayo, Alien, Peter Hampton, Morsul
*TIG- PhantomWolf, BoroWight, NilpWolf
RED CARDS:
*TIG- BoroWight (57, second yellow)

All the lamps were lit for the start of the feature match- Angband versus Shire-Bree United. The sun was nearly down and the field was already drawing most of its light from the many oversized encased flames perched on posts thirty feet above the top row of seats. But it was still a bit dim- the stadium wasn’t particularly meant for night matches (unlike Tirion, for instance, with their Feanorean lamps), and so it was commonly thought that those with better night-vision would be helped in this contest.

Carcharoth, Telvildo, Gelmir, and Ancalagon would certainly be fine with it, and probably Morgoth as well. For the home-side, Golfimbul, Nazgul #6, Gildor, Barrow-Wight, Khamul, and Bombadil were fine with the dark, so the Hobbits actually considered it an advantage.

When the game kicked off, it certainly appeared Shire-Bree had some sort of advantage anyway, as everything they did was a notch better than the opposition. They advanced the ball to the wings a bit too easily, and Angband was just a bit slow and unorganized. The imbalance continued until, inevitably, Shire-Bree struck, as with a nice individual effort Khamul brought it along the end line, continually looking to send a quick cross to Strider and Bombadil, and eventually Carcharoth bit too hard and his eyes flitted to Bombadil and Khamul jammed it in near post off of Carcharoth’s back paws!

The Hobbits rang bells and shouted, and the little groups of Orcs and Rangers joined in the celebration as well. The game was off to a splendid start!

But it was no mere brigand leading the forces of Angband, and Morgoth was hard at work whipping his troops into better shape. Shire-Bree gained a few hopeful looking opportunities following their first goal, but neither was as high a quality as that one, and as the first half ticked away Angband began taking ownership.

At the half-hour mark they got their first serious chance on a long cross from Telvildo. Ancalagon looked to be the target rushing in and the defense collapsed, but the cross bent back to the trailing Gildor who met it cleanly and unopposed, and Halbarad barely batted the ball down. The following corner was a near thing too, but Ancalagon’s high tail-strike deflected off of Golfimbul’s back before it could challenge Halbarad.

Just before the half ended Angband gained their coveted equalizer. In a similar looking play, Telvildo sent it in from the wing, only this time the defense didn’t sell out on Ancalagon, but unfortunately for them this ball was to the dragon and he smacked it home with authority!

The reviews at the half were mixed- Shire-Bree had started fast and the optimists believed they had the talent up front to get it done, but the others pointed out the direction things had gone, and pointed out that they really had no answer for Ancalagon. “We’ll just have to deny him,” answered the hopeful Hobbits.

And that looked like the strategy when Shire-Bree opened the second half. They ran a beautiful possession game and kept the ball off the feet of Angband. They gained a couple decent looks as a result, but Carcharoth was equal to them. After 20 minutes Angband got their first quality attack going and earned a look or two, but the shots were not precise coming in from the midfield, and Angband was bracketed any time it looked like it might go his way. Morgoth bellowed for the rest of the offense to take advantage, but when Angband pressed in- that’s when things went wrong.

Nazgul #6 made a nice slide to break up the possession, and sent it on up to a dashing Barrow-Wight who broke from the possession tactics and took it upfield immediately, Bombadil and Gildor on either side. Angband was definitely not prepared, and only Morgoth and his Balrog recovered in time to help shield Carcharoth.

As they neared the box the Balrog decided to force the action and challenged Barrow-Wight, and BW touched it beautifully to Gildor moving towards him, who touched it right back to BW who had run around the opposite side of the Balrog. But BW didn’t hold it for even a second, for he had spotted Morgoth making his move and knew he couldn’t recover if he played it right, and he served up a perfect ball up over the dark lord and to the left post. Bombadil and Carcharoth both left their feet for it, and Bombadil was there just a hair sooner, heading it right off the paw-tips of the Werewolf and in for the lead!

The stadium went just plain wild- perhaps it was as loud as it had ever been. The Orcs and stray creature or two in the Angband section looked two seconds from leaving. Indeed some of them could be seen gathering their things in their laps, prepared to dash if things got even more embarrassing.

But as is so often the case, the fans were overreacting, and their squad rebounded and looked dangerous enough once again to force them to put their drinks down. Shire-Bree meanwhile was hanging on for dear life as Angband went full-pressure, and found some success.

Morgoth himself had a tricky header off the ground that was barely controlled, and Telvildo sent a snipe off the post and forced a save on another. Finally the damage was done off of a long free-kick, with Morgoth rising above all others and heading it again, only this one high instead of off the ground, and it scraped in under the bar to level the match.

Both sides were deathly afraid of giving up the winner in the final minutes, but they soon found the same was true of the other side and neither was doing much to close the match out. Shire-Bree was frankly okay with getting out of the match with a point, as was Angband after being behind with under ten minutes to play. Both would control their fates in the final round.

Angband 2-2 Shire-Bree United
on target 6-8
tot shots 18-16
GOALS:
*13, 0-1 Khamul (Bandobras)
*42, 1-1 Ancalagon (Telvildo)
*68, 1-2 Bombadil (Barrow-Wight)
*83, 2-2 Morgoth (Ulfang)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Angband- Uldor, Balrog #1
*SBUnt- Nazgul #6

[Shastanis Althreduin]

Having lost previously to the Men (and Horses) of Rohan, Imladris came into this game knowing they needed a win in order to have any hope of advancing. With that in mind, they planned a high-pressure, high-possession game. However, Misty Mountains was just as desperate, and more used to getting close to the ball, using their physicality. This game promised to be an exciting watch.

And exciting it was! Both teams came out of the gate with blazing speed and energy - Imladris gained possession of the ball first and drove it down the center into the Misty Mountains area. The ball bounced like a pinball between Arwen and the sons of Elrond; Tom dove into Elrohir seconds after he had chipped it left, towards Elladan, and received a yellow card for his trouble. The Misty Mountains card march had begun.

Play resumed in the Misty Mountains area, and Elladan wasted no time in blasting in a header from Figwit, at the seventeen-minute mark. Bert and William were not best pleased by this, and earned yellow cards for themselves as well through a bit of rather intense blocking, to prevent Varda from nabbing the ball away from Orophin.

The ball was given back to Imladris, but a crafty steal by Orophin (who really, really wanted the ball) resulted in a line drive down the right side of the field, where Durin's Bane was waiting for the easy chip into the goal. Misty Mountains had tied it up by the half.

A tie wasn't going to be good enough for either team, though, and Imladris came back in the second half with energy to spare. Misty Mountains, on the other hand, was flagging a bit, and it showed. They kept possession for a while, but didn't have the speed required to break through Imladris's defense, and around the hour-mark things took a turn for the worse. A blocked shot by Durin's Bane resulted in Imladris possession, and Arwen kneed the ball at an awkward angle, sending it flying down the field, spinning wildly. As it landed, it bounced randomly - but Erestor read the wacky bounces perfectly and swooped in, sending the ball into the high right corner of the Misty Mountains goal.

Poor Tom was so worked up over this, he kicked Elrohir rather than the ball, earning himself a second yellow and ejection from the game.

Now a man down, Misty Mountains seemed to lose their spirit. Elrohir booted in another goal late in the match easily enough, with help from Varda, and the match ended in Imladris's favor, 3 - 1.




Imladris 3-1 Misty Mts
on target 7-6
tot shots 16-14
GOALS:
*17, 1-0 Elladan (Figwit)
*28, 1-1 Durin’s Bane (Orophin)
*63, 2-1 Erestor (Arwen)
*78, 3-1 Elrohir (Varda)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Imladris- Figwit, Elrohir
*MMts- DBane, Bert, Tom, Watcher, William
RED CARDS:
*MMts- Tom (66, second yellow)


The sun was still high in the sky as Rohan and Isengard prepared to battle - there would be no devious tricks by Saruman this time. However, that didn't mean the Rohan defenders weren't particularly on the alert for anything devious. Saruman, however, had decided to spend his time more wisely, in practice with his team, and had prepared a (relatively) clean game this time. The match began with Rohan taking possession and sending the ball down field, but Gandalf's shot from way back was easily caught by a gust of wind from Caradhras and Isengard returned fire.

Wormtongue and Wulf were pressuring the Rohan defense, but the ball slipped away from them and Radagast managed to nab it. He sent it flying upfield toward Gandalf, and his fellow wizard continued the ball's flight with a sturdy kick.

Saruman dove for the ball, but missed (rather badly, in fact - a couple people in the crowd tittered about it, but only a couple), and the first person to get to it was Rohan's Helm Hammerhand. Helm slid into the ball, and it bounced several times - first, off the back of Saruman's head; second, off the right goal post; and finally off a mis-timed lunge from Ugluk and into the back of the net.

One goal was enough for Rohan; they went completely into lockdown mode for the rest of the match, giving their defense more practice. Even the midfielders got into the act, rarely venturing across the center line into Isengard territory. The match ended rather anticlimacticly, but Rohan was happy enough; with two wins, they were virtually shoe-ins to move on to the next round. Isengard was less happy, knowing they'd have to have a stellar performance against Imladris in order to have a hope of continuing in the tournament.



Isengard 0-1 Rohan
on target 3-3
tot shots 8-9
GOALS:
*80, 0-1 Helm (Gandalf)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Isengard- Wulf, Wormtongue, Freca
*Rohan- Helm, Eomer, Radagast

[the phantom]

Group A

Angband clinches first with a win, or with a draw and a SBUnt draw or loss, or if SBUnt wins by less than two goals. They clinch at least a playoff berth with a SBUnt loss or tie.

Tol-In-Gaurhoth clinches a spot with a win. They also clinch with a draw and a SBUnt loss, or a SBUnt draw should SBUnt score fewer total goals than TIG.

SBUnt clinches a spot with a win. They also clinch with a draw and a TIG loss, or a TIG draw should TIG score fewer total goals than SBUnt.

The Downer can make the playoffs with a win combined with a loss or draw by TIG. They can also get in with a win and an Angband loss should the goal difference of the two games add up to 5 or more.

Group B

Eriador is in. They clinch first with a win or draw over Inter Bel.

Inter clinches first with a win and second with a draw. Should they lose they will still advance unless Gondolin wins and the differential of the two games adds up to 3 or more.

Gondolin must win and have Inter lose, and the differential must combine to be at least 3.

Arnor has been eliminated and is playing for pride.

Group C

Erebor is in. They clinch first with a win or draw. They can still get first with a loss if Wilderland loses or draws, or even if they win so long as the combined differential does not exceed 2 and they out-goal Wilderland.

Wilderland clinches a berth with a win, or with a draw combined with an Anduin loss or draw. If they draw and Anduin wins by three goals or more their spot is not guaranteed.

Anduin clinches with a win combined with a Wilderland loss. Should Wilderland draw Anduin can still advance by winning big.

Dwarves United clinches with a win, unless Anduin also wins and by a margin equal to or greater than Dwarves Unt.

Group D

FC Valinor is in. They’ve clinched first unless they lose by a large margin and Armenelos vs Real Valinor is also a blowout.

Armenelos clinches with a win or draw.

Real Valinor clinches with a win.

Tirion has been eliminated and is playing for pride.

Group E

Every team is tied with 2 points (Hithlum, Havens, Sea, Valimar). Any team that wins clinches a berth.

A draw by Hithlum clinches a berth due to goals scored, unless Havens and Sea also draw and both exceed Hithlum’s total goals in their game. Should all teams draw goals scored will determine which squads advance. If teams are also tied there then the right to advance and/or first-second placement will be decided with penalty kicks.

Group F

Rohan is in. They clinch first with a win or draw, or with an Imladris loss or draw. Should Rohan lose and Imaldris win, Imladris would take first.

Imladris clinches a berth with a win, or with a draw combined with a Misty Mts draw or loss. Misty Mts advances if Imladris draws and Misty wins by margin exceeding 3.

Isengard clinches with a win combined with a Misty Mts loss or draw. If they both win by equal margins, Isengard advances on goal differential.

Misty Mts advances with a big win combined with a draw in the other game or a narrow win by Isengard.

Group G

AC Beleriand and Angfauglith can clinch first with a win. A draw clinches a spot for both, with first going to AC Bel on goal differential. Both teams also clinch if Doriath vs Nargothrond ends in a draw.

AC Bel can also advance with a loss so long as it isn’t lopsided combined with a lopsided win for Doriath. Angfauglith can advance with a narrow loss and a Nargothrond win by less than four goals, or with a one goal Doriath win so long as Doriath doesn’t score more total goals.

Doriath clinches with a win combined with an Angfauglith loss so long as the combined differential is greater than 2, or if it’s exactly two and Doriath scores more goals in their game than Angfauglith.

Nargothrond advances with a win and an Angfauglith loss and a combined differential of five or more.

Group H

Gondor is in. They’ve already clinched first.

Minas Tirith clinches second with a win over Gondor. They also clinch with a draw combined with a draw in the other contest. The can advance with a one-goal loss and a draw in the other contest so long as Barad Dur does not score more goals than them.

Barad-Dur advances with a win combined with a Minas Tirith loss or draw. Barad-Dur will advance with a draw if Minas Tirith loses by more than one goal, and can advance with a MTirith one-goal loss if they score more than MTirith.

Mordor gets the second berth with a victory and a Minas Tirith loss or draw.

[Nogrod]

Group A
Angband – Tol-In-Gaurhoth
Shire-Bree united – The Downer

At the moment the table and schedual looks most promising for Shire-Bree Utd.: winning the weakest team in the group in their last game they will definitively qualify. So it is all in their own hands and it looks promising to them.

The Downer isn’t totally out of the competition either as by winning Shire-Bree – and Angband simultaneously winning or drawing against T-I-G – they are through. It’s just that only a few would bet their money on that from the masters of erratic behaviour. Never say never, but the AKM wouldn’t suggest you to count on their qualifying.

That said, most eyes will turn into the game between Angband and T-I-G.
There are many things for Angaband’s favour here. The first one of them being that a draw is enough for them to qualify, however the other game ends up with. Second is, that their attack led by the black Ancalagon himself has clearly been the most deadly in the group thus far (with 38,5% scoring rate from shots on target). Thirdly: Carcaroth has been the best goalie of the group thus far with 72,7% saving-rate (compared to Shastawolf’s 66,7% - which is not a big difference though).

Also and fourthly, if The Downer manages even to draw with Shire-Bree, Angband will qualify even if they lose. But as it is not too probable – and because there will be two teams qualifying – we need to look at the team T-I-G as well.

Now team T-I-G really messed up drawing with the Downer. There’s no denying it: starting the last game with 4 points rather than 2 would have made a huge difference. But as it stands T-I-G basically needs to win. To take the positive side of it, the T-I-G team is a frequent team in the semis or at least quarters, and they tend to lighten up when the stakes are high (they are even known to be a bit lackluster in group-games & friendlies when there is no real price in the game). The negative side then is, that this T-I-G team has been just lame. The AFA’s decision to deny them all playing as werewolves but as wights is easy to see in their performance, but even the few werewolves have performed an average performance thus far at best. All the flash and flair has been missing.

But can they find it for their last game for unless they can, it will definitively be their last game in the whole tournament.

The AKM predicts: Angband and Shire-Bree to qualify.

The AKM advice for phantasy-players:
1) Shire-Bree will score so anyone in their team probable to score or assist is a good pick for your team.
2) T-I-G will not be able to shut Angband out so Ancalagon or Tevildo might be reasonable picks.
3) Angband backstairs (goalie & defenders) are a risky choice as T-I-G may get into berserk mode.
4) Don’t even think of The Downer backstairs – and looking at the games you should probably pick your goalie & defenders from another group in general.

Group B
Eriador – Inter Beleriand
Arnor – Gondolin

So Arnor has no chances to qualify and will play solely for their honour. But they are the dunéadain and they play on their homeground, so they will not let Gondolin win them. They may – and probably will – lose the game, but they will not give in an inch just because their hopes of qualification have vanished.

Eriador on the other hand has secured their qualification already, but seeing Glorfindel, The Witch King and Gil-Galad finally warming up to the competition and seeing Elrond back in the goal, it is hard to see them just making a walk-through in their last match – especially as they sure would wish to avoid meeting Fëanor’s and Beren’s AC Beleriand on the first play-off round and thus will not wish to lose the game against Inter Beleriand.

So is it Gondolin or Inter who are going to qulify?

Now Gondolin has been a bit disappointing for a second year in a row. But with a draw against Inter Beleriand in their pocket they have all chances to end up even with them. Here their 1-3 loss to Eriador come to some signifigance, as they do not only need to win, but they need to win by a margin (or hope Inter Beleriand loses to Eriador badly as well). Their advantage is that they will know the result of the previous game when their game starts so they will know just with how many goals they will have to win to qualify. Sadly, for them, Arnor will not just let them do as many goals they wish…

But if Inter Beleriand snatches even a draw from Eriador, everything Gondolin might have planned will go down the drain. And that’s exactly what Inter will wish to do. Unlike most news agencies and the general public, the AKM believed that Inter Beleriand was better team than they looked in the friendlies, and their first games have shown the AKM to have been at least partially true.

Looking at the stats from the first two rounds reveals clearly that there are teams from two different levels in this group: Eriador and Inter score better than 40% of their shots on target while Gondolin and Arnor only manage around 20%; also the goalkeepers’ saving percentages are around 80% with Elrond (Eriador) and Turgon (Inter) while both Gondolin and Arnor’s goalies
precentages are rather around 60%.

The AKM predicts: Eriador and Inter Beleriand to qualify.

The AKM advice for phantasy-players:
1) Don’t pick any Arnor-players.
2) Pick Gondolin forwards, well Maeglin or Gothmog, if you feel risky. Rôg at Gondolin goal might be a nice idea – but do remember that if Gondolin doesn’t qualify all your Gondolin players become redundant and need to be replaced and there are limited changes from this round on…
3) If you don’t have Fingon or Maedhros in your team already this might not be the time to include them as Elrond will be proving a tough goalie to beat and the qualification of Inter is far from being secure (even if more probable than Gondolin’s).
4) Eriador will probably play at least a few games still so players from the team are decent investments. And the opposition rarely scores over one goal against them so even defenders could be entertained. Elrond, of course, but it costs you two stars… and has only carried the owner 4 points / round thus far (which is not bad but not great if you reach for a jackpot).

Group C
Wilderland – Dwarves United
Erebor – Anduin

While knocking on wood the AKM says this to be one of the easiest groups to predict. Anduin looked like a team to challenge the two frontrunners of this group after the friendlies (playing even with Wilderland, beating Imladris and losing to Valimar only 0-1) but losing 1-3 to Wilderland and only managing a draw 1-1 with the Dwarves United has basically brought them down from any decent betting for qualifiers.

Now there is a possibility that either the Dwarves or Anduin could qualify over Wilderland – as Erebor is already through for sure – but that is a great but.
Wilderland only needs a draw against the Dwarves United in their last game and they are through. They won Dwarves Utd. at friendlies 4-1 and there has been no sign thus far that Dwarves Utd. would have found an extra gear to pull in in the group-games.

Erebor in turn has secured the pole position of the group and thus they know they are not going to meet Rohan on the first drop-out –round. That leaves the door open for Anduin to go for a good result – if Erebor wishes to take it lazy with nothing at stake. And that is a possibility. But that Erebor would let Anduin win the game? Nonsense.

The AKM predicts: Erebor and Wilderland to qualify.

The AKM advice for phantasy-players:
1) All Erebor-players are good picks at this time. They will most probably play at least two games still and thus will not become obsolete too soon. Facing most probalby Imladris in the first knock-out round they have all the chances to go even further. Bard seems to be hot at the moment and Beorn is a good pick for a “cheap” goalie.
2) Looking at Dwarves Utd’s stats it seems all Wilderland players would be good picks as well for this round, but if (and when) they qualify they will (most probably) meet Rohan and there their forwards might not be the smartest players to have around (remember the limited choices you have when the play-offs begin).
3) A problem for a phantasy player with Wilderland is the fact that there are at least four players; Scatha, Oromë, Galadriel and Elwë who can produce the result – so unlike with Ancalagon and Angband you can’t quite pin-point the one to bring you the points.
4) Don’t pick players from Anduin or Dwarves United, or if you really wish to do so, then pick someone from Anduin (in case you believe Erebor is not willing to play it seriously as they are already the winners of the group). Or maybe Legolas lights in fire in the last game and scores a hat-trick? Well, you pick him at your own risk.

Group D
FC Valinor – Tirion
Armenelos – Real Valinor

In group D the sitution is quite clear-cut. FC Valinor has qualified and they face Tirion in the last round who have no chance of qualifying. So all the pressure will be on the late game between Armenelos and Real Valinor where the winner will take it all.

FC Valinor could take it easy and relax in their last game if they wished, but with Huan, Celegorm and Curufin aboard, or Penlod or Lórien, or…, it is hard to see them lazying through the game. Then again they are facing fex. the hottest striker of the friendlies aka. Grandpa Finwë, Ar-Feiniel the White Lady and Eönwë the mighty, great Thorondor, and the first awaken Ingwë. So let us not decide on the outcome just yet as it is a game of honour and effort rather than competitive match, as the other team will win the group and another will stay in the group whatever the result.

But Armenelos against Real Valinor then? That is a game that will give a headache to many. They are both at same points (3) but Armenelos has a better goal-difference (-1) and has scored three goals while Real Valinor has a lousier goal difference (-2) and has scored only two goals. So in case they draw, Armenelos will qualify. In case either team wins, the winner qualifies.

Now the first question concerns the celebrity-trio Nerdanel, Miriel and Arien many had bet their money before the tournament (the editor of the AKM included). Where is their flare and flash? Is it that their midfield is not able to feed them well enough? Have they lost their touch? How is the number one goal-scorer Tilion faring in the defence and why has he not been brought up at least to the midfield? Is there a rift between Arien and Tilion that they can’t perform together? Whatever the reason, Real Valinor has the least effective attack of the whole group D! With a band of players like that who would outscore any opposition in any other group just like that! Well, more or less so…

Then again, can Armenelos deliver without Elros and without a few of their hottest scorers gone into the team The Sea? After more or less mediocre friendlies they have shown some real quality beating Tirion in a thriller and only losing to FC Valinor with two goals. But is it enough against Real Valinor which plays it’s back against the wall? Like Armenelos does. But Armenelos has the home advantage and in their case it is not a small thing but rather like some say, the twelveth player on the pitch.

The AKM predicts: FC Valinor to qualify, Tirion not to qualify… (not hard to “predict”)

The AKM bets: Real Valinor will qualify. To paraphrase a 7th age writer Edmund Husserl we say that we love Armenelos but we love even more the amazing trio of Real Valinor. We feel Armenelos has all it takes to qualify but we do believe Real Valinor will step up to the challenge and wake up to win the game.

The AKM advice for phantasy-players:
1) FC Valinor will go a long way in this tournament, possibly and probably to the very end of it, so any players from that squad are generally good picks, especially at this point of the tournament you should have one or two of their players in your team. Facing Tirion in their next game the backstairs might not be the best option but in the long run even they might pay off. Although: Huan has still not given in even one goal (the AKM believes he will concede at least one against Tirion though).
2) If you believe that the female power-trio of Real Valinor will light up in the game where it matters it might be sensible to pick one of them into your team, but if they lose you will have to change them as they will them come obsolete.
3) Armenelos will most probably score at least once and Ar Pharazôn is probably your best bet at it – but Ar Adunakhôr is a wise choice as well regarding the stars you wish to spend. But choosing Armenelos players demands you believe Armenelos will qualify: otherwise don’t pick them.
4) If you think you can afford choosing a player from a team that you know will not qualify – like a spot on special recruitement for one match – then consider Finwë of Tirion. He was the best forward in the friendlies and has been consistently good in the real tournament as well. He will most probably carry you points this round. Sadly he won’t be available to do the same on the next one.


Part 2 to be published sometime soon.

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Group Tables:



(1) secured first seed
(q) qualified for the knockout stage; seeding undetermined
(x) eliminated

Power Rank:



Greatest gain:

• +19 Gondor
• +15 Inter Beleriand
• +11 Mordor

Greatest loss:

• -30 Real Valinor
• -21 Armenelos
• -17 Anduin

The Power Ranking is based on the aggregate of offensive and defensive ranking, combined with the adjusted goal difference rank of each team. The listed offensive and defensive rankings are from the actual numbers by the teams, and not adjusted. Ties are broken by a) win-draw-loss record; and b) goal difference.

The offensive ranking is based on the goals scored throughout the matches. Ties are broken by a) greater number of shots made on target; and b) greater number of shots made.

The defensive ranking is based on the goals allowed throughout the matches. Ties are broken by a) least number of shots allowed on target; and b) least amount of shots allowed.

Top Individual Performers:

GOALS + ASSISTS

3+1
Fëanor (AC Beleriand)

3+0
Ancalagon (Angband)
Beren (AC Beleriand)

2+2
Anarion (Gondor)

2+1
Bombadil (Shire-Bree United)
Fingon (Inter Beleriand)
Glorfindel (Eriador)
Scatha (Wilderland)
Celegorm (FC Valinor)
Túrin (Hithlum)
Thuringwethil (Anfauglith)
Sauron (Barad-dûr)

2+0
Saucepan Man (The Downer)
Witch-king (Eriador)
Bard (Erebor)
Finwë (Tirion)
Tar-Aldarion (The Sea)
Finrod (Nargothrond)
Castamir (Barad-dûr)
Boromir I (Minas Tirith)
Shelob (Mordor)

GOALKEEPING

1. Huan (FC Valinor) - 7/7 (100%)
2. Théoden (Rohan) -5/5 (100%)
3. Beorn (Erebor) - 9/10 (90.00%)
4. Turgon (Inter Beleriand) - 13/16 (81.25%)
5. Elrond (Eriador) - 8/10 (80.00%)
6. Elros (Imladris) - 8/10 (80.00%)
7. Manwë (Valimar) - 8/10 (80.00%)

YELLOW CARDS

2 Yellow Cards

Evil Mayo (The Downer)
Morsul (The Downer)
BoroWight (Tol-in-Gaurhoth)
Forweg (Inter Beleriand)
Lenwë (Anduin)
Caranthir (Real Valinor)
Figwit (Imladris)
Tom (Misty Mts)
Herumor (Barad-dûr)
Turambar (Gondor)
Eärnil I (Gondor)
Eärnil II (Minas Tirith)
Grishnákh (Mordor)

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

In case you didn't notice, I put one over the man in this matchday, hijacking TENT's feed and replacing it with my own. Now I'm sure those media moguls will be back with more than a vengeance, but free speech has triumphed, and no one can deny that! O happy day!

Anyway, I got a pathetic 5/16 on the games this round, drawing even TTN this time. We probably wouldn't hit the side of Hithaeglir with a catapult at this rate.

Group A: 0/2

The Downer will have more bookings than shots on target.

Fail. Anyway, I know the goalbound shots aren't his fault, but seriously, ShastaWolf, what's wrong with you this year? Seer got ya?

Group B: 1/2

Elrond will limit Gothmog and Maeglin to one goal.

Win. So sure, Maeglin and Gothmog are First Age legends, but Elrond was the first one to face a Kinslaying and live. Nothing beats that.

Group C: 0/2

Dragons will have more goals than Dwarves will have shots on goal.

Fail. The Dwarves even created a goal, who would have thunk it?

Group D: 1/2

Arien will score a hat-trick to make up for the previous round's loss.

Fail. Just one goal, plus one yellow card. Hotheaded much?

Group E: 0/2

Ulmo will score. Or at least he'll create a goal.

Fail. As a side note: apparently, Ulmo is too sporting to leave his peer goalless. That's the only way Valimar could have scored against The Sea.

Group F: 2/2

Remember Helm's Deep, Saruman? Helm will get one.

Helm pwns j00. And gets a yellow card to boot.

Group G: 0/2

Finrod will get more goals than Fëanor.

For 52 minutes, he did. T_T

Group H: 1/2

Erm, good guys win?

Erm, does the draw count as a moral victory?

Round 3 predictions (sans the other predictions, since they're really not working):

Group A:
The Downer vs Shire-Bree United
Angband vs Tol-in-Gaurhoth

I don't think the Wolves deserve to qualify. A draw with The Downer, seriously? My mother's sewing buddies could pull that off!

Group B:
Arnor vs Gondolin
Eriador vs Inter Beleriand

Elrond will school his grand-uncles. You will curse the day you let him live, Maedhros!

Group C:
Erebor vs Dwarves United
Anduin vs Wilderland

Poor Anduin. Denied two years in a row. But if even Galadriel and Elwë, Elves who probably read siege-survival manuals before going to bed, get that look in their eyes, the one where everything looks like a path to the back of the net, I doubt anyone can stop them. (Well, Erebor did. )

Group D:
Armenelos vs Real Valinor
Tirion vs FC Valinor

Fiddlesticks! So it's come to this? . . . Sorry, Arien, I choose Tar-Míriel.

Group E:
The Havens vs The Sea
Hithlum vs Valimar

So . . . if Hithlum and Valimar have a one-all draw and The Havens and The Sea have a scoreless draw, what happens to this group? Okay, Hithlum advances, and then what? Can they take the third team in Group D instead?

Group F:
Imladris vs Isengard
Misty Mts vs Rohan

Gandalf vs Durin's Bane, round two. I'm betting on the Grey Guy.

Group G:
Anfauglith vs AC Beleriand
Doriath vs Nargothrond

The day I stop believing Felagund is the day I die. And don't tell me about the goal difference!!!

Group H:
Gondor vs Minas Tirith
Barad-dûr vs Mordor

1. Eldacar is the only known victor in an actual fight between Dúnedain. Advantage: Gondor.
2. Spiders > Dark Lords. Advantage: Mordor