Middle-Earth Football Tournament

[Sleepy Ranger]

Live from Old Forest (10 Points if you guess its real life counterpart.) First match starts at 6:30pm EST.

Mordor 2-0 Rohan

Though Rohan put a valiant effort they weren't able to withstand the might of Mordor. The first half was rather bland without many incidents. Though it seemed that Mordor would be the team to get carded it was in fact Theoden of Rohan who went beserk in the early stages of the second half and took down Dark Lord in a dangerous tackle in the box to earn himself a red card and give away a penalty. The Rohan team could only watch helplessly as their keeper dove the opposite direction from which Dark Lord kicked the ball. The second goal was an excellent solo effort from Nazgul#7, he charged down the flank and lobbed the ball high and then rushed in to finish of the job himself.
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Arnor 1-0 Vinyamar

Vinyamar had this match under their control but a corner given away in the 50th minute was converted to a goal by Arvedui. After that the match was reduced to a mid-field battle with a few breakaways now and then put nothing resulted in another goal. Vinyamar were infuriated at the loss while Arnor were in high spirits knowing that they were a step closer to qualifying.
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Woodhall 0-3 Valimar

*No Comment*
12th- Varda (FK)
43rd- Varda (High powered into top right corner)
57th- Yavanna (Header of a corner)
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Ephel Brandir 0-1 Erebor

This was a heated battle for supremacy, one that Erebor won but just barely. It seemed they would be struggling without Smaug and at many a time they were and the defense had to work over time. Ephel Brandir sunk in a goal in the 47th minute which was dis-allowed by Boromir88 because the ball touched their forward's hand. After this Erebor did the most shocking thing ever, they subbed out their goalie and put in an injured Smaug. It didn't really matter much because Ephel Brandir didn't get many chances after that and a deflection into the goal by Thorin won the match for Erebor.
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Belegost 0-2 Numenor

Despite the absence of both their forwards, Numenor were carried to a two goal win by Tar-Meneldur. Belegost was out-classed in every possible way and had no hopes of even getting into Numenor's half. It was as Phantom said, Belegost is ages better than Dale and Bree put together and Numenor is as better than Belegost as Belegost is than Bree and Dale.
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Crickhollow 0-1 Alqualondë

Fatty came close to scoring in the opening few minutes but he shot wide of the goal. Alqualonde immediatly followed that up with a long free kick and direct cross into the box which was knocked in for the winner by Olwe. This match was rather disappointing because after the first goal it slowed to a crawl, all Alqualonde did was waste time.
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Tol-In-Gauroth 3-1 Isengard

The match started of with Sauron getting close to goal and passing to a wolf instead of shooting. The wolf shot and missed, killing the chance Sauron had so easily created. It didn't matter though as Sauron managed to sneak in a shot just before the end of the half to take the score to 1-0. Immediatly after the whistle, Saruman and Ugluk played a passing game to the box where Saruman gave the ball to Ugluk who netted in an equalizer. It was then a frantic and rather rough battle which saw several players go down and several substitutions but (luckily) no injuries or cardings. It was an unlucky moment for Isengard when Grima accidently kicked the ball into his own goal in an attempt to clear. Only moments later Sauron scored the third after recieving a through the legs pass from the edge of the box.
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Angband 4-0 Grey Havens

In this match Angband showed us why they were the favorites. Even without their captain and star striker they demolished Grey Havens 4-0 and made them the first confirmed departure from the World Cup. The first goal was a safely hit low shot at an open goal by Ancalagon which was followed up by a powerful strike that knocked the keeper in as well by Gothmog. Back in the dressing room with a two goal lead at half-time it seemed as if Angband had the match in their pocket. Two strikes in rapid succession after the interval put them up 4-0 after which the fell back to defending. The Angband players seemed to be confident that they were going to go all the way now.
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Hope you enjoyed today's matches. I'm sorry for not writing the Valimar vs. Woodhall match but nothing important happened in it. As usual if anyone has an articles, interviews or such send them to me. Feel free to contact me any way you want to.

[The Saucepan Man]

Beleg (Doriath): 6
Pippin (The Shire): 4
Aragorn (Gondor): 3
Azog (Moria): 3
Legolas (Mirkwood): 3
Sauron (Tol-In-Gauroth): 3
Turgon (Gondolin): 3
Ugluk (Isengard): 3
Ancalagon the Black (Angband): 2
Arvedui (Arnor): 2
Dark Lord (Mordor): 2
Faramir (Gondor): 2
Gothmog (Angband): 2
Tar-Meneldur (Numenor): 2
Turin (Nargothrond): 2
Varda (Valimar): 2

*To save space, only those who have scored more than 1 goal are included on the leaderboard.*

Beleg's lead has not really been threatened by the scorers in the latest matches, although if the trophy rules didn't specify that players be recorded by team Sauron/Dark Lord would be chasing him with 5 goals.

Ancalagon, Gothmog, Tar-Meneldur and Varda all appear on the table for the first time.

Ugluk's impressive goalscoring form continues, although his team look unlikely to progress, so the Yellow Boots are probably out of his reach.

[Sleepy Ranger]

DOZEN BALLS MISSING!
-Feanor of the Peredhil

A break-in was reported today by the Elves of Rivendell, those keepers of the MEFWC official artifacts. It appears that twelve regulation game balls have been stolen from the keepers. Top suspects in the robbery are as follows:

the phantom: already convicted with the criming of stealing ladies' hearts, he seems to be more interested in these games than strictly necessary. A confidential source has told us under threat of torture that she witnessed the phantom slinking through the halls of Elrond's home. Some time later, he was seen leaving the premesis looking suspiciously lumpy.

The Saucepan Man (charged with protection of the Golden Boots Award): armed with knowledge and a large amount of kitchenware, citizens are advised to avoid this man unless prepared to duck the large cans of worms that he has been witnessed throwing around. It is unknown if he cooks with these worms or not, but they are dangerous to preconceived notions and should be avoided at all costs should you desire to remain a cognitive miser. Responsible for the prestigious Golden Boots Award, it is speculated that The Saucepan Man intends to usurp the award and add to it the soon-to-be collectors items and auction them off on ME-bay.

Firefoot: suspected with the destruction of multiple footballs already, due to flaming feet, rumours abound that Firefoot has the balls in her possession and intends to play a good tough game of football with them, thereby burning them to cinder as she dribbles, should her demands not be met. Word has not yet reached us as to the nature of these demands, but given the credibility of our anonoymous tip, we cannot yet be certain that the lass even has anything to do with the game. However the public should keep in mind that if she is guilty, we should be very worried and perhaps lynch her, but if innocent, her cool logic will help us to track down the criminals.

Could Arwen be another suspect? - Drawn and written by Valesse

Stakes High for Erebor and Nargothrond
-Firefoot

If either of these teams wants to be guaranteed to continue in the cup, they must win in this match - unless Ephel Brandir pulls an upset in their upcoming game with Mirkwood, Mirkwood will be one of the teams advancing from this group, leaving Nargothrond and Erebor to fight for the qualifying spot.

Both Nargothrond (0-0-2) and Erebor (1-1-0) are confident, though not cocky. Nargothrond’s captain, Turin, said, “This is a quality group – arguably, the most evenly-matched. We haven’t won any games yet, but we have tied both and I think that proves that we’re up to the competition. Where we have tied, Erebor has won one but also lost one. We just have to put it all together, and I think we can beat the Erebor team. It will be a hard game, yes, but we’re up to it.”

Finrod Felagund, Nargothrond’s offensive midfielder, was also questioned. “I’d hesitate to make a prediction. Do I think we could win? Certainly. Could they? Of course. The teams are pretty evenly skilled; I think it will come down to teamwork and desire. The team that wants it more will win. And I’d say that we certainly want to win – the whole team has put a lot of work into this.”

Erebor’s captain, Thorin, showed just as much and more confidence in his team: “We’ve been playing together for a long time; even when I was a young lad – when Thror was King under the Mountain, that is – we used to take the ball out and kick it around. I think it’s time for that hard work to start paying off. We had a couple of bad breaks in our game against Mirkwood, but I think we really are the best team in our group. We should be able to win, now that Smaug is back in action. And, quite honestly, we don’t even have to win this game to advance – a tie would also do the trick.”

Smaug, the goalie injured in the team’s first game, was also interviewed. “It feels good to be back in action. The game won’t be easy, but I think we will win. We have a lot of talented players, and we’ve been playing well together.” When asked how it felt to be the only dragon on an otherwise all-Dwarf team, he simply responded, “I think it’s a mark of our quality that we haven’t had the same problems as, say, the Moria team.”

No Longer Rioting
-Arcticstorm87

After their humiliating loss to Gondor on day one, many people thought that Angband was going to go down with little resistance. When the moral of the team is down, usually they will keep on losing. But even without their star player/coach, Angband showed the entire middle earthen community that they are still a force to be reckoned with. With their impressive 4-0 win over Cirdan and the havens yesterday, they are now second in their group and able to quite possibly move on. I talked to Gothmog yesterday after the game and he seemed to still view them as having a chance to get into the finals, even without their star player. But one thing that he was not too sure about was when I asked him whether or not the shadow extending from him was in actuality a pair of wings. It will be interesting to see how this squad does in the days ahead.

The H-group supervision continued
-Gothmog

Called the “Most Controversial Group” group H demands a bit of extra attention, and we’re going to give it to you!

Finally Angband is back in old shape, as we’re used to see them. A comfortable win against a Grey Havens with enormous problem. It really do look like they brought together the worst players they could get, as stated by Galdor in an interview earlier this week.

Angbands two scorers, Gothmog and Ancalagon, is now featured in the Yellow Boot list, a great honour according to Ancalagon (see interview below). The absence of their captain, Melkor, didn’t stop their team from performing, as was expected. Instead, a lot of players seemed to feel much more responsibility towards the team and they all did their share of work, and more than that. They played like a team. And if this play will continue and they make it to the quarter finals, they’re going to be awfully strong with their captain back on the pitch.

After the game was finished we found a breathless Ancalagon and changed a few words with him:

Gothmog the interviewing Balrog: Congratulations, and welcome back to the tournament if I may say so!

Ancalagon: Thank you. That was an easy win, but I’m not in the shape I once was...

G: No, you were one of the first players in the Angband team, right? I mean, the first of your kind?

A: That’s right. I was the first in a new generation focusing on the air-play and swift, sweeping attacks. But even if one is getting to old for this, it’s just too fun to quit.

G: I understand. The performance today was something totally different from your last game. How come?

A: Well, we got a massive dressing-down by our captain/coach efter the last game and that made us realize that we must work harder. I was also nice too see more players stepping forward and filling the empty space behind a dominating player like Melkor. I must say that Gothmog did an excellent work out there today.

G: Yes, it looked like you played like a team all the way. A last question before you go to the changing room: you scored two goals today. The leader of the Yellow Boot trophy list (Beleg) only has 6. Is that something you think about, the possibility to win the title?

A: No, not at all. I play for the team and it doesn’t really matter who scores. Of course it’s good for the self-esteem, but it’s not like I’m going for the trophy.

G: Thank you and good luck!

Next game for Angband will be against Gondolin, not the easiest of opponents. They played really good in their opening game, but collapsed in their game versus Gondor. As Gondor will be playing Grey Havens, a secure victory if nothing extreme happens, they’ll probably win this group. The final game between Gondolin and Angband will decide who ends up second and makes it to the quarters. Expect an exciting game with two hungry teams with their aim at the title as Middle Earth Champions.

Today's Fixtures - The Odds And Evens

Game 1 - Old Forest vs. Rohan
Rohan though an excellent team have been struggling for form in this tournament while Old Forest haven't been much better, in fact I daresay they were worse. Either way I just don't see Rohan winning and I definately don't see Old Forest winning. This one will be a draw. But whatever happens neither of these teams are going to qualify.
Predicted Result - Draw

Game 2 - Shire vs. Vinyamar
If this was the start of the tournament I wouldn't have given Shire any hope but seeing how well they've been playing I think they'll win this as well. With a young star in Pippin and a veteran in Gandalf, this team is solid. Young, experienced and just fantastic. I don't see Vinyamar coming close to winning this game. Shire will only need a draw here to ensure their qualification.
Predicted Result - Shire

Game 3 - Barrow-Downs vs. Valimar
The Barrow-Downs has won all their games so far and has already qualified even if Valimar beat them here they won't be in any danger. I believe the Barrow-Downs will rest some of their players and take this match easy and perhaps settle for just a draw.
Preditced Result - Draw

Game 4 - Nargothrond vs. Erebor
This will be a very hard match with both teams looking for a win, anything else could be bad. If they draw, Nargothrond will go through on goal difference so Erebor has the harder task in this game. Despite the odds I believe Turin will make all the difference and win this match for Nargothrond.
Predicted Result - Win for Nargothrond

Game 5 - Dale vs. Numenor
This group has made no sense yet but I believe Numenor will win this match, even if they draw they're through. If they lose however, things could get a bit... 'sticky'. Anyway if Numenor don't win this match I don't believe them worthy to lift the cup.
Predicted Result - Win for Numenor

Game 6 - Goblin-Town vs. Isengard
This will be the match for third place and I believe it will be Isengard's only win of the season. No matter what happens in Tol-In-Gauroth vs. Doriath, neither of these two will qualify.
Predicted Result - Win for Isengard

Game 7 - Lothlorien vs. Alqualondë
If Alqualondë win this match they will have a chance to go through however if they lose or even draw then they will not make it through. So for their sake they better hope they win, however I see Lorien hanging on for a draw game.
Predicted Result - Draw

game 8 - Gondor vs. Grey Havens
This match has been cancelled due to Grey Havens admitting that they fixed the results. Gondor will be given 3 points which ensures them a berth in the Quarter-Finals.

Tournament Happenings

Injuries -
Barliman Butterbur (Bree) will be out indefinately due to a hamstring injury.

Cards -
Melkor (Angaband) recieved a red card and a 1 match suspension.
Bill Ferny (Bree) recieved a red card and 1 match suspension.
Elros (Numenor) recieved a red card and 1 match suspension.

Most Promising Player - Gothmog (Angband) impressed us all with his firey performance. He burned up the field and lit up the crowd, and when he blazed towards the goal it sure did get hot. Other than being a good person to make pun of Gothmog is also an excellent player. He played a crucial role in Angand's 4-0 win but that match was fixed but still its nice to see them back in form.

Most Impressive Team - Angband, after a humiliating 1 goal loss to Gondor they came back, knocked on our door, ran it down when we didn't answer and showed us why they're still favorites. Even without their captain they managed to destroy Grey Havens and pull off an amazing win. I believe they will go all the way, hats off to them.
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Thank you Firefoot, Gothmog, Fea, Valesse and Arctic. Special thanks to Fea and Arctic for coming up with something on such short notice. Rimbaud and Boro said they'd get me something as well but I haven't recieved anything as of yet, if I do it will be edited in with the rest of the article. The results will be up late today, mayhap later than yesterday because I'm going out for dinner. If I can't get them up before that then after it. Sorry.

[Sleepy Ranger]

Today's results are live from The Closed Top Moria Stadium, nicknamed, Ring of Fire. All matches are 3:00pm DST (Dwarwen Standard Time)

Old Forest 2-0 Rohan

It looks like The Master had something to cheer about at the end of the tournament. His team managed to make their sending off a bit more bearable by beating Rohan 2-0. Both goals were scored by The Master and Rohan were unable to make a comeback against this determined team. Master scored the first one of an easy shot where he was alone with the keeper and the next one came in the 90th minute where Rohan ceded a penalty. The crowd could be heard chanting, "Miss! Miss! Miss!" but Master kept his cool and knocked in his second goal. After the match he recieved a standing ovation but this win was as meaningless as it was a loss for Rohan.
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Shire 1-0 Vinyamar

It seemed that Pippin had started taking all the hype to his head. He missed an awful lot of chances in this match but in the end a talk-through by Gandalf was enough to get him back on track. Pippin scored the winner for the Shire in the 57th minute and after that they took it easy, knowing they had already qualified. The Hobbits had a huge party under the Party Tree after the match to celebrate Shire's unbeaten run so far.
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Barrow-Downs 4-1 Valimar

The Barrow-Downs finally decided to kick into top gear and burn down the other team. They won a massive victory over Valimar and have surely scilenced all their critics. It was Saucepanman who opened scoring with a well placed header and this was followed up moments later by a low powered strike from Sleepy Ranger that took Barrow-Downs to 2-0. After that a Phantom corner was deflected in by Saucepanman to lift up Barrow-Downs to 3-0 and an 81st minute penalty, and red card for Yavanna, ended with another one in the back of the net, this time by Sleepy. The Barrow-Downs team was cheered on through the whole match by the Forum members and Valimar scored their only goal in the 47th minute when Barrow-Wight was busy working up the crowd and telling off a kid for littering. He said something along the lines of, "Stop spamming noob."
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Nargothrond 3-1 Erebor

Erebor opened scoring when Thorin sunk a powerful volley into the net. They led the game for the entire first half with both teams playing dangerously well. It was in the 55th minute that Turin charged through the entire Erebor defense and blasted one past Smaug to equalize. The two teams then battled in this deadlocked till injury time where Turin found himself in scoring distance again. He did what hes best at and scored again to break the deadlock. He scored again off a corner, which he headed in to complete his hat-trick and win Nargothrond the match. The crowd could not be restrained and they rushed onto the field to celebrate with the team.
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Dale 0-1 Numenor

The returning Tar-Enclime sunk in an early goal to win the match for Numenor. Dale were never in the competition and Numenor have just booked their spot in the Quarter-Finals. It will be interesting to see which team will qualify with them.
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Goblin-Town 0-3 Isengard

Ugluk spat out goals as Isengard crushed Goblin-Town, however its too late to actually mean anything for them. Ugluk scored a hat-trick and secured the win in the first half. In the second half Goblin-Town went nuts and kicked the ball all over, eventually Boromir88 got fed up and red carded Goblin-Town's forward. Not even a single Isengard supporter came to watch this match and the stadium was packed with orcs and wargs that were in favor of the losing side.
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Lothlorien 1-0 Alqualondë

Lorien did the unexpected and won this match thanks to a goal by Haldir. The determined young mid-fielder managed to score of a low kept and well powered shot to win Lorien the match in the closing moments. Despite their win the only way Lorien can qualify is if Crickhollow lose their match by 3 goals. There is a rather strong possibility of that but we shall see how it goes tomorrow.

Hope you enjoyed today. Tomorrow will be the last of the Group Stages and I'd like everyone who has been following the World Cup to leave a message on what they thought of the Group Stages, the teams, the results and the players or anything else you'd like. I'd really appreciate it if people left their thoughts. Also, Phantom, I was wondering if you'd like to give us a summary of what you think will happen in the Knockout stages. Of course after tomorrows matches unless you're certain you know who will qualify.

[The Saucepan Man]

Beleg (Doriath): 6
Ugluk (Isengard): 6
Pippin (The Shire): 5
Turin (Nargothrond): 5
Aragorn (Gondor): 3
Azog (Moria): 3
Legolas (Mirkwood): 3
Sauron (Tol-In-Gauroth): 3
Sleepy Ranger (Barrow Downs): 3
The Saucepan Man (Barrow Downs): 3
Tom Bombadil Old Forest): 3
Turgon (Gondolin): 3
Varda (Valimar): 3
Ancalagon the Black (Angband): 2
Arvedui (Arnor): 2
Dark Lord (Mordor): 2
Faramir (Gondor): 2
Gothmog (Angband): 2
Haldir (Lothlorien): 2
Tar-Meneldur (Numenor): 2
Thorin (Erebor): 2

Finally, some real competition for Beleg. Ugluk is out of the running as his team have failed to qualify from the Group, which is a shame as he has become something of a goal machine. But another goal from the young Took sensation keeps him well in contention, and Turin's hat trick has rocketed him up the table. He may not have mastered his fate, but his superb mastery of the ball is paying dividends for him and his team.

But none on the leaderboard can be discounted, especially not the Barrow Downs star pairing, Saucepan and Sleepy. With an unbeaten record and an impressive display in their most recent match, the Downs team look like living up to their status as favourites for the cup and more goals can certainly be expected from these two.

Edit: Sleepy since Yavanna was sent off I have assumed that Varda scored Valimar's goal, but please let me know if I am wrong.

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IMPROPMTU PRESS CONFERENCE WITH DOWNS STRIKER THE SAUCEPAN MAN IN RESPONSE TO RECENT PRESS RUMOURS

Originally Posted by Some scurrilous reporter of the Peredhil

Responsible for the prestigious Golden Boots Award, it is speculated that The Saucepan Man intends to usurp the award and add to it the soon-to-be collectors items and auction them off on ME-bay.

Slander! At the end of the day, I intend to win the trophy fairly and squarely. It's a game of two halves and a competition of three, er, four rounds and, as the man above said, I'm certainly in the running. In fact, I think that I may have to pull rank and relieve Sleepy of penalty duty ...

*nudge from team coach, Mister Underhill*

... er, but of course, at the end of the day, it's results that count and I'm just happy to be contributing to our team's success.

Now, if you'll excuse me, some guy from a kitchenwear company wants to talk to me about their ad campaign.

[the phantom]

There is one more round of games left. Let's look at who is playing and what the possible outcomes are.

Mordor versus Moria

This game does not matter. Both Mordor and Moria are advancing.

In these sort of situations some teams rest key players. Other teams prefer to play all out and go for bragging rights. I expect Moria, the weaker team, to rest all of their best players in hopes of making a solid run in the next round. Mordor will also let lots of non-starters play, but they will probably rotate the Nazgul in a few at a time just for practice. The Nazgul don't really get worn out and are not prone to injury the way normal beings are, so there isn't much of a need to rest them.

So, given this, I predict a meaningless win for Mordor. If Moria puts out a particularly weak line, look for The Dark Lord to jump into the game and score a quick goal. He is always ready to pad his stats. And trust that if he hops in quick for something like that, he will be extra careful not to get a card. That happened to him once and he learned his lesson. In addition, there isn't an orc in Moria that can injure Sauron even if he tried, so there's no danger of that happening.

Mordor wins.

Rivendell versus Arnor

Whoever wins this game will advance. If they tie, Arnor will advance.

But there's not going to be a tie.

It turns out my sources were telling the truth- Rivendell was indeed drugged before the tournament. Elrond inspected all of their water jugs and such they had brought on the trip, and every one of them had been compromised. But now that the problem has been taken care of, look for Rivendell to return to their usual form- very good.

The great Elven knights Elladen, Elrohir, and Glorfindel will score goals, and Elrond will stop Arnor from scoring. Rivendell has never failed to advance to the round of 16 before, and they won't fail now.

Rivendell wins.

Valmar versus Woodhall

This game does not matter. The Barrow-Downs and Valimar have already advanced (I assume, Sleepy, that since Valimar beat Valmar in the end of the game shootout that they own the tie-breaker over Valmar should both end up with four points).

Will Valmar and Woodhall try to win for pride's sake, or will they both be apathetic and depressed knowing that they're already going home? I don't know, and I won't try to guess, but I think I'll have to pick Valmar to win just because of their superior talent.

Valmar wins.

Mirkwood versus Ephel Brandir

The winner of this game will advance. Should they tie, Mirkwood will advance.

I'm not sure who to pick in this one. They are fairly evenly matched. However, Mirkwood is prone to mental breakdowns. Last year Mirkwood's goalie, Galion the butler, chose to drink strong wine at halftime instead of water, which resulted in him allowing fourteen balls to roll through the door during the second half. Did he learn his lesson? Probably so, but I'm still not sure Mirkwood can win. Then again, I can't see Ephel Brandir winning it either. Their players can kick hard but aren't very accurate, which is why everyone calls them "the clubfooted team".

I think this one ends in a draw.

Belegost versus Bree

The winner of this match advances. If they tie, Belegost will advance.

Bree is missing Barliman and Ferny. Barliman is a leader on the field, and Ferny, though a trouble maker, is a fine athlete. I don't think Bree can overcome being without those two players. Even with them I would probably take Belegost.

Belegost wins.

Tol-In-Gaurhoth versus Doriath

This game is meaningless. Both teams have already qualified.

So, what will these teams do? Rest their best players? Go all out and try to remain undefeated?

If the teams rest their players, look for Tol-In-Gaurhoth to slaughter Doriath. There is considerable drop-off from Beleg-Mablung-Thingol-Saeros-Melian down to the second line. Gaurhoth's drop is not that extreme. Sauron, Draugluin, and Thuringwethil are certainly Gaurhoth's top players, but after those three there is almost no difference whatsoever between the next 30 players. So, if both teams rest, Gaurhoth will win. Their defense is extremely good, so Doriath won't score, and I can see them putting two goals or three past Doriath's second and third liners.

If both teams play full strength, I will still pick Gaurhoth, but in a closer contest. Despite Gaurhoth's tough D, Doriath has an exceptional offense and will put up a goal or two, but Doriath's comparably weaker defense will allow Gaurhoth to score at least two goals between Drauglin's craftiness, Thuringwethil's quickness and aerial abilities, and Sauron's typical off-the-charts play.

Tol-In-Gaurhoth wins.

Fangorn versus Crickhollow

If Fangorn wins then Fangorn and Alqualonde advance.

If they tie then Fangorn and Alqualonde advance.

If Crickhollow wins then they will advance, but I'm not sure who will advance with them- Fangorn or Alqualonde. They tied in their head to head match up and I don't remember seeing anything about an end of the game shootout so I don't know who owns the tie-breaker between the two.

This game all depends on Fangorn. If they show up looking Entish, then go with them. If they show up looking treeish, pick Crickhollow. I personally think they'll be someplace between the two, and no one will score resulting in a tie.

Fangorn and Crickhollow tie. Fangorn advances.

Gondolin versus Angband

Whoever wins this match will advance.

It's really unfortunate that one of these teams has to be eliminated. They are both top-ten teams and I would've liked to see both of them in the next round. But alas, in a strong group someone must go before their time, and that someone is Gondolin.

Gondolin is a crowd favorite and certainly a good team, but they simply do not stack up against Angband. Gondolin has one of the best offenses in the tournament, but Angband has the best defense by far. Their Balrog defenders will neutralize Gondolin's attack. They will not score more than one goal, despite their talent.

Angband, on the other hand, will score more than once. Gondolin's defense is simply not up to the challenge of facing a very motivated Ancalagon and Gothmog.

Angband wins.

Tomorrow I will give my take on the next round.

[Valesse]

Due to the "cancelation of a group interview" the much awaited interrogation will be busted into individual conversations with our greatest dear (and fear) Movie-Arwen.

(In other words I couldn't fit everyone on the same page )

[Roa_Aoife]

I have to say I'm cheering for the Downs, but I am looking favorably at the Shire, mostly because I can't help but love the under-dog. Hey, they've made some bold moves in the past! Don't underestimate them- that's how Rings of Power get destroyed.

Did someone mention Mascots?
Old Forest- Goldberry!
Mordor- How bout a guy in a Mount Doom costume?
Moria- They could be crual and use a dwarf
Rohan- A horse, duh
Shire- That's a hard one, but what about a Green Dragon?
Rivendell- Another hard one, but it should probably be an Elf. Really, what else would they have?
Barrow Downs- We should all vote on this. I suggest a poll after suggestions come in. Of course, with BW as a player, the obvious answer is out. How bout a ghost?
Valmar/Valimar- They practically are thier own mascots!
Goblin-Town- A Jack-o-lantern!
Isen Guard- Grima?
Fangorn- See Valimar
Gondor- A ranger!
Angbad- Literally, Iron-hell, so whatever it is, this theme should be incorporated

Can I be a commentator at the finals? It's my goal in life! Just read my sig!