Arda Cup Football 2009

[Boromir88]

I would like to substitute myself in for Kent if that will be acceptable.

[the phantom]

Gwath- your official teams and predictions go on the Phantasy thread, but feel free to expand upon your predictions and give reasoning here on this thread. Come up with your own rankings or anything you can think of. Tomorrow or the next day I'll start sending out PMs to those who expressed interest but haven't taken action yet.

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

I'll second Kuruharan and Rune.

[Boromir88]

I'll 3rd morm and Eomer

and second...Aganzir, Volo, and Lommy

Nominate: Legate

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

Originally Posted by Boromir88

I'll 3rd morm and Eomer

Good stuff. No-one put Finarfin in your team because I'm going to break his legs.

[Boromir88]

Originally Posted by Eomer of the Rohirrim

Good stuff. No-one put Finarfin in your team because I'm going to break his legs.

If you are going to be a defensemen I want you for my phantasy team

[Boromir88]

Group A

TEAM.................W-D-L..GF..GA..PTS

Moria...................1-0-0...3...2.......3
Angband..............0-1-0...2....2......1
Minas Tirith..........0-1-0...2....2......1
Alqualonde...........0-0-1...2....3......0

Alqualonde v. Minas Tirith

Alqualonde had a much more difficult time handling the physical play of Moria. Minas Tirith is not as physical of an opponent, and should be easier for the fleet footed Elves to handle. Minas Tirith plays well as a team, but the age of their defenders will definitely be a problem, as they definitely will tire as the tournament continues. Alqualonde wins 3-2

Angband v. Moria

Moria was able to flex their muscles against the Elves, they will not be able to do the same against Angband. This will be a death match, as both teams will certainly hit, and hit hard. Angband is more talented, and Moria has already piled up the Yellow cards. Moria managed to keep their team together, only for the fact that they won, but Moria has so much inner strife they will crumble once Angband jumps out early. Angband wins 4-2

Group B

TEAM...............W-D-L..GF..GA...PTS

Arnor................1-0-0...2...1......3
Nargothrond.......1-0-0...2...1......3
Helm's Deep.......0-0-1...1...2......0
Mirkwood..........0-0-1...1...2......0

Arnor v. Nargothrond

If either team wins this, they are a lock to advance. This is probably the most anticipated match of the group. Both defenses will be strong, goals will be tough to come by. Lucky for Nargothrond, they play the maligned Helm's Deep in Round 3, but a tie will make things in this group interesting. Draw 1-1.

Helm's Deep v. Mirkwood

Mirkwood's the host team and they are coming off a tough loss to Nargothrond, which spells bad news for Helm's Deep. Scatha, Legolas, and Thranduil will have their way. Mirkwood wins 3-1

Group C

TEAM...............W-D-L..GF..GA...PTS

Minas Morgul.......1-0-0...3...0......3
Hithlum..............1-0-0...2...1......3
Gondolin.............0-0-1...1...2......0
Isengard............0-0-1...0...3......0

Hithlum v. Minas Morgul

Minas Morgul dominated against Isengard, but it is clear the cream of this group is Hithlum, and they will not be so lucky. Minas Morgul's defense is not going up against a Slowbeam or Uglag anymore, they have to stop Feanor and Maedhros...something they won't be able to do. However, it will be closer than most people thing, as the Nazgul, who are much stronger with their lord, the Witch-King, should not be underestimated. Hithlum wins 3-2.

Gondolin v. Isengard

Isengard might just be the worst team in the tournament. They have no scoring ability, and Saruman isn't a strong enough player (like the WK) to carry a team. Gondolin will win fairly easily, and it only gets worse, as Isengard will not only be eliminated, but will have to face Hithlum next round. Gondolin wins 2-0.

Group D

TEAM..........W-D-L..GF..GA...PTS
Eregion.........1-0-0...2...0......3
Erebor..........0-1-0...2...2......1
Osgiliath.......0-1-0...2...2......1
Mordor.........0-0-1...0...2......0

Eregion v. Osgiliath

I don't think anyone in this group has the firepower to score against Eregion's most impressive defense. However, Osgiliath is a strong defensive team of their own, which means this will be a very dull game. Draw 0-0.

Mordor v. Erebor

If Osgiliath manages to beat, or at least tie, Eregion in the first match, Erebor has to feel this game is a must win for them. That might put a lot of pressure on Erebor, knowing they end against Eregion, and thus will overlook their current task - defeat Mordor. Smaug should be up to the task, as he torches the Mordor team, but this may be closer than the experts think, giving Mordor the chance of an upset. Erebor wins 2-1

Group E

TEAM.............W-D-L..GF..GA...PTS
Armenolos........1-0-0...3...1......3
Doriath............0-1-0...2...2......1
Lothlorien.........0-1-0...2...2......1
Dor-Lomin.........0-0-1...1...3......0

Armenolos v. Doriath

There were questions to how the addition of Sauron would effect Armenolos and it worked out great for them in their 1st match vs. Dor-Lomin. However, Dor-Lomin is overrated and Doriath, behind the strength of Melian, will be a tougher opponent. The question for Doriath, is will they be able to score themselves? Anyone can win this group, and it will further up for grabs after a...Draw 1-1.

Dor-Lomin v. Lothlorien

When you have Turin, you can not be counted out, he could surprise you. The unlucky part for Dor-Lomin is this is a very strong defensive group, and that is something Dor-Lomin does not have. Lothlorien is inconsistent offensively, but they managed to put up 2 goals against Melian and they should be able to do the same against Dor-Lomin. Lothlorien wins 2-0.

Group F

TEAM............W-D-L..GF..GA...PTS

Edoras...........1-0-0...2...0......3
Taniquetil.......0-1-0...1...1......1
The Shire.......0-1-0...1...1......1
Dorthonion.....0-0-1...0...2......0

Edoras v. Taniquetil

As I believed, Edoras has great team work and was able to easily handle Dorthonion. For some unexplained reason, Taniquetil did not come ready to face the meager Shirelings. This does spell trouble for Edoras, as Taniquetil will come looking to fire back, and prove their worth. For if Taniquetil does not trounce Edoras into the ground, Eru may need to start replacing his Valar! Taniquetil wins 3-0.

Dorthonion v. The Shire

Each and every tournament the hobbits manage to play way above their talent level. They should lose every single match, but they don't. So, here it comes, Samwise will remain sturdy at the goal, and Bullroarer will be able to sneak one past Beor. The Shire wins 1-0! (Maybe once they are actually predicted to win, they will fail, just like they should).

Group G

TEAM............W-D-L..GF..GA...PTS

Tuna..............1-0-0...4...0......3
Gondor...........0-1-0...2...2......1
Tol-i-Gaur.......0-1-0...2...2......1
Brethil............0-0-1...0...4......0

Brethil v. Tol-in-Gaurhoth

Now that TIG has actually managed to play together, they should be able to fire on all cylinders...erm paws. Plus it must help when your next match is against Brethil, who is a technically sound team, but skill wise, they are vastly out-matched. TIG wins 3-0.

Gondor v. Tuna

This will be the highlight match of not only the group, but maybe the entire 1st round of group play. It is sure to be an offensive explosion. Both teams will try to prove why offense is the best defense. Miriel will have another stunning performance, and score 2 goals in this match, but behind the Gondor brothers, they will surpise the group, making everything come down to the round 3 matchups. Gondor wins 4-3.

Group H

TEAM............W-D-L..GF..GA...PTS

Valimar...........1-0-0...3...0......3
Romenna........1-0-0...2...1......3
Bree..............0-0-1...1...2......0
Amon Sul........0-0-1...0...3......0

Valimar v. Bree

Must win game for Bree if they want to advance. They were unable to take care of business against Romenna, and Valimar will surely be more challenging. Their only hope is Melkor does something completely stupid to anger his team...but that won't happen. Valimar wins 2-1.

Amon Sul v. Romenna

Amon Sul maybe facing the stout Romenna defense, but they should not be counted out just yet...when you have Elendil he is a game changer. If Amon Sul comes in with the win or go-home mindset, Elendil will play with a fiery passion and force Romenna to put multiple defenders on him...abandoning Arahael to score the only goal of the match. Amon Sul wins 1-0.

Edit: Oops, didn't realize tp was going to do the standings, oh well my match predictions are still there.

[Nogrod]

The Arda Kicker Magazine has been looking closely at the games and has decided the following for the first round...

Five stars will go to

Elros of Romenna
Arwen of Lothlorien
Gandalf of Eregion
Nerdanel of Tuna
Sauron of Armenelos


Three stars will go to

Khamûl of Minas Morgul
Eldacar of Osgiliath
Narvi of Moria
Mardil of Minas Tirith
Calmacil of Gondor
Melian of Doriath
Galadriel of Lothlorien
Melkor of Valimar


One star will go to

Isildur of Arnor
Ar Pharazon of Armenelos
Durin's Bane of Moria
Tar Palantir of Romenna
Echtelion II of Minas Tirith
Tar Atanamir of Armenelos
Orodreth of Nargothrond
Finwë of Tuna
Miriel of Tuna
Eonwë of Valimar
Turín of Dor-Lomin
Beleg of Dor-Lomin
mormwolf of TIG
Shadowfax of Edoras
Felarof of Edoras
Tom Bombadill of Bree


Their performances have been the joy of any footballing community! Many others could have been nominated and some might be disputed... but this is "Arda Kicker Magazine's" choice!

Stay tuned for more stars!

[skip spence]

The first round matches in Moria had perhaps been best the tournament have had to offer so far, and as the lucky fans with tickets made their way into the mountain they were full of expectations. The big event tonight was of course the showdown between the host team and mighty Angband. Could this interracial Moria team rattle the Power of the North? Without former stars Morgoth, Gothmog and Glaurung, the Iron Hells fail to instill the same kind of fear as they used to, and Moria might have a chance here to cause an upset. But before this highly publicized heavyweight-bout, a tasty hors d’oeuvre was on the plate in form of the Alqualonde and Minas Tirith evening match. There was a vocal section of White City-supporters present, and a few Elves cheering for the Aman side, but the stands were only filled to about 2/3 of the 70 000 capacity, as many of the local ticket holders got boozed up in nearby drinking holes ahead of the big game later on. Those who did show up were able to enjoy an excellent game of football.

Match 3: Alqualonde vs. Minas Tirith

After their loss to the host team on the opening day, Cirdan, Osse and other senior members of Alqualonde had gone out to express their dissatisfaction with how the team had behaved. They’d allowed themselves to get bullied, and it cost them the game. No more of that, they now demanded, and as the team got onto the field the players looked very determined to make a difference. Minas Tirith on their hand were happy to have taken a point off Angband, and anxious to get a win under the belt, something which would put them in a very good position to advance to the knockout stages of the tournament.

When Cirdan and Osse kicked off, the crowd was to witness a much improved Alqualonde team. The special brand of quick, technical football they were renowned for, but failed to produce against Moria, now gave the White City defenders plenty of trouble. But it takes two to tango, and Minas Tirith also played at their highest level, urged on by legendary captain Aragorn, who seemed able to raise his teammates’ game to its full potential and beyond. But it was the Aman side that were to draw blood first blood. Uinen delivered a freekick towards the near post that was glanced across goal by Cirdan, and at the far post Idril popped up to smash the ball into the net.

Some twenty minutes later Aragorn grabbed the equalizer after a piece of individual brilliance. From a modest position on the left he cut inside, accelerated past Eärwen, and blasted a rising thunderbolt from 25 metres which hit the bar and bounced down behind Olwë, then back onto the bar, and out in play again. The velocity of the shot was so high the Alqualonde keeper didn’t move, and there was some confusion as to whether the ball had crossed the line or not, but after consulting his linesmen the referee pointed to the mid circle. It was a controversial goal, but the Alqualonde players accepted the decision without question, which says a lot about their sportsmanship.

In the second half the two rivals continued to play dream football and the neutrals in the stands did not want to see either team lose the game. So also it went. Uinen gave Alqualonde the lead after a great run by Idril and that goal had looked like a winner, but after a strong, late surge by the White City, Telumehtar managed to even up the score with a close-range header from the impressive Mardil the Faithful’s cross. The match finished 2-2 and as team captains Cirdan and Aragorn swapped jerseys and shook hands in the mid circle they both agreed it was a fair result.

Alqualonde 2-2 Minas Tirith
shots 10-11
on target 5-5
GOALS:
*14, Alqualonde (Idril, Cirdan)
*35, Minas Tirith (Aragorn II, Boromir I)
*68, Alqualonde (Uinen, Idril)
*81, Minas Tirith (Telumehtar, Mardil)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Alqualonde- Amandil
*Minas Tirith- Ondoher, Earnil II, Calimehtar

Match 4: Angband vs Moria

If Moria had intimidated Alqualonde they could do no such thing against Angband tonight. Already in the first minute of the game Ancalagon flattened The Great Goblin when the referee wasn’t looking, and that was just the first in a series of heavy hits. All credit to Moria though as they didn’t back down, but came after their more illustrious opponents with some of their own medicine. The match was rough and intensive and the crowd loved every moment of it initially. In the 20th minute the noise reached a crescendo when the ref pointed to the spot - Tevildo was judged to have pawed the ball in the box. Durin’s Bane wanted to take the penalty, but Durin grabbed the ball from him and placed it on the spot himself. Then he backed off three steps, took a deep breath and blasted it over the bar! In front of his supporters, now dead silent, the Moria captain tore his beard in disgust. Durin’s Bane did not look happy either, mumbling something to himself while smoke issued from his shadow.

That miss proved costly too. Angband now started to get a real grip on the match, and with every attack their confidence grew. The opening goal came just after the half-hour mark when Ancalagon fired in Maeglin’s low cross after a quick break. Tevildo had a great opportunity to make it two, but the Prince of Cats waited too long with the shot, having perhaps too much fun toying with the Moria defenders, and just as he was preparing to dispatch the killing blow, he slipped and the chance was gone. Angband was really overpowering Moria in the mid part of the game, and when the second goal came 15 minutes into the second half, it was only logical. Thurinwethil had gotten away on the right and his cross found a wide-open Hurin, who even had time to chest the ball down and finish the move with his preferred right foot. Durin’s Bane was flaming, accusing Durin and his backline of poor defending, but the Dwarf Lord responded by claiming that the Balrog didn’t backtrack quickly enough and that he was to blame for the goal. Obviously there is a lot of tension between those two.

Angbad was in cruise control now and Moria lacked the penetration to really threaten on the attack. As time was running out, another poor decision by an Easterling defender almost ruined the match for the Iron Hells however. Narvi held off Uldor with his back to the Angband goal, and the situation looked harmless enough, but out of the blue the defender kicked out at the Dwarf, sending him on a sky-ride. The referee did not hesitate as he reached for his card, and as the Angband player already was booked in the first half he was sent to an early shower. Bad got worse for Angband when Moria reduced their lead on the resulting free-kick. Durin’s Bane took it with phenomenal power, and although the Balrog claimed the goal it was later given to Azog, as the shot took a slight deflection on the foot of the Orc before hitting the net.

Moria tried to use their one man advantage to force a late equalizer, but when Hurin dropped down to the Angband back four to cover for Uldor, the Iron Hells were able to hold on fairly comfortably. With four out of six matches played, nothing is decided in this very tight group. Any team can still grab first spot, or get eliminated.

Angband 2-1 Moria
shots 12-7
on target 6-3
GOALS:
*32, Angband (Ancalagon, Maeglin)
*59, Angband (Hurin, Thuringwethil)
*84, Moria (Azog, Durin’s Bane)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Angband- Telvildo, Uldor, Ulfast
*Moria- Great Goblin, Durin’s Bane, Durin
RED CARDS:
*Angband- Uldor, 83 (second yellow)

Standings: Group A

Team..............W D L GF GA P
1) Angband......1 1 0.. 4 - 3 4
2) Moria............1 0 1.. 4 - 4 3
3) Minas Tirith...0 2 0.. 4 - 4 2
4) Alqualonde....0 1 1.. 4 - 5 1

[mormegil]

I'll second Kuru and SpM

[the phantom]

We still need four more Werewolves!

I second Legate.

On the TIG team-

• Phantom
• Nogrod
• Skip
• Gwath
• Morm
• Eomer
• Kuruharan

Seconded-

• Boromir
• Fea
• Rune
• Aganzir
• Volo
• Lommy
• SPM
• Legate

Nominated-

• Holby
• Mac
• Rikae
• Aganzir
• Brin
• Nerwen
• Ang
• Di
• Valier
• Roa
• LMP

Boro- I would second you, but you are, if we go by past tournaments, the head ref, and that seems unfair to have a player calling the game. It might be a bit biased, heh heh.

[Mnemosyne]

I'll third Saucepan!

[mormegil]

I'll third Lommy, she plays far too many games. I'll nominate Kath too as she deserves to be there.