Arda Cup Football 2009

[Nogrod]

Related news by Arda Kicker Magazine.


On the betting agencies Tom Bombadill, Ancalagon the Black and Turín are the favourites to win the top scorer trophy.

With top assists there are no clear patterns; but Gandalf, Smaug, tp, Melkor, Fingolfin, Finduilas and Aredhel figure high in the betting.

On the betting of the total point-getter it's clearly Melkor's game by the betters.


By the agencies, the favourites to win the tournament are:

Hithlum 43%
Eregion 29%
Dor-Lomin 14%
Valimar 14%

With this and other projected results, the Arda Kicker Magazine feels both free and willing to disagree.

The betting offices have been wrong from the time immemorial...

But let's see the games and the actual results!

[Boromir88]

Arda Cup 2009 - Press release

In a press conference before the start of the 2009 Arda Cup, tourney officials made note for the implemetation of a new rule. It is called "the instigating penalty," and states: any player, in the last 5 minutes of a match, who starts a fight or is solely in the game with the objective to injure, maim, or destroy an opposing player, will have to complete 96 hours of community service and be forced to witness Gandalf uncloaked. The referees officiating the match are responsible for enforcing the instigating penalty. Players who are penalized can not protest the decision, but the Tournament officials will review every case, and can overturn any decision.

Tournament referee, Boromir88, was asked to comment on why the officials felt this rule was necessary and he responded: "This rule is in place to protect not only the players, but you the fans. Drunks and football do not mix. Too many matches end with fans destroying property, setting fire to everything, and causing serious injuries to other fans. We believe that some players purposefully play dirty as a way to energize their fans, especially towards the end of a match and if their team is losing. This type of dirty play only fuels hostility and violence in the fans. The rule will make players think twice before they stoop to deplorable tactics towards the end of a match."

I asked Boro for clarity on what he means by dirty play and deplorable tactics, but he would only say the refs would look at any player who starts a fight within the last 5 minutes and determine whether the player started the fight with the intention of inciting violence, or a riot in the crowd. He would also add "referees should look at players who commit aggressive fouls late in the match and whether their intention was to injure another player." When presented with the fact that this rule is a load of mumakil waste, because it relies on the referees' judgement of a player's "intentions," and who were the "some players" he believed purposefully played dirty, Boro reverted to his old self by saying "No comment," but actually having a comment: "I will be watching Tom Bombadil very closely."

[skip spence]

Throughout the ages, the Dwarves of Khadad Dum have jealously hoarded their treasures behind strong gates of mithril, all to often shut to the outside world. Since the Kingdom was selected to host group A of Arda’s premier football tournament, these gates have finally been opened again, for the treasure the Dwarves now seek is one that cannot be found even in the richest vein of their ancient mines - a price more precious than true-silver, or the seven rings of old: the very trophy of trophies, the Arda Cup itself.

In order to compete for this elusive treasure the Moria team must first do battle with three highly skilled opponents. By the grace of Eru, the divinely talented Alqualonde have travelled back along the straight path, seeking glory once again in Middle Earth. From the cold and cruel Iron Mountains in the North, Angband has also come, a name rightly feared across the footballing world even without their legendary leader Morgoth, who’s surprisingly departed for rivals Valinor. The forth team in this tough group is Minas Tirith, led by captain and superstar Aragorn II, with more goals to his name than there are Orcs in Mordor. The Iron Hells will be slight favourites to win this group, but all four teams are strong, well capable of beating anyone on a good day.

For the opening match of the tournament, Angband was to play Minas Tirith. As the two teams passed the garlanded arch of the east gate of Moria, they first crossed the slender bridge of Khadad-Dum, and then matched a furlong into the mountain, and finally ascended two flights of stairs to find themselves in a vast pillared hall, lit by sunlight entering through deep shafts in the ceiling and countless torches burning fiercely with white and scarlet flames. The hall was fashioned so that the pitch of natural grass, which had been transported here piece by piece from the green valleys far below, could be seen in the bottom centre of it, like a radiant emerald more than a hundred metres below the ceiling and the top of the oval, marble stands climbing steeply along the walls. Here 70 000 Dwarves, Orcs, Elves and Men were seated, each one cheering for their favourite team. The stage was set for a feast of football, and what a stage it was.

Match 1: Angband – Minas Tirith

Finally the wait was over and right after kick-off the action was fast and furious. The mighty Angband immediately came racing out of the gate with wave after wave of furious attacks. Minas Tirith was hard put to defend their keeper, but with strikers like Boromir and Aragorn, they were always a threat on the counter attack. Angband struck first however and took a deserved lead in the 26th minute. Hurin, booed each time he touched the ball by a group of Dor-lomin fans who were present, showed his quality by beating Ondoher on the right and crossing into the box where Ancalagon the Black met the ball with a flying header that Ecthelion had no chance to stop. Moments later new signing Gwindor had an excellent opportunity to make it two, but he froze in front of goal, allowing Denethor to make the tackle. Instead it was Minas Tirith who scored next. Ulfast played a backpass towards his own goalie, but Aragorn, ever able to read the minds of his fellow Men, anticipated the move and came face to face with the red maw of Carcaroth, rushing away from his line to close the angles. The approach of the Angband keeper was so terrible it startled even the brave Aragorn, who could only toe-poke a weak effort straight at Carcaroth. The rebound however fell kindly for midfielder Mardil, who took a touch and send the ball into the open net past the stranded goaltender, making the halftime score 1-1.

After the break Angband went looking for a winner right away. Tevildo started to have a cat and mouse game with Earnil on the left, creating many chances for himself and his teammates. In the 55th minute he clawed himself past his marker and hit a volley that rocketed against the bar, and a few minutes later his cross was met by the head of Ancalagon, who again rattled the Minas Tirith woodwork. A Angband goal seemed inevitable, and in the 65th minute it finally came. Ancalagon, whose aerial strength was a nuisance all night for the Minas Tirith defenders, headed a long ball back to Tevildo, who faked a long-distance shot and with cat-like agility danced past two defenders to get himself into a good position in the penalty area. Gwindor, wide open in the centre, would have been disappointed not to receive the ball in the first place from his selfish and ball-hugging teammate, but when a shot finally came in from a tight angle Echtelion could not hold on to the ball, giving the Elf the chance to slide in and put the rebound into the net. Angband was rampant now and looked set to increase their lead ever further, but once again it was Ulfast the Accursed who let his team down. Already in the book for a late challenge in the first half, the Angband defender seemed to get provoked by a comment by Denethor, and responded by pushing the White City defender, who immediately fell to the ground, apparently in agonizing pain. The referee had no choice but to give Ulfast his second yellow card, despite the protests of his teammates, and despite the apparent ease in which Denethor got back onto his feet after the ref’s decision. This opened a window back into the game for Minas Tirith as Angband pulled back defending their lead with a man short. The equalizer came with ten minutes to play as Mardil sent an early cross into the area which did not look too dangerous, but Boromir managed to push himself past his marker and get a toe to it. Carcaroth blocked the shot and the rebound was a 50-50 affair, but Boromir fought bravely and hurled himself forward to get a second chance, and then a third, and finally, on the forth attempt he found the net, which proved to be the last significant event of the game. This Angband team without Morgoth has showed that it still has a very potent offence, but there will be question-marks regarding its defending in the matches to come.

Angband 2-2 Minas Tirith
shots 15-9
on target 8-4
GOALS:
*26, Angband (Ancalagon, Hurin)
*38, Minas Tirith (Mardil, Aragorn II)
*65, Angband (Gwindor, Telvildo)
*79, Minas Tirith (Boromir I, Mardil)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Angband- Ulfast, Gwindor, Balrog #5
*Minas Tirith- Denethor II
RED CARDS:
*Angband- Ulfast, 74 (second yellow)

Match 2: Alqualonde – Moria

As the host team entered the field the noise in the great hall was deafening. From the deep places below there was a drum-beat: Doom, boom, doom, it went, driving the Moria supporters into a frenzy. The Dwarves were beating hammers onto anvils while the Orcs were singing harsh songs of ridicule, and the Alqualonde players were looking rather daunted as they came out in their bright jersey. As play came underway, it became clear that Moria was determined to keep it that way, playing a very rough and physical game to disturb their more technically gifted opponents. As the size of the pitch was intentionally made rather small, Alqualonde found it hard to find space for their usual passing game, and the five man midfield of Moria, led by the imposing Durin’s Bane, completely dominated the proceedings, leaving the Elves with very little time on the ball. Alqualonde quickly reverted to plan B however and started to play long balls up towards target-player Cirdan, who had a great height advantage over the diminutive Moria defenders. In the 17th minute Cirdan also gave the Aman side the lead, as he towered above Durin and scored on a looping header. His effort was applauded by most of the Dwarves, who were appreciative of his long and well-kept beard, but the Orcish hooligans in the stands got furious when they saw it, and quite a few scimitars were produced that had somehow been snuck past security. On the field Durin and Durin’s bane got into a heated discussion over the marking on the goal, and a riot seemed inevitable, but much thanks to the fence separating the Dwarven and Orcish supporters everything eventually calmed down enough for play to continue.

The Moria team now seemed on the brink of losing control, and was rather lucky not to get a few red cards as the tackles got more and more brutal. But they also started to create some real chances. As the crowd got behind their team more and more, the goals also came. In the 31th minute Durin’s Bane easily brushed aside Frodo in the penalty area, and squared the ball to Narvi, who scored from close range. Right after half-time they took the lead, as Azog scored with a screamer from just outside the penalty area. Alqualonde had not given up though, and even though Gwaihir had managed to contain Cirdan in the air, they started to play better and better as the match progressed. Having missed a few good opportunities to score already, the equalizer came in the 62nd minute when Osse rose like the crest of a foaming tsunami-wave, and nodded his wife Uninen’s cross into the net. Now it looked like the match had ebbed out, and another draw was on hand, but with ten minutes to play, a piece of individual brilliance settled the contest. Narvi found Durin’s Bane in the centre, and he took on the Alqualonde defence on his own, beating one, then two, then three players. Frodo made a last ditch attempt to stop the Balrog, but it was a task beyond him, and he could only watch as the ball was rifled into the back of the net. The supporters went wild and as the full time whistle blew, celebrations that will go on well into the night started. The Moria crowd was well pleased with what they had seen tonight.

Alqualonde 2-3 Moria
shots 10-10
on target 4-6
GOALS:
*17, Alqualonde (Cirdan, Idril)
*31, Moria (Narvi, Durin's Bane)
*49, Moria (Azog, Thorin)
*62, Alqualonde (Osse, Uinen)
*80, Moria (Durin's Bane, Narvi)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Alqualonde- Eriol
*Moria- Ohtar, Thorin, Thror, Durin, Balin

Standings: Group A

Team________W D L GF GA P
1) Moria______ 1 0 0 3 - 2 3
2) Angband___ 0 1 0 2 - 2 1
2) Minas Tirith_ 0 1 0 2 - 2 1
4) Alqualonde _ 0 0 1 2 - 3 0

[the phantom]

When Mirkwood won the bid to host Group B of the Arda Cup, a fierce battle ensued between Elves, Men, Orcs, and... things.

The woodmen were the first to lay claim. "The games should be played here, on the western side of Mirkwood!" they insisted. "We've cut ourselves homes right back into the wood, and we know the woods well. Much of our blood has been spilled defending our homes here."

But the spiders and other beasties didn't agree in the least. "You had to defend your homes from us, and why? Because you drove us from our rightful place! We've lived in this forest for many years. You should've stayed on the Anduin. You late-comers have no claim!"

"If that is the case," answered the Elves, "Then surely you deny your own claim. We were here before the forest turned dark. Before it even became Mirkwood."

"Ah, then you admit that it was us who made this forest what it is!" returned the evil creatures. "The bid was awarded to 'Mirkwood', not 'the forest which used to be Mirkwood'!"

In the end, Arda Cup officials stepped in and ruled that if a place could not be agreed upon, they would award the bid to another location. That threat was enough to bring a scrap of unity to the residents of the forest, and they built a great new stadium in the midst of the forest, just south of the Elf road where the enchanted river crosses. The stadium seats were built in many different shapes and sizes so as to accommodate beings of all types. There were even prespun webs stretched between the field lights to provide a perch for the spiders.

As the games neared, spectators came in by the thousands. Hastily built hotels surrounding the arena provided food and bed, and a place for fans to discuss the upcoming matches. A handful of families from Eriador had braved the passes of the Misty Mountains to support Arnor, and could be heard far and wide declaring this year as "our year". "These players tied Angband and Valimar last year in Group play, and now we've added Isildur. It's our time!"

There were also a few men from Rohan there to support Helm's Deep, though far more of them had traveled to the Shire to support Edoras. Oddly enough, some men of Rohan showed up in support of Mirkwood, due to Lord Fram's presence on the team. "He's a dragon-slayer, and a forefather of the Rohirrim. How can you not support him?"

And of course there were Elves. Thranduil's people arrived in great numbers to support their lords who would be playing for the Mirkwood team, but there were also a few Elves from the west who came to watch Nargothrond play.

The woodmen and a few men from Long Lake who came supported Mirkwood for the most part, mostly because of Grimbeorn, though some of them adopted Nargothrond due to Beren and the father of dragons, Glaurung. But it was certainly Mirkwood who had the most support. All the denizens of Dol Guldur were completely behind their representative Nazgul and the fearsome Scatha, and so it was that the stadium was certain to grant Mirkwood a clear home-field advantage.

********************

ARNOR VERSUS HELM'S DEEP

The first game of the day featured Helm's Deep and Arnor. The stadium was disappointingly about half full at the start of the game, though it had filled by halftime.

As Helm and company emerged out of the tunnel onto the field, they appeared to be confused. "All right men- up onto the ramparts and make your bows ready!" shouted Helm. "If we gain the high ground first-" But then he saw that there were no ramparts, nor was there high ground. "What the devil?!" shouted Gram. "A flat battlefield? But we don't have our horses!"

Hama rolled his eyes and yelled, "I've been telling you all along! We're playing football!! Not fighting! Do you believe me now?! See?! There's the goal right there, and the ball, and the refs!! FOOTBALL!!"

Helm quickly regained his composure. "All right then, men, it's football we're playing! Take a position, and remember, you have to use your feet!" With far more order than one would think, the Helm's Deep players took places on the field and began practicing, passing balls around to each other. After a couple minutes, Arnor came out onto the field and warmed up alongside them. Isildur in particular looked full of swagger, and the fans from Arnor were extremely vocal.

Right from the first pass it was Arnor who looked to attack, but Helm's Deep was stingy and cluttered things up again and again in the back third of the field, though they weren't able to mount any sort of counter attack. In the 29th minute Arnor gained a corner, and Arantar booted it to the far side of the goal where Isildur used all of his height and met it perfectly to send it inside the post for the lead.

The rest of the first half was played in the midfield for the most part, with each side only gaining one decent shot, which both goalies were equal to.

Arnor came out energized for the second half, and held the ball for several minutes before Isildur gained position inside and was given the ball. He used his size to shield the ball from Theodred and curled around him, made a brilliant move past Folcwine, and found Araphor on the run with a perfect pass and Araphor made no mistake and gave Arnor the two goal lead.

The action was slow from then on, with Arnor being content to hold their lead and play prevent defense against Helm's Deep. It worked fine until the 80th minute and Helm "Hammerfoot" blasted a shot from 30 meters out perfectly into the top right corner. But that was all the scoring for the day, and Arnor left with 3 points in hand.

Arnor 2-1 Helm's Deep
shots 10-9
on target 4-4
GOALS:
*29, Arnor (Isildur, Arantar)
*58, Arnor (Araphor, Isildur)
*80, HD (Helm, Hama)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Arnor- Argeleb, Valandur
*Helm's Deep- Brytta, Helm

MIRKWOOD VERSUS NARGOTHROND

Despite the stadium's vastness, it could not contain the crowds that showed up for the night match. After the Helm's Deep and Arnor fans vacated their seats, there weren't nearly enough empty chairs to accommodate the hordes of Orcs and companies of Elves lined up outside. Even the spiders ran out of room and began spinning new webs across the field. Head ref Boro88 had to call in a crew to stop them from putting webs in places that were likely to get hit by the ball during the match.

In the end they allowed everyone in and there was standing room only. The aisles were packed and there were Orcs perched atop the skyboxes, stacked one on top of the other. And so it was that when Mirkwood trotted onto the pitch, the noise was nearly deafening, and a nearly equal volume of booing greeted the favored group-winner Nargothrond.

As play began, it was all out war on the field. Tough collisions and hard tackles were the order of the day, and the refs were keeping their cards in their pockets and letting them play. The Mirkwood forwards pushed with all of their great skill, but Luthien and the sons of Feanor were up to the task. On the other end it was the same story, with the wizard, Radagast, the Ent, Treebeard, and the bear-man Grimbeorn holding the line against the dangerous scorers from Nargothrond.

Both dragons gained an opportunity for their side, but the GKs stopped the shots cold, and the crowd roared in appreciation of the good play. But that sound was nothing compared to the riotous screaming that broke out at the 33 minute mark when Scatha drew first blood and put the home team ahead on the scoreboard.

But the team from Nargothrond was not so easily shaken, and their competitive will held firm through halftime, and at last they equalized a few minutes after the half as Mablung found Beren with a pinpoint pass. The crowd was not discouraged however, and urged their team forward. But it was Nargothrond who once again took charge, and at the 77 minute mark Finduilas was awarded a kick from a foul on Treebeard for "rooting" (when a tree or ent which sticks roots into the ground and has them emerge at another spot on the field to contact the ball or an opposing player). Her kick was barely tipped away by Oropher, but it rebounded off the post and was booted in by Glaurung, and Nargothrond took the lead on the home team, 2-1.

Mirkwood tried desperately to equalize, but the defense of Nargothrond was solid and refused to let Mirkwood's forwards run free. At last in the final 10 minutes Legolas gained a step on Luthien and Thranduil hit him with a pass, but his shot was tipped away by Orodreth and the score held. The home fans left the stadium down-hearted, but not completely depressed. Nargothrond had been the heavy favorite, and they had played them tough. Surely they still had a good chance of advancing. But they knew Helm's Deep and Arnor would have something to say about that.

Mirkwood 1-2 Nargothrond
shots 11-9
on target 4-4
GOALS:
*33, Mirkwood (Scatha, Thranduil)
*52, Nargothrond (Beren, Mablung)
*77, Nargothrond (Glaurung, Finduilas)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Mirkwood- Treebeard, Fram
*Nargothrond- Gelmir, Mim, Beren

[skip spence]

Isengaard is the setting for Group C in the Arda Cup and Saruman, captain of the home team, has assembled a mixed side he deems strong. The pundits, however, are not so certain that they are strong enough to compete with pre-tournament favourites Gondolin and Hithlum, the latter with a very good team this year. There are question-marks whether Fëanor and Fingolfin can put their differences aside and cooperate on the field but on a joint press conference last night the siblings denied any rift between them. “Thou shalt lead, and I will follow”, the younger brother said to Fëanor who nodded in agreement. It remains to be seen whether the peace will last.

Match 1: Gondolin vs. Hithlum

The ring of Isengaard was packed to the rim in anticipation of this clash of the Titans. Gondolin versus Hithlum could very well have been the final, and a sell-out crowd was dying to see who came out on top. As the referee blew the whistle and play got going, no-one was disappointed either. Well, perhaps the blood-thirsty Uruk Hai in the stands, who got a bit bored with the sportsmanship showed by the two Eldar teams, but if they weren’t happy, they cannot claim to be fans of the beautiful game. It is said that those who have seen the light of the two trees have special powers in this world, and this was easy to believe watching the game, as every touch was sublime, every play well though-out, and every tackle hard but precise. Throughout the match, Hithlum always seemed to have the edge however, and when Aredhel found the net after a clever back-flick by Maedhros the road back into the game already looked steep for Gondolin.

One of the most interesting striking-partnerships in this year’s competition is no doubt that between former Angband star Gothmog and Ecthtelion of Gondolin. No fan of football will forget the classic Arda Cup semi-final between Angbad and Gondolin, where the two stars each scored a brace of goals, and then got sent off together after a brutal fight. Angband went on to win that match, and if afterwards anyone were to suggest that Gothmog would go on to sign for Gondolin, he or she would be the laughing-stock of the entire footballing world. Yet that is the case now. And judging by tonight’s game there are signs that the former arch-rivals have some difficulty getting along still. Just before half-time Ecthelion made a great deep run, and Gothmog looked to have spotted him, but instead of passing the ball he tried his luck with a speculative long range effort. Later on, the roles were reversed, as Ecthelion opted not to pass Gothmog, even though the Balrog was in a great position to score. In the meantime Hithlum threatened to make it two. Fingolfin came very close on a couple of occasions, but when the goal finally came, it was his elder brother who got himself on the scoresheet, beating a rather heavy Salgant for pace on the right before finishing with a low shot past Rog in the Gondolin goal. This looked like game over for Gondolin, but with eleven minutes to play Fëanor grew over-confident as he tried to dribble Gothmog just outside his own penalty area, and the Balrog robbed him of the ball, quickly played it on to Etchelion, who immediately returned the favour, giving his old enemy an easy finish into the open net. Gondolin never came very close to an equalizer, but they will be boosted by that goal. Perhaps the signing of Gothmog will pay off after all? Gondolin have two matches ahead of them now when he simply must show his worth. Hithlum looks every bit as good as expected though, and will be hard to beat this year.

Gondolin 1-2 Hithlum
shots 8-13
on target 4-7
GOALS:
*37, Hithlum (Aredhel, Maedhros)
*69, Hithlum (Feanor, Fingon)
*79, Gondolin (Gothmog, Ecthelion)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Gondolin- Duilin, Galdor
*Hithlum- Annael

Match 2: Isengaard vs. Minas Morgul

Saruman will not have been happy about the draw, as Isengaard face two of the toughest teams of the tournament already in the group stages. In apprehension of the Elvish flair to come, the opening game against a rather untested Minas Morgul side was a real must-win affair for the home side. As it turned out however, the home team might as well have stayed in their Orthanc locker room, because they were simply blown off the field by their surprisingly efficient opponents. Saruman could not have foreseen such a disaster had he looked into a Palantir, for Minas Morgul could well have scored six if it weren’t for Lugdush’s heroics in the Isengaard goal. Saruman went to and fro on the midfield, always a step behind, as the lights of Beruthiel “the Queen”, Eärnur, and the Witch-King had their way with inventive, sometimes ingenious play. Already in the seventh minute, The lord of the Nazgul silenced the crowd, and when Sangahyando scored the third goal little after half-time, the home supporters furled up their banners displaying the white hand and left the stadium dejected. Saruman will have to come up with some magic now, in order to get his team through to the knock-out stages.

Isengard 0-3 Minas Morgul
shots 6-17
on target 2-9
GOALS:
*7, Minas Morgul (Witch King, Beruthiel)
*28, Minas Morgul (Castamir, Angamaite)
*57, Minas Morgul (Sangahyando, Khamul)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Isengard- Wulf, Ugluk, Mauhur, Lurtz
*Minas Morgul- Gothmog II, Earnur

Standings: Group A

Team________W D L GF GA P
1) Minas Morgul_1 0 0 3 - 0 3
2) Hithlum_____1 0 0 2 - 1 3
3) Gondolin____ 0 0 1 1 - 2 0
4) Isengaard___ 0 0 1 0 - 3 0

[Nogrod]

GROUP D at Erebor


The whole region around the Long Lake was filled with enthusiasm when it was decided Erebor would host group D in the Arda Cup 2009. The elves, dwarves and humans alike started preparing to the games a long beforehand. And when the teams of their group were released folk just got out of hand.

The Eregion team would be there with all the glorious elves and human heroes topped with Gandalf himself! That surely raised the interests of people around. And the team Mordor! They would love to see that team break down in front of their eyes even if that hope was mixed with some real sensations of fear and awe: Shelob would be there as well as a few Nazgûls. Thrilling!

But talk of the home team then! Filled with dwarves the home team claimed the support of the dwarves from as far as the Iron Hills and even some from Moria who were hosting games as well. But it was players like Beorn, Bard, Bolg and Smaug the people wanted to see performing under the common banner of the Lonely Mountain. A few were afraid how well these heroes could perform together but basically those concerns were mainly suppressed.

The heroes of Osgiliath with all the Númenorean talent would be well received as well but looking at the others teams their star looked a bit dimmer indeed. But the cognoscenti were enthralled. What a team it would be to see, alive from the archives of heroism in the Middle-Earth!


The renovated stadium of Erebor was filled to the last seat when Eregion and Mordor met in the first match of the tournament. There had been some problems the previous night with the orc-supporters from Mordor and the Lake Towners and the local dwarves, but basically there had been peace and understanding between the supporters and the hooligans had been locked up effectively by the no-nonsense dwarven police.

----------

The first game of the day was between Eregion and Mordor. As the first orcs ran to the field many spectators started booing but were silenced with entrance of Shelob. Her presence was so threatening that for a moment there was total silence in the audience as people were holding their breath. Then the great elves and men led by their captain Gandalf entered the stadium and the crowds just exploded. The odd moment was away and the joy had re-entered the stadium.

Mordor’s game-plan had been easy to read already from their line-up. Small and fastlegged orcs would try to wear the enemy-defenders down with runs through the lines while their own defence would count on terror and awe and Shelob’s exceptional reach. But the problem with the plan was of course that Eregion forwards were not one’s you could frighten that easily and the defenders had both finesse and wisdom not to run like fools after the fast orcs dashing here and there around them but with wise positioning and foresight cut the passes and closed the passing-lines.

So effective was Eregion’s defence in the game that Mordor got only one shot at the goal. Same could not be said on Mordor’s defence. Gil-Galad and Glorfindel truly showed no fear but effectively took the Nazguls out of the game by their constant sideways runs forcing the Nazguls to follow them like shadows they are and thus leaving the rest of the field to the dynamic trio of three E’s. And what a tornado they were! Eärendil and Elrohir scored a goal a piece and it was close Elladan wouldn’t have scored one as well but Shelob’s great timing saved Mordor from a humiliating three-zero scoreline.

It seems clear that without Sauron and The Witch-King the Mordor team is quite vulnerable, far from the menacing force it could be. Eregion team on the contrary gave the spectators some very entertaining football and a fair warning to other teams about the quality of their squad.

Eregion 2-0 Mordor

shots 10-4
on target 4-1
GOALS:
*34, Eregion (Earendil, Valandil)
*59, Eregion (Elrohir, Gandalf)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Eregion- Elladen
*Mordor- Nazgul #4, Gorbag, Lagduf


The second match was a totally different story. The home team controlled the game totally on the first half and way to the second. It looked like the Osgiliath team was in a football field for a first time. Without a few spectacular saves by Romendacil Osgiliath might have fallen already before the half-time.

Led by Bolg and Smaug the Eregion team was trying the Osgiliath defences wave after wave. Bolg burst the stadium into relieved cheers by taking the home team into lead at 27th minute. But it was Smaug’s goal on the first minutes of the second half that really got the stadium wild.

Bard made a spectacular run to the corner and then passing diagonally backwards from between two defenders coming towards him. Dain took the ball coolly at the edge of the box waiting for the second needed to get the mid-defenders on him and flipped the ball over them to Smaug now alone in front of the goal. And that volley almost ripped the net apart! Romendacil hadn’t time to even blink with it. Smaug had once again shown what a force to be reckoned with it was.

But what happened then silenced the stadium. The moment the visitors started playing the home team just froze. Enraged by being two goals down the kings and heroes of old managed to recollect themselves and took the game under total control. The Erebor defences were suddenly just too slow for the Osgiliath attack that had doubled the pace of their game. Beorn did the best he could but couldn’t obviously be at all the places simultaneously.

It was a total mirror-image of the first half. And so Osgiliath also scored twice, by Hyermendacil from the aftermath of a corner kick and by Eldacar finishing a short but beautiful solo run by getting around Bain, who had tried to plunge and take the ball, and just passing the ball into the empty goal.

The mood in the stadium had totally changed: instead of the winning-chants the audience had sung early on to the game they now bit their nails fearing a third goal for the visitors. To their relievement that never came. But the second game of the night had left people with many questions.

Erebor 2-2 Osgiliath

shots 12-12
on target 6-5
GOALS:
*27, Erebor (Bolg, Naz #9)
*48, Erebor (Smaug, Dain)
*64, Osgiliath (Hyarmendacil, Eldacar)
*78, Osgiliath (Eldacar, Falastur)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Erebor- Brand, Dain
*Osgiliath- Narmacil, Siriondil

[Nogrod]

GROUP E at Lothlorien

The organisers at Lothlorien were careful to see the arrangements would be fitting for the great guests they would be receiving. And they had some special reasons to be extraordinary hosts; like the attendance of the great elven friends Huor and Tuor and all their kin (including Nienor whose fate the elves had gotten into their hearts), the honourable even if questionable duo of Beleg and Turin, Melian in her grace and glory and the “greymantle”, leader of the sindarin, the minstrel Maglor, Eöl the odd one; and the stars from Númenor: the controversial Ar Pharazon, Sauron himself, the beloved Tar Minastir, the shipbuilder Tar Ciryatan…

So they had to show they were generous hosts and efficient organisers of a tournament. And as this group was widely thought of being one of those “groups of death”, they sure had to uplift the general mood as sports-wise this sure was one of the toughest groups. So outside the field everything should be as amiable as it could be – even with the whole team Armenelos and its supporters.

There was much rejoicing in the eve of the games when elves and humans who had not seen each others in years were enjoying each others’ company sharing the mutual memories. The spirits were high all around the city. Even those who had first criticised the building of the massive Nenya-Arena with all the cutting of trees and levelling the earth required were showing smiling faces on the eve of the games.

----------

The first match of the day was between Armenelos and Dor-Lomin. Armenelos had really showed some quality football in last year’s tournament and Sauron’s addition to the team hardly made it a weaker side, at least looking at the sheer talent and power of the team. Although many questioned the inclusion of Sauron, for looking at the personal histories of both Tar Minastir and Ar Pharazon in regards to Sauron it didn’t actually suggest a smooth co-operation and teamwork based on mutual trust. Or would Sauron fail the men once again, like in a critical match against a team that had closer allegiances to his deepest sympathies?

And there was talent on the opposing side as well, especially in the offence. And it could boast with a fair number of heroes in its ranks even if in the pure footballing genius they might have been considered the underdogs. Still everyone was looking forwards for solid performances from the team Dor-Lomin and its tough players.

And it turned out to be a very entertaining game indeed with great individual talent flashing on both sides. But individual skills put aside, it was clearly Armenlos that called the shots early in the game with team-play finesse normally seen only at later stages of tournaments. And they started the scoring already at the 17th minute when after some beautiful passing Ar Pharazon finally set the ball to Tar Minastir who could shoot the goal with Huor on the move to the opposing direction.

Turin and Beleg were constant threats and the experienced Armenelos defence had to put up with some beautiful performances by the two; but with solid teamwork and even some luck the scoreline stayed at 1-0.

At the 36th minute Sauron finally showed why he had been taken into the team. With a quick turn-over play in the middle of Dor-Lomin pressing for an equaliser, Tar Ancalimon robbed the ball and sent it forwards to Sauron, who had basically sniffed the steal in advance and was already on his way forwards when he got the ball in full speed. And Sauron just plain ran the remaining defenders down controlling the ball as he went and finally hammered it in with a powershot.

It is hard to imagine Sauron being applauded in Lothlorien but it did happen this time. Even if it would be wrong to say the aplodes were enthusiastic or especially warm.

But Dor-Lomin was not going to give up and came to the second half full of energy and determination. And they were rewarded at 58th minute when – surprise, surprise – Beleg and Turin finally tore the Armenelos defence down with ingenuous teamwork and Turin shot the ball into the goal through Tar Telperien’s legs, via the right post. The home crowd cheered and this time from the bottom of their heart. There was no question which team was their favourite.

But if the hopes were raised with the narrowing of the lead, they were immediately dampened as Armenelos team found one more gear from somewhere and took the control of the game firmly back. Not that they had actually lost it at any point but after Turin’s goal Armenelos just shut all Dor-Lomin’s attacks and forced them into defence for good. And it took them just thirteen minutes to reclaim the two goal lead.

This time Sauron was playing the second fiddle – but what a play it was!

Armenelos had a free kick from some 30 meters and Ar Adunakhor and Tar Ancalimon were discussing which of them would take it and how. Sauron stood beside the ball making gestures to the two that they should decide. When the referee’s whistle came Ar Adunakhor started running towards the ball and Tar Ancalimon started right behind him. Just when Ar Adunakhor was about to run over the ball – leaving it to Tar Ancalimon following him, Sauron reached his foot to the ball and made a precision pass to the left where Ar Pharazon had been left totally free as all were concentrating on the direction Tar Ancalimon was about to pass it. When the defenders realised what had happened it was already too late. A pro goal-scorer like Ar Pharazon just doesn’t tend to miss that kind of opportunities.

Dor-Lomin gave Armenelos a good fight but it was widely agreed that even if people would have wished Dor-Lomin to make it, the better team had won. Armenelos was one of the best teams last year – some even say it was the best – and it looks like it’s going to be one also this time around.

Armenelos 3-1 Dor-Lomin

shots 16-12
on target 8-4
GOALS:
*17, Armenelos (Tar Minastir, Ar Pharazon)
*36, Armenelos (Sauron, Tar Ancalimon)
*58, Dor-Lomin (Turin, Beleg)
*71, Armenelos (Ar Pharazon, Sauron)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Armenelos- Ar Gimilzor, Tar Ancalimon
*Dor-Lomin- Gundor, Tuor


After such a great opening game the feelings were high when the home team’s debut finally took place. And there was no lesser opponent to them than Doriath. It would be the fight of the elves! And especially the fight of two beautiful, foreseeing and extremely skilled goalkeepers used to protect the inviolability of their realms. But even if the home crowd loved its team the line-up of the guests looked dangerously tough; full of legends many of them had just heard stories of or just seen from afar on those earlier days.

To the joy of the home crowd Lothlorien started actively and with the support of the audience seemed to fly in the field making dangerous approaches to the goal guarded by Melian already on the first minutes. Even if the game evened out a bit after the first ten minutes the home team was playing active and gourageous football.

And they were rewarded indeed at 28th minute. When Arwen headed a nice corner given by Haldir into the back of the net from close range the arena just exploded! This was what they had wanted to come to see and this was what they were getting!

After the goal Doriath managed to get the upperhand over the home team and many were the nails bitten before the halftime hoping the lead would hold. But it didn’t.

The visitors attacked with a wide and deep front, so when the defenders were busy marking the most forward-coming ones the ones following naturally got more space. With Dior’s great perception and other attackers' activity, Nellas was able to run into a free space in the corner of the box and got the ball to his feet, avoiding offside by an inch ramming the ball in to the top corner of the goal leaving Galadriel no chances.

But Lothorien started the second half at least as impressively they started the first one and raised the hopes of the homecrowd - and filled them. Despite a few beautiful saves Melian couldn't ward off the Lothlorien attackers from her goal and from a crowded mess in front of her goal Nimrodel managed to move the ball in. The cheers of the crowd were ear-piercing.

To the great disappointment of the home fans Doriath came even fifteen minutes later. The smith and the minstrel put up a great show of individual talent against the already a bit tired Lothorien defenders and just overran them with a few neat passes leaving Galadriel into a hopeless position.

Doriath pressed for a game-winner in the end but thanks to Galadriel beautiful saves one never game.

The homecrowds were pleased with the result though even if at some points they had even entertained the idea of winning the game. But Doriath was a solid team and this was seen fair in the end. Both goalies were elected as the "women of the match" and both teams could be happy with the performances of their forwards and some midfielders. But how would their defences fare with a team like Armenelos, or the shining skill of Turin and Beleg? The coaches had surely something to think.

Doriath 2-2 Lothlorien

shots 15-14
on target 8-8
GOALS:
*28, Lothlorien (Arwen, Haldir)
*42, Doriath (Nellas, Dior)
*62, Lothlorien (Nimrodel, Arwen)
*76, Doriath (Eöl, Maglor)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Doriath- Saeros, Dior
*Lothlorien- Haldir

[the phantom]

Every room in the city of Tirion upon Tuna was filled, and a sea of tents crowded the parks, the lawns, and the streets. Even more tents could be found outside the walls of the fair city, particularly upon the western side towards the Calacirya where the great road came running out of Valimar and the lands beyond the Pelori. Just outside the western gate on the north side of the road stood the great stadium. It had been built by the Noldor of old, and the arches and pillars were both strong and beautiful. The stonework was studded by jewels of many colors and sizes, and the gleam of the stadium could be seen clearly by Manwe or any other looking out from the summit of Taniquetil.

Seven of the Arda Cup groups were being hosted east of the sea, and so it was that the games at Tuna were as well attended as any. The Teleri, the Noldor, the Vanyar, and the Ainur were there in force. Only a small handful of fans made the trip across the sea to support Brethil and Gondor, but both were likely to receive polite support from the rest of the crowds. Tol-in-Gaurhoth, on the other hand, was unlikely to receive any support from the Elves and Ainur. They did not look kindly upon Werewolves. Tol-in-Gaurhoth would have to depend on their own fans- a small but extremely noisy group.

There was no question which team the massive crowd would be behind with their whole hearts- the team from Tuna. After upsetting Nargothrond to reach the final eight last year (where they lost to eventual champion Formenos), Tuna's fortunes looked promising. They had seven of their players back, though arranged slightly differently in order to match their talents better (they hoped). But four new faces- Amrod, Amras, Indis, and Aule, promised to improve their defense, which they hoped would mesh well with their ultra-aggressive offense.

But the crowd would have to wait to see them in action. First up was Gondor versus Tol-in-Gaurhoth.

********************

GONDOR VERSUS TOL-IN-GAURHOTH

First to arrive on the field was Tol-in-Gaurhoth, and to the crowd's delight, it appeared they hadn't practiced at all. Their test shots were off, and their passes were clumsy. "That's what they get for not even drafting their team until last week," thought most of the fans.

Gondor on the other hand looked sharp out of the locker room, and from the first whistle they controlled the action. Only 14 minutes into the game Kuruwolf and Runewolf completely botched their defensive assignments and allowed Faramir to run completely free to the goal, and his brother wasted no time in finding him with the pass.

For the next while Tol-in-Gaurhoth managed to keep Gondor at bay with their athleticism and strength, but they were still making mistakes and generally passing poorly. In the 32nd minute the fundamentally sound Gondor made TIG pay again as the Werewolves were late getting themselves set to defend a corner and Imrahil easily volleyed it in.

As the half came to a close, Boromir was allowed into the box as Skipwolf and Wereomer got tied up with each other, but fortunately for TIG their goalie Mormwolf was a bit more on the ball and made a brilliant stop to keep the deficit at two goals.

The mood was festive during the half, but that ended soon after the start of the second. TIG had obviously decided to kick the effort up a notch, and came out of the locker room playing ridiculously rough. Runewolf received a card only two minutes in, and just five minutes later it was Gwathwolf who was rung up for being too rough. More cards could easily have been handed out, but the Werewolves did an excellent job at avoiding the eyes of the ref.

Gondor was momentarily knocked off their precision game by the sudden onslaught, and that was enough of a window for TIG to finally get on the scoreboard. Since passing wasn't working well, the TIG players tried to take the ball upfield without help, and at minute 56 Phantomwolf succeeded in making a run down the entire sideline and in towards the goal. His shot attempt was poked away by Anardil, but SPMwolf pounced on the loose ball and booted it solidly into the back of the net to cut the lead to one.

Surprisingly, the goal seemed to calm Gondor down, and they settled into a groove after that and worked around the physical play of TIG quite well for the next ten minutes, gaining two chances at the goal. Unfortunately for them Mormwolf seemed to be completely on his game now and he stopped them dead. Heartened by his efforts, the TIG team finally started playing some decent football and worked the ball up the field. Borowolf and Phantomwolf both gained decent scoring chances, and the box was peppered with long-shot attempts, but it was finally Nogwolf that tied the score by deflecting a rocket from Gwathwolf.

During the final minutes of the game TIG continued to control the action, but thanks to great play by Calmacil the score remained tied at 2-2. But then with only two minutes left, Gondor finally caught a break. Minalcar intercepted a pass and sent it forward to Imrahil who made an amazing run down the field and into the TIG box with Faramir at his side with only Kuruwolf left to beat. But before he could do anything, Lomwolf took him out brutally from behind, and the Elves and Ainur applauded as a penalty kick was awarded to Gondor.

Imrahil approached the ball and bent it perfectly into the top right corner, but Mormwolf guessed right and with a spectacular leap knocked the ball up and over the goal! The crowd groaned, but the section of TIG fans roared and celebrated, happy to escape with a tie. It was more than they deserved after the start they had.

Gondor 2-2 Tol-in-Gaurhoth
shots 14-17
on target 7-8
GOALS:
*14, Gondor (Faramir, Boromir II)
*32, Gondor (Imrahil, Hirluin)
*56, TIG (SPMwolf, Phantomwolf)
*73, TIG (Nogwolf, Gwathwolf)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Gondor- Ioreth, Valacar
*TIG- Runewolf, Gwathwolf, Kuruwolf, Lomwolf

BRETHIL VERSUS TUNA

The giant Feanorian lamps shone brightly above the field as Brethil made their way out for their first game. The spectators clapped graciously, but obviously were saving their energy to greet the home team, and when the Tuna squad sprinted out of the tunnel, the Brethil team found out just how much of a visitor they were. Never had that stadium heard so much sound, but those cheers were nothing compared to the roar but 7 minutes into the match when Miriel found Finwe for a header and the early lead.

And even that roar was nothing next to the blast of noise that occured at the 19 minute mark when Miriel found the goal herself, helped out by her daughter in law Nerdanel. The Brethil players appeared to be in slow motion, partly due to the skill and speed of Tuna, and partly from the shock of witnessing it in front of their faces.

Just minutes before halftime, the stadium shook again as Nerdanel found the net after controlling a perfectly threaded long pass from Indis. It was 3-0 going into the locker room, and in the stands it was one giant party. Bottles were opened and songs were belted out. What a way to begin!

At the opening of the second half Tuna started slower, content to conserve energy and finish out what had been a great game. Brethil gave it their all and tried to rough things up and even managed a couple of respectable shots, but Aule of the Valar was more than equal to the task and kept them off the score sheet, and the hard tackles of Brethil did little damage to the graceful Eldar who always were quick enough to avoid the worst hurt and fell lightly and sprung right back up. At the 63 minute mark, despite their slower pace, the precision and skill of Tuna yielded yet another goal- this time it was Finwe helping out his youngest son.

After that Tuna really pulled back and contented themselves to holding the ball, and Brethil out of relief didn't seem too keen to press the issue and allowed the game to finish the way it was and saved their efforts for their next match. The home side left the field waving joyously to their supporters, and there were celebrations in Tirion far into the night. Tuna was a force to be reckoned with.

Brethil 0-4 Tuna
shots 6-19
on target 2-10
GOALS:
*7, Tuna (Finwe, Miriel)
*19, Tuna (Miriel, Nerdanel)
*41, Tuna (Nerdanel, Indis)
*63, Tuna (Finarfin, Finwe)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Brethil- Hundad, Brandir, Halmir, Haldir
*Tuna- Amrod