Arda Cup Football 2009

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

[Nogrod]

GROUP F at Shire

Football-fever had totally taken the hobbits of the Shire even though some wondered whether any normal hobbit could take such a dose of strangers and big folk. And not just any big folks but great human heroes and yes, Valar themselves! And with the Valar attending the games, there would be so much more interest towards this group it would draw elves, dwarves, humans and all kind of beasts from all around the Middle-Earth just to get a glimpse of those great dwellers of the West.

“There is never lack of food in a hobbit’s table”, that goes without saying. But that was a second issue some were a bit worried. What hordes of guests would arrive? There was no hope getting catering help from Bree as they were hosting a group as well. And in no circumstance should the interval between meals grow longer than a few hours. That would destroy their reputation as decent hobbits.

Already a few days before the games finally started it was clear there had never been such crowds in Shire in its history. But happily the food-problem got a solution, even if it was a surprising one. When the Valar-team arrived, it had ten shiploads of Western food as a token of good will and a gift to the organisers. Some cynics surely remarked – around the tables of the Green Dragon - that it was mainly because that way they could stick to their own familiar diet as they surely were too dandy to eat plain good hobbit-food.

But those remarks were forgotten at the great gathering on the eve of the games where all of the Valar players and their followers attended and praised the festive dinner the hobbits had made for them, all seven courses of them! The success of the opening dinner, serving for all the thousands of guests, was the thing that got even the grumpiest hobbits to think the games a great idea. Well, not everyone, but the most…

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The first game was one between Dorthonion and Edoras. When the Dorthonion team walked into the renovated arena of the Michel Delving the shine and glory of the old human and elven lords from Dorthonion just made the hobbits gasp. But the entrance of the Edoras team was no lesser. It was a moment for many a hobbit to remember the rest of their lives. All the other crowds packed to the arena were thrilled as well, the total of thirty thousand of them. What a game it would be! And what a feast there would be after it (thought the hobbits)!

To the football enthusiasts the game of Dorthonion was a great disappointment. Where was Barahir’s ability to save the day? Where was the sturdiness of Finarfin’s sons to hold their ground? Where was Bëor the Old’s command to rout the troops around him? Maybe it was the quality of play Edoras produced that made Dorthonion look like a weak side? But whatever it was, it was Edoras’ game, all around the field.

Theoden and the defence before him – led by the two great mearas – was just a way too tough for the elven brothers, or even Barahir to break. And the midfield and the forwards then? It was just a royal performance plain and simple! The three forwards with two younger generation heroes Eowyn and Eomer showed their speed and grace with the ball alongside Eorl himself – and all the kings of old in the midfield seemed to have regained both their youth and glory. That was high quality of play!

It was not that Dorthonion wasn’t creating chances but only that those chances were denied of them – and the quality of chances the Edoras team created were far superior to those of Dorthonion. It was not a game that was played solely in one end of the field, but the number of shots (13-6) and shots on goal (6-2) just tell a lot of it. The quality of play was different.

It was more than fitting that Eorl opened the scoring and that Eowyn closed it. Many elves and men from the past in the audience nodded to that little fact, especially those Valar and Maiar attending. That was Edoras.

But would Dorthonion get it’s act together after this poor start or would it be just “Gorliming” on their behalf for the rest of the tournament? And could Edoras play such a gallant game against a tougher opponent? Those were left to be seen from the opening game.

Dorthonion 0-2 Edoras

shots 6-13
on target 2-6
GOALS:
*23, Edoras (Eorl, Aldor)
*52, Edoras (Eowyn, Eomer)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Dorthonion- Gorlim, Bregolas
*Edoras- Brego


If one measures a tournament with the level of home crowd’s enthusiasm, then something like a peak was surely established at Michael Delving-arena when the team Shire walked into the field. After they had seen the earlier two teams in their glory, even the most backward hobbit realised this was something great indeed – and their own boys and girls would walk to that very same arena as well! What a moment!

Although it must be said in all honesty, that the number of hobbits in the audience was less than fourth of the whole crowd. But the guests were gracious enough to give a wild cheer for the home team as well – and as most of them were cognisant of the history they knew they were entitled to it, even if only Samwise Gamgee represented the original fellowship in the team.

But what happened when the Taniquetil team entered the field was just unbelievable. First there was a moment of total silence on behalf of the audience and then the joyous burst of roars and cries of admiration, honour and laughter produced from just the sheer disbelief! It was a dazzling moment. The Valar themselves were there to play to this audience, this evening, right now!

Just football-wise it wasn’t anything one would remember his life through. A short discussion caught by our reporter on the half-hour mark of the game reveals the different stances on it.

A drunken Hobitton-elder (frequenter in the Green Dragon): “Wow, I’ve always said we hobbits are really tough. Now see, even Valar can’t beat us! We’ll win this tournament! You’ll see… let’s have a pint for it?”
A Noldo from the West: “Well, even if you’re a heroic folk as we have heard, just look at this game! Those Valar are just trying not to embarrass you little ones as hosts. They’ll score one goal sooner or later, but being polite they are scared of winning 6-0 straight ahead.”
An age old creature from some dark age millenia before the creation: “Bah, those Valar were never good in physical things they’d had to do themselves – well not counting a few that is. Believe me, they just aren’t up to this…”
Drunken Shireling: “What did you say about the “physical things”? Aren’t all things physical?
A Teleri sitting behind the three: “Ahh, no good trying to enlighten the young hobbit here at this point while the game is on. Just enjoy the game to your fullest my dear hobbit. Your team will be brave and do just fine.”
Age old Creature: “Or the Valar will do just badly, as they always do with earthly things… Eru really didn’t seem to have known better when he chose his team.”
Noldo (suddenly enraged): “Now watch your language, whatever you are!”
Drunken Shireling: “Wow, Bulroarer just hit the post! Go! Shire! Go!"
Teleri (looking at the two others): "Great shot indeed! And the hobbit is right. Now you two let’s concentrate on the game, okay?”

It was indeed astonishing that neither team managed to make any good chances on the first half. It was a great game just for the fact of it being played but the real football-fanatics were down indeed. As a match the first half was just boring, solid defence on both sides but no real risk taken to make a dashing attack on either part or to take any risks whatsoever.

Whatever view one would have picked from the discussion revealed there earlier, it seemed to all that the inevitable finally happened at the first minutes of the second half. The lady of the stars herself put the ball into the Shire net. Samwise had performed quite well, but Thorondor’s bluff was just magnamious and Sam was already flying to a totally different direction when the King of the Eagles still passed the ball on to Varda who had an easy job putting it in.

After that it looked like the Taniquetil team really locked their game intending to give the hosts no chance of equalising. It looked definitively like 1-0 for a long time as Taniquetil controlled the situation beautifully.

But suddenly Halbarad managed to steal the ball in the midfield from Taniquetil’s lowest defenders passing the ball to each other and made a forward run along the left side of the field. The highly priced defence of Taniquetil was in disbelief just a second too much. Este and Yavanna did not rush back immediately, believing that Nessa (who was deeper down) and Vana (who lost the ball) would be able to take care of him as they were the nearest and they were two who lost the ball - it would be a question of honor taking back the ball they lost. But when they saw Bullroarer Took making an incredible dash past them they were awakened. But too late. Jusat a second or two too late.

Halbarad got rid of Nessa with a nice dribble in full speed and was able to pass the ball past Vana diagonally backwards to Bullroarer who had an easy job finishing the goal, with Este and Yavanna breathing on his back but just a meter behind.

What happened was a one-time experience. The majority of the crowd was just too astonished to make a sound but was drawing a deep breath to just realise what had happened. But the hobbits! They were just making noise enough like a full stadium was rejoicing. And when slowly the main part of the audience joined the cheers for the goodwill of it - and of course praising the great performance of Halbarad and Bullroarer, the noise soon became just unbearable enough that people had to tone down just for their own good! That didn’t include the hobbits who just went wild to the end!

After the game there were mainly two topics discussed in the pubs, taverns and makeshift licenced premises. Where hobbits gathered together they discussed whether the hobbits were after all as strong as the Valar themselves and many a pint was consumed. In places where some more knowledgeable people, elves or creatures gathered, they discussed whether Eru had sent the Taniquetil team a message with Bullroarer’s goal and they had submitted to it or whether they just couldn’t play football at all.


Shire 1-1 Taniquetil

shots 7-8
on target 2-3
GOALS:
*49, Taniquetil (Varda, Thorondor)
*83, Shire (Bullroarer, Halbarad)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Shire- Lobelia, Ted
*Taniquetil- Lorien

[skip spence]

The Arda Cup is the biggest thing to have hit Bree since pipe-weed, and the neighbouring villages of Staddle, Combe and Archet were all but empty as the day of the first round matches approached: all had come to the capital in hopes of obtaining tickets, preferably to one of the home team’s matches. Yes, all were here, except a few opportunists who had rented out their flats to shocking rates and headed for the country. Barlimar Butterbur of the Prancing Pony did not mind the competition though, as his establishment had been booked solid for months and remained the natural centre point of town, despite the camps of the foreign teams and supporters that had been raised on the fields outside the city walls.

At the Pony, the talk often centered on Valimar, and all the strange tales that surrounded them. The Dunedain of Amon Sul and Romenna were odd enough, but at least they reminded them of the Rangers whom they were familiar with. But this Valimar team was too weird to be true. Sure, they had heard of the Man in the Moon, but the idea that he was actually here in person, playing football, was hard for the Bree-landers to get their head around. From outside the well-fenced Valimar camp people claimed to have caught glimpses of kingly figures of surpassing beauty, or terrifying beasts that chilled the very bone.

The Bree-landers did not know what to make of all this and many focused on their own team instead, a subject most punters at the Pony considered themselves experts at. According to the majority opinion, the key to success would be to get the whole team involved, as Bree all too often was a two man team in practice. They were simply too reliant on the dynamic duo of Tom Bombadil and The Barrow-Wight, and in order to progress, others than those two had to produce to goods also. Expectations on the ex-Shire players Merry and Pippin were high, and it was hoped that their leadership qualities would give the team some defensive stability to support their star men.

Match 1: Amon Sul vs. Valimar

When the Valimar team entered the field the sold out crowd gasped for breath and an eerie silence followed. Rumours that spoke of the overwhelming splendour and terror this team of the ancient world evoked were thought to be exaggerated by most people, but now when they could witness it for themselves, they realized that even the most outlandish story wasn't anywhere close to the truth. Here was the Ainur arrayed in all their beauty and might, and the Bree faithful wondered how in the world their Bob and Nob and Barliman and Ferny could ever hope to compete with a team like this. Then there was a collective sigh of awe, followed by a storming applause. This was a day they’d always remember.

When play got under way, it quickly became apparent that Valimar not only looked good - they could play too. The most talked about signing ahead of the games, Melkor, showed none of the selfish and violent behaviour he is notorious for, and played brilliantly on the midfield, spraying perfect balls to his team-mates without ever making a mistake. Amon Sul barely got to borrow the ball, and when they did, they got under pressure directly. In the 20th minute Valimar was awarded a free-kick after Eönwe had been brought down to the right, just outside the penalty area. Melkor took it, and he whipped the ball into the box where Tulkas, wrestling with Araglas, managed to nod the ball back across goal to find an unmarked Eönwe who made no mistake with a diving header. Some 20 minutes later Eönwe turned provider, as he played a cute one-two with Melkor who chipped the ball over the legs of the onrushing Amon Sul keeper, just as he had done so many times before.

There was never really any excitement regarding the outcome of this match, and the few times an Amon Sul-player managed to get into a decent attacking position, it was as if a shadow fell on him, and could easily be dispossessed or tried a panicky attempt at a pass or shot. Such was the fear that Ungoliant and the Balrogs instilled on their opponents. Frankly, they could have played all night, and Amon Sul would not have scored anyway. Offensively Valimar settled down after the second goal, but there was still time for a third, which was scored from long range by one of the Balrogs. This Valimar team will take some beating, that should be clear to anyone watching this game.

Amon Sul 0-3 Valimar
shots 5-16
on target 1-8
GOALS:
*20, Valimar (Eonwe,Tulkas)
*39, Valimar (Melkor, Eonwe)
*60 Valimar (Balrog #4, Tilion)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Amon Sul- Aranarth, Arador, Arahad

The Valimar performance in the first game had been so impressive that the home crowd almost forgot about the very important match ahead of their own heroes. Bree were up against a difficult opponent too in Romenna, a very experienced team from across the wide waters of the West. When the ref started play, Bree went on the attack from the get go, determined to make an early impact on the game. That man Tom Bombadil playfully tunnelled two men, end danced into the penalty area. Hey! Come derry dol! Hop along my hearties! he sang, and played a sensational ball to Nob, who had the open net at his mercy, but to the crowds disbelief he ballooned it way over the crossbar. Oh my, what a miss from the Hobbit! He’ll replay that moment in his head many times tonight, one can be certain of…

Bree didn’t lose confidence though, and although much centred around Bombadil, the team as a whole played some good football and continued to create chances. When Romenna took the lead, it felt like an injustice, but it was a good goal and it all happened very quickly. After a Bree attack the ball rolled up to Tar-Palantir outside of his own penalty area, and without even looking up he hit a long ball towards Tar-Miriel who came racing forward. She beat the Bree offside-trap, rounded Old Man Willow and rolled the ball into the open net.

Meanwhile, the Romenna defence had put two men on Tom Bombadil, who now started to find space hard to come by. His partner in crime, The Barrow-Wight, was still in the game though, and when he ghosted past his marker and got behind the Romenna defense, space was opening up and as the cross came in, there was Bombadillo, hopping and dancing like a madman to get away from his markers. With his trade-mark yellow boot he hit a sweet volley that crashed into the net past a not so bemused Elros, who got up as if to say “Never again!” when he saw Tom celebrating the goal with comical somersaults and terrible poetry.

And so it proved. Despite Bree’s best efforts, they could not find a way to beat Elros again. Even Bombadil looked puzzled as the half-elven made an amazing fingertip-save off a shot that had the home-crowd cheering for a goal the moment it left his yellow boot. The ensuing corner was without result, and suddenly Romenna was on the counter-attack. Vardamir advanced with the ball at full speed, and again Tal-Palantir showed the same kind of foresight as on the first goal, and seemed to know exactly where the ball would come before it was hit. With a deft touch he controlled it, and although Old Man Willow dropped a branch, he was powerless to stop the shot as it whistled into the net. With less than ten minutes to play, Bree was behind again, and this time there was no way back for the home team.

At the Prancing Pony that night the atmosphere was subdued. In order to advance now, Bree will most likely have to win, or at least not lose, against the same Valimar side they had seen make mighty kings of Men look like little boys. Just how on Middle Earth this could be possible no-one knew. But one thing they knew for certain. If anyone could do it, Bombadillo could.

Bree 1-2 Romenna
shots 14-11
on target 7-5
GOALS:
*34, Romenna (Tar Miriel, Tar Palantir)
*55, Bree (Tom Bombadil, The Barrow-Wight)
*81, Romenna (Tar Palantir, Vardamir)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Bree- Harry, Ferny, Pippin
*Romenna- Tar Anarion

Standings: Group A

Team_______W D L GF GA P
1) Valimar____1 0 0 3 - 0 3
2) Romenna___1 0 0 2 - 1 3
3) Bree_______0 0 1 1 - 2 0
4) Amon Sul___0 0 1 0 - 3 0

[the phantom]

GROUP STANDINGS

GROUP A (Moria)

----team----points---goal diff
Moria.............3.........+1
Angband........1...........0
Minas Tirith....1...........0
Alqualonde.....0..........-1

GROUP B (Mirkwood)

----team----points---goal diff
Arnor.............3..........+1
Nargothrond...3..........+1
Helm's Deep...0...........-1
Mirkwood.......0...........-1

GROUP C (Isengard)

----team-----points---goal diff
Minas Morgul...3.........+3
Hithlum..........3.........+1
Gondolin.........0..........-1
Isengard.........0..........-3

GROUP D (Erebor)

----team----points---goal diff
Eregion..........3...........+2
Erebor............1............0
Osgiliath.........1............0
Mordor............0...........-2

GROUP E (Lothlorien)

----team----points---goal diff
Armenelos.....3............+2
Doriath..........1.............0
Lothlorien......1.............0
Dor-Lomin.....0.............-2

GROUP F (Shire)

----team----points---goal diff
Edoras..........3...........+2
Shire............1............0
Taniquetil......1............0
Dorthonion....0...........-2

GROUP G (Tuna)

-----team------points----goal diff
Tuna..................3...........+4
Gondor...............1............0
Tol-in-Gaurhoth...1............0
Brethil................0...........-4

GROUP H (Bree)

----team----points---goal diff
Valimar..........3..........+3
Romenna.......3..........+1
Bree..............0..........-1
Amon Sul.......0..........-3

ROUND 2 MATCH-UPS

GROUP A (Moria)
Alqualonde vs Minas Tirith
Angband vs Moria

GROUP B (Mirkwood)
Arnor vs Nargothrond
Helm's Deep vs Mirkwood

GROUP C (Isengard)
Hithlum vs Minas Morgul
Gondolin vs Isengard

GROUP D (Erebor)
Eregion vs Osgiliath
Erebor vs Mordor

GROUP E (Lothlorien)
Armenelos vs Doriath
Dor-Lomin vs Lothlorien

GROUP F (Shire)
Edoras vs Taniquetil
Dorthonion vs Shire

GROUP G (Tuna)
Brethil vs Tol-in-Gaurhoth
Gondor vs Tuna

GROUP H (Bree)
Amon Sul vs Romenna
Bree vs Valimar