Arda Cup Football 2010

[Boromir88]

TTN Round 2 Preview
Boromir the Eighty-eight

Round 1 friendlies are complete and the Round 2 games will be coming shortly. Before previewing some of the intriguing upcoming games, let's briefly review Round 1.

I'm not sure phantasy owners can take much out of the first matches, as essentially it isn't a sure barometer of what is to come. In truth, nothing will be until the games start to mean something. However, I think the teams have learned a great deal of information about themselves and the rest of the field. They are no longer going against practice squads, and players not good enough to make it on the tournament roster, but this was everyone's first time going against a quality opponent. Playing this level of competition should be highly beneficial for all teams as no one will go into the tournament blind, nor can any team complain about being unprepared or rusty.

I would not pay much attention to the final scores of the friendlies, but more to what happens from match to match. The 1st round sets a bar, it provides a measure for how they played against another quality tournament team. Now it's about trying to improve your team-play in Round 2, which will set a new standard for Round 3...and so on. The progression (or digression) of teams, from round to round, will probably be more important than their records in the friendly matches.

Here are a few specific examples, take the Gondolin-Dale and Havens-Norbury matches. Both Gondolin and the Havens looked to be in complete control, where Dale and Norbury were absolutely unprepared to play. However, lets not annoint Gondolin and Havens as favorites to win their groups just yet. Both have something to prove this year, and clearly came out trying to prove it in their first friendly. Gondolin has very few hold-overs, completely revamped their roster, and are coming in with a new strategy from last year. They want to prove they are a different and dangerous team. None of Olwe's teams have made it past group play, he usually puts together a highly-skilled, yet nimble group of Elves, who get pushed around. With 3 Numenoreans this year Olwe wants to prove they are not going to be easy to break. The problem is, you don't want to peak too early. For 1, it's difficult to maintain this intensity, and level to play for long periods of time. No one wants to enter the tournament completely fizzled out because they spent too much energy trying to prove their worth in the friendlies. And 2, if you peak too soon, you give the opportunity for other teams figuring you out sooner. A big part of having a deep run in the tournament is being able to surprise your opponent, as Mirkwood did last year. If Gondolin is destroying all their friendly opponents 4-0 they aren't going to go unnoticed for long, and other teams may find ways to beat them by the start of the tournament.

Then on the other hand there's Dale and Norbury, who can not lose morale simply because they got manhandled Round 1. The test will be can they come out performing better in Round 2, or will they become so dejected the wheels have fallen off by the tournament? Dale definitely has proven playoff talent up front. Smaug led Erebor to the Round of 16, and Thranduil was an important key in Mirkwood's surprise run last year. The Lords of Arnor, have fallen short at making the playoffs, but traditionally play better as the tournament progresses and are never an easy foe. Arvedui was furious after the Havens match, but it will be interesting to see how they respond to Thangorodrim in Round 2. Thangorodrim plays a completely different style from the Havens, but the mighty Kings' Norbury typically match up better to meaner, harder-hitting opponents, than the speedy, flashy Elves.

Those 4 teams I'm going to take keen interest in seeing how they play in the 2nd round. So, let's preview 4 matches that should not only be interesting, but may actually prove something about the teams.

Barrow-Downs vs. Gorgoroth
Dale vs. Rohan
Rivendell vs. Utumno
Dol Guldur vs. Gondolin

I've chosen these, because the first 3 are actually teams who are in the same group. Barrow-Downs and Gorgoroth (B), Dale and Rohan (D), Rivendell and Utumno (E). Those 3 will be interesting for the fact that they will all play eachother again. So it will be important for the 6 teams to play at full-level (or as near to full level without over-doing it), because they want to be able to go back, look at the film from this round, and be able to learn from it when they play again in the tournament. The last match will be interesting, because it will be like a re-match from last year, where the Wiki-led Minas Morgul team upset Gondolin in group play to take their spot in the playoffs. So let's start with that match...

Dol Guldur vs. Gondolin

In some ways it's a re-match, and in other ways it's not. It's a rematch because a Wiki-led team is going up against Gondolin again. But it's not because there are a lot of new players. The Wiki has brought over some of his Nazgul from Minas Morgul, but has changed fortresses and therefor has many from Mirkwood and the surrounding area. Gondolin's team is almost completely different, than the one that lost to Minas Morgul.

I think Gondolin wins 4-2, because ultimately they have a feeling of wanting to prove more than Dol Guldur does at this point. Gondolin fans WANT a win against the Witch-King, as opposed to the Witch-King who will probably come in over-confident from his victory against them last year. Also, Dol Guldur's defense should prove about just as effective at stopping Gondolin as Dale did.

Rivendell vs. Utumno

If Utumno does want to win Melkor actually has to play. Will he, is another question. But no matter whether Melkor plays or not, I think the game ends 1-1. For, not even Melkor can get 2 goals against Elrond. I believe, in a 90 minute match, it is impossible to score 2 against Elrond. I qualified it with "90 minutes," because last year, Dor-Lomin did score 2, knocking Eregion out of the playoffs, but it took overtime. Also, Turin and Beleg were arguably the best 1-2 punch of the tournament. Utumno has the power and skill to get 1, but even that will be difficult, so getting 2 is out of the question. Now it will be even tougher for Rivendell to score on the Balrog-loaded defense, but Boromir II stood strong against Durin's Bane, even halting him briefly with a mighty horn blast. Arwen has also shown lots of promise as an offensive threat (for those who are familiar with last year). So, I think they can stun the Balrog-defense just long enough to get an equalizer.

Dale vs. Rohan

Good news for Dale is Rohan is not Gondolin, not by a long shot. Bad news is Rohan is coming off confident from their draw against the Barrow-Downs. That was a match BD let get away, because they under-estimated the resolve of Rohan to battle back. Smaug will be very tempermental after the embarrassment against Gondolin, and a tempermental Smaug usually does not bode well for his opponents. Rohan wins 2-1. Dale is able to play much better, but Rohan has a veteran dragon-slayer at GK, who will keep Dale's Dragon in check. Since we all know that a football match can be judged exactly by taking a story plot.

Barrow-Downs vs. Gorgoroth

Probably the match everyone is most anticipated to see. Group foes, and judging from the phantasy participants it's clear who the favorite will be. The Downs should have won against Rohan, everyone knows it, but the outcome isn't that big of a deal in the grand scheme of things. They proved they can play just as good in human-form as they can as werewolves. They may even be better in some ways, because as werewolves, they had a tendancy to get down 2-goals before deciding they actually wanted to play. As humans now, they know they can't dig themselves out of a hole as easily, so they should start every match ready to play. The challenge will be, can they avoid slacking off as they did against Rohan? Will they play the full 90 minutes, and not start thinking about enjoying the Middle-earth bars together, if they have a lead at the half?

Gorgoroth will also be a different opponent. Talent-wise it's hard to say whether they are better than Rohan, but they definitely play a different style. The Barrow-Downs has proven they can play against a skilled-teamed, but ultimately one that will play you fairly and with respect. Gorgoroth will not be the same. As wolves it was almost impossible for anyone to match their ferocity. Have they lost too much of that ferocity? We will find out the answer in this match. That answer is no, the Barrow-Downs will win 2-1.

Gorgoroth will want to turn this match into a drunken bar-fight. But let me tell you, I would pick the phantom, Nogrod, Gwatch, skip, Nerwen, Mira, and Eomerwarg in a drunken bar-fight before I pick anyone on Gorgoroth's defense.

[skip spence]

At the Gladden Fields last night Minas Arnor faced Galadriel’s Lorien – the last chance for each team to get match practice ahead of the Arda Cup. Lorien came out on top with a 2-1 victory, but if it wasn't for a masterful performance from the Lady between the Posts, a spirited Minas Anor could well have won this.

In a closely fought first half where goal-scoring chances were kept to a premium, Lorien took into the lead through Amdir after nice build up play by Celeborn. When Haldir scored Lorien’s second early in the second half victory seemed certain for the Elves and Galadriel ordered her team to consolidate the lead by taking no chances and getting numbers behind the ball. But this passivity only gave Minas Anor an opportunity to gain the upper hand of their opponents, and with her team pegged back deep it took some Galadriel heroics to save the day. In the 72nd minute however the legendary shot-stopper had to capitalize when Boromir I smashed the ball into the roof of the net from close range which made for a tense finish. Minas Anor now poured forward in wave after wave of attacks and up front for Lorien, lone striker Celeborn looked increasingly forlorn, chasing shadows and seeing very little of the ball. In the last minute of normal time, Boromir I beat Nimrodel on the left and hit a crisp, curling shot from the edge of the area that looked certain to hit the top corner. His team-mates were already on their way to congratulate him with arms raised in the air before realizing to their astonishment that Galadriel had made the save, flying through the air at full stretch like a Balrog and palming the ball away at the last fraction of a second.

When asked about her performance during the post-match press conference Galadriel answered succinctly: “I make saves. That is what I do.” Celeborn however was keen to add that the Lorien attack was in need of improvements in order for the team to compete at this level, but he was quickly interrupted by star goal-tender Galadriel, who excusing her husband said: “Celeborn is wise, but he doesn’t quite understand the subtleties of this game. I do have a plan to win, but it must not be revealed yet.”


Yesterday’s friendlies:

Lorien 2-1 Minas Anor
tot shots 9-13
on target 5-7
GOALS:
*39, 1-0 Amdir (Celeborn)
*51, 2-0 Haldir (Rumil)
*72, 2-1 Boromir I (Nazgul #4)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Lorien- Rumil, Nimrodel
*Minas Anor- Siriondil, Dervorin

Gondor 1-2 Mithrim
tot shots 11-12
on target 4-5
GOALS:
*43, 0-1 Aradan (Morwen)
*62, 0-2 Hurin (Beleg)
*77, 1-2 Eldacar (Beruthiel)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Gondor- Folcred, Hyarmendacil
*Mithrim- Curufin, Aradan, Androg

Havens 1-1 Vinyamar
tot shots 10-9
on target 4-4
GOALS:
*65, 1-0 Tar Minastir (Earendil)
*84, 1-1 Egalmoth (Voronwe)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Havens- Tar Aldarion, Ar Gimilzor
*Vinyamar- Galdor

Ithilien 0-1 Wold
tot shots 8-7
on target 3-3
GOALS:
*68, 0-1 Treebeard (Lightfoot)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Ithilien- Beregond, Mablung
*Wold- Aldor, Elfwine, Quickbeam

[the phantom]

MESPN News

The second of the four rounds of friendlies was in full swing today, and each team involved was doing all that they could to prepare themselves for the tournament. Valimar and Misty Mts both focused on defense, and for the most part found success, though part of their success may have been sloppy play by the offense. The match was extremely rough, with Misty Mts starting the blood flowing and the more tempermental members of Valimar retaliating.

Numenor and Nargothrond also played a low-scoring affair, but in a much less violent manner. Utumno and Rivendell ended at 1-0 too. Thangorodrim on the other hand came out swinging against Norbury and connected three times before Norbury managed to pep things up and make a counter.

Misty Mts 0-1 Valimar
tot shots 6-9
on target 2-3
GOALS:
*57, 0-1 Arien (Yavanna)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Misty Mts- Landroval, Tom, Bert, Great Goblin, Gwaihir
*Valimar- Pallando, Arien, Eonwe, Alatar, Tulkas

Nargothrond 0-1 Numenor
tot shots 6-11
on target 3-5
GOALS:
*30, 0-1 Ar Adunakhor (Tar Palantir)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Nargothrond- Guillen, Mablung
*Numenor- Tar Ancalimon

Norbury 1-3 Thangorodrim
tot shots 9-15
on target 4-8
GOALS:
*16, 0-1 Ancalagon (DBane)
*39, 0-2 Scatha (Ulfast)
*55, 0-3 DBane (Glaurung)
*81, 1-3 Aranarth (Argeleb)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Norbury- Valandil
*Thangorodrim- Drauglin, Ancalagon, Uldor, Ulfast

Rivendell 0-1 Utumno
tot shots 5-13
on target 2-6
GOALS:
*68, 0-1 Melkor (Telvildo)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Rivendell- Elladen, Thorin
*Utumno- Thuringwethil, Balrog #1

[Boromir88]

The match fans were anticipating, Barrow-Downs vs. Gorgoroth, only disappointed in one way, there was no clear winner. Fans got to see some well-played football, and both teams made adjustments trying to gain an advantage.

In the first half, Nogrod and wilwa were unable to do anything against Gorgoroth's aggressive defense. Some would shake their heads in disgust and call Gorgoroth's defense "dirty," but I'd disagree. The tackles I'd call dirty, are ones that come from behind, because you could seriously injure a player that way. However, in the 1st half Gorgoroth's defense played spectacular, keeping the Barrow-Downs FWs in front of them, and making it difficult to get any quality shots. Most of Gorgoroth's yellow cards were picked up at mid-field on just silly tackles, or in Gollum's case, grabbing Fea's arm and trying to bite off the band of stirling silver on her finger.

In the 2nd half, the Barrow-Downs clearly figured out how to best attack Gorgoroth's defenses, and began to take control of the match. It was only a matter of time before they scored in the 60th minute it happened on a delicately placed cross from wilwa, to the far-post where Nogrod was there to put it in. Nazgul #1 protested that Nogrod was offsides, but the ref would hear none of it, and replay proves Nog timed the offsides trap perfectly.

Gorgoroth was not going to concede defeat easily, Castamir stepped up the fury of Gorgoroth's attacks, but the BD defense held firm. But, It was clear Castamir was not going to accept a defeat, and the Barrow-Downs' were unable to keep possession in Gorgoroth's half for long. The defense could not buy a break to regroup themselves and in the 81st minute it cost them, when Castamir sent in a rocket to the top cross-bar that Eomerwarg had no chance to save.

The match was even and after the difficult 80+ minutes both teams played, they were content to keep the score 1-1. When they face eachother again, in group play, it will not be the same story.

Barrow-Downs 1-1 Gorgoroth
tot shots 12-11
on target 5-5
GOALS:
*60, 1-0 Nogrod (Wilwa)
*81, 1-1 Castamir (King Dead)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Barrow-Downs- Nerwen
*Gorgoroth- Gollum, Angamaite, Gorbag, King Dead

Aman 2-0 Bywater
tot shots 10-10
on target 4-4
GOALS:
*38, 1-0 Ar Pharazon (Nahar)
*65, 2-0 Earwen (Turgon)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Aman- Irmo, Orome
*Bywater- Fatty, Ferny, Saruman

Barad-Dur 1-1 Gelion
tot shots 12-7
on target 5-3
GOALS:
*57, 0-1 Beren (Haldad)
*76, 1-1 Isildur (Sauron)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Barad-Dur- Nazgul #7, Anarion, Fellbeast
*Gelion- Beren, Caranthir

Beleriand 0-2 Tirion
tot shots 6-12
on target 2-6
GOALS:
*24, 0-1 Mahtan (Finwe)
*49, 0-2 Ingwe (Nerdanel)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Beleriand- Handir, Imlach
*Tirion- Orodreth, Amras

[Nogrod]

Much has been discussed pre-tournament about Tom Bombadill's interest - or the possible lack of it - to the game. Many speculators have thought the lengtht of his attention-span would correlate strongly with the succes and failure of the whole team. Today's match seemed like proving the point.

Bombadil opened the scoring already at the 8th minute blasting a powerful shot in from forty meters. After that his interest seemed to wane and Eithel Sirion went even and past the hosts before the half-time. In the lockers the home team had clearly awakened their star, and on the 4th minute of the second half Bombadil made fool of the entire defence of Eithel Sirion only to gallantly not score himself but giving Strider a chance to hammer the ball into an empty net.

Sadly for Breelanders, after the equaliser Tom went away to his inner spaces, purportedly composing a new lullaby for lilies and dafodills, and the team had to manage the rest of the game without his active participation.

Eithel Sirion won eventually 4-2.

But to be fair to both sides: Breeland was not bad without old Tom and especially the look of Eithel Sirion was a lot better than in the first game against Doriath. If that diesel-engine of talent and experience slowly starts gathering speed and momentum they might go far in the tournament indeed.

Breeland 2-4 Eithel Sirion
tot shots 11-19
on target 5-10
GOALS:
*8, 1-0 Bombadil (Roheryn)
*20, 1-1 Fingon (Gwindor)
*35, 1-2 Gwindor (Nienor)
*49, 2-2 Strider (Bombadil)
*61, 2-3 Hador (Gwindor)
*78, 2-4 Angrod (Galdor)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Breeland- River-Woman, Halbarad
*Eithel Sirion- Galdor, Gundor, Bregor

On other matches Eorl led Rohan to victory over Dale more or less single-handedly, and in front of rejoicing fangirls Legolas was the key to Pelennor's win over a somewhat slipshod Doriath-team (ten shots but only two on target!).

On the fourth match Gondolin continued it's impressive pre-season run beating Dol Guldur 4-1. There sure is scoring-talent in that team: eight goals in just two matches! But how will their defence hold when they will inevitably face some more stout forwards than those they have met thus far? Now that is the question anyone betting in the games would like to know an answer to...


Dale 2-3 Rohan
tot shots 11-18
on target 6-9
GOALS:
*13, 1-0 Thranduil (Dain)
*22, 1-1 Eorl
*44, 1-2 Cirion (Frumgar)
*65, 2-2 Smaug (Girion)
*83, 2-3 Eorl (Eomer)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Dale- Dain, Thror, Bard, Smaug
*Rohan- Helm, Firefoot

Dol Guldur 1-4 Gondolin
tot shots 9-18
on target 4-9
GOALS:
*7, 0-1 Fingolfin (Eol)
*17, 0-2 Aredhel (Glorfindel)
*29, 0-3 Eol (Asfaloth)
*60, 1-3 Witch King (Khamul)
*71, 1-4 Glorfindel (Eol)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Dol Guldur- Beorn, Tomnoddy, Bolg, Thrain, Khamul
*Gondolin- Asfaloth, Fingolfin

Doriath 1-2 Pelennor
tot shots 10-16
on target 2-8
GOALS:
*38, 0-1 Eowyn (Legolas)
*64, 0-2 Legolas (Duinhir)
*85, 1-2 Haleth (Haldir)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Doriath- Saeros, Elured, Algund
*Pelennor- Snowmane, Gimli, Gothmog II

[Nogrod]

AKM exclusive "hottest drafts corner" is here!


The AKM editors have been following the matches with calculators in hand and here will be the hottest drafts to any phantasy-league gamers after two rounds of friendly matches.

Pay heed to the statistics, but note also the following disclaimer by the AKM:
The AKM will not be responsible for any choices phantasy-league players make on the grounds of the AKM's lists. The numbers are based on two friendlies only and in the friendlies not all players might have played full-strength (-effort), different sides have had different opponents: others have had easier games others tougher ones, and the team-play may lock in later with some teams and earlier with others, some players only rise up to a real occasion... etc.


But without further ado, here are the hottest deals right now with their phantasy-point performance thus far (in alphabetical order whilst at the same phantasy-points)!

So the players with 10 pts. or more after two games...


Goalkeepers: (actual saves percentage in brackets)

12 pts.
Hama of Wold (100%)

10 pts.
**Huan of Mithrim (86%)
Rôg of Vinyamar (86%)
Shelob of Gorgoroth (87%)
*Tar Atanamir of Numenor (87%)

Defenders:

14pts.
*Treebeard of Wold

11 pts.
Amrod of Tirion
Asfaloth of Gondolin
*Glaurung of Thangorodrim
Lightfoot of Wold

10 pts.
*Angrod of Eithel Sirion

Midfielders:

16pts.
**Durin's Bane of Thangorodrim

14pts.
*Eöl of Gondolin

12 pts.
Glorfindel of Gondolin
Gwindor of Eithel Sirion
Ingwë of Tirion

11 pts.
*Hador of Eithel Sirion

10pts.
*Gil-Galad of Barad-Dûr
*Khamul of Dol Guldur

Forwards:

11pts.
*Eärendil of Havens
Legolas of Pelennor

10 pts.
*Bombadil of Breeland
Eomer of Rohan
Fingolfin of Gondolin
**Sauron of Barad-Dûr
Wilwa of Barrow-Downs

[Nogrod]

The Arda Kicker Magazine has been looking at the first two rounds of the friendlies and gives you it's take on the situation right now.

Group A

Aman
Winning Bywater was a must. Otherwise Aman would have been just rabble as Bywater is one of the lousiest teams in the competition. The draw with Misty Mts. wasn’t a good show either as that team takes all the cards – and seeing Misty Mts. making it through the group-stage would be a miracle indeed. So not bad, not good. Ar Pharazôn looks like he’s too lonely in the attack: without quality players like Sauron and the several Tars he has used to play with he just feels lonely out there and may need to humble in front of more talented teams. Bad move for him indeed –like reaching to Aman was in the first place? The midfielders will need to raise up to occasion or it will be “bye-bye” for Aman in the first qualifying round – unless Nienna makes a heroic effort on the goal (which is not impossible). They will proceed from the group-phase to be sure, as number ones. So lousy is the group that we can grant it.
(continuing to the play-offs)

Beleriand
Now why was this team formed in the first place? They have nothing but to lose. With that line-up one has no chance in a league as competitive as this. Okay, Halmir is a decent goalie but that’s it. He can’t save it all by himself. Now what these guys need is an effort in general and shots towards the goal in particular. Five shots on goal in two matches is just not going to be enough to face any decent team.
(falling off after the group-phase)

Ithilien
The rangers with their newlyfound aids can keep the losses at the minimum and they’re actually pretty good in defending. But that will not be enough for the play-offs. Losing 1-0 is losing. And that’s what they will face unless Faramir, Frodo and Beregond do not upgrade their game by a clear margin. The threat is that the team will make not even accomplish one goal in the tournament. To be fair though, they have had strong defences against them in the first two friendlies and they have a chance of beating Beleriand in the group-phase.
(falling off after the group-phase)

Vinyamar
Even if they just have two draws from the friendlies they seem to be the other decent team in the group. That is not saying their forwards (Tuor, Penlod) or attacking midfielders (Duilin, Idril) would get any free passes: they have been totally anemic thus far! A tight defence will not help if you don’t score and Rôg can’t hold it indefinitively. They are better than Ithilien though, not to speak of Beleriand. So a second place in the group.
(continuing to the play-offs)

Group B

Barad-Dûr
The good news are that both Gil-Galad and Isildur seem to have made themselves comfortable playing alongside Sauron. The bad news is that papa-Elendil walks in the shadows and most of Sauron’s aids seem to wander there too. The Mouth makes a decent goalkeeper but not an Arda Cup –winning one. Unless Elendil and the minions of Sauron rise up to the occasion Barad-Dûr will be left into the group stage. That is not to say that the trio Sauron, Gil-Galad & Isildur will not pose a major problem to any opposing team. And we know how well Sauron can play when he puts his effort to it: not only by way of scoring himself but making his comrades to shine…
(possibly going through)

Barrow-Downs
One could argue they’ve had two hard matches, but to be honest they haven’t. If they’re looking towards the arda Cup finals they need to do a lot better than this. Two draws, with Rohan and Gorgoroth, are not the marks of a possible champion this year. Only Wilwa and Nogrod (and Sally) have raised to their level thus far. Eomer’s goaling has been terrible, the phantom and Fea have totally disappeared (together?) and Nerwen is on -1 in phantasy points… Now this team needs some firing up. Otherwise they don’t mae it to the next round.
(possibly going through)

Breeland
They have lost both of their friendlies and everything seems to rely on whether Tom Bombadill is interested to play or not. Yeah, Strider does his best, but he seems to be a lonely rider here. Fex. the Old Man Willow is the second lousiest goalie thus far in the tournament (with save-percentages only Oropher of Dol Guldur is worse), most othersw are just well under the average. Unless Tom Bombadil awakens to some heroism, Strider manages to whip off the others and Old Man Willow pulls himself together the team is doomed. It is doomed.
(falling off after the group-phase)

Gorgoroth
Probably the most solid team in this group… which doesn’t say much. Despite them taking a huge number of cards, their defences seem to hold – and Shelob is one of the most intimidating goalies of this tournament. Castamir is deadly effective on the front but he will need some aids if the team will wish to continue from the first round of the play-offs.
(continuing to the play-offs)

Group C

Mithrim
Even if Turín is hiding flying low at the moment Mithrim is more or less 100% safe to qualify. They have one of the best goalies (Huan), a solid defence, capable midfield and dashing forwards. While Turín has been in the shadows, Hurín, Beleg and Aradan have risen to the occasion. They haven’t been flashing to be sure – and some fans seem to be bothered by it – but they have shown very solid game thus far and it’s hard to see them not going forwards. But how far? That’s the question. Surely not only the fans waited more from the trio Hurín, Turín and Beleg. Only time will tell…
(continuing to the play-offs)

Nargothrond
They have lost two games only 0-1 but still one can’t betray one’s feeling of disappointment. Somehow this team just doesn’t seem to work. The defence is okay (not spectacular or great, but okay), but the midfield is so empty and Mablung as alone striker just looks homeless there. Now we can say their opponents have been tough and that is probably right – they lost to mighty Numenor only 1-0! But if the Nargothrond team wishes to qualify, not to talk of getting themselves further in the tournament, a lots of things need to happen. The midfield is their weak spot: from the five midfielders two have -1 pts. and three have no points at all.
(falling off after the group-phase)

Norbury
All the due respect to the mighty descendants in the north but please, this is football. One of the most pathetic teams in the tournament. Thangorodrim and Havens are both good teams and that will burst up their performance of losing only in small numbers (if 3-1 can be called small numbers). Arvedui does his best in the goal but if the team cannot score or the defence deflect the shots, then his efforts are in vain.
(falling off after the group-phase)

Pelennor
Well it all depends on how good the favourites Utumno really is and how bad Doriath is in turn. Losing and winning 2-1 to those teams makes it hard to rank the team as Utumno doesn’t look that solid right now and Doriath looks like big-time losers. King Theoden has clearly underperformed thus far and only Legolas has risen to the occasion. But with the aid of his fangirls he might lead them into the second round at least. I wouls require an awakening of Eowyn, Imrahil and the whole midfield to carry them further though.
(continuing to the play-offs)

Group D

Dale
One of the great disappointments of this tournament. Somehow they just don’t seem to be able to pull their act together. They’ve had two tough matches to be sure but so many cards talk of confusion and the lack of a game-plan. The discussion around Mr. Moneybags is right into the spot of things. Where’s the flare of Smaug or Thranduil from last year, where’s the solidity of Bard’s midfield? Oropher is a quality goalie but behind a weak defence even he looks bad.
(falling off after the group-phase)

Eithel Sirion
One of the few positive surprises – if it was a surprise at all. They were no pre-elected favourites but now it looks like they could go a long way in this tournament. Doriath and Breeland are no real measures to any competitive team, but they have nevertheless cleared them easily and confidently. And that promises good for the future. If Fingon and Maedhros find their form Eithel Sirion wil be hard to beat but unless they do the team is vulnerable in the drop-off games. But it’s hard to see them not qualifying to the next round anyway.
(continuing to the play-offs)

Gelion
The black horse of the group. Dior has organised a solid defence in front of him but saldy it seems only Beren is able to score. Unless he gets help from others it will be bye-bye to Gelion, but if the team comes together they might go forwards. It would be tough for them in the first drop-out round though and few would bet on their behalf there.
(might go through)

Rohan
No one can say Rohan isn’t trying their best. The shots reign down on the opponent’s goal from wherever they can shoot. Cirion, Helm, Eomer and Eorl have proved to be a terror of the opposing side for a reason. The bad thing is that the defences are not so mighty. They played a wildcard trying to copy the succes of the Edoras team last year by appointing horses to their backline but it hasn’t worked out yet: four goals allowed in two matches tells the story clear enough. It might start to work though – as has been seen momentarily already – and anyway the team has quality enough to go forwards in front of team Gelion.
(continuing to the play-offs, probably)

Group E

Misty Mountains
They’ve really had it tough in the friendlies and their performance has been better than the numbers tell. But that doesn’t make away the fact that they are a) much too mediocre team to go forwards for long in the tournament, and b) they are too card-ready to be any decent bet for a phantasy-game player. A serious re-birth is needed if they’re going to fight for a place in the final four – or eight. The trolls need to step up also on the scoring board and Gwaihir should be ashamed of itself.
(falling off after the group-phase)

Numenor
A lot has been said about the team Armenelos breaking down and taking on a new name – even if most of the players are the same. But the loss of forwards / attacking midfielders like Ar Pharazôn, Sauron and Tar Minastir is bound to make a difference. And it is seen in the quality of the shots thus far. The former trio would never had ended up with a mediocre 14,5% scoring percentage from the overall shots they made. The magic is gone, the sovereignity is gone. But on the other hand, even if they are not winning every match with at least two goal's difference, they are winning and the defences work as well as they did last year. And Tar Atanamir is one of the best goalies of the tournament this year as well (continuing with the astonishing 87% saving ratio he had for the whole tournament last year). They will go far, but how far?
(continuing to the play-offs)

Rivendell
How many times people have asked whether it was time for Elrond to step down – and how many years in concerto have they seen him coming to tend the goal of his team with quality? It’s nothing new this year. They have faced Gelion (draw) and Utumno (0-1) so it has been a tough ordeal thus far. But somehow it feels like the team Rivendell is struggling this year. Their performance has been a good one but still they seem to lack the fire and passion for the game. They’re old and they’re experienced but maybe the critics are right: ones like Bilbo and Elrond should just retire for their own sake? And they do have a serious lack of effective strikers (sorry Boromir II)…
(falling off after the group-phase)

Utumno
One of the favourites to win the tournament hasn’t been as dominating as many of the fans would have liked. It would be a miracle if they would not qualify, but are they the favourites to win the whole tournament? Looking at the numbers they are one of the best teams and their defence especially looks like a solid thing indeed. But where’s the flare of Gondolin? Where’s the evil talent of Thangorodrim? Where’s the cool professionalism of the Mithrim? Thus far it looks like Utumno has played it safe and easy. Ungoliant has shown how great a goalie it is, the defence collects a host of phantasy points in every game, but something is still missing; the magic that would make them the champions this year. They have time though.
(continuing to the play-offs)

Group F

Bywater
After the first round of the friendlies many were thinking of giving their sympathy to the Bywater team with all the little hobbits, a nice Saruman, Gandalf and Shadowfax reunited. But to advance in the tournament they need to do more than gather sympathy-points. Their draw with Beleriand looked good in the beginning but losing to Aman straightforwardly 2-0 put the fans back to the square one. It will take a lot from this team to qualify to the next round. Facing Thangorodrim and Valimar the task looks insurmountable indeed – and even Lorien might be too tough for them.
(falling off after the group-phase)

Lorien
Competes seriously for the second place in the group even if they are placed the underdogs by the betting agencies. Galadriel leads the team with a firm grip and she knows how to make the males play – even if they don’t understand it themselves. A little more efficiency from the forwards and Rivendell could be through this group. But that’s a big if.
(has chances to continue to the play-offs)

Thangorodrim
The reunion of the dragons has just scattered the adversaries and sent a shiver into all of the ME. And the re-emergence of the Durin’s Bane (absolute phantasy-point leader) then? Now here’s the team to beat. They have a maximum talent at every position; Carcaroth on goal, Glaurung on defence, Durin’s Bane in the midfield and Scatha & Ancalagon in the offence. Who could stop them? Not anyone on the group – unless Valimar really stands up for it, which is not believable.
(continuing to the play-offs)

Valimar
The mightiest of all are back – but not with a vengeance as it is a team of Manwë. Now how will they tip-toe themsleves this year between the honour in football and being gracious gods ready to to let the little ones to prevail – like mothers and fathers playing with their children? That is the question all Arda is asking. They have politely won their two friendlies by just one goal to nil. Would that be their new strategy after last years bad performance: just winning it nicely leaving the other side a space for being proud of themselves? What if they win all their matches 1-0?
(continuing to the play-offs)

Group G

Doriath
One of the major disappointments thus far. Even with a talented team they have been the sack every team has been throwing around as they wish. Can they rise up from the two first matches? Melian hasn’t been up to her level quite yet and all the other parts of the team have messed around even worse. Any chances?
(falling off after the group-phase)

Gondolin
A pre-tournament favourite that has really stood up the challenge. Eight goals in two games, 36 shots in two games (goal percent 22,2, second highest after Thangorodrim’s 23,3) Superb performance on a wide front. The only thing bothering the fans is the goal-keeping. Huor’s saves percentage is only 60% and that’s not even the average but less. So how will they manage with more forceful / talented / wittier forwards later on? Can Thorondor and his mates rise up to the occasion then? Will the White City fall or prevail?
(continuing to the play-offs)

Gondor
They have suffered one of the hardest friendly-games programme anyone has had so far; they’ve played Numenor and Mithrim – and they have escaped with one goal losses both times (1-2 to be exact). So even if they have lost both their first games one should allow them more credit. It’s hard to say whether their defences are as bad as the statistics tell you, or whether their opponents have been such great teams. They’ll fight for the place in the play-offs with Wold.
(has chances to continue to the play-offs)

Wold
The greatest defence on ME? The idea of putting the ents in charge of the defence was masterful. And not only that, but putting Hama in the goal was another piece of ingeniunity as he has gathered the minimum of three saves in both games they have played. No one has scored against them yet. Let’s see how the spell will work in the actual tournament. But to make it further in the tournament, Quickbeam & co. need to start scoring as well.
(probably going through)

Group H

Dol Guldur
One of the major questionmarks thus far. The Witch King and Khamul have played well but the others have just fallen short against really tough opposition (Thangorodrim, Gondolin). So Havens and Minas Anor will have tough times with them even if they have lost their two first friendlies. Oropher is actually a quality keeper, but the defences need to step up a bit in the future if the team is wishing to go forwards. Anyway the team is not so bad as the numbers indicate.
(has chances to continue to the play-offs)

Havens
A solid performance but against weaker sides. Midfield is the questionmark here. Eärendil and Tar Minastir know how to score and the defence lead by Olwë on the goal should stand for comparison to any other team… but the midfield is clearly inferior unless some characters start to show their qualities.
(has good chances to continue to the play-offs)

Minas Anor
These guys have never really got their game to work thus far. Losing to Mithrim 2-0 is not such a big deal but losing Lorien 1-2 is. If one thinks of getting forwards from the group-phase that is. Echtelion II does what he can in the goal but it clearly seems the team is without a clear leader and a clear unified goal.
(falling off after the group-phase)

Tirion
With the frontline of Miriel, Feänor, Finwë, and Nerdanel everyone thought Tirion would just walk over any adversaries they faced. They actually did that to both Lorien and Beleriand but somehow one thinks something is missing here. In two games Miriel has one goal, Feänor has one pass, Finwë and Nerdanel have one pass as well. It is great to have Ingwë with two goals and Mahtan with one… but still one wonders how that quartet has only made one goal and three passes in two games (and the whole team making only four compared to Gondolin’s eight goals or Thangorodrim’s seven goals). No one questions the talent and skills of Feänor or Miriel; they have been the top scorers the last two years, but is there something in the dynamics of the team as they finally play together – or is it just laziness in regard to friendlies? But whoever makes the goals, Tirion wil go further, probably a lot further.
(continuing to the play-offs)