ARDA CUP Football 2012

[Nogrod]

Group D @ Armenelos

Originally Posted by The AKM 27.06.11

When Númenor won the bid over hosting group F it was clear where the games would take place. Although there are beautiful and large enough stadiums in both Andunië and Romenna, there was no question the action would take place at either. The “Wembley” of the Middle-Earth, the Armenelos stadium, is situated just in the shadow of the tower and the citadel raised by Elros just beside Meneltarma. Even if there are some fancier and bigger new stadiums in Arda, the Armenelos stadium stands as the classic venue, the somewhat grey but revered old king of stadiums. And in its stonework one can still see the craftsmanship of the men of old, and the eye for architecture of the Dúnedain at the height of their power.

Interestingly enough we can open the reporting from group D quoting our own article from last year. Not all investement groups were happy with the Arda Cup board’s decision to make Armenelos a host of a group two years in a row – and there were rumours that certain groups had actually wished to challenge the decision legally. But there is only silence from the part of the authorities on the matter.

Most analysts to the Arda Cup seem to think that Ainulindalë Enterpises ltd. had a strong say on the decision – and that the strength of their argument was not backed up only by money. Be that however it is, on one thing all the analysts seem to agree, and it is that the deal included some major financial transactions The Arda Cup committee was happy to receive – and most other investment groups probably had a decent enough share to keep them from going into the court.

Putting the possible unhappiness of certain big-time investors aside, the choice of Armenelos as the host for group D – and the subsequent choice of teams into that group – is pure sporting nirvana. Whichever media-prediction you look at, you have there four teams that all belong to the top ten of the tournament all playing in one group! And the games will be played in one of the most legendary stadiums in all Middle-Earth, in front of an enthusiastic home crowd who are the living emblems of the history and tradition of football, and the most generous hosts to anyone who just loves the game.

Many have predicted that the Valinor-based teams would make it to the next rounds and are mainly having arguments whether FC Valinor’s win over Real Valinor in the friendlies was telling the truth about their respective strengths or whether it was just an accident (or a deliberate scheming) on the part of Real Valinor. But even if the home team hasn’t been too flashing in their friendlies, at least the home fans expect them to qualify – and no one in the footballing world can take team Armenelos lightly, especially at their home stadium. Tirion in turn has been scoring in the friendlies in more or less unparallelled fashion with Finwë leading the scoreboard by a margin to any other player in the friendlies.

So whatever the results of the group will be one thing will be clear – and that is the sad thing from a sporting perspective – two excellent teams will be left into the group-phase. But to all those who have managed to purchase tickets to the games will be seeing some of the best football on Arda already in a group games which is a rare treat. So let us celebrate that!

[the phantom]

Group C @ Moria

The greatest realm of the Dwarves is set to play host to Group C, and it's quite fitting that Aule himself is here to play on the Dwarves United squad. Defending alongside him is Celebrimbor, who is equally thrilled to find himself in Moria- an old stomping ground of his.

The Dwarves are prepared to receive visitors both inside and outside. Near the Mirrormere and the Dimrill Dale Arena there is a small collection of inns and taverns, and within the gates of Moria several miles worth of chambers have been cleaned up and refurbished to house guests, and one of the main level halls has been turned into an oversized beer tent.

Not only were lodgings both in and out of Moria, but the games were to be held as such- each day game would be held in the beautiful Dimrill Dale, while the night match featuring the home side would be played in the loud and claustrophobic Moria underground stadium.

Though Dwarves United hopes to enjoy a home-field advantage, the sports betting isn't flowing their direction. Wilderland has most of the bets, advancing on 13 out of 15 cards, while Erebor follows closely on 10 of 15. Dwarves United and Anduin are the clear underdogs in Group C.

Dwarves United is certain to receive a large amount of Dwarf support, but there is a large contingent from Lothlorien as well- to support Celeborn and Haldir on team Anduin and to cheer on Galadriel on team Wilderland. A large number of Misty Mt orcs have turned up as well, no doubt intent on supporting Bolg on the Erebor squad.

Game 1 between Anduin and Wilderland kicks off in the dale at 2:30 tomorrow afternoon, while game two will begin under the mountains at 9 o'clock.