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04-25-2012, 08:09 PM
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#81 |
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Scion of The Faithful
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: The brink, where hope and despair are akin. [The Philippines]
Posts: 5,312
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Tar-Eldar Network Television and ArdaCup.com Group Analysis
A team of TENT and ArdaCup.com sports analysts will now bring you the most comprehensive and most accurate analysis of the Arda Cup groups.
After the team’s name is a list of the top three phantasy performers for the team (with their points per game and positions given). GROUP A Here we have two teams gutted after last year’s final four appearance, a team clearly improved in the offseason, and a bunch of jokers whose improvement or lack thereof cannot be quantified on the pitch.
Projected finish: 1. Angband 2. Tol-in-Gaurhoth 3. Shire-Bree United 4. The Downer GROUP H The token laughingstock group. None of the teams here will last long past the group stage, except perhaps Barad-dûr, but that’s only because of Sauron’s (distant) championship pedigree.
Projected finish: 1. Barad-dûr 2. Gondor 3. Mordor 4. Minas Tirith
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フェンリス鴨 (Fenrisu Kamo) The plot, cut, defeated. I intend to copy this sig forever - so far so good...
Last edited by Nilpaurion Felagund; 04-26-2012 at 03:35 PM. |
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04-25-2012, 08:30 PM
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#82 |
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Scion of The Faithful
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: The brink, where hope and despair are akin. [The Philippines]
Posts: 5,312
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Tar-Eldar Network Television and ArdaCup.com Group Analysis II
GROUP B
Here we have a defensive powerhouse with teeth, two teams who have spent too much on their teeth, and a balanced team whose either end clearly isn’t as good as that of their opponent’s best end.
Projected finish: 1. Eriador 2. Gondolin 3. Inter Beleriand 4. Arnor GROUP G Here we have almost an echo of Group B, whose winner and runner-up, coincidentally, they’ll face in the round of sixteen: One powerhouse offensive team with a surprisingly good defence and three teams with different team-building philosophies who have almost equal chances of grabbing second place.
Projected finish: 1. AC Beleriand 2. Nargothrond 3. Anfauglith 4. Doriath
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フェンリス鴨 (Fenrisu Kamo) The plot, cut, defeated. I intend to copy this sig forever - so far so good...
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04-25-2012, 08:33 PM
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#83 |
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Scion of The Faithful
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: The brink, where hope and despair are akin. [The Philippines]
Posts: 5,312
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Tar-Eldar Network Television and ArdaCup.com Group Analysis III
GROUP C
Here we have a team of flying offence and defence, a team with a First Age attacking line up, a team who had been denied last year by almost the same teams in their current group, and new team that many deem to be a bad idea.
Projected finish: 1. Wilderland 2. Erebor 3. Anduin 4. Dwarves United GROUP F The easiest group to predict: the gap between the top two and the bottom two teams of this group seems insurmountable.
Projected finish: 1. Rohan 2. Imladris 3. Misty Mts 4. Isengard
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フェンリス鴨 (Fenrisu Kamo) The plot, cut, defeated. I intend to copy this sig forever - so far so good...
Last edited by Nilpaurion Felagund; 05-12-2012 at 09:33 PM. |
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04-25-2012, 08:37 PM
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#84 |
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Scion of The Faithful
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: The brink, where hope and despair are akin. [The Philippines]
Posts: 5,312
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Tar-Eldar Network Television and ArdaCup.com Group Analysis IV
GROUP D
This group has us hating the grouping committee; any one of these teams has Round of Sixteen-level talent (at the very least).
Projected finish: 1. FC Valinor 2. Real Valinor 3. Armenelos 4. Tirion GROUP E After having these four teams scrambling to get out of this group, they will meet the best and the second-best team from Group D. Out of the frying pan and into the fire, indeed.
Projected finish: 1. The Sea 2. Hithlum 3. Valimar 4. The Havens
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フェンリス鴨 (Fenrisu Kamo) The plot, cut, defeated. I intend to copy this sig forever - so far so good...
Last edited by Nilpaurion Felagund; 04-25-2012 at 10:45 PM. |
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04-28-2012, 01:19 PM
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#85 |
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Beloved Shadow
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: The Stadium
Posts: 5,971
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MESPN News: Team Guide Part 1
The Phantom In this team guide our readers can learn a bit about the general habits and play of all the teams in Arda Cup 2012. It doesn't say much in the way of predictions, but it might be helpful for picking phantasy squads and the like all the same. Happy reading! GROUP A ANGBAND- Morgoth and his Balrog will hold down the defense in front of the solid guardian Carcharoth. The midfield will be asked to flow back to front, with Telvildo and Ancalagon always ready to launch the attack at the front. The ball is likely to go through Telvildo quite often, and everyone will always be looking to Ancalagon as a finisher. He isn’t the quickest to change directions nor does he have craftsmanlike ball skills, but he’s very fast and has as powerful a strike as anyone, and obviously he’s a very big target. Morgoth will take the occasional free-kick or corner, and both he and the Balrog are priority targets on such set plays. SHIRE-BREE UNITED- This side will look to possess the ball at the front and play a lot of one touch ball to keep the defense running. Strider, Khamul, and Barrow-Wight are all solid distributors and finishers with decent speed and size. Bombadil historically plays inconsistent ball, but when his head is in it he has shocking speed and agility and finishing power to match. THE DOWNER- This entire squad plays in a Bombadilish manner, inconsistently competing. Saucepan Man and Lalwende MP are fairly good about showing up, and both are decently skilled, but the spotty Hookbill is the preferred man to run the offense through, and the similarly untrustworthy Alien is the most dangerous finisher when his head is right. TOL-IN-GAURHOTH- The Wights of TIG are always tactical and solid and play as a team. The Werewolves at the front, NogWolf and PhantomWolf, provide difficult matchups with their speed and physicality. On corners and such very few can challenge the leap of a Werewolf. Both have massive finishing power as well, with PhantomWolf particularly being a free kick specialist. Defender NilpWolf will push up in support when he can, as he has the speed to get back. In matches with particularly athletic strikers he will be tasked with hounding them. ShastaWolf in goal will be tough to get past with his Werewolf reflexes. GROUP B ARNOR- These guys will be flexible and play according to the moment. They don’t make mistakes on defense and Arvedui provides a quality final line. Isildur is the sort likely to demand touches up front, and Araphor has a history of late-game heroics. Elendil will be a big target on corners and the like. Free kicks will generally be handled by Isildur. INTER BELERIAND- The midfield will be looking to feed Fingon and Maedhros at every opportunity. They both excel at teamwork and are great finishers. Maedhros is the big target in the middle while Fingon generally sends the kicks in. The Balrog at the back will come up and use his size and power in support when necessary. ERIADOR- Elrond is as good a keeper as there is. Asfaloth will be tasked with defending large and/or fast strikers, while Gil-galad will occasionally send a kick into the box or be targeted on such a play. The Witch King is the always present target for finishing, while the speedy and deft Glorfindel is a slightly bigger threat for getting released behind the defense on a counter. GONDOLIN- Rog is quality and there are some good athletes on the defense, but the money here is in the front. They’re going to try and work it to Maeglin and Gothmog as often as possible, whether through possession or through speculative long-balls. Gothmog is a huge powerful target and fast to boot, so he’s a threat on set plays and breakaways. Maeglin “sharp-boot” has spectacular feel and control to match his agility and will nearly always beat his man with the dribble one-on-one. GROUP C ANDUIN- These guys play defensively in front of Amroth and with Celeborn and Fram defending they can match up with quality strikers. Fram likes to stick his foot into the offense with long strikes and crosses, but if the opposition has a particularly monstrous striker his attention will be diverted. Anduin will use their midfield to possess and look to feed the powerful Grimbeorn. The quick and accurate Haldir is a particularly good passer, and also will snipe when the opportunity is there. The valiant leg of Boromir II will handle free kicks. DWARVES UNITED- This team is defense first, and will try and counterattack with Celebrimbor and Aule rushing up in support when necessary. The craftsdwarves Telchar and Gamil Zirak are particularly good feeders, as is Aule when he’s in play, and of course Celebrimbor's touch is Feanor-esque. Legolas has a highly accurate strike and is difficult to keep up with. Free kicks will be split between him, Celebrimbor, and Aule depending on the distance and angle. EREBOR- Beorn can cover a lot of net, and with three speedy eagles in the defense Erebor will not be outrun on a counter. Girion or Gwaihir might occasionally lend some pressure up front. Thranduil and Nazgul 7 are both accurate team player passers and decent finishers, Bard and Bolg are both offensive minded powerful shooters, and Smaug is obviously a giant target up front that can outmuscle defenders or outfly them on breakaways and has a thunderous tail-strike. WILDERLAND- Great Warg has excellent reflexes in goal while the Ents protecting him have the size and strength to match powerful opponents. Oropher will be tasked with defending more agile opponents, as the straightline speed of the Ents doesn’t necessarily translate to direction changes. The defenders will look to get it to the front four as often as possible. Elwe, Galadriel, and Orome are all proficient in every aspect of offense, so they will work it with each other and also look to involve the giant tail of Scatha whenever possible. GROUP D ARMENELOS- The Numenorians will be organized in front of Tar Atanamir like always. The team will move as a whole up the pitch to attack, with Tar Telperien and Tar Palantir always ready to send it all the way forward should the opposition be lax in setting their back line. Ar Pharazon and Ar Adunakhor will be the ones making the dashes forward, and when the offense is established in the zone they will be the primary targets as well with their knack for finishing. Corners will alternate between Tar Ancalimon and Tar Miriel, while the direct free kicks will be split with Adunakhor and Pharazon. TIRION- Finarfin and his defenders want nothing to do with the ball, and will be sending it forward soon and often. There is a great collection of aggressive athletes at midfield and forward that will be looking to charge forward at all times. Eonwe is the biggest target in the middle, but he can play dashing style offense as well alongside the accurate and powerful Finwe and the always skillful Aredhel. The pintpoint iron leg of Mahtan will generally send kicks in. FC VALINOR- The wildly successful Huan will have ample protection, with the mighty steed Nahar handling particularly big and fast foes and Indis and Penlod supporting. Defender Maglor will be slightly more offensive minded, with the sure foot he inherited from his mom and dad. He will help Irmo, Idril and Yavanna in the midfield with the possession, while Argon will be asked to send in corners. Celegorm and Curufin will perpetually be looking for a release behind the defense, or to help each other do so. REAL VALINOR- Tilion and Nienna will be matching up with powerful strikers at the back in front of Tulkas. Caranthir will occasionally be asked to erase an opposing athletic striker, but he will also be asked to be involved in the possession a lot. Tilion will provide a big target for occasional set plays. Nessa and the midfield will feed the famous trio at the front. Nerdanel and Miriel have fine accuracy matched only by the likes of Feanor, so they are proficient close-range finishers and perfect passers. Arien is the big gun up front, with flashing speed and scorching power.
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04-28-2012, 01:19 PM
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#86 | |
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Flame of the Ainulindalë
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Wearing rat's coat, crowskin, crossed staves in a field behaving as the wind behaves
Posts: 9,308
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The AKM's group-by-group analysis, part 1
The AKM is bringing you the most thorough analysis of the group phase. This is part one. Look for part two in a few days.
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Group A 5. (r.2) Angband, 101£ W - 1 (4) D - 3 (1,2,3) L - 0 3-2 A: (3) 15/42 – 20% D: (2) 14/36 - 85,7% O: 7,1% - 5,6% 24. (r.4) Tol In Gaurhoth, 68£ W - 0 D - 3 (2,3,5) L - 1 (1) 5-7 A: (5) 22/54 – 22,7% B: (7) 27/56 - 74,1% O: 9,3% - 12,5%+ 25. (r.4) ShireBree United, 72£ W - 0 D - 3 (3,4,4) L - 1 (2) 11-13 A: (11) 29/63 – 37,9% D: (13) 30/63 - 56,7% O: 17,5% - 20,6% 32. (r.5) The Downer, 37£ W - 0 D - 0 L - 4 (1,2,3,4) 5-15 A: (5) 23/56 – 21,7% D: (15) 33/68 - 54,5% O: 8,9% - 22,1% Group A should be one for Angband to pick. Yes they have not scored a bunch and have only won one game, but their opponents have been way classier than with the others – and who thinks a team gets a nice show-off scoring-board playing against teams like Anfaughlith or Valimar? And what’s even more important, they have not lost a single game and Carcaroth’s saving precentage of 85,7% is one of the best of the tournament thus far – not to say it is overwhelming in this company. The scoring for team Angband has rested on the shoulders of Ancalagon thus far – and there’s nothing wrong with that as The Black sure knows how to do it. But the AKM thinks Tevildo needs to pull itself together – and we would be surprised if Morgoth himself would not change gear at some point when games start to matter. For unless those things happen, we can’t promise a long tournament to the team Angband even if it would swipe their first opponent from group H with no effort. The Downer will be left to the bottom of the group, or third – they might tease T-I-G or Shire-Bree or even pick on Angband – but there just is no chance they could take consistent wins to qualify. So we are left with the question as to the other qualifier: Tol In Gaurhoth or Shire-Bree United? Picking between the two is quite challenging indeed for two reasons. First of all one never knows about the T-I-G –team. We have used to see the werewolves go pretty far in the tournament the previous years and it would be odd to see them drop off in the group-stage. But then again most of them are playing as wights this year and their friendly-performance has been moderate at best to put it nicely. But the Shire-Bree –team is as much of an enigma. They have played three more or less “friendly-friendly” games where both teams have scored like in turns and thus the levels of their opponents in their draws should probably be totally ignored (not to talk of ignoring the number of goals made and allowed). In the only almost serious game, the last friendly, they lost to Eriador in no uncertain terms 1-3. But then again, and with the earlier reclaimer in mind, they have showed they can score and when no other team in the group can boast being top-scorers the AKM wishes to leave it open still: if it comes to outscoring the opponents then Shire-Bree can be on their road to qualifying, but a lot will also depend on Bombadill’s inspiration to play – and the homeground advance / disadvantage (sometimes being the home-team might also mean taking more pressure). The AKM still bets the T-I-G will qualify. If not for anything else, then because of their superior goal-keeping – and possibly to the awakening of the few werewolves when the real games start. Group B 8. (r.2) Eriador , 99£ W - 3 (3,4,4) D - 0 L - 1 (2) 5-2 A: (5) 18/42 – 27,8% D: (2) 15/41 - 86,7% O: 11,9% - 4,9% 19. (r.3) Gondolin, 83£ W - 1 (3) D - 1 (4) L - 2 (1,3) 9-11 A: (9) 26/58 – 34,6% D: (11) 33/65 - 66,7% O: 15,5% - 16,9% 23.(r.4) Arnor, 71£ W - 1 (4) D - 1 (5) L - 2 (2,3) 5-7 A: (5) 22/51 – 22,7% D: (7) 25/54 - 72% O: 9,8% - 13,0% 26. (r.4) Inter Beleriand, 70£ W - 1 (5) D - 0 L - 3 (1,2,3) 4-7 A: (4) 20/49 – 20% D: (7) 24/53 - 70,8% O: 8,2% - 13,2% Even if we have been forced to degrade Eriador’s ranking from our previous estimate it looks clear they are more or less the favourites to group B. But, and there is a but here, both Gondolin and Inter Beleriand have had a tougher pre-season period and Eriador’s win over Rank 3 Imladris is not that straightforward. If they had drawn that game the tables would look much more even. Elrond is one of the best goalies in whole Arda and the AKM is not suggesting he will be anything less than that this year either, but it is to be remarked that fex. Gondolin has been facing a lot tougher fire both quantitatively and qualitatively from their opponents than Eriador has. So the difference between Rôg and Elrond and the defences they lead might not be that great. Adding to that, the forward-duo Gothmog and Maeglin with their 20 million pricetags were thought by many to be overpaid before the friendlies, but with 4+2 (Gothmog) and 4+0 (Maeglin) it seems Gondolin is a seriously-scoring team, due to their skills at finishing. Compared to them Glorfindel and The Witch King have been mere sleep-walkers – and unless that changes – we will predict Gondolin to force Eriador to run for their money if they wish to win the group. The AKM has raised the ranking of both teams Arnor and Inter Beleriand from the previous 5 to rank 4. It may be that that is not enough for them to overthrow Eriador (2) or Gondolin (3). But looking at the scheduals the teams have had in the friendlies the AKM will actually be betting on Inter Beleriand being one of them nearer to stir the group. Call that gut feeling in the end if you wish – or just trust in the dynamic duo of Maedhros and Fingon coming alive when the going gets tough. The home-ground advantage behind team Arnor is a factor the AKM wishes to bring forwards though, with the added point that they tend to play very well tactically – and tactics is one thing the spectators rarely see in the friendlies. So maybe Artnor has a thing or two in their sleeves as well? A host of draws to be anticipated in this group, but alongside Eriador… it is most probably Gondolin to qualify. Group C 9. (r.2) Wilderland, 85£ W - 2 (2,5) D - 2 (2,4) L - 0 11-7 A: (11) 28/62 – 39,3% D: (7) 26/54 - 73,1% O: 17,7% - 13,0% 11. (r.2) Anduin, 80£ W - 2 (3,5) D - 1 (2) L - 1 (1) 6-5 A: (6) 17/42 – 35,3% D: (5) 22/52 - 77,3% O: 14,3% - 9,6% 12. (r.2) Erebor, 103£ W - 2 (2,5) D - 1 (4) L - 1 (2) 5-4 A: (5) 23/54 – 21,7% D: (4) 17/41 - 76,5% O: 9,3% - 9,8% 31. (r.5) Dwarves United, 89£ W - 0 D - 1 (4) L - 3 (2,2,3) 1-6 A: (1) 18/43 – 5,6% D: (6) 17/46 - 64,7% O: 2,3% - 13,0% Group C is one of the toughest to call as Wilderland, Anduin and Erebor take positions 9., 11. and 12. in the AKM rankings. Dwarves United might step up their game as well, but at the moment the AKM thinks it will not be enough and the qualification is a bussiness for the three top teams of the group. Group C is an interesting one also because so many of the teams have already met in the friendlies. That begs the question, how much can one rely on those results? Anduin has drawn with Wilderland, Dwarves Utd. has lost to both Erebor and Wilderland, Erebor has lost to Wilderland but beaten Dwarves Utd. – and Wilderland has thus beaten both Erebor and Dwarves Utd. and drawn with Anduin. Looked at in this light Wilderland would be the favourites and Anduin the second qualifier. With or without the in-group friendlies the AKM considers Wilderland more or less safe qualifier just looking at their scoring and especially the spread of that scoring-responsibility to several players. With Oromë (4+2), Scatha (3+0) Elwë (2+4) and Galadriel (2+3) they have wide variety of finishers even if one or two are having a bad day. Especially Scatha seems to be on an upward trend: Scatha made no goals in the first two games, scored once in the third and twice in the last one. Their defence sure is vulnerable but as long as they keep on scoring even close to what they have done thus far they should qualify as it looks improbable both Anduin and Erebor would beat them – or that Dwarves Utd. would suddenly find enough scoring-magic from somewhere. From the two teams then the mötley crew of Erebor looks like the stronger one shooting more and letting the opposition to shoot less. But then again, the quality of the Anduin offence is statistically better. The teams they have played against is varied and one should be careful to not draw too many conclusions from that fact. Just looking at the results could speak for Anduin being the stronger of the two as they lost to Valimar only 0-1, draw with Wilderland and beat Imladris. But most of us know how Valimar plays and the Wilderland game was pretty careful on both sides – and Erebor has beaten Eriador in a fairly competitive (half)game but on the other hand drawn with Misty Mts. in a tough match, which is not to their honour. Both teams seem to have an even top-scorer as both Smaug and Grimbeorn have scored three goals. With Anduin the scoring and assisting is concentrated on the top three players – with long passes coming from the defencive half as well – whereas Erebor seems to be using it’s midfield to assist and the forwards to score in a tighter formation. Group D 1. (r.1) FC Valinor, 113£ W - 4 (1,3,4,5) D - 0 L - 0 13-5 A: (13) 31/62 – 41,9% D: (5) 22/59 – 77,3% O: 21,0% - 8,5% 2. (r.1) Reäl Valinor, 104£ W - 3 (3,3,4) D - 0 L - 1 (1) 12-6 A: (12) 31/65 – 38,7% D: (6) 21/60 – 71,4% O: 18,5% - 10% 6. (r.2) Tirion, 83£ W - 3 (3,4,5) D - 1 (2) L – 0 16-10 A: (16) 34/74 – 47,1% D: (10) 28/58 – 64,3% O: 21,6% - 17,2% 10. (r.2) Armenelos, 108£ W - 2 (4,5) D - 2 (2,4) L - 0 6-4 A: (6) 21/51 – 28,6% D: (4) 17/44 – 76,5% O: 11,8% - 9,1% Even if the AKM downgraded team Armenelos to rank 10, all the four teams of group D are within the ten best-ranked in the tournament: first, second, sixth and tenth. That should speak for itself. Now it seems that we have to begin dropping the teams off from the qualification-speculations from the hosts Armenelos. They have not shown such flashing qualities in the friendlies that would show they are capable to beat two teams from the three they are going to meet. But there are two great “buts” here. First of all, they clearly have not played it with full force and especially their draw with Gondor was something they just amiably allowed. Secondly, they are playing at their legendary home-stadium and the fighting spirit they will produce backed by the proud Númenorian tradition and demanding crowds are cards one should pay heed to when speculating about the strengths and weaknesses of different teams. It is also worth mentioning that Ar Pharazôn was pretty invisible in the first friendlies but finally became alive in the last one. So is he gearing up as the important games approach or was it just a random incidence? Armenelos has not been too convincing when it comes to scoring (a thing which the AKM predicted already before the friendlies) but can they overcome that as the group-stage begins? If Ar Pharazôn and Ar Adunakhôr find their scoring prowess – and they get quality assists to feed them – the AKM is willing to change it’s prediction, but unless that happens this year’s tournament will most probably be a great disappointment to the hosts. Another team we have to treat as a serious candidate for staying in the group-phase is Tirion. Now that may sound ridiculous looking at the way they score – and if they had not played it cordially even with the Sea they could have four wins in their pocket from the friendlies. With Finwë (7+2), Aredhel (3+4) and Eönwë (4+0) as the most efficient forward-trio of all teams it looks incomprehensible the team might drop from the next rounds. But they can. Tirion’s problem is the defence. They allow almost double the goals from all shots booted against them (on target or not) than any other team in this group. So even if they score a lot, they also allow a lot. They might win a shooting-race against Armenelos, but both Valinor-teams score effectively as well – and let in only half of the shots in compared to Tirion. So Tirion needs to shut their defences in ways unseen thus far if they want to beat either of the Valinor-teams – and that is something they have to do if they wish to qualify. That leaves the two favourites to the group, FC Valinor and Real Valinor, to be considered. FC Valinor won the game they played against one another but Real has had a bit tougher schedule overall. Their stats are more or less equal – leaning slightly towards FC, but looking at the scheduals kind of evens that small difference a bit. There is also a nice comparison. Tirion won The Havens 5-3 in a fairly competitive game whereas FC Valinor only won them 3-2 in a game they were clearly not giving their best effort – but Real Valinor won Hithlum 5-2 in a real match-up whereas in another quite serious meeting Tirion only won them 4-3. So the AKM thinks the two teams start from quite an equal footing FC Valinor being the slight favourites to win the group. But in the end it comes down to some individual comparisons… Between the posts at the moment it seems Huan gives the edge slightly to FC against Tulkas on Real’s goal. The defences look so even it is hard to make a difference there – except for Tilion’s possible role as a clutch-player for Real – although thus far he has been no more efficient than Maglor on FC Valinor’s side (both have 0+2). Both teams have quite forward-minded midfields so we’d like to look at both the MF’s and the FW’s at the same time. Fëanor’s sons Curufin (5+3) and Celegorm (2+1) showed their dangerousness playing forwards last year and this year they have been showing that last year was no coincidence – especially Curufin has proved himself to be one of the most deadly strikers of the whole tournament. Last year their effort was not enough as they lacked support, but this year it looks different with such figures as Yavanna (2+3), Idril (0+3) – and the surprise-card Argon (4+0) – backing up their offence and showing capabilities of scoring themselves as well. But Real Valinor’s attack is as deadly: Miriel (4+3) and Arien (5+0) bring hard times to any defence and Nessa (2+2) has proved to be a sneaky and effective midfielder when having inspiring enough company. If Nerdanel (“only” 0+3) gears up to her normal level, Huan will have to show his best to repeat the win for FC Valinor in the group-phase. In the end it looks like the Valinor-teams will qualify, but it is possible one of the other teams make their way forwards. But what the AKM will promise is that the two qualifiers will not be Armenelos and Tirion – even if the games at Númenor will be tough and nothing near predetermined. Some quality football then on offer there!
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Upon the hearth the fire is red Beneath the roof there is a bed; But not yet weary are our feet... Last edited by Nogrod; 04-28-2012 at 01:48 PM. |
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04-28-2012, 01:26 PM
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#87 |
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Beloved Shadow
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: The Stadium
Posts: 5,971
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MESPN News: Team Guide Part 2
The Phantom GROUP E HITHLUM- Aradan and his protectors will be looking to be rid of the ball ASAP and up to the attacking trio of Turin, Hurin, and Hador. Hithlum will look for every opportunity to launch a swift and overwhelming counter, but when they are stymied initially they will look to the midfield, particularly Morwen and Nienor, to close in and work with the attackers. Turin of course will handle penalties. Corner duty will alternate between Hurin and his wife, with Turin and Hador as tall targets with fantastic heads for finishing. THE HAVENS- This squad will play a lot of possession ball, with everyone assisting in nearly every area of the field. On offense Earendil, Angrod, and Aegnor will be the threats early in a counter or to make a dribble move to split an established defense. The towering Tuor will be a big finishing threat on crosses and corners. One of the Elf-brothers will handle most corners, while Earendil will take the majority of penalties. Olwe will send in the occasional long-ball. THE SEA- Ulmo and his Maia helpers will have the midfield helping them, as the squad will place a priority on defense and build attacks carefully and tactically. When in possession the midfield will be asked to keep the ball moving swiftly so as not to give up possession with the most of the defense hanging well back. The Numenoreans up front have impressive size and power and will look to gain headers or clear lanes for powerful legs to send drives through. Ulmo will come up on set pieces quite often. VALIMAR- This Manwe-led team will place a premium on defense, particularly with a lead. When it’s time to score Ilmare will share duties with Alatar and Pallando in an interchangeable style, always looking for the opening to send it in but conservatively sending it back or sideways to maintain possession if the offensive play looks to risky. Vaire will be asked to send in some of the corners, while the Namo’s leg of doom will handle longer send-ins and the occasional penalty. GROUP F IMLADRIS- Like his brother, Elros is a highly skilled keeper, and the defense in front of him will have Varda to erase large powerful threats. The rest of the squad will play smart team defense first, and will try to be on the lookout to get it forward to the sons of Elrond, who will always be looking to launch an attack. When executing standard offense, the ball will likely flow through the skillful Arwen, who is an excellent distributor and will also send in corners. The brothers will alternate on penalties. ISENGARD- Caradhras will always be fairly far back on defense to protect Ugluk, but Mauhur and Treebeard will move up a bit to establish a back end. They will look to get the ball to the wizard at the front as often as possible, as Saruman can make plays himself and also has an eye for passing others into space. Quickbeam is a towering and deadly powerful finisher, and will split penalty duty with Saruman. MISTY MTS- The mountain team will play physical defense at the back end, with Chief Wolf assigned duties on particularly speedy strikers. The Elves (Rumil & Orophin) along with Narvi will run the show from the midfield and look to release the powerful finishers Durin’s Bane and Azog, who also possess nice pace on rushing counters. Look for Narvi to send in most kick, while DBane will handle the penalties. ROHAN- The whole side will move forward aggressively to support the attack, as the three horses at the rear (Shadowfax, Felarof, Snowmane) have the speed to dash back to foil counters. Everyone will help out with possession, with Gandalf at the center of things. He’s a threat to finish, but Eorl and Helm will be asked to do most of that duty. Those two will alternate on taking penalties, and the wizard will send in most longer kicks. GROUP G ANGFAUGLITH- Ungoliant and her three Balrog protectors will be focused on their craft, as will most of the rest of the team. Thuringwethil will be entirely offensive minded, and her teammates will look to send her towards the goal at every opportunity. With her winged speed few can keep up with her and she also has vampiric power and leaping ability for finishing on set pieces. Galdor and Gundor will alternate on corners, while a Balrog or two may come up occasionally for a power drive or to provide an alternate header target for a cross. AC BELERIAND- Rochallor will handle large and/or speedy foes in front of Marach. When a particularly athletic striker threatens Fingolfin will be called upon to dedicate himself to defense, but otherwise he will be looking to be involved with the offense, offering long drives and a corner target. The midfield will be tasked with keeping possession and feeding the scorers. The premier craftsmen, Eol and Feanor, will demand the ball early and often, and either can split through multiple opponents with the ball on their toe. Beren will send in the corners, while Feanor will take penalties. DORIATH- Melian will run the show here, organizing the defense and taking charge of the possession game in the midfield. Daeron and Luthien in particular are excellent and creative with possession and when distributing. Beleg is also deadly accurate, but with his power he will be turning a lot of kicks towards the goal. Mablung of the heavy-boot will take most penalties and will hammer drives from any position. NARGOTHROND- They will try to control the ball at all times, always looking to work it forward to the playmakers at the front. The midfielders are team-minded and heady, as is Finrod who will also look to do a lot of distributing. Gwindor will make most of the sudden runs with him, while Glaurung will be the finishing threat when the ball is on the wings. Penalties will be split with the dragon and Finrod, while corner duty will be a family affair with Orodreth and Finduilas. GROUP H BARAD-DUR- The Mouth will be the brains at the back end, always in synch with the wishes of his master. The Fellbeast will be invaluable in erasing dragon-type threats in front of the net-covering Mumakil. The midfield will place a premium on possession, and Sauron himself will be free to float anywhere he likes, waiting to be released by his supporters, or coming back to take charge of things himself. Sauron will certainly be taking penalties and such, and will be the prime threat on corners sent in by Beruthiel. GONDOR- This squad will play all together with flexibility, with the show running through King Anarion as often as possible. Eldacar will be asked to try a flashy run every so often, while Romendacil and Falastur will handle the send-ins. Anarion will be first choice on penalties. MINAS TIRITH- They will play similar to their Gondor relatives, only a bit more defensive minded in front of Denethor. Mardil will be involved as often as possible with his skills for distributing and instigating. Faramir is also excellent in support, and will be asked for pinpoint corners and crosses. Boromir I has nice size and athleticism and will be asked to boot it in off of penalties and to finish attacks. MORDOR- It takes a ball struck with belief and confidence to pass the goal barrier of the Silent Watcher. The Fellbeast in front of him will take care of larger and/or aerial threats while all the Nazgul will work together for a fast-flowing possession game. Shelob at the front will always be looking to attack- her considerable bulk clearing space for drives and especially for ringing headers fed by the wraiths.
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05-01-2012, 11:19 AM
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Laconic Loreman
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 7,521
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TTNs Power Rankings
POWER RANKINGS
Boromir the 88th We are finally able to bring you the updated power rankings after 4 friendly rounds. Our rankings have taken several factors into account and put them all into a single equation that gives us 1 value. The factors: 1. Results (Points from wins, draws, and losses during friendlies). 2. Strength of Opponent 3. Offense (teams ranked 1-32 and are given a value. That value is re-adjusted based on strength of opponents defense.) 4. Defense (teams ranked 1-32 and are given a value. That value is re-adjusted based on the strength of the opponents offense) 5. GK (teams ranked 1-32 based on GK save %) After all these factors here's what the latest TTN Power Rankings tell us: 01. FC Valinor (4-0-0) - 48.9 02. Real Valinor (3-0-1) - 47.5 03. Tirion (3-1-0) - 39.5 04. Eriador (3-0-1) - 38.5 05. AC Beleriand (2-2-0) - 37.4 06. Valimar (2-2-0) - 37.3 07. Wilderland (2-2-0) - 34.6 08. Erebor (2-1-1) - 34.4 09. Armenolos (2-2-0) - 33.9 10. Anduin (2-1-1) - 29.8 11. Angband (1-3-0) - 29.7 12. The Sea (1-3-0) - 29.6 13. Rohan (1-3-0) - 28.8 14. Anfauglith (0-4-0) - 28.3 15. Nargothrond (1-2-1) - 27.8 16. Imladris (2-0-2) - 25.6 17. Doriath (1-2-1) - 25.2 18. Misty Mts (0-4-0) - 22.9 19. Isengard (1-2-1) - 22.6 20. Hithlum (1-1-2) - 22.2 21. Gondolin (1-1-2) - 21.2 22. Shire Bree Utd (0-3-1) - 20.3 23. Gondor (0-3-1) - 19.1 24. Arnor (1-1-2) - 18.1 25. Tol in Gaurhoth (0-3-1) - 17.8 26. Minas Tirith (0-2-2) - 16.4 27. The Havens (1-0-3) - 14.4 28. Inter Beleriand (1-0-3) - 12.6 29. Dwarves Utd (0-1-3) - 12.6 30. Mordor (0-2-2) - 11.9 31. Barad Dur (0-1-3) - 11.2 32. The Downer (0-0-4) - 6.2 Keep following TTN as we bring you group predictions and analysis next! 
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Fenris Penguin
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05-02-2012, 09:42 AM
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#89 |
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Laconic Loreman
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 7,521
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Groups
TWO TOWERS NETWORK
Boromir the 88th It's that time of season again. 2012 Arda Cup. Bigger. Better. And more unpredicatable then ever. We've thrown every advanced stat we could think of into the puzzle and there's still not a conclusive picture. The Favorite = the team TTN feels has the greater expectation to win the group. This does not always mean the team TTN predicts will win the group, just the team that should win based on payroll, players, and looking at the friendlies/stats. The Challenger = The team that we feel can challenge the favorite for 1st place in the group. But also have the great probability of advancing ahead of "The Upset." The Upset = The team that is not favored to advance to the playoffs, but might pull off a surprise in the group matches, and knock out "The Challenger" or "The Favorite." The Relegate = The team that will have an early exit from the tournament. *TTN Note: Since the groups are not equally balanced, some groups may have multiple "Favorites," "Challengers"...etc and some groups may have no "Challengers", "Upsets," or "Relegates." Though we tried our best to avoid this situation, and clearly distinguish teams within their respective groups - no matter how insanely tough most groups are to call* GROUP A The Favorite: Angband. (TTN - 11. OFF - 30. DEF - 3. GK - 6) We do think Morgoth held back the full offensive ability of Angband during the friendlies. They are certainly much better than the 30th rank indicates. It could be a clever scheme, as the tales of Elves and Men go...when Morgoth secretly holed up in his stronghold, away from the eyes of the Valar, and unleashed a fury of death and destruction upon Beleriand. So, we can't under-estimate what plots Morgoth has hatched while remaining reserved and defensive in the friendlies. Still if we're talking about a team that can win shooting matches, it won't be Angband. Sure they have some dangerous bite with the quick agility of Telvildo, and the intimidating power of a dragon (not to mention Morgoth), but there are some big weaknesses. Primarily, the rest of the team is not very threatening. The Challenger: Tol In Gaurhoth (TTN - 25. OFF - 20. DEF - 24. GK - 11) A really disappointing and disjointed friendly performance from TIG. Although, normally their key wolf players don't give an effort in friendly matches, trusting their natural talents are superior and they don't need "practice." The stats are a bit worse than they look. Scoring 5 goals, but giving up 7, and being outshot 44 to 56 is not a normal stat line for TIG-teams (even when they are giving a careless effort). However, most of that imbalance comes from the 3-1 loss to Real Valinor. TIG will lose to superior athletes, and their risky tactics makes them prone to losing games they should win. Looking at the Group A picture though, the wolves on the team can match Angband's talent, and also play a much better team game. The Upset: Shire-Bree Utd. (TTN - 22. OFF - 7. DEF - 27. GK - 30) This is an intriguing team, if one recalls Bywater from 2010. To the upset heard around Arda, when Bywater advanced, leaving Thangorodrim out of the playoffs. Granted, different year, different team make-ups, and Thangorodrim was without Morgoth. One might still wonder though, that if Angband comes in over-confident this pesky Shire team might surprise them again, especially since Bombadil has been a pain to Morgoth before (see 2009 Breeland v. Valimar). The 2010 Bywater team though, relied on some dirty back door trickery from the Valar to advance ahead of Thangorodrim and we can't see The Downer or Tol-in-Gaurhoth giving Shire-Bree the same kind treatment. Plus 2010 Bywater had a steady GK in Rosie Cotton, and GK will be Shire-Bree's undoing. The Relegate: The Downer (TTN - 32. OFF - 23. DEF - 31. GK - 31) Not much to add here. The Downer doesn't have the payroll, players, nor tactics to seriously contend at this level. We've seen some improvement in their actual focus to play the game, and thus a slight improvement in their overall performance, but not nearly enough. And still lack the discipline to beat anyone. Round 1: Angband 2 - 0 The Downer Shire Bree 2 - 3 Tol In Gaurhoth Group A Prediction: 1. Tol-in-Gaurhoth 2. Angband 3. Shire-Bree United 4. The Downer GROUP B The Favorite: Eriador. (TTM - 4. OFF - 19. DEF - 4. GK - 4) Folks are wondering if Elrond is nursing an injury, or if the Underground's accusations of an illegal miruvor-steroid last year were correct, becuase he was only the 4th best keeper in the friendlies. Others are saying those folk are neurotic, because Elrond still had an 86.7 sv%. If Elrond is Eriador's biggest worry, than the future must be looking bright for them. This reminds me of the 2010 Gondolin team, maybe not the absolute best names on the pitch, but solid talent at every position. Proven strikers (Witch-King and Glorfindel) a midfield that doesn't squander possession, a foreseeing with tireless-horse defense (Gil-Galad, Malbeth, and Asfaloth), all backed by the best GK to ever play the game. If this team doesn't take 1st, and doesn't at least advance to the semis, it will be a colossal failure of ill-spent money. The Upsets: 1. Gondolin. (TTN - 21. OFF - 9. DEF - 30. GK - 23) No one in this group seems seriously able to challenge Eriador for 1st, but there are two teams that might, just yet, surprise us. First is Gondolin, who has the best striking duo of Group B. But Duilin in the mid-field is an underrated player. Back in his natural position of feeding passes to the star-strikers, Gondolin's mid field will be the key to advancing in this group. 2. Inter Beleriand. (TTN - 28. OFF - 27. DEF - 20. GK - 19) Maedhros and Fingon have to be better than the 27th offense, then again, they might not be having the best chances because the mid-field is underperforming. (Haleth has to do better than 1 assist and 2 yellows). Still with a Balrog on the defense and Turgon manning the posts, they have good players in key positions and thus are an upset pick. The Relegate: Arnor (TTN - 24. OFF - 22. DEF - 21. GK - 16) Good competitors who are known for late game comebacks, but let's be honest, Isildur and Araphor are the weakest FWs in the group. Elendil has at best been inconsistant, and at worst, non-existant in Arda Cup play. Arvedui is capable of having great days in the GK, but also being extremely average, so arguably is the weakest GK in the group. Round 1: Inter Beleriand 2 - 2 Gondolin Arnor 0 - 1 Eriador Group B Predictions: 1. Eriador 2. Gondolin 3. Inter Beleriand 4. Arnor
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Fenris Penguin
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05-02-2012, 01:19 PM
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Laconic Loreman
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 7,521
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Groups
TWO TOWERS NETWORK
Boromir the 88th GROUP C The Favorite: Erebor (TTN - 8. OFF - 21. DEF - 7. GK - 7) Even if currently in TTN's power rankings Erebor is behind Wilderland, Erebor is coming in as our favorite to win Group C, just by looking at the match up. I mean, a Dragon against tree defenders...anyone see a problem with that match up? Add in Thranduil is superior to Oropher and the team-play of a Nazgul, there is no reason Erebor should be content finishing in 2nd. Plus Bard returns to command the position he has been most comfortable in, the mid-field. Erebor will have tougher challenges against Anduin (with an experienced monster-slayer on the defense) and Dwarves United (who are also very resilient to dragons) The Challenger: Wilderland (TTN - 7. OFF - 6. DEF - 22. GK - 13) There is something about this team that we just don't trust, right now. It's not the unpredictable tree-defenders (great when roused, but clumsy and careless in close quarters), but also Thingol and Galadriel. Sure both played vital roles in the attack during the friendlies, but they are notorious for being dreadfully conservative and too-defensive when the real matches begin. They must command the mid-field as they did in the friendlies, by pushing the ball up to their star-FWs, if they return to their usually negative tactics, Wilderland will not advance. The Upset: Anduin (TTN - 10. OFF - 13. DEF - 16. GK - 15) We don't trust Wilderland and there's something that intrigues us with this Anduin team (and no it's not some boyish fan crush TTN has with BoromirII). It's a sneaky quick attack that matches up well against the slow Dwarves and the wooden Wilderland defenders. Led by a man, who is one of the premier defenders sought out when a team wants to shut out the opponent's dragon. Plus, Celeborn and Galadriel are separated again, so we'll see if Celeborn's ingenuity will come out in Anduin's play, when in the past, it always appeared Galadriel jealously refused to listen to Celeborn's ideas. The Relegate: Dwarves United (TTN - 29. OFF - 31. DEF - 9. GK - 26) I really don't think there as bad as they performed in the friendlies. I mean how could they be with both Celebrimbor and Aule in the defense? The team though, is just not working as it currently sits. They tried to address the problems of fielding an entire dwarvish team, by attracting some Elves who were friends of dwarves, but really Legolas is no good as the lone offensive threat, and Celebrimbor can't hold the defense forever. Especially since Bombur is not that great of a GK. Round 1 Anduin 2 - 2 Wilderland Dwarves Utd. 1 - 2 Erebor Group C Prediction: 1. Erebor 2. Anduin 3. Wilderland 4. Dwarves United GROUP D The Favorites: 1. FC Valinor (TTN - 1. OFF - 4. DEF - 17. GK - 14) It is nearly impossible to distinguish between these two, but we're going to try to anyway. FC Valinor will have the confidence boost from beating Real in the friendly match, but there really is no significant statistical defense. Perhaps the fact that Huan performed better, and is the more proven GK, is the most important stat, but even he wasn't on top form during the friendlies. 2. Real Valinor (TTN - 2. OFF - 5. DEF - 15. GK - 17) Even if the friendlies showed an even performance, we would still take the Arien-Miriel-Nerdanel trio ahead of Curufin-Celegorm-Yavanna at this moment. And here is also something to consider, the x-factor on Real Valinor is Caranthir. He is prone to losing his temper, but he also knows how to neutralize his brothers. It will be interesting to see what secrets Caranthir gives to Tilion that could slow down Curufin and Celegorm. The Challenger: Armenolos (TTN - 9. OFF - 15. DEF - 8. GK - 10) It is very difficult for us to invision a playoff that did not have the royalty of Numenor as one of the final 16 teams. Plus, you woud think with all of Numenor behind them, that would give the Numenoreans the right spirit and motivation. Ar Pharazon desires nothing more than to send the Valar packing, in front of his home fans. But this isn't the same overly-complacent Valar-led teams. They have star-quality written up and down the rosters, and would also like to sink Armenolos' championship hopes, just as they sunk the island of Numenor many ages ago. The Upset: Tirion (TTN - 3. OFF - 1. DEF - 25. GK - 27) We almost listed Tirion as a relegate, which is a shame, because in any other group they would be a challenger or favorite. Their defense and goal tending is way too porous to pick them to advance from this group. With that said, their offense is so good Tirion can't be completely counted out of the playoff picture. Round 1 FC Valinor 1 - 2 Real Valinor Armenolos 2 - 2 Tirion Group D Prediction: 1. Real Valinor 2. FC Valinor 3. Armenolos 4. Tirion GROUP E The Favorite: Valimar (TTN - 6. OFF - 18. DEF - 1. GK - 2) One of the top defenses and goal keepers, plus one of the most expensive payrolls and the Valar have to be favorites to win Group E. However, TTN is predicting they're going to flop in 2012. Almost for the same reasons as Wilderland, since those leading the team have dreadfully conservative tactics, which just has never worked in the tournament. But unlike Wilderland (who can unleash some dangerous strikers with Scatha and Orome), Valimar has an untested offense. The key to beating offensive power-houses like Hithlum (and even The Havens) is pressuring their defense and having a killer instinct. A 1-goal lead is never safe when facing Turin. Unfortunately, this instinct does not reside in Manwe's team. The Challenger: The Sea (TTN - 12. OFF - 11. DEF - 11. GK - 12) A far more balanced Valar team, and thus very dangerous. Ulmo is the premier defender in Arda, especially when aided by his Maiar helpers. Now you add in a deadly finisher like Tar Minastir? And you have the makings of a team that can advance deep. Tar Minastir is a mighty threat, but that is their weakness, since he's pretty much their only threat, even though Ulmo likes to be adventurous and creative in the offense as well. The Upset: Hithlum (TTN - 20. OFF - 3. DEF - 28. GK - 32) It would be unheard of if Turin is left in the group stages, but there is a significant possibility of this happening. Even if TTN personally believes Valimar are too complacent to deliver a killing blow to Hithlum, that doesn't mean the Valar are pushovers...certainly not defensively. Hithlum's defense is bad, and Aradan absolutely has to do better than saving 53.1% in order to dethrone the stuffy Valar. The Relegate: The Havens (TTN - 27. OFF - 8. DEF - 29. GK - 28) Defensively they were slightly worse than Hithlum, and offensively they are significantly weaker. Earendil is a great talent and Aegnor seemed to have a hot boot in the friendlies, but they don't have the offensive fire-power to go up against the 2 Valar teams, and make up for their huge defeciency on defense, like Hithlum does. Round 1: Hithlum 2 - 3 The Sea The Havens 1 - 2 Valimar Group E Prediction: 1. The Sea 2. Hithlum 3. Valimar 4. The Havens
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Fenris Penguin
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05-03-2012, 11:00 AM
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#91 |
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Laconic Loreman
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 7,521
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Groups
TWO TOWERS NETWORK
Boromir the 88th GROUP F The Favorite: Rohan (TTN - 13. OFF - 17. DEF - 5. GK - 7) A tough team to beat in the friendlies, and it still felt like they were holding back some. None of the offenses in this group, should trouble the Rohan horses + wizard, it really is an underrated group of defenders. Only Eomer showed his offensive prowess during the friendlies, once Gandalf and Eorl get going, this team can go deep into the tournament. The Challenger: Imladris (TTN - 16. OFF - 25. DEF - 13. GK - 5) We're not sure why the general attitude seems to be Imladris is a "class above" the other two teams in this group. They're stats are actually quite average, and they were outshot by quite a significant margin 34(15) to 51(21). It's only been Elros' masterful job in front of the net which has made Imladris look decent. Isengard and Misty Mountains are good offensive teams, and if the children of Elrond can't do better to relieve the defense, then Imladris will not advance. The defense allows a lot of shots, and Imladris' fate is solely resting upon the hands of Elros. The Upsets: 1. Isengard (TTN - 19. OFF - 14. DEF - 12. GK - 21) Biggest weakness is a below-average GK with Ugluk. But Saruman has lead an offense that created the most opportunities of the teams in this group (52 total shots, 23 on target). And defensively, they have been pretty good. With the promise that Caradhras will play very deep to aid Ugluk more, Isengard is primed to pull of an upset. 2. Misty Mountains (TTN - 18. OFF - 10. DEF - 23. GK - 20) Misty Mts also has the chance to shake up this group. We give them less of a chance than Isengard, simply because with the Misty Mts there is a great probability they play a player short due to all the cards they pick up. Still Durin's Bane and Azog can create several goals on any day. Round 1 Imladris 0 - 1 Rohan Isengard 2 - 2 Misty Mountains Group F Prediction: 1. Rohan 2. Isengard 3. Imladris 4. Misty Mountains GROUP G The Favorite: AC Beleriand (TTN - 5. OFF - 12. DEF - 6. GK - 3) One of the more balanced teams during the friendlies...with the 12th best offense, 6th in defense and Marach 3rd best GK. We will have to wait and see if Marach can keep up the high save %, but even if there is a drop off, we actually expect the offense to get better. Feanor, Eol, and Beren? Tis a mighty attack and it will be hard to hold AC Beleriand to 1-goal. The Challenger: Nargothrond (TTN - 15. OFF - 2. DEF - 32. GK - 29) Ridiculously good offense with Glaurung, Finrod, and Gwindor, but how bad is the defense and GK? In this group, they need to find some better balance and play better defense or they won't advance. We think Finrod has the wiser head to realize they need to play less risky. If not, than Nargothrond fans will start grumbling about the high payroll. The Upset: Anfauglith (TTN - 14. OFF - 32. DEF - 2. GK - 1) Which one will win out in Group G then? The great offense and non-existant defense, or great defense and non-existant offense? At least in the group stage, we give the edge to a team that can put a plethora of goals at any time in a match. In the later stages, it's always the most balanced team that advances. But in the group stages, I want a team like Nargothrond, and not Anfauglith who on their best days seems only capable of clawing for 1. The Relegate: Doriath (TTN - 17. OFF - 16. DEF - 10. GK - 24) This may cause some disagreement with other members of the media, because Doriath isn't a BAD team...however, they're just way too average when compared to the rest of the group. A pretty good defense, and average offense, and mediocre goal keeping isn't enough to contend with the great teams in this group. It will make for some highly thrilling matches, but unfortunately not enough for Doriath to advance. Round 1 AC Beleriand 3 - 2 Doriath Anfauglith 1 - 2 Nargothrond Group G Prediction: 1. AC Beleriand 2. Nargothrond 3. Doriath 4. Anfauglith GROUP H The Favorite: Gondor (TTN - 23. OFF - 26. DEF - 18. GK - 8) This group frustrates TTN like no other. We pull for each one of these hometown fans, but honestly they're all pretty much rubbish. None of them showed anything in the friendlies that would confidently distinguish themselves from the rest of the group. Really, each one of these teams has a 25% chance of finishing 1st, 25% chance of 2nd...etc. We're just going with Gondor as the favorite, because they played the least inept and Hyarmendacil was the best GK of the group. Plus, Eldacar did nothing in the friendlies, and we expect he'll do much better in the group. The Challengers: 1. Barad-Dur (TTN - 31. OFF - 24. DEF - 26. GK - 22) Barad Dur has the best potential from this group. That is, we can't figure out why they played so badly, other than maybe just a poor attitude towards friendlies. But with Sauron, Castamir, and Beruthiel in the attack, we can't figure out why the offense isn't better. The defense and GK is a still not good enough to advance beyond the 1st round of playoffs, and may not even be good enough to get to the playoffs. 2. Minas Tirith (TTN - 26. OFF - 29. DEF - 14. GK - 18) Kind of the same story as Barad-dur, only it's the offense that has been the problem from Minas Tirith. They were the best defensive team in this group and the Stewards know how to deal with trouble that spews out from the Black Gates. Our only hope is this group of intense rivals will make the matches in this group more interesting. The Upset: Mordor (TTN - 30. OFF - 28. DEF - 19. GK - 25) When playing against teams of Men, the Nazgul are dangerous and tough foes. So they won't be pushovers in this group, even though their stats are quite...bad. If it comes down to either Barad-dur or Mordor advancing, we expect the talent and dominance of Sauron to prevail over his servants. Round 1 Barad Dur 2 - 2 Minas Tirith Gondor 2 - 2 Mordor Group H Prediction: 1. Gondor 2. Barad Dur 3. Minas Tirith 4. Mordor
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Fenris Penguin
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05-05-2012, 08:47 PM
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#92 |
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Scion of The Faithful
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: The brink, where hope and despair are akin. [The Philippines]
Posts: 5,312
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The Felagundion’s sports blog.
Time for predictions on the first round of group matches! And since TTN is predicting the scores as well as the results, I thought that it's time for me to make other predictions as well.
GROUP A: Angband vs The Downer Shire-Bree United vs Tol-in-Gaurhoth The Downer will get more bookings than shots on goal. GROUP B: Inter Beleriand vs Gondolin Arnor vs Eriador Elrond will save more shots than the goalkeepers of the first match combined. GROUP C: Anduin vs Wilderland Dwarves United vs Erebor Wilderland will score more goals than the Dwarves will get shots on goal. GROUP D: FC Valinor vs Real Valinor Armenelos vs Tirion More people will watch the first game of this group than the number of people who'll watch all matches of Group H combined. GROUP E: Hithlum vs The Sea The Havens vs Valimar Eärendil will do again what he did late First Age--get to Valinor unmarked. GROUP F Imladris vs Rohan Isengard vs Misty Mts The number of shots saved in the first game will equal the number of goals scored in the second game. GROUP G AC Beleriand vs Doriath Anfauglith vs Nargothrond Ooh, Beren vs Lúthien . . . GROUP H: Barad-dûr vs Minas Tirith Gondor vs Mordor More exciting things will happen in the stands than in the pitch.
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フェンリス鴨 (Fenrisu Kamo) The plot, cut, defeated. I intend to copy this sig forever - so far so good...
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05-11-2012, 05:15 PM
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#93 |
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Beloved Shadow
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: The Stadium
Posts: 5,971
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Investing Groups Comment
The Phantom, MESPN News Here in the break between friendlies and the opening games of Arda Cup 2012, we've managed to get a few quotes from various investment groups regarding the performance and outlook of their teams. Golden Wood Group- "We feel quite confident about our investments- Anduin and Wilderland. The Lord & Lady of Lothlorien have been good fits on their respective squads which is nice to see, but more importantly the squads as a whole have both won more than they've lost. Anduin's win over Imladris was an excellent way to finish up friendlies, and Wilderland's solid performance over group-foe Dwarves United was quite promising. I think it's entirely realistic to expect both of our squads to advance out of group play." Rohirrim Ltd. - "Anduin finished up nicely and looks to threaten the betting favorites Erebor and Wilderland, while Rohan is the current favorite to win Group F. This is precisely what we expected from our kinsmen, and we're looking forward to group play." Annuminas Ltd. - "We're not overly concerned about Arnor's close loss to Armenelos- they're a top-flight team after all, and in one game anything can happen. The early loss to Imladris wasn't pretty, but they rebounded well in the middle with a draw against Mordor and a finely fought win over Gondor- TTN's pick to win Group H." Belegost- "Well of course the friendly performance of Dwarves United left something to be desired, but Aule definitely had them holding back the full scope of their tough Dwarvish play. In a free-flowing dash of a friendly our opponents generally have the advantage, but they'll find things tougher going in group play. We remain in full support of our Dwarf-centric squad!" Erebor Craftsman Union- "We're fairly comfortable with the position Erebor is in. Most betting agencies have us going forward- they recognize our blend of talent is a difficult match-up for most. As far as our opening loss to Wilderland- we'll see how it goes once we're playing for real." Moneybags Monetary Management- "Well, we're not that pleased with where team Erebor's overall salary stands- we were all for fielding a more... budget-friendly team. But so long as Erebor keeps avoiding the losses we're hopeful that we'll turn a profit." Turgon- "Inter Beleriand did lose the battle to AC Beleriand to open friendlies, but we weren't dominated numbers-wise. Our final match against Angband was promising as far as numbers went as well, so that along with our game 2 victory leaves reason for optimism. Our performance in the Doriath match wasn't the best, but that's just one game out of four. With the talent we have there's no reason to think we won't advance if we only play one poor group game." Angmar Athletic- "I think we're more than comfortable with the position of team Eriador. They started off with two well-earned shut-outs, and finished up with a solid win over a talented Shire-Bree squad. The lone loss was to Erebor- we just didn't play our best that day- and we don't think that's anything to worry about. With Elrond at the back and our beloved Witch King at the front, I don't see how we won't make it out of group play and into the profit zone."
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05-16-2012, 07:19 PM
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#94 |
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Scion of The Faithful
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: The brink, where hope and despair are akin. [The Philippines]
Posts: 5,312
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ArdaCup.com Stats Report #5: Group G Matchday 1 Tactical Preview
AC Beleriand vs Doriath
 [Projected formation. Doriath in silver and blue; AC Beleriand in red and white.] Formation: It is apparent just from the formations that Doriath's otherwise talented midfield would face a tough challenge. Their projected formation, a 4-2-3-1 (yes, they haven't used it in the friendlies, but they are expected to use it when the tournament starts) would feature a central midfield triangle of Galadhon (holding), Daeron (deep-lying playmaker) and Nellas (attacking). All are fine passers, true, but they would be outnumbered if AC Beleriand sticks to their formation of choice in the friendlies, a 4-4-2 diamond. Beren, and, occasionally, Denethor, do drift towards the flanks when they have the ball, but when AC Beleriand is playing defence their central four pack the midfield and help deny the ball, or at least prevent the incisive forward passes. Doriath could call on Beleg or Lúthien to help in the midfield battle, but they would also be needed to stay in the wings and give fullbacks Fingolfin and Ecthelion second thoughts about moving forward and helping in the attack. So a tough choice for the two otherwise excellent Doriath wingers. Tactics: Doriath will most likely be more conservative in this tie than was their wont in the friendlies. Melian has a habit of pushing forward to help in the midfield or in the attack, resulting in a goal and two assists in the last Arda Cup, but leaving Saeros, Galathil, and Nimloth to deal with Fëanor and Eöl (with the possibility of Beren rushing from the midfield) would be suicidal. They need their best defender to stay in the back line, even if it means denying their midfield much needed help. Their attacks would come from deep (with Daeron sending through passes whenever he sees a gap in the defence) or from the wings (Beleg and Lúthien sending crosses for Mablung or cutting inside to take shots themselves); unfortunately for them, AC Beleriand has both covered--Ulrad and Beren could take turns harrying Daeron, and Fingolfin and Ecthelion won't likely be outfoxed by the Doriath wingers. There would only be one thing on AC Beleriand's mind: let their attacking talent do their work. Two defenders would not be enough to guard Fëanor (especially not the ones from this team), leaving Eöl free to wander around looking for space to work in (like he did in the last Arda Cup when Túrin, Húrin, and Beleg occupied the defence's attention.) Beren and Denethor's runs from midfield would be ever-present dangers, and even Fingolfin and Ecthelion might be tempted to join the party, especially if Beleg and Lúthien decide to help their midfield or become lax in their marking. Doriath does have one ace in the hole, something that they've pulled off only once in the friendlies--but it worked effectively when they did. In the play leading to Doriath's second goal in their friendly vs Inter Beleriand, Mablung dropped deep almost to the midfield. He had been sending a few threatening shots from long range before that time, and Inter Beleriand defender Haldad followed to mark him. At once, Daeron released Beleg, who charged into the gap, behind the Inter Beleriand defence, and the Strong Boot calmly converted his one-on-one. Excellent finishing from Beleg and superb passing from Daeron, but it was Mablung playing the false striker that gave them an opening. Anfauglith vs Nargothrond  [Projected formation. Anfauglith in black and brown; Nargothrond in green and yellow.] Formation: Anfauglith's 4-5-1 (with Galdor and Gundor as nominal wingers, although they've almost never attacked from the flanks in the friendlies) supposedly outnumbers Nargothrond's 4-3-3 in the midfield, but comparing the quality of the squads's midfielders (as well as considering the possibility of Finrod dropping deep as he initiates attacks), Nargothrond's three (or four) can hold their own against Anfauglith's five. Nargothrond's trident of Finrod, Glaurung, and Gwindor in their 4-3-3 would give the Balrogs second thought about advancing to help on the offence, while Anfauglith's lone forward Thuringwethil would use her strength, pace, and aerial superiority to press single-handedly Nargothrond's struggling back four. Tactics: It seems to be a clear battle of offence and defence. Anfauglith would defend with rows of five and four, harassing the ball-handler at every opportunity and sending long passes towards Thuringwethil as soon as they recover the ball. They will count on the vampire's array of skills and the disarray of the Nargothrond back line in transition to score. On the other hand Nargothrond would use its variety of offensive manoeuvres to crack the Anfauglith ranks open, as well as the varying talents of their attacking three. In Glaurung they have an excellent target of crosses and a player who can hold the ball up well. In Gwindor they have a pacey winger who can either dash past his marker before crossing or cut inside to take a shot himself. And in Finrod they have a playmaker who can set the pace of Nargothrond's attack as well as be a threat himself. From the midfield Orodreth and Finduilas have shown some sparks of attacking flair--Orodreth's occasional runs to the right flank to overlap with Gwindor helped overload Gondolin and Hithlum's left back on several instances in the friendlies. One thing the Nargothrond attack cannot count on is help from their back four. None of them have the attacking instinct of a Fingolfin or a Morgoth, and, against Thuringwethil, they wouldn't have the leisure to do so anyway. Speaking of defence, Gwindor and Finrod must keep pressing their Balrog markers; giving one of them a chance to help Thuringwethil on the attack would stretch their back line to the breaking point. The midfielders would have a similar task of marking Galdor and Gundor, even if the sons of Hador are not as threatening on offence.
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フェンリス鴨 (Fenrisu Kamo) The plot, cut, defeated. I intend to copy this sig forever - so far so good...
Last edited by Nilpaurion Felagund; 05-19-2013 at 08:53 PM. |
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05-18-2012, 10:06 AM
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#95 |
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Laconic Loreman
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 7,521
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Intro to Group A
Matchday 1 - @ Michel Delving
The Stadium: The stadium at Michel Delving is much smaller in capacity, and simpler built then a lot of other venues around Arda, but it is the most appropriate to host games in The Shire (certainly better than the dump of a stadium in Little Delving). And in truth, the Hobbits enjoy the simple goodness of their structures, as Gudolpho Chubb told reporters: "The big-folk can keep all their grand statues, the Elves can keep their high talons perched in trees, the dwarves can have their bejeweled crafts, all us hobbits need are some good pints and meals." So, while the stadium went under renovations, mostly to add more seating (but the Greenhand and Gamgee families planted new seeds to create some pleasant gardens which brightened the atmosphere around the stadium) it still only has a max capacity of 38,000. The true fame of the hobbits is their fan-friendly concession prices, and few will contest the hobbits claim to providing the best food and beverage during the Arda Cup games. Another event that seems to be sweeping across Arda, and originated in The Shire, is what people are calling "tale-gate parties." We're not sure of the practical purpose of these parties, but they're supposed to be fun to attend. Apparently, fans conglomerate around the gates of the stadium (hours before they actually open for the match), bringing their own food and drink, sporting the colours of their teams, and sharing tales with other fans. Game 1: Angband v. The Downer (12:20 start time) The Shire's hosting committee (which the famous hobbits Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin were members) decided a 12:20 start to the first game (3:40 for the 2nd). This would allow hobbits to have 1st and 2nd breakfasts, and brunch, plus plenty of "tale-gating" before the matches begin. But also be able to wrap up for the first day all before dinner and supper! It was a choice many Shirelings approved of, but fans from other teams grumbled, preferring to play their matches at night. Still Arda's competition committee (headed by Eru Iluvatar) saw nothing about these times which would give any team an unfair edge in the group. The Hobbits will be hard pressed to decide who to support (if they support either of them) in this match. Saucepan Man seems to be one of the crowd favorites going in, but the destructive shenanigans of The Downer, in particular Alien, Hobbits most certainly would not approve. Morgoth has pledged he would reimburse any damages caused by The Downer team. Many wonder what game Morgoth is playing at, if whether this is just a means to "buy" more support away from home, or if he secretly wants a footing in The Downer's finances to get ownership in the team. Morgoth was rather fond of The Downer last year, so this seems like a possibility. With or without Morgoth's pledge to pay for damages, Angband will probably draw the 2nd most support (obviously behind SB-United). While Morgoth was certainly a dark and evil name out of the past, in truth, hobbits were very far removed and didn't feel it effected them. The site of Dragons, Balrogs, and Morgoth while terrifying could also be magnificent to behold. It's anticipated to see a defense-first effort from Angband. With the powerful might of Ancalagon and evasive skill of Telvildo, Angband's strikers won't likely need much help from the defense in getting scoring opportunities. The battle The Downer will have to win to be competitive is in the mid-field, if focused Hookbill can certainly control the midfield against Angband's traitorous men. Still, they will need to push many more players on goal just to score on Morgoth's defense, and Carcharoth tending goal, which leaves Angband's strikers plenty of room to go to work. Game 2: Shire-Bree United v. Tol-in-Gaurhoth (3:40 start time) Tol-in-Gaurhoth supporters grumbled at the news of an afternoon start time, as it is well-known they love playing beneath clouds and darkness. Shastawolf growled: "We expected no favors from these weasle halflings. They have always tried to gain an advantage over us, because straight up wolves vs hobbits, is not contest the halflings would see their team crushed." NerWight had this to say however: "It's not ideal, but it could be worse. They could have tried to make us play in the morning, when we are not fully recovered from celebrating how we will stomp the home team to dust, from the night before." And Nogwolf: "We appreciate support from our passionate fanbase, but we're going to have to learn to play under any condition and at any start time if our goal is to win the Cup." Shire-Bree fans, while admitting they've rarely been a good match up against wights and wolves, are coming in optimistic for several reasons. Even though the Hobbits were at first disappointed Bandobras was going to be the only halfling on the team, they are coming out in droves for Shire-Bree. Players like Strider and Bombadil are to spectacular to not witness, and they would be playing for The Shire! Optimists also noted TIG looked very disjointed in the friendlies, where their team was relaxed but aggressive. Plus at first, as frightening as it was to see Khamul and the Barrow-wight on the home team, halflings now must admit they would put much more fear in the wolves than they themselves would be able to! So, as the games are about to begin in The Shire, so have the festivities. The wolves and wights of TIG (plus The Downer) are not taking part in such silly, unwelcome company and the hobbits are more than glad knowing troublemakers would be keeping away.
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Fenris Penguin
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05-18-2012, 04:41 PM
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#96 |
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Laconic Loreman
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 7,521
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Intro to Group H
Matchday 1 - @ Minas Morgul
The Stadium: Formerly called Moonlight Stadium in the days when Gondor owned the deeds to the stadium, it has since been renamed The Vale of Necromancy. It is the grandest stadium in the land of Mordor, seating 70,000 and VIP seats are in a tall tower, with a skull-turret, overlooking the pitch. Gondorians contest the lease should still belong to Gondor since it was illegally purchased, but Sauron has squashed those rumors and the Witch-King made it his personal abode ever since. Outside the walls circle dozens of Silent Watchers which are enough to keep even the most stout hearted Men from trying to thieve and vandalize Minas Morgul property. The biggest concern before the opening matches will be the security situation. We have two passionate fanbases, whom have often been bitter enemies. Sauron maintains it won't be his base that causes the problems, citing his experience in hosting games and how the minions will follow his lead. Therefor any fights will likely be brought in by the Gondorians. But everyone must wonder how will Mordor react if the Gondor teams actually do advance, and how will Gondor react if the Mordor teams go through to the playoffs? Game 1: Barad-dur v. Minas Tirith (2:30 start time) The young captain of Minas Tirith, Faramir, contends every player on his team has withstood Sauron before and they will do so again. However, Minas Tirith will have to rise to the challenge facing Sauron, Castamir, and Beruthiel (plus Sangahyando and Angamaite like being involved in the attack, and White City defenders may simply get overwhelmed). With that said the White City has some dangerous boots as well, with Boromir I, Mardil, and Earnur, plus Faramir to lead smart counters. Barad-dur's defense will have to always be on guard, and they performed quite poorly throughout the friendlies. Game 2: Gondor v. Mordor (8:00pm start time) This will likely be more of a defensive game than the first one, since both teams are extremely well organized. The squad of Nazgul are exemplary teammates in complete sync with each other, so besides the home-field advantage, Mordor gets an edge in organization. Although, Gondor has a bit more of an offensive bite, especially when Eldacar decides it's time to play for real. Grishnakh (who seemed to be the only player of Mordor capable of communicating in ways that weren't hisses, screeches, or black speech) said: "The Great Eye is upon Gondor. Shelob is too monstrous for these weak Men to contain, the Nazgul will dominate in the mid-field and no one has the strength to get the ball past our Silent Watcher's will."
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Fenris Penguin
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05-19-2012, 08:36 AM
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#97 |
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Blossom of Dwimordene
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: The realm of forgotten words
Posts: 10,492
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EAisticle: Itsy Bitsy Mighty Wighty
It has come as a shock to many football phans that in the very first part of the season the Barrow Wight of team SBU will be playing against none other than the Wights and Wolves of TIG themselves!
TIG considers this plain teason from the side of the Barrow Wight, and extreme unconsideration from the side of those who made the groups. Meanwhile, the Barrow Wight is happy that he is not on the TIG team, which he despises. "They can call themselves Wights," he said, "but it is known that they have drifted away from their kind years ago. They have been playing as wolves for the past...ever! They are Wights only by origin, blasphemous creatures as they now are. They defile the good of Wight, and they put shame on my name!" The spokesman for the TIG team, NogWolf, says that the Barrow Wight is too old-fashioned and just cannot keep up with the modern trends. "Aye, we started out just as he did - wights, scaring stray hobbits. And we were content. But then we grew more powerful than he, and learned how to adopt the shape of wolves. We are proud as ever of our accomplishment. Are we not still Wights, just Wights more skilled in the art of transformation?" LegateWight went farther. "This Barrow Wight was our superior for years, but now he's jealous. See, we've got more abilities than he does, and we are scarier. And better at football. He just cannot keep up with us. He holds only one evil in his form, but we hold two. And we are proud of it. Personally, I'd much rather be a wolf right now." The feelings of both sides are boiling over, and the result of the match between TIG and SBU will determine the outcome. One side will have its noses up as high as Taniquetil, and the other will hang their heads in shame. Both sides need to win this important match to prove the truth of their words. It will not only be a victory on the field, it will be the victory of an age-long debate.
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You passed from under darkened dome, you enter now the secret land. - Take me to Finrod's fabled home!... ~ Finrod: The Rock Opera |
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05-19-2012, 10:39 PM
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#98 |
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Beloved Shadow
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: The Stadium
Posts: 5,971
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the games approach...
Group B @ Weathertop
Even before Weathertop was officially named as a site host, most knew that it was coming. The stadium renovations that had been completed the year before were fantastic, and it was understood that their investment would be rewarded. The arena could hold over 90,000 spectators, and it was a glorious blend of old Numenorean-type architecture and modern flash and convenience. This blend of styles could be seen even from a distance in the form of the rebuilt tower upon Amon Sul and the mirror image constructed of glass and metal on the hill immediately to the north. The stadium bound the two towers together, nestled in the saddle between the peaks. The two local squads, Arnor and Eriador, would doubtless be receiving the greatest amount of support, but the large camp south of the road flying the flags of Gondolin showed that the Elves were willing to travel. There were also some Noldor in the fields to the east of Weathertop out in support of Maedhros, Fingon, and their Inter Beleriand squad. Inter would also pull in some support from the Gondolin Elves thanks to their goalkeeper, Turgon. A few small bands of Orcs were camping in the hills to the north. Some might root for the Balrog on Inter or Gothmog of Gondolin, but they were there on the whole to support the Witch King and Eriador. Journalists from every publication were in close proximity to cover the event, as it was simply a parade of big names that would be on display. Besides popular local figures such as Arvedui and Araphor, Arnor also had Elendil and Isildur, who were sure to attract interest of football fans in Numenor and Gondor. Inter had Turgon, Maedhros, and Fingon to provide massive appeal across Beleriand and Valinor. The dashing craftsmanship of Maeglin always drew in large numbers, while his partner Gothmog was hugely popular in the Angband and Utumno regions. Glorfindel and the Witch King would certainly drive ratings on Eriador, but Elrond was the big draw. Not only had he spearheaded the creation of team Eriador and the construction of the Weathertop arena, but he was coming off of a spectacular performance in Arda Cup 2011, where he had the best save percentage and led ALL players in Phantasy points until the finals, despite the fact that his squad had been eliminated in the quarterfinals! Betting Note: Sports betting on Group B has been heavily in favor of Eriador, with 12 of every 15 putting their money on the host team to finish first. Gondolin has been the popular pick to finish second, with Inter receiving only a bit of support, and Arnor getting hardly any love at all.
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the phantom has posted.
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05-20-2012, 09:52 AM
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Flame of the Ainulindalë
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Wearing rat's coat, crowskin, crossed staves in a field behaving as the wind behaves
Posts: 9,308
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Group D @ Armenelos
Quote:
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!
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Upon the hearth the fire is red Beneath the roof there is a bed; But not yet weary are our feet... |
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05-20-2012, 07:26 PM
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#100 |
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Beloved Shadow
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: The Stadium
Posts: 5,971
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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.
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the phantom has posted.
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05-20-2012, 08:41 PM
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#101 |
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Scion of The Faithful
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: The brink, where hope and despair are akin. [The Philippines]
Posts: 5,312
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Tar-Eldar Network Television pre-tournament coverage
Group G at Nargothrond
When one asks a random passerby about the great football stadiums of Beleriand, the names most mentioned are Doriath's Menegroth Stadium and Gondolin's Song of Stone Stadium, hosts to some unforgettable Arda Cup and league games. Himring's Ever-Cold Arena and Mithrim's lakeside stadium has a following, and many an Orc or Troll will tell you about Utumno's stadium with some affection. But no one will say or even remember the name of Nargothrond's home arena. Why is that so? many of the Nargothrondrim have surely asked. Aren't we one of the great realms of Beleriand, built by the best of the Naugrim and Noldorin craftsmen? Why don't we have an arena that rivals Menegroth and Ondolindë's? When Finrod returned to his realm late last year, the first thing on his mind was not who to recruit for Nargothrond's squad, but how to build an Arda-class arena to host top-flight football games in. After considering whether a new arena should—or rather, could—be built, it was decided that the ageing Faroth Arena be renovated instead. From the doors of Nargothrond, down the narrow path beside the banks of Narog, then up the steep slopes of Taur-en-Faroth: it is a long trek to the High Faroth Arena, delved deep down into the bluff overlooking Narog, one of the biggest domed arenas in Beleriand. Originally seating around 40,000, the improved arena now seats a little less than 60,000. The Noldor and the Dwarves have delved deeper into the cliffside, making the stadium asymmetrical—the Narog side seats have around ten less rows than the opposite side. Despite his initiative to improve Nargothrond's home stadium, Finrod's absentee rulership had been commented on by some Beleriand tabloids. Many recall the exchange between him and Gondolin's Maeglin during their last friendly match over Turgon's plight. “The people of Nargothrond deserve much more than a new stadium,” said the Tumladen Mirror. “How about a stronger commitment to play for the team, and not leaving after a setback? Surely the Faithful wants to aid his friends and kin, but what about his own people? Maeglin is right. He should mind the business of his own realm first, before worrying about the others.” Although these comments have been lightly rebutted by the local journalists, who said that they trust Finrod to do his best for the kingdom, the issue still seemed to be simmering within the population. Group G, composed purely of Beleriand teams, is a group of many stories. There's Beren and Lúthien, as well as their friends Thuringwethil and Finrod. Eöl and Beren vs their old team. Glaurung against his Balrog buddies. The rematch of Dagor-nuin-Giliath. Every game has a story behind it, but for the most important story, this is all but an opening chapter. Which teams will get a chance to continue their tale in the knockout stages, and which teams will be forced to write 'The End' after only a few pages?
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フェンリス鴨 (Fenrisu Kamo) The plot, cut, defeated. I intend to copy this sig forever - so far so good...
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05-21-2012, 03:09 PM
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#102 |
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Flame of the Ainulindalë
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Wearing rat's coat, crowskin, crossed staves in a field behaving as the wind behaves
Posts: 9,308
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Group E @ the Grey Havens
Cirdan had invited a host of teams to play friendlies at the Grey Havens so that the elven organizers would get some experience on handling games and catering for the fans – and for sure to give the locals a taste of what would be on offer later on as the Grey Havens isn’t exactly a “cradle of football” like Armenelos or Gondolin. But the recently built Lhûnarena with its shape of an elven ship is a spectacular stadium, even if it stands a bit aside from downtown Mithlond. And it is nevertheless still situated in a nice spot beside the river just outside the old city walls, just next to the town’s favourite waterpark and riverside gardens. Thanks to its great location, many elves found it during the friendlies and reading the local tabloids today one could even talk about football-frenzy in the Grey Havens. Well, that is, if one keeps one’s perspective in check. But what most certainly raises the awareness of the Arda Cup in the Grey Havens is the visitors to the city. Manwë himself will honour the city with his presence alongside many of the Valar the Mithlondians hold in greatest esteem. And the wizards long gone would be there – and from the mortals, some of the greatest and also the most tragic ones ever walking the old Beleriand would come to the city to play. And that, if not football as such, is creating a fuzz in Mithlond. Now if group D has been labelled “the group of death” for some good reasons, group E in Mithlond could be coined as the “the group of near death experience” like the conservative Mithlond Navigator put it - or “the group of no reservations allowed” as the local tabloid The Lhûnandarwinian had it. Many betting agencies have Valimar going through the group alongside Ulmo’s The Sea made sharper by some real Númenorian talent. But many are ready to risk their coin for Hithlum believing that Túrin and Húrin will show their leadership qualities once again and can’t be eliminated from a tournament in the group stage – and still many wish to bet on the hometeam looking forwards to Eärendil, Tuor and Olwë himself to show their qualities in front of the cheering home-crowd – not ot talk of Cirdan keeping their harbour safe. Whoever will qualify from group E will then walk straight into the toughest first qualifiers ever facing the two best teams from group D. But like said so many times before; the teams emerging as winners from that will most probably be teams contending for the whole tournament having played their toughest games already…
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Upon the hearth the fire is red Beneath the roof there is a bed; But not yet weary are our feet... |
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05-22-2012, 03:12 PM
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#103 |
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Werewolf Psychic
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: In fire, water, earth, and air. But mostly water.
Posts: 2,832
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Group F at Isengard
It's been known that Isengard would have the home team advantage when Group F came together to play, but repeated attempts to contact Saruman about the details of Isengard Stadium have been met with maddening secretiveness until now. There's been a spot on the fields below Saruman's tower that's been under some sort of a cloaking spell for quite some time - no one could tell what was going on under the shifting haze. But as of yesterday, the haze has lifted, and Isengard Stadium stands revealed. It's made almost entirely of stone and rubble; this may be a ploy on the part of Saruman to discourage certain spectators (such as elves; orcs don't sit, and dwarves don't care) from coming to support their teams. Regardless, the men of Rohan are here in droves to support their home team, and Misty Mountains has drawn a cadre of supporters from the Golden Wood, thanks to their signing of Rumil and Orophin. Isengard, of course, has home-court advantage and the number of fans to match, while Imladris, unfortunately has only a small section of devoted supporters to take strength from. Several members of the White Hand are running concessions, and it's possible (though unprovable) that those wearing Isengard colors are getting slightly better rates on food and drink, but that's a can of worms this reporter isn't quite willing to open just yet. Game 1 - Imladris vs. Rohan (1:00 pm start time) As the captains came together to decide on play order, it was decided that the Rohan and Imladris teams, not having as much night-sight capability as most members of the other two teams, would take the first slot rather than the second (which is occuring rather later in the evening than would be expected) - Saruman wasn't insistent on this, exactly, but it's clear that this is the result he wanted, so it's suspected there may be more to watch during the second game than previously thought. Regardless, there's one issue that several groups of people have been wondering about - how will Elladan and Elrohir fare against the horse-filled defense of Rohan? When asked to comment, the sons of Elrond were rather upfront about their chances. "We'll run rings around them," Elrohir boasted confidently. "Horses are too big to turn on a dime; we're smaller, we have more agility. Besides that, they're horses!" Elladan was more circumspect in his reply. "Shadowfax is the pinnacle of horsekind, of course, and Snowmane and Felarof are no less good at what they do. However, I feel like they'll be running into each other a lot, which ought to work in our favor." On the Rohan side, this reporter only had limited time to speak with the horse-line of Rohan's defense to elicit a response to the Imladris forwards - and of course most of it was impossible to understand. However, there seemed to be a lot of snorting and pawing the ground going on - and Shadowfax had a particular glint in his eye that doesn't bode well for the brash Elrohir. Game 2 - Isengard vs. Misty Mountains (7:00 pm start time) The staggeringly long delay between Games 1 and 2 has been explained away as having to redo the pitch after Rohan's horses have gouged it with their hooves, but six hours seems a long time for such a short task. Regardless, it means that Isengard and Misty Mountains will be playing under the setting sun, and dusk will fall during the middle of the first half. Neither team should be too hampered by this, so it just remains to be seen - why did Saruman want such a late start time? When asked to comment, the wizard was slippery. "Well, of course the pitch will have to be redone after Game 1. We can't have people tripping in holes the size of Caradhras left and right, can we? What's that? Oh, do excuse me, it seems something's come up that I'm going to have to deal with." The "something" appeared to be Lurtz, holding two cones of spun sugar. One wonders what question Saruman was trying to avoid. In any case, this reporter managed to catch up to Rumil of the Misty Mountains team, one of the most likely to be affected by the late start, in order to inquire about his team's chances. "Oh, I'm sure we'll do fine. We can all see in the dark, for the most part, and it shouldn't be that lightless anyway. Some of us are a little concerned that Saruman might try something underhanded, though; no one trusts him after he -" and here, he glanced around to make sure no one else was listening, "- took our best goalie with him when he left. Try to keep that hush-hush, by the way; the Great Goblin is doing a fine job, but he's been known to go into a sulk when he thinks he's being compared to Caradhras and that's the last thing we need right now." No worries. This reporter's lips are sealed. On with the matches!
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Shasta– ... However, if he's innocent his famous clairvoyant powers must be taking the week off. Meanwhile, the Night-kills have been awfully effective– almost like we're dealing with a psychic wolf... - Nerwen, WW LXXV |
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05-23-2012, 12:42 AM
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#104 |
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Beloved Shadow
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: The Stadium
Posts: 5,971
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Group B at Weathertop
At long last, the games of the 2012 Arda Cup were under way! Kickoff for the first game between Inter Beleriand and Gondolin was as good as could be hoped for- several thousand supporters filed in through midmorning, and the rest of the seats were filled slowly by locals. The stadium was perfectly designed to allow coming and going, with entry points in the lower portion of the stadium accessed via the east and west paths that rose to the saddle between the two hills, and with entries for the upper levels accessed by the hilltops. The sky was entirely overcast, providing nice even lighting across the field with no worries of blind spots. Cool temperatures had pushed down from the north, making things nicely mild at 65 F (18 C), though it was certain to warm by the second match. As the first match kicked off it was soon apparent that Inter had more fan support. Gondolin supporters were certainly out in force, but the lack of representatives from the royal house had undoubtedly affected things, while Inter had Turgon playing for them, perhaps leading to a few defectors. But the difference was primarily seen with the locals, who seemed keen to root for Turgon, Fingon, and Maedhros. Maeglin of Gondolin is a huge name in football of course, but Inter's stars were just as large, and the men of Arnor seemed hesitant to get behind Maeglin's co-star at the front- Gothmog, Lord of Balrogs. The two squads battled evenly to start, Gondolin pushing the ball aggressively, Inter possessing carefully. Maedhros and Fingon gained an opportunity in the opening minutes, but Egalmoth assisted his keeper nicely and got in the way of Fingon's shot. On the other end Inter's Balrog did his best to frustrate Gothmog one on one, leaving the rest of the defense more free to converge on Maeglin. The strategy worked for the most part, limiting Gondolin's shots to longer speculations. Both defenses held the opposition at bay throughout the first half- until the final minutes. Breaking up what had been an extremely clean game, Galdor performed an ill-advised take-down of Fingon, giving Inter a ranged free kick. Fingon's friend Maedhros took it and struck a beautiful ball over the top of the wall but with slightly lowered pace and enough spin to bring it down and challenge Rog. The ball was placed perfectly high and right and Rog barely deflected it upwards, where it rebounded off the bottom of the bar. First to it was Fingon, who had timed his run nicely, and with his speed and accurate toe it was over the moment the ball bounced out from the bar- Fingon volleyed it into the empty left side with ease to give Inter the lead going into halftime! When Gondolin emerged from the tunnel after the half they changed tactics drastically, asking their midfielders Duilin and Elemmakil to make aggressive runs forward and feeding them. Already in the second minute a nice through ball from Meleth found Duilin in stride and he fired a laser between the posts, forcing Turgon to make a fantastic save. Just minutes later Gondolin sprung a nearly identical play, only this time Inter was ready and converged swiftly- which was what Gondolin hoped for. Duilin immediately sent it over to the freed-up Maeglin dashing full speed towards the right post. The panicked defense scampered to recover and stop the fabled "keen-boot" of Gondolin, but he unexpectedly skipped it back over to the forgotten Duilin who couldn't fail to put it in from five yards. The score was tied! Inter fans grew quiet as Gondolin pressed forward yet again, bringing their full force forward. Turgon's defense was hard-pressed, and he was forced to stop a couple shots himself. At minute 56 Gondolin earned a corner, but Maedhros gained position and rose up high and headed it downfield. Fingon was waiting to dash the opposite way, and Baragund and Forweg were also moving the same way from the far side of the box, starting their run the moment they guessed the ball was coming out from the near side of the goal. Baragund was first to it, splitting Aranwe and Galdor, who didn't recover quickly enough. With Fingon on the left and Forweg the right Baragund took two touches to draw Egalmoth closer and sent it over to Forweg, who on the first touch sent it forward to Fingon, who outpaced Pengolodh to earn an unopposed attack on Rog. Fingon dashed forward and deftly faked a shot, then moved to slot the ball home to the near post- or so it appeared to Rog. Instead Fingon sent it sideways into empty territory where it was met solidly by Baragund to give Inter the lead! Inter fans exploded while Gondolin supporters sat down heavily in stunned silence. Football could turn quickly, and here was the proof. Turgon organized his defense for the final push they would inevitably face, and Inter went into full time-wasting and possession mode. They would attempt to bog things down and hold on for the victory. Gondolin pushed forward for the draw with everything they had. Inter staved them off again and again and nearly gained a counter opportunity, but the score remained the same. Finally as time neared 80 minutes Gondolin's persistence paid off. Gothmog finally got the better of his mark and headed in a spectacular cross from Elemmakil, and the score was level once more! Now on even footing, both teams looked to gain the winning goal, but both somewhat tentatively, not wanting to make a mistake that would concede the winner. Maeglin earned Gondolin a good look with some nifty footwork in the closing seconds, but Turgon made the stop to preserve the draw. The locals applauded the game enthusiastically, not only because they'd witnessed some quality football, but because each team gaining but one point left things open for Arnor or Eriador to move forward. Inter Beleriand 2-2 Gondolin on target 6-9 tot shots 14-22 GOALS: *43, 1-0 Fingon (Maedhros) *50, 1-1 Duilin (Maeglin) *56, 2-1 Baragund (Fingon) *77, 2-2 Gothmog (Elemmakil) YELLOW CARDS: *Inter- Forweg, Gorlim *Gondolin- Galdor The last remnants of cloud cover drifted away before the start of the late match, exposing the arena to the sun at last. When Arnor and Eriador trotted onto the field for warmups the grass was half in shadows, and the stadium was similarly split between the supporters of the squads, though Eriador probably had a few more thanks to the late-arriving Orcs, most of which sported Witch King replica jerseys. And those same Orcs were riotous indeed when their hero rifled in the game's opening goal! The only thing they seemed to enjoy more than the goal was when Witch King got carded for a rough tackle on Valandur- almost to remind Arnor that though he was playing the part of good teammate on Eriador, he hadn't forgotten his old rivalry with the men of the North. As the minutes moved along Eriador was controlling things nicely, and the defense of Arnor was kept running by their fine ball movement. And just before the end of the half, Eriador struck again- but this time the section of Gondolin Elves was given a special reason to cheer, as it was the beloved Glorfindel booting it past Arvedui. In the second half Elrond ordered a full defensive lockdown, and Eriador went to it with model efficiency. Arnor managed to make Elrond move a couple times, but they were distance prayers with no real hope of getting past a keeper of his caliber. At minute 74 however things got interesting again. Araphor made a superb move past the defense and got to the end line to send a cross, but Gil-galad got in the way and deflected it out for a corner to Arnor. Elendil sent in a pinpoint corner to his son and Isildur, after using his size to shield his defender, gained the header. Elrond shifted into position to make the save, but the header took an unfortunate deflection to the other side where Araphor made a heads-up reactionary play and kneed the ball into the netting to close the gap to one goal! The newly energized Arnor faithful began chanting and stomping, but Eriador professionally bounced back from the setback and took full command of the ball and choked off all the action to preserve the margin of victory. The favorites had the early lead in Group B! Arnor 1-2 Eriador on target 5-6 tot shots 12-14 GOALS: *24, 0-1 WitchKing (Arahael) *41, 0-2 Glorfindel (Arveleg) *74, 1-2 Araphor (Isildur) YELLOW CARDS: *Arnor- Malvegil *Eriador- WitchKing
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the phantom has posted.
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05-24-2012, 08:01 AM
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#105 |
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Flame of the Ainulindalë
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Wearing rat's coat, crowskin, crossed staves in a field behaving as the wind behaves
Posts: 9,308
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Group D at Armenelos, round 1
“The final of the 2012 Arda Cup today on the Armenelos Stadium at 18.00 hours! Gates open at noon.” screamed The Mittalmar Sun on it’s frontpage. “Game Of Death today on Armenelos Stadium at 21.30 hours!” yelled Romenna Rumourer. The more liberal and always so witty The Númenorian was taken by the frenzy as well: “Armenelos [our’men’no’los(s)] = the best footballing team of men ever, (-stadium) where everything happens, the place to be.” Even the conservative The Armenelos Times had put football on it’s frontpage with the header: “The West shall see our determination this year!” The whole city was living the games to the fullest. The Meneltarma Square had received two giant screens for the fans who couldn’t make a ticket to the Stadium and the square predictably started filling with people already before noontime. A bandstand had been brought in to the middle of the square where different bands, comedians, acrobats, wrestlers, poets, actors etc. from all over Arda performed the whole afternoon. When the Royal Citadel Choir finally performed the hymn “Númenor will never yield” it felt like a whole city had joined the chorus. And like the last year, a game day meant a day out for all the Númenorians, and friends & families gathered together sharing their pic-nic meals with everyone. Inside and outside the Stadium the wineskins changed hands and the flagons were poured full one after another. The visitors to the city were treated well and politely, but it was clear the Númenorians were celebrating the games mainly with themselves. But behind the jubilant mood the Númenorians delved into they knew the stakes were as high as possible from the very first game on. In the back of their heads the Númenorians knew their team had to win their first game to keep their dream of qualifying alive. And none dared to concentrate into a possibility they could lose. But it wasn’t any easier among the fans of the Valinor-based teams as it was more or less clear the victor would most probably be able to qualify, but the loser would have to fight for real to follow. ~*~ FC Valinor had beaten Real Valinor in the friendlies 2-1. That result and its meaning had been mulled over hundreds of times by different speculators. But whatever the exact contents of any individual speculations were one could say there were a few main categories of interpretations. According to one there was no way you could make any meaningful predictions based on a friendly game where neither team was playing in full force – and even their will to win in the first place could be questioned. According to the second line of thought Real Valinor had purposefully held their dashing forward-trio at bay not to let FC’s defences to accustom themselves to the different combinations they would be using when playing for real (some added to this interpretation that Real was willing to let the FC players feel confident of being better and thus underestimate Real, or to come to the game with not a full 100% energy, and then smash them down in the very beginning of the real game with devastating psychological effect). Third interpretation would say that the friendly proved both teams more or less equal as the second half – which was somewhat competitive in comparison to the first – ended 1-1. Yet a fourth line of thought put it blatantly that FC Valinor showed it was simply the better team of the two; and that Curufin and Celegorm supported by Yavanna were far more sharper and better able to kill games than the somewhat anemic Arien – Miriel – Nerdanel trio. As the game began, it very soon started to look like the last line of thought was the right one as Yavanna scored 1-0 for FC Valinor after only six minutes into the game – and when Celegorm hammered the ball into the back of the net at twenty minutes making it already 2-0 it felt more or less evident that was the case. There were many who said that Real had only started the game a bit sloppily and would come back, like it did the last time the teams met. It is hard to say whether FC Valinor’s dominance in the first twenty minutes was due to Real’s sloppyness or just their own goodness, but Real did come to fight back. And so after a lightning start for FC the game evened a lot and the crowds were served some real quality football. Even if FC Valinor was leading by two goals to nil they were not settling into defence but brought consistent attacks towards Real’s side of the field. And those attacks also revealed a hidden weakness in Real Valinor’s defence, which is a certain lack of concentration. Everyone knows Caranthir has anger-management issues and many had guessed Tilion might have some problems with motivation being forced to play in the defence. Rúmil in turn seemed at times quite absent-minded, like lost in his letters, and Nienna and Elemmírë seemed to momentarily share more griefs past than awareness of what was going on around them. So with their defence in occasional disarray FC Valinor gained a host of chances to add to their lead. But Real Valinor played back as well. Especially the dashing quickness of Nessa caused continuous problems to FC Valinor’s midfield and as the game grew older also the ladies up front started to find their magical touch at times making the defenders of FC Valinor look very slow and clumsy indeed. But what they were lacking was the accuracy. Miriel hit the post twice and Arien sent two absolute boomers just inches past the frame… At 74th minute Curufin showed what accuracy means on the other end of the pitch. Caranthir got booked for a late tackle on his brother and Curufin took the shot from 35 meters himself. He sent a wild curveball flying first past the wall of defenders from the right and then bending astonishingly tightly sideways to the left again. When Tulkas realised where the ball was heading in the end it was already too late. The shot left Tulkas standing in the middle of the goal when the ball hit just inside the left corner of the crossbar and bounced inside the goal sweeping the net. With 3-0 at the scoreboard both teams seemed to have had enough and just passed the ball to and fro for the last fifteen minutes saving energy for the next matches. FC Valinor had really made a statement. It is hard to figure a team that could beat Real Valinor in two games in a row and to talk about an aggregate of 5-1 would just sound blasphemous. But that’s just what FC Valinor did! FC Valinor 3-0 Real Valinor on target 7-4 tot shots 15-14 GOALS: *6, 1-0 Yavanna (Nahar) *20, 2-0 Celegorm (Argon) *74, 3-0 Curufin YELLOW CARDS: *FCVal- Curufin, Nahar *Real- Caranthir So the table was set for the match the Númenoreans were looking for. And many felt uneasy as it was now clear their number one target in this tournament would be Real Valinor: they would be the team Armenelos would have to beat. And even if they lost 0-3, they looked so dangerous! Maybe Caranthir and Nienna weren’t in their best form today and maybe Tilion was frustrated… but those were the players they would have to get past, and they were such great players even on a bad day – and the Armenelos team would have to stand their ground against the speed of Nessa, the virtuosity of Miriel and Nerdanel and the deadly finishing of Arien another day when they might be in just a bit sharper mood and their shots would go those few inches closer to the target... It was frighteningly clear to the home crowds after the first match. But first they had to beat Tirion if they were to dream of qualifying and even that felt suddenly like a challenge they hadn’t quite anticipated how strong it was. Seeing the first game kind of made everything more concrete: this is the level of football played in group D. Would their own team stand to the challenge? Armenelos had played somewhat sloppily in the friendlies but when the referee’s whistle blew the first half of the game opened everyone saw the team was playing with a totally different attitude. They fought for every ball and tackled hard, their game was present and concentrated; they were big, physical, aggressive and active. But especially Ingwë, Aredhel, Finwë and Eonwë showed some real skill and were able to make the Armenelos midfieldfield to run after them by moving and handling the ball brilliantly but getting themselves good scoring opportunities was hard indeed because of the excellence of the Armenelos defence positioning and relentless marking. The beginning then promised a real nail-biter – and some great football. Now imagine two hundred thousand people cheering (about 70 000 inside the stadium and the rest outside on the great square). Then imagine doubling the sound as it is not mere seventh age humans but Númenorians yelling for joy. Then double it once more as with that outburst a lot of pressure was relieved, like a ton of weight lifted up from their shoulders. The team was answering the call – and in which way! Tar Telperien cut a pass in the defence and sent it forwards all the way to Ar Adunakhôr who was immediately surrounded by Lalwende and Elenwë. But he made a quick turn and passed the ball backwards to up-running Tar Miriel who passed the ball diagonally forwards to the other side of the field with a one touch pass – and straight in front of Ar Pharazôn who beat Thorondor to the ball and hammered it in from the corner of the goal. Armenelos was in the lead after 22 minutes of the game and the fans were just going wild! When Tar Ancalimon headed a second goal just before the break from Tar Telemmaïte’s corner one could call the feeling of the homecrowds purely euphoric. The game was tight and even on many fronts, but Armenelos was scoring, and scoring beautifully. The second half started with a cold shower for the homeside fans when the Grand-grandfather Finwë hammered the ball in from a nice break-in to-the-box pass by his grand-daughter Aredhel. Tar Atanamir had no chance there. After the 2-1 goal Tirion got more energy and started pressing, but Armenelos defences didn’t give them in even an inch. It tells a lot about team Armenelos’ attitude that even Ar Adunakhôr and Ar Pharazôn were seen aiding the defences every once in a while – when they were not building their counter-attacks. At 70th minute the stadium (and the square beside it) just exploded. Ar Gimilzôr forced a turnover in the midfield and sent the ball sideways to Ar Pharazôn who ran forwards, dribbled Mahtan out of the game and centered the ball just before rushing into Thorondor – and from between the two women running for defence Ar Adunakhôr jumped forwards and headed the ball in behind Finarfin who was totally unexpecting such a quick action. It was 3-1 with twenty minutes to go, but Tirion seemed to unleash the last extra-energy they had tapped in them. It sure was a game of death to them as well as losing to Armenelos would most probably mean being left into the group phase, unless they beat both Valinor teams which seemed quite a task to put it mildly. So Tirion was charging with all they had – and the attack of the mighty elves shook the defences of the proud Númenorians even if they fought back heroically and with as much gusto you can imagine a great human to have against such a pressure. Time after time the Númenorians forced the attacks back, and when able built their own forcing Tirion to run back to their own half every now and then. But there seemed to be nothing to prevent the determination of the great elves prevailing – even if the goal was actually not made by an elf but Manwë’s herald, the great Eönwë himself. Númenorians are strong and physical, but Eönwë just forced himself through the Númenorian defences and hammered the ball in to the net with sheer power, both physical and mental. There was ten minutes left of the game and the hosts were leading 3-2. So it was a nail-biter in the end even if the home team had enjoyed 2-0 and 3-1 leads earlier in the game. And what an ending it was. Armenelos was not keen to fall into defence but started yet again pressing forwards when Tirion did their best to attack as well with all they could bring forward. But both goaltenders made a few spectacular saves in the end kept their sheets clean during the last minutes of maybe the most exciting football seen at Armenelos Stadium. The crowds lived the last ten extaticly with the game and when the referee blew his whistle to end the game the roar of them could probably have been heard even in the mainland ME. The home team had won 3-2 in a game they had to win. Tirion’s road towards the play-offs on the other hand turned just a little bit rockier. And there and then the people realised the cruelty of the group-system. A team of that excellence was practically out of the games with just this one loss. During the night the Tirion supporters found a lot of sympathy in the pubs and tavernas and received all the hospitality the island of Númenor could offer. Although, and to be honest, not all the wishes for Tirion to win at least a game, well exactly to beat at least Real Valinor, were purely unselfish by nature. Armenelos 3-2 Tirion on target 7-8 tot shots 17-19 GOALS: *22, 1-0 Ar Pharazon (Tar Miriel) *44, 2-0 Tar Ancalimon (Tar Telemmaite) *53, 2-1 Finwe (Aredhel) *70, 3-1 Ar Adunakhor (Ar Pharazon) *80, 3-2 Eonwe (Mahtan) YELLOW CARDS: *Armenelos- Ar Gimilzor *Tirion- Eonwe, Thorondor
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Upon the hearth the fire is red Beneath the roof there is a bed; But not yet weary are our feet... Last edited by Nogrod; 05-24-2012 at 08:05 AM. |
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05-24-2012, 03:38 PM
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#106 |
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Flame of the Ainulindalë
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Wearing rat's coat, crowskin, crossed staves in a field behaving as the wind behaves
Posts: 9,308
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Hunter U. Nogson has returned from the dead!
Well almost. But he is now in Armenelos and has continued blogging after some trouble not too unlike him. You can visit his latest blog-entry Númenoreans are jerks by clicking the link. Official disclaimer by The AKM: Hunter U. Nogson is no family friendly writer so little puppies should stay away from the blog. Also The AKM is not responsible for Mr. Nogson's language or any views he holds or witholds.
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Upon the hearth the fire is red Beneath the roof there is a bed; But not yet weary are our feet... |
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05-24-2012, 10:06 PM
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#107 |
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Laconic Loreman
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 7,521
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The Great Delving stadium was filling up quickly when the gates opened a few hours before the first kick. Most spectators were surprisingly hobbits and thus entered the grand stands as neutrals. Even if most hobbits were not enthusiastic about putting their support behind either of these teams, the Arda Cup was in town, it was just another reason to eat, drink, and have some good-simple entertainment. Who could pass up on this deal?
Of the hobbits who were not neutrals, most seemed to be for The Downer, particularly because Saucepan Man was their favorite player. The large Gamgee family was out in full force, bringing all sorts of pots and pans to bang on and cheer for the family favorite. However, it was Angband who had the most fans show up from the non-hobbit crowd: swarty easterlings and bands of orcs made the trip to root on Morgoth and Angband. The hobbits were noticeably nervous having their borders open to unsavory looking big folk and orcs, but with Morgoth working in tandem the Barrow-wights patrol's they felt the matches would be secure. Group A @ Michel Delving At the start of the match, it was clear to any one watching there were just 2 different classes of teams on the pitch. It was if Morgoth wrote the script of the game before even playing it. Angband's passing was quick and precise. Their strikers up front were just lacking the finishing touch, or else they would have likely scored within the first couple minutes. The Downer defenders were actually into the game, but defending doggedly trying to get in the way of Angband's shots. Since Ancalagon looked a bit slow and rusty, it worked at first, but being unable to take possession away, eventually the early game rust falls off. It wasn't even 15 minutes into the match, when Telvildo was already weaving in, out and around Downer defenders' legs After making mousemeat out of the defenders, Telvildo left the ball to Ancalagon to slam in from close range. That goal would surely give the oft-accused of being overly priced dragon some confidence! Angband seemed content to go pull back and defend, testing their defenders against The Downer attack. The Downer was able to build some pressure in the mid-field, but for the most part they could not beat the Angband back-line. None of their chances seriously trouble Caracharoth at goal. A mishap in the mid-field between Lalwende MP and John Fillis led to the next goal for Angband in the match. Gelmir stepped up to intercept a pass, and with Ancalagon and Telvildo already stationed up the field there were plenty of Angband players attracting attention. One who did not attract much attention though was Ulfast. Gelmir found the traitorous man at the top of the box. Ancalagon was doing a good job shielding the Bubble Buddha out of the play, and thus Ulfast was able to send a good drive to the back of the net. Play got a little chippy towards the end of the half, but both teams seemed to welcome the rougher play. The Downer upping the physicality wasn't bothering Morgoth in the least bit, but this team is completely mental. They were laughing, and begging Angband to hit them harder, yet were showing no signs of injury, or wearing down, they just kept...laughing. It was probably Angband's worst part of their game today, since all it did was get their players a couple of yellow cards before the half, which could see one of their player's sent off in the 2nd. Alas, there was no sign of strategy or life to The Downer's play. 12 minutes into the 2nd period, Ancalagon got his 2nd goal of the match off a free kick. It began with the crowd hearing a pained screech and seeing a feline sent flying some 40 yards through the air. Morsul avoided a straight red card by saying he sincerely tried to clear the ball, but it's not his fault he whiffed at the last moment and cleared Telvildo instead! It was straight from goal, but quite a ways away, still when Ancalagon takes the free kick, everyone knows what's coming, a shot on goal. Ancalagon lined up his shot, and with his trademark tail whip, struck the ball so hard it cleaved a path through everything. Things began getting really ridiculous after Angband went up 3-0, and most neutrals wound up exiting the stadium. They liked the play they saw from Angband, but were not at all interested in watching The Downer players getting out of control, just as Morgoth was not interested in putting a stop to the sideshow that was The Downer. Angband was confident of the shut out, but in this way they allowed overconfidence to let them get lazy. The ball somehow freakishly ended up in Hookbill's possession, but he just kicked it towards the sideline (being more fascinated by Alien trying to catch Lalwende MP's cloak on fire). However, Saucepan Man got to it before going out of bounds and then out ran the Angband defenders. Morgoth was the only one left to beat, but Morgoth didn't step up to challenge at all, he appeared to just let Sauce have an open crack at goal, and Saucepan easily beat Carcharoth with a solid strike. The few Pan Fans left in the stands, clattered. Afterwards, reporters asked about Morgoth's late game decision "Of course I could have stopped him if I wanted to, but we had scored 3 goals and Carcharoth had yet to save a difficult shot. I knew Saucepan would not disappoint in challenging our keeper. I wish Carcharoth had been able to come up with the save, but I purposefully put our keeper in a difficult situation to see how the werewolf would handle it." Angband 3-1 The Downer on target 7-3 tot shots 16-12 GOALS: *14, 1-0 Ancalagon (Telvildo) *31, 2-0 Ulfast (Gelmir) *57, 3-0 Ancalagon *82, 3-1 Saucepan Man (Hookbill) YELLOW CARDS: *Angband- Ulfast, Lorgan, Telvildo, Ulfang *Downer- Hookbill, Evil Mayo, Morsul It was the greatest buzz happening in The Shire since the hobbit folk could remember. The weather had been bright and clear all day (which obviously was putting the TIG team in a crummy mood before kick off). Adding to weather conditions, the entire atmosphered seemed to be set against the wolves. Their fanbase is normally quite small, but raucous and travels well, but there was barely 2,000 TIG colors spotted in a small corner of Michel Delving stadium. Why such a low turnout? Was the TIG base that despiritted by the Arda Cup's biased rules limitting the number of werewolves on their team? And obviously, all the unsold TIG ticket allotment just went to Shirelings, and those sold out quickly. Even the standard baddie creatures, like other wights and civilised orcs were joining chants towards Shire-Bree's victory...no doubt thanks to Khamul and the Barrow-wight now playing for them. "Traitors. Both of them" grumbled Gwathwight. Whatever the reasons were (and we would contribute the combination of negative factors piled up) TIG were a complete mess to start the match. It was none other than Bombadil playfully skipping circles around the TIG defense. Not even the Phantomwolf, who had a much publicized rivalry with the foolish man, could seem to slow him down effecitively. And in the 8th minute, Bombadil added another score off his famous yellow boots. After the early goal, TIG's defense regathered themselves and actually showed they could at least hault Shire-Bree from building up prolonged attacks, but they were unable to keep possession for long. The mid-field was being masterfully commanded by Khamul and the B-W. The wolves plan seemed to be make Bombadil ineffective by rattling him. Yet, they were playing quite timid, trying not to attract the attention of the ref and pick up cards, but Bombadil was the type of player no one (including the refs!) could take their eyes off. And whenever there was the window where the ref wasn't watching, the B-W's presense could be felt lurking nearby. It would put chills in any physical being! So, it was in the 30th minute with TIGs defense completely worn down, from being unable to keep the ball off their side of the field, when Aragorn made it 2-0 Shire. Bombadil after causing a BoroWight and GaladriWight to run into eachother, flicked a pass forward to Aragorn who slid it past the wolf-keeper. The crowd went wild in rioutous applause, chants, and songs. TIG was fortunate to find themselves only down 2 going the half, thanks to some nice stops by Shastawolf. The halflings couldn't believe it, they knew their team was talented, but did not know they would be this dominating! They spent the half-time glued to their seats, with their cakes and ales, unwilling to leave out of fear they would miss the beginning of the second. And they were doing it against the nasty wolves of TIG! However, often as the case can be, never assume you have a sure 3 points until the ref blows the final whistle. Especially, since there was still a lot of pride in the TIG players, and they are no strangers to making comebacks. They simply refused to let this pathetic people called hobbits embarrass them in this fashion. They would not allow such nonsense! Tol-in-Gaurhoth came out of the lockers in a roaring fury. It was one attack after the next, and except for the delusional fanatics in the crowd, people could see what was happening and thus were getting nervous. Shire-Bree's defense was not capable of stopping the monstrous wolves when pressured. Nogwolf pulled the wolves within 1 after re-directing on of sally's strikes back on goal, in the 54th minute. There were several more minutes of pressure, Halbarad had to tip one of Phantomwolf's strikes out of bounds for the corner. Phantomwolf took the corner and expertely curved one right to the waiting forehead of NerWight who made no mistake with that golden chance. They were tied! And 15 minutes still remained! The Shire fans deflated a bit after the equalizer, but it was only temporary. With TIG now tying things up, in only made the pro-Shire crowd more determined to get behind their team. "Come on Shirelings! Get behind our valiant heroes!" Try as they might to be spiritted by the crowd, for whatever reason, Bombadil was not nearly as effective in this half. And TIG began to really rain down the shots on Shire-Bree's goal, devastating their defense. If not for some heroic saves by Halbarad, the wolves could have completely flipped this game on it's head in the 2nd. Thus when the final whistle blew, the SB fans breathed relief to hold on to the point, but were baffled to how their team could look unstoppable in the 1st, but come out completely flat in the 2nd. TIG, likewise, relieved to get the point, were clearly more angry with their sloppy performance. Shire-Bree United 2-2 Tol In Gaurhoth on target 6-7 tot shots 12-19 GOALS: *8, 1-0 Bombadil (Khamul) *30, 2-0 Strider (Bombadil) *54, 2-1 NogWolf (SallyWight) *75, 2-2 NerWight (PhantomWolf) YELLOW CARDS: *SBUnt- Ferny *TIG- GaladriWight, AganWight
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Fenris Penguin
Last edited by Boromir88; 05-24-2012 at 10:17 PM. |
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05-26-2012, 01:23 AM
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#108 |
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Beloved Shadow
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: The Stadium
Posts: 5,971
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Group C at Moria
The match between Anduin and Wilderland kicked off the moment the sun peeked over the high wall of Dimrill Dale. The Elves of Mirkwood and Lothlorien were revved up and ready for the game, but some of the men of the Anduin vales were a bit groggy, and the Dwarves that spilled out from Moria made it just in time for the late morning start. Both teams were wide awake, however, and playing their games. Wilderland got it to their front four as quickly as possible and let them go to work, while Anduin defended stiffly and built up team attacks. In the early going the defenders were fresh and the passes a bit nervous on the big stage, so no attempts of note were gained. Finally after 35 minutes had passed Wilderland's big guns truly found their stride. Orome held a defender on his back and with a quick and powerful stride left him in the dust. After a quick move past another defender he forced the keeper to commit and served it across to Galadriel for the easy chip-in. Minutes later before the half ended it was Scatha and Elwe scoring in similar team-up fashion, leaving Fram quite upset- as he had been determined to keep the dragon off the scorecard. Wilderland fans were feeling comfortable indeed during the break. Knowing they had to take some risks to get back in it, Anduin started the second half more aggressively, and despite the change in play style they took to it well and put some nice pressure on Wilderland's back line, particularly since Wilderland's front was unwilling to help much, always looking to be sprung on a counter. In minute 63 Anduin finally changed their side of the scoreboard, as Fram sent a surprise boomer from near the sideline at midfield and found Haldir in stride, and the Elf headed it deftly over the onrushing keeper. Encouraged by their success Anduin continued the pressure, but the Great Warg between the posts held them at bay with a couple of miracle saves. As desperation grew Anduin began to grow weary, and finally Wilderland sprung the deadly counter they had been attempting to gain all through the half. With Fram helping with the attack, it was the mighty tail of Scatha freed up to put it in and place the game out of reach, and the Wilderland fans began the celebration, knowing the game was out of reach. They were out to the early group lead! Anduin 1-3 Wilderland on target 6-6 tot shots 13-16 GOALS: *36, 0-1 Galadriel (Orome) *44, 0-2 Elwe (Scatha) *63, 1-2 Haldir (Fram) *78, 1-3 Scatha (Galadriel) YELLOW CARDS: *Anduin- Fram, Leod, Lenwe *Wilder- Fimbrethil, Scatha After the impressive performance by Wilderland in the first game, Dwarves United and Erebor were quite keen to gain a full three points from their night match. The Dwarves of Moria were out in force, and their chanting, stamping, and drumming made the underground arena shake. But the Erebor players were not easily shaken- the likes of Smaug, Gwaihir, and Beorn aren't particularly easy to rattle. Dwarves United found this out immediately as Erebor opened at a breakneck pace and with high physicality, and the refs were letting them play. Bombur was forced to use his considerable bulk twice in the opening five minutes already, and Aule's side looked nervous. But Aule and Celebrimbor were able to do just enough to keep the sheet clean, and after a furious 20 minutes Erebor's attack began to lose its flow, and the crowd picked up their support. By the very end of the half it was Dwarves United controlling things. The craftsman in the midfield were moving things beautifully, however they could not crack the back of Erebor. Their primary scoring threat, Legolas, was hounded by the eagles, giving him no room to operate. As the second half kicked off it looked like more of the same, and the fans grew restless. But it turned out Erebor was resting up for a big mid-half push, which they unleashed after the opening 20 minutes, and the Dwarves didn't know what hit them. Aule and Celebrimbor kept Smaug and Thranduil locked up tight, but the mid-attackers of Erebor were lethal and effective. First it was Bard finding the back of the net, and then it was Bolg surprising the defense with a deep run, and just like that Erebor had a two-goal lead! Dwarves United tried to fight back with the stadium behind them, but quick scores against the speedy eagles and Beorn just wasn't going to happen for them, and Aule and company soon found themselves standing around on the field watching the Erebor players hug and high-fiving their fans. The second of the two Group C favorites had joined Wilderland at the top of the standings! Dwarves United 0-2 Erebor on target 3-7 tot shots 9-16 GOALS: *70, 0-1 Bard (Nazgul #7) *77, 0-2 Bolg (Landroval) YELLOW CARDS: *DwUnt- Thorin, Thror *Erebor- Meneldor
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the phantom has posted.
This thread is now important. |
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05-26-2012, 06:12 PM
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#109 |
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Scion of The Faithful
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: The brink, where hope and despair are akin. [The Philippines]
Posts: 5,312
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Tar-Eldar Network Television group stage coverage
Group G at Nargothrond
It was a beautiful summer afternoon in Talath Dirnen, the Guarded Plain of the realm of Nargothrond. But even if it had been raining cats and wolves it would hardly have mattered to the promise of quality football in the indoor stadium beside the Narog River, the High Faroth Arena. According to the allotment scheme presented by Nargothrond to the Arda Cup Hosting Committee, twenty-thousand tickets would be allotted to the fans of the teams playing a game, with the rest up for grabs on site. AC Beleriand’s extensive fan base snapped up almost half of these free-for-all tickets, ensuring that Fëanor’s squad would enjoy the semblance of a home crowd for their afternoon game. The remaining seats were taken by Nargothrond neutrals, interested mainly in a good game of football. When the two teams walked into the field these ten thousand cheered along with the more partisan crowd, happy to be finally witnessing a home game for the first time since 2009, a round of sixteen tie that ended in victory for the visitors, Tol-in-Gaurhoth. And unlike that game, this time there was the promise of five more afterwards, including three from the home team. Beren and Lúthien were seen hugging each other by the touchline during the warm-ups. Beren then ruffled the hair of Dior, who was saying something to his father. The three shared a laugh afterwards. Melian, Beleg, Mablung, and Eöl were wistful in conversation in the centre circle, doubtless recalling last year’s championship squad. Soon the opening whistle was blown. One of the biggest surprises in the game had already been sprung even before then. Melian, Doriath’s best defender and the indefatigable left back who contributed to all aspects of their game, was playing central defender with Galathil, up against AC Beleriand’s main scoring threat, Fëanor. Nimloth and Saeros took turns marking the opposition’s other forward, Eöl, committing only when the Dark Elf was in their side of the pitch. Doriath’s plan to play a possession game was soon in tatters due to the pressure of the AC Beleriand midfield. The Fenced Land’s deep playmaker Daeron was harried by Ulrad, Galadhon was tailed closely by Denethor, and Nellas was guarded by Bregolas. When Lúthien moved in to help, Ecthelion simply followed her there, allowing AC Beleriand to retain their man advantage. And when that man was Beren… Beren, Fëanor, and Eöl formed passing triangles in front of the Doriath penalty area, occasionally making forays to test the Girdle of Melian. In the fourteenth minute, Eöl found space to chip the ball over the Doriath back four for Beren, and only the linesman’s raised flag, signalling an offside offence, prevented the One-Handed from getting the opener. Five minutes later, almost the exact same play happened, this time with Beren timing his run perfectly. It took a Melian sliding tackle to deny him a goal-bound shot. With Doriath still starved of the ball, the forward from Nan Elmoth found a third opportunity for the same play in the twenty-seventh minute. This time Fëanor made a move to distract Melian, and Beren thundered in the ball past his son for the one-nil lead. It seemed that there was no adjustment Doriath could make to shift the tide in the favour. True, they gained a few counterattacking chances, but they were profligate with it. During the half-hour mark Galathil sent a long ball to Mablung, but the Heavy Boot lost possession when he attempted to dribble past Imlach. Ten minutes after Saeros headed away Eöl’s cross in Beleg’s direction, and the march-warden dashed downfield, sending a hurried cross a moment before Fingolfin could challenge him. Lúthien connected with it, but her header fizzed wide. Two minutes before the end of the first half AC Beleriand doubled their lead. Saeros’s cynical tackle on Beren earned Fëanor’s squad a penalty kick. The Nandorin courtier muttered ‘Baseborn mortal’ as he looked down at the fallen midfielder, and Beren jumped up, pushing Saeros as he shouted, ‘Say that again and I’ll leave you as one-handed as I am!’ Melian pushed Saeros away from Beren, not before casting an apologising glance at her former teammate. The referee had already given the Doriath defender a yellow card, and he was forced to deal Beren a similar punishment for his threat. Afterwards, Fëanor calmly converted his spot kick, giving his side a two-nil score line to take into the break. After the half time the Doriath squad walked in with a determined glint in their eyes. When the game resumed their adjustments were made apparent. Saeros was tasked to mark Eöl, and Nimloth stuck with Beren whenever he approached the penalty area. And it was paying off. Eöl no longer had time to send weighted forward passes, Beren found his dwindling number of shots blocked by Nimloth. Even Fëanor couldn’t dribble his way in; Galathil and Melian did not allow the Fiery Boot to get past them. The shifting tide was soon felt even in the scoresheet. In the seventy-second minute Saeros made a successful tackle of Eöl and sent a long ball towards Beleg, who dashed forward before being checked by Fingolfin. The Strong Boot found time to send a pinpoint pass between him and Imlach, and there was Lúthien to take it. With one touch she froze Rochallor, and then her left foot rifled the ball past a startled Marach into the net. Incensed by the goal, Fëanor took it upon himself to put Doriath away for good. He displayed a dazzling display of ball control, dribbling past defensive midfielder Galadhon before turning central defenders Galathil and Melian inside out. But his shot was barely tipped away by Dior, and Nimloth’s clearance landed near Daeron. The minstrel, seeing Beleg making a run, threaded a pass between the AC Beleriand midfielders that found the march-warden in stride. Imlach had to stop him against the rules, earning a booking and giving Doriath a dangerous free kick twenty metres from the goal. Beleg took the kick, and his shot rose above the wall before dipping down just beyond Marach’s outstretched hand. Doriath had their equaliser! Melian put all ten outfielders behind the ball to defend the draw, and for fourteen tense minutes they held on, aided by erratic finishing from Fëanor and Beren. When the referee signalled the end of the match most of the team were hugging and jumping for joy. Melian tried to remind them that they still had two games to play, but for now, it didn’t matter. They have stolen a point from one of the tournament favourites! AC Beleriand 2-2 Doriath GOALS: 27, 1-0 Beren (Eöl) 43, 2-0 Fëanor 72, 2-1 Lúthien (Beleg) 76, 2-2 Beleg Total Shots 18-12 Shots On Target 7-5 YELLOW CARDS: 2-1 AC Bel: Beren, Imlach Doriath: Saeros The afternoon result left the home supporters smelling blood. A win would put their team on top of the table, giving them a good chance to advance (despite still having a game at hand against the still much-feared AC Beleriand, as well as the Doriath squad who pulled even with them.) A loss, on the other hand, would all but consign them to elimination. The first game’s crowd exited, and a great mass of Nargothrondrim and Anfauglith fans flowed into the stadium. With Morgoth playing in Michel Delving, and Gothmog in Weathertop, the baddie team playing closest to Angband and Utumno was Anfauglith. Thus it was not uncommon to see large bands of Orcs and Trolls among the Elves and Men in the underground streets of Nargothrond. The wardens kept a close eye on them, stopping those who bore signs of carrying a weapon, but for most part the fans from the north kept the peace, respectful of the home team with their talismanic centre forward Glaurung. Still, this mob was raucous, their war drums almost drowning out their chanting. The Nargothrond faithful singing ‘Nargothrond will endure’ raised their voices as one in an effort to keep up. Soon the music turned into a roar, as the two teams walked into the pitch. Finrod shook hands with Thuringwethil, and Glaurung shared a fiery laugh with the three Balrogs. Soon it was time for kick-off, and the home crowd was given a reason to cheer when, a mere minute after the opening whistle, Gwindor stole a pass from Gundor and rushed like the wind downfield, as he did in millennia past during the fifth battle of Beleriand. He cut inside, leaving Balrog #4 behind, and, at the edge of the penalty area, shot the ball narrowly over the crossbar. Gwindor continued to give his marker fits as the pacey winger’s play contributed to the opener six minutes later. Wary of him cutting inside, the Balrog showed him to the byline. Gwindor centred the ball for a cutting Orodreth, whose header was blocked by Ungoliant. But then Finrod darted in with a diving header towards far post, and the High Faroth Arena exploded in a wall of sound. Anfauglith made swift adjustments against the left-wing incursion. Defensive midfielder Gorgol moved from his holding role in the centre of the line of defenders to the left, his role to stay goalside of Gwindor. The effect was noticeable; Gwindor was frustrated with Gorgol denying him a byline run, and Balrog #4 denying him a path inside. In half-hour mark the Gasping Dust squad displayed its own version of wing play, initiated by Balrog #3, who blocked a Finrod through ball to Glaurung. He passed the ball to Gundor, who hugged the touchline, brushed past Mîm, and crossed for Thuringwethil. The vampire muscled past her markers to guide the ball just under the crossbar. When the second half began, it was soon apparent that a draw was not good enough for Anfauglith. They pressed and disrupted the Nargothrond passing game, hoofing the ball in Thuringwethil’s direction as soon as they have gained possession. Towering Arminas helped contest her in the air, and doughty Baran did his best to keep pace with the vampire. Bëor pulled off a few saves, but the woodwork did more to save them from being a goal down. Although credit to Guilin’s positioning should be given, denying Thuringwethil the easier shots. But they cannot deny her forever. Taking a long pass from Balrog #3, he split Baran and Arminas and dribbled past Guilin before shooting over Mîm’s head and into the top-right corner of the goal. Anfauglith has taken the lead, and the Nargothrond faithful groaned in despair. Meanwhile the creatures of Angband banged their drums louder. They just have to use their suffocating defence to hold on to the lead. Just when they thought that the dream of qualifying was dying before their eyes, the Nargothrond crowd was given a sign of life just before the hour. Glaurung and Gwindor pushed even harder against the Balrog line (once earning the dragon a booking for being too rough), and Finrod looked for space between the Anfauglith defence and midfield, daring anyone to mark him. Galdor and Haldir took the challenge, leaving Finduilas free to do a forward run. She took a pass from Felagund, and, finding her path blocked by a Balrog, back-heeled the ball to Barahir, who had managed to drift unseen towards the edge of the 18-yard box. His shot bounced in off the crossbar, catching Ungoliant unprepared, and Nargothrond has drawn level. The squads were not content with a draw, and they began looking for a winner. Momentum was with Finrod’s side, but the captain urged caution, as Thuringwethil had been single-handedly giving their defence too much trouble. Laborious in their build-up, but dogged in their defending, Nargothrond were unable to get a third goal in the last half-hour, but didn’t concede one either. When the final whistle was blown, a few questions were asked of Glaurung’s motivation this game, but most of the home crowd were relieved to escape with a draw. Just as Barahir had saved Finrod in ages past, he has saved him again. The host's dream of advancing was still alive. Anfauglith 2-2 Nargothrond
GOALS: 7, 0-1 Finrod (Orodreth) 30, 1-1 Thuringwethil (Gundor) 53, 2-1 Thuringwethil (Balrog #3) 59, 2-2 Barahir (Finduilas) Total Shots 14-15 Shots On Target 6-6 YELLOW CARDS: 1-3 Anfauglith: Balrog #3 Nargorthrond: Arminas, Barahir, Glaurung
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フェンリス鴨 (Fenrisu Kamo) The plot, cut, defeated. I intend to copy this sig forever - so far so good...
Last edited by Nilpaurion Felagund; 06-21-2012 at 06:43 PM. |
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05-27-2012, 02:40 PM
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#110 |
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Werewolf Psychic
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: In fire, water, earth, and air. But mostly water.
Posts: 2,832
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Group F Round 1 - Imladris vs. Rohan
There was not a cloud in the sky as the sun hung overhead, slightly to the west; neither team would be too hindered by sun in their eyes (Rohan might have been slightly worse off, as the halftime switch would have them facing a slightly lower sun than Imladris did in the first.) Regardless, the game started off slow. Radagast and the horses refused to let the ball remain in their half very long, aggressively charging any Imladris player unfortunate enough to have the ball. Perhaps taking Elrohir's pre-game comments to heart, Snowmane was a bit overenthusastic about running down Elrohir near the end of the first quarter and was awarded a yellow card. Imladris was given a free kick, but Elladan's right cross was caught by a freak gust of wind and passed just over the top of the goal. Gandalf was, of course, suspected of chicanery, but as he'd been sportingly checking to see if Elrohir was okay at the time, nothing came of the suspicion. The first and only goal came during the fifty-ninth minute, as another of Elrohir's shots was foiled, this time by Felarof rearing to his full height in front of the hapless forward. Intimidated, the elf didn't put as much spin on the ball as it needed, and it glanced off Felarof's right front hoof and bounced down the field. Eorl skillfully scooped it up, dodging past two midfielders and sending it toward Eomer, who met it with his knee and sent it spinning crazily into the goal, its path so unpredictable that the Imladris keeper picked wrongly and dove to the side, missing the ball entirely. Rohan locked down their defense after that, only allowing two more shots on goal (and one aborted shot, as Figwit booted Radagast in the shin rather than the ball, and earned a yellow for his trouble.) And there you have it. So far Rohan's innovative defensive tactics have protected their goal from intrusion, but how long can that last? Imladris 0-1 Rohan on target 2-4 tot shots 9-13 GOALS: *59, 0-1 Eomer (Eorl) YELLOW CARDS: *Imlad- Figwit *Rohan- Snowmane Round 2 - Isengard vs. Misty Mountains The evening game promised to be a violent one. Misty Mountains had something to prove - not only were they anxious to prove that they didn't need Saruman's help to win, they were also quite displeased that the defector had stolen their previous year's goalie as he left, and were ready to make their displeasure known. And so the game began. Almost immediately both Chief Wolf and Azog rushed for Saruman, heedless of where the ball actually was. Mauhur and Lugdush leapt to the defense of their captain, and chaos ensued. All action on the field stopped as the referees rushed in to separate the players. Both teams were penalized - however, the referees made a wise decision; knowing how likely it was that the game would get even more violent as it progressed, they handed out yellow cards instead of the usual red. There was no sense in removing four players from the field when there would just be more fighting later. By now, the moon (about three-quarters full) had risen above the pitch, and it was getting slightly easier to see. Thanks to the increased visibility, Misty Mountains made the first goal of the match, as Azog successfully distracted Lugdush and Lurtz with insults while Narvi made a wild dash through them with the ball and slide-kicked the ball past a burst of hail from Caradhras and a dive from the keeper, Ugluk. The increased light made it easier for Misty Mountains to score, but it also made the onlookers realize something strange was happening to the field; the grass was growing in certain places. This favored Isengard, as many of their players were taller and the shorter Misty Mountains players would have a hard time seeing over the growing grass. Misty Mountains didn't realize this at first, gamely playing as they could against a furious Isengard offensive led by Saruman and Wormtongue. However, the dense foliage slowed Bert and the Watcher so much that Saruman basically had a free kick against the Great Goblin, who wasn't able to block the shot fired off by the canny wizard. The goal was allowed, but after Misty Mountains realized what was going on, Rumil went after Lurtz (who didn't fight back, but received a yellow card for his role in planting the swiftly-growing grass anyway.) The game basically ended after that; a halt was called to cut the grass on the pitch down to size, and neither team returned to the pitch after that. The referees were forced to call the game a tie, 1-1. Isengard 1-1 Misty Mts on target 5-6 tot shots 13-15 GOALS: *62, 0-1 Narvi (Azog) *74, 1-1 Saruman (Wormtongue) YELLOW CARDS: *Isen- Lugdush, Lurtz, Mauhur *MMts- Chief Wolf, Azog, Rumil
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Shasta– ... However, if he's innocent his famous clairvoyant powers must be taking the week off. Meanwhile, the Night-kills have been awfully effective– almost like we're dealing with a psychic wolf... - Nerwen, WW LXXV |
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05-28-2012, 11:06 AM
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#111 |
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Flame of the Ainulindalë
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Wearing rat's coat, crowskin, crossed staves in a field behaving as the wind behaves
Posts: 9,308
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Group E at the Grey Havens, round 1
The Greay Havens have never been a specially hip or cool place in Arda. It has been an important place to the elves who went and stayed in the Middle-earth as their base of entry and safety at times, and later a main point of departure back to the undying lands. But other than that, it has been taken as a quiet harbour-town mainly for those who come or go – which means more or less nothing to any Middle-earth-born folks. And Cirdan the Shipwright is probably the only person the people know from there even if the town is not the smallest one in the ME, or the poorest. Sadly people don’t seem to know or care of it at all, not to speak of appreciating it’s splendour and beauty. With group E of Arda Cup 2012 the interest has suddenly been araised. There were a host of ships from the West bringing Maiar and elves into the city and long caravans of elves and men of old, and hobbits turned in from the East as well. Who wouldn’t want to see Manwë and his household with the wizards, or Ulmo and his household with the Númenorian kings, or Húrin and his children, or Eärendil, Tuor and Cirdan playing for the hometeam? The line-ups were so spectacular even the laziest northern-dwellers couldn’t resist and on the game-day the organizers were in trouble with all the football-fans, even if the parks beside the river offered a lot of space for them to fit into. ~*~ The first game of the day was one between Hithlum and The Sea aka. Ulmo and his minions strengthened with some real Númenorian talent against Húrin and his children. The Númenorian fans were a small but a loud bunch who made a noise much over their numbers, and the elves, especially the Teleri, seemed to be mostly supporting The Sea. But the remarkably huge crowds of humans were supporting Hithlum with their chants and flags. With the locals mainly supporting The Sea, Ulmo’s team had the advantage in support but the humans didn’t let them win it easily and the feeling in the first match at the new Lhûnarena was actually quite passionate and loud as there was a feeling of competition also in the stands, and the crowds camped at the park outside the stadium were having a nice afternoon even if there were some complaints about not getting enough information from the game. But people outside reacted to the cheers from inside and at times an announcer announced the latest action in-game. Now the elves and the other West-folks were pretty confident The Sea would qualify with team Valimar (although some folks from the Grey Havens, and the fans of Eärendil, Tuor and Olwë still believed their team could make it), but the humans were as secure that Hithlum would just outscore at least one Valar-led team and take their place in the qualifiers. To the Hithlum-fans the beginning of the game between Hithlum and The Sea was pure nightmare. The Sea was controlling the ball frustrating the Hithlum squad and when the Hithlum team got the ball the Sea’s defences were already organised and ready to pick on any imaginable forward plan Hithlum was trying to come up with. To the end of the first period The Sea started to make results as well. Hithlum concentrated on their defence on a totally different level than in the friendlies, but that was not enough for the hot Númenorian forwards of The Sea. So on 34th minute Tar Aldarion found undefended ground inside the box and got a perfect pass from Veäntur hammering the ball in with a skilled volley. And just before the half-time Tar Minastir ran through Hithlum’s clumsy defences and received a long ball from Tar Ciryatan which left him one on one with Aradan – and you can figure the result with as cool finisher as Tar Minastir… But Hithlum team was not going to surrender even if the score looked pretty bad on halftime. As The Sea concentrated more and more in the defence Hithlum started pressing more and more. The attacks were raining in but the Sea defenders helped by their midfielders were able to clean their area untill 74th minute when Húrin headed Hador’s corner in after a first touch by Nienor. There was fifteen minutes of the game left and Hithlum was trailing by one goal. The Sea fell totally down into defence – and with no credible threat of counterattacks by Tar Aldarion or Tar Minastir, Hithlum pressed on in the way they only can. It was a bombardement! But the clock was ticking and the time Hithlum had to equalize was running out as The Sea managed to either block the final passes or to block the shots, or then Voronwë saved the few shots coming in. One minute left to the game Morwen went for it and challenged the Western defence with all her defiance and strength, and there was a second of confusion between the mighty-ones when she passed the ball behind Ossë and Uinen – straight to the foot of her son Túrin who didn’t hesitate getting the ball at the penalty-spot and booting it in to the net with the crowds roaring from either joy or disbelief. Hithlum had drawn just one minute before the end of the game! It was 2-2 and it did stay that way. It was also clear neither team was too happy with the result. Hithlum 2-2 The Sea on target 5-6 tot shots 15-13 GOALS: *34, 0-1 Tar Aldarion (Veantur) *42, 0-2 Tar Minastir (Tar Cirytan) *74, 1-2 Húrin (Nienor) *89, 2-2 Túrin (Morwen) YELLOW CARDS: *Hithlum- Androg, Nienor *Sea- Tar Ciryatan The afternoon game had been great entertainment so the feeling was high when the hometeam marched into the field following the mighty Manwë and his squad for the late match-up. But as soon as the game was kicked off one realised this was going to be a very different ball game. Both teams played it very safely indeed trying to avoid mistakes which led there being very few real efforts at attacking. With The Havens defending solidly with the whole team from midfield onwards Valimar had trouble finding alleys to break through, but with Valimar not able or willing to move their squad up forwards there was no chance for The Havens’ downstairs to feed their forwards for breakthroughs with fast long passes behind Valimar defences. But just when the crowds were starting to show their contempt after half an hour of watching the sides walking in the field it happened. It was a clear marking error from Valimar defence as Amrod and Amras went both taking Tuor thinking Vana would take care of looking after his son – but for some reason she turned into the same direction before noticing her mistake. But that was enough for the great Eärendil to break free. And Angrod’s beautiful pass found him behind the lines perfectly. So against all expectations it was a goal for the home team! The crowds went just mad. The homeside had just taken a lead against the mightiest of all, team Valimar! And like with a touch of a magic wand the game was suddenly alive. Being one goal down Valimar was forced to attack and that in turned opened opportunities for The Havens to play counter-attacking game they were more than keen in playing. Some twenty minutes into the second half Valimar was finally rewarded from their effort. Mandos himself rose highest to a corner given by Ilmarë and headed the ball in the net with relentless force leaving Cirdan no chance of denying him. Sadly for the spectators the evening goal changed the dynamics of the game once again as The Havens fell back into defence not to let Valimar take the lead and Valimar was not showing a real effort to win at any cost either. And like the game in the afternoon, this also ended in a draw. In the post game press conference Manwë entertained the journalists commenting on Eärendil’s goal: “You know, this guy has entered our territory without permission already earlier… that time I let him go with it, but let’s see will he be forgiven a second time. Let’s not ask Mandos about it though. I’m not sure he thinks his goal is enough of a compensation…” The Havens 1-1 Valimar on target 5-5 tot shots 13-12 GOALS: *27, 1-0 Eärendil (Angrod) *63, 1-1 Namo (Ilmare) YELLOW CARDS: *Havens- Olwe *Valimar- Vana, Celebrian
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Upon the hearth the fire is red Beneath the roof there is a bed; But not yet weary are our feet... |
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05-28-2012, 08:32 PM
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#112 |
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Laconic Loreman
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 7,521
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It was only mid-day, but the sun was being blotted out by a heavy overcast. It put the Mordor orcs in good spirits, since they never liked the nasty brightness of the sun. The atmosphere before first kick was thick with tension, there was definitely no love loss between these two enemies, but the situation could have been much much worse. Or so the MEFA (Middle-earth Football Association - the official governing body in charge of discipline and safety) authorities believed.
Group H @ Minas Morgul The largely pro-Mordor crowd also had a lot to be pleased with by the way Barad-dur started the match. Barad-dur had a very disappointing friendly performance, but the fans soon forgot that with Barad-dur's positive, attacking strategy to begin. Minas Tirith was putting up the walls and playing a stiff defense, but the chants rising steadily louder, and louder still made a goal for Barad-dur seem inevitable. It was just so in the 18th minute, when Sauron as he had done so many times before, threaded a perfect ball to Castamir who only had to slightly deflect the ball's path to get it beyond Denethor. And again in the 34th minute, Minas Tirith's defense couldn't hold of the ceaseless wave of Barad-durs attack. This time, Sauron found himself as the goal scorer after, Beruthiel, Castamir, and the pirates were wreaking havoc around Minas Tirith's box. The half-time whistle came and Barad-dur found itself up 2-0. The crowd was rowdy, but in good spirits (which meant the most threatening they got was jeering the Gondorian fans about having a superior team). It must be said, that while Minas Tirith didn't create many chances in the 1st, while they were in possession, the attack looked dangerous, especially on counters when Barad-dur looked a little sleepy on defense. However, if they didn't start playing more positively in the 2nd, then even neutrals would have to agree Barad-dur looked the more deserving. It appears Minas Tirith did not want to be embarrassed on this day, since they began the 2nd more aggressive. They were awarded with a quick score, only 7 minutes after the break. A power strike from Earnur made it 2-1. The orcs taunts and jeers stopped for a brief moment, as the match got a little more nervous for them. But soon they were back to supporting their team, as Barad-dur responded by attacking even more, hoping to regain the 2 goal lead and put the match away. However, a bit of misfortune would force Barad-dur to change strategy. Just as it looked like they would break Minas Tirith's defense again, Ecthelion II poked the ball away from Beruthiel and started a counter. Herumor had no choice but to bring Faramir down from behind. The crowd was livid with the referees decision to send Herumor off, handing the Black Numenorean his 2nd yellow. But truly, they had no stance to complain with the ref's decision. Barad-dur couldn't put everyone towards the attack now, without risking the defense. Angamaite and Sangahyando dropped further back to fill the hole left by Herumor, and the game began being played mostly in the mid-field. With more possession, Minas Tirith was looking more dangerous, but they still weren't creating enough chances to perturb Sauron. The White City was still too talented to stop when they have a 1-player advantage. Barad-dur defended admirably, and stopped most of Minas Tirith's attacks at the mid-field. However, with time winding down, and Barad-dur's midfield getting worn out, they became less and less effective on the attack. Minas Tirith put one final attack together in the closing 5 minutes. Faramir got open down the right wing and sent a great cross into the box. Boromir I met it with a beautiful header. The Minas Tirithians let out brief cries of joy, before realizing they were in Mordor and facing a larger, possibly hostile crowd. They dared not press their luck. It would end 2-2, and after some time to cope Mordorians turned their attention to the night match. For Barad-dur had clearly been the better team, and it took one of their own being sent off for Minas Tirith to just squeak out a draw. Surely, Mordor would beat the pathetic Tarks in the 2nd match. Barad-Dur 2-2 Minas Tirith on target 7-4 tot shots 18-9 GOALS: *18, 1-0 Castamir (Sauron) *34, 2-0 Sauron (Beruthiel) *52, 2-1 Earnur (Mardil) *86, 2-2 Boromir I (Faramir) YELLOW CARDS: *Barad-Dur- Fuinur, Herumor *Minas Tirith- Earnil II, Ostoher RED CARDS: *Barad-Dur- Herumor (62, second yellow) The Mordorians were getting quite aggressive at the sight of thousands and thousands of Gondorians. It was as if Gondor was trying to re-stake it's claim of ownership to Minas Morgul, by a show of force. Fortunately, instead of showing up with swords and clad in full-mail, the Gondor fans came with banners and silver trumpets, or else it may have been perceived as a declaration of war! The crowd was less enthusiastic to begin this game, in part because of the Barad-dur's disappointing draw, but also in part because Mordor came out less aggressive then Barad-dur. In fact, the pace of this game was a few steps slower than the 1st, as they appeared to be testing eachother out. But Mordorians would prefer seeing the style of play they got from Barad-dur. Gondor was on their turf, any sign of passivity, is a sign of weakness! Gondor put a first strike into the high spirits of Mordor in the 21st minute. Anarion scoring the opening goal was salt in the wound, since it was only the last few Cups that Anarion was playing for Barad-dur. Mordor definitely let Anarion know what they truly thought of him, while Gondorians soon remembered Anarion's skills. Whomever he played under in the past did not matter anymore, he was playing under his home banner now. The crowd wasn't kept silent for long though, since Mordor quickly pulled it together to even the match after 8 minutes went by from Anarion's goal. Shelob tunneled her way through the defense and with one of her 8 legs, flicked Nazgul #5's pass into the back of the net. The remainder of the half was rather unexciting since it went to becoming a fight in the mid-field and there were no more serious threats made on goal, by either team. The Mordor fans were beating their drums all through intermission, believing if their team was more spiritted to start the 2nd then their boys would be victorious. The exact opposite happened, however, as Mordor apparently came out of the lockrooms asleep. Poor marking by the defense left Falastur open, and the lordly Ship-King had the strong boot to break the Silent Watcher's will in front of the net. Mordor was in shock, but there was still time left. Yes, still lots of game to be played. Mordor would not go down without a fight, but it must be said Gondor did not go into a defensive shell. They kept Mordor constantly on guard, with some good pressure created by Anarion and Eldacar. The teams traded chances, but Gondor was able to just hold on. Whether that be because Hyarmendacil had a masterful performance saving 5 of 6 shots on target, or Mordor lacked the quality in their shots, Gondor ended the 1st round as sole leader of Group H. At this outcome, the Gondorian supporters could not contain their joy and blew their trumpets proudly, and loud. This would surely stick in the craw of Mordor, but how they would handle the results was yet to be seen. Gondor 2-1 Mordor on target 6-6 tot shots 15-15 GOALS: *21, 1-0 Anarion (Romendacil) *29, 1-1 Shelob (Nazgul #5) *48, 2-1 Falastur (Eldacar) YELLOW CARDS: *Gondor- Earnil I, Turambar *Mordor- Fellbeast #1, Grishnakh, Shagrat
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Fenris Penguin
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05-28-2012, 10:58 PM
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#113 |
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Scion of The Faithful
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: The brink, where hope and despair are akin. [The Philippines]
Posts: 5,312
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ArdaCup.com Stats Report #6: Group Stages, Matchday 1
Group Tables:
 Power Rank: The Power Rank shall return in the next issue of ArdaCup.com Stats Report. Top Individual Performers: GOALS + ASSISTS 2+0 Ancalagon (Angband) Thuringwethil (Anfauglith) 1+1 Bombadil (Shire-Bree United) Fingon (Inter Beleriand) Scatha (Wilderland) Galadriel (Wilderland) Ar-Pharazôn (Armenelos) Beleg (Doriath) Sauron (Barad-dûr) GOALKEEPING
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フェンリス鴨 (Fenrisu Kamo) The plot, cut, defeated. I intend to copy this sig forever - so far so good...
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05-30-2012, 02:21 AM
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#114 | ||||||||
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Scion of The Faithful
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: The brink, where hope and despair are akin. [The Philippines]
Posts: 5,312
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The Felagundion’s sports blog.
These predictions can be a tricky business.
GROUP A: 1 out of 2 Quote:
GROUP B: 1 out of 2 Quote:
GROUP C: 2 out of 2 Quote:
GROUP D: 1 out of 2 Quote:
GROUP E: 0 out of 2 Quote:
GROUP F: 1 out of 2 Quote:
GROUP G: 0 out of 2 Quote:
GROUP H: 2 out of 2 Quote:
8/16 from the first round. Nothing to be proud of, BUT I FINALLY BEAT TTN!!! Round 2 predictions: Group A The Downer vs Tol-in-Gaurhoth Angband vs Shire-Bree United The Downer will have more bookings than shots on target. Group B Arnor vs Inter Beleriand Eriador vs Gondolin Elrond will limit Gothmog and Maeglin to one goal. Group C Erebor vs Wilderland Anduin vs Dwarves United Dragons will have more goals than Dwarves will have shots on goal. Group D Tirion vs Real Valinor Armenelos vs FC Valinor Arien will score a hat-trick to make up for the previous round's loss. Group E The Sea vs Valimar Hithlum vs The Havens Ulmo will score. Or at least he'll create a goal. Group F Imladris vs Misty Mts Isengard vs Rohan Remember Helm's Deep, Saruman? Helm will get one. Group G Anfauglith vs Doriath AC Beleriand vs Nargothrond Finrod will get more goals than Fëanor. Group H Barad-dûr vs Gondor Minas Tirith vs Mordor Erm, good guys win?
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フェンリス鴨 (Fenrisu Kamo) The plot, cut, defeated. I intend to copy this sig forever - so far so good...
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05-30-2012, 08:48 AM
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#115 |
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Laconic Loreman
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 7,521
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Power Rankings
TWO TOWERS NETWORK
Boromir the 88th POWER RANKINGS 01. FC Valinor - 74.7 (Previous: #1. Result: W 3-0, Real Valinor) -Real Valinor may have been overrated at #2, but there is no doubt after FC's 3-0 thrashing they are currently #1 02. Wilderland - 52.5 (Previous: #7. Result: W 3-1 Anduin) -Anduin did not look like a Top 10 team, Wilderland on the other hand does, especially if the Great Warg is saving 5/6 and Galadriel continues being the maestro leading the mid-field 03. Armenolos - 48.9 (Previous: #9 Result: W 3-2 Tirion) -Armenolos knocks out the previous #3 to claim the rank as their own. A good result for a team had seemed to lose some of its championship pedigree. 04. Eriador - 36.1 (Previous: #4 Result: W 2-1 Arnor) -Maintains it's 4th rank. Solid win, but not nearly as impressive (and against weaker competition) as Armenolos and Wilderland. 05. Rohan - 34.6 (Previous: #13 Result: W 1-0 Imladris) -Rohan is playing like the best defense of the tournament, or it could just be up against some very inept offenses. Still, it will be tough to score on this team. 06. Erebor - 32.1 (Previous: #8 Result: W 2-0 Dwarves Utd) -Did what they had to, and it's a positive mark when your defense is good enough to shut out Dwarves Utd. True test will come next round against #2 Wilderland. Should be a great battle. 07. Real Valinor - 29.4 (Previous: #2 Result: L 0-3 FC Valinor) -Their only 2 losses of the campaign have come against FC Valinor. Yet, losing 0-3 like that could kill the morale on this team. They must bounce back against Tirion to salvage playoff chances. 08. AC Beleriand - 28.8 (Previous: #5 Result: D 2-2 Doriath) -Looked like the much better team against Doriath, but the result doesn't show it. Still likely favorites in their group, but they fall back a few places. 09. Angband - 27.2 (Previous: #11 Result: W 3-1 The Downer) -Solid win, but against the worst team we've ever seen. Unfortunately, I don't think Angband will be serious tested in Group A, even if the motley Shire-Bree crew could cause them problems. 10. Tirion - 26.2 (Previous: #3 Result: L 2-3 Armenolos) -Tirion's playoff chances seem to be going out the window, they really needed to beat Armenolos. But defensively they're bad, and appear to have lost some efficiency in offense too. 11. Valimar - 25.8 (Previous: #6 Result: D 1-1 Havens) -Disappointing draw. If Valimar wanted to cement their standing in Group E they really needed to beat the worst team in the group. But, yet again, complacency and pleasantries will drag Valimar down. 12. Nargothrond - 23.7 (Previous: #15 Result: D 2-2 Angfauglith) -Despite only drawing against Angfauglith, they were able to leap them in the standings with the friendly win against Hithlum. All Anfauglith has been able to do is draw, Nargothrond has the offense to grab late winners. 13. Doriath - 23.5 (Previous: #17 Result: D 2-2 AC Beleriand) -Surprising draw with #5 AC Beleriand, but they really were outshot in that match. Still, no telling who will emerge out of this group with all teams completely tied. 14. Angfauglith - 23.3 (Previous: #14 Result: D 2-2 Nargothrond) -We don't trust their offense to advance. But it's amusing to TTN 3 of Group G teams are bunched together at #12, #13, and #14. 15. The Sea - 23.0 (Previous: #12 Result: D 2-2 Hithlum) -Not a terrible result to draw with the offensive powerhouse of Hithlum. But there's a lot this team hasn't shown to convince us they're better than Valimar, or even The Havens. 16. Anduin - 21.1 (Previous: #10 Result: L 1-3 Wilderland) -Clearly we've overrated Anduin based on their friendly performance. Losing 1-3 like that is not a good sign. 17. Misty Mountains - 20.1 (Previous: #18 Result: D 1-1 Isengard) -Not bad to draw with Isengard, but their next one against Imladris is really a MUST win match. Should be exciting. 18. Isengard - 19.6 (Previous: #19 Result: D 1-1 Misty Mts) -Pretty much the same as Misty Mountains, the key game will be against Imladris, but they can't look ahead to round 3, because they can't get blown out by Rohan. 19. Hithlum - 19.0 (Previous: #20 Result: D 2-2 The Sea) -Good to draw with The Sea, can't draw their way to the playoffs though. 20. Gondor - 17.6 (Previous: #23 Result: W 2-1 Mordor) -Gondor has clearly become the frontrunners of Group H, so why do we have this nagging feeling that they will lose to Barad-dur? 21. The Havens - 16.1 (Previous: #27 Result: D 1-1 Valimar) -A draw with #6 Valimar gives The Havens a rather significant jump up in our power rankings. But still behind Hithlum and The Sea, who are TTN's picks to advance. 22. Gondolin - 15.6 (Previous: #21 Result: D 2-2 Inter Beleriand) -Quite disappointing from Gondolin. Granted they ran into a hot Turgon looking to prove himself against his former club, but they needed to win that match. 23. Shire Bree Utd - 14.4 (Previous: #22 Result: D 2-2 Tol-in-Gaurhoth) -Really fortunate to hold onto the draw, and that time ran out on TIG's furious comeback. Still a dangerous team, Angband can't under-estimate. 24. Tol In Gaurhoth - 13.7 (Previous: #25 Result: D 2-2 Shire Bree Utd) -Good comeback by the wolves and wights, but they can't keep getting down multiple goals before deciding it's time to play. Not when the competition gets tougher. 25. Imladris - 13.7 (Previous: #16 Result: L 0-1 Rohan) -Experienced the furthest drop in rankings this week. Yes, they played the toughest opponent of the group, but they have serious goal scoring issues. 26. Minas Tirith - 11.1 (Previous: #26 Result: D 2-2 Barad Dur) -They were quite fortunate to get the draw with Barad-dur. As it is though, they're in the hunt for a playoff spot in Group H 27. Arnor - 11.1 (Previous: #24 Result: L 1-2 Eriador) -Don't count the resilient Arnorians out yet. They've played the toughest team of their group and played them close. Inter Beleriand and Gondolin will not be able to walk over this scrappy team. 28. Inter Beleriand - 10.9 (Previous: #28 Result: D 2-2 #21 Gondor) -A good draw for Inter, as it puts them in a fight for Group B's playoff spots. But the statistics show they were dominated by Gondolin and it was Turgon who saved the draw. 29. Barad-Dur - 8.9 (Previous: #31 Result: D 2-2 #26 Minas Tirith) -A bit disappointing it ended in a draw. But BD statistically dominated the match and got an unlucky result. For the first time, this actually looked like a team that had one of the top tourney players on it. 30. Mordor - 6.4 (Previous: #30 Result: L 1-2 #23 Gondor) -Their chance was against Gondor and they just didn't bring it. Mordor will have difficulties advancing unless they pull out a surprise against Minas Tirith. 31. Dwarves United - 6.3 (Previous: #29 Result: L 0-2 #8 Erebor) -Bad to worse for Aule's team. They can't defend any better upping the effort and they could never score. 32. The Downer -3.1 (Previous: #32 Result: L 1-3 #11 Angband) -How did they qualify for the most prestigious World Cup tournament again? And why do they exist?
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Fenris Penguin
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05-30-2012, 12:39 PM
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#116 |
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Laconic Loreman
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 7,521
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Predictions
TWO TOWERS NETWORK
Boromir the 88th Predictions - Round 2 Well, that was probably the worst week (in the prediction department) I've ever had. It goes to show this year's Cup will be the most difficult ever to predict. Not an excuse, just a statement of fact. To only go 7/16, and even do worse then TENT! wow, our standards and methods are much better. In the long run, that will win out. This round, for TTN's own curiousity, we will report the results of what our "computer" (ACS2012 Edition) says after plugging in all the numbers. Followed by our expert's pick and analysis. For posterity purposes, my prediction will be the one I stand behind/the one that counts. The essential weakness of the computer's predictions is it's designed to predict the results of 2 teams playing 10 matches against eachother. However, in the tournament, it comes down to a single match between Team A and Team B. TTN is just interested to see if all the stats they compile is worthwhile in accurately predicting results, and now we can get some true empirical data, by publishing both the computer's picks and the expert's. GROUP A 1. The Downer (#32) vs Tol In Gaurhoth (#24) ACS2012: 2 goal win for Tol-in-Gaurhoth Boro's pick: Agrees with the computer on this one, a convincing win for TIG. TIG has more goals and conceded less, and all lazy sloppiness should have been left behind after the first game. A 3-1 win for the Werewolf Isles. 2. Angband (#9) vs Shire-Bree United (#23) ACS2012: 1 goal win for Angband Boro's Pick: The numbers say in a 10 game series, Angband would win 6, Shire Bree 3, and 1 game a draw. So, it's a more competitive match then at first glance. Bombadil has wrecked havoc against Morgoth's teams before, but we'll again side with the computer's pick. Shire-Bree's defense nearly lost it for them against TIG, and now it will lose it against Angband. Angband wins 3-2. GROUP B 1. Arnor (#27) vs Inter Beleriand (#28) ACS2012: Draw. Boro's pick: Turgon won't be as inspired against Arnor as he was saving 7/9 against Gondolin. While Arnor plays everyone straight up. No matter who the opponent is, they will play the same and give the same effort. Arnor wins 2-1. 2. Eriador (#4) vs Gondolin (#22) ACS2012: 1 goal win for Eriador Boro's pick: Sometimes winning by only 1 goal is nerve wracking and a tightly contested match. This however, will be the most comfortable looking single goal win possible. Eriador is just top glass professionals who know how to win close games. 2-1 Eriador. GROUP C 1. Erebor (#6) vs Wilderland (#2) ACS2012: 1 goal win for Wilderland Boro's pick: Wilderland won Erebor in the friendlies, and just came off a convincing 3-1 win against Anduin. However, Erebor has clearly upped their effort since the 1st round friendly. The computer says a Wilderland win, I say 2-2 Draw. 2. Anduin (#16) vs Dwarves United (#31) ACS2012: 2 goal win for Anduin Boro's pick: Part of the convincing win thrown out by the ACS2012 is likely from Anduin's strong friendlies. Anduin is not as good as we originally believed, by Dwarves United are even worse then we thought possible. Anduin wins 2-1. GROUP D 1. Tirion (#10) vs Real Valinor (#7) ACS2012: Draw Boro's pick: Something is really concerning about Real Valinor getting thumped by FC. Although, the recipe for going goalless in the first match would be to face Tirion next. Then again, Tirion can also score a plethora of goals. Tough one to call, so we'll go with the computer here. 3-3 Draw. 2. Armenelos (#3) vs FC Valinor (#1) ACS2012: 1 goal win for FC Valinor Boro's pick: Armenolos showed why no one should view them as slouches in this group of death. With that said, FC Valinor has just been playing at a level beyond everyone else up to this point and until they show otherwise, we're going to stick with FC Valinor wins 2-1 GROUP E 1. The Sea (#15) vs Valimar (#11) ACS2012: Draw Boro's pick: Everything about these two points to a 0-0 draw. The defenses are just that much better than the offenses (conceding 2-goals to Hithlum is not up to Ulmo's standard, but still nothing to be embarrassed about). Ulmo can shut down Valimar's complacent offense, and The Sea is a little more pro-active in the attack. The Sea wins 1-0. 2. Hithlum (#19) vs The Havens (#21) ACS2012: Draw Boro's pick: Perhaps the biggest offensive explosion of the group friendlies in this one. Hithlum's defense won't stop The Havens, but Turin and co will cause even more chaos against The Havens. Hithlum wins 4-3. GROUP F 1. Imladris (#25) vs Misty Mts (#17) ACS2012: 1 goal win for Misty Mountains Boro's pick: This is an interesting match, with a lot riding on it for both teams. Imladris can't afford to lose, and Misty Mountains really needs the win since they close out the group stage against the best, Rohan. Unfortunately for the Mountain fortress...Draw 1-1. 2. Isengard (#18) vs Rohan (#5) ACS2012: 1 goal win for Rohan Boro's pick: Isengard might pull off the shock and snatch away a draw (a win is extremely unlikely). Really what Isengard needs to do to be in decent position is at least get 1 goal, but even that is easier said then done. Rohan wins 2-0. GROUP G 1. Angfauglith (#14) vs Doriath (#13) ACS2012: Draw Boro's pick: Nargothrond's offense appears unstoppable, so I wouldn't think there's something wrong with Angfauglith surrendering 2-goals. Doriath won't nearly be that aggressive, but can still likely get 1. Draw 1-1. 2. AC Beleriand (#8) vs Nargothrond (#12) ACS2012: Draw Boro's pick: AC Beleriand has had some very...uninspiring results, but even so they still haven't been beaten. Nargothrond's playing much better, but the defense will be under a lot more pressure then it was against Angfauglith (and it still gave up 2 goals). So. AC Beleriand wins 3-2. GROUP H 1. Barad-Dur (#29) vs Gondor (#20) ACS2012: 1 goal win for Gondor Boro's pick: Everything now and before has been pointing towards a Gondorian win...but there is such a thing as "stats do lie." Purely based on gut-feeling, that Sauron really couldn't care less about friendlies and was saving everything for the real tournament. Barad-dur wins 2-1 2. Minas Tirith (#26) vs Mordor (#30) ACS2012: 1 goal win for Minas Tirith Boro's pick: Minas Tirith appears to primarily want to counterattack, and they are definitely quite good at it. But is Mordor's formationally sound Nazgul a team that you can counter attack on? Barad-dur can definitely be stretched because of their aggression, I'm not so sure the same would work against Mordor. Draw 1-1.
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Fenris Penguin
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06-01-2012, 02:11 AM
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#117 |
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Scion of The Faithful
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: The brink, where hope and despair are akin. [The Philippines]
Posts: 5,312
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ArdaCup.com Stats Report #7: Group G Matchday 2 Tactical Preview
Anfauglith vs Doriath
 [Projected formation. Doriath in silver and blue; Anfauglith in black and brown.] Formation: As usual Anfauglith would try to pack the midfield with their 4-5-1. But despite the advantage in numbers they wouldn’t be able to dominate possession against an excellent passing team like Doriath, so they’d have to do what they did successfully against Nargothrond—disrupt passing lanes and never give Daeron the time to decide the right pass. After some adjustments, Doriath’s 4-2-3-1 has proven successful in containing AC Beleriand’s attacking depth. Wingers Beleg and Lúthien have especially proven effective in neutralising fullbacks Fingolfin and Ecthelion. They would have double duty again, preventing the Balrogs from pressing forward as well as providing attacking width to open space for Mablung and Nellas. And since Doriath would likely dominate possession, Melian would have time to press forward and provide the extra player needed to punch through Anfauglith’s defence. Tactics: Thuringwethil has proven herself to be the complete lone forward—strong, fast, and aerially dominant. Most of her shots in the game against Nargothrond came when she was the only brown shirt in the penalty area, yet she managed to confound single-handedly Nargothrond’s back four, scoring a brace in the process. She’d likely have a tougher time breaking Doriath’s defence if Melian decides to guard her personally, as she did against AC Beleriand’s Fëanor, but Melian would also be needed to help her outnumbered midfielders maintain possession. In any case Anfauglith has no need to change their counter-attacking long ball strategy that has proven effective against Nargothrond’s attacking game. As was the case in their tie with AC Beleriand, Melian’s adjustments would be the key to this game. Should she remain in full-time defence, or should she bomb downfield and overload Anfauglith’s right flank, opening the gates to Ungoliant’s goal? Whatever she does, she should expect Anfauglith to adjust as well, and quickly—Gorgol and Balrog #4’s double marking of Nargothrond’s Gwindor successfully took the winger out of play after his excellent opening spell. AC Beleriand vs Nargothrond  [Projected formation. AC Beleriand in red and white; Nargothrond in green and yellow.] Formation: AC Beleriand’s 4-4-2 diamond has proven effective in choking Doriath’s possession game, reducing the forest realm squad to playing a counter-attacking strategy (which, however, they executed well). Their problem was lack of attacking width after Beleg and Lúthien successfully pinned Fingolfin and Ecthelion to the back line. As a result, when Doriath had adjusted to Beren’s forays from midfield, their attacks were reduced to Fëanor solo runs and increasingly inaccurate Eöl passes behind the defence. Fingolfin would be taken out of the offence again, since Nargothrond winger Gwindor would most likely be a handful for him, but Ecthelion can exploit Finrod’s tendency to drift inwards to push forward, giving a different look to AC Beleriand’s attack. Normally, a 4-3-3 playing against a 4-4-2 diamond, despite having a disadvantage in midfield, would have advantage in the flanks, since a full back in the 4-3-3 would not have to guard a winger (all of the midfielders in a 4-4-2 diamond play in the centre) and could therefore push forward with impunity, but as mentioned in ArdaCup.com Stats Report #5, Nargothrond's defenders have no instinct for attack—in fact, they are hardly sufficient for their main task, having struggled to contain Anfauglith’s lone striker Thuringwethil. Tactics: AC Beleriand would be wise stick to its attacking strategy, especially after seeing the dismal performance of the Nargothrond back four against the Anfauglith forward Thuringwethil. If the Nargothrond midfield sits deeper to help their defence then their attackers would be starved of the ball (unless Finrod links the midfielders and the forwards, but that would simply result in another problem: giving Ecthelion freedom to move forward). Nargothrond could play the same long-ball strategy Anfauglith used against them, and that Doriath used to some effect against AC Beleriand, but they have never used such a strategy before in the friendlies, even in their game against FC Valinor. While Glaurung would be suitable for such a strategy (being able to outpace and/or outmuscle his possible markers Imlach and Rochallor), using a play outside of the regular playbook might be disastrous if they could not execute it properly. The onus lies heavily on Finrod's shoulders—what could he do to offset his disadvantage in the defence and midfield?
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フェンリス鴨 (Fenrisu Kamo) The plot, cut, defeated. I intend to copy this sig forever - so far so good...
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06-03-2012, 06:00 PM
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#118 |
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Flame of the Ainulindalë
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Wearing rat's coat, crowskin, crossed staves in a field behaving as the wind behaves
Posts: 9,308
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The AKM is in crisis but predictions for round 2 nonetheless!
The AKM has met with an unforeseen problems when the luxury yacht the staff was cruising to celebrate the beginning of the Arda Cup 2012 collapsed and Ossë, never a fan of the AKM, decided to drown the whole bunch. With Uinen’s resourcefulness the whole editorial staff has been rescued but all the editors and journalists have been under strict supervision of the Balar Island’s hospital ever since and thus cut out from the world outside.
So as the only person present at the HQ of the AKM (who had a flu and couldn’t join the cruise) I feel it my responsibility to publish a prediction for round two of the group-phase. All the stats and advanced tables & expert memos the regular journalists had are in the bottom of the sea, I understand. But I will do my best to serve our readers. My apologies if the predictions are not that good, but I’m doing my best with the limited powers I have been given by birth and sources. ~*~ Group A The Downer vs. Tol In Gaurhoth If T-I-G wishes to have any say in this tournament they have to beat the Downer – and to beat them good. With a draw against the Shire-Bree they need every advantage in the scoring differences, and Shire-Bree can boast with scorers like Bombadill, Strider and Khamul… There is no question about the winner then. It will be the T-I-G. But do they have the guts and stamina to score as high scores as possible maintaining a defence tough enough not to let the always haphazard Downers score in return? The AKM believes the werewolves and wights will rise to the occasion and leave the Shire-Bree a mountain to climb in their last game against The Downer. The AKM predicts: T-I-G wins 4-1. Angband vs. Shire-Bree United No one doubted Angband’s defences but some questioned their attacking capabilities after the friendlies. But after Ancalagon scored two goals and Ulfast scoring from the bottom of the midfield against The Downer the doubters have become quieter. Team Angband can score and their defence is a tough one with mighty Melkor leading the team from behind. Shire-Bree’s chances lay in the unstoppable Bombadil who’s probably the only creature in the whole Arda who doesn’t fear Morgoth even a bit. Strider and the Barrow-Wight might also be able to stand the pressure of evil, but how will players like Butterbur, Ferny or the Nazguls take the challenge of Melkor, Ancalagon, Tevildo, a great Balrog and Carcaroth… That remains to be seen. The AKM predicts: Angband wins 3-1 (or 3-2). Group B Arnor vs. Inter Beleriand Arnor lost it’s first game against the group favourites Eriador and that’s kind of fine, but now they need to start winning if they wish to continue the tournament after the group-phase. But Inter Beleriand showed in it’s first competitive game that it is a lot tougher team many agencies were willing to grant after the friendlies. Inter Beleriand has an intimdating forwards duo in Fingon and Maedhros and Turgon can keep the enemy at bay for a long time, so mainly it’s a question whether Arnor’s not that dazzling forwards can penetrate the Gondolin defences dangerously enough. The AKM predicts they will not. The AKM predicts: Inter Beleriand wins 2-1 (or 1-0). Eriador vs. Gondolin Eriador is finally challenged by a team that can score (on a good day). Gothmog and Maeglin are more or less the first stable quality forwards Eriador has to meet. It is also worth noticing, that gondolin’s defences are probab ly not that bad the stats from the friendlies suggest as Gondolin has met some real shooting-powerhouses while Eriador has basically met none (unless Shire-Bree is counted in). The result will be decided by two factors: how well Elrond plays frustrating the Gondolin tide, and how well Glorfindel and the Witch King rise to the occasion when they have to score in turn. The AKM predicts: draw 1-1 (or 2-2). Group C Erebor vs. Wilderland Wilderland showed some real talent and shape in their first game against the (overrated) Anduin team 3-1, but Erebor showed some class as well beating the Dwarves with their more or less tough defences no less comfortably 2-0. So the two favourites of the group meet in the second round. Now Wilderland beat Erebor in the friendlies 2-1 and one would be easily persuaded to think they would win again. But after beating the “team to beat” in the first round it just might be the Wilderlanders feel a bit too comfortable and are not giving their 100% to the game. So it might end up as a draw as well. But the AKM trusts the working ethics and morale of team Wilderland is of the first claas and Oromë will lead his team into a victory once again. Now someone might ask if Smaug (0+0) or Thranduil (0+0) could just wake up and make a difference. To that we say: compare them to Scatha (1+1) and Galadriel (1+1) and stop dreaming. The AKM predicts: Wilderland wins 2-1 again (or 2-0). Anduin vs. Dwarves United Only a pathological optimist (if s/he likes dwarves) could still hope for the Dwarves united to qualify from the group-phase. Legolas just can’t score to win games alone. The team is just full of unfootball-like characters and that is a sad truth for the dwarven race. So Anduin will bring the game home and their target will be 2-0 like Erebor did. They will not be happy with anything less than that in case the qualifying will be up to the goal differences in the end. But the AKM thinks they are not having quality enough to better that. In the end Celebrimbor and Aulë are still quality defenders more than able to keep Grimbeorn, Boromir and Haldir at bay for the most time. The AKM predicts: Anduin wins 1-0. Group D Tirion vs. Real Valinor This is the death match! The team losing this game will be definitively out from the further stages of competition and it is quite clear neither team will be happy with a draw either. Some real fighting for the points to be anticipated then… Real Valinor has lost two games thus far (friendlies & round 1) but both of them were against FC Valinor which seems more or less unstoppable at the moment. Other than those two games their stats and performance seem just overwhelmingly great – and looking at the attack with Arien, Miriel and Nerdanel will make any opposite team sweat already before a game has started. But. And the but is this. Finwë, Eönwë and Aredhel have formed the deadliest forward trio in the friendlies and unlike the Real Valinor forwards they were in flames in the first group game as well all getting their names on the scoreboard. So how confidentially both forwards go into the game this time? Will Finarfin stand to the test, will Tulkas stand firm? This is the death match. The AKM predicts: Real Valinor wins 3-2. Armenelos vs. FC Valinor If the other game in group D is the death match, this will be the hegemony game. Armenelos showed they have not lost their stamina and can take on with anyone. And it sure will be no walk in the park for FC Valinor even if they are the favourites to the game. Even if some might think FC Valinor is satisfied with their win over Real, the charactersitics of their key-players like Huan and Curufin are not those of playing it half-hearted. So we will see a full fight here as well with neither side giving in an inch. But there is also an interesting added factor here: the team that wins the game secures their place in the qualifiers. So one might think both teams to fight it to the end just for that. Armenelos will do that as they meet Real in their last game, but will FC Valinor be happy with a draw if that comes to their grip in the last minutes? Maybe? The AKM predicts: FC Valinor wins 2-1 (or draw 2-2). Group E The Sea vs. Valimar If Manwë’s team Valimar was not able to beat the hosts the Havens when it mattered, it is a case in point to ask whether they are able to beat Ulmo’s the Sea? It is very hard to score against Valimar, everyone knows that, but do they have the killer-instinct to go and win games when they’d need to? With two draws from the first round this group is totally open and it looks like The Sea has it’s chance of making it in this game. The Númenorian kings, especially Tar minastir, are performing well indeed and Ulmo & his minions form a tough downstairs it took 75 minutes for the attacking-powerhouse of Hithlum to break. So how will the less hungry forwards of Valimar fare in there? The AKM predicts: The Sea wins 1-0. Hithlum vs. The Havens Now here Hithlum will do some real damage and enhance their overall standing considerably. The Havens are playing at their home-arena but the Hithlum team is now both angry and hungry for goals. The Havens may not be as low as the 21st. team in this competition (as the AKM’s power rankings suggested after the friendlies) but Hithlum will just run them down as Eärendil, Tuor and Aegnor – as good as they are – will not match the attacking stamina of Nienor, Húrin, Túrin and Hador. Hithlum has been scored against frequently in the friendlies but so has the Havens. So the quality of the attack will be the major decider. And there Hithlum will just be that much sharper. The reclaimer is this, though. The Havens is one of those teams the stats have underestimated the most and it is possible that with their home support they can give Hithlum a real fight. The AKM predicts: Hithlum wins 4-2. Group F Imladris vs. Misty Mountains This is one of those games where you have a team with solid defence and poor finishing against another with relatively nice scoring but leaking defences. Rohan made themselves the clear favourites of group F by winning Imladris in the first round while Misty Mountains had to contend themselves with a draw with Isengard – something they surely were not foreseeing. So both teams need a win now. Durin’s Bane and Narvi have shown themselves to be quality-scorers, but Elros is one of the best goalies in this tournament. On the other end it looks like Elrond’s children are not yet ready to carry the resposibility of leading a team on their own, even if uncle Elros supports them from the goal. But against the slow trolls the half-elven children should be at their best and the chief wolf will most probably be forced to fouls trying to catch them while Elros will be a tough enough opponent for Durin’s Bane and Narvi if the defences fall over. The AKM predicts: Imladris wins 1-0. Isengard vs. Rohan The neighbours clash once again with some divided loyalties! Isengard may not be as bad a team the stat-based charts on the friendlies might suggest, but it seems to be a fact Saruman is not a Wizard when it comes to football. Playing it even with the Misty Mountains on the other hand suggests there is some untapped power there this time. It will not be enough to challenge the great teams of the tournament, but it might be enough to tease the other teams in group F. Then again Rohan can more or less secure their place in the qualifiers by winning Isengard, and Rohan’s defences are in many ways one of the best in the tournament. So even if Saruman has Treebeard, Caradhras, and Quickbeam in his squad, there are just too many “beaters of Saruman” in team Rohan for Saruman to win against the chances. The one word of caution though is this: Isengard won Minas tirith 2-1 in a tournament-style game while Rohan had to concede a draw 1-1. Rohan did not play seriously for a second goal after their first one until Minas Tirith equalised late in the game, but anyway… The AKM predicts: Rohan wins 1-0. Group G Anfaughlith vs. Doriath Anfaughlith is seen as one of the major defencive powerhouses of this tournament but everyone doubted their attacking capabilities. Then suddenly, meeting the offencive craze of Nargothrond they allowed two goals in one game (they only allowed one in all the total four friendlies), but Thuringwethil also woke up and scored twice (she made their only goal in the four friendlies). The question is, will anyone else aid her in scoring? With team Doriath it has all being about Beleg and Lúthien Tinúviel scoring and Daeron giving them support while Melian’s defence has not been the all-closing belt one would have wished for and even if Dior is a decent goalie, he’s not a cup-winning one. But will Beleg and Lúthien be able to break in behind Anfaughlith defences? Lúthien has experience on that but will it be enough when she faces the primordial Ungoliant as the last lock this time? The two teams met on the last round of friendlies and defended strongly ending up 0-0 with neither team wishing to show their offencive cards. With first games ending in 2-2 draws both teams are now hungry for a win so there is a great fight to be anticipated. It smells like a draw… The AKM predicts: draw 1-1 (or either team wins 2-1) AC Beleriand vs. Nargothrond AC Beleriand is a tough team to beat, but so is Nargothrond (their only loss in the friendlies came to FC Valinor). With both first games drawn the stakes are getting higher. The winner of the game will have a lot safer feeling which kind of rises the chance of a draw here. Being forced to a draw with Doriath AC Beleriand has clearly fallen in the rankings of most betting agencies, but there are still many who believe in the magic of Fëanor, and with mates like Eöl, Beren and Fingolfin it’s easy to see where that trust comes from. But will it be enough? AC Beleriand played fine in the friendlies and ended up in the top ten of every agency, mosty in the top five. But are they that good when games matter? The game against Doriath speaks differently – even if many admit Doriath’s capabilities may have been underestimated thus far. But how about Nargothrond then? They are one of the top-scoring teams of the tournament this year with Gwindor and Glaurung leading the way – and Finrod Felagund tempts to rise to the occasion when needed (like we saw in the first game against Anfaughlith). The AKM predicts: draw 2-2 (or if Fëanor gets wild: 3-2 to AC Bel.). Group H Barad-Dûr vs. Gondor With Sauron aboard one should never underestimate the team he plays in. And the same holds true this time, even if they had to contend themselves with a draw against Minas Tirith on the first round. But whatever the case they just let the other team to make too many shots against their goal the Mumakîl to save. Gondor on the other hand took a firm hold of the other place in the qualifiers beating Mordor 2-1 in the first game and being the favourites to win the group anyway they stand the favourites also for this game as with a win they would secure their place in the sweet sixteen. But if Barad-Dûr has any wish to qualify, they will make a game of this forcing Gondor to really fight for the win. And Sauron is no quitter, so Gondor be warned! The AKM predicts: Barad-Dûr wins 2-1. Minas Tirith vs. Mordor Minas Tirith and Mordor draw 1-1 in the first friendly. After that Minas Tirith’s stats look way better than Mordor’s – and them playing a draw with Barad-Dûr looks also better than Mordor losing their game to Gondor. So there is a favourite to win this game and that is Minas Tirith, especially now when it looks like both Boromir and Faramir have shown their qualities when it matters. Now Shelob has also shown some signs of awakening scoring her second goal in the first game where it actually mattered. Will she be ab le to step up her pace and are the Nazgûls and orcs able to feed her well enough remains to be seen. But thus far it looks like Minas Tirith are the favourites. The added twist comes from the fact that if Mordor loses they will be removed from the tournament and they will do everything to avoid that, so Minas Tirithcan’t afford any loose or reckless playing this time. The AKM predicts: Minas Tirith wins 2-1 (or draw 1-1).
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Upon the hearth the fire is red Beneath the roof there is a bed; But not yet weary are our feet... |
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06-04-2012, 02:44 PM
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#119 |
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Beloved Shadow
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: The Stadium
Posts: 5,971
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Group B @ Weathertop
There were many opinions to be found in the various establishments near to Weathertop. The locals were quite positive, as the host team Eriador had the points lead and nearby Arnor had played them tough- not to mention Inter Beleriand and Gondolin had drawn, meaning that despite the loss they were but one point out of second place. The Elves of Gondolin were quite optimistic as well, pointing out that the only reason they didn't defeat Inter Beleriand was due to some amazing saves by their own Turgon. "I think we're both going to advance," was the common refrain. "We got our toughest game out of the way and now both Beleriand-based squads are going to show these first-agers how to play. The fans of Maedhros, Fingon, and Inter Bel were also confident about their chances, but perhaps a little less cocky. True, they had been out-shot by Gondolin in their opening match, but they didn't feel they'd been dominated in any way. "That's the way we play," said Fingon yesterday. "We'll let the opposition take what we feel we can withstand, and we capitalize with efficiency when we get our chances." And indeed that looked to be the recipe in their early game against Arnor. The men of the North controlled most of the possession during the opening half, but Inter Beleriand managed to get on the scoreboard first thanks to a well-timed interception and quick pass the other way from Haleth, which found Maedhros too alone and close to goal for the star forward to make a mistake. The Arnor crowd was still in it though, as they had witnessed their team's solid play up until that point and believed they would gain a deserved goal sooner or later. And they were right- the equalizer came just minutes before the first half ended. Isildur forced his way past two defenders and gunned a cross along the end line, which deflected off Brandir and was reacted to beautifully by Argeleb who sent the bounce into the back of the net. Both teams started the second with some uncharacteristic mistakes, perhaps showing the nerves in a game they both wanted badly. After some sloppy passing Inter made their worst mistake at 53 minutes, when Balrog #5 didn't look carefully before sending the ball back and across to Haldad, and a dashing Araphor cut in front of him and fired a shot at the far corner after one touch. Fortunately for Inter the ball skimmed over the top of the crossbar, as Turgon was a bit unprepared and couldn't have stopped the ball had it been on target. Just seconds later Arnor made a poor play of their own, only this one proved fatal. After a pass-back, keeper Arvedui sent the ball out to his defense, but unfortunately both Araval and Valandur thought the ball was for them. At the last second both of the converging men pulled up short to avoid a collision, and the ball passed right between them to a charging Hunthor, who wasted no time and sent it rolling to the right side of the box for the onrushing Fingon. Fingon kept his defender pinned on the outside and drove it near-post with his left boot, and the stadium suddenly fell silent, except for the group of Noldor in the eastern stands of course. Inter Bel played it calm and confidently after that, running clock whenever possible and putting defense first. On two separate occasions their decision not to score more looked like it might doom them, but Turgon was equal to the challenge and stopped the flurry when his defenders got beat. Most impressive was his swat-away in the final minute off a header by Isildur. When the final whistle sounded the Arnorians filed from the arena quite slowly, numbed by what they'd seen. They hadn't played poorly- in fact, they weren't entirely certain they hadn't played slightly better overall. But the fact was they were sitting with no points after the first two rounds. Arnor 1-2 Inter Beleriand on target 7-4 tot shots 18-10 GOALS: *26, 0-1 Maedhros (Haleth) *39, 1-1 Argeleb (Isildur) *54, 1-2 Fingon (Hunthor) YELLOW CARDS: *Arnor- Isildur *InterBel- Balrog #5, Forweg The Gondolin supporters filed their way into the arena with much shouting and singing in the early evening hours. Quite a few of them had been present for the morning game to see Turgon and his cousins play, and that match had put them in a very good mood, as it supported their theory that the Beleriand teams would be the ones to advance. The Eriador crowd arrived a bit later. The Arnorian supporters still looked downcast from the early result, but the Elves of Rivendell and the orcs and men of Angmar looked ready to party. The orcs particularly could be seen trading barbs with the Gondolin fans- "Our Witch King is going to shred you guys!" "Ha, you wish! We've got Maeglin and Gothmog. If it's a scoring contest, we win!" "Witch King has your own Glorfindel up front with him!" "Psh, our front two are still better!" "Even if that was true, we've got Elrond in goal! End of story!" When the match kicked off it was a great contest indeed! Both teams flashed some high-quality skill, and the opposition made some athletic plays to fend the attackers off. At the 15 minute mark the Gondolin fans rose out of their seats as Maeglin made a crafty run and found Gothmog's head, but the shouts died on their lips as Elrond guessed right and batted it away. Instead it was Eriador drawing first blood- and it hurt for Gondolin to see their own son Glorfindel scamper in and slot it past Rog for the lead. Thirteen minutes later Gothmog was frustrated again by Elrond, as his rocket of a drive was tipped off course by the diving Elf-lord. But Gothmog's groan of frustration quickly morphed into a bellow of delight as the deflected ball bounced off the post and the "keen-boot" Maeglin deftly volleyed it out of the air and into the near side, leaving Elrond no time to react. It was tied! Fans of both squads continued to talk smack during halftime, but it was more in good spirits than it had been in pregame, as the crowd could not help but be put in a good mood by the fine play they were witnessing, and grudging respect was growing even with the most hostile supporters. The second half began and the crowd was treated to more of the same. Glorfindel sped past nearly the entire defense, but Aranwe came sliding in with a perfect tackle to prevent the one-on-one with the keeper. Then Duilin sent a long cross from nearly midfield that curved in perfectly to Gothmog and looked to have Gondolin ahead, but Malbeth saw it coming just in time and with a mighty leap touched it just enough to send it too high for the Balrog Lord to control. After nearly 20 minutes of exquisite back-and-forth, the tie was finally broken. Arassuil sent the corner in for Eriador- Witch King was held up and Glorfindel was bracketed, but somehow the defense lost track of the tall Gil-galad, and he struck true with his noble brow. Eriador was up! As the minute mark passed into the seventies Gondolin began to get more aggressive, but Eriador played soundly and kept the duo of stars contained. At minute 76 it looked like Gondolin had finally won the battle when a corner ricocheted about awkwardly and fell right to Egalmoth, but his point-blank effort was spectacularly smothered by Elrond, and the lead held. At last in minute 80 the scoreboard was lit again, but not by the aggressors. In their committal to the attack Gondolin had tired themselves out and had also left themselves open to Eriador's counter, and a rather tired pass near midfield was intercepted by a sneaky Arassuil, who had been baiting the opening. He got there first and immediately touched it forward and left. First there was the barely-onside Glorfindel, and with Witch King sprinting down the center they were free for a 2-on-1 with Rog. Rog guessed shot left, Glorfindel went pass right, and just like that Eriador had a commanding two-goal lead! The Witch King supporters in particular could be heard shouting jubilantly, as he had backed up all their pre-game talk by putting his name on the scoring list. The Gondolin supporters hung their heads. They couldn't be angry- they were getting beat fair and square on the field, and the thought just made them sick. A few optimistic souls still hoped for a comeback, but the wiser ones knew that Gil-galad, Asfaloth, and the men of Arnor weren't going to make a mistake at the back, and even if they did- Elrond would be there to clean it up. And indeed, that is how the contest ended- at 3 to 1. Eriador was already guaranteed a playoff spot, while Gondolin trudged from the stadium but one point out of last place. Eriador 3-1 Gondolin on target 6-5 tot shots 14-12 GOALS: *22, 1-0 Glorfindel (Arassuil) *35, 1-1 Maeglin (Gothmog) *64, 2-1 Gil-galad (Arassuil) *80, 3-1 Witch King (Glorfindel) YELLOW CARDS: *Eriador- Gil-galad, Asfaloth *Gondolin- Pengolodh, Elemmakil, Egalmoth
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06-05-2012, 02:13 AM
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#120 | |
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Scion of The Faithful
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: The brink, where hope and despair are akin. [The Philippines]
Posts: 5,312
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Tar-Eldar Network Television group stage coverage 2
Group G at Nargothrond
Notice to the Public: On Lótessë the 31st, Year 2012 of the Seventh Age, Boromir the 88th of TTN said: Quote:
And now, we return to our regular programming: _______________ Almost half the seats in the High Faroth Arena were occupied by Orcs and Trolls cheering for Ungoliant and the Balrogs of Anfauglith. The outnumbered Doriath supporters tried their best to make themselves heard, but the war drums and the chanting was too much for them to overcome. A few thousand Nargothrond supporters also came to watch the match. Although they wanted to cheer for Doriath, they also hoped for draw, since it would make Nargothrond’s path to advancement much easier. If that was what they wanted, then the first half was exactly what the doctor ordered. The two squads started conservatively. Melian of Doriath played central defender, marking Thuringwethil personally. With their queen not helping in the midfield, Daeron, Nellas and Galadhon found themselves pressed by Anfauglith’s midfield five. They found no space to work the ball forward, and so for most of the half the ball was contested in the middle portion of the pitch. Lúthien and Beleg tried to play on the flanks, but the Balrogs were more than up to the challenge of containing them. Their few crosses, hurriedly sent, were smothered by Ungoliant or cleared by Borlach before Mablung could even get to them. They two teams remained scoreless when the half-time whistle was blown. In the second half Doriath found a renewed energy for attack, catalysed by Melian’s shift from centre to left back, which gave her space to move the ball towards the Anfauglith side of the pitch. Her interplay with Lúthien gave Doriath their best chance of the game; five minutes into the half, Tinúviel cut inside, luring Balrog #3 to follow her, before passing the ball to a touchline-hugging Melian. The Maia found space to send a pinpoint cross, but Mablung’s finishing left much to be desired, striking the crossbar with the net at his mercy. Doriath would rue this wasted chance when, in the sixty-second minute, Galdor, exploiting the space left behind by Melian, received a pass from Thuringwethil and powered the ball into an empty net. After conceding Doriath became more desperate for a goal, which only fuelled Anfauglith’s counterattacking strategy. Only the efforts of Melian, who blamed herself for the goal, kept Thuringwethil from adding to their lead. However, without their captain’s help in the attack, Doriath were unable to breach Ungoliant’s goal, and Anfauglith soon walked away victorious, one step closer to advancing. Anfauglith 1-0 Doriath
GOALS: 62, 1-0 Galdor (Thuringwethil) Total Shots 13-8 Shots On Target 5-3 YELLOW CARDS: 2-1 Anfauglith: Borlach, Gorgol Doriath: Galadhon
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フェンリス鴨 (Fenrisu Kamo) The plot, cut, defeated. I intend to copy this sig forever - so far so good...
Last edited by Nilpaurion Felagund; 07-20-2012 at 09:12 AM. |
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