ARDA CUP Football 2012

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

[Author's note: The text in triple brackets [[[text]]] are to be struck through. Unfortunately the strikethrough tag doesn't work in the Downs, nor do strikethrough text generators. So sorry. ++N(L)]

Group G at Nargothrond (Continued)

Notice to the Public:
Tar-Eldar Network Television and ArdaCup.com Stats Report are run by pretentious prats. I’ve succeeded in cutting off their feed just this once, so I can give you the coverage free from their corporate-sponsored blathering and give you the real game.

And now, we return to our [[[ir]]]regular programming:
_______________

A long time ago, just after Bëor began his pioneering research in [[[in]]]effective goalkeeping , the hosts of the Valar landed in Beleriand and tore the land asunder in their battle against the forces of Morgoth. Morgoth himself cowered helplessly in the deepest pits of Angband and was soon dragged out by Eönwë, Herald of Manwë and typical tough guy, who strode across unstable footing in his Chucks, hauling the One Who Arises in Might by his collar. This was the image conjured in my mind by the dismantling of Nargothrond by AC Beleriand.

This has been done to the hidden realm before, of course. But Glaurung is innocent this time; he’s even wearing the home team’s yellow shirt. No, this time the damage was inflicted mostly by ‘Mr Own Goal’ Fëanor and Beren ‘Luckiest Guy in Arda’, who decided that fourteen second-half minutes would be enough to turn a tightly-contested match into a slaughter reminiscent of Elenna going against a tsunami. And like the ‘Akallabêth’, it was quick, it was generally painless, and it changed the world forever—or at least Nargothrond’s chances of getting past the group stage.

The match began deceptively, as if Sauron, in his guise as Annatar, was in the pitch with Finrod and his lads, offering them the chance to make it to the round of sixteen and beyond. And like the enlightened Noldor of Eregion, they believed it. They attacked with a gusto usually reserved by the Fëanorians for their fellow Elves. Gwindor ‘Charge!’ son of Guilin made a by-your-leave cross past Fingolfin that missed Glaurung’s tail by, I dunno, a few yards. Then there was a perfect Finrod through ball for Imlach ‘In Which Chapter was This Guy Mentioned?’, who had no trouble converting the Wise One’s pass into a clearance. Scintillating.

But all their efforts were not in vain. In the seventh minute, after receiving a lofted pass inside the box from Orodreth ‘Firm Believer in Infrastructure’ son of Finarfin or Angrod (which one is it, really?!), Glaurung ‘The Faithful’ held the ball up against the challenge of Imlach ‘Who Was This Dude Again?’ and ‘I’m a Horse Playing Football’ Rochallor before cutting it back for Finrod ‘Worst Ruler in Arda’ Felagund, who put the ball past the outstretched hand of a helpless Marach (because that’s the perfect adjective to describe most of the Edain during the First Age—helpless.)

One would expect that with the early lead, AC Beleriand would simply fold and hand the group over to Nargothrond. However, much like Maedhros’s triumph over Morgoth in the Fifth Battle of Beleriand, that was not the case. It took a while, but after more than half an hour of kicking the ball up and down the pitch, Fëanor found Beren to the left of the box with enough space to fit the Éothéod in, and Beren… Well, after getting a Silmaril and Lúthien, what more can you deny the man?

The two squads took a tied game into the break, and while Nargothrond seemed to have let their offensive prowess take a sabbatical in the pristine shores of the Falas, AC Beleriand must have asked theirs to call their cousins in Hithlum over, because AC Beleriand took to the pitch with a redoubled fury that reminded no one of Farmer Maggot after Frodo stole some mushrooms again. And like Farmer Maggot it would take them a while (fourteen minutes, to be exact) to find out whom to vent their fury against, but when they did…

Against a lesser goalkeeper, they might have scored one or two. But they were up against Bëor, a record-holding goalkeeper, none of whose records, unfortunately, are related to goalkeeping. Fortunately, some of them are really cool, like AR/DA’s ‘Let It Be Rock.’ Unfortunately, even I think that that pun was totally lame. So moving on…

Fëanor took a long ball from Rochallor and waved to the Nargothrond defenders sipping their daiquiris and lounging in their poolside chairs on his way to an appointment with the netting. Five minutes after Beren, played in by ‘Bungee Jumper’ Eöl, rifled the ball past the Great Wall of Nargothrond (so-called because Bëor is, after all, old and hopelessly useless as a means of defence.) The whole AC Beleriand squad was so pumped up, even Ulrad ‘Where Did Fëanor Find These People?’ and Ecthelion ‘Pointy Hat’ joined the party four minutes later, with the Ultimate Radical heading in a spiked-helmet cross to triple their lead. Then in the sixty-seventh minute, referee Atanalcar[[[, signed by Fëanor from Manwë’s Pelóri squad for $10 million]]] gave a free kick to AC Beleriand from a position so perilous I’m surprised no one has yet placed an ‘Abandon All Hope Ye Who Enter Here’ sign above it. Bregolas took the shot, and Bëor ‘Butterfinger Not Butterbur’ spilled the save into the path of, oh, look, Fëanor. Can I wake up now?

After the fourteen minutes of horror, Nargothrond recovered from their daze (in the defenders’s cases, it was the daiquiri’s fault) and tried to fight back. However, they failed to create any goalscoring opportunities, nor did they have a chance of beating the finest defenders in Beleriand arrayed before Marach. This was particularly the case in the eighty-fourth minute, as Fingolfin did not allow Gwindor to cross; thus his cross, which never happened, was not tailed over the crossbar by Glaurung. And soon the game, like the unfortunate Man struck by Glaurung’s not-tailer, was done.

This must be the curse of the yellow shirts. The last time Nargothrond players took to the pitch wearing their home colours, they lost to Tol-in-Gaurhoth, and before that, to Túna. Or maybe this time it could be the curse of ‘paying too much for offence and having no budget left for defence’. In any case, it’s back to the drawing board for the most reviled prince of the Noldor; his squad now has to defeat the team from Melian’s belt if they still want a chance to go where no other Nargothrond XI had gone before. Oh, and they also have to hope that the Anfauglith-AC Beleriand game doesn’t end in a draw. Yes. Good luck with that. Viva Nargothrondia.

AC Beleriand 5-1 Nargothrond
GOALS:
7, 0-1 Finrod (Glaurung)
38, 1-1 Beren (Fëanor)
59, 2-1 Fëanor (Rochallor)
64, 3-1 Beren (Eöl)
68, 4-1 Ulrad (Ecthelion)
73, 5-1 Fëanor (Bregolas)

Total Shots
22-12
Shots On Target
10-4

YELLOW CARDS:
1-2
AC Bel: Ulrad
Nargothrond: Mîm, Gwindor

[Nogrod]

Group D at Armenelos, round 2

With the home team’s great win over Tirion on the first round it felt like an overwhelming load of tension had been lifted from the Númenorian fans’ shoulders. And the next day the visitors to the great city of Armenelos experienced such hospitability only the greatest of the men could offer. The day between the games was a day of rejoicing and anticipation – and the sun shone from clear skies to underline the general mood.

But as the second game-day broke one could feel some tensions rising behind the smiling faces and general courtesy. It was felt strongest with the fans of Real Valinor and Tirion though as both teams had lost their first game and so the afternoon-game would be a “game of life and death” to both of them: the loser of the match would have packed two losses from two games and would be out of the tournament whereas the winner would more or less have their fate in their own hands come the third round.

In the pre-game press conference the representatives of the teams still managed to be quite relaxed, but some tensions could be found as well. Read the clip from the Armenelos Stadium lounge to learn more…

The Armenelos Times: Mr. Curufin, sir, some people say you are growing overconfident and that gives chances to your opponents. Are you familiar with the proverb that hybris is always followed by nemesis?

Curufin: I’m not too much into proverbs. We call our way determination…

The Armenelos Times: But you must be familiar with the concept, for exactly here I think your renowned family and we Númenoreans share some common ground.

Curufin: You do the best with what is given to you, right?

Nerdanel: As your mother I could say a thing or two about doing the best with what you are given… and were your grandma here I bet she would tell you the same thing. *flashes a sarcastic smile*

Curufin: Oh mom, please. *frowns and smiles*

The Númenorian: Please lady Nerdanel, how do you feel your chances running for the second position against the home team?

Nerdanel: They won Tirion so we have to do the same today and then we’ll see in a match-up on round three which one goes forwards. Unlike most things in life it seems as simple as that.

Túna Watcher: What do you Mahtan think of what your daughter speaks here? Is Tirion going to be walked over like that today?

Mahtan: Of course not. I think she has spent too much time with the Fëanorian side of her family, even if I still love her dearly. But we’ll prevail in the end as we know the trade and have taught it to the others – have you ever seen an apprentice to beat the master or the child to outshine the parent?

Curufin: With all due reverence, aren’t you now messing the strength of blood with football dear Granpa? And many might disagree with your principle even when it comes to smithery…

Ar Pharazôn: Excuse me. We know for a fact that generations evolve into higher forms unless there are some catastrophes that cut the races or nations down and suck the life-blood from their veins. You Tirion guys lost your game to us, so how does that count in your scheme of teachers or older masters always being better than their apprentices? Your team’s legacy may be great but we represent the heyday of the laterborn – and we will go far in this tournament!
*cheers from the local media representatives*

Túna Watcher: So you see Mahtan’s Real Valinor beat his daughter’s Tirion then, and feel good about it?

Ar Pharazôn: Oh, you’re playing it unfair now my good elf… You all firstborn are so last season.
*more laughter*


~*~

So it was the game of life and death then when the players of Real Valinor and Tirion jogged to the pitch with the full stadium roaring in applause. It was clear the homeside fans were taking sides cheering loudly to the Tirion players. There probably wasn’t any special love towards the Tiron team (or hatred against the Real Valinor players), but looking at the table the Númenorians would love to see Tirion beat Real Valimar as that might mean they could qualify with a draw against Real Valinor – in case they didn’t win FC Valinor later the day, into which only a few actually believed even if many liked to say they did.

If one was looking for quality football the game was real value for the money. The game was fast, the individual skills of some of the players were just magical (Nerdanel’s soft touch, Miriel’s intelligence, Eönwë’s commanding stature…), and the team play produced some heart-stopping combos that would wet the eyes of any aesthetically astute person.

But competition-wise it started to look pretty clear from the early minutes on. The game flowed more or less evenly from one end to the other and both teams produced some quality chances while both keepers performed some major saves, but everyone could see that the attacks by Real Valinor were always that magical inch sharper, that little bit more dangerous-looking – and their visits on the Tirion’s defence seemed to become all the more frequent, longer, and more concentrated the older the game turned.

The goal was hanging in the air, and it did land on the pitch at 26th minute when Real Valinor’s deadly trio just tore the Tirion defence to pieces. Arien had an easy job to move the ball into the empty net from beside the post of the goal after Miriel had taken Finarfin with her – being in turn released alone against him by a perfect pass by Nerdanel – and made a dazzling back-heel pass leaving Finarfin totally helpless.

Oftentimes the dynamics of the game change considerably after the first goal, but this time it went on exactly it had gone before the goal, and thus Real Valinor pressed even more, slowly taking the whole game into their hands. And before the half-time they did actually score again. Now it was Nessa’s flashing speed that left the Tiron defenders look as mobile like statues of marble. With Miriel’s perfectly timed pass she broke free from them and scored beautifully first running out of reach of Finarfin who tried to come forwards to challenge her.

But those who thought at the half-time that the game was over and done with couldn’t have been more wrong.

Real Valinor players are an experienced and smart bunch and they know that securing the lead with just falling back and trying to defend the goal leads to ever more opportunities to the opposing team, building of ever more pressure, and to a high risk of a thriller come-back by the other team. But leading with two goals it is hard not to fall back just an inch when you have everything to lose with a bit riskier game.

Tirion on the other hand was with their back against the wall: lose now and basically be kicked out of the tournament. So they came into the second half with a fury. Eönwë had grown to his full stature creating awe everywhere he went and Finwë looked as noble and high as the great father and the first High King of Noldor should look like – and his grand-daughter Aredhel looked just plain dangerous: tall, strong and beautiful.

With a newly found determination they started rolling their attacks one after another against Real Valinor’s defences and for the first 15 minutes it seemed there was only one team in the field. Real started to find their form slowly and managed some offencive play at times after that, but it was clear where the dangerous situations were. Aredhel headed the ball to the post, Eönwë’s freekick boomed just inches over the crossbar, Thorondor beaked the ball straight to the upper corner of the goal but Tulkas managed to tip it a way at the last possible moment…

And Tirion got their well-deserved goal at the 75th minute when Finwë slided to the ball from a rebound at close range after Aredhel’s top shot.

So the last 15 minutes were a thriller with Tiron chasing for an equalizer and Real Valinor willing to keep their goal safe. But here the greatness of team Real came to the fore. They started attacking more decidedly forcing Tirion into the defence every other time and keeping them on their toes not to allow Real to score a 3-1 decider… And that decided the game.

Tirion was out of the tournament and would only play for their honour in their last match against FC Valinor. But looking at their squad there surely is a lot of honour to defend, so FC Valinor will get nothing from them for free. Real Valinor in turn should now have everything in their own hands: win Armenelos in the last game and qualify. Other options would be known only after the evening game…

Real Valinor 2-1 Tirion
on target 7-5
tot shots 16-13
GOALS:
*26, 1-0 Arien (Miriel)
*41, 2-0 Nessa (Miriel)
*75, 2-1 Finwe (Aredhel)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Real- Caranthir, Arien
*Tirion- Anaire


After the thriller it was the home team’s turn to run into the arena – and to face the number one favourites for the whole tournament by any decent footballing agency there are. The sun was already setting and the hundreds of torches planted around the pitch were being lit to light the field and the exits from the stands – on top of the stadium there was a ring of greater fires creating a general light over the audience and even to the pitch. It’s hard to describe the mood with anything else but saying it was just awesome: the dark bluish sky with a tint of bright colors from the setting sun, the bit flickering but strong light from the torches and fires, the tension; the hopes and fears of the homeside fans, the majesty of the players of both teams, the anticipation of a great game, nervousness, joy, the amounts of wine spent that day already.

It is these moments, among others, that make football such a larger than life phenomenon.

The game itself was an awesome torture to the homeside crowds and a sovereign show of just how strong the FC Valinor team is at the moment. Armenelos played beautiful football: the big, strong and graceful kings moved the ball with astonishing ease and confidence but the defences they faced were just even bigger, stronger and more graceful! Nahar, Oromë’s great white horse seemed to be everywhere and never late dominating the Nümenorian kings also with it’s pure size and stamina. And where Nahar was absent, Penlod, the tallest of the Noldorin was shutting the way with Maglor, the son of Fëanor with some real staying-power and integrity. And Lórien also fell down repeatedly to help the defences with his commanding presence. So even if the Númenorians fought bravely their alleys of attack were just shut off before them forcing them oftentimes to shoot form a far (that actually explains the bigger than normal difference between the overall shots and those on target).

Now team Armenelos has a tough defence as well, but facing a forwards squad made up from brothers Curufin and Celegorm, one of the hottest and toughest duos this year (and last), and Yavanna’s and Idril’s grace, well that spells trouble – and will do it to any defence this year. Actually one thing that makes team FC Valinor such a strong one this year seems to be their great balance of skills and different characteristics: there’s brutal force and stamina, there is speed and elegance, there’s creativity and determination, there is poetry and heroism, spiritual and physical prowess, you name it.

After half an hour of play FC Valinor started to deliver. Celegorm just pushed himself trough the defencive line and hammered the ball in behind Tar Atanamir from the edge of the box at 31st minute. And only eight minutes later Tar Atanamir had to pick the ball again from inside the net when Lórien had risen highest of the crowd after a cornerkick and headed the ball unstoppably to the low corner. The visitors were leading 2-0 at the half-time and had been impressive indeed in everything they did.

Which doesn’t mean Armenelos didn’t or couldn’t fight back. And especially early on the second half Armenelos was even closer to score than FC Valinor who had lessened the pressure a little being two goals ahead and not willing to use their energy 110% anymore. But there was still Huan to beat and both shots on target on the second half were picked up by the hound. The second by Ar Pharazôn was actually quite a spectacular one when Huan “nosed” the ball off from the upper-left corner of the goal just at the last moment making such a leap to it the spectators were gasping their breath when most were already rising up to celebrate a goal.

Towards the end of the game the tensions loosened little by little when it started to become evident Armenelos was not going to score, at least not going to score twice to even the game. So the ending of the game was a kind of an anti-climax when for the last five minutes both teams seemed happy to just kick the ball around. But it was understandable as well when FC Valinor had nothing to gain for adding a goal more and Armenelos was keen to save their energies to their last match against Real Valinor which would decide the other qualifying team from group D.

Armenelos 0-2 FC Valinor
on target 3-6
tot shots 12-14
GOALS:
*31, 0-1 Celegorm (Curufin)
*39, 0-2 Irmo (Celegorm)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Armen- Ar Zimrathan, Tar Ancalimon
*FCVal- Irmo


Two games:

FC Valinor 6pts. 5-0
Armenelos 3pts. 3-4
Real Valinor 3pts. 2-4
Tirion 0pts. 3-5


Last matches:

FC Valinor vs. Tirion
FC Valinor has secured the first place in the group and a place on the next rounds. Tirion has no chance of qualifying and will play their last game purely for honour.

Armenelos vs. Real Valinor
Armenelos and Real Valinor will fight it out for the second qualifying slot. In case of a draw Armenelos will qualify because of their better goal-difference.

[the phantom]

Group C @ Moria

The Group C games were scheduled a bit closer together in the second round at Moria, for the host committee simply could not justify a late-morning start for the highly anticipated match between Erebor and Wilderland. Pretty well every publication had both teams ranked in the top 10- some of them in the top 5. The much-respected TTN Power-Rankings had Wilderland slotted at #2 and Erebor at #6 heading into the clash.

Wilderland was the favorite in the eyes of most, and with Galadriel, Orome, Elwe, and Scatha making the attacks it was easy to see why. But Erebor was nearly dismissive of the threat at the pre-game interviews. Defender Girion said: "Gwaihir is right up on par with Thorondor himself- he's a swift-flying defending menace, and has a lightning quick beak and huge size to boot. Frankly I think he'll lock up anyone he's on. And his relatives Meneldor and Landroval have similar skills, and I'm no slouch, and even if we grant the edge on a play or two we've got Beorn minding the nets. This end of the field is going to be even. The difference will be at the other end- and we've got the advantage there."

And the publications didn't entirely disagree with the second half of Girion's statement. Bolg, Bard, and Nazgul #7 were all solid supporters of the attack, and Thranduil is of course a proven play-maker, and there was absolutely no question that Smaug could prove too hot to handle. Monster Magazine dragon-columnist Ruharg the Red noted before even the first round of group play that Wilderland's Ent defenders were not going to match up well with Erebor. "Fire-breathers like Smaug freak Ents out to be honest, even if they're not allowed to blow fire. But when he's breathing hard out there, the air directly in front of his face is going to get spicey like it or not, and should there be ready kindling close by (in the form of Ents), well... they will certainly be nervous about it."

And when the late afternoon game in the beautiful Dimrill Dale kicked off Ruharg and other such critics looked smart indeed, as the Ents were definitely giving the dragon too much space, and already in the fifth minute Thranduil found him open and the Great Warg was lucky to keep it out. After applying steady pressure to open, Erebor cracked the scoreboard at fifteen minutes, and no surprises- it was the dragon.

The Ents were sending some passes at the back and Smaug suddenly launched forward to challenge, momentarily panicking Beechbone. The frightened Ent mis-kicked a ball over to Skinbark, and the Ent was not quick enough changing directions and Smaug swooped over and beat him to it with a flick of his tail, and Erebor had the well-deserved lead!

The defenders got verbally hammered by Orome and Galadriel after that- told that like it or not they had to D-up on Smaug. The ashamed Ents took the advice to heart and got up close to the dragon, matching their tough bark to his iron scales. Smaug appeared flustered by it, as the Ents had the strength and size to upset his movements and give him a bruise or two. Skinbark even drew a card for being a bit excessive. Fumes emerged from Smaug's maw and it looked certain he would start retaliating in a big way, but Dain and Thranduil ran to calm him, pointing out that Wilderland's tactics were probably to get him carded out of the game.

Smaug and company countered by sending the dragon to the air, having him dive down for quick touches and constantly threatening to beat the defenders on a long-ball behind them should they push up the field. In the meantime Wilderland was finally getting some threats of their own at the other end with some nifty passing from the front four, but the great eagles were equal to them and always took up enough space to clutter up the box, forcing their shots to be ones that Beorn could handle.

Just before the half, Erebor executed to perfection to gain the two-goal lead. With Smaug distracting the defense, Thranduil and Bard outmaneuvered the back line of Wilderland with some delightful back and forth, sharp as the archers they were, and it ended with Bard finding a sliver of space through just inside the right post and the Erebor crowd screamed, high-fived, and exchanged looks of shocked delight. The world hadn't expected this!

During halftime there was much discussion in the Erebor locker room as to the tactics they should follow in the second half. Bolg and Bard wanted to ride the wave of momentum and put up some more goals, but Girion, Dain, and Thranduil insisted on focusing on their defensive efforts. Eventually caution won the day thanks to the support of Beorn. "We can't leave ourselves open for them to jump back into the match in the opening minutes. We could lose doing that. We're playing fantastic, but let's not fool ourselves into thinking we're far and away superior. Let's just lock this thing down. If we do, I can't see any way we give up three goals. We have points in our hands- let's make sure and capitalize."

So with that strategy in mind Erebor came out and tightened their defenses. Wilderland accepted the tactics grimly- they had guessed what was coming, and put their own plans into operation. Knowing they weren't going to beat the three eagles back on a counter anyway, Wilderland didn't mind Erebor falling back to defend, and focused on a fast-moving passing game to cross up the defense.

Erebor cleared it whenever possible, happily handing Wilderland corners. And indeed Wilderland barely ever tried to send it all the way in on corners, as with three giant eagles and now even Smaug back in the defense, header opportunities were as scarce as mushrooms after a hobbit dinner party.

Erebor's defenses held until 74 minutes, when finally Scatha muscled his mark away and tail-struck a deft one-touch pass from Elwe after a wonderful flipping of attack-sides by Wilderland. The riotous Erebor supporters quieted somewhat and chanting began to spill out from the Lothlorien Elves in the west side of the stadium, but as the minutes passed Erebor cranked it up again, particularly after minute 84 when Beorn professionally handled Wilderland's best last hope- a distant free kick taken by Orome.

The Dwarves in particular began partying in earnest as the final seconds ticked off. King Dain and Erebor had won. Perhaps today was the day of the Dwarves. Perhaps this victory foreshadowed a win by Dwarves United in the underground night match.

Erebor 2-1 Wilderland
on target 7-7
tot shots 18-16
GOALS:
*15, 1-0 Smaug
*42, 2-0 Bard (Thranduil)
*74, 2-1 Scatha (Elwe)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Erebor- Bolg, Bard
*Wilderland- Skinbark, Beechbone

The contest between Dwarves United and Anduin got off to a later start than planned, as it took a bit longer than expected for the crowds to funnel across the famed Bridge of Khazad-Dum and on down to The Underground, the famed arena at the roots of the Misty Mountains.

There was plenty of optimism in the cheers of the Dwarf crowd as the teams warmed up. Erebor had pulled off the upset earlier, so why couldn't they follow suit? And once the match started up, the home squad looked like it believed as well. Anduin had a bit more possession, but the iron will of the Dwarves was unwavering when meeting the attacks of Anduin.

Aule countered the size and strength of Grimbeorn, while the nimble of deft-footed Celebrimbor hounded Haldir. Azaghal and Durin took it in turns to body up on the athletic Boromir II, doing their best to make things rough-going for him. On the opposite end Legolas and Gimli both gave their friend an opening with a nice through ball, but Fram managed to get in the way of both of them enough to give Amroth a manageable save.

Late in the half Anduin managed a couple quality headers from Boromir II, but Bombur's girth denied them both, and there was little else brewing for either side. The fans were restless, waiting for something to happen.

After the half it was more of the same- solid defending on both ends, careful attacks nicely foiled. Anduin had more chances and possession, however no tale of this was seen where it counted- on the scoreboard. But the imbalance could not last forever without telling, and predictably it was Boromir II breaking the tie with a header over top of his marks and the home crowd was silenced.

The mood was worse than a one-goal deficit dictated, but the fans couldn't help it. They hadn't seen much to cheer for in the opening game either. Could their squad score? Could the dwarves on their back line do anything about headers?

The squad on the field on the other hand had not given up- they were fighters. And as the final fifteen minutes arrived their big-name defenders, Celebrimbor and Aule, thrust themselves forward into the action, taking command of the offense and hoping Anduin wouldn't take advantage at the other end. And indeed they did not, for Anduin had fully committed to defense.

And to the delight of the shocked home-crowd Anduin paid for their conservative play, as they passed up two quality chances to run and push the lead and gave up the goal anyway. The equalizer came on the foot of Celebrimbor, who caught the Anduin defenders entirely unprepared for the skill of the Feanorian line, and he cut through the heart of them after receiving it from Zirak and Amroth had no shot at stopping the point-blank drive!

At first the Dwarves were too shocked to cheer, but then they exploded with the beating of drums and the clashing of cymbals. Boromir II and Grimbeorn bellowed at their teammates to shake away the cobwebs and mount a push in the final minutes to retake the lead, but the Dwarves were energized and committed to securing the draw they had forged, and there was nothing Anduin could do.

The hosts were still alive in Group C!

Anduin 1-1 Dwarves United
on target 5-4
tot shots 15-9
GOALS:
*68, 1-0 Boromir II (Leod)
*82, 1-1 Celebrimbor (Gamil Zirak)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Anduin- Lenwe, Borondir, Amdir
*DwUnt- Gimli, Azaghal, Aule

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

More overcast skies over the Vale of Necromancy have the hordes of Orcs and Easterlings supporting the local teams in good spirits, despite the results of the previous matchday. They believe that one good result could overthrow the pall cast over their chances of qualifying, and the lack of sunlight will surely help their teams’s performance on the pitch.

Group H at Minas Morgul

Meanwhile, the Gondor players looked sharp and focused despite the seemingly unnatural weather. After all, they have some players who have played superbly under these conditions before, foremost of which was Anarion, who was part of the winning team in the Orodruin (II) Invitational. Anarion’s final game in that tournament was played against the very same team they were facing today, a Sauron-led Barad-dûr squad.

And it was the younger son of Elendil that proved to be the catalyst to Gondor’s flying start, a half-hour spell aptly named the Siege of Barad-dûr. Ten minutes into the game he played a breath-taking one-two with Turambar through the heart of the Black Tower’s defence, with Turambar chipping past the bulky Mûmakil to score the opener. Fourteen minutes later Anarion was left free to rifle a long-range shot that hit the far post before ricocheting in.

With his team down by two due to one Man’s work, Sauron commanded his Mouth to guard Anarion, and for the rest of half the Númenórean was denied space to work in. With Gondor's talisman silenced, their Siege was lifted, and soon the Kings felt the bite of Barad-dûr’s offence. They held on due to some robust defending, inaccurate shooting from their foes, and a couple of fine saves from Hyarmendacil. But just before half-time Berúthiel slipped the ball past Gondor’s defence, and Sauron coolly slotted a low shot past Hyarmendacil, giving the home crowd something to cheer about.

In the second half the Orcs and Easterlings were confident that their team would get the equaliser they sought, and five minutes after the break they erupted into cheering when Berúthiel took a lofted ball from Sauron and put it past Hyarmendacil. But the linesman’s flag was raised, signalling an offside offence—the Queen had timed her run wrongly, and the referee disallowed the goal. Boos and whistles rained down on the referee, and some of the audience even attempted to climb the walls to invade the pitch. But Sauron stopped them all with a glance. I will win this game, so stay in your seats, is what it told them, and the minions of Mordor renewed their chanting. There was no way Gondor would beat Sauron’s will.

If the first thirty minutes of the game was called the Siege of Barad-dûr, then the first twenty minutes of the second half should be called the Siege of Gondor. It seems that most of the Black Tower’s players were camped outside the Kings’s penalty box, and only poor finishing from the besieging side and inspired defending from the besieged side kept the scoreline unchanged.

The high defensive line of Barad-dûr, leaving hectares of space behind them, was begging to be exploited, but Gondor found no chance to do so until the sixty-fifth minute. Imrahil booted a clearance downfield that Anarion took in stride. The Mouth and the other Barad-dûr defenders were calling offside, but the flag was down; he had timed his sprint perfectly. Fellbeast #2 got goalside of Elendil’s son, but Anarion had already seen Eldacar running behind him. He chipped the ball over the fellbeast, and Eldacar chested the pass before sending a thunderous strike past the great beast guarding Barad-dûr's goal.

The home fans were deflated by the goal. There was still enough time to claw two goals back, but Gondor seemed too sharp, and Anarion was simply unplayable. A Castamir header in the seventy-seventh minute gave them a glimmer of hope, but when Gondor started putting eleven players behind the ball, the Black Tower found the wall unbreachable. Soon, the whistle was blown, and the few thousand fans of the South Kingdom in the stadium were jubilant. Their team was already assured of a spot in the round of sixteen, with a game still at hand.

Barad-dûr 2-3 Gondor
on target 5-8
tot shots 14-19
GOALS:
*10, 0-1 Turambar (Anarion)
*24, 0-2 Anarion (Ciryandil)
*43, 1-2 Sauron (Berúthiel)
*65, 1-3 Eldacar (Anarion)
*77, 2-3 Castamir (Sangahyando)
YELLOW CARDS:
*BDur- Angamaitë
*Gondor- Turambar, Calimehtar, Eärnil I

The afternoon game left the Mordor crowd with a bad taste in the mouth, but many still returned to the stadium for the evening tie, hoping that Mordor can get a result against Minas Tirith. Shelob entered the pitch with her six legs encouraging the crowd to cheer for them, which they did, albeit half-heartedly. But a few minutes after the opening whistle their cheers became louder. Mordor played a high-tempo attacking game that led to a few chances, but it seemed that the theme of the day was profligacy. Denethor II was never seriously tested at goal, since most shots sailed harmlessly off target or were blocked by the defenders. Minas Tirith seemed to content to sit back and absorb the pressure, with only Faramir and Boromir I waiting to pounce on counterattacking opportunities.

After more than half an hour of pressure Mordor finally got their opener when Shelob headed in a Nazgûl #3 cross. But they weren’t content with their lead and continued their attack on the Minas Tirith goal. However they were exposed at the back when Denethor II, after saving another Shelob effort, sent a long ball towards his son, who dashed past the Nazgûls and Grishnákh forming the last bank of Mordor players. With only Fellbeast #1 to beat, Faramir faked a shot and then released Mardil, who was running close behind him. The first Ruling Steward mustered his will and powered a shot past the Silent Watcher.

Both teams were partly relieved, partly enraged, to take an even game into the break. In the second half Mordor started playing a little more conservatively, worried about Minas Tirith’s counterattacking game. For Minas Tirith, Faramir took position in their first defensive line, adding another player to deal with Mordor’s offensive pressure. Only Boromir I was left forward to take the long balls downfield, but he found himself marked by the #1 Fellbeast and Nazgûl.

After fifteen minutes, Mordor grew impatient with the White Tower’s dogged defending, and their back line inched its way forward again to offer additional passing targets. But they left themselves open to Minas Tirith’s primary strategy—Telumehtar intercepted a Nazgûl #5 through ball and sent it downfield. Boromir I won the ball against Nazgûl #1 and raced towards the goal. Outside the Mordor box Grishnákh slid in to win the ball, but he collided with the Steward’s ankle instead. That was clearly a free kick for Gondor, and a yellow card for the Orc, which he was lucky to escape with—a tougher referee would have given him the red. After a few moments to compose himself, Boromir I stood up and told Faramir that he’s fine, and that he can take the shot. Concentrating on the back of the net, he curled the ball past the wall and the Silent Watcher to give the Stewards the lead.

The Mordor fans howled with rage. Nobody knew what would happen if their team lost this game after Sauron’s defeat in the first game, and nobody wanted to find out. The team channelled their anger and started playing at a higher tempo, forcing the Stewards to desperate challenges. Telumehtar tackled Nazgûl #4 a few yards from the box, and the midfielder tumbled to his knees, screeching in pain. The King protested that he was going for the ball, and that a Ringwraith couldn’t have been hurt by a kick, anyway, but the referee had already taken out the yellow card. Afterwards the Nazgûl stood up, healthy once more, and the Orcs and Easterlings cheered at that bit of deception from their team. Denethor II nervously arrayed his defenders before him to block all attempts at goal, but Nazgûl #4 sent a short pass to Shagrat instead, and the Orc was left with a free shot that went past the last Ruling Steward’s outstretched hand.

After the goal Mordor’s offensive pressure eased off a little, wary of Minas Tirith’s counterattacks, and the White Tower put all ten outfielders behind the ball, wary of Mordor’s attacks. Both teams were more concerned with conceding a winner than scoring one, and so the closing minutes of the game, compared to the back-and-forth in the first seventy minutes, was a great letdown.

Minas Tirith 2-2 Mordor
on target 5-6
tot shots 14-14
GOALS:
*34, 0-1 Shelob (Nazgûl #3)
*38, 1-1 Mardil (Faramir)
*62, 2-1 Boromir I
*69, 2-2 Shagrat (Nazgûl #4)
YELLOW CARDS:
*MTirith- Eärnil II, Eärnur, Telumehtar
*Mordor- Nazgûl #1, Grishnákh, Gorbag

Gondor has won the group with a game to spare. Minas Tirith is second with two points, but they can still drop out if they lose to or draw even with Gondor and someone wins the game between Barad-dûr and Mordor.

[Nogrod]

Group E at Grey Havens, round 2

After the first round games had both ended in a draw, everything was open in group E at Grey Havens. To make the day’s match-ups even more interesting, both the favourites were clashing against each other and both the less favourites were doing so as well – even if in general this group has been seen as one of the most even groups of all. So any team pulling out a win today would take a huge step towards qualifying…

The tabloid-media did all it could to make interesting people meet each other in order to make scoops or at least hot-selling headlines. It was clear they weren’t able to lure Valar like Mandos or Ulmo into their games so they had to settle with stories like The Lhûnandarwinian’s headline after arranging Elwing to shortly meet with Amrod and Amras: “Kinslayers do not repent but suicidal thief-bird forgives them anyway after running away with the prize!”; or Mithlond Mist’s exclusive interview with Andreth: “Wiseheart’s wisdom of heart: I chose to betray my kin and play for the elven team with good conscience – and better looking fellow midfielders!”; or The Seaside Gossip’s story: “Voronwë’s Stockholm syndrome: He might have jailed me to the sea for seven years only to then release me, but I do love and honour Ulmo still”.

The word had spread around the city that the Riverside Gardens would be the place to be on game days – and the local elves clearly had heard the call, for as early as the midday the park started to fill with people, even if many of them didn’t quite understand anything about football. But who cared if there was a party? Quite a many were bitten by football-frenzy though and those of them not able to purchase a ticket set their own camps to the park with flags and other Grey Havens –accessories. The organisers had learned their lessons from the first game day and now multiple loudspeakers were assembled around the park so that people could listen to a live commentary of the games also outside the stadium. Some of the not-so-keen-to-football partyers found that a bit disturbing and tried to complain but the after some fans showed them their place there were no major interruptions…


~*~

No one though the match between The Sea and Valimar would be the fastest or most furious one could see, but still the pace of the game was more or less bad publicity to the whole game. The players were skillful, top of the skill one might say, and the tactics were even better – from the POV of the coach who wishes to eliminate any randomness or chance and plays it as safe as possible. But for the spectators it was just boring, unless you took your enjoyment from tactical manouvering and great defencive positioning.

That said, Vairë the Weaver managed to create a web of anticipation distracting the Maiar defences of Ulmo for a second or two creating a blue moment with enough wide a path for Alatar to swing in behind them. And it was a goal for Valimar – with their first shot at the goal! Voronwë looked like he had sold his honour and the whole elven nation, but Ulmo was seen pacifying him and pointing at Vairë, like promising that kind of thing wouldn’t happen again.

Whatever Ulmo’s point was, nothing happened during the rest of the first half, and even the second half started with more or less the same as both teams took it extremely conservatively playing every attack carefully from the defence building them carefully with long passing combinations eventually broken by the opponent. But the farther the game got the more pressure there was for The Sea to actually start attacking in more active and risky manner.

Twenty minutes from the end of the game Ulmo finally blew his horn and the waters in the sea and the river started rising forcing pick-nicking crowds near the water to run for safety around the stadium. If one had time to take a glance into the Númenorian forwards’ eyes, one could have seen the flash of relief in there: that was finally the sign telling them to go for it for real! Meanwhile the eyes of the Maiar vassals of Ulmo narrowed and they grew in size and strength to compensate for the lack of defending aid of the Númenorians.

And suddenly the game was alive when The Sea finally started to go for the equaliser for real. And what a show it was! One rarely sees Manwë sweating, but even that wonder was witnessed by the crowds on Lhûnarena this day.

It was busy time for Fëanor’s sons as Mandos could not scare every Númenorian coming forwards at the same time. And eventually at 77th minute Amrod had to foul Vëantur when he was about to force himself free from him going for a perfect pass by the stargazer Tar Meneldur. There was a free kick from just outside the box. Tar Minastir, the one who beat Sauron himself, took the free kick and what a shot it was! Manwë just barely managed to fist the ball away only to fall and watch in terror how Tar Ciryatan slided to the rebound and the ball went… inches away from the post and an empty goal.

Three minutes later Ulmo himself rose highest to head in a corner given by Tar Aldarion but Manwë managed to tip the ball to the post from where Vana swept the rebound away – straight into the feet of Tar Meneldur who’s reaction-shot just went wide off the mark.

Three minutes from the previous Valimar had some rare counterattacking going on when Ulmo broke a half-risky pass backwards by Celebrian and sent the ball far forwards to Tar Minastir who took it in speed running for the far end of the pitch on the left side getting Amrod and Vana after him trying to shut his way both from ahead and from behind. Vëantur and his grandson Tar Aldarion rushed forwards being guarded by Mandos and Amras respectively. Suddenly, about ten meters from the box and when Tar Minastir was closing in the end of the pitch, Vëantur stopped, made a 180 degree turn and dashed towards the goal in the middle. Mandos yelled with the speed of the turn and followed, behind. Amras noticed the alarming situation and acted on his speed charging straight towards the old Vëantur to force him away from the coming pass. But given room, Tar Aldarion turned left and paced towards the center ten meters behind the action that was now centering a few meters inside the box. Tar Minastir saw him and centered the ball not in front of the goal the defenders were running into after Vëantur, but a little backwards to Tar Aldarion who shot a cannon one-timer from just the edge of the box from behind the crowd of defenders closing in. Manwë didn’t have a clear line of sight to the ball but still got his fingers in the way of the ball when it came, but it was not enough to change the trajectory of the ball to deny the goal.

The spectators burst into cheers, for even if there was slight favour in support for team The Sea amongst the locals it was not that great – but now everyone felt the equalizer was well earned indeed – and many hoped The Sea would put in a winning goal as well in the last seven minutes. But that never happened.

So one more draw from group E.

The Sea 1-1 Valimar
on target 5-3
tot shots 15-10
GOALS:
*35, 0-1 Alatar (Vaire)
*83, 1-1 Tar Aldarion (Tar Minastir)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Sea- Osse, Veantur
*Valimar- Amrod, Alatar


If the afternoon match between The Sea and Valimar had been more or less like a children’s train ride in an amusement park (except the last twenty minutes), the evening match with the home team against the men of Hithlum was a first class rollercoaster ride where the elderly spectators sure needed their pills to stay alive following the game. Let a random fact illuminate the intensity of the game: Hithlum shot 20 and The Havens 19 shots. That means, cutting the corners, that there was a shot intended at scoring every other minute during the whole game. Forty shots!

Knowing the result of the first match both teams knew a win would be worth silmarils in regards qualification, so both teams really pressed hard to score from the first minutes onwards. And it was easy to see why the game was so balanced between the two sides: Havens’ elven defence with Cirdan at the goal is steady and strong but Hithlum’s attack is one of the fiercest in the whole tournament. Then again Hithlum’s defences are not the best there are, but even if Tuor and Eärendil are major figures they are not in the same class with Húrin, Turin and Hador Goldenhead. But both teams gave it all they had.

It is actually interesting how different teams receive an image from the media and how unfounded those images may be. If you asked before the tournament from any journalist or analyst about teams Hithlum and The Havens they would have told you that Hithlum would be badly defending attacking whirlwind outshooting every other team in the cup and that The havens would be a mediocre and dull team not able to either attack or defend well enough to get through but maybe from the weakest groups (like G). And here the teams were arranging such a shooting-gallery not many teams could put up – and both teams were also defending remarkably well forcing a host of shots to go wide the mark while both goalies did a marvellous job picking those shots that came on target. So if there were elves in the stands watching the game who were not football fans yet they sure were turned into ones!

The home team opened scoring on 21st minute when Eärendil passed the ball to his dad between the legs of the great Arroch defending at the edge of the box – and Tuor nailed the ball in from close quarters, again between the legs, of Aradan this time.

After fifteen minutes it was time for Túrin to show some willpower. You can see an animated re-enactment of the goal here here. Now that could be called determination – and confidence in one’s own skills!

The second half was just as intense as the first one had been. After a few hits at the posts and few tight saves The Havens went ahead another time from a nice free-kick trick. Grithnir had fouled Eärendil close the box and was carded for his foul. The wall was prepared and both Tuor and his son stood behind the ball ready to give the free kick. With everyone’s eyes at the father and son, no one quite realised that Andreth was standing idly beside the ball looking forwards like concentrating on a run after the ball would be off. But when the referee blew his whistle and Tuor and Eärendil glanced at each other dashing forwards one after another it was actually Andreth who turned quickly about and passed the ball – with dad and son still a few meters away from the ball – sideways to king Olwë who rushed in from behind – and booted it from the bottom of his heart and to the back of the net having a clear path for the ball. Aradan stood no chance there as he realised it with all the others way too late what was happening. The homecrowds were cheering crazily.

But Hithlum was not giving in – and neither was The Havens falling back to just defend their goal. So the high-paced game continued. All fans were literally standing on their toes for any action on the field as it was so fast and furious any could lead into a goal by either side.

On 60th minute there was a beautiful family-effort when Morwen passed the ball from midfield to her husband running towards the box, but instead of taking the ball into his control he passed it back diagonally with a onetimer touch to where his daughter Nienor had rushed creating some major disarray in the defences.

But instead of passing the ball to Hador who was breaking through on the other side, Nienor just stopped the ball realising her brother coming behind her with full speed – and stepping aside she gave Túrin a perfect shot into open. The shot would have knocked out a raging bull but it went just a few inches off target (which actually wasn’t a bull of any sorts but The Havens’ goal).

On 63rd minute Aegnor made a run with the ball to the end of the field and centered the ball at the last moment being pressed by Grithnir. Eärendil slided to the ball from under Arroch but the touch was bad and the ball went high up ending up to the roof of the goal.

On 68th minute The Havens were up to it again. This time it was Eärendil’s astonishing singular performance when from a counter-attack he flew through half the field alone leaving Androg and Gethron behind with nice dribbles but finally shooting Arroch managed to dash into the way and the ball went from it’s back far off the pitch – giving the home team only a throw they managed to waste.

On 70th Nienor made an effort from 30+ meters and Cirdan managed hardly to fist the ball away. In the ensuing row for the rebound in front of the goal Túrin managed to nick the ball from between Elwing and Annael backwards to Hador who was breaking in – and he hammered the ball in from full speed with no one being able to deny him. It was even once again with twenty minutes to go!

On 78th minute Hithlum was on it once more. This time Morewn’s intelligent pass reached Húrin behind the defencive line and he was about to shoot when the referee whistled offside. Túrin protested mightily but was pulled away by his sister before he got booked.

On 84th minute Tuor and Eärendil made a combined run towards the goal on a quick turnaround. Nearing the box Eärendil suddenly fell back just a little to confuse Grithnir shadowing him enough to buy time for a pass – and he succeeded in sending the ball exactly to the feet of his dad rushing forwards on his left but just as he was going to shoot Arroch managed to put him off balance just enough for the shot to fly high over the goal. The crowds were demanding a penalty but the referee was firm.

On 88th minute Húrin was elbowed nastily by Elwing when they were reaching for the high ball coming from Aradan. Húrin’s mouth was bleeding and Elwing got carded. Húrin was taken outside the pitch to be stiched and Túrin took the free-kick from about 25 meters. The homecrowds were holding their breath…
The shot went straight to the wall and bounced high up. Hador beat Lindo to the header and the ball went towards the low-left corner of the goal. Cirdan dived for it but somehow couldn’t catch it… the ball slipped from his fingers and hit the post from where it bounced into Annael’s leg taking another bounce back towards the goal. Olwë and Nienor slided towards the ball both trying to reach it only to collide into Cirdan who was trying to rise up after the ball. The ball hit Olwë in the back and bounced outwards from the goal where Hador was running with full speed – and he was just giving it a shot when he missed his balance, possibly aided by Eärwen trailing him, and both of them ended up in the pile began by Olwë and Nienor felling Annael as well while they went down. Amidst the chaos Elwing finally beat Túrin to the ball and just kicked it as far off as she could to make good her initial fault.

It was still even. And when the game actually resumed after a lot of discussion as to who did what and to whom and in which purpose or within or off the rules, the referee whistled it over and done with.

With some heated feelings flaring after the final whistle Tuor came to Túrin offering his shirt as a token of good will and mutual respect, and after a short pause his cousin accepted the exchange with an embrace. With Hador and Andreth doing the same the other players finally realised the game was over and that they were friends after all – and slowly also the audiences started chanting for both the teams and in praise of a tough and even game.

The problem with group E though seems to be too many even games… After four games no one has won a game but all games have ended in a draw. So the stakes will be astonishingly high on the last round. And even if every team wishes to qualify, it is clear no team wishes to meet FC Valinor in their first play-off game. So it is not only about winning the last game but about winning the last game with better goal difference the other possible winner does it.
We sure are looking forwards to those games!

Hithlum 2-2 The Havens
on target 8-8
tot shots 20-19
GOALS:
*21, 0-1 Tuor (Earendil)
*37, 1-1 Turin (Hurin)
*56, 1-2 Olwe (Andreth)
*70, 2-2 Hador (Turin)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Hithlum- Arroch, Grithnir
*Havens- Andreth, Elwing


Two games:

Hithlum 2 4-4
The Havens 2 3-3
The Sea 2 3-3
Valimar 2 1-1

Last matches:

Valimar vs. Hithlum
The Havens vs. The Sea

As all games have ended in a draw any team who wins their last game will qualify. In cases of further draws Hithlum has as now the best situation having scored the most and Valimar is in the worst situation, but the number of goals scored in the last round will finally settle the order of the teams.

[the phantom]

Group A @ Michel Delving

The hobbits were a bit surprised by the proposed start-times for round 2- they were later than they were used to, particularly considering their team was playing against Angband. It’s always been a tradition of “goodie” teams to force Orcs, Balrogs, etc. into playing early in the day, but admittedly this wasn’t a traditional Shire team, as it included Khamul, Nazgul #6, Golfimbul, and The Barrow-Wight.

Another way in which the Hobbits were breaking a trend- they weren’t anti Tol In Gaurhoth for the moment. Hobbits have shown a notable dislike for the Werewolves over the past few years, but they didn’t seem fussed about allowing them to play in the afternoon instead of the morning against The Downer. Some of the hobbits were set to openly root for the Wolves, as that would leave The Downer with nothing to play for in their final match against Shire-Bree United.

And so it was that the first match of the day wasn’t started until the sun was well past its high-point (which left the hobbits with plenty of time to eat multiple breakfasts and a lunch or two). There was the usual rambunctious herd of TIG fans in the arena, but the comfortable padded chairs were mostly filled by locals, partly because The Downer’s fan-base was many of the same Wights that supported TIG so faithfully. But if there was any question of loyalty, it was answered by the shirts and banners which largely ignored the existence of The Downer. Tol In Gaurhoth obviously came first in their hearts.

But The Downer did draw plenty of cheering during the first half as they unexpectedly went toe-to-toe with the famed Wolves and Wights of Tol In Gaurhoth. If there is one area in which TIG has excelled through the years, it would be in the realm of intimidation- but The Downer is famously fearless, to the point of stupidity. The half-insane rascals of The Downer fear no player, referee, crowd, or challenge, and meet all obstacles with reckless energy, and absolutely nothing else at times.

But today they had a plan, devised by captain Hookbill no doubt, which was to pester the heck out of TIG. Even the smaller and more frail members, such as Burnt Bert, who is little more than a stack of bones, followed TIG Wolves around gamely, chatting nonstop and grinning foolishly. And sadly for fans of the game, it worked. SallyWight, GaladriWight, and PhantomWolf in particular were soon more interested in cracking jokes than playing, while NilpWolf, AganWight, and NerWight were visibly angry and annoyed by The Downer and lost all sense of focus.

After a somewhat successful showing in the early going TIG’s game turned into a mess and The Downer owned the ball more and more as the first half progressed, but they still posed no serious threat. They booted a couple balls ShastaWolf’s direction almost to pacify the crowd it would seem. At the other end NogWolf and LegateWight were pretty well by themselves in executing and trying to make things happen, and so it was no surprise that the half ended at 0-0.

When the second half started it was pretty obvious that the Wolves had received some stern words at the half, for they were all sharply focused on the task at hand. An early corner was very nearly converted by AganWight, and just a minute later SallyWight forced another save.

The determined Wolves finally broke through in minute 52 when BoroWight hung a ball up over the middle just begging for one of the Wolves up front to make a play, and PhantomWolf did- a thunderous bicycle, and TIG was in front!

But The Downer had continued with their first-half tactics, and they were set to pay off. The Wolves and Wights that had been happily distracted the first half had been snapped back into focus, but those that had been severely annoyed and angered, among them BoroWight, were just getting angrier. And at last, BoroWight snapped.

Hookbill himself had been focusing on BoroWight, ribbing him about his substandard predictions on the first round, and about the Detroit Lions’ lack of Super Bowl appearances, and particularly about his love life. “In fact, I’m fairly certain your dog is the only thing that loves you!” Hookbill could be heard shouting as he received the ball and sent it back over to Lalwende. “But that’s only because you feed him! Stop that and I bet he’d eat you and think nothing of it!”

BoroWight closed in on Hookbill, intending to do something sly, like step on his shoe-laces, but Hookbill continued his treatment. “I hear you’re such a lazy bastard you’re making Phantom write your match report this round.” At that BoroWight forgot his previous intentions and bodied up on Hookbill, putting his knee none to gently into his hip briefly and whispering, “One… more… word…”

Hookbill flashed a grin and continued. “Sorry, old chap- never mind what I said about that dog of yours- Max, is it? There’s no way he could ever eat you. Not since I had Alien drive past your place this morning and toss him an arsenic-laced bone, ha ha!”

Throwing aside all decorum BoroWight threw an obvious right hook, which connected with Hookbill’s face- but not as hard as BoroWight hoped, as Hookbill was already in motion, flinging himself into a flailing cartwheel so that the refs would be certain to spot the blow.

And it was the cartwheel that did it, for indeed the men with the cards hadn’t spotted the punch, but they certainly saw that something had happened, and jogging over to investigate the mark on Hookbill’s cheekbone was clear enough to send BoroWight off- and frankly he was lucky they didn’t give him worse, or recommend he be out for an extra game or two.

Now a man down Tol In Gaurhoth scrambled to collect themselves and devise a game-plan, and Downer took advantage of the chaos efficiently by letting loose a surprisingly well-organized attack. Already a minute later The Downer equalized with BW Himself running up in support to slot it home, and the surprised Shire fans applauded and sat up with fresh interest. TIG wasn’t going to win this going away after all.

Or were they? The Wolves and Wights were sharper than ever with their backs against the wall, and Bubble Buddha found himself under a hail of withering shots. After a couple near misses and forced saves, NerWight sent a crafty back-heel pass to AganWight who deftly put TIG back in front!

There were cheers from both the TIG fans and the Hobbits- all had appreciated the goal. But Downer did not fold, but launched into a frantic one-touch pass cycle, their players dashing circles around the ten-man TIG squad that feared pressuring the ball lest they be left short-handed in an attack on their goal. Downer built up to a top-flight header from Alien, but ShastaWolf saved their hides. A couple minutes later ShastaWolf was forced to save the day again, this time on a power-drive from Saucepan Man. Hookbill very nearly cleaned up the rebound, but NilpWolf arrived just in time to clear it.

But TIG’s luck didn’t hold on the resulting corner, as SPM had his height and angle perfect on the feed to the far post and Alien outfought everyone for the right to touch it and smacked it with his bloody snout and the game was level once again!

TIG made ready some counter-strategy for the closing minutes, but shockingly Downer fell back to play defense and no longer pushing their advantage. Were they not playing to win? The tactic left TIG without their bearings for a moment, but finally they got organized and launched what they hoped would be the winning flurry in the final moments.

NogWolf only just pushed a header wide, PhantomWolf sent a 35-meter free kick just over the bar, SallyWight gained space with a quick turn but Bubble Buddha turned it aside, and next thing TIG knew the ref was blowing the whistle. It was a draw. TIG fans weren’t sure whether they should be upset with their squad, upset with the opposition, or just plain sad.

The Hobbits though- they were pleased for the most part. If they could draw Angband they’d be tied in second with the easiest final game, and if they won, well- they’d practically be in already. And even a loss wouldn’t kill them, as TIG could very well lose or draw Angband in the final match, so Shire-Bree United could still get in with a win over The Downer. It was a good start to the day for the Hobbits.

The Downer 2-2 Tol In Gaurhoth
on target 6-8
tot shots 17-21
GOALS:
*52, 0-1 PhantomWolf (BoroWight)
*59, 1-1 Barrow-Wight Himself (Lalwende MP)
*67, 1-2 AganWight (NerWight)
*78, 2-2 Saucepan Man (Alien)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Downer- Evil Mayo, Alien, Peter Hampton, Morsul
*TIG- PhantomWolf, BoroWight, NilpWolf
RED CARDS:
*TIG- BoroWight (57, second yellow)

All the lamps were lit for the start of the feature match- Angband versus Shire-Bree United. The sun was nearly down and the field was already drawing most of its light from the many oversized encased flames perched on posts thirty feet above the top row of seats. But it was still a bit dim- the stadium wasn’t particularly meant for night matches (unlike Tirion, for instance, with their Feanorean lamps), and so it was commonly thought that those with better night-vision would be helped in this contest.

Carcharoth, Telvildo, Gelmir, and Ancalagon would certainly be fine with it, and probably Morgoth as well. For the home-side, Golfimbul, Nazgul #6, Gildor, Barrow-Wight, Khamul, and Bombadil were fine with the dark, so the Hobbits actually considered it an advantage.

When the game kicked off, it certainly appeared Shire-Bree had some sort of advantage anyway, as everything they did was a notch better than the opposition. They advanced the ball to the wings a bit too easily, and Angband was just a bit slow and unorganized. The imbalance continued until, inevitably, Shire-Bree struck, as with a nice individual effort Khamul brought it along the end line, continually looking to send a quick cross to Strider and Bombadil, and eventually Carcharoth bit too hard and his eyes flitted to Bombadil and Khamul jammed it in near post off of Carcharoth’s back paws!

The Hobbits rang bells and shouted, and the little groups of Orcs and Rangers joined in the celebration as well. The game was off to a splendid start!

But it was no mere brigand leading the forces of Angband, and Morgoth was hard at work whipping his troops into better shape. Shire-Bree gained a few hopeful looking opportunities following their first goal, but neither was as high a quality as that one, and as the first half ticked away Angband began taking ownership.

At the half-hour mark they got their first serious chance on a long cross from Telvildo. Ancalagon looked to be the target rushing in and the defense collapsed, but the cross bent back to the trailing Gildor who met it cleanly and unopposed, and Halbarad barely batted the ball down. The following corner was a near thing too, but Ancalagon’s high tail-strike deflected off of Golfimbul’s back before it could challenge Halbarad.

Just before the half ended Angband gained their coveted equalizer. In a similar looking play, Telvildo sent it in from the wing, only this time the defense didn’t sell out on Ancalagon, but unfortunately for them this ball was to the dragon and he smacked it home with authority!

The reviews at the half were mixed- Shire-Bree had started fast and the optimists believed they had the talent up front to get it done, but the others pointed out the direction things had gone, and pointed out that they really had no answer for Ancalagon. “We’ll just have to deny him,” answered the hopeful Hobbits.

And that looked like the strategy when Shire-Bree opened the second half. They ran a beautiful possession game and kept the ball off the feet of Angband. They gained a couple decent looks as a result, but Carcharoth was equal to them. After 20 minutes Angband got their first quality attack going and earned a look or two, but the shots were not precise coming in from the midfield, and Angband was bracketed any time it looked like it might go his way. Morgoth bellowed for the rest of the offense to take advantage, but when Angband pressed in- that’s when things went wrong.

Nazgul #6 made a nice slide to break up the possession, and sent it on up to a dashing Barrow-Wight who broke from the possession tactics and took it upfield immediately, Bombadil and Gildor on either side. Angband was definitely not prepared, and only Morgoth and his Balrog recovered in time to help shield Carcharoth.

As they neared the box the Balrog decided to force the action and challenged Barrow-Wight, and BW touched it beautifully to Gildor moving towards him, who touched it right back to BW who had run around the opposite side of the Balrog. But BW didn’t hold it for even a second, for he had spotted Morgoth making his move and knew he couldn’t recover if he played it right, and he served up a perfect ball up over the dark lord and to the left post. Bombadil and Carcharoth both left their feet for it, and Bombadil was there just a hair sooner, heading it right off the paw-tips of the Werewolf and in for the lead!

The stadium went just plain wild- perhaps it was as loud as it had ever been. The Orcs and stray creature or two in the Angband section looked two seconds from leaving. Indeed some of them could be seen gathering their things in their laps, prepared to dash if things got even more embarrassing.

But as is so often the case, the fans were overreacting, and their squad rebounded and looked dangerous enough once again to force them to put their drinks down. Shire-Bree meanwhile was hanging on for dear life as Angband went full-pressure, and found some success.

Morgoth himself had a tricky header off the ground that was barely controlled, and Telvildo sent a snipe off the post and forced a save on another. Finally the damage was done off of a long free-kick, with Morgoth rising above all others and heading it again, only this one high instead of off the ground, and it scraped in under the bar to level the match.

Both sides were deathly afraid of giving up the winner in the final minutes, but they soon found the same was true of the other side and neither was doing much to close the match out. Shire-Bree was frankly okay with getting out of the match with a point, as was Angband after being behind with under ten minutes to play. Both would control their fates in the final round.

Angband 2-2 Shire-Bree United
on target 6-8
tot shots 18-16
GOALS:
*13, 0-1 Khamul (Bandobras)
*42, 1-1 Ancalagon (Telvildo)
*68, 1-2 Bombadil (Barrow-Wight)
*83, 2-2 Morgoth (Ulfang)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Angband- Uldor, Balrog #1
*SBUnt- Nazgul #6

[Shastanis Althreduin]

Having lost previously to the Men (and Horses) of Rohan, Imladris came into this game knowing they needed a win in order to have any hope of advancing. With that in mind, they planned a high-pressure, high-possession game. However, Misty Mountains was just as desperate, and more used to getting close to the ball, using their physicality. This game promised to be an exciting watch.

And exciting it was! Both teams came out of the gate with blazing speed and energy - Imladris gained possession of the ball first and drove it down the center into the Misty Mountains area. The ball bounced like a pinball between Arwen and the sons of Elrond; Tom dove into Elrohir seconds after he had chipped it left, towards Elladan, and received a yellow card for his trouble. The Misty Mountains card march had begun.

Play resumed in the Misty Mountains area, and Elladan wasted no time in blasting in a header from Figwit, at the seventeen-minute mark. Bert and William were not best pleased by this, and earned yellow cards for themselves as well through a bit of rather intense blocking, to prevent Varda from nabbing the ball away from Orophin.

The ball was given back to Imladris, but a crafty steal by Orophin (who really, really wanted the ball) resulted in a line drive down the right side of the field, where Durin's Bane was waiting for the easy chip into the goal. Misty Mountains had tied it up by the half.

A tie wasn't going to be good enough for either team, though, and Imladris came back in the second half with energy to spare. Misty Mountains, on the other hand, was flagging a bit, and it showed. They kept possession for a while, but didn't have the speed required to break through Imladris's defense, and around the hour-mark things took a turn for the worse. A blocked shot by Durin's Bane resulted in Imladris possession, and Arwen kneed the ball at an awkward angle, sending it flying down the field, spinning wildly. As it landed, it bounced randomly - but Erestor read the wacky bounces perfectly and swooped in, sending the ball into the high right corner of the Misty Mountains goal.

Poor Tom was so worked up over this, he kicked Elrohir rather than the ball, earning himself a second yellow and ejection from the game.

Now a man down, Misty Mountains seemed to lose their spirit. Elrohir booted in another goal late in the match easily enough, with help from Varda, and the match ended in Imladris's favor, 3 - 1.




Imladris 3-1 Misty Mts
on target 7-6
tot shots 16-14
GOALS:
*17, 1-0 Elladan (Figwit)
*28, 1-1 Durin’s Bane (Orophin)
*63, 2-1 Erestor (Arwen)
*78, 3-1 Elrohir (Varda)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Imladris- Figwit, Elrohir
*MMts- DBane, Bert, Tom, Watcher, William
RED CARDS:
*MMts- Tom (66, second yellow)


The sun was still high in the sky as Rohan and Isengard prepared to battle - there would be no devious tricks by Saruman this time. However, that didn't mean the Rohan defenders weren't particularly on the alert for anything devious. Saruman, however, had decided to spend his time more wisely, in practice with his team, and had prepared a (relatively) clean game this time. The match began with Rohan taking possession and sending the ball down field, but Gandalf's shot from way back was easily caught by a gust of wind from Caradhras and Isengard returned fire.

Wormtongue and Wulf were pressuring the Rohan defense, but the ball slipped away from them and Radagast managed to nab it. He sent it flying upfield toward Gandalf, and his fellow wizard continued the ball's flight with a sturdy kick.

Saruman dove for the ball, but missed (rather badly, in fact - a couple people in the crowd tittered about it, but only a couple), and the first person to get to it was Rohan's Helm Hammerhand. Helm slid into the ball, and it bounced several times - first, off the back of Saruman's head; second, off the right goal post; and finally off a mis-timed lunge from Ugluk and into the back of the net.

One goal was enough for Rohan; they went completely into lockdown mode for the rest of the match, giving their defense more practice. Even the midfielders got into the act, rarely venturing across the center line into Isengard territory. The match ended rather anticlimacticly, but Rohan was happy enough; with two wins, they were virtually shoe-ins to move on to the next round. Isengard was less happy, knowing they'd have to have a stellar performance against Imladris in order to have a hope of continuing in the tournament.



Isengard 0-1 Rohan
on target 3-3
tot shots 8-9
GOALS:
*80, 0-1 Helm (Gandalf)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Isengard- Wulf, Wormtongue, Freca
*Rohan- Helm, Eomer, Radagast

[the phantom]

Group A

Angband clinches first with a win, or with a draw and a SBUnt draw or loss, or if SBUnt wins by less than two goals. They clinch at least a playoff berth with a SBUnt loss or tie.

Tol-In-Gaurhoth clinches a spot with a win. They also clinch with a draw and a SBUnt loss, or a SBUnt draw should SBUnt score fewer total goals than TIG.

SBUnt clinches a spot with a win. They also clinch with a draw and a TIG loss, or a TIG draw should TIG score fewer total goals than SBUnt.

The Downer can make the playoffs with a win combined with a loss or draw by TIG. They can also get in with a win and an Angband loss should the goal difference of the two games add up to 5 or more.

Group B

Eriador is in. They clinch first with a win or draw over Inter Bel.

Inter clinches first with a win and second with a draw. Should they lose they will still advance unless Gondolin wins and the differential of the two games adds up to 3 or more.

Gondolin must win and have Inter lose, and the differential must combine to be at least 3.

Arnor has been eliminated and is playing for pride.

Group C

Erebor is in. They clinch first with a win or draw. They can still get first with a loss if Wilderland loses or draws, or even if they win so long as the combined differential does not exceed 2 and they out-goal Wilderland.

Wilderland clinches a berth with a win, or with a draw combined with an Anduin loss or draw. If they draw and Anduin wins by three goals or more their spot is not guaranteed.

Anduin clinches with a win combined with a Wilderland loss. Should Wilderland draw Anduin can still advance by winning big.

Dwarves United clinches with a win, unless Anduin also wins and by a margin equal to or greater than Dwarves Unt.

Group D

FC Valinor is in. They’ve clinched first unless they lose by a large margin and Armenelos vs Real Valinor is also a blowout.

Armenelos clinches with a win or draw.

Real Valinor clinches with a win.

Tirion has been eliminated and is playing for pride.

Group E

Every team is tied with 2 points (Hithlum, Havens, Sea, Valimar). Any team that wins clinches a berth.

A draw by Hithlum clinches a berth due to goals scored, unless Havens and Sea also draw and both exceed Hithlum’s total goals in their game. Should all teams draw goals scored will determine which squads advance. If teams are also tied there then the right to advance and/or first-second placement will be decided with penalty kicks.

Group F

Rohan is in. They clinch first with a win or draw, or with an Imladris loss or draw. Should Rohan lose and Imaldris win, Imladris would take first.

Imladris clinches a berth with a win, or with a draw combined with a Misty Mts draw or loss. Misty Mts advances if Imladris draws and Misty wins by margin exceeding 3.

Isengard clinches with a win combined with a Misty Mts loss or draw. If they both win by equal margins, Isengard advances on goal differential.

Misty Mts advances with a big win combined with a draw in the other game or a narrow win by Isengard.

Group G

AC Beleriand and Angfauglith can clinch first with a win. A draw clinches a spot for both, with first going to AC Bel on goal differential. Both teams also clinch if Doriath vs Nargothrond ends in a draw.

AC Bel can also advance with a loss so long as it isn’t lopsided combined with a lopsided win for Doriath. Angfauglith can advance with a narrow loss and a Nargothrond win by less than four goals, or with a one goal Doriath win so long as Doriath doesn’t score more total goals.

Doriath clinches with a win combined with an Angfauglith loss so long as the combined differential is greater than 2, or if it’s exactly two and Doriath scores more goals in their game than Angfauglith.

Nargothrond advances with a win and an Angfauglith loss and a combined differential of five or more.

Group H

Gondor is in. They’ve already clinched first.

Minas Tirith clinches second with a win over Gondor. They also clinch with a draw combined with a draw in the other contest. The can advance with a one-goal loss and a draw in the other contest so long as Barad Dur does not score more goals than them.

Barad-Dur advances with a win combined with a Minas Tirith loss or draw. Barad-Dur will advance with a draw if Minas Tirith loses by more than one goal, and can advance with a MTirith one-goal loss if they score more than MTirith.

Mordor gets the second berth with a victory and a Minas Tirith loss or draw.

[Nogrod]

Group A
Angband – Tol-In-Gaurhoth
Shire-Bree united – The Downer

At the moment the table and schedual looks most promising for Shire-Bree Utd.: winning the weakest team in the group in their last game they will definitively qualify. So it is all in their own hands and it looks promising to them.

The Downer isn’t totally out of the competition either as by winning Shire-Bree – and Angband simultaneously winning or drawing against T-I-G – they are through. It’s just that only a few would bet their money on that from the masters of erratic behaviour. Never say never, but the AKM wouldn’t suggest you to count on their qualifying.

That said, most eyes will turn into the game between Angband and T-I-G.
There are many things for Angaband’s favour here. The first one of them being that a draw is enough for them to qualify, however the other game ends up with. Second is, that their attack led by the black Ancalagon himself has clearly been the most deadly in the group thus far (with 38,5% scoring rate from shots on target). Thirdly: Carcaroth has been the best goalie of the group thus far with 72,7% saving-rate (compared to Shastawolf’s 66,7% - which is not a big difference though).

Also and fourthly, if The Downer manages even to draw with Shire-Bree, Angband will qualify even if they lose. But as it is not too probable – and because there will be two teams qualifying – we need to look at the team T-I-G as well.

Now team T-I-G really messed up drawing with the Downer. There’s no denying it: starting the last game with 4 points rather than 2 would have made a huge difference. But as it stands T-I-G basically needs to win. To take the positive side of it, the T-I-G team is a frequent team in the semis or at least quarters, and they tend to lighten up when the stakes are high (they are even known to be a bit lackluster in group-games & friendlies when there is no real price in the game). The negative side then is, that this T-I-G team has been just lame. The AFA’s decision to deny them all playing as werewolves but as wights is easy to see in their performance, but even the few werewolves have performed an average performance thus far at best. All the flash and flair has been missing.

But can they find it for their last game for unless they can, it will definitively be their last game in the whole tournament.

The AKM predicts: Angband and Shire-Bree to qualify.

The AKM advice for phantasy-players:
1) Shire-Bree will score so anyone in their team probable to score or assist is a good pick for your team.
2) T-I-G will not be able to shut Angband out so Ancalagon or Tevildo might be reasonable picks.
3) Angband backstairs (goalie & defenders) are a risky choice as T-I-G may get into berserk mode.
4) Don’t even think of The Downer backstairs – and looking at the games you should probably pick your goalie & defenders from another group in general.

Group B
Eriador – Inter Beleriand
Arnor – Gondolin

So Arnor has no chances to qualify and will play solely for their honour. But they are the dunéadain and they play on their homeground, so they will not let Gondolin win them. They may – and probably will – lose the game, but they will not give in an inch just because their hopes of qualification have vanished.

Eriador on the other hand has secured their qualification already, but seeing Glorfindel, The Witch King and Gil-Galad finally warming up to the competition and seeing Elrond back in the goal, it is hard to see them just making a walk-through in their last match – especially as they sure would wish to avoid meeting Fëanor’s and Beren’s AC Beleriand on the first play-off round and thus will not wish to lose the game against Inter Beleriand.

So is it Gondolin or Inter who are going to qulify?

Now Gondolin has been a bit disappointing for a second year in a row. But with a draw against Inter Beleriand in their pocket they have all chances to end up even with them. Here their 1-3 loss to Eriador come to some signifigance, as they do not only need to win, but they need to win by a margin (or hope Inter Beleriand loses to Eriador badly as well). Their advantage is that they will know the result of the previous game when their game starts so they will know just with how many goals they will have to win to qualify. Sadly, for them, Arnor will not just let them do as many goals they wish…

But if Inter Beleriand snatches even a draw from Eriador, everything Gondolin might have planned will go down the drain. And that’s exactly what Inter will wish to do. Unlike most news agencies and the general public, the AKM believed that Inter Beleriand was better team than they looked in the friendlies, and their first games have shown the AKM to have been at least partially true.

Looking at the stats from the first two rounds reveals clearly that there are teams from two different levels in this group: Eriador and Inter score better than 40% of their shots on target while Gondolin and Arnor only manage around 20%; also the goalkeepers’ saving percentages are around 80% with Elrond (Eriador) and Turgon (Inter) while both Gondolin and Arnor’s goalies
precentages are rather around 60%.

The AKM predicts: Eriador and Inter Beleriand to qualify.

The AKM advice for phantasy-players:
1) Don’t pick any Arnor-players.
2) Pick Gondolin forwards, well Maeglin or Gothmog, if you feel risky. Rôg at Gondolin goal might be a nice idea – but do remember that if Gondolin doesn’t qualify all your Gondolin players become redundant and need to be replaced and there are limited changes from this round on…
3) If you don’t have Fingon or Maedhros in your team already this might not be the time to include them as Elrond will be proving a tough goalie to beat and the qualification of Inter is far from being secure (even if more probable than Gondolin’s).
4) Eriador will probably play at least a few games still so players from the team are decent investments. And the opposition rarely scores over one goal against them so even defenders could be entertained. Elrond, of course, but it costs you two stars… and has only carried the owner 4 points / round thus far (which is not bad but not great if you reach for a jackpot).

Group C
Wilderland – Dwarves United
Erebor – Anduin

While knocking on wood the AKM says this to be one of the easiest groups to predict. Anduin looked like a team to challenge the two frontrunners of this group after the friendlies (playing even with Wilderland, beating Imladris and losing to Valimar only 0-1) but losing 1-3 to Wilderland and only managing a draw 1-1 with the Dwarves United has basically brought them down from any decent betting for qualifiers.

Now there is a possibility that either the Dwarves or Anduin could qualify over Wilderland – as Erebor is already through for sure – but that is a great but.
Wilderland only needs a draw against the Dwarves United in their last game and they are through. They won Dwarves Utd. at friendlies 4-1 and there has been no sign thus far that Dwarves Utd. would have found an extra gear to pull in in the group-games.

Erebor in turn has secured the pole position of the group and thus they know they are not going to meet Rohan on the first drop-out –round. That leaves the door open for Anduin to go for a good result – if Erebor wishes to take it lazy with nothing at stake. And that is a possibility. But that Erebor would let Anduin win the game? Nonsense.

The AKM predicts: Erebor and Wilderland to qualify.

The AKM advice for phantasy-players:
1) All Erebor-players are good picks at this time. They will most probably play at least two games still and thus will not become obsolete too soon. Facing most probalby Imladris in the first knock-out round they have all the chances to go even further. Bard seems to be hot at the moment and Beorn is a good pick for a “cheap” goalie.
2) Looking at Dwarves Utd’s stats it seems all Wilderland players would be good picks as well for this round, but if (and when) they qualify they will (most probably) meet Rohan and there their forwards might not be the smartest players to have around (remember the limited choices you have when the play-offs begin).
3) A problem for a phantasy player with Wilderland is the fact that there are at least four players; Scatha, Oromë, Galadriel and Elwë who can produce the result – so unlike with Ancalagon and Angband you can’t quite pin-point the one to bring you the points.
4) Don’t pick players from Anduin or Dwarves United, or if you really wish to do so, then pick someone from Anduin (in case you believe Erebor is not willing to play it seriously as they are already the winners of the group). Or maybe Legolas lights in fire in the last game and scores a hat-trick? Well, you pick him at your own risk.

Group D
FC Valinor – Tirion
Armenelos – Real Valinor

In group D the sitution is quite clear-cut. FC Valinor has qualified and they face Tirion in the last round who have no chance of qualifying. So all the pressure will be on the late game between Armenelos and Real Valinor where the winner will take it all.

FC Valinor could take it easy and relax in their last game if they wished, but with Huan, Celegorm and Curufin aboard, or Penlod or Lórien, or…, it is hard to see them lazying through the game. Then again they are facing fex. the hottest striker of the friendlies aka. Grandpa Finwë, Ar-Feiniel the White Lady and Eönwë the mighty, great Thorondor, and the first awaken Ingwë. So let us not decide on the outcome just yet as it is a game of honour and effort rather than competitive match, as the other team will win the group and another will stay in the group whatever the result.

But Armenelos against Real Valinor then? That is a game that will give a headache to many. They are both at same points (3) but Armenelos has a better goal-difference (-1) and has scored three goals while Real Valinor has a lousier goal difference (-2) and has scored only two goals. So in case they draw, Armenelos will qualify. In case either team wins, the winner qualifies.

Now the first question concerns the celebrity-trio Nerdanel, Miriel and Arien many had bet their money before the tournament (the editor of the AKM included). Where is their flare and flash? Is it that their midfield is not able to feed them well enough? Have they lost their touch? How is the number one goal-scorer Tilion faring in the defence and why has he not been brought up at least to the midfield? Is there a rift between Arien and Tilion that they can’t perform together? Whatever the reason, Real Valinor has the least effective attack of the whole group D! With a band of players like that who would outscore any opposition in any other group just like that! Well, more or less so…

Then again, can Armenelos deliver without Elros and without a few of their hottest scorers gone into the team The Sea? After more or less mediocre friendlies they have shown some real quality beating Tirion in a thriller and only losing to FC Valinor with two goals. But is it enough against Real Valinor which plays it’s back against the wall? Like Armenelos does. But Armenelos has the home advantage and in their case it is not a small thing but rather like some say, the twelveth player on the pitch.

The AKM predicts: FC Valinor to qualify, Tirion not to qualify… (not hard to “predict”)

The AKM bets: Real Valinor will qualify. To paraphrase a 7th age writer Edmund Husserl we say that we love Armenelos but we love even more the amazing trio of Real Valinor. We feel Armenelos has all it takes to qualify but we do believe Real Valinor will step up to the challenge and wake up to win the game.

The AKM advice for phantasy-players:
1) FC Valinor will go a long way in this tournament, possibly and probably to the very end of it, so any players from that squad are generally good picks, especially at this point of the tournament you should have one or two of their players in your team. Facing Tirion in their next game the backstairs might not be the best option but in the long run even they might pay off. Although: Huan has still not given in even one goal (the AKM believes he will concede at least one against Tirion though).
2) If you believe that the female power-trio of Real Valinor will light up in the game where it matters it might be sensible to pick one of them into your team, but if they lose you will have to change them as they will them come obsolete.
3) Armenelos will most probably score at least once and Ar Pharazôn is probably your best bet at it – but Ar Adunakhôr is a wise choice as well regarding the stars you wish to spend. But choosing Armenelos players demands you believe Armenelos will qualify: otherwise don’t pick them.
4) If you think you can afford choosing a player from a team that you know will not qualify – like a spot on special recruitement for one match – then consider Finwë of Tirion. He was the best forward in the friendlies and has been consistently good in the real tournament as well. He will most probably carry you points this round. Sadly he won’t be available to do the same on the next one.


Part 2 to be published sometime soon.

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Group Tables:



(1) secured first seed
(q) qualified for the knockout stage; seeding undetermined
(x) eliminated

Power Rank:



Greatest gain:

• +19 Gondor
• +15 Inter Beleriand
• +11 Mordor

Greatest loss:

• -30 Real Valinor
• -21 Armenelos
• -17 Anduin

The Power Ranking is based on the aggregate of offensive and defensive ranking, combined with the adjusted goal difference rank of each team. The listed offensive and defensive rankings are from the actual numbers by the teams, and not adjusted. Ties are broken by a) win-draw-loss record; and b) goal difference.

The offensive ranking is based on the goals scored throughout the matches. Ties are broken by a) greater number of shots made on target; and b) greater number of shots made.

The defensive ranking is based on the goals allowed throughout the matches. Ties are broken by a) least number of shots allowed on target; and b) least amount of shots allowed.

Top Individual Performers:

GOALS + ASSISTS

3+1
Fëanor (AC Beleriand)

3+0
Ancalagon (Angband)
Beren (AC Beleriand)

2+2
Anarion (Gondor)

2+1
Bombadil (Shire-Bree United)
Fingon (Inter Beleriand)
Glorfindel (Eriador)
Scatha (Wilderland)
Celegorm (FC Valinor)
Túrin (Hithlum)
Thuringwethil (Anfauglith)
Sauron (Barad-dûr)

2+0
Saucepan Man (The Downer)
Witch-king (Eriador)
Bard (Erebor)
Finwë (Tirion)
Tar-Aldarion (The Sea)
Finrod (Nargothrond)
Castamir (Barad-dûr)
Boromir I (Minas Tirith)
Shelob (Mordor)

GOALKEEPING

1. Huan (FC Valinor) - 7/7 (100%)
2. Théoden (Rohan) -5/5 (100%)
3. Beorn (Erebor) - 9/10 (90.00%)
4. Turgon (Inter Beleriand) - 13/16 (81.25%)
5. Elrond (Eriador) - 8/10 (80.00%)
6. Elros (Imladris) - 8/10 (80.00%)
7. Manwë (Valimar) - 8/10 (80.00%)

YELLOW CARDS

2 Yellow Cards

Evil Mayo (The Downer)
Morsul (The Downer)
BoroWight (Tol-in-Gaurhoth)
Forweg (Inter Beleriand)
Lenwë (Anduin)
Caranthir (Real Valinor)
Figwit (Imladris)
Tom (Misty Mts)
Herumor (Barad-dûr)
Turambar (Gondor)
Eärnil I (Gondor)
Eärnil II (Minas Tirith)
Grishnákh (Mordor)

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

In case you didn't notice, I put one over the man in this matchday, hijacking TENT's feed and replacing it with my own. Now I'm sure those media moguls will be back with more than a vengeance, but free speech has triumphed, and no one can deny that! O happy day!

Anyway, I got a pathetic 5/16 on the games this round, drawing even TTN this time. We probably wouldn't hit the side of Hithaeglir with a catapult at this rate.

Group A: 0/2

The Downer will have more bookings than shots on target.

Fail. Anyway, I know the goalbound shots aren't his fault, but seriously, ShastaWolf, what's wrong with you this year? Seer got ya?

Group B: 1/2

Elrond will limit Gothmog and Maeglin to one goal.

Win. So sure, Maeglin and Gothmog are First Age legends, but Elrond was the first one to face a Kinslaying and live. Nothing beats that.

Group C: 0/2

Dragons will have more goals than Dwarves will have shots on goal.

Fail. The Dwarves even created a goal, who would have thunk it?

Group D: 1/2

Arien will score a hat-trick to make up for the previous round's loss.

Fail. Just one goal, plus one yellow card. Hotheaded much?

Group E: 0/2

Ulmo will score. Or at least he'll create a goal.

Fail. As a side note: apparently, Ulmo is too sporting to leave his peer goalless. That's the only way Valimar could have scored against The Sea.

Group F: 2/2

Remember Helm's Deep, Saruman? Helm will get one.

Helm pwns j00. And gets a yellow card to boot.

Group G: 0/2

Finrod will get more goals than Fëanor.

For 52 minutes, he did. T_T

Group H: 1/2

Erm, good guys win?

Erm, does the draw count as a moral victory?

Round 3 predictions (sans the other predictions, since they're really not working):

Group A:
The Downer vs Shire-Bree United
Angband vs Tol-in-Gaurhoth

I don't think the Wolves deserve to qualify. A draw with The Downer, seriously? My mother's sewing buddies could pull that off!

Group B:
Arnor vs Gondolin
Eriador vs Inter Beleriand

Elrond will school his grand-uncles. You will curse the day you let him live, Maedhros!

Group C:
Erebor vs Dwarves United
Anduin vs Wilderland

Poor Anduin. Denied two years in a row. But if even Galadriel and Elwë, Elves who probably read siege-survival manuals before going to bed, get that look in their eyes, the one where everything looks like a path to the back of the net, I doubt anyone can stop them. (Well, Erebor did. )

Group D:
Armenelos vs Real Valinor
Tirion vs FC Valinor

Fiddlesticks! So it's come to this? . . . Sorry, Arien, I choose Tar-Míriel.

Group E:
The Havens vs The Sea
Hithlum vs Valimar

So . . . if Hithlum and Valimar have a one-all draw and The Havens and The Sea have a scoreless draw, what happens to this group? Okay, Hithlum advances, and then what? Can they take the third team in Group D instead?

Group F:
Imladris vs Isengard
Misty Mts vs Rohan

Gandalf vs Durin's Bane, round two. I'm betting on the Grey Guy.

Group G:
Anfauglith vs AC Beleriand
Doriath vs Nargothrond

The day I stop believing Felagund is the day I die. And don't tell me about the goal difference!!!

Group H:
Gondor vs Minas Tirith
Barad-dûr vs Mordor

1. Eldacar is the only known victor in an actual fight between Dúnedain. Advantage: Gondor.
2. Spiders > Dark Lords. Advantage: Mordor

[Nogrod]

Group E
Hithlum – Valimar
The Havens – The Sea

With all teams even before the last round this is the hairiest group there is. In the trickiest possible situation we might need to start counting the number of goals made. In that scenario – before the last games that is – Hithlum is having the best situation (4 goals made) and Valimar the worst (only 1 goal made); both The Havens and The Sea have made 3 goals so they are following Hithlum closely (and with Hithlum having a game against low-score –masters Valimar, the two have actually good chances to overcome them in goals scored).

One thing is clear though: any team winning the last match will qualify.

That should secure that every team will fight for a win in the last games. And it is easy to see all the teams thriving for just that, with the possible exception of Valimar which is a team it is always so hard to figure – and which fact has suddenly turned the tables making the group favourite look like the most vulnerable team at this point. Weird enough: if Valimar forces Hithlum into a 1-1 draw and The Sea and The Havens play 3-3 both elven teams qualify…

If Hithlum scores two goals against Manwë they will most probably qualify – unless Valinor scores three (which we think quite improbable). It will in the end be a game of Húrin and his children against Manwë: whichever champions ovet the other wins.

The match between the elven teams is just too tight to call. The Havens has been a little more active in shooting but a bit less effective with it’s shots. On defence The Sea has allowed clearly fewer shots towards their goal, but Cirdan has been a notch better keeper than Voronwë.

The AKM predicts: Hithlum to qualify.

The AKM bets: All other three are possibilities to qualify, but Valimar the least probable. If forced to bet on a team, the AKM would bet on *flies a coin* The Sea.

The AKM advice for phantasy-players:
1) Because of the extremely uncertain outcome of this group you should be careful choosing players from these teams. You should be especially careful not to choose too many players from the elven teams unless you wish to play a “great risks and great rewards” –game.
2) Best picks from this group could be the offencive players from team Hithlum as they will most likely score at least once (possibly twice) and will most probaly continue the tournament from these teams (which is not to say they will qualify, but are the best bet for it).
3) Valimar defences are always a good choice but the AKM doesn’t encourage it this time.

Group F
Rohan – Misty Mountains
Isengard – Imladris

The first game is not a totally meaningless even if Rohan has secured the top position of the group, for Misty Mts. does have a theoretical chance to qualify. The problem for them is that it a) requires miracles from them, and b) is not totally in their own hands as it requires the hosts Isengard to beat Imladris. And to top that all, they would need to win Rohan with a better goal difference (with two goals at minimum) than Isengard would beat Imladris… You can assess yourself how probable it is that Rohan which hasn’t given in a single goal in two games would suddenly let Misty Mts. score two or more. So basically we say goodbye to team Misty Mts.

Now even if Isengard has chances to qualify, and even if there has been talk about Imladris’ problems in scoring, and even if Isengards defences and goal-keeping are actually almost as good as Imlardis’, there seems to be only one favourite for this game. Imladris might not be FC Valinor or Angband, but they still have scored three goals in two matches where Isengard has only scored one. The offencive stats thus far make this clear: Imladris scores 33,3% of their shots on goal, Isengard scores 12,5% - and they shoot about the same amount… while their goalies’s saving percentages are about the same.

The AKM predicts: Rohan and Imladris to qualify.

The AKM advice for phantasy-players:
1) Rohan is a good choice especially for defencive players. They will most likely meet wilderland in the first play-off game – and even if wilderland has an effective-looking attack, Erebor managed to keep them in one goal so it might be safe.
2) Imladris is not as good an investment as they will face Erebor in the play-offs (if they get there) and their defence will be put into a real test they might fail (Elros will get you a few points anyway).
3) The AKM does suggest you to basically ignore the forwards from group F when picking your team.

Group G
AC Beleriand – Anfaughlith
Nargothrond – Doriath

In theory the group is wide open as every team has a chance to qualify. In practise it is one of the clearest groups thus far as AC Beleriand and Anfaughlith will qualify – and the only question remains which one of them needs to face Eriador in the first play-off game.

Looking at the stats the defences are more or less equal except that Ungoliant (77,8%) is a better keeper than Marach (66,7%). But in the offenciv e stats AC Beleriand just crushes Anfaughlith. So it’s easy to see AC Beleriand as favourites to win the group.

Now the chances of Nargothrond and Doriath are tied into a “partner team” above them. Nargothrond only has chances if Anfaughlith loses and Doriath ony has chances if AC Beleriand loses. But even in those cases their chances are slim as the goal differences are huge: Anfaughlith is having +1 against Nargothrond’s -4; AC Bel is having +4 against Doriath’s -1. So that should be clear.

The AKM predicts: AC Beleriand and Anfaughlith to qualify.

The AKM advice for phantasy-players:
1) If you don’t yet have Fëanor, Beren or Eöl in your team it would be high time to recruit one of them. And as AC Beleriand will most probably play at least two games after the group-phase, you might think of some midfield / defence options as well.
2) Anfaughlith’s defences are one of the best in the tournament (even if they showed some vulnerability against Nargothrond’s attack) and even if their most probable adversary in the play-offs is Eriador, it might be just a team they could defend well against. But the AKM wouldn’t bet on Thuringwethil now, at least looking forwards to the play-offs as Elrond is more than ready to face her.
3) If you want to hire a striker for just one game and are ready to dispose of him, the AKM suggests considering Finrod Felagund of Nargothrond, or maybe Glaurung, or Beleg of Doriath.

Group H
Gondor – Minas Tirith
Barad Dûr – Mordor

Here we face a dilemma: Gondor is through and has actually secured their pole position whatever happens in the last games. Now their last game is against Minas Tirith who have 2 points while the Mordorian teams both have only 1 point and play against each other.

It is beyond doubt that the Rohanians have entertained the question of whether they should lose intentionally to their fellows from Minas Tirith to get their kin through and leave the Mordorians into the group-stage. That would be tempting especially as a loss wouldn’t drop them from the pole position. But what they have decided on the issue is far from beyond doubt.

The AKM does actually feel Gondor might indeed lose their game. But if that doesn’t happen, then we’d say Barad Dûr stand somewhat favourites against Mordor, especially because of Sauron in front of BD –teams attack against a team formed mainly from his own minions.

The AKM predicts: Gondor to qualify, then possibly Minas Tirith (if not then Barad Dûr).

The AKM advice for phantasy-players:
1) Anarion of Gondor has been valuable player (and Eldacar to an extent as well) but with the chance of dealt loss in the air the AKM wouldn’t make him a top choice at this round. But if you believe in that theory, then Boromir, Faramir or Mardil from Minas Tirith might be good ideas.
2) Going for another route Sauron, and if he’s too expensive (in stars) then Castamor or queen Bruthiel might be picks to consider.
3) Shelob of Mordor has scored pretty well but Mordor is most probably staying in the group-phase so you’d need to trade her after this game anyway.

[Boromir88]

TWO TOWERS NETWORK
Boromir the 88th

The latest TTN Power Rankings, after Matchday #2

KEY: (Previous rank. Results from first 2 matches. Goal Differential)

POWER RANKINGS

01. FC Valinor - 104.0
(Previous: #1. Results: WW +5)
-There has been no slowing down FC Valinor thus far. They have been making mincemeat of the "group of death"

02. AC Beleriand - 52.2
(Previous: #8. Results: DW +4)
-After a 5-goal slaughter of Nargothrond AC Beleriand rises to take 2nd. True Nargothrond's defense is terrible, but nevertheless, a 5-1 thumping will raise attention.

03. Erebor - 51.0
(Previous: #6. Result: WW +3)
-Nice win over the previous #2 Wilderland, and Erebor looks to make some noise in the playoffs.

04. Eriador - 43.4
(Previous: #4 Results: WW +3)
-Well, Elrond's side comes in at #4 yet again. Good 2-goal win over probably the most talented team in their group, but Group B doesn't have any serious championship contenders (excluding Eriador, of course)

05. Wilderland - 41.6
(Previous: #2 Result: WL +1)
-Not terrible to lose against Erebor, but they must bounce back with at least a 2-goal win over Dwarves United, for TTN to start respecting Wilderland more.

06. Real Valinor - 38.4
(Previous: #7. Results: LW -2)
-We think there's a bit of a flub in Nilp's rankings, since some how Real Valinor is dropped to the worst team of the tournament? They needed that win against Tirion, and the match against Armenolos should draw the largest crowd for a group match ever.

07. Rohan - 37.9
(Previous: #5 Result: WW +2)
-A pair of 1-0 victories, as Rohan seems to want to play like the Valar teams of previous years. Very good defensively, but they haven't been challenged by a dangerous attack yet.

08. Armenolos - 36.9
(Previous: #3 Result: WL -1)
-Tough loss to FC Valinor, but they have the best in their group finished and Armenolos' playoff fate is entirely in their own hands. They wouldn't want it any other way.

09. Angfauglith - 34.9
(Previous: #14 Result: DW +1)
-Needed that win against Doriath, but now plays AC Beleriand in the final match, and they can not get blown out.

10. Imladris - 29.9
(Previous: #25 Result: LW +1)
-We really can't understand this team. For several consecutive matches they couldn't score at all, then they put up 3 against Misty Mountains. Now watch, Isengard will shut them out.

11. Angband - 24.9
(Previous: #9 Result: WD +2)
-They could have taken complete control over their group, but a rather disappointing draw with The Shire leaves all of Group A up for grabs.

12. Valimar - 23.8
(Previous: #11 Result: DD 0)

13. The Sea - 22.5
(Previous: #15 Result: DD 0)

14. Gondor - 19.0
(Previous: #20 Result: WW +2)
-Gondor begins a nice climb as they wrap up Group H and are automatically advancing. Even though Group H is the void when it comes to legitimate contenders.

15. Doriath - 17.6
(Previous: #13 Result: DL -1)

16. Hithlum - 17.2
(Previous: #19 Result: DD 0)
-Another draw, but they really needed that win against The Havens. Fortunately they can draw in their last match and still be pretty sure about advancing, due to scoring the most goals in their group and the fact that no one can win a game.

17. Nargothrond - 17.2
(Previous: #12 Result: DL -4)
-An absolutely pathetic performance, Finrod should be embarrassed.

18. The Havens - 17.1
(Previous: #21 Result: DD 0)

19. Shire Bree Utd - 16.7
(Previous: #23 Result: DD 0)
-Nice draws, but for some reason I feel The Downer has a surprise or 2 left to spoil The Shire's apparently good chances of advancing.

20. Inter Beleriand - 16.5
(Previous: #23 Result: DW +1)
-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. Anduin - 16.3
(Previous: #16 Result: LD -2)

22. Tirion - 16.2
(Previous: #10 Result: LL -2)

23. Misty Mts - 14.7
(Previous: #17 Result: DL -2)

24. Isengard - 14.1
(Previous: #18 Result: DL -1)

25. Tol In Gaurhoth - 11.3
(Previous: #24 Result: DD 0)
-Not a good result against The Downer, and BoroWight's inbox is flooded with hate-pms

26. Gondolin - 9.7
(Previous: #22 Result: DL -2)

27. Minas Tirith - 9.4
(Previous: #26 Result: DD 0)

28. Dwarves Utd - 9.2
(Previous: #31 Result: LD -2)

29. Arnor - 7.1
(Previous: #27 Result: LL -2)

30. Mordor - 6.2
(Previous: #30 Result: LD -1)

31. Barad Dur - 6.0
(Previous: #29 Result: DL -1)

32. The Downer - 5.4
(Previous: #32 Result: LD -2)

[Boromir88]

TWO TOWERS NETWORK
Boromir the 88th

Round 3 - Predictions

Well it appears we can throw in all the advanced stats and metrics we want and it still won't do much good in trying to predict matches this year. Still we will plod on and there is one final round left to restore sanity back in the world of predictions.

Group A

1. Angband vs Tol In Gaurhoth

ACS2012: 1-goal win for Angband

Boro's pick: TIG did not do themselves any favors with a disappointing draw against The Downer. Although, we expect the phantom to have a highlight game against Morgoth's side. The wolves always perform under pressure, but will the wights fold? Draw 2-2

2. Shire-Bree United vs The Downer

ACS2012: 2-goal win for Shire-Bree

Boro's pick: For some reason we are cautious to pick Shire-Bree in this one. It will depend on how they handle a pressured situation, even though they are clearly the more talented team. The Downer will be The Downer, and that should have Shire-Bree concerned. Shire-Bree gets it done though, win 3-2.

Group B

1. Arnor vs Gondolin

ACS2012: Draw

Boro's pick: The Arnorians are honourable enough to not cave in completely, but they don't have the skill to stop a Gondolin team that must win to advance. Gondolin wins 2-1

2. Inter Beleriand vs Eriador

ACS2012: 1-goal win for Eriador

Boro's pick: Inter Beleriand has been quite impressive so far, but now they play the top team of the group. And we doubt Eriador will give a lackluster effort, even though they are already through to the knockout stage. Eriador wins 2-1

Group C

1. Anduin vs Erebor

ACS2012: 2-goal win for Erebor

Boro's pick: Erebor has already defeated group rivals Wilderland, they have been playing very well...and Smaug hasn't even shown up on the stat sheet much yet. Erebor wins 2-0.

2. Dwarves United vs Wilderland

ACS2012: 2-goal win for Wilderland

Boro's pick: The Dwarves should play a bit sharper than that 4-1 shelacking Wilderland gave them in the friendlies, but this is a terrible match up in the mid-field for Aule's team. Wilderland wins 3-1.

Group D

1. Tirion vs FC Valinor

ACS2012: 3-goal win for FC Valinor

Boro's pick: If anyone can score on FC Valinor it would be Tirion, since goals are their specialty. But giving up goals is also their speciality. FC Valinor wins 3-1

2. Armenelos vs Real Valinor

ACS2012: Draw

Boro's pick: This will be the premier match of Round 3, and possible the premier match of the whole group stage. The winner advances, and in the event of a draw, we believe Armenolos advances due to goal differential. Armenolos in front of their home crowd, will get the edge, they win 3-2.

Group E

1. Hithlum vs Valimar

ACS2012: Draw

Boro's pick: Will anyone in this group actually win a game, and you know...seize control of it? Wait..what's that? No one? Draw 2-2.

2. The Havens vs The Sea

ACS2012: Draw

Boro's pick: Of anyone, we suppose The Sea could win a game in this group, but Ulmo's defense has really been disappointing thus far. Ah well, let's go for it anyway. The Sea wins 2-1.

Group F

1. Misty Mts vs Rohan

ACS2012: 2-goal win for Rohan

Boro's pick: Rohan appears to want to win all games 1-0 (they had the same strategy in the friendlies remember). Which is all fine, until they actually play a threatening attack, but as it stands for this group...Rohan wins 1-0.

2. Imladris vs Isengard

ACS2012: 1-goal win for Imladris

Boro's pick: All stats and reason point to a win for Imladris, but we've got no clue what side will show up for Imladris. The side that took it to Misty Mts winning 3-1, or the side that's been shut out several times? We'll go out on a limb and say Saruman has a few dubious wizard tricks left. Isengard wins 2-1.

Group G

1. AC Beleriand vs Angfauglith

ACS2012: 1-goal win for AC Beleriand

Boro's pick: Based on the 5-1 onslaught of Nargothrond, AC Beleriand should win this one fairly comfortably. I will stress should, because this was the same team that only drew with Doriath. AC Beleriand wins 2-0.

2. Doriath vs Nargothrond

ACS2012: Draw

Boro's pick: Finrod should be ashamed of his team this year and that's all we have to say about that. Draw 3-3.

Group H

1. Gondor vs Minas Tirith

ACS2012: 1-goal win for Gondor

Boro's pick: Motivations will severely come into question in this one...will Gondor tank the match just so Minas Tirith is also assured of advancing? Would they dare do it in the middle of Mordor? Minas Tirith wins 2-1.

2. Barad-Dur vs Mordor

ACS2012: Draw

Boro's pick: After Gondor obviously throws their match against the White Tower, how will Mordor react? That has MEFA authorities worried the most. Sauron may even refuse to play the match, if they don't just cancel it due to outrage. In fact, with everything that's happened this year, that will be my prediction. Seriously. Match CANCELLED.

What a way to end the group stage of Arda Cup 2012.

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Doriath vs Nargothrond


[Projected formation. Doriath in silver and blue; Nargothrond in green and yellow.]

Formation:

For the first time, at least in this group, we’ll see a battle of even numbers in the midfield: Nellas, Daeron, and Galadhon for Doriath vs Orodreth, Finduilas, and Barahir for Nargothrond. However Doriath also have Beleg and Lúthien in wide midfielder roles. So far they have been unable to help their teammates in the centre, but that's because they had to pin down the attacking fullbacks of AC Beleriand and Anfauglith. And Nargothrond has none of those. So expect Doriath to gain advantage in midfield.

Tactics:

But would Doriath turn it into an advantage in possession? They’re up against a potent offensive squad that attacks from deep (midfield runners Orodreth and Finduilas) and wide (winger Gwindor). When Doriath faced AC Beleriand, a team with offensive capabilities comparable to Nargothrond, they chose to absorb the pressure and play on the break, resulting in a draw. When they played a more attacking style against Anfauglith, they lost to a counterattack. So a wiser course of action for Doriath seems to be to play defensive with two banks of four and attack in transition. Nargothrond’s back four has been woeful when left to their own devices—note the four-goal explosion of AC Beleriand when Nargothrond’s midfield tried to press higher, leaving their defenders without protection.

The only other tactical consideration of note would be Melian’s position in the back four: should she mark Glaurung in the centre or move to left back and exploit Finrod’s movement to push forward? Gwindor’s right wing runs would most likely be met by the pacey Nimloth.

AC Beleriand vs Anfauglith


[Projected formation. AC Beleriand in red and white; Anfauglith in black and brown.]

Formation:

There is little to comment on the two side’s formation: an extremely defensive 4-5-1 against an offensive 4-4-2 diamond. Fingolfin and Ecthelion would both be free to move from the back line to help in AC Beleriand’s offence, and Beren would be a constant threat with his runs from midfield, turning AC Beleriand into an old-school 2-3-5 when they have the ball.

Tactics:

The first tactical question of this game would be: Will AC Beleriand come and play? Even with a draw, they would advance first and avoid a first-round meeting with Eriador, whereas Anfauglith needs a win to avoid the Elrond-led squad. The problem is that Anfauglith has no options for an all-out attack. Thuringwethil is a fine forward on the break, when she is left with four markers at most, but she cannot outplay eight defensive-minded players on her own. Galdor has shown in the Doriath game that he can exploit space left behind by fullbacks charging forward, but he can’t create his own space.

If AC Beleriand decides to play, the next question would be: How would Anfauglith stop them? An on-form Fëanor can turn circles around Balrog #2 and Borlach, and the full back Balrogs would have their hands full with Ecthelion and Fingolfin’s forward runs. Eöl would then be left free to find space and create chances for Fëanor and Beren. So it would require a balancing act from Anfauglith's midfielders: exploit the space left behind by the attacking fullbacks, but be diligent enough to guard against attacks from the midfield. Someone (most likely Gorgol) would also have to pick Eöl up when he drops deep.

[the phantom]

Pay-Out Numbers Announced, Luxury Tax & New Minimum For 2013
The Phantom, MESPN News

After analyzing the revenue from television, tickets, merchandise, etc. thus far the Arda Cup Finance Committee has solid enough expectations to announce the pay-outs for this year’s Arda Cup.

Eliminated in Groups = 60 million
Eliminated in Round 1 = 80 million
Quarterfinalists = 95 million
Fourth Place = 115 million
Third Place = 120 million
Second Place = 130 million
First Place = 140 million

These numbers were met with mixed reactions throughout Arda. Some were horrified by the lowest number, as it would potentially cripple expensive squads that didn’t produce, but those owners that seemed to expect lower totals and fielded cheaper than average squads from the start, notably Sauron, seemed quite pleased by the figures.

The spokesman for Arda Cup stated that the numbers could shift slightly in the coming years as teams adjusted to the new luxury tax and league minimum. A luxury tax will be imposed at 110 million, meaning that any dollar spent above that amount would have to be paid in double- once in salary and again to the league. The new league minimum will be 45 million.

[the phantom]

Eru Mandate: “Inter-dimensional squads (Downer & TIG) must feature Tolkien characters”
The Phantom, MESPN News

Following the salary and pay-out announcement this morning, Eru himself released a statement demanding that The Downer and Tol In Gaurhoth gain “a more Tolkien-ish flavor” for next season’s competition or risk being banned.

Team owners and players refused to comment following the announcement, except for captain NogWolf of Tol In Gaurhoth, who said only, “We’re not thinking about next season until this one is over.”

This so-called “Tolkien Mandate” is sure to have a major impact on Arda Cup 2013. Already fans are speculating on which teams may have their talent raided by the inter-dimensional Wights, but we at MESPN will save the serious speculation for the off-season.

[Nogrod]

Group D at Armenelos, round3

One of the most striking consequences of this year’s groupings is that Tirion has zero points from their two first games and is without a chance to qualify. Being put in almost any other group it is clear they would have been strong contenders to continue into the play-offs, but in group D their fate is sealed already before the last round.

Now the Númenorians are know to be patriotic, nationalistic and even a bit racist bunch of proud people, but they also have a deep-rooted football culture and are thus also able to value things worthy of appreciation. So when team Tirion arrived to the pitch they received huge applauses from the crowds. In the end the homecrowds cheered to both teams in the field: to FC Valinor because of their incredible skill and unrelenting stamina and to Tirion for their honourable fight combined with their ill-fate – it was to the Númenorians a game between heroes and tragic heroes, both descriptions Númenorians could identify with.

And what a game the crowds were offered! Neither team had anything at stake tournamentwise, so in that way they were both able to play a “pressure free” game. But it was clear from the very first minutes that both wanted to show who they are and how good they are – and neither team was willing to give in an inch.

Five goals, over forty shots, a bunch of tough but within rules tackling, fighting for every ball, speed, intelligence, great personal performances, awesome combinations, great shots, great saves and the game deciding goal only five minutes before the ending whistle. What else can a football-fan ask for?
The game rolled to and fro in an astonishing pace the first period with FC Valinor creating some of the more dangerous attacks, but Tirion had their fair share of chances as well including one shot hitting the post and another barely tipped over the crossbar by Huan. Still it felt more or less just that FC Valinor took the lead just before the half-time.

People talk about “will-goals” or “determination-goals”. Curufin’s goal was exactly that. He got a pass from Yavanna on the midfield and just pushed through the Tirion defences, even ignoring Thorondor’s effort of separating him from the ball. Finally he pulled a mighty shot past his half-uncle from close range leaving Finarfin no chances to deny him.

But Tirion gathered some added spirit to their effort during the break and came into the second half like a whirlwind. It was the first time in this tournament FC Valinor was forced into being the receiving side. Like in their previous game against Real Valinor, it looked like especially Eönwë, Finwë and Aredhel had grown in stature and even in size. But also the rest of them looked sharper, nobler, tougher… It’s not that players like Huan, Nahar, Lórien or the sons of Fëanor would be intimidated by that kind of show off. But it wasn’t a show off. They were really coming on FC Valinor faster, stronger, more determined… and Tirion did open with a flash.

Three minutes into the second half the whole Tirion offence rolled unstobbably towards the goal and plain opened the defence with their aggressive charge and astonishing passing. Coming near enough the goal Eönwë had the ball and challenged Huan one on one. The herald of Manwë pulled Huan close enough and then flipped the ball away from Huan’s reach - and Aredhel managed to dive to the ball despite Nahar’s effort of stopping her. Huan had been forced to surrender the first time in the actual tournament!

But there was more to come. Ten minutes later Ingwë gave an undirect freekick from forty meters, left of the box and shot it totally wide.But Finwë was first to pick it on the right side and after dribbling his wife he centered the ball towards the goal where the concentration had just started to loosen a bit. First it looked Aredhel was going to reach the header, but already in the air, at the last moment, she ducked her head down letting the ball go over. Huan was already on the move right anticipating Aredhel’s header when the ball flew just inches over Nahar’s back straight at Eönwë who headed it down to the low left corner of the goal leaving Huan surprised another time in ten minutes.

The mainly Númenorian crowds were pleased and some even joined Tirion supporters in their chanting. But when FC Valinor pulled itself together and kind of “changed gear” the same crowds were only happy to change their songs as now FC Valinor was showing them some really astonishing football –but Tirion was standing firm playing very impressive defence, something none had thought they could do.But when it is honour more than points that are at stake, then one can strech into remarkable deeds.

Tirion defences held the waves of attacks by FC Valinor for fifteen minutes but then the inevitable happened. And it was Curufin again. This time he got a centering pass from Idril the Silverfoot who had dashed to the edge of the field, and rushing from between Elenwë and Irimë he slid the low pass in from two meters.

The last fifteen minutes were a pure thriller. The game was even 2-2, but neither team seemed to accept a draw. The football fans were peeing honey. How wrong was it that Tirion had to drop out from the tournament now that they really showed their qualities struggling even with, and forcing the team most agencies would put as the number one favourite to win the whole Arda Cup 2012 into defence at times!

But in the end FC Valinor proved the stronger willed or just plain better. Or then it was just Curufin. He was in flames after the two first tournament games where he had been shadowed by his brother Celegorm, and it seemed there was no one that could stop him this day. Curufin scored his hat-trick with an impressive volley to a great long pass from the lower midfield by his broither Maglor. One rarely sees such goals: a thirty-meter high-pass and a turning volley – to the upper corner of the goal from just beside the box! It was just fantastic! The hats were being thrown into the field when Curufin made a celebrationary-run around the pitch to an unanimous standing ovation of an impressed crowd.

It was said before the match that this game had no signifigance. And tournamentwise it didn’t. But to everyone who was there witnessing the game – or to those who saw it live through Palantir Broadcasting Service (PBS) – it really meant something. To have lived such a game, to have lived such a game… it was something folks would tell their grandchildren about.

Tirion 2-3 FC Valinor
on target 7-9
tot shots 18-24
GOALS:
*38, 0-1 Curufin (Yavanna)
*48, 1-1 Aredhel (Eonwe)
*57, 2-1 Eonwe (Finwe)
*74, 2-2 Curufin (Idril)
*85, 2-3 Curufin (Maglor)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Tirion- Mahtan, Thorondor
*FCVal- Celegorm


So all was set for the “main game” of the day. With such an appetizer as they had just seen it was hard to see how the feeling or intensity could rise any more, but it did; it skyrocketed, quite literally. When the home team marched into the pitch the noise was just ear-piercing: the drums, the trombones, the chanting… the waves going round the stadium incessantly for the first twenty minutes of the game… you name it.

But even if the game outshone the earlier one in emotion and feeling for the majority of the homeside fans at the stands, a football cognoscenti must have missed the flash and flare of the earlier game. Not that the game or the players were bad, quite the contrary: had it been played at any time or at any place it would have been a great match of the best talent for football in whole Arda to remember for a long while, but after the Tirion vs. FC Valinor –game it just didn’t feel like it. Like The Valmar Bells put it in their headline the following day, it was like “the great beauty produced by the harps of the Ainur in Aman fade in comparison to the Ainulindalë”.

The first half was goalless with Real Valinor creating slightly the more dangerous chances. Many fans of Real Valinor were happy to see the dynamic-trio Nerdanel, Miriel and Arien being fed better than in the earlier games creating a few good chances as their performance – or actually the lack of it – has been the main reason for the situation Real Valinor is. But Armenelos was not content on playing a second fiddle either and made some pretty good build-ups, even winning the possession on the first half. Real was just an inch sharper on the first period while Armenelos’ attacks ended up more often into shots out of target or them losing the ball just before they could shoot. In the latter case especially Caranthir and Tilion were forcing turnovers time after time creating some real frustration in team Armenelos.

The second half started in the similar vein and in the end Real Valinor produced a result. 15 minutes into the second half Tar Calmacil was carded for a late tackle on Arien, quite nastily to the ankle actually, just behind the box. Arien had to be aided by the first-aid staff, but she insisted to take the free kick herself. And what a shot it was! The ball went round the wall and suddenly bent steeply towards the other direction. Tar Atanamir had no chance. Real Valinor had taken the lead.

That made Armenelos to push it all in. They took the control of the game and came forwards like a tidal wave. But going all in carries with it the risks of counter-attacks and just ten minutes into the great pressure by the home-team Tilion stole the ball and sent it forwards to Nerdanel who sent it immediately forth to Miriel who broke away behind the Armenelos defenders and ran alone to face Tar Atanamir. And she scored with her speed totally outweighing Tar Atanamir’s effort of trying to keep up with her.

There was twenty minutes left and the home team was trailing with two goals. The crowds were stunned and quiet. It looked like Real Valinor was making it to the play-offs and Armenelos would stay in the group-phase.

Armenelos had no chance but to press on, but with a two goal lead Real Valinor clearly draw back more they had done earlier.

Tar Ancalimon shot it just wide from thirty meters free kick.

Ar Adunakhôr headed a corner from a great situation straight to Tulkas’ hands.

Ar Pharazôn made an astonishing bicycle-kick from in front of the goal but it was bounced back to the midfield from Rumil’s back.

Tar Miriel was just breaking through inside the box when Caranthir’s sliding tackle took her from the control of the ball.

Ar Pharazôn took a rebound from a shot by Tar Ancalimon and shot it from between two defenders – exactly out of reach from Tulkas but still inside the posts!

It was a goal! Armenelos was only one goal behind with… three minutes to go.
Real Valinor decided to play it safe and pulled everyone down leaving only Arien to threaten a break-through and thus forcing Armenelos to consider leaving at least one player to look after her. It was like a cat trying to attack a hedgehog: there was no way in for the cat. With the home fans supporting their own furiously the Armenelos team tried to crack the all-team defence of Real Valinor – and it felt like they banged their head on a wall that didn’t give in. They didn’t manage a shot in the last three minutes even if they tried their hardest. The hometeam had lost and were left in the group-stage.

The disappointment was huge. The empty feeling at the stadion was undescribable but overwhelming. After such experiences, after so many highs (the first game included) and the final hammering blow the stadion was awkwardly silent. It was like too much to bear. There were slow and silent tears in the eyes of many proud and bold Númenorians while many just swallowed them and bit their lip. The Númenorians were refusing to leave the stadium, like their staying would open up a window for a third period to be played or what not – which none of them of course thought would happen.

When the visiting fans and supporters of the other teams finally dared to start exiting the stands the Númenorians spontaneously started to sing “Númenor will never yield” with great emotion. It was moment everyone present would remember the rest of their lives.

Later both the organizing committee and the visiting foreigners were afraid of troubles during the night but nothing drastic happened. One Vanyarin elf had to be taken to a emergency care after being beaten up badly in a row in a local tavern, and a decent number of bruises and minor wounds were treated at the first-aid centers around the city. But the numbers were unexpectedly low regarding the expectations or horror-scenarios.

One thing that might have eased the feelings was that Real Valinor sent Nienna and Arien to represent their team into the post game press-conference. They both praised the Armenelos team, the local fans and the organising committee to the high heavens and bowed to the footballing culture of Númenor.

When asked by The Armenelos Times, do they feel they can represent this extraordinary group in the play-offs with honour when, so to say, their scoring powder has been so wet, Arien seemed relaxed when answering: “There’s no reason to reveal all your cards prematurely or to perform your best before the time it matters. Real Valinor will go far in this tournament, you bet, and it will be for the honour of the Númenorians as well to see that a team that so thinly won your team will cruise it all the way.”

Armenelos 1-2 Real Valinor
on target 4-7
tot shots 11-16
GOALS:
*60, 0-1 Arien
*71, 0-2 Miriel (Nerdanel)
*87, 1-2 Ar Pharazon (Tar Ancalimon)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Armen- Ar Gimilzor, Tar Calmacil
*Real- Nessa


Group D final results
FC Valinor 9 3-0-0 8-2
Real Valinor 6 2-0-1 4-5

Armenelos 3 1-0-2 4-6
Tirion 0 0-0-3 5-8

FC Valinor (D1) and Real Valinor (D2) to qualify.

[the phantom]

Group B @ Weathertop

It was quite a mix of spirits in the hearts and goblets of the game-goers as the final round approached at Weathertop. The steadfast Arnor supporters, particularly Elendil and Isildur’s posse, were quite down knowing they wouldn’t be advancing no matter the results. Many of the Arnor supporters were clinging to a bit of cheer however in the form of team Eriador, which featured some of their favorites- Araphant, Malbeth, Valandil, Arahael, Arassuil, and Arveleg. And they were going through no matter the results.

But with their fates already decided, how hard would the sides play?

Arnor always fought hard and had pride, but then they were rarely in such a position, and Isildur was notoriously moody. The Elves of Gondolin sincerely hoped their opposition would roll over for them, as they needed a solid win to have a hope of advancing. Fans of Inter Beleriand also hoped Eriador would be a bit uninspired, but Maedhros and Fingon poured water on those hopes in interviews, pointing out that AC Beleriand looked in best shape to take the top spot in Group G and Eriador would doubtless wish for at least a draw to avoid running into Feanor & Fingolfin already in the first round of the playoffs.

The Arnor faithful that attended the early game against Gondolin had greater numbers, but the Elves were making all the noise- more noise than usual without a doubt, trying to will their team to a playoff berth.

The fans started getting desperate as the first half wore on with no results. Both teams were defending decently, and Arnor didn’t look like they’d give up, and Gondolin wasn’t exactly playing with the necessary desperation. But through good execution and persistence Gondolin finally put up a tally in the 36th minute as Maeglin made a nifty cut and got himself clear to feed Gothmog for an easy header.

As the second half ticked past the Arnor fans started getting into it more than the Gondolin Elves. They could very well gain a draw or win out of this, and thus send mighty Gondolin packing, and that was worth bragging about! Whereas the Gondolin faithful knew a one-goal win wasn't going to cut it if they hoped to qualify.

Near the hour mark Isildur received a ball from Malvegil and, holding Aranwe on his back, he spun round with a perfect turn and drawing the defense chipped it over to Araphor for a ringing header. But Rog with an amazing leap and stretch saved it! The resulting corner was sent in to the far side and Elendil jumped clear and directed it just inside the post- but Rog saved it again!

Rog yelled at his team, "Why am I making the plays here?! Do you want to be in or not?!" And as simple as it was it seemed to be precisely the spur Gondolin needed to crank up their intensity. The midfield hadn't been doing the best job of getting it to the forwards, but now they looked sharper, and in the 61st minute Meleth released Duilin behind the off-side trap and he made it count, drawing Arvedui and serving it up to Gothmog for the finish.

In no time at all Gondolin was on the hunt again, forcing Arvedui and his defense to scramble. Elendil managed to get in the way of a Duilin drive, and Gothmog was just barely too tall on another header. But the quickness of the "sharp-boot" Maeglin could not be denied. Duilin gave it to him with some space on the end-line and Maeglin carved up the defense with a run to the center and slammed it into the top-shelf to give Gondolin the 3-goal lead!

The Gondolin faithful were just going nuts now- their team had hope again! They had equaled Inter Beleriand's goal differential, which meant if Inter lost, Gondolin was in!

With that in mind Gondolin fell back to lock down on defense and concentrated on keeping possession rather than attacking. The despirited Arnor seemed to have nothing left to challenge, however, and Gondolin sensed it. At minute 76 Gondolin unexpectedly risked possession as Egalmoth sent a sudden longball down the right side. The speedy Maeglin received it well clear of defenders and brought it in towards Arvedui as the lead-footed defense attempted to regain positioning.

But Maeglin gave them no such opportunity, instead sending it sharply across the box where it was met by the flaming comet of Gothmog. No one had a chance to challenge him and Arvedui could only guess. He guessed near- Gothmog went far. The death-blow was struck!

With the extra cushion Gondolin pulled back once again, but Arnor did not seriously challenge. They knew they were packing their bags that night, and they knew they wouldn't be able to save even this contest for a bit of pride. They were beaten. Free to run out the clock, Gondolin did so with respect and the refs didn't worry about having enough stoppage time and blew the whistle everyone was waiting for.

Gondolin had not clinched, but after the glorious performance they had witnessed the fans could be forgiven for assuming it was in the bag, for it seemed quite easy to believe and hope that the group-favorites and home-team Eriador would take care of Inter later that night. This Gondolin team simply had to advance after such a dashing performance!

Arnor 0-4 Gondolin
on target 4-8
tot shots 12-21
GOALS:
*36, 0-1 Gothmog (Maeglin)
*61, 0-2 Gothmog (Duilin)
*68, 0-3 Maeglin (Duilin)
*76, 0-4 Gothmog (Maeglin)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Arnor- Earendur, Araval
*Gondolin- Gothmog, Salgant

But Maedhros, Fingon, Turgon, and the rest of Inter Beleriand still had a say in matters. If they forged a tie with Eriador, they qualified second. If they won- first place. And they certainly had no plan of losing.

Both fan-bases were relatively confident their side could win. "Even Elrond can't hold off Fingon and Maedhros forever, and we've got a Balrog to counter their offense, and Turgon minding the net."

"Yes, but Glorfindel can handle a Balrog, and there's still Witch King to deal with- and Elrond won't be getting Fingon and Maedhros's best efforts as Gil-galad, Malbeth, and Asfaloth will bother them plenty."

Football fans everywhere were keen to find out who was right. The fans at Weathertop on the other hand mostly wanted to see Eriador sweep the group. The disappointed Arnor fans were notably present, and most were drunk and cheerful. They looked to Eriador for redemption- for if they took first then at least they'd have something to be pleased about.

In the early going it didn't look like either fan base was right. The game was very even- good passing, bright ideas on offense, quality runs, but all countered by swarming defense and timely tackling. Each team gained but a single shot on goal in the opening 30, and both boots were professionally smothered by Turgon and Elrond.

Towards the end of the half Inter looked to have the upper hand, owning the ball just a bit more, and looking just a bit more dangerous around the box. But at minute 40 a fortunate bounce on a clearance found empty space in front of Malbeth, and the far-seer spotted an opportunity and sent a bullet into the other half.

Glorfindel was off to the races and put a spectacular first touch on the pass, spilling the ball out in front of him without breaking stride. Balrog #5 caught him as he closed on Turgon, but Glorfindel made a nifty cutback and back again to cross the flame-demon's feet and earn him a clear shot at goal, which he converted high and left, despite Turgon getting a fingertip on it. It was 1-0 for the homeside at the half!

When the second half began the home team took the initiative again, pressing in and finally earning a corner from a deflected shot attempt. Arassuil swung it in near post, and whether it was the plan or just good execution on the fly, Witch King got to it but knew he wasn't getting through with a good effort from his position, so he nodded the ball on through to the opposite side where Arveleg met it leaping in rhythm and put the header back to the original side into the side netting, and Eriador had a two-goal lead!

The pockets of Gondolin supporters screamed even louder than the Eriador fans. This was exactly what they hoped for! Even if Eriador reigned it in, Elrond wouldn't be scored on twice, surely.

Inter certainly attempted to force the issue, but Eriador was given over entirely to defending now, and Glorfindel and Witch King were immensely helpful at the back. Finally a near-impossible solo run by Fingon created an opening out of nothing and Inter gained a quality chance, but the foresighted Elrond was camped perfectly for Haleth's header location and he slapped it back out towards midfield.

Inter didn't get another decent sniff until minute 72 when Maedhros was given too much space outside the box and he crushed it with his left foot, forcing Elrond to dive- and the Master of Rivendell just barely poked it away and out of bounds.

The Inter supporters were finally allowed to cheer in minute 81 when Maedhros struck a seemingly intentional volley off of Asfaloth's flank which deflected in to cut the deficit to a single goal, but Eriador barely gave the ball back during the remaining time, and the contest ended at 2-1. Without much fanfare Inter exited and left the field open to the celebrating home fans, who were joined by several Gondolin supporters in their merry-making.

Eriador had swept their way to first place, and Gondolin had stolen second!

Inter Beleriand 1-2 Eriador
on target 6-6
tot shots 13-13
GOALS:
*40, 0-1 Glorfindel (Malbeth)
*48, 0-2 Arveleg (Witch King)
*81, 1-2 Maedhros (Fingon)
YELLOW CARDS:
*InterBel- Gorlim, Baragund
*Eriador- Arassuil, Araphant

Q: Eriador
q: Gondolin
Eliminated: Arnor, Inter Beleriand

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MESPN Postgame Exit Interviews

MESPN: Elendil- any words for your fans?

Elendil: Thanks for your enthusiasm, and we're sorry we couldn't keep this train going.

MESPN: Arvedui? Why are you left in the group stage?

Arvedui: Well, we certainly didn't have our best game today, and style-wise and personnel-wise this was perhaps our most problematic match-up in the group, but the fact is we were already eliminated coming into today. That's the concerning issue.

Elendil: With something to fight for we might've done better- yes.

MESPN: So what's the outlook for next year then?

Arvedui: With the pay-outs released and the low-end below what people expected, league-wide salaries will see some shaving, and so likely we'll trim just a little bit- but overall I expect we'll be the same or very slightly higher.

MESPN: Higher after cuts? How does that work?

Arvedui: We need to bring in a piece or two that might make the puzzle fit better. We can't be content to sit where we're at. So the existing roster will probably see slight decreases while a position or two will be exchanged for something slightly higher.

MESPN: Is ownership going to remain the same- Elendil, Isildur, and Annuminas Ltd?

Elendil: Annuminas Ltd. undoubtedly will retain a good chunk, but Isildur and I will have to crunch some numbers and see which way we should go.

Arvedui: It wouldn't surprise me if we ended up with just a bit of extra help next year- but someone we trust of course. Perhaps a bit of financing from Norbury Sport? They're doing well with Eriador obviously.

MESPN: All right. Thanks guys.

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MESPN: Maedhros- you aren't used to missing the playoffs. How does it feel?

Maedhros: Very wrong. This squad ought to be on the big stage.

MESPN: What stopped it?

Fingon: We didn't execute when we needed to, plain and simple.

Turgon: We played our game decently against Gondolin and got the draw, but then against Arnor Gondolin took the initiative whereas we were outplayed, and it showed up in the differential.

MESPN: Is it hard for you, Turgon, to see Gondolin move on without you?

Turgon: Whether they move on or not I'm disappointed to be out of the playoffs, so that stands on its own. But does it make me extra sore? No- I must say I'm pleased with anything that gives my subjects reason to celebrate.

MESPN: Are you considering a return?

Turgon: Not currently. I'm invested here and I don't wish to bail when there is so much promise.

MESPN: So you think Inter Beleriand will be improved next season?

Maedhros: I think we all believe that.

Fingon: The combination of us playing just a bit better and bringing in a piece or two where it's needed should make us a serious contender. No one is far out of contention under these new salary rules, least of all us.

MESPN: Thanks very much. Good luck in the off-season.

[the phantom]

Group C @ Moria

The Group C hosting committee was a little ahead of the curve this year. Not only did they have two quality venues within a short hike of one another, but they also had the final games scheduled to be played simultaneously- a feature that was rumored to be a requirement for Arda Cup 2013.

They had gotten word out early about the double-game final round, and that combined with steeply discounted tickets ensured that a veritable flood of fans would pour in to the Dimrill Dale and Moria in the days before the matches. The efficient dwarves were prepared for them, and the visiting Arda Cup officials were probably taking some notes, marking Moria down as a good site to visit again.

Not only was the site good, but the matches promised to be excellent as well. It’s all a fan can ask for- to attend a game where every team in the group has a shot at advancing on the final day!

The only shoe-in was Erebor- they were through with 6 points, but they hadn’t clinched first. When asked about their drive to win their final match, goal-keeper Beorn promised a full effort. “Well frankly we’re not fussed about our placement- we’ll be meeting a quality opponent in the playoffs no matter what, and should we win that our next match will be against one of the power-houses of Group D or E, so both paths are remarkably similar. But that doesn’t mean we’re not trying our best. We owe it to the other teams in the group and the fans. It’s not in us not to fight.”

Anduin supporters were fervently hoping Beorn was merely giving lip-service to the integrity of the game and would rest up and roll over for them. But the host Dwarves United was certainly hoping for the opposite- they wanted Anduin beaten so that they could nab the 2nd spot by winning Wilderland. But the oddsmakers said that such a task was perhaps beyond the dwarf-centric squad, as Wilderland had been mighty impressive in their six contests since friendlies kicked off this year.

Would Erebor prove their dominance? Would Wilderland show they belong among the elite? Would Anduin or Dwarves United help spring their counterpart to an upset qualification? The answers were forthcoming.

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The outdoor game in the dale was Anduin versus Erebor, while the game in the deeps of Moria was Dwarves United versus Wilderland. The wood-elves were out in force to support King Thranduil of Erebor, but their loyalties were split in the other contest. A few hundred headed underground sporting “Legolas 4 Dwarves!” shirts while an equal number passed through the doors of Moria to support King Oropher and Galion.

There were many, many Elves of Lothlorien invading the area. In fact, it seemed as if the entire realm had relocated. Many of the long-time dwellers were out to support Amroth and Amdir with Anduin, while the late third-agers were split between Celeborn of Anduin and Galadriel of Wilderland. There were certainly more of them in the Dimrill stadium though, as Wilderland supporters had a slightly tougher time gaining tickets, as the Dwarves were swift to buy them up, and for prices that could not be ignored.

There were also quite a few Dwarves in attendance in the dale- mostly from the Lonely Mountain and the Iron Hills. They travelled well, it seemed. And though they eyed them with suspicion and a bit of dislike, the hosts also opened for the Orcs. There were quite a few Minas Morgul and even a few Mordor Orcs there to support Nazgul #7 of Erebor, and even more Misty Mts Orcs showed up to cheer on Erebor’s Bolg.

Needless to say, both stadiums were full to capacity when the contests kicked off at 5 o’clock, and given the hopes of all four teams there was much singing and chanting, and every movement of the ball had fans cheering and clapping!

(IN THE DALE)

The sun was behind the mountains and it was cool and windless, providing perfect conditions for an important contest. From the start it looked like Erebor would be true to their word and compete hard, and already in the opening 10 minutes they forced Amroth to get his hands dirty twice- first on a header from Nazgul #7 and then on a trade-mark tail-shot crushed by Smaug.

Anduin wasn’t defending with their usual tenacity, as they seemed to be looking upfield more than usual, as they needed to outright win, and possibly with a decent differential. And this shift in ideals hurt them finally in minute 17 when Thranduil timed his run perfectly and was given an unopposed header by Smaug, and the woodland King converted for the early lead!

(UNDER THE MOUNTAINS)

While the underdog was off to a poor start, the “under-dwarves” were absolutely bringing the home fans into a state of frenzy. After defending expertly and forcing a couple no-problem shots in the opening minutes, they sprang a surprising speedy counter, with Aule dashing up the right side. Gamil Zirak got it out in front of the Dwarf-Father as they crossed midfield and after several huge strides Aule sent a heavenly pinpoint cross curling into the box, and sprinting full-on Legolas dove into it perfectly and Dwarves United had the lead!

Deep-throated voices bellowed throughout the echoing halls, and drums launched into a frantic roll! The Wilderland supporters (and even a few players) covered their ears and hung their shoulders. This was a bad start indeed.

Orome went around and clasped the hands of his teammates to make sure their heads were in it, and Elwe followed his example. But as the half continued Wilderland made no headway. With the lead Aule and Celebrimbor were fully committed to defense, and Scatha and Orome found themselves without an inch of breathing room. Only the midfielders gained opportunities to shoot, but they were hurried and harassed and either shot wide or were easily handled by Bombur, who appeared to playing under the impression that the ball was made of cake.

When the halftime whistle sounded, the score remained 1-0, and the Dwarves roared in approval as Dwarves United exited to the lockers.

(MEANWHILE BACK IN THE DALE)

Things were looking much the same out in the dale, only it was the favorite holding the 1-0 lead. After Thranduil’s goal Erebor really locked down on the defensive end and Anduin was not having any luck cracking it. The three eagles and Girion were simply too good at getting in the way, breaking up attack after attack.

Finally towards the end of the half Anduin seemed to give up on gaining a quality shot and started slamming drives at the goal- but the tactic was not wholly bad, as Grimbeorn and Boromir II both possess fantastic legs, and though he has slightly less power Haldir is an expert marksman with excellent spin control. In the closing minutes all three came close- Grimbeorn spraying one just a couple feet high, Haldir forcing Beorn to dive to bat a curler away, and Boromir rattling the woodwork in the final minute.

As halftime began the Anduin fans were more hopeful for the second half than they had been. All it would take was for a couple of those shots to go in for them, and they were back in it.

(BACK UNDER THE MOUNTAIN)

The halftime score in the Dimrill Dale was announced just before the start of the second half, and the Dwarves United fans applauded with great enthusiasm. The stars were aligning for them!

But perhaps not. The Dwarves were immediately put on their heels by the now desperate side from Wilderland. Elwe and Galadriel in particular looked miles quicker. “After winning the title last year- I’m not going out like this!” Elwe could be heard calling. “Not in group play! And not to Dwarves!”

When word of these comments spread around the arena the King of Doriath became the target of booing every time he touched the ball, but the determined Elf ignored it and pressed on, and in minute 59 the Lady Galadriel fed the tall Lord a perfect cross and the game was level!

The angry Dwarves wailed and tore at their beards, and some even hurled bags and cups onto the field. Of all the people to dash their hopes, they were furious that it was Thingol! But the Dwarves on the field kept their cool thanks to the calming presence of Aule. “One goal and this is forgotten!” he told his side.

But it didn’t look like the goal would be coming any time soon. Not that Dwarves United was playing poorly- in fact they were playing better than ever. But they were playing their team defensive game, and that was simply not likely to yield a goal. And as their discouraged fans looked on with increasing anxiety, rumors trickled into the arena that the game in the dale was now tied!

(IN THE DALE)

And the rumors were quite true. After playing hard-line competitive ball for the opening 20 minutes, Erebor appeared to grow a bit lazy. Perhaps it was finally sinking in that group play was nearly finished and they were through to the playoffs. But whatever the reason, Anduin began to own the ball more and look the more dangerous. And in minute 74 Haldir made them pay- another one of his crafty snipes challenged Beorn and he barely tipped it away, and it bounded off a defender and to the feet of Grimbeorn who wasted no time in putting it away to level the match!

And indeed word had reached the dale about the game taking place under the mountain. Anduin was disheartened to hear that Wilderland was level, as they were hoping for a one-goal Dwarf win, but Celeborn encouraged them to hope for the desired outcome and take care of their end of the bargain and bring home a win against Erebor.

(BACK UNDER THE MOUNTAIN)

Most of the stadium already knew what was happening when the announcer officially acknowledged the 1-1 score in the dale, but it was still tragic to hear. Things had started so well, but now both games were moving in the wrong direction.

But to the astonishment of the crowd, with 10 minutes left in the contest, Aule shouted, “Dwarves- let’s get it!” and the game turned. Dwarves United completely changed their tactics, moving the ball quickly and efficiently, with Aule and Celebrimbor pressing forward more and more. The crafts-dwarves Gamil Zirak and Telchar showed their marvelous handling skills, which just shocked Wilderland. They knew to expect it from Celebrimbor and Aule, but now that there were four players that could move about with the ball at will and dribble a defender away, they weren’t certain what to do.

Twice it looked like Dwarves United had gained a decent look at a go-ahead goal, but both times the shooters (Legolas and Thorin) passed up the opportunity and sent the ball moving back. They were waiting for something better.

As time ticked away the crowd began roaring- some in encouragement, some in desperation, and some in frustration, but Dwarves United stayed on their plan. Finally at 88 minutes it happened.

Telchar received it at the left corner of the box and after faking a boot back out to the midfield he turned and found Celebrimbor dashing in from the left side. As soon as he sent the pass Telchar took off towards the goal and the defenders that closed on Celebrimbor desperately tried to recover as he immediately one-touched it back to the moving Telchar. But Telchar just touched it right back to Celebrimbor! Right between the crossed-up Ents went the ball, and Celebrimbor met it hard and accurately with all his Feanorian skill, and the Great Warg keeper didn’t even have a chance!

Telchar leaped onto Celebrimbor and both spilled onto the ground while their teammates converged to join in the congratulatory pile! The arena absolutely throbbed with noise! Finally the refs got the game restarted for the final minutes, and Elwe and Orome tried desperately to make something happen, but the Dwarves won it away and refused to give it back, and soon it was all over! Scatha stamped in disgust and Elwe sagged to the turf in disbelief. Galadriel however made her way over to congratulate her old friends Celebrimbor and Gimli, and the crowd made note of the sportsmanship.

But, but… Dwarves United was not necessarily into the playoffs. Some of the Dwarves seemed not to care about the other result- merely intent upon celebrating the well-fought victory over a quality foe, but most of the arena grew quiet as they waited upon word from the Dale. Had Anduin kept their rally going to send both them and Erebor through?

One minute went by… two… three… Then a buzz could be heard by Dwarves nearest the north entrance. As Dwarves on the south side of the stadium watched and listened, a wave of motion and noise slowly swept around both sides of the stadium towards them. But they could not tell if the Dwarves were wailing in agony or celebrating.

As the disturbance grew nearer the drums started beating in the upper balconies. Surely that was a good sign. Also, it became clear that the fans were waving flags- another good sign. And just as the news reached the south stadium, the announcer made it official.

“The final score- Erebor, one. Anduin, one. DWAAAAARVES UNITED ADVAAAAAAA---“

But the end of the word or anything that came after was not heard. The stadium under the Halls of Moria was perhaps as loud as it had ever been since it was delved long ago. Dwarves United, barely picked by anyone to advance, was into the playoffs!

Anduin 1-1 Erebor
on target 6-5
tot shots 15-14
GOALS:
*17, 0-1 Thranduil (Smaug)
*74, 1-1 Grimbeorn (Haldir)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Anduin- Frumgar, Borondir, Grimbeorn
*Erebor- Nazgul #7

Dwarves United 2-1 Wilderland
on target 4-7
tot shots 8-18
GOALS:
*12, 1-0 Legolas (Aule)
*59, 1-1 Elwe (Galadriel)
*88, 2-1 Celebrimbor (Telchar)
YELLOW CARDS:
*DwUnt- Thorin, Durin
*Wild- Skinbark, Elwe

Q: Erebor
q: Dwarves United
Eliminated: Anduin, Wilderland

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

MESPN EXIT INTERVIEWS

MESPN: So, gentlemen, a big disappointment for Anduin.

Celeborn: Indeed. We thought we’d be advancing.

MESPN: Why didn’t it work?

Fram: Well, Wilderland’s offense proved a tough matchup, and we didn’t execute our own efficiently enough to keep even.

Boromir II: Yes, we needed a bit of a spark.

Grimbeorn: Same with our match against the Dwarves. We didn’t make the most of our offensive chances.

Celeborn: And we gave up that late equalizer.

MESPN: So then, do you feel you already have the necessary team put together?

Boromir II: This team is good enough, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t looking to improve.

MESPN: Anyone in particular you’re looking at?

Celeborn: Well, it wouldn’t be proper to discuss names with the tournament still going.

MESPN: Is there anything you can tell us?

Grimbeorn: We’ve very nearly secured, a… er… spectacular home grounds- and I imagine we’ll be a host next season.

Fram: Quite so. And we suspect the opportunity to be on such a stage might help us snag a prospect or two.

MESPN: Thanks for your time.

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

MESPN: Team Wilderland was ranked as high as #2 in TTN’s power rankings. This has got to sting.

Scatha: It’s infuriating! We could score a heap on anyone and we choked!

Orome: Erebor won us fair and square, but that finale against Dwarves United- that was ours for the taking.

Galadriel: They wanted it more- had more team spirit.

MESPN: Can you rectify these problems in the offseason?

Oropher: Certainly. I’ll be back and working harder than ever.

Scatha: I won’t be contained next season!

MESPN: Elwe- you certainly looked upset. How about you?

Elwe: I can’t really say where I’ll be next year.

MESPN: Galadriel?

Galadriel: I have no plans of being held out of the playoffs again, but it’s too soon to guarantee where I’ll be.

MESPN: Oropher- this team seems splintered. What do you expect to happen next season?

Oropher: Well, it certainly seems there will be some roster turnover, but we ought to have most of our investors back. I don’t expect us to take a step back.

MESPN: All right. Thanks for your time.

[Nogrod]

Group E at The Havens, round 3

The day came to the Grey Havens sneakingly as the sun arose somewhere behind a dark wall of clouds towering over the city. It felt like a mysterious fog had arisen from the sea and wrapped the whole town into it’s gentle but overwhelming embrace. Folks realised it was not a night any more not because of the light but because of the absence of pitch darkness. The men, hobbits and dwarves visiting the city for the games were nervous, for sure it was some kind of magic of the West. Some even packed their bags and sped off from the city just in case something strange and bad was to happen.

But even some of the elves felt disturbed. They knew Ossë could not be predicted at all, and even Ulmo, their great friend, was well, more of a god than a mate to them – “and you know what gods can be...” they whisepered to each other walking the foggy streets trying to take care of their businesses before the matches.

When the pre-game press conference started it was realised the Valar and the Maiar were nowhere to be found. Celebrian and Tar Aldarion were not able to fill in the hungry press, but Túrin was ready to speak: “You know Mandos hasn’t ever been my favourite, and I have lost my faith to those big ones during my life enough many times not to be bothered of them any more. If they do not appear into the pitch when the game is to begin then we will win by surrender. And if they come forwards, one fog isn’t going to stop me from hammering a few goals into their net…”

About an hour before the first game was set to begin a fresh wind started blowing from the sea and scattered the cloudy pillow sealing the city, letting in a bright sunlight like they had never seen. As the fog disappeared, the ships of the Valar and Maiar were suddenly spotted sailing up the river and anchoring beside the stadium – and they were glimmering and shining this extraordinary light making the park around them appear in an unnatural light which almost hurt the eyes of anyone daring to keep them open.

Now a wide-spread rumour, first reported by The Lhûnandarwinian says that seeing the grand entry, Túrin had whispered to his dad that: “So they are trying to intimidate us”, into which Húrin had answered: “Whatever it is they are doing, they mean business now”. Túrin had them paused for a moment and said: “Good, even if took some time…” The exchange of course can’t be confirmed by any independent source.


~*~

Every newsmedia had made their own calculations as to the different outcomes of the night’s matches and who would qualify with which combinations of results – and there sure were a wealth of possibilities. But one thing remained clear: winning a game today would mean qualifying – and that sure was a no-nonsense rule to follow.

Valimar came into the field shining bright and looking just awesome. Some football lovers complain that human football stars are too interested on how their hair is in the game or how their shots or cheering looks like in television, but the Valar and Maiar had clearly perfected the art of how they look… Somewhat against the flare of their appearance, the Valimar team started the game with its trademark defence suffocating Hithlum’s attempts at attacking with their strong midfield & defence co-operation, attacking themselves only when they had it in control and could build it up slow and carefully. But it was effective.

And just past the half an hour mark Valimar was given the prize. Andróg tackled Ilmarë while she was breaking through the Hithlum defences into the box after a long and tedious build-up. Andróg was righteously carded but that the referee gave a penalty-shot to Valimar was something one could argue for or against. The slow-motion replays show a contact and a succesful effort to bring Ilmarë off balance but did it happen inside the box or not? Many will speculate about that in days to come.

But it was a penalty and Mandos came to take a shot. He didn’t wait to deliver but just after a few backtracking steps from the ball made a short run immediately to the ball and shot it securely – and with astonishing power – into the middle of the goal when Aradan hunched the left corner. “Eru’s will completed!” he yelled as he ran to face his embracing team-mates.

Hithlum never kind of recovered from that on the first half, and even if they tried to build attacks the strong defence in front of them felt like an unsurmountable obstacle they just couldn’t get through or around anyway they tried.

But if someone thought Hithlum had given in they were very wrong indeed. If the first half had been about Valimar’s control, the second looked to be about Hithlum’s willpower turned into great performance.

Valimar played very conservative tactics in the lead. Vairë dropped down beside her husband Námo and Estë was seen more at their level in the defence than in the midfield. Both wizards took a more defencive stance as well so that they had only Ilmarë higher up to run for possible turnovers and Celebrian somewhere in the middle both threatening to make runs upwards or taking part in the defence.
But even with eight players under the ball most of the times Valimar couldn’t thwarth Hithlum’s passion and determination. And time and time again they managed to break through here or try a good shot there.

And who else but Túrin evened the game on the 68th minute! Túrin managed to outwit Amrod and Amras dashing through them, and with a nice pass from his dad he got the ball behind the defences, had cool and nerves to just wait Mandos sliding in trying to cover the coming shot and with a short side-pass to himself repositioned and let the boot swing leaving Manwë no chance to relocate. Some spectators claimed they had seen Túrin passing a self-righteous grin to Mandos as the Vala was still on the ground and Túrin passed him just starting to celebrate the goal.

There was twenty minutes of the game left and it was even 1-1. Even if the winner would secure a place in the qualifiers, to Hithlum this was already a good result as they would be ahead of Valimar in the final tally with better scoring – so whichever team won the other match Hithlum would qualify alongside them. And the two other teams would have to play 3-3 to outscore Hithlum. So even if Hithlum did continue pressing they did it in a bit more careful fashion trying to make sure Ilmarë, Celebrian or either of the wizards didn’t have chances for quick turnovers.

On the other hand Valimar knew their situation was grave, but having played for defence more or less all the game and with Hithlum now having the drive on they found it hard to change gear even if they wished to – especially with Hithlum backing off their all-out attack just enough to shut out any hopes for fast counter-attacks Ilmarë or Celebrian could run for. And in a dire situation both Alatar and Pallando seemed more or less frozen. Maybe there was a reason they were sent to the east for easier tasks than Olórin back then…

And so the referee blew his whistle ending the game… in a draw once again.

Hithlum 1-1 Valimar
on target 5-3
tot shots 14-9
GOALS:
*31, 0-1 Namo
*68, 1-1 Turin (Hurin)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Hithlum- Androg
*Valimar- Pallando, Amras


The last game of the group was about to begin and the tension was mounting. The men of Hithlum had kicked Valimar off the tournament despite the show-off of Valar, but how would the hosts fare with the dangerous-looking team of Ainur combined with the Númenorian talent for scoring?

Ulmo and his vassals were awe-inspiring when they came to the field. Ulmo himself had put on his glittering green armour and at times it was hard to tell his wavelike being apart from the storming Ossë. The blows from Salmar’s horns sent thrills into the backbone of every spectator making them tremble while Uinen felt like a summer-rain spreading throughout The Sea’s half of the field. It was a magical entry to say the least.

But if there was a plan to make the hosts react in some way favourable to the Sea, it didn’t seem to work. The Havens started with a mighty pressing making the homecrowds go wild with support after they realised the team doing the attacking was their own. It looked like Ulmo’s team was busy kicking the ball away from their half when it was there again. Before the first ten minutes had been played Eärendil had already hit the post and Andreth had forced Voronwë to a save of the day. The magic sometimes wears thin pretty fast.

After the initial attacking-frenzy by the Havens the game evened and calmed down little by little. But it had sowed a seed of hope into the elves of Grey Havens and little by little they started chanting ever more loudly. They had thought throughout the games in their hearts that Ulmo’s team was just far too strong for them, but the first ten-fifteen minutes had shown otherwise. And halfway through the first half the homecrowds were becoming bolder and bolder in their chanting requiring a goal from their team.

Aided by the fanatic crowd the players found the extra momentum needed and the scales started to turn towards The Havens’ favour once again. And on 40th minute the stadium plain exploded when Aegnor’s center went in taking a bounce from Tuor’s missed header totally surprising Voronwë at the goal.

And what a boost that was! The Havens started pressing after the goal – probably also half-willing to show they could score also without the aid of dear lady Fortuna. And Aegnor did finally hammer the ball in just a minute before the half-time after a nice dribble around the edge of the box and a furiously twisting shot that left Voronwë armless a second time.

The home team was leading 2-0 on half-time! The Havens and Hithlum were qualifying leaving the pre-tournament favourites Valimar and the Sea behind. The elves of Grey Havens on the stands and all around the city were getting a hang of the game called football… and as the word spread the inhabitants started massing towards the Lhûnarena to get at least a glimpse of what was going on via the audio-commentary at the Riverside Gardens and to join the celebration.
Those elves who knew something about football were biting their nails though as they knew a match lasted 90 minutes and they were only halfway through – and it was unthinkable that Ulmo would just give up and go home like that, especially after all the pomp and circumstance of the early day.

To the great relief of the cognoscenti at the stands and to the great joy of all homeside fans The Havens came in to the second half inserting pressure to the Sea and almost scoring a third with a fiery shot by Eärendil just five minutes into the half. But the Sea was slowly gathering it’s force and like a tsunami which first draws back to gather momentum they allowed the Havens to bring it on them before they suddenly unleashed their whole power against the Havens defences. And the tables were turned.

The shots started raining on The Havens’ goal – on target, hitting the frame or going just a little off – finally putting Cirdan to a test for real. And Cirdan was standing to the test. He made two brave saves in ten minutes and Tar Minastir’s breakthrough was called offside by the linesman. But finally Cirdan’s old friend, the Commander of Men Vëantur outwitted him closing in from the left and booting the ball behind the great elf from between him and the near post.

With roughly 20 minutes of the game left the Havens still led by two goals against one. And the game turned into a thriller.

A tidal wave called the Sea now roamed over the pitch but The Havens defended courageously blocking shots with daring that brought back memories of some rougher times past. Olwë himself blocked a hammering shot by Ossë running up from his side and had to be attended to by the medical staff after losing all the air from his lungs by the force of the shot.

The clock was ticking the minutes away from the Sea.

The excessive attacking opened up chances for the home team as well. At five minutes before the full time Lindo’s intelligent long break sent Aegnor into a half break-through from the midfield. Aegnor ran like crazy having a second goal in his sights but Ossë was swifter and overcame him snatching the ball away into a throw for The Havens. With most of the players now stacking the Sea’s half Angrod threw the ball searching for Tuor’s head at the middle beside the box only to be cut off by Salmar.

There was a sound of a great horn blowing freezing most players to where they stood. Ulmo looked furious calling his team to attack, all of them. And the Sea rolled forwards, all of them. The Havens were almost panicking even if Tuor and Olwë tried to calm them down while concentrating… on running.

Salmar had passed the ball to the Stargazer Meneldur who sent it again forwards to his son who’s adventurous nature he didn’t always appreciate that much, but now the son was making some great progress advancing far into the Havens’ defencive territory. Olwë and his daughter Eärwen were facing him though and his wannabe-breakthrough came into a halt.

But there were the horns again as Ulmo himself dashed through the field like a roaring thunder. Tar Aldarion was shook by the horns like everyone, but was alert and cabable enough to pass the ball diagonally forwards… and there was Ulmo himself passing the running defenders like a giant wave passes through everything on it’s way. And Ulmo just ran the ball in almost ending up in the net himself.

No one could blame Cirdan for that goal as many speculated afterwards could even Manwë himself have been able to stop the fury and strength of Ulmo they witnessed there and then.

So it was 2-2 with four minutes to go and it seemed both teams had used all their energy. It was clear neither team wished for a draw but they had just ran out of new gears to change into. And so the game ended 2-2 with the audience and even most of the players unsure about what that would mean.

The Havens 2-2 The Sea
on target 7-6
tot shots 16-13
GOALS:
*40, 1-0 Tuor (Aegnor)
*44, 2-0 Aegnor (Earendil)
*68, 2-1 Veantur (Tar Minastir)
*86, 2-2 Ulmo (Tar Aldarion)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Havens- Annael, Angrod
*Sea- Uinen


Group E final results
Hithlum 3 0-3-0 5-5
The Havens 3 0-3-0 5-5
The Sea 3 0-3-0 5-5

Valimar 3 0-3-0 3-3



All teams ended with three points (three draws) so a difference cant be made on the basis of points or even matches between the teams, or the goal differentials. So it comes down to how many goals they have scored. That drops Valimar out of the competiton but doesn’t yet make a difference between Hithlum, The Havens and the Sea.

The tournament jury announced the ruling in this case soon after the late game ended.

There would be a shoot-out competiton the following day between the three teams and it would be played as long as an order between them would be reached. A special report of that hair-rising event will follow as soon as the competiton takes place tomorrow.

[Nogrod]

Group E penalty shoot-out cancelled for today! / The AKM

Today's penalty shoot-out at Grey Havens has been cancelled due to the sudden storm that hit the town with ferocity of a kind the locals didn't have a living memory of. The combined power of the rain, winds and thunder forced everyone indoors for the whole day and there was no way the competiton could have been held.

There has been a host of speculations as to where this storm came from and why. Even if - and exactly because of - it was Manwë's team that got left out from the shoot-out, the AKM will not speculate about it but encourages it's readers to draw the conclusions themselves.

If the weather clears up and the pitch can be dried the shoot-out competition will take place tomorrow - with full AKM commentary on it.

Stay tuned for the spectacle!

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Group G at Nargothrond

The High Faroth Arena was filled to the brim with the supporters of AC Beleriand and Anfauglith; there was no room for neutrals. The Elves supported AC Beleriand, and the creatures of Angband rooted for Anfauglith. The Bëorians lamented Rían’s choice of side, but they were all for Beren and Bregolas. The people of Hador felt sympathy for Marach and Imlach, but their hearts belonged to Galdor and Gundor. The folk of Haleth were not torn and cheered wholeheartedly for Haldir.

The two squads had already met before, a fiercely-contested friendly resulting in a scoreless draw. They had played with their cards close to their chests, and not even a player of Fëanor’s calibre could unlock the Balrogs’s defence in front of Ungoliant’s goal.

But this time AC Beleriand didn’t come to play. Assured of first seed (and avoiding Elrond’s Eriador in the first round of the knockout stages) even with a draw, they elected to keep the ball in the half-court line, not playing passes or bringing the ball towards the Anfauglith third of the pitch. Imlach to Bregolas. To Denethor. To Rochallor. Back to Bregolas. To Beren, who dribbled forward half-heartedly before passing back to Denethor.

Anfauglith tried to make a game of the proceedings, but they couldn’t take the ball away from AC Beleriand. No matter how hard they pressed, AC Beleriand simply retreated, passing to the open man regardless of position on the pitch. Anfauglith were basically chasing ten players with six, since their defenders refused to break formation, for fear of a sudden AC Beleriand attack.

AC Beleriand didn’t remain quiet forever, though, as Fëanor made his anticipated solo runs in the closing minutes of the half. The Fiery Boot left behind a trail of Anfauglith players in his wake as he forayed first through the centre and then down the left flank, carrying the ball at pace as if it were a puppy obediently following him. In both cases, however, Ungoliant was up to the task of saving his shots, and the half ended with both teams scoreless, but the AC Beleriand supporters were upbeat, chanting Fëanor’s name with fervour.

The second half began as the first had ended, with another Fëanor solo run down the right wing. It took a Borlach sliding tackle to deny him a goalbound shot. But after that initial frenzy AC Beleriand returned to their passive passing game. The nerves of the Anfauglith players were being stretched thin—they tried to chase the ball around, but they also had to be wary of sudden forward runs. It was more this nervousness, and less the physical effort of having to run all over the field, that tired them out, and the final blow was struck when, fifteen minutes before the time, AC Beleriand changed the game’s tempo again.

Imlach took a backward pass from Bregolas, and he passed it sideways to Fingolfin. Galdor and Rían plodded after the High-King, but a sudden burst of speed left the two behind. Balrog #3 went out to challenge him, but he passed the ball sideways to a charging Fëanor. Just outside the box, Borlach and Balrog #2 stood before the AC Beleriand captain. He faked a shot and then dragged the ball back, leaving a sliding Borlach behind. He turned on the Balrog and took a snap-shot, but Ungoliant got a leg in to flick the shot away. Beren had a foot in the rebound, but Balrog #4 headed his chip away. Anfauglith has denied AC Beleriand once again, but they have conceded a corner.

AC Beleriand players flooded the Anfauglith penalty box, leaving only Imlach and Rochallor at the half-court line. Beren took the corner, a short one to Eol, who quickly sent a cross into the box from an angle the Anfauglith players didn’t anticipate. Fingolfin was waiting at the near post, and he rose highest to guide the ball in past the legs of Ungoliant.

And that was the last straw. AC Beleriand’s passing killed the game; Anfauglith were simply too tired, too deflated to press AC Beleriand. The denizens of Angband booed loudly even before the final whistle was blown, but the AC Beleriand supporters cheered for their team. They chose a prudent approach; they didn’t need to win the game, and they got to rest in preparation for a game against either Gondolin or Inter Beleriand (or perhaps, though unlikely, even Eriador). And they saw that an on-form Fëanor was unplayable, even by one of the best defences in the tournament. Despite all the attention on the teams of Group D, they believed that Fëanor’s team was something special, and could go all the way.

AC Beleriand 1-0 Anfauglith
GOALS:
77, 1-0 Fingolfin (Eöl)

Total Shots
12-6
Shots On Target
5-2

YELLOW CARDS:
3-2
AC Beleriand: Fëanor, Ulrad, Fingolfin
Anfauglith: Rían, Gorgol

The home team Nargothrond was in last place, so to speak, in the race for the knockout stages. They were four goals down in difference, and they knew that their defence would have a hard time shutting down Doriath, who took two goals against AC Beleriand’s Fingolfin-led backline. Can Finrod, Glaurung, and Gwindor score five or six to qualify? Will Melian and Dior let them?

Doriath elected to play on the break instead of contesting Nargothrond in the midfield, with Melian starting at central defence for the third time running. They knew that both teams had equal numbers and almost equal talent in the midfield, but the Nargothrond offence cannot be contained by their back four alone. As for their offence, they had no player of Thuringwethil or Fëanor’s calibre who could dribble out the defenders and force multiple markers. Their front line’s greatest strength was their ability to create space and exploit them, especially with Mablung playing the false-striker role to the hilt, dragging away central defenders and leaving holes for Lúthien and Beleg’s inside runs.

They almost rued their decision to absorb the pressure instead of pressing themselves when Dior was called to action after fifteen minutes of play. First he palmed away Glaurung’s tailer from a Gwindor cross, and then he punched Finrod’s volley of the rebound over the crossbar. It was a fine double save, but now Nargothrond have won a corner, delivered by Finduilas, and Glaurung poked the ball between Galadhon’s legs; Dior could only stand helpless as the ball crossed the goal line.

Doriath fielded a lopsided 4-4-1-1, with right winger Beleg as the only outlet for long balls behind Mablung (instead of central attacking midfielder Nellas). But it was his wing partner Lúthien who created Doriath’s first chance near the half-hour mark, when she intercepted a sloppy Orodreth pass and zoomed downfield. She took on Mîm and found space to centre the ball, and Mablung stabbed it in with Nargothrond keeper Bëor diving too late.

The half ended in a deadlock, which had been the case for all but one game in the group (the AC Beleriand-Doriath tie), and the spectators knew that whoever came out of the locker rooms with fury would win the tie. The almost forty-thousand home supporters chanted their lungs out, knowing that their team had created far more chances in the first half, and would continue to do so, but the Doriath faithful noticed that, while Nargothrond’s many chances yielded but one goal, Doriath with their few chances were level with them. Their defence was better, and so was their finishing; thus they believed that their team could outlast the Nargothrond pressure.

Three minutes into the second half the Doriath crowd uttered a collective groan that was drowned out by the home supporters’ cheers. Finrod sent an incisive ball through the heart of the Doriath defence, and Gwindor’s superb turn-and-finish proved too much for Dior to handle. Nargothrond needed three more goals, and they still had plenty of time. However, Doriath would not simply roll over and die. A few minutes before the hour mark Melian sent a long ball to Beleg, who moved forward while Mablung pulled back. The Nargothrond defenders were unsure whom to guard, and Beleg had enough space to pass to a charging Daeron, whose drive from thirty yards clanged off the side post and into the net.

Nargothrond would answer eleven minutes later, when Gwindor found space to send a low cross that Finrod hooked in. But Doriath would equalise again in the seventy-fifth minute, after Mablung, in a rare display of strength, outmuscled Baran and Arminas to head in Beleg’s cross. The Nargothrond fans were snacking on their fingernails—would fifteen minutes be enough? Can they stop Doriath long enough to get the four goal difference they need?

They were given a glimmer of hope when, in the seventy-seventh minute, Gwindor dribbled past Nimloth into the box and Saeros’s sliding tackle collided with the winger’s ankle. A yellow card for the defender, and a spot kick for Nargothrond. Finrod took the penalty, and he sent it zooming to the left. But Dior guessed correctly—he had saved the penalty! Doriath supporters heaved a sigh of relief and the Nargothrond crowd clutched their heads. It seems that it was not meant to be.

Their pessimistic observation was borne out when Mablung completed his hat trick four minutes from time, taking a long pass from Melian before rounding past the Nargothrond defenders in a rare display of ball control. Nargothrond wondered why they had to meet Mablung on his day, and Doriath hoped that he would enjoy more days like this one.

Doriath 4-3 Nargothrond
GOALS:
16, 0-1 Glaurung (Finduilas)
29, 1-1 Mablung (Lúthien)
48, 1-2 Gwindor (Finrod)
56, 2-2 Daeron (Beleg)
67, 2-3 Finrod (Gwindor)
75, 3-3 Mablung (Beleg)
86, 4-3 Mablung (Melian)

Total Shots
17-22
Shots On Target
7-9

YELLOW CARDS:
1-2
Doriath: Saeros
Nargothrond: Mîm, Arminas

AC Beleriand gets first seed, and, despite their head-to-head game, Doriath snatches the second seed from Anfauglith due to goals scored.

Exit interviews shall soon be provided in the ArdaCup.com Tactical Review.

[Nogrod]

Group E at the Grey Havens, the shoot-out competition

The AKM’s reading instructions for the coverage: If you are wiling to just get the results scroll down until you find bolded results from each match-up and the end-result from the bottom of this post. If you’re into some hair-raising action and enjoyment of the drama of football, scroll carefully not letting yourself be spoiled with the bolded results coming your way as you go. Whichever way is your way, enjoy!

PS. The AKM understands this is probably the longest ever article in the history of the Arda Cup, but the situation was quite unique as well, so we here in the AKM thought it deserved a full coverage to all the fans in Arda and beyond.


~*~

The shoot-out competition

It was a time for the shoot-out competition at Lhûnarena to decide which two teams from Hithlum, The Havens and The Sea would qualify and who would qualify as E1 and who as E2. There had been some rumours that Manwë and his retinue had left the city after the defeat and the storm of yesterday had kind of confirmed that to many, but when Manwë and Mandos appeared in front of the full-packed stadium to perform as the shoot-out judges those stories gained a new twist. On the other hand Ulmo and his minions had made a great effort to dry the the pitch and the surrounding gardens for the day's shoot-outs to go on. Some sceptics said it was business as usual: the Ainur create problems and then correct them waiting to be honoured and praised...

So not all faces smiled seeing the ultimate judges personalities, but most of the folks packed at the arena and the dried surroundings were most of all happy for the matches to go on.


Mandos anyway declared the rules: every team would go against each other and after every team had faced the others it would be seen if there was a result or not. If not, the rounds would be repeated as many times it was needed to produce a result. The rules for an inividual match-up would be the following: both teams take five shots and if the scores are even, they go one by one until the winner is found. And no player would be allowed to make two shots until every player of the team had made one. So it would not be only the stars of each team competing each other but every team would need to produce some wider quality.

The order of the match-ups was then drawn with the team captains present. First it would be Hithlum against The Sea, then The Sea against The Havens and lastly The Havens against Hithlum.


~*~

Match 1, Hithlum vs. The Sea

The first shoot-out competition between Hithlum and The Sea was ordered to take place at the south-end goal and the crowds on that part of the stands were more than happy. Malach Aradan and Voronwë shook hands before starting to walk slowly towards the goal. Their concentration had already started and both the great grandfather of men and the heroic elf walked quietly forwards ending up in the opposite sides of the goal, waiting for their task to begin.

After Manwë and Mandos had received shooting order -lists from both teams the competition was ready to begin after a coin was tossed to determine which team would go first. It would be Hithlum.

It was no surprise to anyone that Túrin took the ball first walking with easy pace to the penalty spot while both teams stood at the center, team Hithlum players holding each other from shoulders.

Túrin set the ball into the chalked spot without hesitation, took a few quick steps backwards, glanced at Voronwë with a grim smile – and charged. Gooooaaaalll! Voronwë stood no chance against that cannon-blast straight into the upper-left corner.

Túrin is a great and renowned man, but so is Tar Minastir, the unrivalled and strongest King of all the Middle-Earth at his time, a man who was the key in beating Sauron himself. And he was as fast and pragmatic as Túrin had been: the ball into it’s place, a short few steps back, a challenging glance at Aradan and an unstoppable hammer into the back of the net. And like Túrin, he didn’t cheer or run around, only nodded at his team-mates and walked back at a leisured pace.

Hithlum 1 – 1 The Sea

The next shooter was the man with fire within him, a man no less than Húrin himself. And his determination was easy to see even to the other end of the stadium. Unlike the first two shooters he did take his time after setting the ball and taking his steps back. He was staring at Voronwë, challenging him with his gaze. If possible he looked even more grim his son looked – and with the first sign of Voronwë blinking he dashed forwards – and sent the ball hard into the center of the goal when Voronwë dived to the right feeling the need to react.

Tar Aldarion was the next shooter – a king who is perhaps unfairly known better from his marital problems than for his intelligence and capabilties. But on his turn he left no one a chance of questioning those characteristics: he took a long run to the ball – and stopped suddenly just as his boot was going to hit it. Aradan made a reflection dive forwards-right believing the shot was coming, but it didn’t come… yet. Tar Aldarion looked over when Aradan landed to the ground and then tossed the ball into the lower left corner of the goal like he couldn’t care less.

Hithlum 2 – 2 The Sea

It was Húrin’s grandfather and Aradan’s grand-grand-child Hador the Goldenhead who came forth the next. And like the previous shooters he didn’t give the goalie a chance. A powerful and accurate shot just under the crossbar left Voronwë totally helpless.

After starting with two Númenorians The Sea now sent it’s first Maia into the game. Ossë took the ball firmly into his hands and settled it sternly into a position. Nodding to Aradan with a grin he took only one step back and leaned backwards – and then shot an amazing blast of a kick that would have broken a skull if any had been on it’s way. But the ball went flying high over the goal and into the upper level of the stands. It was a miss!

Hithlum 3 – 2 The Sea

It was Niënor Niniel’s turn when Hithlum had taken the lead, and many Hithlum supporters were afraid if the young woman could handle the situation without breaking. She took the ball, settled it, took the steps back and breathed deep staring at the middle of the goal, like she tried to gaze through Voronwë. Then she dashed forwards and shot the ball closing her eyes… Voronwë hunched her intention to be shooting into the center and stood still only grounding his feet deeper on the ground to receive the force of the ball coming in – but Niniel’s shot that started plain forwards went curving neatly to the right side of the goal and Voronwë was totally late when he realised it. Niënor had outwitted him and scored!

The Hithlum supporters were going crazy while the Sea’s supporters fell totally silent… Hithlum led by four goals to two and if the next shooter from The Sea would fail it would be all over as the last round wouldn’t be needed.

But it was Ulmo himself who turned out to shoot next! The supporters went exploding and praised Eru of the tactical choice that was made before the shooting started: who else could bear the pressure if not Ulmo? “Praised be Mandos”, many of them thought – and many men cursed the same thing suspecting some foul games behind the scene. But it was clear, Ulmo had not made his shot and Manwë declared it was now his turn.

Ulmo took a deep breath after setting the ball and taking his distance. Aradan looked nervous but steadfast: he would stand his ground whatever the second of the Aratar would do. Ulmo was not hurrying up but started somehow growing, not in size but in stature, and suddenly he was on the move. The spectators felt like they were witnessing a slow-replay, like something happened and they just saw a slow-motion replica of it… and Aradan must have felt the same as the ball was in the back of the net before he realised Ulmo had taken the shot. Many humans were booing and some discredited the goal for “some Western wizardry”, but it was a goal nonetheless.

Hithlum 4 – 3 The Sea

The stadium fell silent as Morwen walked towards the box. The tension was building up. If She scored Hithlum would claim victory over The Sea. And Morwen, if someone, would know what it is to act under pressure… many Hithlum supporters silently praised Eru for the wise choice of the team.

Morwen took the ball, settled it for quite a long while before she was happy with it, took the steps back and breathed heavily. It was the decisive shot and she knew it. It was all upon her now and she just needed to act. And she did. With a few slow steps she got into motion and then sped on dashing to the ball sending it powerfully towards the lower left corner of the goal – and Voronwë hunched it right diving to the the ball and tipping the ball away from the post! It was the first save of the day and the Sea had a chance to get even!

And it was Vëantur, grandfather of Tar Aldarion, the mariner, the great captain of King’s ships, who proceeded towards the penalty spot… It was now up to him whether the game continued or whether The Sea lost it. With steadfast hands he placed the ball and took his steps away from it, quite a many of them. He was staring at the right corner of the goal incessantly totally ignoring the gaze of Aradan. And he ran, and he shot the ball with power… to the right corner of the goal – and it was in! Aradan hesitated just a part of a second trying to decide whether Vëantur’s intent gaze was a trick or not – and that did it, he was an inch late and only managed to touch the ball with the tips of his fingers, but couldn’t deny the goal.

Hithlum 4 – 4 The Sea

After all the five shooters had taken their shots it would then be one on one – in a reverse order. And the first pair where one scored and the other didn’t would decide the game. It was getting unbearably tense – even if the home team wasn’t part of it yet – but every elf in the stadium realised they’d have to face the same drama with their own team soon enough…

So it was Uinen who came forwards the next. Many humans in the crowds were sighing in despair just realising how many of the Ainur the Sea boasted in it’s ranks – and comparing them to what their team had in store for the next rounds. But they didn’t lose faith, on the contrary they started chanting songs to distract Uinen and to aid Aradan.

And Uinen missed the goal! She shot it wide! The humans were rejoicing. Their next shooter had a chance to win the game for them.

And it was actually none other than their goal-keeper Malach Aradan who came from beside the goal to take the shot. “It takes one to know one” they say – and so the Hithlum fans sang away when Aradan settled the ball to the spot. Aradan was in no hurry but took his time looking around the different areas of the goal clearly trying to make Voronwë guessing what he was going to be up to. Then he suddenly sped himself to the ball and made a shot… and fell down to the grass!

He had slipped at the crucial moment and the ball went on with half the speed it would have done if he had managed the shot normally. But it was heading to the opposite direction Voronwë was diving for! Voronwë made an incredible stretch and was able to touch the ball with the tip of his left foot changing the angle of the ball’s trajectory just enough to make it roll slowly just beside the post and off.

With both goalies lying in the grass and watching the ball roll past the goal the fans of the Sea rose up in the stands cheering wildly while the human fans fell silent. The game was still on!

Hithlum 4 – 4 The Sea

The Sea was able to put forwards yet another Maia and the fans were getting really excited. After all those shots they had been making with a knife at their throat they were now feeling like back in the steering wheel. And Salmar was a mighty if somewhat shady character just fitting for a shoot-out competition. And like some of the first shooters it looked like he really knew what to do. A short walk away from the ball, a sharp glance at the upper left corner, and a shot into the lower right corner. And it was a goal! The Sea was in the lead for the first time.

So now it was up to proud Andróg whether Hithlum would continue the game or whether they would lose. Andróg took his time and breathed slowly: it was him or the elf and he had to make good his error of giving Valimar the penalty-shot in the game. He just had to. He gathered energy, gathered feeling inside him, gathered rage, gathered power to release – and he dashed to the ball. It was a mighty shot from a mighty man and Voronwë dived to the opposite side of the goal! But the ball went wide!! Andróg missed!

Andróg fell on his knees from disappointment. He had been given an opportunity to make good his deed and he had failed. Voronwë walked past him and pat him gently on the shoulder before the cheering The Sea players reached him and joined in a group embrace.

Hithlum 4 – 5 The Sea

The Sea had won the first match-up 5-4 – and unless all the teams played cross-wins, they would qualify! So it was a huge step ahed for The Sea and a real setback for Hithlum.


~*~

Match 2, The Havens vs. The Sea

The second match-up would be the hosts The Havens vs. the winners of the first match The Sea. If The Sea would win this they would secure their qualification as number one (facing Real Valinor then) and leave the hosts fight it out against Hithlum for the second place in the group (to face FC Valinor). If The Havens won, they’d have a similar situation facing Hithlum in the last match-up. But with all teams ending up with one win, all the matches would be replayed as long as there was a result.

The Sea’s players were allowed a fifteen minute pause to regain their energies and to concentrate on the match to follow. The order of the shooting was meanwhile decided by throwing a coin again, and The Sea would be shooting, again, as the second team while The Havens would start. And like the last time: if five shots would not be enough to decide a winner, there would be one-on-one shots in a reverse order until there was a result.

While others were preparing themselves around the Mid-spot of the pitch, Cirdan walked quietly to the north-end goal where Voronwë was already concentrating sitting beside the goal. The two elves embraced and seemed to change a few light words before they both sat down next to each other to just sit still and get ready for the shoot-out. What they might have been sharing their laughs on is anybody’s guess.

When Mandos blew the horn as a sign for the second match to begin, Eärendil took towards the goal and Voronwë rose up walking in between the posts clapping his hands together to boost himself. The second match-up was getting started and the crowds cheered wildly for their hero Eärendil as he settled the ball into position and took the few steps back from it he needed. It was a remarkably short distance, just a few steps from the ball. Suddenly a dragon-killer’s fire eas lit in his eyes and he made a dash… and before Voronwë even realised the ball was in the net. Voronwë was left literally standing against the cannon booted from Eärendil’s foot. The crowds went crazy and enjoyed the humiliation to the fullest. Eärendil was their man!

Cirdan nodded with compassion to his fellow keeper and encouragingly patted his shoulder as they passed each other, Voronwë on his way outside the pitch and Cirdan going to face his turn on the goal.

Tar Minastir had already reached the penalty spot and was settling the ball into a position he would be happy with. And if somene had thought the Tower Watcher could be derailed with a lots of pressure from the crowds, they were very wrong. He looked at Cirdan to the eye, nodded, and took off. Cirdan hunched it right and dived towards the lower-right corner but the shot was just too powerful for him to reach it. Like the last time, Tar Minastir barely waved his hand to celebrate the goal but nodded to his team-mates after turning around and starting to walk slowly towards them.

Cirdan received a pat in his shoulder from Voronwë walking out from the pitch. They smiled and shook their heads while passing each other. It takes one to know one, and it takes a goalie to understand another goalie’s feeling in a penalty shoot-out…

The Havens 1 – 1 The Sea

The Havens continued with their strongest players sending Tuor to take the second shot. The two Ulmondili looked at each other for a moment in silence. Then Tuor bowed graciously to his one time guide and friend Voronwë who payed the courtesy back with a deep bow in turn. Tuor took the steps away from the ball walking backwards, looking at his friend to the eye as he backed away from him and the ball. And suddenly he was off with it shooting a real boomer to the upper-left corner of the goal.

But Voronwë got it right and made an unbelievable dive to the ball, catching it with his both hands and falling down still clinging to the ball in his fingers. There was a loud sigh in the crowds but with Tuor starting to cheer to his friend clapping his hands together high in the air the crowds slowly followed and in the end Voronwë was applauded for what he was due. It was by far the most beautiful save of the day.

Tar Aldarion now had a chance of putting The Sea in the lead and the crowds remembered just too well how he humiliated Aradan in the first match-up. The elves of the Greay Havens were biting their nails but Cirdan stood firm: Aldarion could not repeat his trick on him. And he didn’t.

Instead Tar Aldarion made a powerful run to the ball and booted it into the exact upper-right corner of the goal, the ball going in by slightly hitting both the crossbar and the post. Cirdan stood no chance against a shot like that. The Sea was in the lead.

The Havens 1 – 2 The Sea

Had the Havens known they would be down one goal after Eärendil and Tuor they sure would have chosen someone else to take the third shot, but they had declared Angrod as their third shooter and Angrod it would be. His tournament hadn’t gone too well thus far, gaining only one assist and one yellow card thus far it seemed Angrod’s self-reliance wasn’t the best it could be. The pressure was heavy on him: should he fail The Sea had a chance to take practically an unreachable two goal lead.

Angrod breathed heavily and concentrated with care before executing his shot. And he scored! Voronwë hunched it wrong and went to the opposite direction from Angrod’s sharp placement of the ball to the lower-left side of the goal. His relief could be seen from his body-language from the farthest point of the stadium as he went on jumping and cheering around from relief. Coming towards the rest of the team in the middle of the pitch Andreth ran to embrace him witch his borther Aegnor in her trail. The crowds cheered wildly.

But Ossë was already marching towards the penalty spot with steady feet. He had shot the ball high over the goal in the match-up against Hithlum – and the crowds started whistling and booing to him hoping he would miss the target again… in vain. With his trademark “one step run” to the ball Ossë hammered the ball straight into the center of the goal while Cirdan started reaching for the lower-left corner only to realise the real target a moment too late and unable to correct the trajectory of his weight. He fell on all fours to the ground and the ball slowly rolled back from the net just past him. It was humiliating.

But to the amazement of many in the stands Ossë came down to help his friend up and they nodded to each other holding their hands at each other’s shoulders. It did look like Ossë was saying “sorry pal”, and Cirdan was answering “never mind friend, my fault” – with their eyes only. Whatever it was, The Sea stayed in the lead.

The Havens 2 – 3 The Sea

So Aegnor faced the same pressure his brother had faced just a moment before, but in a bit more serious situation. If he failed and the next shooter from the Sea scored it would be all over. He placed the ball carefully to the spot trying not to reveal his decision to go for the left side of the goal with his eyes. Instead he tried to think of the crowds cheering and Andreth giving him a dear embrace as well after a succesful shot shutting off the images of failure from his mind.

He ran towards the ball and sent it flying towards the left side of the goal. Voronwë was about to jump to the right but realised at the last instant the shot was coming to the left and managed to change the momentum of his motion towards left… his fingertips touched the ball slightly swerving it more to the left.
The ball hit the post – and bounced inside from it!

The crowds exploded and Aegnor jumped high rolling his fisted right hand in the air. Jogging towards his team-mates he saw Andreth Saelind actually coming towards him with his brother on her trail. Aegnor and Andreth embraced – and Andreth kissed him! The crowds awed.

But the cheers died as quickly as they had started. Like in their first match-up The Sea marched forwards none less than Ulmo himself as their fourth shooter – and everyone remembered the awkward and almost magical goal he had made against Aradan of Hithlum. Could the Lord of the Falathrim stand up for the challenge of Ulmo? Suddenly it was strangely silent as Ulmo settled the ball to his liking at the spot.

Many vowed afterwards Ulmo had used a similar kind of a mind-trick as they claimed he had done in the first match-up, others were less sure. But everyone agreed things happened with incredible speed: at one moment they saw Ulmo bending backwards some ten feet away from the ball and next they saw it flying high up in the air towards the middle of the pitch after Cirdan had stood his ground and fisted it back and away from the goal. There was a moment of awed silence after which the stands broke into wild yells and cheer. Cirdan had saved Ulmo’s attempt and the game was even once again! Whatever had happened Cirdan had anticipated it… so it was not in vain he was called the most foresighted of the Falathrim.

The Havens 3 – 3 The Sea

The last shooter on the regular round from the Havens was none other than Olwë himself. Coming even from behind and seeing the great king coming to the fore the elves of the Havens were feeling confident again.

The white-haired king settled the ball into it’s place, glanced at Voronwë at the goal and backstepped a few feet away from the ball. With the home crowds cheering and chanting Olwë closed his eyes to breath in the strength from the elven crowd and stiffening his body. And he went for the shot booting the ball like he was, despite his years, still a youth. The shot took a mighty swerve…

Voronwë’s reaction was once again correct but despite his great reaction he seemed just inches late as the ball swerved ever more to the right – and off the goal just missing the post! Olwë had missed the goal!

For a moment Vëantur walked towards the penalty spot in total silence but slowly the crowds awoke to booing and whistling. At the time he adjusted the ball into it’s place the noise was already angbandal. And the reason was clear: if he scored The Sea would win, if he didn’t The Havens would still have a chance to fight for the win. With the win The Sea would not only qualify but they would also avoid facing FC Valinor which would be the destiny of the second team qualifying from this group. So being E1 was paramount.

Vëantur ignored the crowds and greeted his old friend Cirdan with a courteous nod before taking the somewhat lengthy way back from the ball. Cirdan saluted the Sea-Commander by raising his right hand to his forehead. Under all that pressure and the tens of thousands of fans the man and the elf seemed congenial. They were in a competition but they weren’t fighting eact other: what an example to any youngsters at the stands or reading this report: so children, remember this!

Vëantur took his time standing behind the ball. Then he suddenly raised his hand and pointed to the upper-left corner. Cirdan glanced up there and turned his eyes back to Vëantur smiling and nodding. Vëantur returned the nod and dashed forwards to the ball. Instead of the upper-left corner the ball whirled towards the lower-right side of the goal. And Cirdan got it right diving towards the shot into the right corner… Cirdan’s fingers caught the ball but there was a spin in the ball and it just rolled over Cirdan’s hands. Cirdan managed to take a second chance with his reflexes grasping the ball again with his left hand but that just doubled the spin and sped it’s way into the goal. It was a goal indeed!

The Havens 3-4 The Sea

The Sea had won group E by beating The Havens 4-3 and Hithlum 5-4! They would face Real Valinor in the first round of qualifiers while The Havens and Hithlum would fight it out in the last match-up which team would follow The Sea into the qualifiers meeting the feared FC Valinor.


~*~

Match 3, Hithlum vs. The Havens

So it was then that the homeside and Hithlum would play it out which one would qualify and which one would be left into the group-phase. The always keen statisticians started making predictions while the teams were preparing for the day’s finals contest in the field. Those in favour of The Havens went on reminding that Aradan hadn’t made a single save whereas Cirdan had made one – and they said also that behind the four top players Hithlum’s talent was light indeed and the wider spread of players able to clutch a game would make The Havens win. But those supporting Hithlum in turn reminded that both Tuor and Olwë had failed while all the Hithlum top-players had succeeded, and that Cirdan’s save against Ulmo was in part due both to him knowing Ulmo a way better Malach Aradan ever could and that he had seen the trick already so there was no way of telling which was the better goalie. The more level-minded people liked to note that the overall stats from the actual group-games showed Cirdan to be 3% more effective in shutting the shots on goal than Aradan, but on the other hand team Hithlum was about the same 3% more effective in scoring than The Havens, so it would be a tight match-up in any case.

The coin-toss ordered Hithlum to begin the shoot-out and Túrin was more than ready for the task. He was just like in the first competiton – or like he always was, as some noted. He took a glance at Cirdan and made his short run to the ball – and kicked it with power straight into the net leaving Cirdan without a chance whatsoever. Hithlum fans were having good times, this was how their team scored.

But when Eärendil came forth to shoot the crowds just went wild. Túrin was a great player, an icon in football to be sure, but Eärendil was the elves’ favourite and he had a dragon under his belt as well as Túrin. And it took him no hesitation to even the scoreline with a mighty boot to the upper-right corner of the goal. It was a mighty start for the final competition: two Arda-class finishes from two great players who left the goalies basically standing in between their posts.

Hithlum 1 – 1 The Havens

Húrin walked to the box and took his time with settling the ball as he used to do and took the steps back slowly with a determined look in his face. He stared Cirdan to the eyes. One who had stood against Morgoth’s gaze and all his torments, and seen and done what Húrin had, was such a strong soul even a mighty elven lord felt the pressure of his eyes.

Húrin ran towards the ball and Cirdan blinked to the right just before Húrin was hitting the ball. He saw Cirdan reacting rightwards and booted the ball from the bottom of his darkened heart to the left only to realise Cirdan outwitting him as the reaction had been a trick and Cirdan actually dived left. But such was the force of Húrin’s shot that Cirdan managed just barely to fist the ball off target even if he was spot on. But the goal was untouched! The Havens took a claim to victory with Cirdan denying none other than Húrin himself. The elven crowds were going nuts.

Tuor met his uncle halfway up to the northern end of the field walking towards the goal and the two exchanged looks. It was clearly an emotional moment for both of them, even if Húrin wasn’t exactly betraying his emotions with his face. In a post-game interview Tuor actually told the press that he surely wished all the Hithlum players to miss their shots, except his uncle who’d had “enough misfortunes and hardships for a thousand lives”.

But to be honest Tuor had his own pressures as well. Voronwë had beaten him in the first match and he had a lot to show for the Havens’ supporters. After adjusting and then readjusting the ball into its place after Mandos’ orders, Tuor looked concentrated when he walked away from the ball while Aradan jumped up and down to get himself into a right feeling to deny him. Tuor licked his upper lip and set himself forwards. And he produced probably the most confident goal of the day thus far!

Just as he was going to kick the ball he slowed his motion almost imperceptibly letting Aradan make the first move – which was going to the right – and then he just chipped the ball in the middle of the goal.

That was cool!

Hithlum 1 – 2 The Havens

With the homefans in a celebratory mood it was time for Hador Lórindol to show what the great men were made of. Like Túrin he just hammered the ball in with such force that even if Cirdan was actually diving for the right direction he had no chance to divert the ball’s trajectory as it rocketed in, partly from between his hands. Hithlum clearly was in no way surrendering the fight. Hador’s stature and body-language told it to the whole stadium as he just raised his fisted right hand while turning back away from the goal to walk back to the other players centerfield.

Hador’s cool defiance didn’t make the situation easier for Angrod. If he missed Hithlum would have evened the scores. Oh, the pressure…

Angrod took his time once again and went for a trick inspired by Tuor’s magical shot. It must have been something in his eyes or just pure luck but Malach Aradan hunched what he was trying to do and after pretending to fall slightly to the right he actually dived towards the shot and caught the chip safely into his gloves. For a moment there was an awkward silence at the stadium except the supporters of team Hithlum who yelled as loud as they could in support of their great grand-grand-father.

Hithlum 2 – 2 The Havens

Niënor Niniel had earned all the trust of Hithlum supporters with her cool scoring in the first match-up and the fans were getting loud indeed while the locals were biting their nails fearing Hithlum would take the initiative once more. The whistling of the homecrowd sure overtook the chants of the visiting fans but it didn’t sound as confident one would have anticipated. There was nervousness in the stands.

Niënor settled the ball and took her steps away from it in total calm not even glancing at Cirdan. After a few heavy breaths in and out she went for it and shot once more a nasty curve-ball that seemed to go straight but then started bending half-way to the goal. Cirdan had anticipated something like that and hadn’t moved when the shot took off but went after it with instinct the part of the second later when he thought he had a hunch as to where it would bend – and he got it wrong! Diving right he gasped in mid-air seeing the ball taking an incredibly strong bend leftwards. The ball was heading into the empty net and the homecroeds held theior breath while Hithlum supporters jumped up only to realise in the middle of their jump that the ball bent too much and went just an inch wide the target.

Suddenly the crowds were alive again. It was a miss from Niënor! The Havens could still take the lead after four shooters! And Aegnor had scored the last time so he would be an elf to grant them their lead. The cheering of the crowds were rekindled into full force.

Aegnor tried to stick into the good things while walking towards the goal… he could visualize himself scoring, he could hear the crowds cheering at him, he could feel Andreth’s lips pressed against his… Suddenly he saw his sister Galadriel and brother Felagund with his mind’s eye. They weren’t looking too happy with his procrastinations, Suddenly he felt weak. But he would not show it. He would not think of it. He would throw it away and score… He was muttering to himself as he settled the ball into it’s position and took the steps backwards.

He ran for it looking straight forwards trying not to reveal to Aradan his thoughts that were at the upper-left corner of the goal. A moment before his boot hit the ball he saw Aradan hunching up-left. A split second’s hesitation proved disasterous. He was about to change the plan at the last instance but realised it was too late – and the shot ended up more or less to where he had originally intended but with half the power and accuracy he could have pulled out sticking to his plan and ignoring the keeper’s reactions.

Aradan shoved the shot away from the goal with his palms. The crowds were having a real roller-coaster ride this time. After four shots each, the game was even.

Hithlum 2 – 2 The Havens

Morwen walked to the penalty spot her eyes almost closed when the homecrowds started their whistling to try and distract her. But there was nothing that could have taken Morwen out and off her misery at that moment. Voronwë had saved her shot in the first match and her husband had been shut out cruelly in this one. She was filled with agony and despair. It was just going to go down the drain as it used to, she thought walking away from the ball trying to shut out the yells from the crowds.

After standing motionlessly a while she suddenly turned her face towards Mandos standing beside the goal searching for his eyes. Catching his attention her eyes flared and she yelled out aloud over all the whistling of the crowds: “For Húrin, for my children!”.

Closing her eyes she ran to the ball and shot it from the bottom of her soul – into the goal! Cirdan might have been distracted or then he wasn’t, but the shot was just such a hammer-blow he had no way of getting in between it and the goal he was keeping. Some thouhgt afterwards Mandos might have grown soft on such appeals and froze Cirdan for the decisive second but most reasonable commentators disqualified such speculation as nonsense it was.

But Hithlum was in the lead now and the Havens just had to score… otherwise the games would be over for the team and Hithlum would qualify.

Olwë walked towards the penalty spot slowly and majestically looking nothing like an elf-king who had missed his shot in the first match. He was proud and tall, radiating confidence and honour to the highest rows of the stands. And slowly the trust spread within the homecrowds and they started cheering and chanting for him.

This time there was no swerve in the ball but just a plain old-fashioned power-shot that left Aradan taste the grass on the wrong side of the goal while Olwë slowly rolled his fist a few times over his head and bowed then to the cheering crowds before walking back to his team-mates.

Hithlum 3 – 3 The Havens

After the first five shots the match for qualifying was even. It would be one on one then to decide. It was getting more intensive many of the home-team supporters, most of them new to football, were ready to handle. And it would be the home team that would shoot first now.

But seeing that Cirdan himself would be shooting the first one the crowds kind of awoke from a spell. Cirdan was their hero and who else could lead them if not the bearded elf, the friend of the mighty and lesser folks as well?

The stadium awoke to a full cheer when Cirdan took the ball and settled it for a shot. Wawing to the stands Cirdan backtracked a few steps and emptied his lungs with a long blow out. Taking the air in he straightened his back and there he was, on the run.

He hadn’t given Aradan any hint of what he was thinking about by avoiding his eyes and the goal itself all the time, suddenly, at the moment just before hitting the ball he raised his eyes from the ball and glanced quickly at the top-left corner of the goal and then shut his eyes and booted the ball to it’s way.

Aradan was an experienced goal-keeper and quickly realised the trick the other goalie was trying on him. With such a plain revealment of where he was “going to shoot” it was clear it was just a game Cirdan was trying to play with him, and Cirdan would anticipate him understanding it and thus not go to the other end but actually dive to the left – and if that was what Cirdan hoped for he should dive right.

The moment the ball got loose from Cirdan’s boot Aradan jumped to the right and the ball headed just that way… only to suddenly swerve slightly back to the middle. Aradan had little options in mid-air but trying to reach for the ball with his legs while flying away from the ball. And he managed to stretch his left foot to hit the ball!

The ball bounced from Aradan’s foot to the roof of the goal just a few inches behind the crossbar and rolled along the net to bounce again from the bottom-bar rolling out of the goal over Aradan who laid down on the grass watching it go. The Havens was on the lead and Cirdan was their hero once again.

But when Aradan got himself up and walked not to the side of the goal but to the penalty spot the mood suddenly changed again. If a goalie can thusly fool another goalie why wouldn’t another goalie do the same? The home-supporters were worried and nervous feeling good only about the fact that their team could not lose the game with this shot. But their sudden joy of winning was now challenged and they didn’t know what to do or feel.

Now Aradan had slipped off balance the last time he made a shot, but even then he had only barely missed the goal as he had totally fooled Voronwë into the wrong corner. And Aradan looked again so confident the crowds forgot to whistle to him for a while.

Aradan was one of the first men and when he straightened to his full height some ten feet behind the ball he looked majestic indeed. He concentrated with his eyes closed for a moment and then opened his eyes gazing straight ahead with kind of a blind stare. Then he eyed the upper-right corner of the goal, then the lower left-one, then the upper-right corner again only to let his eyes fall down to the lower-right with his head coming down – and he was on the run.

Cirdan had never liked tricks and schemes and now he felt really uncomfortable: Aradan had given him a dozen of hints just to scheme it, but what was he really up to? Unable to pick up a better plan Cirdan went with the old maxim that the shooter who tries to fool you often reveals himself showing his real target not as the first but as the second one he glances. So at the moment Aradan hit the ball Cirdan dived towards the lower-left corer of the goal. And that was a mistake!

While cirdan jumped to the left, the ball headed straight towards the center of the goal. Aradan was raising his hands to celebrate when the ball hit the crossbar and bounced off and up to the stands behind the goal!

Aradan had missed another shot and Hithlum was out!

It took some time from the crowds to realize what had happened, but when they did there was no limit to their joy and cheers. The Havens had qualified!

Hithlum 3-4 The Havens



~*~

So The Sea goes forwards as E1 (facing Real Valinor) and The Havens as E2 (facing FC Valinor). Hithlum is left into the group-phase with Valimar.


Look for the AKM's selected post-group interviews & investment-group articles to come into a computer near you soon!

[Boromir88]

Group A @ Michel Delving

Group A was still completely up for grabs. Angband had the upper hand but they still needed at least 1 point to assure their advance. And they were facing the dreaded Tol-in-Gaurhoth, who had not looked like their usual selves so far, but they always show up under these pressure situations. The bigger the stage, the more they thrive, but Angband is used to being in these games as well.

The match was set to start mid-day, but there was a heavy, dark overcast which blocked out the high sun and conditions were getting wet on the pitch. Many believed this was the work of Morgoth but some also noted TIG seems to be followed but an aura of bad weather, remembering the tornado and thunderstorm they played in a couple years ago.

Tol-in-Gaurhoth came out pressing more, for they were the team that desperately needed the 3 points with a win. Phantomwolf was really commanding the mid-field, overpowering the Men of Angband. Although they were not consistently threatening Carcharoth, because Angband's back line was led by Morgoth and his Balrogs. The defense-wights of TIG seemed a bit timid to come further up, with the wet pitch, they were nervous of hitting a slippery patch and Angband's ability to counter if Morgoth intercepted a pass.

Gradually Angband started taking firmer control as the half went on. Morgoth stepped up into the mid-field and that nullified phantomwolf's presense. Any TIG attack was stopped before it could begin and Angband was now seeing more possession. Ancalagon unleashed a couple wicked tail blasts on goal, to test TIG's keeper. Shastawolf was more than able to swat the attempts away, but Angband won a few corners. In the 37th minute, Morgoth crossed a corner into the box, Ancalagon rose above everyone else, to head it straight down and over the line.

Angband didn't let up on the pressure either, as they appeared to want to have an excellent close to the first half, and perhaps put this match away (and thus win the group) early. Nilpwolf was matched up against Ancalagon, and some thought it might have been better to put the lone wolf-defender on the cat. But Telvildo was agile enough to avoid the few wolf-players of TIG and still find openings. The feline, jumped, weaved, and then flicked a pass to Ancalagon who whipped the ball in with a trademark blast off its tail. It was center goal, but too high and hard for Shastawolf to react in time. The wolves and wights would head into the break, down 2-0 and desperately in need of a win.

The 2nd half was a classic example of letting up on just some of the effort and your performance plummets. Morgoth appeared to want to coast the rest of the match, as if it were a friendly. TIG however needed to win and they were not broken yet. If anything, they know how to stage comebacks in roaring fashion.

It still seemed to take TIG too long to finally break through Morgoth's defense and Angband's hand. NerWight didn't have much work to do with phantomwolf's precise pass, just redirect it's trajectory to the far post as Carcharoth was well off his line. Now with only a 1-goal lead Morgoth yet again stepped up in the mid-field to nullify TIG's advantage there. Only, unlike the 1st half, TIG was no longer timid.

They were going to throw caution to the wind and push everyone forward, if Angband got a goal on the counter, so be it. At least they would go down in a fury. As it turned out TIG's aggression paid off in the 84th minute as NogWolf pounded in LegateWight's shot off the post.

It was all level now, but TIG was not going to let up. They were not eliminated with a draw, but they could assure advancing with a win. Morgoth had no choice but to throw up the barricades and have his entire team practically defending on Carcharoth's lap. With only a few minutes of extra time left, TIG really started risking everything. They even pulled ShastaWolf out from goal just to have an extra player attacked. But in the final seconds, Morgoth cut off a pass and cleared it all the way back down TIG's end.

That was it. Angband is already qualified no matter what happens in the late match. TIG was currently sitting in 2nd, with 3 points. But if there was a winner between SB United and The Downer, they would be eliminated. So, they all had to wait, and hope for that one to end in a draw.

Angband 2-2 Tol In Gaurhoth
on target 8-7
tot shots 17-19
GOALS:
*37, 1-0 Ancalagon (Morgoth)
*44, 2-0 Ancalagon (Telvildo)
*66, 2-1 NerWight (PhantomWolf)
*84, 2-2 NogWolf (LegateWight)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Angband- Morgoth, Gelmir, Uldor
*TIG- SallyWight, GwathWight

After the first match had been played under an overcast, the clouds broke immediately. Michel Delving stadium was completely filled even an hour before the match was scheduled to start. With hobbits, wights, wolves, orcs, men, elves and others all in attendance. Shire-Bree was clearly the team the fans were fully rooting for. The Downer had very few supporters and the TIG fans were solely there to root for a very specific result. (Either a 0-0, or 1-1 draw would mean TIG advances. 2-2 draw would lead to a shoot out for 2nd place. A 3-3 draw, or a winner would clearly not be good).

Despite the entire stadium rocking, chanting, and drumming support the match began very slow. It was perhaps because Bombadil was not at all making his presense known. Normally he's either not on the pitch at all (and thus people notice he's not there) or he is and his skill can't be contained. Bombadil was actually on the field and playing, but he was completely neutralized.

In fact, that seemed to be captain Hookbill's strategy, to make Bombadil ineffective and force someone else from Shire-Bree to beat them. A smart plan, but neutralizing Bombadil was perceived as impossible by most others, as they could only wait and hope for the funny man to be distracted by lilies or something ridiculous. However, Hookbill placed Alien on Bombadil duties, and as it turns out Bombadil was very intrigued by Alien. Bombadil even began reading some of his poems, that is, until Alien produced a flame-thrower and set Bombadil's feathered cap on fire (Alien of course received a yellow).

Hookbill was quite pleased with his strategy, because with Bombadil being shut down, Shire-Bree was still getting more chances, but they weren't very good chances. They lacked the finishing touch and expertise of Bombadil. In the 35th minute, Shire-Bree received a gift of a chance though.

Khamul and Barrow-wight were causing the most havoc and, Khamul looked sure to score, but John Fillis stuck out his arm in what was a clear handball in the box. Fillis was carded and it was now a penalty kick, to be taken by Strider. In a cool display of skill, Strider struck and the ball slipped just inside the right post. The stadium erupted with cheers of STRIKER! STRIKER! STRIKER! Except the small section of Downer and TIG supporters.

The halftime whistle blew and the crowd was still partying and elated. Their team was winning, and it was time to get refills on all their pints before the 2nd began. However, SB-United had a cold awakening, realizing The Downer might be whacky and unpredictable, but they were not deflated and demoralized yet. Far from it, as The Downer began concentrating efforts on an equalizer.

They would get it in the 62nd minute, off a pass by Saucepan Man and finished by Hookbill. The TIG neutrals were suddenly livened again, because a 1-1 result means they would advance instead of the Shire team. SB-United grew slightly nervous for the first time in the match, even if there was a lot of time left, Bombadil was still completely ineffective while being marked by Alien. Who would have thought there could be a player who was more annoying than Bombadil? Could SB United win with their star-striker having no impact on it?

Their players were determined to win in front of their home crowd, on this final round of group matches, though. In the 79th minute, Gildor raced down the left flank and passed it back into the center to the Barrow-wight. The B-W made excellent contact and hit a rising thunderbolt, scraping the top crossbar and into the back of the net. One could not hear their own screams it was that loud in Michel Delving Stadium. TIG fans slumped at the goal, realizing what this meant to their fate, and were further annoyed when The Downer appeared to have no interest in even trying to equalize again.

A draw wouldn't do The Downer any good, so they simply stopped, as Hookbill told them that was it and to have fun. "Fun" on this day meaning watching Alien devise new ways to torment and make fun of Bombadil's outfit and poetry. Strider was protesting to the ref, but the ref had his hands tied...they weren't violently hurting anyone nor damaging property. Even with the anti-climatic end, that did not stop the crowd from singing and partying.

In fact, the rather boring end, seemed to only make anticipation of the victory party grow as the game was coming to an end. For when the ref blew the final whistle, the stadium exploded in jubilee. They did not remember the last time they could be this excited about a team from the Shire. Even if it only contained 1 hobbit and even though now, they already knew their first playoff opponent was going to be Gondor (since Gondor already qualified for 1st after Round 2). They would not think about that, however. They were going to celebrate thru the night and then book a route to Gondor in the morning.

Shire-Bree United 2-1 The Downer
on target 7-4
tot shots 16-13
GOALS:
*35, 1-0 Strider
*62, 1-1 Hookbill (Saucepan Man)
*79, 2-1 Barrow-Wight (Gildor)
YELLOW CARDS:
*SBUnt- Bandobras, Golfimbul
*Downer- Burnt Bert, Alien, Fillis

Standings (after 3 matches)
Angband, 5 pts (+2) Q
SB United, 5 pts (+1) q
Tol-in-Gaurhoth, 3 pts (0) e
The Downer, 1 pts (-3), e

[Boromir88]

Group H @ Minas Morgul

Minas Morgul's stadium was barely half-full for the 1st match of round 3. Gondor had already won the group, and the locals had no desire to see their rivals finish off the group, especially when they were to play the "other" Gondor team. Mordorians stayed underground and in local watering holes in preparation for the later match. Many were waiting for an excuse to riot, which had MEFA on high alert. Mordor fans were convinced since Gondor had nothing left to play for, they would throw the game to Minas Tirith. If Minas Tirith won then the Barad Dur-Mordor match would be irrelevant, since both would be then eliminated.

Minas Tirith began in an opening flurry looking to take control of the match, but Gondor defended admirably. The orcs watching in the pubs scoffing that Gondor was just doing enough to look as if they were making an effort to play and avoid charges for purposefully rigging matches. But on a quick counter finished by Anarion, Gondor grabbed a shock lead. It appeared the Minas Tirith fans were under the same impression as Mordor and assumed Gondor wouldn't play this game; not for real at least. Also, surprising, Anarion is having one of the best performances amongst mid-fielders this tournament, already with 3 goals and 2 assists.

Minas Tirith upped the pressure for the next 15 minutes and it paid off right before the halftime whistle. Faramir shot a precise snipe from the left-side, right outside the penalty box and it dipped below the crossbar. This of course gave the Mordor supporters much to grumble about throughout the break. "It's 1-1 now, but we see the plan clearly now. Put on a good show and effort in the 1st, but just watch, they will give the 2nd to their disgusting friends."

What Mordorians believed would happen didn't matter, because again Gondor surprisingly won the lead back within the first several minutes. In the 53rd a poor pass by Ostoher that Eldacar intercepted and quickly passed to the unmarked Falastur. And Falastur had no trouble rocketing a shot past Denethor II. Granted it the goal was due to a defensive mistake, but the fact that Gondor so quickly pounced on it to capitilize should put to any rest theories that they would tank the match.

Gondor though did not want to work themselves too hard, afterall they were guaranteed of 1st place already, so Minas Tirith had little problems possessing the ball after Gondor's 2nd goal. And if Gondor did win possession, they would simply try some classic time-wasting tactics before booting it back to Minas Tirith's end.

Minas Tirith still had a difficult time working the ball past Gondor's mid-fielders, but as the match was winding down Cirion and Ecthelion II stepped up from their defensive positions to aid the attack. Some thought they waited too long since Gondor was clearly not interested in expanding their lead at this point. In the 79th Earnil II blasted in a shot of his own, beating Hyarmendacil. It was all level again.

The final 10 minutes was quite an interesting battle, with Minas Tirith pressing for a win would guarantee advancing, but Gondor still defending admirably. Mordor spectators were all the ready to riot at the first sight of an "inconvenient mistake" that would happen in the final minutes, to give Minas Tirith the win. But it was not to be, for seemingly Hyarmendacil did not appreciate anyone questioning his honor, or his team's and he made some final key saves to preserve the draw.

As it stands Minas Tirith remains in 2nd with 3 points, but if one of the Mordor teams won in the 2nd match, that team would advance with Gondor. If it ends in a draw, Minas Tirith would advance.

Gondor 2-2 Minas Tirith
on target 7-8
tot shots 16-18
GOALS:
*29, 1-0 Anarion (Romendacil)
*44, 1-1 Faramir (Tarandor)
*53, 2-1 Falastur (Eldacar)
*79, 2-2 Earnil II (Mardil)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Gondor- Calimehtar
*MT- Faramir

The 90%+ orc crowd (with some Corsairs, Khandans, and other men sprinkled in) were quite rowdy before kick-off. The situation was pretty ideal for them, even though they would have obviously liked it if both of their teams could make the playoffs, at least one of them could go through...if one of them could win today. They couldn't imagine a scenario where this would end in a draw, the situation was set up perfectly, whichever Mordor team wins would knock Minas Tirith out of the playoffs. Many believed this would be Sauron's team, since he appeared to have the better squad, plus he was their ruler. It would seem very odd for Sauron to miss out on the playoffs. In the end, though, it didn't matter. The entire stadium could get behind both teams, hopefully watch a thrilling Mordor-styled match (of rough play and many goals), and continue supporting the winner for the playoffs.

The game started out very open with both teams playing fast and attacking football (the ref was also swallowing his whistle, just letting them make daring, hard challenges that may have been whistled foul if it were other teams). Barad-dur looked a little more haggardly in defense, and it cost them early in the match. Shelob was an intimidating presense, even Barad-dur's defenders seemed frightened the great spider would sting them and feast on them afterwards. So it was in the 6th minutes, when Nazgul #2 led Shelob to an open area, and the spider flicked it underneath the Mumak's large girth.

Barad-dur regathered themselves defensively, but the match's pace still was not slowing down. Both defenses were pressed and forced to play at a high-level, the difference in the first half being the Silent Watcher was doing a much better job tending the net than the Mumakil. As in the 40th minute, off the boot of the 4th Nazgul Mordor grabbed a 2-0 lead on a shot the Mumak did horrible on trying to save. It was not the team they had expected, but it didn't matter, after 45 minutes Mordor had a 2 goal lead and it looked like they would be the Mordor team going through.

To the crowds' immense delight more goals were to come, this was the football they liked watching! Goals and excitement! This time it was Sauron though putting Barad-dur on the scoreboard, in what truly was a wonderful display of striking skill. It was clear Sauron was the best player on the field, and he was not shy to show it.

But Mordor did not let up, as the game became even more then at any other point previously. 10 minutes after Sauron's goal, the team of Nazgul working in perfect sync put Mordor back up by 2 goals with 30 minutes remaining. And there was still yet another goal in the 73rd minute, headed in by Castamir after Sauron's free kick.

Goals galore in Mordor and as the match was coming to an end the entire stadium was rocking wildly, with Mordor sure to advance. Since after the wild pace, the match finally started slowing down in the final 10. However, another free kick in the 84th minute led to disaster.

As usual, Sauron took the kick and made a rather lazy effort that deflected sideways off the Nazgul wall and then ping-ponged off Herumor's foot...over goal line! Where was the Silent Watcher, it seemed to just be statued to its spot. And why would Barad-dur make that kick at that time, or even have people in the box where freakish ricochets can often happen? Nooooo! It was all over, both of their teams now eliminated, which soured what had been a wonderful display of Mordor-styled football.

Barad-Dur 3-3 Mordor
on target 8-7
tot shots 18-17
GOALS:
*6, 0-1 Shelob (Nazgul #2)
*40, 0-2 Nazgul #4 (Grishnakh)
*49, 1-2 Sauron (Angamaite)
*59, 1-3 Nazgul #4 (Nazgul #5)
*73, 2-3 Castamir (Sauron)
*84, 3-3 Herumor (Sauron)
YELLOW CARDS:
*BDur- Gothmog II, Fellbeast #2
*Mordor- Fellbeast #1, Shagrat, Shelob

Standings (after 3 matches)
Gondor, 7pts (+2) Q
Minas Tirith, 3 pts (0) q
Barad-Dur, 2 pts (-1) e
Mordor, 2 pts (-1), e

[the phantom]

(place-holder results post until Shasta can put up the full story)

Group F @ Isengard

Misty Mts 1-1 Rohan
on target 5-4
tot shots 14-12
GOALS:
*37, 1-0 Rumil (Narvi)
*73, 1-1 Helm (Radagast)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Misty- Chief Wolf, Tom
*Rohan- King Dead, Felarof

Imladris 1-1 Isengard
on target 4-4
tot shots 12-12
GOALS:
*44, 0-1 Quickbeam (Wormtongue)
*69, 1-1 Elladan (Arwen)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Imlad- Elladan
*Isengard- Lurtz, Wulf

Q: Rohan
q: Imaldris
Eliminated: Isengard, Misty Mts

**********************************
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MESPN EXIT INTERVIEWS

MESPN: Excuse me, Saruman!

Saruman: Ah, there you are. I knew you'd be waiting somewhere.

MESPN: So, what sort of changes are you going to make in the off-season?

Saruman: Yes, well, something needs to be done evidently. I can say for certain that my current players won't all be making so much after their performance this year.

MESPN: So, just slashing salaries and calling it good?

Saruman: No, no- there will be a couple subtle shifts. Perhaps a formation change and swapping of positions, and the addition of a quality piece.

MESPN: Nothing sweeping then?

Saruman: No, no- that would be the actions of a panicked manager. With some slight alterations we'd nearly break even despite going out early.

MESPN: So turning a profit is the top concern?

Saruman: Well of course. One can easily discover the highest priority by supposing gross imbalance. Would my franchise remain viable if we won the title ever year but hemorrhaged money?

MESPN: Well, I suppose not.

Saruman: Indeed. As much as the fans wish to win, one must remain fiscally sound.

MESPN: Ideally both.

Saruman: Which is why I'll have my eyes and ears open for a good signing.

MESPN: Was it particularly tough losing to Rohan- featuring Gandalf?

Saruman: I don't take his choice to play there personally. He can't have known he'd be facing me. And losing is losing- the opponent is inconsequential.

MESPN: I doubt Isengard supporters see it that way.

Saruman: But perhaps hearing it from me will sway them.

MESPN: Quite right. Thanks for your time.

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

MESPN: Not what you hoped for guys.

Durin's Bane: Not at all.

Rumil: Nope.

MESPN: So- thoughts?

Orophin: I think we could've advance.

Narvi: Yes! We showed what we could do drawing Rohan.

Durin's Bane: Rohan earned that top spot- they are a fantastic team, but that draw showed we could play at that level.

MESPN: So how do you improve that for next year?

Narvi: Well, I think our investment groups won't be hurting too much, so we should be in the market for a couple new additions.

Durin's Bane: Likely we'll freeze or lower current salaries as the entire league was a bit overpriced and we didn't earn it, but with adding a couple players we'll end up back at the same overall salary or slightly higher.

MESPN: So you feel comfortable with most of your team as it is.

Narvi: Definitely. We're not far off, and I think we're all committed.

Rumil: We weren't certain what to expect when we joined, but my brother and I really feel like we belong.

Durin's Bane: It'll be tough letting anyone go at all. Frankly we don't have plans for it exactly, but rather we'll be looking for slight upgrades and if we land them we'll fit them in where we have to.

MESPN: All right. Best of luck.

[Nogrod]

The AKM’s journalists have been where they need to be and we are proud to present the interviews of some of the leading minds behind the scenes aka. the ones behind these shadowy investment groups that have taken a firm hold of the tournament this year.

So it was that the Arda Cup Finance Committee – an organization no one had heard about before this year – announced the salary-gaps already a year ago and thus defined the room within which the financiers could move, but it has only recently been issuing the rules as to how to share the revenue from the tournament. Many affluent sites have protested to the redistribution of the wins gathered from the ticket sales and the merchandise sold, and some even boasted they could have made better Palantir-deals themselves without the ACFC. But be that as it may, AFA (the Arda Fotball Association) stood behind the rulings of the ACFC and that seems to be how it is going to be.

The low compensation of 60 millions for the teams that were left in the group-phase has raised some discussions as whether the rules favour the rich and oppresses the poorer ones, or whether the rich are exactly the ones that mistreated if their big-money-teams didn’t produce, or whether it is plain unsporty to make that huge gaps between the different achievements as it is after all the Arda Cup where all should flourish together…

Having that as the background, the AKM is proud to offer it’s readers the interviews of three main actors behind three investment groups they have been able to follow more closely. We didn't aim to those philosophical questions, but got many interesting answers anyway.



The Evil House, an interview with Morgoth

The AKM: It looks your investment group is losing a lot of money unless team Angband goes all the way, twenty to forty millions that could be. How are you prepared to take that kind of loss?

Morgoth: Money is the meter of power for the weak and the faint-hearted. Money is not something I care a lot about, you know it comes and goes, and if you lack it, you grab it… And you forget that if team Angband wins the tournament we are going to gain about 20 million.

The AKM: But you have to be disappointed with Anfaughlith’s performance, I mean The Evil House spent over 90 million to that team and they only brought you back 60. Thirty millions should not be an insignificant sum even to someone like you?

Morgoth: That was an annoying result I must admit. Anfaughlith won their game against Doriath who qualified! They ended up in even points and just this ridiculous rule that more goals scored is better than less goals allowed made them go through… Be that as it may, we had, I must admit, counted for Anfaughlith to qualify in our economic schemes, but no can do. We’ll find a way to make that better if not in this year, then the next one. Getting financed, after all, is not our main problem or concern.

The AKM: But aren’t the finances, well the restriction on them, just your concern as comes to the salary gaps and luxury taxes?

Morgoth: Ahh, in that respect you’re quite right. Eru, you know, is a socialist. I hate socialists who seek for equality. I mean where do you put excellence then, where do you put individual cababilities and their rewards; why can’t one stand out from the crowd, higher, brighter, if he’s more cabable than the others? Why this cutting and basically cursing of talent? Without limits forced by the ACFC and the AFA, and in the last instance Eru himself, my team would look veruy much different than it looks now.

The AKM: You’re bitter, aren’t you?

Morgoth: Shove off you nerd!

The AKM: I was just to ask you about your plans for the next year…

Morgoth: Just get out before…



Meneltarma Capital, an interview with Tar Atanamir

The AKM: You ended up with a decent saving percentage of 71,4%. Why is it you didn’t qualify?

Tar Atanamir: I’m surprised you have the nose to ask that kind of a question. Have you yourself tried keeping the goal against the forwards of FC and Real Valinor and Tirion? If not, then shut up. I thought this interview was about something else altogether.

The AKM: Please excuse me… I just tried to start this with an easier question. But well, it looks like Meneltarma Capital is going to take a blow of 20 millions. What is your take on that?

Tar Atanamir: Meneltarma Capital wished to invest carefully this first year even if some yelled for a more aggressive tactics, but we think that as a wealthy nation and as a wealthy investment group we made it better we worked in a bit more conservative fashion and looked around this year. And the groupings we and The Sea were placed were just frivolous acts of partiality and / or lopsided thinking, something we will demand will get changed come the next year. Otherwise we might pull off the tournament.

The AKM: Númenor would pull out from the Arda Cup?

Tar Atanamir: There has to be another solution to the Ainur not playing it fair than punishing a few ME teams for it. Honestly. We’re going to raise the issue, to be sure.

The AKM: Now you might be losing some 24 millions if The Sea loses to Rea Valinor – which wouldn’t surprise anyone. How does that affect your plans for AC 13?

Tar Atanamir: Like I said, Meneltarma capital is a wealthy group and it can take in some losses without losing it’s chances of an active role in the player-market for AC 13. But yes, that’s no pocket money and it does hurt. Yes, we’re going to demand a different system for the next year as regard to the Westerners. If they can’t play it fair then let us shut them out of the competition, or make them have their own groups in there, or – which we would see as the best option – let their players be spread to different groups for the highest bidders. This year’s grouping was just plain unfair… So if our idea doesn’t go forwards, maybe the teams could be divided into kind of “baskets” based on their strength from where they would then be picked into the groups? We’ll be active with this issue after the tournament ends.

The AKM: Will you be playing for Armenelos – or basically a Númenor-based team the next year?

Tar Atanamir: Most certainly… that is in case we play the next year. This issue must be resolved before you can see a real Númenorian site at the pitch. This year's tom-foolery can't be repeated!

The AKM: Thank you for the interview.

Tar Atanamir: No problem.



Oath & Blood Alliance, an interview with Maglor

The AKM: FC Valinor is sailing under a bright sky and strong winds. How does it feel?

Maglor: My brothers have played well and we have a great team, so thank you for asking. But I was told this interview would be about the Oath & Blood Alliance and not about FC Valinor… even if it is nice to be complimented.

The AKM: Sure. Just warming up here… Well, the Oath & Blood Alliance, of which you are one member of, is financing four teams and it seems you are coming more or less to a zero result. How do you look at the finances?

Maglor: Well… with three teams still up and running, isn’t it a pretty premature to speculate on the financial results? I mean the gap between the best and worst scenario is quite wide as yet: we might lose some, come to a balanced budget or win big time…

The AKM: How about AC 13? What are the plans for Oath & Blood Alliance?

Maglor: Let’s see this year first…

The AKM: Any chances of seeing all of you brothers playing together, with your dad even?

Maglor: Hah! No way! You know, it would be fun, but look at the price tags, and the positions we like to play… there’s no point in having five or more star-forwards, whatever. You know there is this story about a seventh age kingdom called Holland who had a team full of great finishers and superstars but put into a team they lost all their games. That’s what would happen to a team Fëanor & Sons, let me tell you.

The AKM: But any more concentration of you guys in one team then? Would that be possible, like your youngest brothers and you perhaps dealing with the defence and then maybe Maedhros, Curufin and Celegorm going forwards? And Huan of course as the keeper… Would that be possible? It would be quite a team!

Maglor: If dad would finance it without willing to intervene or, Valar forbid, join the team, then maybe, but otherwise… I think no way. We are not playing for free and the salary cap with the luxury tax takes care you will not see us playing together all of us – unless miracles happen, or there is a totally different kind of a tournament.

The AKM: But how come an alliance like yours can be so divided? Why couldn’t you just join together and win it all? Accept smaller purses and go for it?

Maglor: That’s easier said than done, like I told you already.We’re bound by an oath and by blood, but other than that we’re not bound. And some of the things some of us have done in the name of that oath do still haunt us and our relations as a brotherhood. We can and even wish to keep together in certain things but it would take more than money or a tournament based on these mediocre salaries to get us together once again. There would need to be blood or honour to defend for that to happen or something real at stake, like the Silmarils...

The AKM: Uhh… erm… *gasp* Thank you Maglor, and all the best for FC Valinor.

Maglor: You’re welcome, human.



~*~

The AKM analysis, predictions & suggestions for the phantasy-players concerning the first play-off round are coming tomorrow, or soon enough! Stay tuned to the Barrow Downs and to your computer / pad / smart-phone!

[the phantom]

MESPN NEWS: Playoff Preview Special

Philip McPhantom: Good afternoon, everyone. We saw some major drama in the group stages, but things are only getting more serious now- it’s the playoffs!
I’m going to break down the match-ups for you, and to help me I have two very special guests.
On my left is Ruharg the Red, dragon of the Withered Heath and lead sports editor of Monster Magazine.
On my right is Ar-Tar-Aradil of Numenor, writer for Westernesse Weekly and president of the Numenorean Association for the Advancement of Football (NAAF).

Ruharg: Hey.

Ar-Tar-Aradil: Greetings.

P McPhantom: So guys, let’s get right into it. Are these the teams you were expecting to see?

Ar-Tar: Generally.

Ruharg: But there were certainly some failures.

P McP: With teams more even this year, you still feel like there were some that were too good to go out in the group stage, Ruharg?

R: Tol-In-Gaurhoth certainly, Wilderland as well- maybe others to a lesser degree.

ATA: TIG had Angband and Shire-Bree to compete with- no slouches. And Anduin, Erebor, and Dwarves United weren’t push-overs either.

R: Wilderland had Scatha, Orome, Galadriel, and Elwe up front. Even as good as Celebrimbor and Aule are Dwarves United shouldn’t have been able to contain them. And the TIG offense should’ve scored in bunches as well, and should’ve held Downer’s offense in check better.

ATA: I think they would’ve without that red-card leaving them short-handed. But as far as Wilderland, I nearly agree, though I still don’t think people respect the tenacity and organization of the dwarves enough.

PP: Well let’s move on to the playoffs now, and we’ll start at the top. What do you think about Angband and Minas Tirith.

R: Angband has it in the bag. There’ll be no answer for Telvildo and Ancalagon especially.

ATA: I think Angband may have an edge, but don’t count the white city out. They’ll play smart and opportunistic, controlling the ball and denying the Angband forwards.

R: No way. Both Group H teams are going to lose to the Group A squads.

ATA: I’ll definitely disagree with that. I think Gondor will win Shire-Bree for certain. They’ve looked impressive.

R: They’ve looked impressive because their group was awful.

ATA: You’re calling a group with Sauron in it “awful”?

R: He had no help. Shire-Bree will throw Strider, Khamul, BWight, and Bombadil at that Gondor defense and they won’t know what hit them.

ATA: But Shire-Bree doesn’t exactly have an all-star defense, and Anarion has been leading a very efficient attack for Gondor.

PP: All right, so you guys are disagreeing on both of those games. Interesting. As for me, I can see both sides… I suppose I’ll probably just take the group winner in both matches as the safe play. Next up- Eriador versus Doriath.

R: This is another time where I’m taking both teams from the same group- I think AC Beleriand and Doriath both win their games. Group G looked very good this year. I would’ve picked the eliminated squads, Nargothrond and Angfauglith, to win this match too.

ATA: Group G did have good teams, but I still like Eriador to defeat Doriath. They’re solid back to front.

R: I just like Doriath’s attack better. Either Witch King or Glorfindel will be neutralized by Melian, where as Doriath- I think Daeron and definitely Luthien are superior to Eriador’s midfielders, and they have their own duo up front with Mablung and Beleg.

ATA: Even if that were entirely accurate- there’s still the keeper to remember, and it could be argued that Elrond is the best in the tournament. In addition, though Melian’s a better defender individually that anyone from Eriador, it could be argued that all four of Eriador’s defenders would rank above all of Doriath’s defenders not named “Melian”.

R: Yes, well- either way I think it’ll be a tight contest.

PP: No argument here. And since you mentioned them earlier, Ruharg- you’re picking AC Beleriand over Gondolin?

R: Yes I am. I feel a bit bad for Gondolin as I think they’d win many others in the playoffs and could make a run with solid play up and down and super talent at the front, but AC Bel is not a good match-up for them.

ATA: Well good- we agree for once, ha ha. Maeglin and Gothmog would pose a major problem for nearly anyone, but AC Bel happens to have a perfect Gothmog stopper in Ecthelion. And for Maeglin- we all know that the deft skill of the craftsman types such as Miriel and Curufin etc. throws defenses into disarray, but AC Bel is one of the few squads equipped to handle him without having to help much thanks to the highly athletic Fingolfin on the back line.

R: Exactly. I mean, how many squads have someone suited to mark an elite skill player like that? Doriath has Melian, the Dwarves have Celebrimbor, and then to an extent there’s Shadowfax and Felarof on Rohan, Maglor for FC Valinor, Caranthir for Real Valinor, and the Werewolves of TIG, but no one else.

PP: What about elite defenders like Morgoth, Ulmo, Namo, and others?

ATA: No doubt they are quality, but they match up better against the larger strikers and meet power with power. Those lightning-quick skilled dribblers can cross them up and create space.

PP: But Fingolfin is up to the task?

R: I think so. Not to mention- Gondolin’s defense is not prepared for both Feanor and Eol.

ATA: Indeed. They’ll have to dedicate extra man-power to them. If they don’t, they’ll score. And if they do, that’ll leave a fully capable Beren or another midfielder unmarked.

PP: All right, it looks like you guys have that one settled. How about Erebor playing against Imladris?

R: Same as with Angband- the defense needs a special answer for a dragon, Smaug in this case, and I’m not sure Imladris has it. I’m definitely going with Erebor.

ATA: And our paths have forked again. Personally I think Varda will do a decent job helping keep Smaug in check, and her defensive helpers are heady and helpful. Plus there’s Elros to kick it past to finish.

R: I think Imladris is too dependent upon building offense off of defensive stops, though. They play defensively and then rush forward to catch the opposition short-handed, but the eagles for Erebor simply won’t be beaten speed-wise up the pitch.

PP: The children of Elrond are proficient team-work passers though. Eagles can be crossed up in flight.

ATA: Indeed. The ball changes directions quicker than they can.

R: And Beorn isn’t an easy keeper to score on either.

ATA: Bah, you just like them because Smaug is your cousin.

PP: Ha ha ha!

R: Well naturally I want to be sure and not get him angry right before my birthday. He always sends the best presents, heh heh.

PP: All righty, moving on- how about the other C vs F match, Rohan versus Dwarves United?

ATA: I could be wrong, but I think we’re going to agree on this one. Dwarves United has had some trouble scoring, while Rohan allowed just one goal in three contests. Mismatch?

R: Definitely. This is a perfect opponent for Rohan. I can’t see Dwarves United scoring without help from Celebrimbor and Aule, and that’ll leave the Dwarves open to Gandalf and company.

PP: So no chance Dwarves United guts out another upset?

ATA: Ah well, we can’t say “no chance”. There could be a carding, or perfect execution on set plays, but I think the deck is stacked.

PP: Okay then. Now let’s talk about the games between groups D and E.

R: Well, we all know Group D was the “group of death”, but that doesn’t make victory automatic. I mean- Group E was in the running for the second best group with most people.

ATA: Oh, I think Group E was the second-best group. Just look at the squads that didn’t qualify from E- Manwe’s Valimar squad, and Turin’s Hithlum side!

PP: So you give The Sea and The Havens a chance against the two Valinor squads?

ATA: I definitely give The Sea a chance- in fact I may pick them in my weekly blog. I’m still deciding. Ulmo and his sea-crew at the back (Osse, Uinen, Salmar) are a formidable defense, and those Numenoreans at the front led by Tar Minastir know how to score.

R: I’d pick The Sea against nearly any team in the tournament, but I think Real Valinor matches up well against them. Those big sea-Ainu may be able to cool off Arien, but Nerdanel and Miriel move the ball so quickly and accurately- I think they’ll run rings around them.

PP: The dynamic duo hasn’t exactly been living up to past standards this year, though.

ATA: To be fair, that might be a product of their group. Armenelos controlled the ball so well and was so great at gumming up the box, and FC Valinor was of course a bad match-up for them, with Indis there to counter Miriel and Maglor to take care of his mum.

R: So, are you going to pick Real after all, Ar-Tar?

ATA: Hmmm…. No, I don’t think so. In the end I think The Sea will just execute better, and I think Ulmo will keep Arien out of things, and the rest of the team should be able to help enough with Miriel and Nerdanel to keep them to one goal.

PP: So The Sea will get two against Tulkas?

ATA: It’ll be tough, but yes, I think they will. Perhaps the second in overtime.

PP: Okay, and what about FC Valinor and The Havens?

R: The Havens was highly under-rated by most publications in my opinion. I mean- they have Angrod and Aegnor feeding Tuor and Earendil up front! There aren’t many squads that wouldn’t straight up trade their front four for that attacking quad. They’re weakest at the back, but Olwe and company aren’t slouches, and Cirdan in goal is solid.

ATA: I sense a “but” coming on…

R: But, yes, you saw it coming- BUT, they’re playing FC Valinor.

ATA: How can you pick against them?

R: Exactly.

ATA: Until they lose, why not ride the wave? In the friendlies they beat Downer- not a crown accomplishment, but they also won Nargothrond and of course the team they’re playing here- The Havens. Then they won Real as well in both friendlies and group play, and offed a quality Tirion squad and *sigh* my beloved Armenelos.

R: Yes- they’ve proven it against good foes.

PP: How are they doing it?

R: They just have nice pieces at the right places. They have a couple defenders with good size, one that’s extremely fast, a conventional athletic type, very solid midfielders that possess well but can attack well enough not to be ignored, and some quick skill at the front with respectable power.

PP: So here’s the question- if you had to lay money down, would you take FC Valinor or the rest of the field?

ATA: No, no, that’s going a bit far. Things are definitely more balanced this year. If last year’s Doriath squad was entered then maybe I take that bet on them, but I don’t believe that firmly in anyone this year.

PP: Ruharg?

R: No, I would take the field. Even if I’d favor FC Valinor in individual games, it’s going to be incredibly tough to win four straight games against, oh, maybe Havens, Erebor, Angband, AC Beleriand, or whatever combination comes their way.

ATA: In this salary cap era, on any given day pretty well any team can beat any team.

PP: Okay, well there you have it. Ruharg and Ar-Tar-Aradil- thanks a lot for being here today. Enjoy the football everyone!

[Nogrod]

The play-off games rarely turn out the walk-in-the-park sessions for the pre-tournament favourites the media always loves to rise to the fore. Play-offs are an entirely different world. That said, it is true as well that some games look rather clear from the start while others offer only steps into the darkness where even the best analyst has little to offer in way of telling which team will triumph.

This year clearly makes no exception. Some of the games look like they are predeterminend already before the referee has whistled the game to start while some others just raise the predictor’s hair with frustration. It’s hard to see fex. Minas Tirith having any chances whatsoever against Angband , but with games like The Sea vs. Real Valinor or even AC Beleriand vs. Gondolin one feels that flipping a coin might be as productive a way to make one’s bet as any “deep analysis”. The AKM will anyway offer it’s readers something to lean on making their bets for the outcomes of the matches.

Every game analysis begins with a stats-section which is explained underneath. Now the special thing this time is, that we are also providing you with the combined stats from all the seven games the teams have played (3 group stage games + 4 friendlies) just to give you more perspective. Of course an intelligent reader remembers that the friendlies aren’t always good measures to a team’s real performance when they play it with full steam, but that accounted for, they might give you some new insights. At least that is what the AKM hopes to provide its readers.

Reading instructions to the “stats-section” are as follows:

A1 Angband 7-5 1-2-0
33,3% 21 (51) – 18 (47) 72,2%
vs. The Downer 3-1
vs. Shire-Bree Utd. 2-2
vs. Tol-In-Gaurhoth 2-2

vs. Doriath 1-1
vs. Anfaughlith 1-1
vs. Valimar 0-0
vs. Inter Beleriand 1-0
r.10 10-7 2-5-0
27,7% 36 (93) – 32 (83) 78,1%

Broken into pieces it has in it the folowing facts...

A1 Angband 7-5 1-2-0
33,3% 21 (51) – 18 (47) 72,2%

1st line:
A1 Angband = team #1 from group A, Angband
7-5 = goals made vs. goals allowed from the group stage
1-2-0 = wins – draws – losses form the group stage

2nd line:
33,3% = scoring percentage from shots on goal at the group stage
21(51) = total shots on goal (all shots made) at the group stage
18(47) = total shots allowed on target (total shots allowed) at the group stage
72,2% = goalkeeper’s saving percentage aka. goals allowed / shots on target allowed.

vs. The Downer 3-1
vs. Shire-Bree Utd. 2-2
vs. Tol-In-Gaurhoth 2-2

lines 3-5:
The games played in the group stage: the first number is the goals scored by the team in question (here Angband), the latter the team named = vs. The Downer 3-1, means Angband won The Downer with three goals to one.

vs. Doriath 1-1
vs. Anfaughlith 1-1
vs. Valimar 0-0
vs. Inter Beleriand 1-0

lines 6-9:
The games played during the friendlies: the first number is the goals scored by the team in question (here Angband), the latter the team named = vs. Inter Beleriand 1-0, means Angband won Inter Beleriand with one goal to nil.

r.10 10-7 2-5-0
27,7% 36 (93) – 32 (83) 78,1%

10th line
r.10 = The AKM’s ranking of the team after the friendlies
10-7 = goals made vs. goals allowed in all seven games they have played
2-5-0 = wins – draws – losses from all seven games they have played

11th line:
Same as the 2nd line except that it has all seven games counted: scoring percentage from shots on goal, shots on goal (shots overall) – shots allowed on target (overall shots allowed), goalie’s saving percentage.


The stats that have the friendlies involved are italicized.
The stats the AKM think are the most important are bolded.




GAME 1

A1 Angband 7-5 1-2-0
33,3% 21 (51) – 18 (47) 72,2%
vs. The Downer 3-1
vs. Shire-Bree Utd. 2-2
vs. Tol-In-Gaurhoth 2-2

vs. Doriath 1-1
vs. Anfaughlith 1-1
vs. Valimar 0-0
vs. Inter Beleriand 1-0
r.10 10-7 2-5-0
27,7% 36 (93) – 32 (83) 78,1%


H2 Minas Tirith 6-6 0-3-0
35,3% 17 (41) – 20 (48) 70%
vs. Barad Dûr 2-2
vs. Mordor 2-2
vs. Gondor 2-2

vs. Mordor 1-1
vs. Armenelos 1-2
vs. Rohan 1-1
vs. Isengard 1-2
r.29 10-12 0-5-2
29,4% 34 (90) – 41 (94) 70,7%

It would be a surprise if there would not be a surprise-qualifier on the first round of the play-offs. But the AKM doesn’t think that surprising team is Minas Tirith. That said, if one takes look at the numbers, they are surprisingly even. With a noteworthy exception: Angband hasn’t lost a single game (friendlies and group-stage combined) whereas Minas Tirith hasn’t yet won a single match.

Another thing worthy of paying attention to is the quality of the opponents they have faced thus far: it is more or less obvious Angband has in general played tougher matches. One should especially look at the stats of “shots allowed” during the group stage: the numbers as such are more or less even, but Angband has played against three very offensive minded and cabable (not counting The Downer to that latter class though) teams and has still managed to beat Minas Tirith’s numbers.

Third remarkable difference between the teams is that Angband has Ancalagon who can single-handedly win games to his team: after some lazy friendlies (only two goals in four matches) the Old Black has gotten into mood for scoring and has finished five goals in three matches!

The only reservations to the AKM otherwise quite clear verdict on the game are as follows:

1) Carcaroth hasn’t been that reliable. Everyone knows he’s a bit moody but a saving percentage around 70% just is not enough for a team who wishes to go far in the tournament – unless they are a top-scoring team just out-scoring their opponents, which Angband is not.
2) Minas Tirith may lack an Ancalagon from their attack, but they have still scored two goals in every group-game and the scoring responsibility is well spread over the team: so if one player doesn’t have a good day another may fill in.
3) Some people have been asking after Morgoth’s performance: why is he so invisible? If Ancalagon has a bad day and Morgoth is not able or willing to change gear could Angband be in trouble even against a team like Minas Tirith?

The AKM prediction:
Angband hasn’t lost a single game in the tournament and Minas Tirith isn’t going to be The Team to force them into defeat the first time. Minas Tirith may score one if they get their act together, but unless Angband has some real attitude-problems they’ll score two (if MT doesn’t seem to score Angband may be happy with one goal).

Angband wins 1-0 / 2-1 / 2-0


GAME 2

B1 Eriador 7-3 3-0-0
38,9% 18 (41) – 16 (37) 81,3%
vs. Arnor 2-1
vs. Gondolin 3-1
vs. Inter Beleriand 2-1

vs. Isengard 1-0
vs. Imladris 1-0
vs. Erebor 0-1
vs. Shire-Bree Utd. 3-1
r.8 12-5 6-0-1
33,3% 36 (83) – 31 (78) 83,9%

G2 Doriath 6-6 1-1-1
40% 15 (37) – 21 (53) 71,4%
vs. AC Beleriand 2-2
vs. Anfaughlith 0-1
vs. Nargothrond 4-3

vs. Angband 1-1
vs. Gondolin 2-3
vs. Inter Beleriand 3-2
vs. Anfaughlith 0-0
r.17 12-12 2-3-2
31,6% 38 (90) – 39 (97) 69,2%

This is another game where the AKM doesn’t look for a surprise either but presumes that Eriador will hold it’s ground and qualify for the next round. With the same breath the AKM will acknowledge that the game will not be an easy one for Eriador as the kind of surprise-team Doriath will challenge them seriously: forcing AC Beleriand into a draw in the group stage is a warning sign for Eriador not to take Doriath for granted.

The number one problem for Doriath will be Eriador’s defence. Looking at the stats Doriath has problems scoring against tough defences (Anfaughlith, Angband) but score impressively against more laxed ones (Nargothrond, Inter & AC Bel). With Elrond standing between the posts Eriador defences have allowed only five goals in seven games thus far and will most probably prove to be an insurmountable obstacle to Beleg and Mablung.

Doriath’s own defences are the second problem for them. Where Elrond’s saving percentage from the group stage is 81,3% (83,9% with friendlies combined) Dior’s is ten points lower 71,4% (69,2%). Also, Doriath lets the other teams shoot a lot more than Eriador does – and with about even scoring-percentages it means Eriador should score more.

Now Mablung did score a hat-trick against Nargothrond and Beleg has had a strong tournament as well so far (Luthién did well in the friendlies but has kind of faded in the group-stages), but it looks that Glorfindel and The Witch King are just getting the hang of the game after some lackluster friendlies – and the midfield of Arnorian kings are coming more and more involved in the play. So even if the offenses of both teams are evenish, the AKM would say that looking forwards Eriador’s offence is that tiny inch sharper that decides games at the moment. Unless Mablung is able to repeat that dashing hat-trick performance – which the AKM finds quite unlikely: he scored in Doriath’s first friendly, then went dry for five games (not gaining even a pass leading to a goal) until the last game’s hat-trick.

That doesn’t mean Glorfindel and The Witch King can play comfortably on the level they play right now: if Eriador wishes to go it all the way to the finals the two must really find their form everyone knows is there (or at least has been there the previous years). They are a level better strikers they have shown thus far.

The AKM prediction:
Overall Doriath has scored handsomely but against tougher defences they have scored only 0,3 goals per game. And Eriador knows how to keep the other team from scoring. Doriath though is in a high-flying mood and that might work in their favour. After their first friendlies Eriador in turn has scored consistently two or three goals per game and Doriath’s defences are not that much better – if at all better – than those of Arnor, Gondolin or Inter Bel, so they should score at least two.

Eriador wins 2-0 / 2-1


GAME 3

C1 Erebor 5-2 2-1-0
26,3% 19 (48) – 16 (40) 87,5%
vs. Dwarves Utd. 2-0
vs. Wilderland 2-1
vs. Anduin 1-1

vs. Wilderland 1-2
vs. Dwarves Utd. 1-0
vs. Eriador 1-0
vs. Misty Mts. 2-2
r.12 10-6 4-2-1
23,8% 42 (102) – 33 (81) 81,8%

F2 Imladris 4-3 1-1-1
30,8% 13 (37) – 14 (39) 78,6%
vs. Rohan 0-1
vs. Misty Mts. 3-1
vs. Isengard 1-1

vs. Arnor 2-0
vs. Eriador 0-1
vs. Dwarves Utd. 1-0
vs. Anduin 1-2
r.14 8-6 3-1-3
28,6% 28 (71) – 35 (90) 82,9%

It would look like Erebor should just march through to the quarterfinals from this game and the AKM will actually be joining the obvious-looking prediction. But we’ll naturally stand for a moment to make a few reservations before doing that. Let’s start anyway with why Erebor will win and add the reservations as we go.

Firstly, Erebor has been a consistent team and has lost only one game thus far (their first friendly game against Wilderland which they then beat later in the group stage). Now they were forced into a draw with Misty Mts. whom Imladris beat 3-1 in a real game and that might give someone a pause. But that pause should not be a too long one. In the friendlies, they both beat Dwarves Utd. 1-0 so that would be an even call, but then again Erebor beat Eriador (whoa!) 1-0 while Imladris lost them with the same numbers (Erebor also draw with Anduin in the group stage while Imladris lost them in the friendlies). So all in all, it looks Erebor is the favourite by their previous results.

Secondly, Beorn is looking that much sharper goalie right now than Elros – yes, sharper than Elros himself. Their saving percentages were more or less the same in the friendlies, but after that Beorn has been Mr. Safe himself while Elros’ level has dropped significantly. To counter that claim we could say that Dwarves Utd. or even Anduin are not exactly testing the goal-keeper to his limits. But at the same time we might wonder whether Rohan or Isengard are that either? Both teams have faced one offensive powerhouse in their groups aka. Wilderland and Misty Mts. so that would be a draw there – but Beorn still has a ten point lead in saving percentages…

Thirdly the scoring. Erebor has scored one more goal in the group stage than Imladris, but looking at the other teams in the groups it is evident that playing against such defence-oriented teams like Dwarves Utd. and Anduin is much more difficult than scoring against Misty Mts. or Isengard. But how to compare fex. the following facts from the group stage: Imladris managed to score three goals behind Misty Mts. in one game vs. Erebor scored two behind the hedgehog-defence of Dwarves Utd.?

One important element here is Smaug. He scored three goals in the friendlies (four games) but only one in the group stage (three games). Where is the Smaug we all know? Bard has taken some of the responsibility for scoring to team Erebor when Thranduil has also been pretty invisible.

But if there is a team people have been thinking might have problems scoring, then that’s Imladris (well, Dwarves Utd. to be sure, but even there Celebrimbor and Legolas have kind of awaken): so are Elladan and Elrohir ready to fill the boots of top-scorers? Thus far they haven’t been, and looking farther into the tournament one must say it would be a miracle if they did.

The AKM prediction:
All the numbers and general reasons favour Erebor, but the AKM wishes to bring in a few factors. Now if Elros raises up to the occasion with his “winner-genes” and Elladan and Elrohir answer the call – and if Smaug continues his sleepy ways, there is a fair chance Imladris can draw or even win the game (if there is a penalty shoot-out it will be really close with star forwards of Erebor against the star-keeper Elros!). That said…

Erebor wins 1-0


GAME 4

D1 FC Valinor 8-2 3-0-0
36,4% 22 (53) – 14 (44) 85,7%
vs. Real Valinor 3-0
vs. Armenelos 2-0
vs. Tirion 3-2

vs. The Havens 3-2
vs. Nargothrond 4-2
vs. Real Valinor 2-1
vs. The Downer 4-0
r.1 21-7 7-0-0
39,6% 53 (117) – 36 (103) 80,6%

E2 The Havens 5-5 0-3-0
25% 20 (48) – 19 (45) 73,7%
vs. Valimar 1-1
vs. Hithlum 2-2
vs. The Sea 2-2

vs. FC Valinor 2-3
vs. Tirion 3-5
vs. Barad Dûr 3-2
vs. AC Beleriand 1-3
r.21 14-18 1-3-3
29,8% 47 (107) – 52 (107) 65,4%

FC Valinor has been just a phenomenon: 21 goals scored in seven matches bring about the incredible but exact average of three goals per match. They have also won all their seven matches: no losses, no draws. During the group stage Huan’s saving percentage has been 85,7%, and that is from games against sides like Real Valinor, Tirion and Armenelos! Meanwhile the team has scored from more than one third of their shots on goal – 40% if counting the friendlies… while shooting the staggering number of 117 shots in total and 53 on target in the seven games they have played.

Can anyone stop them? Can The Havens stop them? One might have to answer the frist question with a slight but insecure nod; someone should be able to stop them on a good day, but to the second one? Probably not. Enter the “but-men”, though.

The Havens only lost 2-3 in the first friendly against FC Valinor. So, they have scored behind Huan. That’s a point (on top of that only Nargothrond and Tirion have managed to score two goals behind Huan, in competitive games only Tirion). But then again the friendly between the two went more or less in a way that FC Valinor scored, pulled down on purpose, Havens equalised to make FC score again, pull back etc.

Another point to make it a bit more tight game: many analysts thought after seeing the groups that the winners of group D would face their toughest adversaries in the first round of the play-offs, the winners from group E. AC Beleriand sure has something to say on that if not Eriador or Angband. But the fact that The Havens cleared it’s way through group E says something of the strength of the team. Yes it was penalties, but still they draw with all their opponents, no lesser teams than The Sea, Hithlum and Valimar. So, The Havens is not an easy team to beat for anyone.

Now some say it was just their home-advantage that took them such a long way forwards – and with something like a penalty shoot-out deciding the final outcome a home advance (or disadvantage) might have a role. But that still doesn’t take away the fact they draw with three major teams in the group stage.

Cirdan has raised in stature to be a way better goalie he was in the friendlies and the penalty shoot-out has boosted him, but that is probably not enough when facing Curufin and Celegorm – and the active midfield of FC Valinor led by Yavanna. Tuor and Eärendil on the other hand are quality forwards but the AKM thinks they face a bit too big a task if they need to produce results the two of them (Aegnor rose to the occasion on their last game against The Sea but being good in one game doesn’t exactly spell for steady or reliable support).

The AKM prediction:
All that said, the numbers and the general feeling is just overwhelming: The Havens may tease FC Valinor and put them into a test, but they will not be the first team to beat them. The Havens scores once though, FC Valinor scores at least two or three. If the game turns really tight The Havens may force FC Valinor into the extra time but FC will win that before any shoot-outs.

FC Valinor wins 3-1 / 2-1 / (3-2 ot.)


GAME 5

E1 The Sea 5-5 0-3-0
29,4% 17 (41) – 15 (41) 66,7%
vs. Hithlum 2-2
vs. Valimar 1-1
vs. The Havens 2-2

vs. Tirion 2-2
vs. Rohan 1-1
vs. Armenelos 1-1
vs. Barad Dûr 2-1
r.7 11-10 1-6-0
26,8% 41 (90) – 34 (95) 70,6%

D2 Real Valinor 4-5 2-0-1
22,2% 18 (46) – 16 (39) 68,8%
vs. FC Valinor 0-3
vs. Tirion 2-1
vs. Armenelos 2-1

vs. Gondolin 3-1
vs. Hithlum 5-2
vs. FC Valinor 1-2
vs. Tol-In-Gaurhoth 3-1
r.2 16-11 5-0-2
32,7% 49 (111) – 37 (99) 70,3%

The AKM will call this game to Real Valinor. Now many have a feeling Real hasn’t quite performed as they were presumed, but looking at their stats one can only find a very compact and solid performance. They have lost to FC Valinor, two times actually, but they have won all the other matches they have played. And actually taking away the factor that they have played, and lost to, FC Valinor twice, they would actually end up with five victories from five games with a goal differential of 15-6! The average being more or less 3-1 per game… and the teams they have played against are no less quality than Armenelos, Tirion, Hithlum, Gondolin and the T-I-G… (this imaginary scenario would lead up to a seven game total of 21-8 or 21-9 which is the same, well only one or two goals allowed more of what FC Valinor has… but had they had even one easier opponent – like FC Valinor had The Downer they beat 4-0 – then even that stat would have been the same, if not better than that of FC Valinor!) So the AKM still thinks Real Valinor is going strong and forwards.

But going into the “what if” and “but” –departments then…

First of all and obviously: The Sea is a very good team and a master of draws. Ulmo’s tactics are almost as conservative as Manwë’s and they are thence also masters in freezing the game. And given room, the two Númenorian forward-players Tar Minastir and Tar Aldarion can vreac some havoc. Looking at the stats of the group stage they have actually been more efficient than the famous Real Valinor trio Nerdanel – Miriel – Arien! Also Voronwë has proved to be, according to the numbers, as good a goaltender as Tulkas and his great saves in the penalty shoot-out competition must have only made him stronger. So what if they manage to suffocate Real Valinor’s attacks and then hit on counter-attacks they might be in for a surprise? They might.

But first of all the AKM wishes to look behind those two defeats of Real Valinor to FC Valinor before talking about the stats anything more. Erasing the two defeats to FC Valinor, Real Valinor’s scoring effectivity would be 36,6% and Tulkas’ saving percentage would be 75%. Both numbers, but especially the latter, would take Real Valinor clearly over The Sea. And had they had even one “easy opponent”, what would those numbers be then?

Secondly. People talk of the “inefficiency” of the Real Valimar forward-trio, but let’s remember they have played against such super-solid defences as FC Valinor and Armenelos during the group stage – during the friendlies they were very effec tive indeed (Arien 5+0, Miriel 4+3 and Nerdanel 0+3 in four games). Now to be honest The Sea has a solid defence as well, but if The Havens can score twice behind them the AKM sees no reason why Real Valinor couldn’t do the same, or better.

The AKM prediction:
The Sea will keep the game close but Real Valinor will prevail in the end. If The Sea manages to score the first goal it will become harder for Real Valinor to win comfortably as The Sea will then draw back and defend their goal with basically all their players. In case their tactics work it might even be a draw, but Real Valinor will win the overtime. If they get to the penalties The Sea might be stronger with their great performance in the group stage… or then not. But if Real Valinor scores first they’ll have an easier day out and could win with two goals as being behind forces The Sea to open their game.

Real Valinor wins 3-1 / 2-1


GAME 6

F1 Rohan 3-1 2-1-0
27,3% 11 (34) – 10 (31) 90%
vs. Imladris 1-0
vs. Isengard 1-0
vs. Misty Mts. 1-1

vs. Barad Dûr 2-0
vs. The Sea 1-1
vs. Minas Tirith 1-1
vs. Gondor 1-1
r.16 8-4 3-4-0
25% 32 (77) – 24 (66) 83,3%


C2 Dwarves Utd. 3-4 1-1-1
27,3% 11 (26) – 19 (49) 79%
vs. Erebor 0-2
vs. Anduin 1-1
vs. Wilderland 2-1

vs. Misty Mts. 0-0
vs. Erebor 0-1
vs. Imladris 0-1
vs. Wilderland 1-4
r.31 4-10 1-2-4
13,8% 29 (69) – 36 (95) 72,2%

Even if this game might actually turn into a much more interesting competition than many would predict, the AKM is not going to bet it’s money on Dwarves United to qualify. But why then do we think this might be a close match? There are several reasons.

Now Rohan is playing into that sensational mearas-defence behind which stands Theoden like they could repeat the miracle. But the last time they had also scorers in their team which they are desperately lacking this year. It’s not enough to defend proudly, but one needs to score as well to win games. Especially the farther we go int the tournament.

Secondly, with memories of that celebrated team looming large in the back of the minds of people many tend to overestimate the strength of team Rohan. The AKM thinks that it’s own ranking of team Rohans as no. 16 after the friendlies is more or less accurate. The only game they have played even worthy of mention is their 1-1 draw with The Sea in the friendlies, but even that was a lapsed walk-through with no real effort by either side.

And here are the chances of the Dwarves Utd. So if Dwarves Utd. plays their defence up to their standards Rohan will have hard time scoring even one goal (the AKM actually believes they will score one, but not more). Meanwhile, Celembrimbor has been on an upward path in the tournament: he has made three of all the four goals Dwarves Utd. has scored (friendlies & group-games combined), two of them in the last two group stage games. So it might well be the game ends 1-1 as well. If it goes to penalties Rohan stands up as clear favourites for two reasons: Theoden outshines Bombur as a goalie and Rohan has more than one player able of scoring goals.

The AKM prediction:
So it will be a tight game as both teams are great defencively. Sadly both teams lack in offence so it might be a boring one. And whichever team wins, it will be dropped out of the competition on the next round. Rohan qualifies.

Rohan wins 1-0 , or a draw 0-0 / 1-1 (Rohan wins ot. or pen.)


GAME 7

G1 AC Beleriand 8-3 2-1-0
36,4% 22 (52) – 11 (30) 72,7%
vs. Doriath 2-2
vs. Nargothrond 5-1
vs. Anfaughlith 1-0

vs. Inter Beleriand 2-0
vs. Valimar 1-1
vs. Angband 0-0
vs. The Havens 3-1
r.4 14-5 4-3-0
32,6% 43 (102) – 27 (75) 81,5%

B2 Gondolin 7-5 1-1-1
31,8% 22 (55) – 16 (40) 68,8%
vs. Inter Beleriand 2-2
vs. Eriador 1-3
vs. Arnor 4-0

vs. Real Valinor 1-3
vs. Doriath 3-2
vs. Tol-In-Gaurhoth 2-2
vs. Nargothrond 3-4
r.19 16-16 2-2-3
33,3% 48 (113) – 49 (105) 65,3%

It is undeniable that AC Beleriand is the favourite team here. The AKM is still holding to their view that AC Beleriand is actually the only team from this side of the bracket that can challenge the winners from the game between The Sea and Real Valinor and make it to the finals instead.

Enter the “buts”…

Now Gondolin’s performance has been, to put it nicely, a bit incoherent. They took quite nasty 3-1 beatings from both Real Valinor and Eriador, but whenever they have met a team with not a top class defence they have been creating havoc on the opposite side’s goal: 16 scored goals from all seven matches speaks for it’s own (especially if one considers they have been left into just one goal in those two afore-mentioned games = 14 goals in 5 games aka. basically 3 goals per game in others).

And well, Gondolin has 20 million forwards Maeglin (6+3) and Gothmog the lord of Balrogs (8+3) doing their job there pretty effectively. Compared to AC Beleriand’s forward duo Fëanor (5+3) and Eöl (2+4) that is plain crushing statistics. Now one could say that Beren (4+1) has an important role in AC Bel’s attacking, but Duilin (2+4) balances that nicely on Gondolin side.

If there is a weakness in AC Beleriand that is their defence, or especially Marach’s goalkeeping (72,7% from the group stage is not exactly bad, but not especially good either). So add here the stupendous attacking-machine of Gondolin and you might see interesting things.

But there is also an extra-factor involved: persona relations. Gothmog and Fëanor fex. will meet again in the field! Fëanor surely looks for a revenge, but Gothmog hardly is going to willingly allow Fëanor to outshine him. Adding to that, Echtelion surely would like to stand his ground in defence in revenge against Gothmog, but Gothmog might rather have a replay in mind. Also, not too many in AC Bel’s line-up have anything nice in mind when meeting the mighty Maeglin – but how will his father cope with the meeting, especially when he is playing for AC himself and his son is actually playing for Gondolin?

But, but, but… even if Gondolin knows how to score they also allow too many goals, way too many. Especially Rôg has been a real disappointment this time around: saving percentage of 68,8% (65,3% friendlies included) is just not enough when meeting AC Beleriand with a hungry Fëanor and a top-form Beren.

The AKM prediction:
It will be a game of outscoring the opponent. Gondolin might have a slight edge in the quality of their attackers (hard to belive that being said against a team that has Fëanor in their squad, but that is true nevertheless) but AC Beleriand’s defences have a wider edge against Gondolin’s and that will in the end decide the match.

AC Beleriand wins 3-2 / 4-3 / (3-2 ot.)


GAME 8

H1 Gondor 7-5 2-1-0
33,3% 21 (50) – 19 (47) 73,7%
vs. Mordor 2-1
vs. Barad Dûr 3-2
vs. Minas Tirith 2-2

vs. Armenelos 1-1
vs. Isengard 1-1
vs. Arnor 1-2
vs. Rohan 1-1
r.27 11-10 2-4-1
26,9% 41 (96) – 42 (97) 76,2%

A2 Shire-Bree Utd. 6-5 1-2-0
28,6% 21 (44) – 17 (50) 70,6%
vs. Tol-In-Gaurhoth 2-2
vs. Angband 2-2
vs. The Downer 2-1

vs. Nargothrond 4-4
vs. Misty Mts. 3-3
vs. Isengard 3-3
vs. Eriador 1-3
r.25 17-18 1-5-1
34% 50 (107) – 61,7% 47 (113) 61,7%

It is a kind of odd to see these two teams play in the play-offs while such a many great teams have been dropped out in groups levels higher. Well, whichever wins will have some serious problems meeting the winner from AC Beleriand vs. Gondolin match on the next round. But of the two Shire-Bree United is the favourite by the AKM.

Now one question though is, will Bombadill turn his attention from the daffodills to the game again? He was playing like only he can in the friendlies, scoring 5+2 there, but in the group stage his attention span and thus also his results have been coming down steadily: in the first game he made 1+1, on second 1+0 and in their last he was left in 0+0. Strider, Khamûl and The Barrow-Wight will offer backup and score the goals needed against gondor for Shire-Bree to qualify for the next round if Bombadill doesn’t. But if they are dreaming of anything more than the next game, then Bombadill must come back and join the scoring.

On the other side, Anárion, the Númenor-born High King of Gondor and Arnor (3+2 / 5+4) has risen to lead his team with the first Ship-King Tarannon Falastur (2+0 / 4+1). A lot depends on them being able to answer the scoring of the Shire-Bree offence.

In the end it might prove a closer game than expected as Shire-Bree has a slight edge on offence while Gondor claims one in defence. But even if gondor’s stats look a bit better on every front the AKM still thinks that the Shire-Bree has had stronger opponents, especially more offencive opponents – which means Shire-Bree’s defencive stas should better when comparing them to Gondor’s stats. And that we think will decide the game.

The AKM prediction:
Shire-Bree Utd. has a wide range of players who can score when others don’t – and if Bombadill is awake they will get an additional scoring-boost. Gondor is a decent team and will fight back but will in the end need to accept a loss, even if it goes overtime.

Shire-Bree United wins 2-1 / 3-1 / (3-2 ot.)

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Group Tables:



(1) secured first seed
(2) secured second seed
(x) eliminated

*Group E was decided by penalty shoot-outs:

Hithlum 4-5 The Sea
The Haven 3-4 The Sea (2-0)
Hithlum 3-4 The Havens (1-1)

Bracket:



Power Rank:



(Teams in bold are group leaders; teams in italics are eliminated.)

Greatest gain:

• +11 Gondolin, Real Valinor
• +9 Nargothrond
• +6 Tol-in-Gaurhoth, Minas Tirith

Greatest loss:

• -9 Arnor, Inter Beleriand
• -7 Doriath, Wilderland
• -5 Armenelos, Isengard

The Power Ranking is based on the aggregate of offensive and defensive ranking, combined with the adjusted goal difference rank of each team. The listed offensive and defensive rankings are from the actual numbers by the teams, and not adjusted. Ties are broken by a) win-draw-loss record; and b) goal difference.

The offensive ranking is based on the goals scored throughout the matches. Ties are broken by a) greater number of shots made on target; and b) greater number of shots made.

The defensive ranking is based on the goals allowed throughout the matches. Ties are broken by a) least number of shots allowed on target; and b) least amount of shots allowed.

Top Individual Performers:
(Players in italics are from eliminated teams.)

GOALS + ASSISTS

5+0
Ancalagon (Angband)

4+1
Gothmog (Gondolin)
Curufin (FC Valinor)

3+3
Sauron (Barad-dûr)

3+2
Anarion (Gondor)

3+1
Fëanor (AC Beleriand)
Glorfindel (Eriador)
Túrin (Hithlum)
Finrod (Nargothrond)

3+0
Beren (AC Beleriand)
Mablung (Doriath)
Castamir (Barad-dûr)
Shelob (Mordor)

2+3
Maeglin (Gondolin)

2+2
Fingon (Inter Beleriand)

2+1
Bombadil (Shire-Bree United)
Scatha (Wilderland)
Celegorm (FC Valinor)
Thuringwethil (Anfauglith)
Witch-king (Eriador)
Tar-Aldarion (The Sea)
Saucepan Man (The Downer)
NerWight (Tol-in-Gaurhoth)
Maedhros (Inter Beleriand)
Ar-Pharazôn (Armenelos)
Eönwë (Tirion)
Finwë (Tirion)
Nazgûl #4 (Mordor)

1+3
Beleg (Doriath)

0+3
Tevildo (Angband)
Eöl (AC Beleriand)

GOALKEEPING

1. Théoden (Rohan) - 9/10 (90.00%)
2. Beorn (Erebor) - 14/16 (87.50%)
3. Huan (FC Valinor) - 12/14 (85.71%)
4. Elrond (Eriador) - 13/16 (81.25%)
5. Manwë (Valimar) - 12/15 (80.00%)

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Group stage is finally over, and, while two teams from each group continue their quest for glory, two teams are left behind to wonder where they went wrong. TENT and ArdaCup.com's joint analysis would break down the Group G teams who failed to go further, and look at their bright spots, where they would need to improve, and what they could do to improve.

Anfauglith

What They Got Right:
Conceding two to Nargothrond was not a shame; Gwindor gave trouble to every left back he met, including AC Beleriand’s Fingolfin. And Barahir’s shot was just, well, too good, and a bit too lucky. But Anfauglith shut Doriath’s dynamic front line out, and conceded just one goal to powerhouse AC Beleriand (although we admit that they would have probably conceded more had the game been for real, but then Anfauglith would probably have scored, too.) So their defence is fine, three goals against in three games against highly-rated offensive teams.

Furthermore, Thuringwethil was a pleasant surprise, scoring two goals and an assist in three games despite the supposed lack of support. She is the perfect lone forward for a counterattacking team; her team was always on the short end of possession, but she has been efficient with her time on the ball.

What They Got Wrong:
Anfauglith’s midfield was a bundle of energy, pressing well and disrupting the opposing midfield’s rhythm. However they were generally clueless on offence—Galdor and Gundor were the only names they had on the score sheet. So their nominal wingers were the only ones in their midfield who had some attacking instincts. If they were to break down teams who sat deeper against them, they would need more from the most populous part of their line-up.

What Can They Do:
Anfauglith lost $33 million this season, and, while Morgoth and Sauron can absorb the losses, the Houses of Edain can ill afford another losing season. Now, Anfauglith really should have advanced to the knockout round due to their head-to-head record against Doriath, but even had they advanced, they would still find it difficult to get past Eriador. Clearly they could no longer return to their 2011 form, which featured big (and expensive) names, but an improvement in their attack, even at the expense of their back line, would help them go a long way.

Quotes:
Thuringwethil: I know many are bitter about how we lost the second seed to Doriath, but it didn’t have to come down to goals scored. We should have beat Nargothrond; their defence was weak, and one more attacker would have made a lot of difference against them. We should have scored more against Doriath; Melian’s a good defender, but she’s only one player, and another brown shirt in their penalty box would have overloaded her. One more offensive-minded player on our side would have brought us out of our group.

Nargothrond

What They Got Right:
Nargothrond forwards had two hat-tricks in the friendlies, Gwindor was a terror of the opposition left flank, and Finrod had three goals and an assist in the group stage. So it’s easy to see that their strong point is their offence.

What They Got Wrong:
But is it, though? Many notice the five goals AC Beleriand put past them, but only a few see that they scored just one in return. And to think they had a better match-up against AC Beleriand’s defence: Glaurung vs Rochallor and Imlach. When one compares that to his markers vs Anfauglith (Balrog #4 and Borlach) and vs Doriath (Melian and Galathil), then one would see that he should have overpowered the two non-Maiar centre backs. But he didn’t even get a single goal against them. Overall, the Father of Dragons had a bad tournament, with only a goal and an assist to his name in three games.

The worst part of Nargothrond, however, was their shambolic defence. They failed to contain Thuringwethil, Fëanor, Beren, and Mablung. Now, very few can fault their performance against the Fiery Boot, but how about Thuringwethil running circles around them? Mablung overpowering and out-finessing them?

Their midfield could have helped them out, sitting deeper and holding a disciplined position in front of them. And it helped—during the first half of their game against AC Beleriand, they allowed only one goal. But when Nargothrond got impatient with breaking down Fingolfin’s defence and ordered their midfield forward, disaster followed.

What Can They Do:
The good news is that Nargothrond is a wealthy realm, able to absorb their loss this year (-$35 million), but their citizens have to be tired of dropping out so early in the tournament, left behind by their neighbours Doriath and Gondolin. They need better defenders, clearly, or at least one who could act as a leader—notice how Melian turned her woeful defenders (in the friendlies) to decent ones (in the group stage). A better goalkeeper, too—Bëor is obviously out of his depth, and he seems to be getting worse and worse the more they field him as shot stopper. 2010 Arda Cup-winning goalie Huor is a free agent, and, while his services would not come cheap, it’s cheaper than having them lose embarrassingly in 2013.

Quotes:
Finrod: We were unlucky to have faced four players on their good day. And we managed to snatch a draw despite Thuringwethil’s double. I have confidence in most of my players, though we would be taking less next year, which is what we deserve for losing. But we’ll have a look at our options, like who can play better at certain positions that we need to address. This team will be better come next year, I promise you that.

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Right, the sportswriters are nowhere to be seen, so the editor was left with no choice but to let me, a statistician, write the report. So this won't be pretty, but considering how well we did in the last round of sixteen prediction, we're still worth reading.


A1 Angband vs H2 Minas Tirith

Minas Tirith has done well to limit the above-average offences of the teams in Group H to two goals per game, so it's a safe bet that, even with Ancalagon (leading scorer of the moment) and Tevildo (assists leader), Angband would score that much. However, Minas Tirith has been scoring against only lousy defences so far (except Gondor, which, however, is still a fair-to-middling defensive team). How well do you think would the Stewards fare against Morgoth, a Balrog, and Carcaroth? (They might score one, but that's the most I expect they'll get.)

Angband 2:0 Minas Tirith

B1 Eriador vs G2 Doriath

Elrond's no longer the ridiculous clean-sheet machine that he was last season, but he's allowed all teams against him (ranging from mediocre Arnor to fearsome Gondolin) only one goal. So expect Doriath's free-flowing offence to score that much. On the other end, Melian and company would be hard-pressed to stop two fleet-footed strikers who play well off each other complemented by midfield runs from Arveleg.

Eriador 2:1 Doriath

C1 Erebor vs F2 Imladris

Imladris had a tough time scoring in the group stage. Erebor conceded just one to Wilderland's First Age offence.

Erebor 1:0 Imladris

D1 FC Valinor vs E2 The Havens

FC Valinor conceded only to Tirion in a game that no longer counted. They bludgeoned Real Valinor, their putative rivals, as well as perennial Cup contender Armenelos. The Havens has a mediocre defence and a good offence. That won't be enough even to slow FC Valinor down.

FC Valinor 4:0 The Havens

E1 The Sea vs D2 Real Valinor

The Sea scored one against Valimar, and conceded just two to Hithlum. Real Valinor is about Hithlum's level in offence, and just a notch below Valimar in defence--they did concede three to FC Valinor, but only one each to Tirion and Armenelos. Fortunately for them, Tar-Minastir and Tar-Aldarion aren't Curufin and Celegorm.

The Sea 1:2 Real Valinor

F1 Rohan vs C2 Dwarves United

This is one of the better match-ups for the Eorlingas. They can play their slow-paced possession game, starve Dwarves United of the ball, and build up safely for their winner.

Rohan 1:0 Dwarves United

G1 AC Beleriand vs B2 Gondolin

Expect Gondolin to score even against AC Beleriand's defence. Expect AC Beleriand to score more against Gondolin's so-so defence.

AC Beleriand 4:2 Gondolin

H1 Gondor vs A2 Shire-Bree United

Shire-Bree United held Angband and Tol-in-Gaurhoth to two goals, and Gondor, with their offence, is expected to get as much. But SBU also got two past the same teams, who had better defensive personnel than Gondor has (although TiG's sudden dip in form is puzzling.) They'd probably need extra-time to do so, but expect the stronger attack of SBU to prevail.

Gondor 2:3 Shire-Bree United

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Eriador vs Doriath


[Projected formation. Eriador in white and black; Doriath in silver and blue.]

Formation:

Doriath would most likely use the same lopsided 4-4-1-1 they used to great effect against Nargothrond, with Beleg the link between the two defensive banks of four and Mablung. Melian’s three straight starts at central defence would be extended for at least one more game, matching her and Galathil against the strong and agile Witch-king, leaving Nimloth to counter Glorfindel’s pace and intelligent positioning. But one problem with Doriath’s 4-4-1-1 is that it leaves at least one fullback free. Against Nargothrond that was no problem, since their defenders rarely press downfield, but against Eriador, Lúthien’s deep position would leave Gil-galad with space to push down the pitch. If Arveleg timed his run perfectly against Saeros on the right (which we know he can do), then Gil-galad would have space to take on the distracted Doriath left back.

Eriador has been using the same 4-1-3-2 for three group stage games with great results, and would not likely change it.

Tactics:

Doriath has been one of the most tactically interesting teams of the tournament, neutralising teams deemed to be stronger than them by having the right players in the right places. Fielding Beleg and Lúthien as defensive wingers against the offensive fullbacks Fingolfin and Ecthelion of AC Beleriand, and then arraying two rows of four defensive players to contain the powerful and versatile attacking line-up of Nargothrond, they got a draw against one of the Cup contenders and a win against the team most expected to advance second in their group. Along the way the Fenced Realm had greater success as a counter-attacking team, losing the only game where they tried to take the initiative, so expect them to use the same strategy against a superior Eriador side.

Eriador’s defence is bound to get more attention due to the presence of star shotstopper Elrond, but credit must also be given to their offence, scoring more than two goals per game in a group containing decent defences. Wiki and Glorfindel have great synergy—their off-the-ball movements create enough space for each other—and Arveleg’s intelligent runs from midfield has proven to be the extra punch Eriador needs to break through stubborn defences.

AC Beleriand vs Gondolin


[Projected formation. AC Beleriand in red and white; Gondolin in blue and white.]

Formation:

The formation battle promises to be interesting, with the two teams fielding different interpretations of the venerable 4-4-2: AC Beleriand’s wingless 4-4-2 diamond vs Gondolin’s skewed 4-2-2-2. Meleth, despite not being in the stat sheet, has been a quietly effective distributor, having initiated many of the Hidden Realm’s chances from deep in the midfield. Gondolin’s attacking width comes from Maeglin working the channels between central and right defenders and Elemmakil looking to find space to cross on the left of the box. Duilin provides the midfield runs that break down defences paying too much attention to the powerful Gothmog and the crafty Maeglin.

AC Beleriand, as stated by MESPN, have natural markers for the Gondolin striker duo—left back Fingolfin against Maeglin and Ecthelion (who would have to move to centre back, perhaps in place of Imlach) against Gothmog. And when AC Beleriand is in possession, Maeglin must not be lax in marking Fingolfin; Gondolin’s back four would already have a handful in Fëanor and Eöl, and letting Fingolfin make his way downfield would push them past the breaking point.

Tactics:

It would be a close battle in the midfield, with four central midfielders from each side. AC Beleriand’s Beren is without a doubt one of the best attacking midfielders in the tournament, and his teammate Bregolas and Gondolin’s Salgant are adequate holding midfielders, but overall Gondolin have slightly better passers: Duilin and Elemmakil have a combined nine assists (including friendlies), and Meleth, as has been mentioned earlier, has been an efficient deep-lying playmaker. However, considering the two squads’ last group games, AC Beleriand would have more energy to press than Gondolin, and that might tilt the possession stat in favour of Fëanor’s side.

Looking at their projected formations, the players who would have the most amount of space play on the same side of the pitch: Denethor and Imlach (or perhaps Ecthelion) on AC Beleriand’s right, and Elemmakil and Galdor on Gondolin’s left. It looks like the natural tendency would be for the free fullbacks to mark the free midfielders, but moving higher up the pitch would leave their respective sides with only a back three. Doing so might leave high work-rate strikers, especially those who move around looking for space (AC Beleriand’s Eöl and Gondolin’s Maeglin) with a lot of room.

[the phantom]

@ Erebor

The Dwarves of the Lonely Mountain and men of Dale were nearly giddy with excitement leading up to their first round playoff match against Imladris. Team Erebor had been quite impressive thus far- they defeated the playoff-bound Dwarves United in the friendlies and in group play, split with an impressive Wilderland squad, earned a friendly win over Group B winner Eriador, and came out on top in Group C with room to spare.

Smaug and company had been efficient on the attack, and Beorn and his eagle defenders had done a nice job at keeping the opposition off the scoreboard. Erebor fans felt they had a right to be confident.

But their foes from Imladris had some confidence as well- having Erestor and Varda herself protecting Elros’s goal was nothing to sneeze at, and the children of Elrond certainly had some skill on the attack. But they were a bit concerned about the midfield game. Lindir, Figwit, and Gilraen weren’t ones to exactly strike fear into the hearts of opponents, while Erebor boasted King Dain, the merciless Orc-King Bolg, and the grim sniper Bard in the midfield.

It was this advantage that had most of the betting agencies leaning in Erebor’s direction, as well as many football experts on MESPN and other networks. But the game, as always, would be decided on the grass and not on paper.

Or not on grass, actually, but the grass-like carpet covering the Stadium Under the Mountain at Erebor. When Erebor won the right to host the contest, many thought they would opt to host the game in the stadium down in Dale, as it was more convenient for folks staying there and at Lake Town, but the Lonely Mountain ownership wanted the game at their own stadium- which to be fair was slightly larger, and certainly noisier.

As evening approached a steady stream of football fans flowed to the gates of Erebor, though far more were filling the seats from inside the mountain. There were small pockets of Imladris fans, but the crowd was as lopsided as could be in favor of the home side.

By the time the teams entered the field of play the audience was in an absolute fever, chanting and waving flags with confidence. The game started and their volume increased, and the team on the field didn’t let them down. Erebor controlled things from the word go, and Imladris was defending. Erebor possessed well, and made trial of Imladris’s defense from every angle.

But fortunately for Imladris, team defense was their specialty, and Varda and company did their job well enough to keep Erebor off the board, bothering and rushing the shots just enough, and just generally getting in the way. Twice in the opening 20 Imladris couldn’t keep the ball away from Elros, but their keeper showed his mettle and rose to the challenge.

As the half wore towards its end, things started swinging the way of Imladris, and the somewhat tired Erebor side had trouble getting the ball away. Twice Imladris earned corners and twice they got the ball between the posts off of it, but Beorn batted away both attempts and Erebor breathed a sigh of relief.

In the midst of holding off yet another Imladris attack in the closing seconds of the half, Erebor at last gave their fans something to celebrate. Gwaihir got in the way of a pass and Bolg cleaned up the loose ball, sending it forward to the dashing Thranduil. The Elven King hauled it in and sent it to the wing for Nazgul #7 who immediately recognized the opportunity as it arrived- Imladris’s back line held up to force the offside ruling, but the heady Nazgul immediately sent it into the box before Smaug crossed through. The dragon was perfectly level as it was sent, and no one had a hope of challenging his thunderous header. It was 1-0 to the home team!

The atmosphere at the half was festive. The fans were confident that Erebor had weathered the storm and the opposition would fold. Some of the cooler heads reminded their fellows that things rarely prove so easy in the playoffs of Arda Cup, but on this day there was no need for caution, as team Erebor busted out of the gates in the second half with a withering assault, and after but a few minutes it was 2-0 Erebor, with the previous distributor Nazgul #7 smartly volleying in a rebound!

King Dain and King Thranduil agreed to pull back and rest up for a bit, confident that their defense would hold, and hold it did. Erebor was not as gassed as they were towards the end of the first half, and so Erebor found little success with the ball on their feet. And many remembered well the words of the MESPN analyst who pointed out that Imladris was in fact more comfortable playing defense and counter-attacking.

As the minutes slipped past the Kings ordered Erebor back on the attack- but more reserved than before. There would be no aggressive runs, but rather careful trial of the Imladris back. Imladris took to the task with enthusiasm, thinking this was more suited to their style, but they felt foolish indeed at minute 69. Smaug was simply too large and physical to handle on the ground and too fast when in flight and he proved it with his second goal of the contest, this time off a feed from Thranduil.

With a 3-0 lead and 20 minutes left the crowd began celebrating in earnest. Imladris was not an offensive power, and the home defense was quality. It was in the bag. The more cautious among them perhaps thought of warning of early celebration, but remembering how Erebor had proved them wrong after the half they gave themselves over to blind optimism and joined in the party!

And that was the wise decision, as Erebor simply didn’t allow Imladris an inch. They played keep-away to force Imladris to pressure the ball, and when Imladris had it the eagles and Smaug swooped down at every opportunity, harrying the possession game.

Imladris kept trying doggedly until the very end and perhaps they felt they earned respect in that, but all praise was aimed squarely at Erebor. In dominating fashion they were through to the quarterfinals!

Erebor 3-0 Imladris
on target 8-2
tot shots 19-7
GOALS:
*43, 1-0 Smaug (Nazgul #7)
*52, 2-0 Nazgul #7 (Bolg)
*69, 3-0 Smaug (Thranduil)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Erebor- Landroval
*Imladris- Galdor, Gilraen

[Nogrod]

Arda Cup 12, play offs round 1 @ The Grey Havens, a preview


Now because of the ban of the undying lands to host any matches this year the AFA was in dire need of venues the Valimar-based teams could play their first games at. And a solution did present itself – although it would be clear not all footballing sides would be too happy about it. The Havens was the only team still on from groups D and E, and it had hosted the group E and several friendlies with success: and they had a new and shining arena, Lhûnarena, to hold the games in – and with all this buzz, there were some signs the Havens might just bring about a spreading of football-culture in that corner of Arda normally not referred to as “footballing country”. So there was a lot to win in giving the games in there.

The AFA had one requirement though: entertaining the folks outside the arena with just audio-broadcasting the events was not going to be enough. The waterpark and the riverside gardens outside the wall were a great place to bring around an all-folks football-jubilee for those who had not been able to purchase a ticket, and the parks could easily take in even a hundred- to two hundred-thousand crowd. So there had to be giant screens broadcasting the games live from inside the stadium, and some other conveniences offered to the people outside the arena if the Grey Havens was willing to hold the two matches. Cirdan had easy time promising them as the tourists would bring in such quantities of revenue that those investments would be a fly’s buzz in their coffers.

And it really was a boost to the Grey Havens! On top of luring even more of the elves, men and hobbits from the surrounding lands, the Grey Havens draw crowds especially from Valimar, Númenor and Beleriand – and there were many football cognoscenti from all around the ME who reserved their tickets asap as they heard about this double-game evening. It was something a football fan would not let slip from his or her hands. Some media might have been over the top though, like the local tabloid The Lhûnandarwinian which screamed on it’s frontpage: “See the finalists of the AC 12!”, but no one could deny that there would be some real quality football on offer and a dashing display of players.


~*~

The teams did give a short pre-game press audition from where the AKM brings its readers just few clips to give you an idea how things were forming before the games.

The AKM: With the breaking news just in we hear that Imladris lost to Erebor 3-0, any comments on the performance of your son and grandchildren?

Eärendil: That’s the final result? Uhh… I would have hoped Elros and the young-ones to fare better, but this certainly is no surprise either. I mean if you want to go far in a tournament like this you need more stars in your team.

The AKM: But they did have Varda?

Eärendil: Haha. I’m afraid she’s not able to create the kind of stars I’m referring to...

The Lhûnandarwinian: How do you see our chances of qualifying?

Eärendil: Well, FC Valinor surely are the favourites this evening, but if the crowds come to support us, they might become the infamous twelwth player on the pitch and who knows what might ensue? So I hope everyone turns out to cheer for us. We'll make it a game to remember!

The Armenelos Times: Many say Real Valinor hasn’t quite lived up to the expectations, so how do you see our… erm… your chances this evening against The Sea?

Tar Minastir: That’s media-talk, statistician’s pillow-stories, you know. Real Valinor has lost two games, but both those games were against FC Valinor, and they have won all the other matches they’ve played – and against some pretty good teams. So I think there is no reason to think they’re not as tough a team as their opening line-up tells. That said, we’re going to challenge them securing our own end first and trying to imbalance them when or if they get too greedy coming forwards.

The Númenorian: Counter-attacking tactics that is?

Tar Minastir: One doesn’t simply go attacking full force against a team with such skill, experience and talent as Real Valinor. We don’t want to be 0-4 behind at the half-time.

The AKM: Taking an earlier question as a lead, how do you think your team has fared thus far and how do you think your opponents of this evening, The Sea?

Arien: I do agree with wise Tar Minastir about the statisticians “not seeing the forest from the trees”. FC Valinor has been a too tough a nut for us to crack, but hopefully we meet in the finals where we might finally know how to do it. What comes to the Sea, well, Ulmo and his minions will be tough in defence and the great Numenorian talent will surely be a constant threath to our defences. I mean I’m one of those who didn’t think it a surprise they qualified as number one from that tough group they played in: they are both a well balanced team unlike hithlum fex., and they are not as conservative as Manwë’s Valimar so they have what it takes to produce results as well.

The Lhûnandarwinian: How will you plan to bring down The Havens this evening?

Maglor: I see the pointy end of that question of yours. So I’ll answer in kind: I’ve done it once so why not another time? Let me put it this way: how many players do you think we would like to change with the Havens if we had chance?

The Lhûnandarwinian: Well, Eärendil surely would fit any team, and Tuor, and Cirdan is a quality keeper, and Olwë sure brings some backbone into the defence…

Maglor: Heh. The white-haired king of Alqualonde is probably the only one we would even consider… Would you change Huan to Cirdan at the goal? Or my brothers Curufin and Celegorm to Eärendil and Tuor? No offence intended, but don’t make me laugh. You see, the Havens has some pretty good players, but they wouldn’t even fit our opening line-up. That I think tells enough.


~*~

A full match report from both games will appear on this channel as soon as the games are played...

[Nogrod]

Play-offs round 1, two games @ The Grey Havens

So it was to be quite an evening with football at the shining new Lhûnarena sold full already days before. The full capacity of the stadium was “only” some fifty-five thousand, but the surrounding Riverside Gardens and the park were hosting some two hundred to two and half hundred thousand fans and enthusiasts around the eight giant screens brought up around the stadium. Elves, the men of all ages and races, hobbits and even some dwarves were having an evening of fun and excitement ahead of them and many fast improvised stands were offering snacks, beverages, team-merchadise, pic-nic accessories, what have you.

One of the most popular entertainments aside with heavy speculation between friends and strangers and the general merry-making was the betting for the results: from small-scale betting between friends or newly-found acquintances over a pint to serious betting through both minor and major betting-agencies who had their own stands at the park as well. Interestingly enough the odds to win for both games were about even as the great number of homeside supporters evened out the betting of the game between the Havens and FC Valinor, whereas Real Valinor’s not that impressive tournament-trail clearly evened the bets between them and the strong-looking The Sea the locals seemed to favour as kind of a second “home team” anyway.


~*~

At 7pm the sun was still shining from the clear evening sky when the players from teams The Sea and Real Valinor ran to the field creating enthusiastic cheers from the crowds both inside and outside the stadium. The first game was about to begin and one could see the importance of it in the faces of the players while the official Arda Cup Anthem was played live by the Grey Havens Symphony Orchestra in the middle of the pitch.

After the necessary ceremonies the game was finally on. It was clear from the first minute that both teams had decided to start very carefully feeling for the opponent and their game. But with neither team willing to take a real offensive initiative or any risks whatsoever, the first half an hour of the game was actually a bit boring.

Towards the end of the first period both teams finally started to press on with their attacks a little more daringly creating a few nice chances to both ends. But with both teams really keeping their defences solid the few actual shots made were going wide because of the strict defending forcing the shots from bad positions or from too far away.

While the football enthusiasts had enjoyed the first half immensly as very skilled game from both sides and a remarkable tactical play, the less educated homeside fans were actually booing and whistling when the teams retreated to their lockers for the half-time. The Maiar-defence led by Ulmo had managed to make the feared Real Valinor attack quite armless but the Númenorians hadn’t been given any room at the other end of the pitch either.

But come the second half it was like a totally different game. Real Valinor had had it’s “scouting” done and was now pressing on for real into any weaknesses they had found on the first half. After some ten minutes of probing different variations Real Valinor started a full attacking phase. They seemed to avoid the center where Ulmo and Ossë were keeping their ground and came from both left (playing for Nerdanel) and right (playing for Miriel) while Arien made Ulmo and Ossë busy with her dangerous cross-runs in the middle giving them no pause to go and help the defenders on the sides.

And suddenly there were sparks all around when Real Valinor went on offence. The home-crowds were totally amazed by what they saw as no team had forced The Sea they had seen playing many games at their stadium into that kind of trouble. The attacks rained in both right and left: the saying that a “goal hangs in the air” was looking more and more true – untill it became a fact.

Tilion had caused a lot of trouble to the Sea’s defences with his aggressive runs deep into their defensive territory but at the 66th minute he managed to fool The Sea’s defences big time. Running deep into the left side of The Sea’s half he draw Uinen to come and challenge him. Getting rid of her with a neat trick he forced Ossë to rush down on him to prevent him from openly challenging Voronwë. With Arien making a steep run inside the box Ulmo had no chance but to follow her leaving Nerdanel open rushing in the second wave – and Tilion passed the ball neatly to her feet inside the box. Nerdanel scored booting the ball with a one-timer from the bottom of her heart making her first goal of the tournament.

The Sea tried to come aggressively forwards after being put one down to even the score as soon as possible, but Real Valinor was not yielding an inch and on the contrary gained more chances the more The Sea put an effort on offence. And with a nice counter-attack Caranthir sent the ball far forwards, after ripping it away from Andreth, and Miriel was suddenly in a running competition with Salmar going after the ball. Voronwë hesitated a moment at the goal as to whether to run for the ball or stay back ready for a shot, but as it instantly seemed Miriel was outpacing Salmar, he rushed for the ball as well.

Salmar was losing the fight and Miriel reached for the ball while Voronwë closed in from ahead… and it was close one! But Miriel did get the first touch chipping it with an elegant touch over the diving Voronwë. Avoiding a collision with the sliding keeper Miriel jumped up and waved her hand in the air while wittnessing the ball bounce into the goal. It was just such a cool finish!

With two goals down and only twenty minutes left The Sea faced a dilemma: go forwards with all you have and dare more goals by the Valinor team, or take it more carefully not opening your defences but still try to press for two goals. It seemed like an impossible equation.

The Sea fought bravely and even managed to create some pressure to the Real Valinor defences at times, but with the dangerous counter-runs the Valinor forwards kept The Sea at the bay.

Interestingly enough, the game ended with both teams shooting quite evenly (The Sea had 3 shots on goal vs. Real Valinor 4 shots on goal – overall 10 vs. 13), but Real Valinor won the game quite confidently 2-0. And there was no doubt as to which was the better team – even if the local supporters were not too happy about their favourites ending up as the losing side.

But whichever side, Rohan or Dwarves Utd., is coming to face them on the next round Real Valinor sent a message that they are on the top of their form and play intelligently for the result. Or who knows how they will play the next time, but this time it was a pure victory of tactics and great performance of some shining stars.

The Sea 0-2 Real Valinor
on target 3-4
tot shots 10-13
GOALS:
*66, 0-1 Nerdanel (Tilion)
*69, 0-2 Miriel (Caranthir)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Sea- Tar Aldarion
*Real- Nessa, Tilion



So all was set for the The Game in The Lhûnarena. At 9.30 pm the teams finally jogged into the field facing a mighty roar of the crowds. The sun was slowly setting and the lights had been lit over the stadium producing an awesome turqoish-white light over the pitch. Now the feeling was really up – and anyone questioning The Grey Havens’ lack of footballing culture was at least temporarily put to a shame.

There was a touching episode before the game began when after the official Arda Cup anthem Idril went to embrace her husband Tuor and their son Eärendil, and her daughter-in-law Elwing. In the spirit of football Maglor also shook hands with Cirdan and Elwing, and both Curufin and Celegorm were seen to exchange a few polite greetings with Olwë and Eärwen. The past was present and absent at the same time, but tonight they would be first of all playing football.

And it was a game to remember!

The home team started with flare and gusto making the crowds their twelwth player Eärendil had hoped for and they forced the game into FC Valinor’s side of the field. Idril came down to help the defences against the rolling attacks of her husband and son but it was not enough, as after seventeen minutes into the game the Havens scored! Eärendil put a nice pass from between Nahar’s hooves and Tuor managed to get rid of his wife to score a goal behind Huan from around the penalty spot! The crowds were going mad!

The Havens were causing the first serious upset of the tournament! They were leading the general favourites to win the whole tournament, the winners of the notorious group D – and they were not backing down after their goal either. On the contrary. With the crowds getting wild with their support they pressed on. But slowly their attacks wore down one after another and FC Valinor started keeping the ball more and more… and like a flash from the sky, at half an hour’s mark, Idril released Celegorm into a solo run and he basically ran over Cirdan just putting the ball into the goal after running Cirdan down.

After the equaliser the game went into a bit subdued mode as both teams were clearly looking for the half-time and neither wished to go there trailing the other team. So the first half ended with extremely sharp defending by both sides – and even if the crowds woke up every now and then after some nice performances of their homeside players and tried their best to beat their team into scoring, FC Valinor seemed to have no trouble keeping Tuor and Eärendil at bay the last fifteen minutes of the first half.

The shadow of all those drawn games played on the Lhûnarena at the group stage loomed heavily over the stadium during the half-time, but when the second half started those clouds of doubt were cleared for good.

The Havens started with even more fervor they started the first period and took the crowds along them. But after the few first minutes FC Valinor was coming back with even more stamina. Well, with more The Havens could handle it seemed. The game started to turn into a nightmare to the homecrowds as FC Valinor finally unleashed their offence full scale.

Olwë and Elwing were more busy than ever before trying to contain Curufin’s and Celegorm’s aggressive moves in the center, and Annael and Lindo ran their breath away trying to denounce the background runs by Argon and Yavanna at the sides – and Idril and Lórien were always dangerously looking on making sudden dashes forwards when FC Valinor was attacking keeping also The Havens midfield away from any offencive ideas. And Maglor could just make a dash from nowhere to penetrate The Havens’ defences. It was a nail-biting time for the home team fans – and a jubilee of offencive football.

Maglor made a dash and shot the ball with power into the post from thirty meters. The crowds sighed in relief, fearing the worst.

With Elwing’s one second error of judgement Curufin was released from her hold by a perfect pass by Yavanna, but Cirdan tipped the ball just inches away from the low-right corner of the goal with a wonderful dive. From the ensuing corner-kick Celegorm rose the highest and headed the ball just off the mark.

At hour’s mark FC Valinor had played the ball to and fro at The Havens’ side of the field for a few minutes searching for a route inside the box when Annael managed to cut a pass by Celegorm around the corner of the box and footed it away as far as he could – and seeing him kicking the ball with all he had to put in all the defenders dashed forwards to bring in the offside-trap.

But Curufin managed to stretch his boot in the way and instead of flying to the other end of the field the ball went high and towards the left. The havens regrouped as soon as they could with Lindo and Eärwen going for the high ball and Annael, Elwing and Olwë closing the center from the brothers and Idril who was dashing in with force.

Yavanna got the first touch of the ball from in front of Lindo and Eärwen and volleyed the ball diagonally forwards far over the heads of the players concetrated in the the middle of the edge of the box – and Argon was making a run for it behind the backs of the defenders on the right side – and he volleyed the ball as well, straight in to the roof of the net, leaving Cirdan no chance whatsoever letting the shot ring from some ten meters away from the goal.

It was just such an amazing feat the crowds fell totally silent for a fleeting moment before they all applauded it with it’s due – even if the home team supporters weren’t actually delighted of the goal. But it was just so great they just instinctually cheered for it after they reaised what they had seen.

The Havens was trying to fight back and put all it had on offence but FC Valinor was now on charge of the game and pushed them back time after time. And they were not sitting idle on their lead either, but went for offence almost as hard they did before their last goal – and little by little the balance was yet again turned towards the Havens’ side of the pitch.

The defences of The Havens were now more or less scitzophrenic about whether to especially guard Celegorm and Curufin or Yavanna and Argon, or the constantly running Idril, the unpredictable Lórien, the crafty Maglor… and while trying to make some forwards play themselves they soon realised they were going nowhere. And FC Valinor did hit into that confusion.

Yavanna was bringing the ball deep into the Havens territory by the left side and made a centering pass over the field. The defenders remembered the volley of Argon while seeing him running for it at the right side trailed by Idril – while Maglor was rushing forwards from left to the center… Yavanna’s pass forced the defence into a fast reaction-mode. Annael and Elwing rushed for Argon, Lindo caught Maglor’s dash from the corner of his eye and went for him and Olwë – as the old fox in the middle – stood firm keeping Curufin at bay and calling Eärwen to come and help in the center.

Annael, Elwing and Argon all jumped for the ball and Argon managed to head it back towards Idril who was running into the place. Without hesitation Idril centered the ball back but now towards the actual center. Maglor made a run turning towards the ball leaving Lindo behind. Seeing that, Eärwen dashed to cut Maglor’s route, but Maglor turned around seeing Celegorm runnning free in the center towards the left corner of the goal. Without a second thought he passed the ball sideways with the first touch. Now Olwë had to run for it and he charged Celegorm. Cirdan had ran forwards to almost reach the ball on Celegorm’s feet and Olwë was coming on him when he just passed the ball sideways again only to reach his brother who booted it in from the center of the field, just five meters away from an empty goal!

It was 3-1!

There were twenty minutes of the game left and The Havens sure gave their best. But slowly their efforts became less and less serious as they realised FC Valinor held them at bay at their will. There was no way for them to score against this team and the last ten minutes both sides more or less just kicked the ball around – even if at times the homecrowds tried to boost their team for an effort once more. But as the result of those efforts were more often than not tight situations at their own goal they finally decided they would not like to lose more than 3-1 and the last minutes went just kicking the ball around. Some people booed but most were just so taken by FC Valinor’s performance they felt wrong to boo on such a side even if their favourites had just lost a game. And FC Valinor had given both the home team and the spectstors a lesson in effective football. And in a beautiful game as well.

The crowds exiting the stadium and the parks were happy with one thing though: even if their team had lost, they had seen the undoubted champions play.


FC Valinor 3-1 The Havens
on target 8-4
tot shots 17-12
GOALS:
*17, 0-1 Tuor (Earendil)
*32, 1-1 Celegorm (Idril)
*58, 2-1 Argon (Yavanna)
*71, 3-1 Curufin (Celegorm)
YELLOW CARDS:
*FCVal- Maglor, Argon
*Havens- Angrod, Aegnor

[the phantom]

@ Osgiliath

The citizens of Gondor were mighty pleased going into the first round of the playoffs. Not only had team Gondor and team Minas Tirith both advanced, but they had done so over the heads of their bitter rivals- Barad-Dur and Mordor.

Though the competition level was set to go up (it was the playoffs after all!) Gondorians were hopeful. The name Angband rightly put fear into the opposition, but with the new salary cap rules the squad from Morgoth's stronghold was not quite the exclusive all-star club it had been in the past. And Shire-Bree United wasn't a perfect squad either, despite the relative ease they seemed to score with. Both of these matches were winnable.

Of the two, team Gondor seemed to be a little more confident- not necessarily based on their opponent, but more upon their own performance in the tournament. Aside from a one-goal setback to Arnor in the friendlies, they were unblemished. They earned draws with the high-quality squads of Armenelos and Rohan, and defeated both of Sauron's squads along the way, and after that they felt they belonged. King Anarion was just on fire this tournament, and the rest of the team was doing the job solidly.

Osgiliath had a couple of quality venues in which to host the contest, but everyone knew the oldest and largest would be chosen. The old coliseum on the banks of the Anduin had been home to many an important contest in the Gondor League through the years, and had certainly hosted an Arda Cup match a time or two through the ages. The traveling Shire-Bree fans certainly had no objection to the site selection. Though one of the smaller and more modern stadiums might have been more comfortable, the original Osgiliath stadium was one of the places a true football fan just had to visit one time.

And speaking of the out-of-towners, Shire-Bree drew a bit better than most believed they would, and their fans were doing anything they could to get their hands on tickets. Orcs of Mordor drifted into town in surprising numbers to cheer on Nazgul #6, Khamul, Barrow-Wight, and Golfimbul- hoping these favorites of theirs would knock their hated Gondor rivals out of the playoffs. And Shire-Bree even received a bit of support from the locals thanks to the presence of Strider, or King Elessar as he was called there.

So it was that when the late afternoon match was ready to begin, the crowd was very nearly a 70-30 split. Something more along the lines of 90-10 had been expected, and so it was strange and a little embarrassing to see for the locals.

But the Gondor supporters were not at all embarrassed by what they saw on the field, as Gondor started strong- passing intelligently, timing runs, breaking up opposing runs with efficiently legal contact and forcing the ball back in the field. They looked the most dangerous without a doubt, and Falastur in minute 18 shaved the top of the crossbar with a header. Certainly a goal was hanging in the air.

And it finally came just before the half-hour mark, and not surprisingly it was thanks to a fine play by Anarion. Gildor was defending him quite well, but Anarion simply made a turn and cross-over that was too good to stay with, gaining himself just enough space and a lane to deftly send it to Eldacar who athletically booted it straight in from 10 meters!

The crowd hollered their approval and squeezed the shoulders of their neighbors in happiness! This was what they had envisioned!

But Strider kept Shire-Bree cool, and they continued to battle on as the first half progressed, and slowly but surely the skilled front of Shire-Bree found their rhythm, putting Hyarmendacil under pressure for the first time. Though Shire-Bree was unable to gain a quality opening to make him handle the ball, it was obvious they were finding their stride and figuring things out, and Gondor needed to do something.

As the final 5 minutes of the first half arrived, Gondor moved back to choke their half of the pitch, but unfortunately the lack of open space really seemed to fully wake up Bombadil. He has always been curiously passive about some things, but on his own land he is powerful, and when his space gets invaded on the football pitch he takes serious notice.

Suddenly he was a blur, and the midfield of Shire-Bree wasted no time in getting it to him. His first possession he crossed up three defenders and shot one which was only barely redirected into the post by a stray shin. His second try he earned himself free for a drive and sniped it accurately forcing Hyarmendacil to make a fantastic save. But the third time is the charm- after running rings around the box and even causing a few defenders to collide, he earned himself an opening in which he shockingly passed it over to the completely ignored Khamul who had an easy time nodding it into the net to equalize!

The Gondor fans weren't so giddy at the half. Things were deadly serious- this Shire-Bree team could play, especially that Bombadil. But they did not panic, for they knew King Anarion and friends were devising something in the locker room. And in fact they were.

When the second half began Gondor decided they would leave Bombadil alone without the ball, and when he got it the would have multiple defenders stay in front of him a few yards back, not pressuring him, but not attacking him either. And much to the frustration of Strider and Khamul the tactic worked quite well, and suddenly their offense was at a halt and things were flowing Gondor's way.

They earned a couple decent looks that went high, and Anarion bent one in that forced Halbarad to awkwardly smother the ball, and the onlookers knew that Gondor couldn't be held off for another 30 minutes. And in fact they were barely held off for another ten- Barrow-Wight was forced to foul Anarion from behind after he was released exquisitely by Romendacil, and Anarion sent the resulting free kick straight in for the lead!

As Gondor celebrated, Strider and Khamul were near midfield trying to get Bombadil's head in the game. Strider appeared to be telling Bombadil, "If we lose, it's on you! All on you!" But whatever he said, Bombadil certainly was jump-started, and like the wind before a storm the game turned nearly instantly.

Suddenly the offense of Shire-Bree was running through Bombadil and the pieces were rotating around him like a well-oiled machine. The ball was moving quicker than anyone could hope to keep track of- the announcer for the radio broadcast was able to say the names of the players at most as they one-touched it around. Barrow-Wight found an opening for a 25 meter power drive, but it was turned away. Strider gained a header, but the defense slowed him just enough to make the attempt weak enough to be saved.

But at last the net was found- and appropriately it was the spark-plug Bombadil doing the damage. It was 2-2 with under 10 minutes left!

Gondor fans were fearful that Shire-Bree would continue the assault and win without extra time, but predictably Bombadil thought he'd done his job and settled back into his lazier distracted style of play. In no time at all extra time arrived and fans on both sides were buzzing. What would be the strategy? Be aggressive and be left open, or look to counter, or play for a shoot-out?

Shockingly, as extra time rolled along it became obvious that both sides had selected the same strategy- play smart and cautious, and if the opponent doesn't make mistakes to pounce on just win it on penalty kicks.

Gondor felt they had the superior keeper, and they also liked their depth. They didn't really have any weak kickers on their squad, and the idea of PKs appealed to them. Shire-Bree on the other hand felt their top players had the best scoring knack and that they would have the advantage of sure-fire early goals in PKs. And so it was that overtime just turned into an anxious waiting game, with fans hoping for safe play, and nearly covering their eyes any time it looked like an opportunity was there- but both teams did fairly well at preventing openings, and the seconds slid by and indeed- it would be PKs to decide the victor!

First up was Gondor's Eldacar- possibly the best finisher on the squad. Strider knew the Gondor squad fairly well, but he could offer his keeper Halbarad no advice on Eldacar other than to take a guess. And guess he did, but not correctly- Eldacar faked the drive then sent it perfectly to the opposite side after Halbarad jumped.

First up for Shire-Bree was Bombadil, and his teammates looked cool. Though his effort and concentration could be suspect his pure ball-striking was as constant as the flow of a mighty river, and though Hyarmendacil guessed correctly the ball was simply too perfect and too hard to give him a real chance at the save. It was tied!

Next up was Anarion- the man who could not be stopped this tournament, and no surprise he couldn't be stopped this time. But equal to him was Strider, sending it unstoppably into the net to keep things level!

Now it was Romendacil's turn, and taking no time to settle or to allow the crowd to prepare he fired it. Halbarad was caught flat-footed, but the ball was too tall and off the crossbar! The larger part of the stadium groaned and covered their faces. Shire-Bree had an opening!

And making it worse- it was Khamul up next for Shire-Bree. If one of the hated Nazgul were to be instrumental in the defeat of Gondor, it would be just agonizing. Khamul stepped back and kicked it perfectly, but Hyarmendacil was on it perfectly and batted it away! Perhaps the keeper had scouted Khamul particularly well, as he did not want to be beaten by him.

Still level with two kicks remaining, Falastur stepped up and efficiently sent the ball off the inside of the post and into the net, leaving Halbarad with no chance. But then Barrow-Wight did a perfect copy of Falastur, and things were still level headed into kick number five.

The crowds were biting their nails, chewing on their cups, and other such nervous ticks, and it was as silent as it had been all day. Turambar stepped up and placed the ball, took a deep breath, and retreated. He set himself, and Halbarad danced about on the endline. Turambar strode forward and pulled his leg back for the drive, and then hesitated.

Halbarad would leap to one side or the other leaving him free to poke it the opposite way- or at least that was the plan. But Halbarad hadn't budged at all! Turambar gave it as much leg as he could muster from his awkward position, but without the extra impetus after the hesitation move the flight was slow enough for Halbarad to react, and it was a save! Halbarad tipped the ball off course to the left of the goal, and Shire-Bree had a chance to win it!

And it would be Gildor the Elf stepping up to take what could be the winning kick. While he wasn't a good source for advice on PKs (always counseling to kick both left and right), Shire-Bree was confident he could deliver, and the Elf looked confident himself. As he set the ball he asked loudly, "Am I going to be on target?" and as he backed off to strike he asked, "And are you going to save it?"

Then dashing forward he shouted, "YES, and NO!" and sent a drive high and middle, and Hyarmendacil could only flail at it helplessly with his trailing legs as he sailed off in the wrong direction. It was in!

Shire-Bree was through to the quarterfinals!

Gondor 2-2 Shire-Bree United (SB wins on pens. 4-3)
on target 6-8
tot shots 17-18
GOALS:
*28, 1-0 Eldacar (Anarion)
*42, 1-1 Khamul (Bombadil)
*72, 2-1 Anarion
*81, 2-2 Bombadil (Barrow-Wight)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Gondor- Ciryandil
*SBUnt- BWight

PENALTY SHOOT-OUT:

Eldacar (goal)
Anarion (goal)
Romendacil (miss)
Falastur (goal)
Turambar (save)

Bombadil (goal)
Strider (goal)
Khamul (save)
Barrow-Wight (goal)
Gildor (goal)

(Note: MESPN exit interviews with Gondor and Imladris are taking place and will be aired soon.)

[Boromir88]

@ Angband

Tens of thousands of Orcs and servants of Angband packed into the mighty caverns of Morgoth's iron stadium. Since the match was to be played underground, there was no natural light, but it was still bright enough do to the fires of Angband (although this also made it very hot underground). For those who remembered, Morgoth was obviously hoping to deliver to Angband a repeat of the 2009 first-round playoff match against Minas Tirith, where Angband easily dispatched the White City 3-0. Many pundits had been predicting the same, that Minas Tirith, while playing well, came out of a very weak group and would be no match to the deadly power and talent of Angband. Morgoth was trying to set up the same atmosphere and conditions in 2009, and in this way intimidate Minas Tirith off the pitch.

Very (very) few Minas Tirith fans braved the journey to Morgoth's Iron Hell, and those who did were definitely taunted and jeered at, but their courage was admirable and they never felt their lives were at risk. To go from Minas Morgul in one week only to then be sent to Angband, must be admired indeed. And, in truth, the people of Minas Tirith were quite different from their Rohirric allies. It is known the Rohirrim like their spacious, open fields to run their premier passing game. While the sturdier, grimmer, Minas Tirithians do not mind the tight and dark conditions so much. Although, the White City would be tested today like they have never been tested before.

The first half was an extremely defensive affair. The Orcs of Angband began as loud and raucous as ever before, but slowly as the half was drawing on became quieter and quieter. And when the stadium had turned dead silent, it soon became restless and anxious (probably not at all helped by how cramped everyone was). For they saw the grim determination of Minas Tirith to resist to the end. And with each passing second that the score remained 0-0, Minas Tirith was actually growing more confident and determined, not showing signs of wearing down, or breaking, at all.

The half quickly came, and there was really neither team had a significant chance to break the deadlock in the first half. And when the teams went to the lockers, Angband became stirring and growing ever louder again. It was as if the new half, would bring new life to Angband's fans. Afterall, they had seen Morgoth's strategy before, to cleverly prod and test the abilities of the opponents, before confidently putting the match away in the 2nd. Even if Minas Tirith was stubborn in resistance, they posed almost no scoring threats in the 1st, and it appeared to all Morgoth never lost control. He was yet again, the Maestro on the pitch, composing every rythym and outcome.

And so the 2nd began, again to the unnerving beats of the Orcs. The 50th minute passed, and the drums stopped beating. The 60th passed and the crude songs stopped. Then the 70th and the humming died out. It was still 0-0. When will these weak Men realize their efforts against the Might of Morgoth was fruitless? But now, Minas Tirith was even getting possession and starting to threaten Angband's goal.

But Morgoth had a key interception in the back-line and as sudden as the flames had poured out over Ard-Galen, Morgoth launched a counter. So quick and furious was the counter, it took Minas Tirith by complete surprise. Angband poured forward and the the Balrog defender fired in a powerful shot. It was bravely blocked by Cirion, but Telvildo pounced on the loose rebound and knocked the ball passed the diving fingertips of Denethor II. The creatures of Angband never doubted their master for a minute, or so they would have you believe. But now the wilfull stubborness of Minas Tirith had been broken, and they were confident Minas Tirith had been beaten down for good.

They were not, however. Feeling like they had absolutely nothing to lose, the 1-goal defecit did not break their spirits, and forgetting all caution they pressed for an equalizer. Morgoth seemed not too concerned, but actually confident they could shut this weaker age of Men out, quite easily. It was this over-confidence that cost him yet again. Never under-estimate the brave resolve of men like Faramir, Cirion, Boromir I and Mardil. In the 86th minute it was the purest display of teamwork, effort, and courage between Boromir I and Mardil which leveled the match at 1. With only mere minutes remaining it appeared Morgoth decided to resolve this fight in overtime, as the ref signaled the end of regulation.

After a small break overtime periods ended without any goals and so this one would have to be decided on penalties.

Ancalagon stepped up first for Angband. The dragon had been held in check all game, but stopping a penalty shot off the tail of Ancalagon is another matter completely. The dragon wasted no time in blasting a thunderbolt into the net, that Denethor had no chance of reacting to. 1-0 Angband.

Boromir I was first to shoot for Minas Tirith. And nearly matching the power of Ancalagon, and Carcharoth having reacted slightly sooner, nearly was able to poke it away. Yet, not quite, it zipped passed the wolf, and everything was level.

Telvildo came up next, and how effective can a cat be at a penalty kick? Telvildo was known for agility and an ability of sneaking through tight spaces, unseen, but not at all a powerful leg. The feline would have to rely on clever deception to beat Denethor II. Yet the son of Ecthelion was known for perceiving the thoughts of others, even the thoughts of great wizards such as Gandalf. He was not fooled and caught the cat's weak effort.

Mardil shot next. Carcharoth dove left, for that's where it seemed Mardil was going to shoot for it, but at the last instant he shot for the right post. After 2 shooters each, Minas Tirith had a 2-1 lead.

Morgoth, ever reliable and able to calm the doubts of his team and fans down, did not bother trying to trick Denethor. He simply overpowered the Steward's will and forced it in the back of the net.

2-2, but Minas Tirith still had their 3rd player to send up. Earnur, with a strong finish shot it to the right corner, out of Carcharoth's leap. 3-2 Minas Tirith.

Balrog #1 was up for Angband, and like Ancalagon and Morgoth before him...the Balrog over-powered Denethor, who simply had no time to react to the thunderous shot.

Faramir stepped up for Minas Tirith, and Carcharoth putting the past 3 attempts out of his mind, reacted perfectly this time, to knock Faramir's shot away from goal. After 4 rounds, Angband had leveled the shoot out at 3.

Ulfang was next, and with the recipe of the way to beat Denethor was through sheer force he put as much power behind his leg as possible. But too much, way too much and the Easterling over-hit it, sending the ball flying over the top cross bar. He had missed and the crowd groaned.

It was all in the hands of Cirion now, make this and Minas Tirith would advancing. If not, the teams would continue to just shoot in pairs until it was no longer tied. Cirion tried a similar trick to Mardil's penalty, but with the confidence of the prior save, Carcharoth was not fooled and the hound made the biggest save of his career. Remained 3-3 after 5.

So, now Ulfast was to shoot and the crowd, being spiritted after Carcharoth's heroic saves, fully got behind the son of Ulfang. Only this time, Denethor again perceived the thought of Ulfast well and punched the shot out of harm's way. The crowd groaned again, why this much trouble over penalty kicks? 6 attempts and only 3 goals?

Tarandor would take the next on for Minas Tirith. Like Cirion, it was his chance to end it. Here and now. Make this, and he would be immortalized in the annals of Minas Tirith sporting lore. Angband's wolf was stomping and howling, trying to rattle the mid-fielder. The ball was hit, Carcharoth leapt the right direction, but it rocketed just beyong the wolf's reach!

That was it. It was all over. Minas Tirith had won on penalties, 4-3. Angband and Morgoth had been defeated. A weak 3rd Age force of Men, came to the Iron Hells and were not daunted. Minas Tirith was onto the quarter-finals and Morgoth experienced his earliest exit from the Arda Cup...ever.

Angband 1-1 Minas Tirith (MT wins on pens. 4-3)
on target 4-5
tot shots 12-13
GOALS:
*73, 1-0 Telvildo (Balrog #1)
*86, 1-1 Mardil (Boromir I)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Angband- Ulwarth, Ulfast
*MT- Earnur

PENALTY SHOOT-OUT:
Ancalagon (goal)
Telvildo (save)
Morgoth (goal)
Balrog #1 (goal)
Ulfang (miss)
Ulfast (save)

Boromir I (goal)
Mardil (goal)
Earnur (goal)
Faramir (save)
Cirion (save)
Tarandor (goal)

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Doriath at Eriador, Weathertop

Weathertop, the pride of stadiums in north-west Middle-earth, would be host to its fourth straight game, after Group B hosts Eriador qualified with maximum points, beating Arnor, Gondolin, and Inter Beleriand. Most of the ninety-thousand seats of the arena had been taken by the local fans as soon as the tickets were put on sale, and only twenty thousand were left to the supporters of Doriath, the surprise qualifiers from Group G. They have drawn even with the powerhouse AC Beleriand, lost narrowly to Anfauglith, and beaten the hosts Nargothrond.

Yet there was no doubt in the minds of the Eriador faithful (and the hangers-on from team Arnor) that Doriath’s fairy tale run would end today. Elrond was light years away the better keeper than his grandfather Dior, and Glorfindel, the Witch-king, and Arveleg have scored more than Mablung, Beleg, and Lúthien. Melian was a top-tier defender, true, but the rest of Doriath’s back line wouldn’t compare to Eriador’s back four. So it’s an advantage in three areas for Eriador, and the midfield battle was the only one where Doriath had a fair chance.

There was one ace in the Fenced Realm’s sleeve, though. Their fluidity and adaptability to the opposition’s formation have given them a chance to upset superior teams. If they can blunt Eriador’s strategy and force them to play to Doriath’s tune, then they would have a chance despite their inferior personnel.

Soon after the opening whistle, Doriath skipped the obligatory feeling out period and pressed the Eriador outfielders towards Elrond. The Northerners needed time to identify their opponent’s formation before they can mount their attack, and they were hoping that Doriath would give them the leisure to do so. Instead Elrond, holding midfielder Valandil, and their defenders were forced to stop a Doriath squad intent on drawing first blood.

In the ninth minute, Mablung headed Beleg’s cross wide.

In the sixteenth minute, Lúthien dribbled Gil-galad out of position, but Asfaloth got a boot in her ensuing shot.

In the twenty-seventh minute, the tide began to turn as Eriador finally had a grip on Doriath’s formation. They were playing a defensive 4-3-3 formation, with Beleg and Lúthien pressing the Eriador fullbacks Malbeth and Gil-galad and a midfield trio of Nellas, Daeron, and Galadhon holding position in front of their defenders; Melian was once again playing centre-back, matched against the chief of the Nazgûl. Their formation left Valandil without any natural marker, and he found time to pick his passes. When someone moved forward from the midfield line to guard him, then one of Eriador’s attacking midfield trio was left free. It was this numerical advantage in the midfield, combined with intelligent off-the-ball runs, that gave Eriador their opener.

With Valandil bringing the ball up to the halfway line, Glorfindel made a run towards the centre, dragging Nimloth with him, and Wiki drifted to the left, forcing Galadhon to follow him. When Valandil was ten metres from the box, Galadhon closed in to mark him, but it was too late—the son of Isildur chipped the ball to Glorfindel; at the same time, Arveleg, given space with the departure of Galadhon, made a run past Daeron, forcing Saeros to leave the left zone to guard him. Arahael charged towards the space the courtier vacated, and Glorfindel then tapped a simple pass to him. Arahael’s impressive low effort snuck under Dior’s body, and Eriador was in the lead half an hour into the game. Just as expected, the home crowd thought as their cheers filled the stadium. The Doriath faithful groaned in despair— to win, Doriath had to get two goals past Elrond, something no team has ever done in a real game since 2010. And a draw won’t do—a penalty shoot-out against the legendary shotstopper was something no one wished to contemplate.

The half ended with a couple of Doriath chances, but none that really bothered Elrond. The Doriath supporters wondered what would be discussed in the locker room. Mablung was not in the form he was when he pulled a hat trick against Nargothrond. Beleg and Lúthien were locked in a stalemate with Malbeth and Gil-galad. And there was no inspiration from the midfield, so occupied were they with containing Eriador’s midfield threats.

The beginning of the second half was exactly as the Doriath supporters feared—and expected. Eriador applied pressure on the ball handlers once more, and Doriath were unable to make headway from the midfield zone. A few long balls from Melian to Mablung were the only times Doriath managed to get as far as the box, but in one instance Mablung was quickly dispossessed by Araphant, and in another his hurried shot sailed straight into Elrond’s hands. Eriador, meanwhile, gained few counterattacking chances themselves; most of the downfield passes from the defence were won by the indefatigable Melian and sent back to the Doriath midfield.

After twenty minutes of stalemate, Melian whistled for attention and raised two fingers. Eriador didn’t know what the signal was for, but soon they noticed a marked difference. Doriath was controlling the ball more, and Beleg and Lúthien took up higher positions on the pitch, pressing the Eriador back line aggressively. Mablung went deep into the midfield, and his presence made the numbers even there—even in numbers, but not in the quality of passing. Doriath was ahead in that aspect. They made their way slowly towards Eriador’s penalty box, and the two wingers made blazing runs that drew attention away from the ball-handlers. Elrond was still not being tested at goal, but the defence was getting nervous. They were anxiously waiting for Doriath’s blow.

And the blow did come five minutes before full time. Daeron was given too much time on the ball, and Mablung made a forward run that drew Araphant to him. Arveleg came to challenge Daeron, but he had already sent the ball to the left of the box, a pass to no one, it seemed. But then Beleg snuck past Malbeth and got to the ball first; his one-touch volley zoomed past Elrond’s outstretched hand, and Doriath had equalised with minutes to spare.

Full time ended with a few chances. Beleg came closest after receiving a lofted ball from Nellas; he managed to fool Elrond to committing, but the Peredhil’s outstretched foot deflected his shot enough that it hit the post and ricocheted out.

The Doriath crowd was brimming with excitement. Elrond could be beaten, and perhaps their team could do something no-one else had done in two years. Meanwhile a nervous silence has descended upon most of the stadium. Eriador only needed to hold on—surely they can win if it came to spot kicks.

The first half of extra time was a conservative affair, with Doriath content to hold the ball in midfield, and Eriador content to keep them there. But when the second half began Eriador started pressing hard once again. Doriath’s midfield began to lose control of possession, and Eriador gained some dangerous chances. The Witch-king struck the side netting in the 108th minute, and three minutes later Glorfindel curled a chance over the crossbar. But Eriador’s attack also gave Doriath a few counterattacking chances—a cross sent by Lúthien, after she had outrun Gil-galad and Valandil chasing after a long pass, was snatched by his great-grandson moments before Mablung could head it in. For most parts, however, the ball was in Doriath’s side of the pitch, and the pressure was stretching them to the breaking point. Six minutes before the end of extra time Daeron handled an Arassuil corner, and the referee pointed to the spot. The Doriath fans prayed for Dior to pull off a save like the one he had against Finrod in the last group game, but it was not to be. The Witch-king of Angmar sent a spear of terror screaming towards the bottom-left corner, and Dior, despite guessing correctly, was unable to force it out.

And that was it. Doriath made a furious run to force a shootout, but they were up against a wall of ten players arrayed before one of the best goalkeepers in the game. Soon the whistle was blown, and a great cheer erupted from Weathertop. They were through to the quarterfinals, three games away from the greatest prize in Arda football.

Doriath 1-2 Eriador
(after extra time)
GOALS:
30, 0-1 Arahael (Glorfindel)
85, 1-1 Beleg (Daeron)
115, 1-2 Witch-king

Total Shots
16-16
Shots On Target
7-5

YELLOW CARDS:
1-1
Doriath: Daeron
Eriador: Asfaloth