ARDA CUP Football 2012

[Boromir88]

Eriador - Minas Tirith @Lothlorien

The stadium was nearly split even in terms of who it would be rooting for. As fans from both realms flocked to Lothlorien. Some of the Orcish media got word that there was no group of orcs or wraiths in Lothlorien to cheer for the Witch-King. He in fact, seemed like a fish out of water, amongst the droves of Elves and living Men. They grumbled "Is this not why there is a ban on games being played in Aman?" Although, truth be told, in those situations civilian ticket-holders were mysteriously dropping out of all existance. Where here, honestly no Orcs wanted to bother purchasing tickets to Lothlorien, just to see the Witch-King, for their disdain for Elves and the Rangers on Eriador was greater.

Lothlorien did not have a team in the Arda Cup, and Galadriel and Celeborn had both been eliminated, so they were back home. They were anxious to see football again, and had no reservations about watching these two teams play, a clean and disciplined game. There might be a slight home advantage to Eriador, since the Lorien elves were more behind Elrond, Gil-Galad, and Glorfindel than the lords from Minas Tirith. They would, however, be respectful toward Minas Tirith, of course.

A few hours before the match, the captains of the teams addressed the media in a press conference.

Elrond, as calm as ever, you would hardly be able to know a trip to the semi-finals rested on the next match by looking at his face: "We're going to keep playing the game that got us here, it's that simple. The best defense isn't a top goal-keeper, it's having possession of the ball. The opponent can't score if you have it. That does not mean we are going to play a boring game of keep away. Our defenders and mid-fielders have to move the ball up to Glorfindel, who I have full confidence in to score, if we give him the opportunities."

Faramir, almost as if he was a mirror image of Elrond, expressed the same wisdom and serenity: "Eriador is not all that different from Angband. I mean, their defense is based on foresight, intelligence, and team-work. Angband's is more strength and intimidation, but their styles are essentially the same. They both thrive on possession and low-scoring games. It will be a difficult challenge scoring on a keeper of Elrond's reknown, but not even Morgoth could keep us shut out. I also believe, in the Angband match, my father showed a gift of foresight worthy of Elrond even."

Many in the room looked around, feeling that was very high praise, perhaps too much even, given by Faramir. But no one challenged the man with a follow-up, because there is no denying Denethor entered Angband, and was arguably the most vital player in Minas Tirith's upset win. The captains shook hands and then departed for their final pre-game rituals and preparations with their respective clubs.

The stadium was buzzing with excitement, this was really the locals first major football experience of the year. And while there were no goals in the first half, it was proof that simply because a match did not have 3, 4, and 5 or more goals does not mean it's a snooze-fest. Lothlorien was excited to see a good, clean match again. As Elrond promised, with possession, there was nice flow and movement, from Eriador's defenders up to their mid-field players and forwards. Both sides were creating several chances and moving it forward when they had possession. It was just, both defenses were doing an excellent job of getting in the way time and time again.

Minas Tirith appeared to be pressing and playing a bit more risky than Eriador, in order to try to grab a lead. However, it was as if Eriador's defenders practiced and played with Minas Tirith all the time, because they were arranged perfectly every time. Never out of position and always close to a Minas Tirith player. Faramir was being frustrated, as he would look to option A, only to find it taken away. It was the same story for B, and C, and D. There was just nowhere to go with the ball. So Minas Tirith's attempts were even further from goal, and became further off-target that never seemed to trouble Elrond in the least.

On the other end, Eriador built their attacks a bit more slowly, but they were able to be more patient with it. Even if Cirion and the MT defenders were playing very well, there were a couple quality chances because Glorfindel and the Witch-King's creativity were too difficult to handle at times. The Witch-King got 2 nice cracks on goal, but Denethor rose to the occassion when his defense was beaten. The Witch-King was frustrated that he was indeed, being hindered by a man, and as halftime ended 0-0, perhaps Faramir was right to give his father such high praise.

The 2nd began and it was like a replay of the 1st. Neither team was changing their gameplan, but sticking to the ways they new best. And the crowd was still energetic, on the edge of their seats. The defenses and goal-keepers were playing absolutely flawless, so they knew whoever broke the deadlock, that would likely be the only goal of the match.

Eriador began more positive in the 2nd half. If you create enough quality opportunities, something is bound to go in your favor eventually, no matter how flawless the opponent's defense and goalie are playing. And in the 68th minute, Eriador finally broke the scoreless deadlock with superior ingenuity and skill.

Arveleg had possession on the left side and passed it, on the ground, towards the center. The Witch-King had a step on Cirion, and acted like he was going for the shot, but no! He let it through. Glorfindel had also made a run at goal beside him and Glorfindel slotted it into the open net, since Denethor had his attention on the Witch-King and did not anticipate the Witch-King's fake.

So, like in the Angband match, Minas Tirith found themselves a goal down and started throwing all caution out the window to equalize. They were confident they could hold Eriador to 1-goal and then perhaps get this to another shoot out where anything could happen. However, nothing had changed from the 1st half. Eriador's defense was perfectly executed, perfectly positioned, every time. Faramir got Minas Tirith's best chance in the 78th minute, when he finally beat his marker, Gil-galad. Only, that as everyone knows, is only the first difficult obstacle, as Elrond was right there to make a strong save and deny Faramir the goal.

It was over. Eriador was deservedly advancing to the Semis, and many of their fans planned to stick around to mingle and celebrate with the Lorien elves. The Minas Tirith fans were definitely disappointed, because they honestly believed they had a great chance to go to the semis, but Eriador was just too good for their team today. However, after upsetting Angband, and battling Eriador down to the very end, they could return to Gondor with heads held high, and with their honour.

Eriador 1-0 Minas Tirith
on target 6-2
tot shots 14-14
GOALS:
*68, 1-0 Glorfindel (Arveleg)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Eriador- Arassuil, Arahael
*MTirith-