Arda Cup Football 2013

[Nogrod]

On the eve of the first round of the Arda Cup 2013 group-phase games the Lonely Mountain and it’s surrounding areas were buzzing with folk from near and far – and the football tourists filled the bookings of each and every hotel, hostel, guesthouse, motel, inn, B&B and camping site in both Dale and Esgaroth as well. And nobody was able to keep track of the irregular campers over the wastelands around the mountain - but everyone could see the spread of lights during the nights over the plains all around Erebor.

The Arkenstone Arena took in around 70 000 spectators but even if from the tickets a little over half went to locals the estimates had the number of visitors to the area everything from even to double that. A reasonable quess would be between 50 000 and 100 000 visitors.

According to the official AFA statistics based on the ticket-sales the following races and creatures had bough tickets to the games at Erebor, in alphabetical order: Balrogs, Beornings, Crebain & Crows, Dragons, Dúnedain, Dwarves, Eagles, Elves (Noldor, Silvan, Teléri), Ents, Goblins, Humans, Maiar, Nazgûl, Orcs, Spiders, Trolls, Trushes, Wargs, Wights, Wizards and Wolves.

There was also a moment of astonishment when a Haradian ship anchored to the Esgaroth docks a few days before the games full of Haradrim football-fans with their bright-coloured gear, wuwuzelas and a huge (and alive) mascot-tyger. It turned out they had been sold wrong tickets. But being good sports they decided to stay – well they had no chance of catching their intended group D matches anyway – and gave a nice colour (if not that nice a sound) to the first round of games, seemingly enjoying their exotic northern-experience to the fullest.

Now it is a great feature of interardan sports that with the players in the teams mixing also the supporters learn to mix together. That must have been something foreseen by Eru himself when he let the Arda Cup take seed in the hearts of the differents creatures around Arda.

And that spirit was probably most clearly exhibited at the Lonely Mountain the night before the first games when from the camping-ground’s fireplace you could find a warg, an ent, a Nazgûl and a wizard raising a glass for an elf’s success (for Thranduil to score heavily) and to their mutual friendship supporting the Wilderland team – or seeing the great eagles and dragons cheering loudly together with the dwarves in a Dale pub where a TV-report recapitulates Bard’s and Beorn’s highlights from the last year’s Cup.

Or well, which the AKM’s reporter found the most exhilarating; finding a small group of the Haradrim, Laketowners, northern Dúnedain, Rivendell elves, old Noldor of the West and a few Wights from the dock-area of Esgaroth discussing enthusiastically about different flutes and flute-playing techniques and their emotional effects while sharing drinks and barbecuing under the rising moon.

To be honest it has to be said there was the dark side as well. The number of homicides (and all the “other-cides”), assaults, mobbings, fights, robberies, theft, general offences, insults and every kind of grievance from too much noise and too much litter to strange smells and high prices at the groceries multiplied. But had it been a random-collection of different kind of creatures suddenly coming together with such numbers anywhere else but around Arda Cup it would probably have been a disaster.

In the press conference on the eve of the first games the spokespersons of all the teams participating appealed for peace and love and enjoyment of the games, and the Erebor police-force informed they had gotten strong reinforcements from Nogrod, Iron Hills and Moria to go after regular thieves, pickpockets and those willing to exploit the gathering of crowds.

Everyone knew there was no messing with the dwarven officials and so most everything was going orderly a day before the games.


First games will be held at the Arkenstone Arena, Erebor.

4pm. Eriador vs. Misty Mountains (daylight game)
7pm. Erebor vs. Wilderland (artificial-light game)


The thrill and excitement!

[Nogrod]

Menegroth is Menegroth:exquisite, lavish, exuberant… and also beautiful, uplifting and hallowed. Unless you are from Valinor when the first part of the list doesn’t apply, or from the most backwards recesses of Hithlum or Breeland when the latter doesn’t. But to most fans gathering for games of group C of the Arda Cup 2013 it was both – and even more. To many it was the fulfilment of years of savings and a dream come true.

Overall football is a democratic sport in as the stadiums hold reasonably big crowds and the tickets are very much affordable. But with some teams and some venues it is different. And Menegroth Stadium, or “the Cave” of Doriath is one of them. Despite it’s nickname there is nothing prosaic, lowbrow or underground in it culturally. It is as far from real punk as Green Day has ever been.

But if you can afford the tickets – or are enthusiastic enough to save for them – well it is a footballing heaven and a multi-sensuous experience, well a kind of gesamtskunstwerk one might admire even if his tastes were different. It is one of the greatest venues football has ever been been played and one of the most controversial, just because of all that.

This year the lifting of the Girdle of Melian has brought in to the Thousand Caves a host of visitors from the great houses of Bëor and Haleth and other early tribes of men. A decently large following has also come after the team Shire-Bree, even if it is times smaller the one of the early men. A few random football fanatics from all over Arda have also been buying tickets according to the AFA stats, ranging from singular easterling lords with their entourages to bands of enthusiastic Númenorean Elwing- and Dior-fans.

A few Balrogs and Nazgûls were also allowed to enter as guests, but they needed to pay a ransom aforehead – which would be returned to them if they behaved.

The greatest band of visitors were in no need of Melian opening the girdle as it only bans persons lesser than her to enter. Led by Tulkas and the other Valar of team Real Valinor the great host of Westerners; Valar, Maiar and Elves across-the-sea came in an exuberant parade filling the spectators on the road with awe and hallow.

Those men, hobbits and common elves of the ME who knew history enough to understand who they were drinking the exquisite wines and eating extravagant pastries for free with inside Menegroth were cherishing the moment as the highlight of their lives – less educated ones were just struck with the grace and splendour of the Westerners – and would tell the story to their granchildren as well.

The Breelanders soon learned they had been reserved the part of the statists – as long as the general attitude of the media and the other spectators went. Theirs would be the team everyone just needed to win to have better chance of qualifying. And soon they started to feel themselves looked down upon in general – even if only a few of them were hobbits.

The early houses of men and the elves had cordial relationships – as always – but there was some chill in the air as team Hithlum was fighting for the qualification with some seriousness, but the hosts were having the same mind-set. And Real Valinor sure looked intimidating to both of them.

On top of that the visitors from the Undying Lands acted annoyingly self-confident in the eyes of all the Middle-Earthers only adding to the tension underneath the polite and amiable behaviour everyone kept up.

Most fans gathering into the Thousand Caves were only too aware of the fact that this was one of the groups of death this year. But as all the major publicity continued around Real Valinor, Hithlum and Doriath, the Shire-Bree fans became even more jumpy: so when it was reported that Gandalf had met Nienna and fallen to his knees to salute her many were ready to believe the games were pre-arranged.

But the group-lottery had made most of the crowds looking after other things than Gandalf's bows.

First matches will be played at the “The Cave” aka. Menegroth Stadium, Doriath.

6pm. Hithlum vs. Real Valinor
9pm. Doriath vs. Shire-Bree United

The homecrowds sure wait for the “Night-match”, but all the footballing-world will look forwards to the afternoon game!

[Boromir88]

Group D @ Dol Amroth

The realm of Gondor launched another project 3 years ago with the construction of a new stadium. Holding some of the grandest and largest stadiums already in Middle-earth, it was never a surprise the Stadia Anor in Minas Tirith, or Amon Hen hosted important games in many of the previous Arda Cup tournaments. The lords of Dol Amroth didn't want to miss out and so they came up with the finances to build a new stadium. Seaside Financial Field.

The naming of the new stadium caught the eye of some paying careful attention to the story. Seaside Financial is a large elven ship investment firm. They invest in ship-builders and sell traveler's insurance to anyone departing West, thus it mostly benefits elven blood. The citizens of Dol Amroth had believed the money from the new stadium would stay at home, and Dol Amroth would benefit. But many had wondered what price did Seaside Financial pay to get their name on the stadium, and how much profit would be shipped overseas.

Whatever the case, it is a beautiful new stadium overlooking the Bay of Belfalas. It's not the largest in Gondor, but it's comfortable and built well that will assure every fan a good experience. A max capacity of 70,000 can sit (or stand) in Seaside Financial Field.

It is also one of the brightest stadiums ever built and that was probably done on purpose to benefit Mannish and Elven teams. The sun always seems to be shining brightly in Dol Amroth and the glimmer off the sea and white walls of the stadium, will surely give orc and dwarven supporters fits. Group D will have Barad-Dur, FC Valinor, Isengard, and Gondor.

So, FC Valinor and Gondor fans should be quite comfortable and enthusiastic about watching games in a brand new stadium. Gondor had hoped to get a nice home-friendly advantage, but with Sauron in the group, his deep pockets are always buying up tickets for supporters of his team. Also, since he has money tied up in Isengard, it wouldn't be surprising if he's purchased fans that would traditionally support Isengard. Although, the bright and glittering stadium (also located near the sea, as one can actually gain access to the sea via a waterpark in the stadium. The waterpark has several rides and restaurants housed on boats, offering local maritime cuisine from the bay, while fans can still watch the game on the ships) will also temper the large orcish crowd arriving at Dol Amroth the last several days.

Main Host: Seaside Financial Field @ Dol Amroth
Secondary Host: Pelargir Park

Round 1 First-Kick times:
Isengard vs. FC Valinor - 2pm
Barad-Dur vs. Gondor - 5pm

[Boromir88]

GROUP G @ Anfauglith

For the first two rounds games in Group G will be played at Anfauglith's Coliseum. With the final round matches being played concurrently, one game will be played in nearby Tol-in-Gaurhoth stadium, or "The Den."

Both locations are chilling and unlivable for any normal person, but for Angband, Tol-in-Gaurhoth, and Angfauglith they should be feeling right at home and all get strong crowd support. The wounded seal in shark-infested waters then is Imladris. Varda won't ever be unnerved, but is she powerful enough to instill strength and courage in the rest of her teammates, and the few Imladris fans insane enough to make the journey?

Built in the midst of great (and sorrowful) battles many ages ago, Anfauglith Coliseum will remind spectators of the large gladitorial arenas. It's a simple construction, just a tall large oval shape, of light-colored sandstone. And the arena can hold 100,000 when it hosted championship matches ages ago. Like most gladitorial arenas, the designers wanted attention to be on the teams playing on the field, not on grand statues, memorials, or cheap stadium thrills. So, Anfauglith Coliseum is pretty bare with just the stadium walls and a sickly looking yellow-brown grass field. This will typically be hard on the eyes of spectators, when the sun is out, but with an evening and night-time start to the matches (plus the quality of 3 nearby teams playing in Group G) there will be throngs of men and easterlings, orcs and balrogs, wolves and wights, and swarms of cats watching their favorite teams fight it out for 2 spots.


Main Host: Anfauglith Coliseum
Secondary Host: Tol-in-Gaurhoth Stadium "The Den"

Round 1 First-Kick times:
Angfauglith vs. Imladris- 6pm
Angband vs. Tol-In-Gaurhoth - 9pm

[the phantom]

Group A, round 1

League games, friendly games, and even neighborhood games had a fairly consistent schedule in the Blessed Realm. The mighty Pelori blocked the rays of the sun until close to noon, so football matches all generally started right at high noon. Those that lived west of the mountains loved the light- the sun-rays gleaming off the many golden roofs of Valimar and off the huge bells ringing the top tier of the arena, as well as the light reflected by the jewel-studded marble stone used to build the arena itself.

The noon match would pit Armenelos against The Havens- solid squads with solid connections to one another. After all, Earendil was the forefather of the entire Armenelos squad, and their fellow Numenoreans, Amandil and Ar Zimrathan, were playing defense for The Havens. The Elves from nearby Alqualonde and Tol Eressea were there to support The Havens, as was a shipload of Gondorians (following Falastur and Imrazor). But what could only be called an armada had sailed in from Numenor- far too many for the stadium to hold, in fact. This didn't bother those without tickets- if they couldn't see any of the games at all, they were content to be near the stadium and party and enjoy the sights and feel of the Blessed Realm. It wasn't often mortals were allowed in after all.

The late match, scheduled to kick off at 3:30, was Valimar versus The Barrow-Downs. This match was widely expected to be lopsided, as the Downs hadn't made much noise in recent years, and Valimar looked to be quite good- they had Manwe, Mandos, and Arien after all. Plus they knew they'd have close to 100,000 supporters behind them, whereas only a couple hundred Barrow-Wights showed up to support The Barrow-Downs.

Most all security concerns revolved around these Wights, as they were known to be a bit irrational, and enjoyed making trouble just for the sake of it. Judging from whispers caught here and there and anonymous message-board comments, it seemed quite a few Wights were keen to throw a wrench into things- particularly since The Blessed Realm was fresh off of a hosting ban.

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

Crowds of Elves and Ainu and Numenoreans streamed through the portals of the stadium, some more slowly than others. These were the first-timers, trying to absorb the look of one of the oldest and finest arenas in Middle-Earth. Even after thousands of years it looked as if it was built the day before- joints were perfect and lines were straight, and there was no chipping or weathering. And the flowers and trees that seemed to grow right out of the marble were flawless as well- not a single wilted leaf or fallen petal.

Visitors wondered if all of this was due to immaculate care (which was either admirable or frighteningly obsessive), or if it was down to some magic or power that permeated the land of Aman (which some found wonderful and entrancing while other found it unnatural and creepily sterile). But whatever the reason, it was certainly different than what any visitor was used to, and there's a certain satisfaction to be found in experiencing new things.

Some of the crowds were still wondering the halls beneath the seats when already the game started, but after hearing the rise and fall of voices the lollygaggers soon found their way in to fill the arena to capacity. The crowd provided a good-natured and educated audience to the battle that unfolded on the pitch, which proved to be a delightful display of intelligent play, teamwork and athleticism.

Perhaps due to their long association, it was the Numenoreans that had the slight edge in the early going. They held possession just a bit better, and the ball flowed nicely back and forward again when The Havens would successfully close a side off, and at the moment Armenelos wasn't willing to take a flyer on risky offensive passes. They preferred to establish their will in the contest rather than give opportunities to the attack of The Havens. Even before the match it was obvious to most that Armenelos would play it this way, as Elros himself said: "The fewer chances Earendil gets the happier I'll be. We believe in our skill and discipline on defense, but he is who he is- and sometimes you'll have things defended correctly and he'll beat you anyway. And he has Cirdan and Falastur to work with. In short- we're not keen to play with fire."

But as it is said, the best laid schemes of wights and men go often awry, and when it looked as if Armenelos was at last tiring and frustrating The Havens, their hard work was flushed away in a moment. The Numenoreans with a series of fantastic passes got their best look yet, and Ar Adunakhor fired a blast from the corner of the box. Amandil saw the slot open on his goal and leaped, and his guess and timing were true, and the shot rebounded off his hands. There was a momentary free-for-all in front of the goal in which three or four players all touched but could not control, and then Olwe emerged with it, and fired it downfield.

Tar Palantir looked in position to receive it, but a dashing Earendil put on a burst of speed and managed to touch it past, and to the dismay of the Numenorean audience with a couple lightning-quick moves he rounded Telperien and Calmacil and booted in in to put The Havens ahead!

And the bells rang beautiful and clear, mixing with the jubilation of the Havens supporters. The Numenorean fans were impressed with Earendil and started applauding the effort, but stopped in some annoyance when the bells sounded. The great bells of the stadium were always reserved for the home team, which in Group A was certainly Valimar- but then why would they sound now? The Numenoreans felt a bit slighted, as if they were on the outside looking in.

To be fair some pointed out that Olwe and Earendil played for Valinorean club teams in the fall and resided in the Blessed Realm, but still it could not be denied that Havens was not the home team, so it really was not proper to sound the bells for them. The players on the field looked annoyed as well, and they looked determined to even the score, but The Havens was riding high on the energy and emotion in the arena and Armenelos was lucky to make it into the break only one goal down.

When the second half started it was more of the same, with The Havens looking a bit sharper, but 12 minutes in it was a repeat of the first half, and the squad with the back against the wall struck a blow. Falastur struck a solid drive on goal, but Tar Palantir deflected it and Ar Gimilzor alertly sent it to the left side and forward where Tar Ancalimon was on the move. He touched it down nicely, cut inside of his mark and sent it across and forward to Elros. As the retreating defenders whirled to meet the new source of the threat, Ar Adunakhor somehow was lost to the defense, and Elros fired a perfect pass between defenders, releasing Adunakhor onside. In a moment of indecision Amandil was uncertain if he could hope to beat Adunakhor to the ball, and when he did go for it he was too late. Adunakhor nudged the ball sideways and dashed straight around the sliding keeper and nudged the ball across the line to level the game!

The Numenoreans celebrated this turn of events, and hoped it would energize their team the way it did The Havens in the first half. A minute or so after the goal the noise of celebration grew even louder, as the news had spread to the streets and squares surrounding the stadium where thousands of Numenoreans were encamped, having been unable to secure tickets but wishing to be in proximity to the game anyway.

But only one minute later the Armenelos fans were biting their nails again, as a brilliant long cross from Cirdan found a flying Olwe, and his header was only barely tipped away. The ensuing corner led to a scary moment as well, as the ball skipped across to Earwen and she sent an accurate snipe up and over to the opposite corner, but Tar Telperien had been guarding that post on the corner-kick and she managed to recover to it just in time to rise up and bump it over the goal.

As time approached 70 minutes Armenelos finally seemed to work out a way to stymie Havens. To that point Earwen and Mithrellas had been sitting somewhat deep but far too unharrassed, and were simply too easily flipping the field, getting the ball to either Cirdan or Olwe who were spear-heading attacks on opposite sides. And Armenelos had often been overly concerned about denying Earendil and Falastur in the center.

But no more- Armenelos spread their defense a bit, encouraging their midfielders to pressure the ladies in the rear center. Now pressured to send it away within a second of receiving it, quality targets were less easy to find, and so giving the ball to Havens resulted in it going back to Armenelos rather quickly. But even then The Havens would not crack at their end, and the fans grew restless. The Numenorean supporters felt that it was important to get a win here, seeing as apparently Havens had been adopted as a second home team, thus there was a danger of Valimar being content to draw them in the final game if Valimar claimed victory over Armenelos first.

The clock went past 80 minutes and a thread of panic began sweeping some of the more worrisome sorts, but they didn't need to wait long for relief...

Havens had the ball again and sent it up to Cirdan, but Armenelos closed on him and he, as he had so many times, sent it back to Mithrellas. She found Olwe covered on the other sideline, while Tar Miriel was on Earwen like glue, and so with Tar Telemmaite bearing down she tried to send it back to Imrazor- a fatal mistake that Ar Adunakhor had been hoping for. He knew she didn't have the power to deliver a ball like that without leaving him time to intercept, thus he had waited some distance away baiting such a pass, and when it came he was off in an instant.

Adunakhor came from Imrazor's left and slightly behind him, flashing in front of him and taking the ball with his chest. On the ball's first bounce he turned goalward with it, and when Ar Zimrathan came to meet him he slid it sideways to Tar Ancalimon whom he had spotted during his turn, and with a full view in front of him Ancalimon approached the ball and sent it to the left side of the goal area where Ar Pharazon was marked by Annael. Keeping the elf on his back the larger Numenorean received it, faked a turn left then turned right and fired, sending it within inches of both his mark and the keeper to the near post, but so hard that nothing could be done about it!

Armenelos had the lead for the first time with only a handful of minutes remaining! Some of the Ainur in the crowds looked quite let down- they greatly preferred The Havens to the proud Numenoreans, and yet they applauded the effort. It was a well earned goal produced by tactics and execution, and they appreciated good play in Valimar.

In the closing minutes The Havens produced one threat- an impossible solo run by Earendil. But at last he was forced to give it away, and he did find Eriol in stride from about 25 yards, but the ball flew over the goal, even without help from Tar Atanamir who looked like he had a bead on it anyway.

The Armenelos supporters celebrated as the final seconds ticked away. Relief showed on many of their faces, but only for a bit, as it was swiftly replaced with the familiar smug surety- though to give a full report there were quite a few, notably the self-described "Faithful", that showed every bit of grace in their victory, mirroring the bearing and sportsmanship of Elros, the captain on the field. Players like Adunakhor and Pharazon might be guilty of gloating at times, but they had experienced a challenging game and were willing to shake hands with and credit their adversaries, particularly Ar Zimrathan and Earendil.

Armenelos 2-1 Havens
on target 6-6
tot shots 14-14
GOALS:
*28, 0-1 Earendil (Olwe)
*57, 1-1 ArAdunakhor (Elros)
*82, 2-1 ArPharazon (TarAncalimon)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Armenelos- TarCalmacil, Tar Miriel
*Havens- ArZimrathan

Of the second game there was less to tell afterwards, at least concerning the action on the pitch. The Barrow-Downs was a bit less ornery than the past couple years, perhaps because Alien was now confined to the goalkeeper position, but they seemed to understand that it wasn't wise to bring the righteous wrath of the Valar down upon their heads.

Instead they looked set to play a low-scoring game of keep-away and time-wasting, but only 15 minutes in Valimar interrupted these plans with a perfectly executed header from Irmo, thanks to a nice find from Ilmare. But the Barrow-Downs didn't push back much, but seemed content to allow Valimar to rest on their lead, perhaps hoping to sneak a draw at the end.

And indeed it looked like the strategy would work. Both sides played very conservatively, minimizing risk and even at times looked to be avoiding injury as if it was a friendly. Small sections of Numenoreans and Noldor began voicing their annoyance as the half approached, but they were ignored, so they just grew louder. But Manwe did appear to give a little look their direction as he exited the pitch for the break.

And it seems he had a reason for the look, for as soon as the new half started up Valimar attacked in force, and started spraying crosses in for Arien, and sending longballs forward to Ingwe and Irmo. The Barrow-Downs frankly got a deer-in-headlights look at that point, and it wasn't long before Valimar had another goal- this time Irmo turned distributor, finding Ingwe for an easy finish.

As always the sound of the crowd rose, but... something was missing. The visitors didn't place it immediately, but the locals certainly did, and heads all around the arena swiftly turned around to look at the nearest bell above their section. None of them were ringing in celebration!

Workers soon discovered that all the ropes had been severed, though the populace didn't hear the tale until after the match was concluded. If they had been informed, perhaps they would have rushed the section of Wights in attendance, for nearly all are certain that they are somehow responsible, for they looked far too gleeful following Valimar's goal.

For the remainder of the match all that can be said is that The Barrow-Downs decided they may as well play a couple little dirty tricks on their way out, and Hookbill, Alien, and GwathWight all were carded for various forms of mischief, though thankfully none of it caused permanent harm. And in fact it may have only been their nonsense that made the last half-hour viewable. Most of the crowd found GwathWight's attempts to roast a marshmallow on Arien's skin quite entertaining at least.

Barrow-Downs 0-2 Valimar
on target 3-4
tot shots 10-10
GOALS:
*15, 0-1 Irmo (Ilmare)
*54, 0-2 Ingwe (Irmo)
YELLOW CARDS:
*BDowns- Lumpkin, Hookbill, Alien, GwathWight
*Valimar- Irmo

STANDINGS
Valimar________3 pts_____+2
Armenelos______3 pts_____+1
Havens_________0 pts_____-1
Barrow-Downs___0 pts_____-2

[Nogrod]

Group E @ Erebor

The time had finally come. The Arkenstone Arena was filling rapidly after the largest creatures had been escorted in. The organizers were not taking any risks with tens of thousands of creatures flocking the entrances and corridors together with huge dragons, eagles and balrogs. Better safe than sorry they said.

All the teams competing in group E were more or less neighbours and thusly all had their fair share of fans in the stands to cheer for them, but it was clear team Eriador was a kind of a loner in the company of others – even if the Lothlórien and Mirkwood elves and eagles would probably support Eriador when their own team wasn’t playing. But all the other teams seemed to have a lot of cross-support and when not playing each other most creatures tended to cheer for each other’s teams.

The late “game of death” between Erebor and Wilderland was naturally the game most everyone were looking forwards to but there was one game to play first – and surely most spectators were ready to shout their throats sore for Misty Mountains to surprise the favourites Eriador.


~*~

So when Misty Mountains emerged from the underground tube to the arena led by Durin’s Bane, Narvi and Gwaihir the noise of the crowds celebration grew almost inbearably loud while Eriador-fans’ cheers were almost overcrowded by the booing – even if it was only a fraction of the crowd who behaved in such a distasteful manner.

But if there was majesty and splendour in Durin’s Bane, Gwaihir and Caradhras (how did Caradhras exactly fit inside the Mt. Erebor nobody kind on understands – it is an unfathomable miracle of Eru) it was more than balanced by the radiance and nobility of Glorfindel, Gil-Galad and Isildur leading team Eriador into the Arena.

This was exactly what the creatures who were packing the Arena had come for: the great heroes, leaders, soldiers, kings and queens, villains, brute force, cunning, bravery, mastery – and the greatest show on Arda!

Compared to the expectations the first half of the game was something like an anticlimax though. Both teams played it safe from defence first – and it was actually Misty Mountains that seemed the more active side. Some cognoscenti explained that Elrond wants still to give his new defence some practise, but after two shut-outs in the friendlies that seemed like overdoing it. Nevertheless, it was clear Durin’s Bane and Azog found no easy way inside the Eriador defence and were forced to take hasty shots which came mostly from afar and went mostly wide.

On the other end of the field Glorfindel and Isildur were guarded personally – and succesfully – by Gwaihir and Watcher respectively. From behind them Arveleg forced Chief Wolf into one major save, but that was probably the only real scoring opportunity of the first half.

Interestingly enough, both teams had clearly had the same thoughts in the locker rooms during the half-time – and thus they came into the second period with a totally new energy. It felt like they had had their practise round and were now in it for real. The full house was just silenced with the difference in the tempo of the play and the aggressiveness of the attacks of both teams, and then burst into chanting from pure enjoyment of the new game.

And suddenly the crowds went just wild. Durin’s Bane headed the ball in from between Aragorn and Arwen and took Misty Mts. into lead! Elrond had no chance against the mighty header from under five meters from the goal.The favourites Eriador were trailing Misty Mts. with about half an hour of the game left!

But Eriador was now changing gear one more time. And it was actually NogWight – the guy who’s signing the AKM has questioned among many others – who finally hammered the evener in. With Gwaihir and Watcher tying Glorfindel and Isildur down, he broke boldly in to the box from under William’s legs – and Arveleg was awake passing the ball past Caradhras. With a clinical finish NogWight put the ball in behind the on-rushing Chief Wolf from the close quarters.

Many in the crowds were having a positive mind still. Misty Mountains were playing even with Eriador – and that would be more than welcome result to basically all the other teams of the group. The hometeam fans and the fans of Wilderland-supporters would have been more than happy with this result – and they were counting nervousoly to the moinutes on the screen going soo slowly.

For Eriador was in no mood for a draw. They rained in their attacks one after another –the ball rarely left the Misty Mts.’ side of the field and when it did it was delivered back there in a flash. The game was played at one end alone the last fifteen-twenty minutes.

And Eriador did get their reward in the end. Worn with all the flying to and fro after Glorfindel Gwaihir’s concentration lapsed for a fleeting moment – and the frustrated emissary of Valar ran free immediately towards the left post of the goal. Aragorn had just received the ball from Arador and realising Glorfindel was free delivered it from almost thirty meters straight to his head. The Chief Wolf made a nice dive for the ball seeing it coming but Glorfindel’s header was cunningly aimed at the ground in front of the goal and so the Wolf leaped over it – and the ball went into the net.

There was only three minutes of the game left. Coming over from their empty feeling of a lost draw the crowds tried their best to beat Misty Mts. into a last minute fight back but it seemed the players themselves didn’t believe in their chances any more – and as Eriador immediately closed their defence from midfield on there was no apparent route around it either. Rumil’s far-shot was the last effort of the game just before the referee called the time. Elrond had no problems picking it.

Eriador had taken the win they were supposed to take, but they weren’t actually impressive. The team needs to tighten it’s game a lot if they wish to go farther in the tournament – or well, start to play already on the first half. Misty Mountains had their moments in the game and thus gave a warning to the other two teams that they will not be overrun easily in this group.


Eriador 2-1 Misty Mts
on target 6-4
tot shots 12-12
GOALS:
*62, 0-1 DBane (Great Goblin)
*72, 1-1 NogWight (Arvaleg)
*87, 2-1 Glorfindel (Aragorn)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Eriador- Asfaloth
*MMts- William, Great Goblin



For most of the spectators the important game of the day was yet to be played. So when teams Erebor and Wilderland entered the field the noise of the crowds was just deafening. That’s the problem with halls inside mountains – there is no sky up above for the sound to escape but it ends up echoing around the closed space.The dwarves seemed to enjoy it, and the orcs and goblins just loved it, while the men and elves were grasping for their ear-plugs – if they had them.

Now both Erebor and Wilderland are known to be teams that do not concentrate so much on defence but whose game-plan is to outscore the opponent with brutal force. But it is easy to say only a few in the audience were prepared for the rollercoaster-ride they were offered. Unlike the earlier game (or the first half of it) this was an offensive-football nirvana. It was a spectacular game giving no-one a chance to claim they wouldn’t have gotten the worth of their money.

The thunder of the full house was just astonishing but in the thirteenth minute a fair half of the stadium went totally silent. Even if the decibels were still far over any recommended levels it felt like silence. With a clever pass by Thranduil the first elf to have awaken, Imin, volleyed the ball behind Beorn and the guests were leading 1-0! Like thousands years ago IRL he emerged from nowhere and astonished everyone by just being there in the open – this time to score.

There was a relentless fight in the field and the roar of the crowds made it almost an infernal experience. Radagast and the ents stood firm against the incessant onslaught of Smaug, Nazgûl #7, Bard and Bolg, while at the other end the (formerly) last lord of Dale and Thorin Oakenshield himself tried to hold Scatha, Thranduil and Nazgûl #3 at bay with the eagles.

But around half an hour’s play Erebor’s defences failed yet again when Scatha forced himself past the eagles and got room enough to manouver the ball in with his tail. Wilderland was leading 2-0! The home-team was taking a beating. The dwarves – and other fans of the homeside – were not believing their eyes.

But Erebor came back to the game – and did it fast, effectively and with gusto!

Possibly given strength or atl east encouraged by the cheering crowds Erebor just forced their attacks over the Wilderland defences. They just couldn’t lose this game at their home-arena. And it was speed that now mattered.

Between the slowish – even if tough – ents and the old elf and wizard Smaug, Nazgûl #7 and Bard pressed themselves to the limit of their speed. And lo and behold, they started making results!

Bard ran away from the defences just seven minutes after Scatha’s goal and placed the ball neatly behind the Great Warg. Only six minutes from that the other players out-ran Wilderland defences and at the crucial point lent the ball back to the corner of the box from where Smaug had sprinted and gave such a wing-shot the Warg wouldn’t have had no chance of preventing the goal even if he’d have time to dive for it – which he obviously hadn’t.

So the teams went into their lockers for the half-time with the scoreboard announcing a draw 2-2.

In reverse to the earlier game, after a furious first half-battle for life and death the second half started with some cautious play from both sides. It was clear the first half had been such an “all-or-nothing” game that both teams decided to take it a bit more carefully to at least avoid a loss.

But as it sometimes happens, the tail wags the dog and not the other way around. The crowds started showing their discontent so openly it forced the players to gear up against their firm decisions to play more cautiously on the half-time. After twenty minutes of somewhat careful play the fight was brutal, aggressive and open again. And everyone loved it!

Seventeen minutes before the full time the Arkenstone Arena just exploded when Azog’s son Bolg slided the ball in with a feet-ahead dive from a fast turnover robbed by none other than Smaug itself.

One could see Smaug smirking at Scatha as they passed each other on their way to the center of the field for the opening shot for Wilderland. Smaug was clearly getting the overhand in the battle of the two dragons. He had already scored three goals in the friendlies and had now 1+1 in this game against Scatha’s 1+0 (and only 1+0 in the two friendlies).

But even if you’re a dragon yourself, never irritate an old dragon! It was clear Scatha took that badly – and as a challenge from “the youngster”. And Scatha really beat his team to attack. There was little time, but there was time.

The Wilderland attacked furiously forcing most of the Erebor team into the perimeter of the box only to defend their goal. Parking a bus of eight in front of your goal should frustrate any opposition but Wilderland kept on coming towards the living wall. The crowds were half keeping their breath and half shouting their lungs out – the resulting sound was an eerie experience in the Arena were echoes went from wall to wall…

And then Scatha had his moment. Nazgûl #3 centered the ball from the right side and Landroval dived to intercept but Scatha used the tip of his tail to snatch the ball from in front of the great eagle only to pass it forwards to himself – when Meneldor flung in to cut a pass to Thranduil. Making a sudden leap forwards Scatha managed to hit the ball with his muzzle while Tuirin had no chance of reach the height – and Beorn was totally outwitted as he was too going for a pass to Thranduil to the other end of the goal.

Wilderland had evened the game a fair ten minutes before the close – and both Scatha and Nazgûl #3 were seen to leer to their fellows on the other team going back to the center of the field.

Both teams actually tried to scoe a winner during the last minutes but it was clear neither team wished to lose so they both went defence first to the last ten minutes – and so it was a draw.

Immediately when the game ended most of the crowds were happy with the result as fans of both teams had really feared losing at one or another phase of the game. But with the adrenaline gone both teams and their fans were quite disappointed with it.Even if Eriador hadn’t been exactly flashing they were still the favourites and thus everything was up to how they played against them and the Misty Mts. There had been a chance to stick into a qualifier’s position but neither team had managed to grasp it.


Erebor 3-3 Wilderland
on target 9-7
tot shots 22-18
GOALS:
*13, 0-1 Imin (Thranduil)
*28, 0-2 Scatha (Nazgul#3)
*35, 1-2 Bard (Brand)
*41, 2-2 Smaug (Nazgul#7)
*73, 3-2 Bolg (Smaug)
*78, 3-3 Scatha (Nazgul#3)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Erebor- Nazgul#7, Landroval
*Wilder- Skinbark

[the phantom]

The Rauros area was nicely accessible to three of the four teams of Group H- Mordorians could approach over the Brown Lands or sail up the river, those from Rohan could ride across the Wold, and those that dwelt along the Anduin could of course take the river (though those from the north had to deal with a rapid or two).

Arnor had a considerably longer trek, and not surprisingly had a smaller turnout- though they were more in evidence than the Orcs of Mordor, for the Orcs were not bunking and dining in the area immediately surrounding the arena, but rather the Coliseum Construction Committee (CCC) had built for them their own little town at the foot of Amon Lhaw. When asked if they had hastily thrown it up after discovering Mordor would be visiting, the CCC responded: “No, no, we had this nearly completed last year. We thought it’d be good for the future to have an area for visitors that was more isolated, in case there was any bad blood between teams or fans. Now that it’s completed visiting teams will always be welcome to choose the Amon Lhaw section as their area if they want a bit of privacy, or if they just want to avoid the other teams. By next year we hope to have a decent practice field set up over there so that literally everything they need will be there, and soon after we’ll add a couple more buildings so that Amon Lhaw can house two squads if need be.”

The CCC was also asked if they planned for the Amon Lhaw area to become an area of multi-seasonal or permanent use, as much of the west side of the lake was becoming. “Well, we do have a couple ideas for down the road- perhaps an amusement park- but really none of that is even in the planning stages. For the moment the Amon Lhaw guest facilities will stand empty for parts of the year, though after we establish an easier way to make the crossing we may house workers there.”

Some complained that sticking Mordor across the lake was an unhealthy bit of segregation, but the CCC was dismissive. “Mordor was quite willing to stay there- they can create an atmosphere that makes them feel at home, and there’s less worry of their people being arrested for getting into altercations. And it’s not as if we dumped them into tents- those are nice new lodgings and pubs over there, and fully staffed- largely by Orcs who know how to make the preferred liquors and dishes. Really everyone is more comfortable with the arrangement, and those who say otherwise are simply trying to cause trouble.”

But on the eve of the games all of the development and lodging issues faded into the background, and football was the only subject being talked about. According to the betting agencies Group H was by far the most competitive group, with the lowest odds of advancing (Mordor & Rohan) sitting at 42% and Anduin and Arnor sitting at 58%. But interestingly enough Rohan was the heaviest bet for winning the group outright 33%, while Arnor was sitting lowest at around 17%. Needless to say, the public and agencies were split.

Everyone hoped the group was as exciting as it looked to be on paper. They wouldn’t have to wait long to find out….

----------------------------

The first game of the day pitted those historic foes, Mordor and Rohan. With the massive number of seats of Amon Hen Coliseum, visitors of but two squads could not hope to fill it up, thus most of the Anduin and Arnor crowds were there as well, and the remainder was filled by Gondorians, both local and from downriver. Under most circumstances fans wouldn’t have the cash to attend both games each round, but the number of seats allowed the tickets to be sold for a bit cheaper than usual.

Without a doubt the crowd was on the side of Rohan. They had quite a few of their own fans, plus the Gondorians were supporting them to a man. Lucky for Mordor, Sauron had ensured that a sizable travelling group would come in from Dol Guldur, so Mordor at least had one sizable portion of cheerers, and of course they were noisy and rowdy.

At 1 o’clock sharp the game started up, and quickly the crowd was singing and happy, for Rohan was looking impressive. The threat of Shelob appeared nicely contained by Windfola or Snowmane, and the King of the Dead had apparently given some advice on how to combat the ill effects of the Nazgul, or perhaps just being around him in practice constantly had inoculated them. Whatever the reason, Mordor could make no headway against the horse-lords, and at only 5 minutes Faramir and Eowyn played a nice combination and earned Brytta a clear look, but his shot went astray.

A few minutes later it was Helm with an opportunity, but he didn’t summon quite enough will to break through the resistance of the Silent Watcher, and the ball rebounded away. Finally around the 20 minute mark Mordor started seeing some possession and regained their composure, and changed up their tactics just a bit, threatening to spring counters and trying to keep Rohan from attacking as a team. The change did just enough to throw Rohan off their rhythm, and at near the half-hour mark Mordor gained their first real shot, and again a couple minutes later, but both drives by The Mouth were caught by a sure-handed Theoden.

To the dismay of the Men and Elves, just minutes before halftime Mordor drew first blood. Rohan was trying to press the attack a bit before the half, and Gorbag caught them out of position after a steal and a long ball let two Nazgul and Shelob looses on Theoden with only the two horses for help. Snowmane moved to Shelob, leaving Windfola to deal with the Nazgul and the ball. Windfola charged one to force the issue, but the Nazgul left the ball behind them, and no one had noticed Shagrat was loping up behind them. Both Nazgul charged past Windfola as Shagrat reached the ball and sent it skidding into the box. Rohan supporters were certain the pass had been late thus offsides should have been called, but no flag went up, and Theoden was helpless to stop it.

During the half the legality of the goal was the only subject discussed in the Rohan areas—folks from the opposite end made a point of wondering closer to the Rohan goal to ask the fans there what they had seen from their angle. The verdict was unanimous among those that were level with the play—the rear feet of the Nazgul were perhaps onside, but the rest of them certainly weren’t. The commentators tried to give the refs some benefit of doubt, saying that the fact that Windfola was a horse made there appear an illusion of offside, as the Nazgul were indeed past his head, shoulders, and front legs, and thus would be offside with any other person, but the horse had back legs and a tail, and the Nazgul perhaps weren’t beyond that.

At the start of the second half most were expecting Rohan to return to the field with a fury, but instead they looked calculating and controlled. Their discipline and intelligence controlled the opening 10 to 15 minutes, and then Mordor decided to crank up the aggression and break Rohan’s coolness. The Nazgul shrieked and the Orcs let loose warcries and Shelob began menacing the Rohan horses, posturing herself in a way clearly predatory in nature- and the horses recognized it as such.

Rohan protested Shelob’s behavior, saying it was not proper for her to frighten horses to the point where it impacted their play, but the refs insisted that intimidation was fair play, so long as it didn’t involve excess physical contact. And soon the tactic indeed played dividends, as Shelob found herself marked only by a little human on a cross, the horses scared to approach, and she struck it with her mighty head and Mordor was up by two goals!

Most Rohan fans and even a couple players looked like the fight was out of them, but most of the team looked ready to go to war—go all out for 30 more minutes and see if a draw was possible. For a couple minutes Faramir and Helm looked like they would succeeded in spurring Rohan to a comeback, both nearly put it past Silent Watcher with pinpoint midrange snipes, but then disaster!

The King of the Dead had been chippy with Gothmog II and Gorbag for much of the game, and since Mordor took the two-goal lead they’d been needling him constantly. Finally in his temper and desperation he went too far—he had already been carded for his behavior, and a tackle well after the ball was gone got him sent off the field.

The reaction among the Rohan supporters was impotent frustration and despair. Down two goals and a man short, they could not hope for a comeback. What fools they were for aligning themselves with Mr. Dead King—he wasn’t a proper Rohanian, and he had cost them the game.

Mordor made the most of their advantage in numbers, holding possession better than ever before and running the precious seconds away. And in the end there wasn’t really much to tell of the final minutes. Mordor smartly got the job done and soon they were exiting the coliseum with their fans, headed towards the docks to hitch a ride back to Amon Lhaw, where they planned to party the rest of the night.

Mordor 2-0 Rohan
on target 6-4
tot shots 15-12
GOALS:
*40, 1-0 Nazgul#2 (Shagrat)
*63, 2-0 Shelob (Nazgul#1)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Mordor- Mumakil, Mouth
*Rohan- Erkenbrand, King Dead, Hama
RED CARDS:
Rohan- King Dead (69, second yellow)

The departing Orcs were soon replaced by the few fans of Anduin and Arnor that didn’t attend the first match, as well as additional Gondorians. There was still some daylight left, but a few of the stadium lights were lit, and more would be lit periodically as the natural light faded.

After most of the fans were disappointed with the result of the first match, they were looking forward to seeing something to cheer them up—a good match between two well-liked squads. And the fans were not disappointed.

In the opening 20 minutes both sides showed their mettle. Grimbeorn was a powerful menace up front, and the athleticism of Eorl and powerful boot of Boromir complimented him, but Malbeth was farsighted for Arnor and could see the attacks coming, and Elendil the tall was powerful and denied any high ball in the box. At the other end of the pitch the Kings of Arnor flowed together like parts of one machine, while the Witch King threatened with his finishing power, but Fram and Celeborn were up to the task for Anduin.

They were testing one another, and each time the other side passed, and the crowd was enjoying things immensely. Eorl and Haldir both had a chance to show off their burst and ball tricks, but it never yielded a result, while the Witch King showed off his power with a 35-yard bending drive that Amroth was forced to deflect. But everyone knew the squads had more up their sleeves and just weren’t showing it yet. Who would be the first to really crank things up?

It would be the home side. At the 26 minute mark Celeborn made a surprise run forward through the middle and Leod got it to him immediately as Eorl and Haldir rushed to flank him. For a brief moment before the defenders converged Anduin had numbers enough to perhaps gain a clear lane to shoot through as they approached, and indeed Celeborn sent it over to Haldir who looked for certain he’d take a crack at it, but no—he sent it to the right side where Fram had charged up from his position, and though he wasn’t particularly close to goal Fram immediately struck. Arvedui drifted to his left to adjust to the new positioning, and Fram went back behind him to the far post, the ball travelling out away from the keeper only to curve back towards the goal upon passing him! It was a brilliant shot, and the home team had the lead!

But before the Anduin fans could get all their celebrating out of their system, Arnor was going to work, moving the ball with ease and precision not yet seen previously. It was obvious everyone was on the same page, and they were comfortable with one another. They had to be annoyed that Anduin had beaten them to the punch, but it didn’t effect their play negatively.

Already at the 30 minute mark Araphor forced Amroth to make another save, and minutes later he had to jump on a loose ball that had deflected off Felarof, who had surely saved a goal. The Witch King thrice managed to find space to fire on goal, but two of them went wide, while the other hit the top bar. The Elves of Lothlorien and men of Gondor and the Anduin Vales that were supporting Anduin grew quite nervous indeed.

But at 40 minutes it was sheer delight on their faces, as a lovely tackle by Lenwe led to a quick counter, and Haldir hung it up in front of the net and Grimbeorn with a pure burst of strength outmuscled and outleaped everyone for it and nosed it perfectly inside the side and top bars for the two goal lead!

In the second half Arnor came out looking dangerous again, but bit by bit the Anduin defense got better and better—they were learning the patterns and playing things smart, and the tireless effort of Celeborn, Lenwe, and Felarof could apparently not be matched by the mortals of Arnor. Soon it was Anduin that was more threatening, and after Boromir nearly scored off a corner and Eorl forced a difficult save, Arnor shut things down so as not to increase their negative goal differential.

Much to the disappointment of some fans—certainly those of other squads—Anduin was content to accept the surrender and reigned things in, and soon the clock showed time over, and the locals had reason to celebrate. There were fireworks over the lake, and showers of sparks shot outward from the falls, lightning them and their cliffs for miles downstream. Anduin was revealed to all viewers, and it was mighty—just like its football team.

Anduin 2-0 Arnor
on target 7-4
tot shots 16-13
GOALS:
*26, 1-0 Fram (Haldir)
*40, 2-0 Grimbeorn (Haldir)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Anduin- Felarof
*Arnor-

STANDINGS
Anduin______3 pts_____+2
Mordor______3 pts_____+2
Arnor_______0 pts_____-2
Rohan______0 pts_____-2