Arda Cup Football 2013

[Boromir88]

After the teams from Group D and G were eliminated the players returned to their homelands. There were no throngs, parades, or cheering crowds to greet them, just journalists and beat reporters asking the captains and personnel about next year:

GONDOR

The mood in Gondor was grim, but not depressing. I mean yes, FC Valinor was in their group, but still most Gondorians felt their team should have defeated Barad-Dur and qualified, especially since they were the host team of the group. They had not, and primarily it was their lack of goal-scoring this year. Eldacar, Anarion, and the rest just didn't deliver this year, as they had the last.

Anarion addressed the media: "We lost some money, but nothing that should bankrupt the owners or mean the team goes into a complete firesale mode. There probably won't be many changes, just some trimming here and there. If I have to accept less for my downturn in performance this year, then so be it. Hopefully we can target some annual travellers who would help us score some more goals. Gandalf, Isildur, or Eorl would be nice additions, but they might be content staying put and it would take a lot of money to lure them away. We can't overpay just to bring in one player."

ISENGARD"

As one of the lower salary teams, Isengard basically broke even despite their elimination. So there won't be any panic and Sauron (who is a co-owner with Saruman now) believes the talent on the team is good, they just need to strategize better and adjust game tactics. They were blown off the field by FC Valinor and that put Isengard in a large hole, that despite playing better in their other games, they just couldn't dig out of.

Saruman is already at work trying to use his Voice to win over potential free agents, but he refused to give any names at this time: "I called a couple former allies, and a couple enemies. And one or two of them may have been both at one time or another."

ANGFAUGLITH

This is a team that is likely in a lot of trouble. They've missed the playoffs 2 straight years and still have a high payroll. And the other investors are possibly planning what could be called a coup against the majority owner, Evil House (Morgoth).

The anger of the other investors (House Haleth, House Hador, Old Beor House in particular) began when apparently before the Angband-Angfauglith match Morgoth made a gentlemen's agreement to keep the game close and at most on a 1 goal differential. When Morgoth pushed for a 2nd goal after Gorgol's red card, it was seen as a broken promise. It should be noted, we don't put much stock in this story, because even if Morgoth had made that agreement, Angfauglith needs to know it was likely Morgoth hatching one of his tricks. But whatever the truth, it does mark the first noticeable divide between Evil House and the other owners.

A divide that has only been growing since Angfauglith's elimination, with the other owners now accusing Evil House of treating the team as an "Angband Junior" and not being aggressive enough in forming a stronger team. And we do see this as more credible, with Morgoth treating Angfauglith simply as a little-league team. After group play finished, one player from Angfauglith (who asked to remain anonymous) reported Morgoth approached and said: "Would you like to come up to the big leagues next year?" (aka play for Angband).

No one knows where Angfauglith is heading or planning next year, it is a volatile and growing more hostile situation every day.

IMLADRIS

Imladris' main problem was their low budget team was put in a tough group. They still didn't look particularly well against anyone, although Imladris is only down 4 million. With Arnor and Eriador already in the playoffs, Elrond's firm ownership over Imladris should still remain, just reinforcing the point that financially Imladris is fine.

Varda was gracious in talking to the media about next year: "Imladris is Elrond's house and so I would expect him to show the same careful hand and wise signings as he has for Arnor and Eriador. I know with how much the salary was reduced from 2012 to this year, it was asked if Imladris would just be a low-budget feeder team to make money that Lord Elrond would then spend on the deemed more important clubs. A large part of the payroll cut this year was simply losing some key highly priced players, like Elros, to other teams. We'll be adding talent for sure next year and start negotiating trades with our sister clubs, like Arnor and Eriador."

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Elenrod: Question: How many Inter Beleriand players does it take to change a light bulb? Answer: None; they’ll be doing fine for a while before they blow it at the last moment. Today: giving you more stomach acids than you can handle, Gondolin and Misty Mts leave it ‘til the 84th minute to secure qualification. Meanwhile, Glorfindel and Éomer play spoiler as their late goals slam the door on Wilderland and the Sea’s chances of advancing. All these stories, post-game interviews, goals of the week, and more in The Matchday. Today we’ll be discussing all the results of the third group stage round; unfortunately we won’t have time to talk about the last sixteen fixtures, but we’ll be saving them all for a special episode of The Matchday: Extra Time sometime later this week. With us today are the usual suspects: Tactics expert Maikalomion, fresh from a trip to Gondolin.

Maika: Hi. Yeah, I’ve just covered Group B for TENT. The food in the press box in the Stadium on the Rock was fantastic.

Adam: But I bet it’s nothing compared to what we had in Tol Eressëa.

Elenrod: And that was not an economist, Adam Smith, who went all the way to the eastern shores of Aman to cover Group F.

Felagundion: And I just watched all the games from here.

Elenrod: Of course, blogger Felagundion, that’s because you’re our captive pundit. And long will that continue.

Felagundion: Tsk. Don’t I have a filthy rich relative who’s about to kick the bucket and pass me some windfall?

Maika: Erm, we Elves don’t die.

Felagundion: Argh! The lot of you, the whole Eä, you’re all conspiring against me!

Elenrod: That must be similar to how Fingon and Maedhros feel, being dumped thrice in a row under very heart-breaking circumstances.

Felagundion: Ooh, well… not to that extent. Those poor lads.

Elenrod: So I guess we’ll go over Groups B and F first. Now, what happened at the Stadium on the Rock?

Maika: I don’t know why everyone’s forgotten about it—well, I guess it’s because he’s been eliminated in the round of sixteen twice in a row after winning the cup—but Maeglin is a proven match-winner. He’s someone who can go, ‘Sod it, I can’t lose this game,’ and just take over.

Felagundion: And Rog—good Eru, Rog—, he stepped up when it mattered.

Adam: Also, when I watched from my hotel room aboard Tol Eressëa, I saw Inter had no one who could challenge Tuor in the air. Gondolin had their Penlod the Tall to mark Maedhros the Tall, but Tuor won a lot of aerial balls—at least, those delivered decently, but even some of the poor ones. And his winner… that was like a slam dunk leap in basketball.

Elenrod: I liked the Gondolin supporters’ chant after that: ‘Silverfoot, Goldenhead, a match made in heaven.’

Maika: Someone screamed, ‘Tuor Deeney’ at him from near the press box. That was fun.

Felagundion: And before that, a few Gondolin supporters shouted, ‘Do a Doncaster!’ when Rog saved that penalty. It was loud enough that I heard it on TV.

Elenrod: What now for Inter? Do they break it up?

Adam: It would be tempting to say that. They were so close, again. And they lost to Gondolin, again. I think it’s more a mental thing than anything. For example, I think Beren should have taken that penalty—Fingon had too much baggage of being eliminated in the last game of the group stage to have full confidence in putting that penalty away.

Felagundion: Interesting that you mentioned Beren. He said that he and Lúthien would be coming back next year, because going out that way left a sour taste in his mouth. Maedhros then hinted that Lúthien might reinforce their weak midfield—certainly, Forweg and Hunthor were easily panicked by Maeglin and Duilin’s pressing.

Elenrod: What about Turgon’s comments to the press about missing his kingdom?

Maika: Someone asked Maedhros about it. ‘Would Turgon leave Inter?’ He said that he didn’t know what his half-cousin’s plans were, but he said that, ‘Whatever he decides to do, I’d wish him the best. Besides, with the people we have here, there will be no shortage of folks looking to come here and play together again.’

Elenrod: So I resounding ‘I don’t know’, then?

Maika: I read it as, ‘We’re ready either way.’ Which is good. This team will eventually figure it out. They’re too good to keep getting left out of the knockout rounds.

Elenrod: Right, then. On to the scenes at Tumladen Park. What do you make of it?

Felagundion: AC Bel proved that they’re one of the favourites to win the whole thing, plain and simple.

Maika: I like how their full-backs stormed forward for the opening goal. I was getting worried that they’d forgotten how to do that. Once they get to the knockout stages they’ll have to figure out how to throw the kitchen sink at teams who park the bus. I mean, compared to last year, when Bregolas was their sole holding midfielder, they now have a double pivot, so they have four players who can help stop those counterattacks that they were so vulnerable to last year.

Elenrod: Okay. So, what is the future for this Dwarves United squad? If that Gimli halfway line shot had gone in, would it have all ended differently for them?

Felagundion: No. I’d expect AC Bel would still attack them, and they’d still sit deep and play it long to Leggy, so the only thing that would’ve changed is the score line. 3-1 instead of 3-0.

Adam: I don’t agree. AC Bel’s opener came from their full-backs storming forward. Would they have done the same had they been a goal down?

Maika: I think they would have, but they would have done so later in the game, maybe around the hour mark if they still haven’t broken Dwarf U down by then.

Adam: That’s true… Fëanor’s that kind of tactician. By the way, I’m worried for the Dwarves’ finances. They made a profit last year and reinvested it into the squad, but now they’re in for huge losses. Factor in Erebor’s elimination, and we could see an offseason of tightened belts in the Dwarf U squad.

Felagundion: Not an economist, eh? But I agree. I wonder what would happen to Celebrimbor and Galadriel. I do hope we pick up Celebrimbor.

Maika: But it’s more likely that Galadriel’s leaving. Aulë hinted in the post-match presser that they’re planning to add a bit of size and speed to the very rear. Also, he said that they were unlucky to be in this year’s group of death, and they should probably be one of the sixteen best teams in the tourney. I don’t know about his second statement, but his first one’s spot on. Only goal difference separated them from Gondolin the second seed.

Elenrod: I guess that’s it for Group B. Now, Adam, what can you say about the last matchday of Group F?

Adam: As a neutral, it was a feast of great goals. But since we’re talking about our favourite goals later…

Maika: One of them was deflected, though.

Adam: Which one?

Maika: Éomer’s goal glanced off Ossë’s shin. If you watch the replay, you’ll see his sock flutter a little.

Adam: Was it? Oh, that explains it. I was thinking, ‘Unreal technique, giving a bicycle kick such spin.’ Well, that’s no good, then. He really is rubbish, as Denny said.

Felagundion: You should’ve seen the anguish of Tirion and the Sea fans after Finrod scored that unbelievable equaliser. ‘Did we blow it? Will the Sea score another goal?’ ‘Did we blow it? What if Tirion don’t get another goal?’

Adam: I thought you’re supposed to be under house arrest?

Felagundion: I have friends who are fans of other teams. They text me a lot.

Adam: Right. Anyway, the Sea’s lack of a prolific goalscorer got found out. All of their front four can put it into the net, but none of them is the brace or hat-trick type of striker.

Maika: Also, Minas Tirith were defensively solid, crowding out the Sea’s midfielders so they couldn’t get the ball forward easily. If only they’d done the same to Tirion…

Elenrod: Maybe they’d make Mardil a permanent captain of their squad; he seems to get his tactics right. What’s next for Minas Tirith?

Felagundion: Éomer’s gone; I don’t think he’d stay after the abuse he got from Denny. Also, Mardil said that he’d been looking at Armenelos’ games—in some ways they’re similar teams, possessing athletic players who have roughly the same level of talent (although, of course, the level of talent in Númenor is much higher than in Gondor.) That means they might try out a back three, too. I’m interested in that; Cirion looks like he’d be a good wing-back.

Elenrod: And the Sea? They’re one of the most expensive teams in the competition. This must hurt.

Adam: The Sea’s backers have deep pockets, so I don’t think they’d worry about the sunk costs so much as the failure to make a dent in their tournament position. Last year, at least they got out of the group and were eliminated by the eventual champions, but now they’re eliminated by what are, at best, quarterfinals-level teams.

Felagundion: I resent that. Nargothrond have a proper cup-winning squad. But anyway, the Sea lost by the narrowest of margins—goal difference, basically down to goals scored. Ulmo said in the press conference afterwards that he might add a free agent scorer, but that would mean reshuffling their line-up.

Maika: I hope Voronwë stays in his position; he’s one of the few complete midfielders in this year’s tournament—he can tackle, he can read the opposition’s attack and their defence, not to mention that he has the passing range to exploit the holes in defences he can see.

Elenrod: Right, now let’s swiftly go over the rest of the groups, starting with Group A. Thoughts?

Maika: I saw an interesting statistic about the Havens. In Group A, they were actually dominant in terms of total shots ratio, the percentage of total shots in a game taken by a team. The Haven’s TSR is 54%; Valimar’s is 50%, meaning they shoot once for every shot they allow. Armenelos’ opponents actually take more shots in a game than they do. So I think the problem with the Havens, why they can’t turn that shot dominance into game dominance, was finishing and goalkeeping.

Felagundion: Well, Amandil is atrocious, third-worst keeper this year. And Eärendil isn’t exactly a clinical finisher. Remember, when he was Eregion’s lone striker back in 2011, it was Glorfindel who was shouldering the scoring load from the midfield during the group stage, before he stepped up a little during their last few games.

Elenrod: On to Group C, then.

Adam: Children vs adults. What else can one say? Doriath and Shire-Bree performed better than expected, but Real still have that championship pep in their step, and Hithlum are serious about qualifying again after last year’s disaster.

Elenrod: And Group D?

Maika: Sauron proved that he is indeed the most talented non-FC Val player in that group, misdirecting a talented goalie like Huan in his equaliser. They ended up losing the match, but that goal was what put them over Gondor into the next round.

Felagundion: Also, Anarion did so little against Isengard. You’d have expected him to take charge and orchestrate their attacks, but nothing. Was last year a fluke?

Elenrod: We’re really going through this really quickly. Group E, then.

Adam: I think we’ll have to slow down for this one. This was an insane group. Eriador really slacked off, which was understandable, considering they’ve already won their group. But that was dangerous, considering that if they do that in the knockout stage, they’d be out.

Maika: I think that, more than the Witch-king, Eriador really miss Valandil. I thought Valandil was an understated cog in last year’s Eriador; he was an unfussy defensive midfielder, masterful at nipping counterattacks at the bud, but he also initiated their attacks with short quick passes to the attacking midfield trio in front of him. With him, Eriador had more surety, purpose, directness in possession, so that they could actually control the game instead of just being solid defensively.

Adam: I agree. We’ve talked about how scoring goals is more important in the group stage, and defending more important come the knockout rounds, but the favourites—the Valinors, AC Bel, this year’s TiG—, they control the game. They can score well and defend well because they can take the ball anytime they like. A complete holding midfielder can make an attacking team stronger defensively, and he can make a defensive team feel safer going forward—he completes a team. Last year’s Eriador can commit up to five players on the attack because the six players behind them are so comfortable dealing with any counterattack. Araphant and Arador just don’t give them that kind of confidence.

Felagundion: So basically Valandil is wasted at goal—he’s rubbish at Imladris. But the other game: What happened to Erebor’s defence? It’s like they dropped off a cliff. Beorn was terrible, and their defenders looked disorganised. Was Gwaihir that important?

Elenrod: It looked like it—his side won, after all.

Maika: And as I’ve been saying, Durin’s Bane, Narvi, Azog, and Rumil are a well-balanced strike team. You have power, pace, energy, and technique spread out among them. I won’t be surprised even if they score vs FC Val.

Elenrod: Oops, hold on, we’ll leave that for another time. Moving on to Group G… TiG pulled an Eriador? Decided to take an early holiday?

Adam: Something like that. Also, Angband are prone to those lapses of concentration that should have been ironed out this late in the tournament. A similar error against AC Bel would be the end of their run.

Felagundion: I’m somewhat sad for Anfauglith. They had that target man-quick man pairing that looked top-class, but their lack of midfield came back to bite them.

Maika: There should be a lot of cheap, underrated midfielders out there. For example, Bregolas is out of contract, and he did well for AC Bel last year. Teams should just be more persistent in finding those players.

Elenrod: Last group, Group H.

Felagundion: What is up with Sauron and his teams? He scores against the best team in his group, and Mordor draw with the best team in their group. I won’t be surprised if they turn out to have been using performance-enhancing rings.

Elenrod: I do need to tell you, Felagundion, that if you do get sued for slander, you’re on your own.

Adam: Isn’t anyone worried that Arnor only scored once against Rohan?

Maika: Well, the Witch-king and Araphor aren’t exactly whom you’d call volume scorers. And they were playing rather passively for the second half.

Elenrod: I suppose that’s it for our discussion of matchday three. Goal of the week time. Let’s start with you, Felagundion. I know exactly what you’d choose: Finrod’s equaliser vs Tirion.

Felagundion: Felagund will http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgqsaDnsEq8]pants you and your friends[/url] for the whole world to see. It was incredible how he made Irimë, Amrod, and Amras look like Sunday league players.

Elenrod: There were a lot of good goals in the other game, too. I’m sure a lot of people had to change pants after Vëantur’s through pass for Tar-Meneldur, but Tar-Minastir’s goal http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfgNj7wH2VA]from an impossible angle[/url] takes the cake for me.

Adam: Was Isildur’s flick-on for Glorfindel’s equaliser vs Wilderland a rabona? It seemed like he passed it from behind his legs. If it was, why doesn’t he always demonstrate that level of technique every game?

Maika: Adam already described Tuor’s winner vs Inter, but I also liked Gondolin’s second goal. The cohesion of their front line is just a joy to watch. But my favourite goal was Sauron’s one-on-one with Huan. I’ve already talked about it, but really, to have the audacity to face a two-time Arda Cup winning goalie like that, dummy him, then chip it over him… Like I said, I don’t think anyone expected them to win, but it was that goal that proved the difference in their qualification.

Elenrod: I guess that’s it for today. Don’t worry, viewers, we will be back sometime again this week for our round of sixteen preview. Thanks again to the Maika, to Adam, and to Felagundion. We might have a special guest for our Extra episode, so do tune in for that. We’ll see you again soon.

[Boromir88]

It's that time again for TTN's star performances in the 3rd round. Also, we have special stars for the best overall peformances during group play. Since the top single game performers can overlook strong, consistent performances over a span of multiple games, TTN will award special stars as we see fitting.

We will be explaining less the awarded stars in Round 3 (since what we're looking for should be clearer now) and instead explain the awarded special stars more.

Stars (Round 3)

ONE STAR

GK- Huor (Hithlum)
GK- Tulkas (Real Valinor)
GK- Manwe (Valimar)
GK- Orodreth (Nargothrond)
GK- Silent Watcher (Mordor)

DF- Morgoth (Angband)
DF- Fingolfin (AC Beleriand)
DF- Tilion (Real Valinor)
DF- Namo (Valimar)
DF- Caradhras (Misty Mts)

Here we'll just say Caradhras was given a star because of its stout efforts in holding a potent Erebor attack to 1 goal. Misty Mts defensive performance was key to it's surprise 2nd place finish in Group E. (Well a surprise to everyone except TTN who stated Erebor's temper would be their undoing. Although, we had said Thorin would be red-carded in the game, and it ended up being Bolg instead. Can't be 100% all the time.)

MF- Nessa (Real Valinor)
MF- Arassuil (Arnor)
MF- Elros (Armenelos)
MF- Argon (FC Valinor)
MF- Ulfast (Angband)

FW- Finrod (Nargothrond)
FW- Maeglin (Gondolin)
FW- Maedhros (Inter Beleriand)
FW- Sauron (Barad-Dur)
FW- Aredhel (Tirion)

Here we'll explain Sauron's goal and overall leadership in the match against FC Valinor is deserving of a star. It kept Barad-Dur in 2nd and eliminated Gondor. Aredhel's inclusion is more for the consistent performance. Her 3 goals in 3 games were arguably the biggest reason Tirion made it back to the playoffs this year.

TWO STAR

GK- Tar Atanamir (Armenelos)
GK- Arvedui (Arnor)

DF- Balrog #4 (AC Beleriand)
DF- Gwaihir (Misty Mts)

MF- Hador (Hithlum)
MF- Mahtan (Tirion)

FW- Arien (Valimar)
FW- Turin (Hithlum)

THREE STAR

And the best performance of Round 3 goes to...

Tuor, FW from Gondolin.

After deciding Tuor's game opening and then game-winning goal in the 84th minute was a notch above Arien's and Turin's 2 goals each it was a nearly endless debate between Tuor and Gwaihir. I mean there really was no arguable difference between the two. Yes, Tuor scored 2 goals, but that's also the job of the forwards. Gwaihir did it's job by leading the defense, but also a bit more by getting a late game-winning goal. And both games were must win to advance matches for their respective teams. We had to re-vote 4 times, as our Beleriand voters and Middle-earth voters kept creating a dead even split.

In the end, one representative from Middle-earth (who will remain anonymous of course) switched to Tuor.

-----

Now then the special stars. These are awarded based on the best and most consistent performances from the first 3 games in the tournament.

Best Forward - Scatha (Wilderland). The dragons 4 goals was tops amongst all other forwards. 3 stars.

Best Mid-fielder - Argon (FC Valinor). Several forwards had 3 goals and 1 assist, Argon was the only MF in the group. After Curufin stole the show in the Game 1, Argon really has been FC's best player over the full 3 games. 3 stars.

Best Defender - NilpWolf (TIG). Tied with Tilion and Ingwion with the most fantasy points (16). But TIG has allowed the fewest shots on goal, and only allowed 1 goal. NilpWolf is thus awarded 3 stars. And for arguably being one of the best defenses in group play the other TIG defenders (BoroWolf, GaladWight, Drauglin) are given 2 stars each.

Best Goalie(s) -

Tulkas for the best SV% (90%). 3 stars.

For the most saves (15) while still having a Sv% over 80%...Tar Atanamir is awarded 2 stars.

Not to degrade Arvedui's equal stats to Tar Atanamir, but we went with Tar Atanamir based on a tougher group and thus saving shots off Earendil, Bombadil, and Arien have more weight than...Grimbeorn, Shelob, and Helm.

Finally, the best overall defense - Real Valinor. Allowed only 1 goal in 3 games (same as TIG and FC Valinor). FC Valinor's defensive stats, while being impressive needs to be looked at in the light that they were going against 3 clearly inferior opponents. Real Valinor held Hithlum to just 1 goal and that is a remarkable feat. Then their two shutouts against Doriath and Shire-Bree, while those two teams are not offensive powerhouses...they are certainly no worse than Gondor and Isengard.

Tilion, Ingwion, Nahar, Nienna. 3 stars each.

TTN's Stars after Group Round

6

GK Tar Atanamir (Armenelos)
DF NilpWolf (TIG)
MF Argon (FC Valinor)

5

DF Tilion (Real Valinor)
DF Ingwion (Real Valinor)
FW Scatha (Wilderland)

4

GK Arvedui (Arnor)
GK Tulkas (Real Valinor)

3

DF Nienna (Real Valinor)
DF Nahar (Real Valinor)
MF Hador (Hithlum)
FW Sauron (Barad Dur)
FW Curufin (FC Valinor)
FW Tuor (Gondolin)
FW Turin (Hithlum)
FW Legolas (Dwarves Utd)

Then a whole bunch at 2 stars...

(Italics are eliminated players)

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Elenrod: Dear viewers, your televisions aren’t broken. This is The Matchday: Extra Time. It’s basically the same show as The Matchday, just with a different name, because that’s the kind of imagination that you get here. Today: the cast of The Children of Húrin meet on a football pitch in High Faroth; you know one of Nargothrond and Hithlum will end in tears. Elsewhere: is it still a siege if both teams are on the defensive? Sauron’s Barad-dûr visit Eriador again after their Second Age encounter. Meanwhile, can anyone stop a fourth Valinor derby in two years from happening? Our panel discusses whether Tirion or Misty Mts have a hope in hell of doing so. All that and much, much more in The Matchday: Extra Time.

Iorithil: You’d probably need to catch your breath after that.

Elenrod: He’s back! After weeks of hiding, Quenta Noldorin Sport’s Iorithil is with us once again.

Adam: Do you have a new book out again, I wonder?

Elenrod: And you probably thought never the twain shall meet. It’s not an economist, Adam Smith.

Iorithil: Nope, no new book. Although I am in the process of writing one.

Maika: Haha, well, there goes my suspicion that you’re both just the same person.

Elenrod: Determined not to get left behind, our tactics guru, Maikalomion, is also here.

Felagundion: I am getting paid extra for this extra time, am I not?

Elenrod: Of course, you are, blogger Felagundion. Now, let’s discuss the upcoming last sixteen ties. Making our way through the bracket, let’s start with Valimar hosting Arnor. Hm, haven’t we seen this fixture before?

Iorithil: 2010 Arda Cup Round of Sixteen, Norbury at Valimar. The game ended 2-1, with Araphor scoring both goals, including the winner.

Felagundion: ‘Araphor scoring the winner’ is such a clichéd phrase.

Elenrod: Anyone thinks the same thing would happen?

Adam: It could, but I think it wouldn’t, for two reasons. Number one: Arien. Yes, she was in that ill-fated Valimar squad, but she hasn’t won the cup then. She’d drive Valimar forward, dropping deep to collect the ball herself if necessary. Number two, and more importantly, Wiki. By which to say he’d draw the righteous wrath of the Valar.

Maika: Well, if Arien does drop deep, she still has to depend on Irmo and Ingwë moving forward; otherwise they’d just be playing in front of Arnor’s defence. Isn’t the accusation levelled towards Manwë’s teams is that they lacked incision in the final third?

Felagundion: Manwë teams are such a pain to predict. They’re usually more talented than their opponents, but they can lose—have lost—for the silliest of reasons.

Elenrod: So, has the jury reached a verdict?

Adam: Arnor’s offence hasn’t impressed at all in that unflattering Group H, so I’d guess a safe 1-0 Valimar.

Elenrod: All right, then, let’s move on to our first grudge match. Dagor-nuin-Giliath or Dagor Bragollach—whatever you want to call it—, Angband visiting AC Bel’s Lakeside Arena at Mithrim. Can Morgoth pull out something extra to beat Fëanor’s steamroller?

Adam: There are two things two bear in mind here. Number one: AC Bel are better than Angband. Anfauglith are a tough team, but Inter, Dwarf U, and Gondolin are also good, so that’s three wins against good teams for AC Bel vs only one for Angband. Number two: AC Bel’s playing style eliminates a lot of the randomness that gives weaker teams a chance to beat a stronger team. Fact is, the only team they lost to last year, Real Valinor, were better than them, so don’t expect any sucker punches to knock AC Bel out.

Maika: There’s another team that AC Bel didn’t beat last year—Doriath drew with them after going behind by two goals. They exploited AC Bel’s weakness at the time, their lack of width, and crowded out Fëanor, Eöl, and Beren in the middle. Also, they had Beleg and Lúthien, players who were clinical in finishing the few chances Doriath had.

Iorithil: Ancalagon is also a clinical finisher, I think. Morgoth is, as well, at least on set pieces. And in open, play, they have pace through their spine of cat players in defence and midfield, as well as the excellent supporting striker Tevildo. Though Angband won’t have a weakness of AC Bel to exploit now, but they basically have a better defence than Doriath, anyway.

Elenrod: So Angband have a chance?

Adam: Everyone always has a chance against everyone else—that is, until AC Bel record 60+% possession and allow Angband to shoot only five times the whole game. I think 2-0 AC Bel

Elenrod: Felagundion, you were a little quiet back there. Maybe Real Valinor vs Tirion is more to your liking?

Felagundion: Not really. But if you want, I’ll chip in. Real beat Tirion last year. Tirion got much stronger, and Real were weakened—a little. But I expect the same result: 2-1 Real

Elenrod: Well, that was quick.

Iorithil: I agree with him. Real kept the spine of their championship team: Tulkas, Tilion, Nienna, Nessa, Nerdanel, and Míriel. Basically, those players were instrumental in beating five tough teams—and Rohan—in their championship run. And this new group has to be confident after finally not losing to FC Val after three tries.

Elenrod: And there’s a good chance they’ll be meeting again, what with FC Valinor facing Misty Mts in another round of sixteen tie. Maika, do you think Misty Mts have a chance? You have been raving a lot about their front four.

Maika: Haha, well, I said they could score against FC Val, but I also think FC Val could score three or four against them.

Adam: How about Argon, eh? What a player. He got his first Arda Cup cap last year after years of being ignored, and now he’s probably the most important cog in this FC Valinor machine.

Felagundion: I wouldn’t go that far. He has the same stats—three goals and an assist—as Curufin.

Adam: But good defences are already used to dealing with Celegorm and Curufin. And Yavanna seems to have hit a rough patch of form. Argon is their most consistent performer during the group stage. Well, him and the back four, I guess.

Maika: That is true. They allowed only a little over eight shots per game, against teams that are technically offensive in style. Huan had to save just five shots the whole group stage—Arvedui of Arnor and Tar-Atanamir of Armenelos made that many saves per game.

Elenrod: Your call?

Maika: Hmm, I said Misty Mts could score against them, but I don’t think so. 3-0 FC Val.

Elenrod: And now we move on to a lesser rivalry: Barad-dûr at Weathertop, playing Elrond’s Eriador.

Iorithil: I have a feeling this is an almighty upset in the making.

Elenrod: Really, now, Iorithil? Why?

Iorithil: I watched your show last time, when Maika mentioned Valandil as one of their important players from last year. Of course, they also lost Wiki, Malbeth, and two of their attacking midfielders, Arahael and Arassuil. That’s a lot of corporate knowledge gone. Well, their defence is still top-notch, as you’d expect, but their defence-to-attack transitions look discombobulated.

Maika: Well, if NogWight grafts well into that system, he could help. He was a fine forward for the Wolves, good finisher, of course, but also excellent in linking up with the midfielders. With Eriador, he uses his positional intelligence and industry to link midfield and attack, driving them forward with his running and short passing. He hasn’t formed a seamless rapport with Glorfindel, Isildur, and Arveleg yet, but if they click…

Adam: But would Sauron give him time? Last year, Barad-dûr were full of energy, but it was all headless-chicken-running-around-the pitch style. This year they’re really snapping to tackles, pressuring ball-handlers, cutting into passing lanes, like what Sauron urged his 2011 Wilderland team to do against Valinor. And Grishnákh is still a pretty good goalie, even if he’s dropped off from his unsustainable preseason form.

Elenrod: So, what do y’all think?

Iorithil: Hmmm… 1-1, with Eriador edging it in penalties.

Adam: Sounds about right, though I wouldn’t be surprised if Sauron nicks a winner in extra time.

Elenrod: Next up is probably the marquee event of the last sixteen, in terms of goalscoring potential: Hithlum visiting Nargothrond at the High Faroth Arena.

Adam: Bookies are putting the over/under of total goals scored in this game at five. I wouldn’t be surprised if they repeated the seven-goal thriller they had in a friendly match last year.

Felagundion: Hithlum don’t have a midfield, and Nargothrond keep the ball well. I expect they’d score less than three goals.

Iorithil: The Túrin vs Glaurung angle is interesting, even if they’re on totally opposite sides of the pitch. Well, there’s also Nienor, Gwindor, Finduilas, Húrin, Morwen…

Maika: Remember how Gwindor burned Hithlum in that friendly Adam mentioned? I think he scored a first-half hat trick then. Reckon he’d do the same this year?

Adam: Arroch did a pretty decent job on Míriel. I think Nargothrond won’t have any single mismatch to exploit; they’d have to keep their offence flowing. That’s their forte, anyway.

Elenrod: And on the other end? Túrin is back, Húrin is there, and so is Hador. What would Orodreth and company do?

Felagundion: That’s a big question. They have the pace to exploit Nargothrond’s high line, and they’re superb finishers; excellent at set pieces, too. It’ll be defending from the front again for Nargothrond, preventing the ball from getting to Hithlum’s forward line through high pressing. Good news is, none of Hithlum’s back four is a good ball-handler, aside from the Balrog.

Elenrod: So what’s your call on this?

Felagundion: I fear Hithlum won’t be denied, but Nargothrond can control this game. 3-2 Nargothrond.

Elenrod: That’s it, then. Tol-in-Gaurhoth-Gondolin, anyone? Gondolin have to be pretty confident after their drama-filled victory over rivals Inter.

Iorithil: The way TiG are playing, it doesn’t matter which of Inter or Gondolin they face. It’ll be one-sided.

Maika: Yeah. The Wolves are excellent in all three areas of the pitch, and ShastaWolf bounced back from his horrible 2012 and is, once again, one of the best goalies of the tournament.

Iorithil: Considering how weak their side of the bracket is, I’d be surprised if they don’t make it to the finals. 2-0 TiG, but 3-0 is also possible.

Elenrod: Last we have Anduin hosting Armenelos. Armenelos lost top seed to Valimar by the narrowest of margins, but Anduin won their group quite convincingly.

Felagundion: Except against Mordor.

Elenrod: That is true, that is true. So, do they have a chance?

Maika: This is a pretty good Armenelos side. Anduin have talent, but most of this crew won an Arda Cup together. They’ve never been eliminated before the quarterfinals, except last year, and even then they gave the eventual champions Real a pretty good fight in that last group stage match. Ar-Pharazôn is golden again, and Elros has seamlessly slotted into that number ten role, chipping in a goal and two assists.

Adam: Yeah. It’s just their bad luck that it looks like they’d be meeting TiG next round. The Wolves have been their bogey team for quite some time now—2008 and 2011 come to mind. Otherwise, they have a good chance of beating Eriador and getting to the finals.

Elenrod: So the score?

Maika: 2-1 Armenelos. Anduin have a good attack, and a pretty solid defence. But Armenelos’ talent and experience should see them through.

Elenrod: And with that, we’ve come to the end of our program. Many thanks again to our panel. Iorithil, a pleasure to have you here.

Iorithil: I want to be back again next time.

Elenrod: And we’d love to have you again. Maika, what are your plans?

Maika: I’m going to Weathertop to cover Eriador-Barad-dûr.

Elenrod: And you, Adam?

Adam: I thought I was covering Nargothrond-Hithlum alone, but surprisingly—

Felagundion: The folks upstairs are letting me go with him.

Elenrod: Good for you, Felagundion. Have a fabulous week, everyone. We’ll meet again soon.

[the phantom]

Trouble With Hosting in Valimar
Philip McPhantom, MESPN News

In the days leading up to the first round of the playoffs there were many in Valimar that worried they wouldn’t have their grand arena prepared to host. They had hosted Group A during the group stages, and one of the visiting teams was The Barrow-Downs, which always brought with it a rowdy group of Wights, and they had done no small amount of damage to the stadium.

The match reports that covered the final round of group play for the most part didn’t include the gory details—either because much of it took place immediately following the game, or because the Valar were leaning on the press to suppress the embarrassing happenings. Everyone knew that the mischievous Wights had cut the ropes that operate the stadium bells (during all three rounds no less), and some of the bells had been dented or scratched by Wights hurling stones at them (in order to celebrate away goals). But the Wights stepped up their vandalism in a major way for the final round—actually succeeding in cutting some of the bells down and sending them crashing down the stone shafts beneath them, as well as painting on the walls, pulling decorative plants and trees up by the roots, slashing tapestries, emptying food stands of supplies, and that’s not even half the list.

In many cases the hosts would not themselves feel embarrassed, as they would be victims—the perpetrators should feel the embarrassment! But the Valar, Manwe in particular, was taking a lot of heat for the incidents, as his new policies (made for the sake of the games) were cited as the biggest reason for the damage. The policies were curiously inconsistent (as Tulkas and Orome in particular pointed out)—they were quite hands-off and free in allowing any and all into Valinor, but then restrictive inside the stadium (outlawing even ornamental or sheathed weapons). But by far the law receiving the most criticism was the one strictly punishing those caught fighting in or around the arena, as the law made no allowance whatsoever for justification—i.e. if an Elf were attacked by a pack of Orcs he would be locked up if he fought to escape. Not to mention it would be extremely difficult for Valinor to hold and punish a foreigner (like one of the Barrow-Wights), and so really the law only effectively hamstringed the Valinoreans themselves.

The trouble-making Wights were very emboldened by the rules, knowing they could do anything they pleased and the locals wouldn’t dare try and stop them, or even be equipped to do so if they wanted to. Needless to say the results were disastrous, and the law-abiding Elves and Ainur could only watch in utter rage as the Wights desecrated their playing grounds. There were authorized security forces on hand, but it wasn’t nearly enough for the large-scale and organized attack, and they were able to take very few prisoners. Those that they did capture quickly made use of the progressive in-out passage laws and restrictions and had themselves removed to captivity in their homeland, where instead of being punished they were congratulated, while some Wights merely vanished into the vapors of the underworld and spirited themselves away, giggling all the while.

“Everyone was so excited to host in the Blessed Realm after the ban was lifted,” said Tirion’s captain Finwe. “They did rectify some of the problems that were present last time, but unfortunately they created a host of new problems by moving too fast in a new direction.” When asked if the problems would continue in the playoffs, Finwe sounded hopeful. “Well, of the 6 teams playing games in the Blessed Realm in this slate of games, only the Misty Mts is likely to bring destructive fans, and they’ll be playing here in Tirion rather than Valimar. Manwe has given me permission to have some of our own rules here, and needless to say I’ve taken precautions.”

Football fans around Arda can only hope that Finwe’s positive outlook will prove to be realistic.

[Nogrod]

Here's The AKM's short report from Valinor as the AKM is going to cover two games from there live as the games take place.

It is going to be a footballing nirvana in Valinor – after the ban of last year a total of three games of the eight first round matches will be played on sacred soil. Three group-winners from eight groups is a serious show by which Valinor challenges even Beleriand for the highest quality of football on Arda.



Real Valinor would be playing in Valmar at Tulkas’ and Nessa’s home stadium – well at their home to be precise. As everyone familiar with the Book of Lost Tales knows, under the tower of bronze and wide arcade of pillars of copper Tulkas has a court for visitors to play and rival each other in feats. During the time it was enlarged into a stadium for all kinds of competitions from pankration to javelin throwing and running – and finally to suit also football with a capacity of forty-five thousand specatators.

As one can gather, it is not the greatest stadium in size but it has history of thousands of years as a ground for feats – where young Fëanor showed his might as well as all the Maiar and some of the Valar who took part in the famous games of Tulkas. It was here Eönwë had shown his might the first time forcing the great Oromë himself into a draw in wrestling, it was here Nessa had outran Arien in the famous duel days long past… and it was called plainly “the Court”.

Now some called it “the court of Tulkas”, some called it “the court of laughter” or “the court of strength” – and some even called it “the court of fallen heroes”, referring to the games lost by even the greatest heroes on that stand facing even greater heroes… but everyone knows it with the name “the Court”.

The MESPN has already reported on the problems at Valmar’s Grand Stadium and it’s environment – where Manwë’s Valimar will be playing their first play-off game – so we need not delve into that. We only feel it decent to report that a few Wights did dare to venture to the outskirts of the great city but seeing Tulkas’ guards around his homestead they made the wise decision to retreat. Manwë might have his rule but Tulkas is not known to be lenient against anyone he thought was not deserving it.




While team Tirion would be playing against Real Valinor in neighbouring city of Valmar, their joint stadium at the city of Tirion upon Túna would be occupied by the city’s other Arda Cup team FC Valinor playing against the Misty Mountains from the Middle Earth.

The stadium is called “The Terrace of Túna” – or TT among the locals. It was built at the lowest terrace of the inner city towards the sea, under the shadow of Mindon Eldaliéva and it’s famous silver lantern shining to the sea and not far from the great square where the White tree used to flourish.

The stadium itself doesn’t boast the history of Tulkas’ Court or the grandeur of Manwë’s Grand Stadium at Valmar, but especially to the Noldor that is their stadium – and during winter-season both Tirion United and Tirion City play on that field. So it is the heart of Noldorian football – and with space up to almost sixty-thousand spectators – it is also spacious enough to host even bigger games.

As MESPN reported, Finwë had received a permission from Manwë to be able to enforce some tougher rules on vandalism and general ill-behaviour in the city. Now he would not be looking after them personally and Ingwë would also be playing at Valmar, but the brothers Curufin and Celegorm have promised publicly to look after the general safety of the city – with the reaction that Manwë has appointed Eönwë and Argon to act as lieutenants to the brothers with their own orders straight from him. And it is also rumoured that the high numbers of the Great Eagles coming to the city on the eve of the games is a part of the package Manwë and Yavanna had made with Thorondor.

Be that as it may, it looks like any rebel-rousers from the Misty Mts. fan-club might meet a stiffer and quicker justice the Wights faced at Valmar during the group stage.

[the phantom]

“Remember three years ago…” was the most commonly heard phrase when folks were discussing Arnor versus Valimar. Valimar had won their group while Arnor had finished second, Valimar was ahead on differential while Arnor was behind, Valimar had played tougher competition, etc… All of the arguments favored Manwe and company, and yet “remember three years ago” kept creeping into the picture.

The team-names weren’t exactly the same then (Norbury instead of Arnor), but many of the players were the same. Six of Arnor’s players were on that Norbury squad, and five of Valimar’s players are the same, including Manwe, Namo, and Arien. There was just too much similarity to get through analysis without bringing it up. But could the men of the North really pull it off again?

Most thought not, and some for a surprising reason—The Witch King. As a rule his presence had improved the squad, but most thought the Valar would not look kindly upon his presence. Part of the reason the Arnorians had been able to upset Valimar previously was they had made certain the Ainur were at peace and not feeling riled by the presence of evil or bad sportsmanship, but Witch King wasn’t exactly a cuddly monkey. “The defenders and Manwe in goal will see him coming at them and be inspired to really play their A-game,” said MESPN’s Philip McPhantom. “And at the other end—Arien should be able to provide their jumpstart.”

And most of the fans crowding into the grand arena of Valimar were hoping he knew what he was talking about…

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

The men of Arnor were just as organized and focused as Valimar feared they would be. They defended doggedly, made the smart passes, and they had a smart adjustment—placing Witch King in a more passive role in the midfield and hoping he wouldn’t offend Manwe from there, and also he encouraged his very small group of Orc-supporters to wear festive garb and refrain from shouting profanities.

But despite these carefully laid plans and good execution, the beautiful faces that filled the arena didn’t look fretful, because Valimar was still controlling the game. They looked just sharp and professional, always a step ahead, and it was only a matter of time before the game was in hand.

Arvedui was sweating between the posts as Vaire sent one just over, Irmo hit a post, and Arien forced him to make two tough saves. The Valimar faithful were just grinning ear to ear and gasping with every attempt, and just after half an hour they were finally able to celebrate in full as the scoring was finally opened—Arvedui only barely deflected an Arien shot with the tip of his foot, and Irmo knocked the rebound down with his chest and immediately sent it in for the goal!

The Arnor squad gave each other reassuring nods and put on grim smiles—they were doing things right, and just had to hope that Valimar couldn’t sustain their level of play. But after the goal Valimar continued owning things like it was their destiny, and before the Dunedain could escape into the halftime break Valimar struck again. Ingwe sent in a picture perfect corner topspin corner that curled down precisely where Arien was headed, and she rose up and met it at the top of her leap and sent the ball forcefully into the back of the net!

During the break the section of Arnorians started pulling out their comfort food and favorite depression-breaking drinks already. Their squad was quality, but scoring two or three against Valimar seemed out of the question. Their entire plan had been to make the first half be fast and uneventful to shorten the game, and they had failed. And the smiling, singing Valimar fans knew it too.

When the second half started it was almost a slap in the face to see Valimar now sending around time-wasting passes and doing with precision what Arnor had tried to do the first half. Now it was Manwe wanting time to move quickly and uneventfully. Arien wasn’t entirely pleased to be reigned in, but she assented to the change of course gracefully. Realizing the way things were and seeing the minutes slip away Elendil and friends began to get more aggressive with their passes, trying to send through-balls from the back. Araphor and the front midfielders started looking for any opening through which to send a miracle shot, but they were for the most part deflected before they reached Manwe, or floated harmlessly by well away from the goal.

Finally as time neared 70 minutes the Witch King asked for the okay to be aggressive for himself, and seeing no other options the rest of the team agreed to it. As he had tried nothing the entire game (and Valimar knew exactly why), they just let him run right past on the right side, almost as if he was a passing bird that had wondered onto the field. Argeleb sent it forward at the perfect moment and hit Witch King in full stride, and he was headed towards Manwe one on one as Namo and Este rushed up from behind.

Just before Namo and Este converged on him he sent a drive—but no! It was a brilliant fake, and both defenders bought it as did Manwe, and seeing Araphor rushing in from the corner of his eye Witch King sent it over and forward and from point blank Araphor finished efficiently. Valimar’s lead was down to one goal!

A couple of the Valimar players looked worried, but Namo and Manwe calmed them, saying that Arnor had used the only trick they had in reserve, and that they would not threaten again. And to make this prediction come true Valimar somehow raised their quality of play, despite the fact they’d been playing as well as ever. Arnor could get nothing done at all as time approached 80 minutes, and Witch King found himself perpetually shadowed. After time passed 80 minutes Manwe, leaving nothing up to chance, asked Arien to come back and stick to Araphor like glue. His reputation for late-game heroics could not be ignored.

With the whole team focused on keeping the ball away from their goal, it was just too large an obstacle for Arnor to overcome, particularly as they grew less sharp through their frantic desperation. Soon the bells were ringing and the crowd was singing and the players were joining in. Arnor had battled bravely but Valimar just proved too much for them to handle.

In postgame interviews, the Valimar players expressed hopes that Angband would be their next opponent. “We’d love the opportunity to oust Morgoth,” said Arien. But Manwe assured everyone that they would plan to give it their best effort no matter who the opponent was. During the Arnor interviews, the players seemed mostly pleased with their year. Malbeth had this to say: “We made the playoffs and only lost narrowly on the road to a team with a payroll 34 million higher than us. That’s hardly failure. We’ve got a good core here and I imagine most of us will be back next year, with just a tweak here and there.”

Arnor 1-2 Valimar
on target 5-8
tot shots 14-17
GOALS:
*32, 0-1 Irmo (Arien)
*41, 0-2 Arien (Ingwe)
*69, 1-2 Araphor (WitchKing)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Arnor-
*Valimar- Elenwe, Este

[Boromir88]

-----

Gondolin 1-3 Tol In Gaurhoth
on target 4-8
tot shots 12-20
GOALS:
*6, 1-0 Maeglin (Tuor)
*38, 1-1 InzilWolf (SallyWight)
*62, 1-2 PhantomWolf (BoroWolf)
*75, 1-3 Thuringwethil (InzilWolf)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Gondolin- Elemmakil, Galdor, Aranwe
*TIG- BoroWolf

[Boromir88]

Nutty, nutty week and hopefully it's not too anti-climatic but really need to get the scores up so we can all get moving on the next round. Stories will be filled in by tomorrow:

Anduin 1-2 Armenelos
on target 6-5
tot shots 13-11
GOALS:
*51, 0-1 TarAncalimon (ArAdunakhor)
*70, 0-2 Elros (ArPharazon)
*88, 1-2 Eorl (Boromir II)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Anduin- Fram
*Armenelos- Tar Calmacil

Next match: Quarterfinal Armenelos vs. TIG in their first rematch since the thrilling Bronze medal game of 2008. When TIG walked away with a controversial 3-2 victory.

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Elenrod: Question: What’s the size of Nargothrond and can’t defend to save their lives? Answer: Nargothrond. That’s it, really; that’s the punchline. Today: like AC Beleriand before them, Hithlum give Nargothrond a high five—in the behind. Poor Nargothrond get knocked out in the round of sixteen in front of their home crowd yet again. Let’s see if we can get Felagundion to say a word about them. Elsewhere: it’s the most thrilling last sixteen tie ever—so enthralling that you’d want to gouge your eyes out and watch it again. We recap Eriador-Barad-dûr—that is, if we don’t doze off. Meanwhile, Misty Mts and Tirion fail to stop another Valinor derby, although Tirion came very close; Fëanor beat Morgoth in an extra-time thriller and face his brother Manwë in the quarterfinals; and Tol-in-Gaurhoth-Armenelos: will the Númenóreans finally pay the Wolves back for 2008? All that, and more, in this consume-sparingly-and-keep-a-glass-of-water-near-at-all-times Matchday. With us here are very familiar faces. Maikalomion, how was Weathertop?

Maika: Weathertop Arena was lovely.

Elenrod: And was it comfortable there? You know…

Maika: Haha, you mean to sleep on? Actually, I found the game interesting.

Adam: But you get excited when a team completes fifty passes. Us in the real world want that ball to get in the back of the net.

Elenrod: He’s feeling contrarian today, our non-economist, Adam Smith, fresh from a trip to Nargothrond. And with him on that visit to the High Faroth Arena was…

Felagundion: …

Elenrod: Nargothrond football blogger, Felagundion, who’s probably feeling nothing today.

Felagundion: …

Elenrod: To spare Felagundion from having to remember the pain too soon, we’ll first discuss Eriador-Barad-dûr. Maika? How did you manage to stay awake? And how did they lull the rest of us to sleep?

Maika: Haha, well, the midfield battle was interesting. Both teams, unfortunately, were set up more negatively—more focused on marking their counterparts than finding space. Only Glorfindel and Sauron were actively looking for space to receive passes and create chances, but both were double-marked, being obviously their respective teams’ creative hub.

Adam: I agree. You can also see their defensive approaches in the way both teams lined up their back four. The defenders who were most useless with the ball—Arroch and the Fellbeast—were the ones assigned to the weaker flanks, because the better ball-handlers happened to be better defenders. This means they were more concerned with containing each other’s threat than creating chances with surging full-backs.

Elenrod: So they ended up deciding the game on penalties. And what penalty kicks they were.

Maika: Someone told me that, after the game, Gil-galad approached Sauron and said, ‘We have Elrond and you don’t. That’s the difference.’

Adam: And that’s not far from the truth: except for Sauron’s brilliantly taken kick, Elrond went in the correct direction for all penalties. 75% ain’t luck, that’s pretty mad skillz, with a ‘z’.

Elenrod: What will Sauron do after this? They made a pretty pile because their team’s pretty cheap—does he strengthen and try to go further, or just keep it steady?

Maika: I reckon he won’t break the bank, just add one or perhaps two more star signings. Grishnákh’s a rough gem at goal, hard to find anyone better at that price range. And if he could convince the Blue Wizards to stay, that’s half of his back line sorted. Well, he’d probably drop one of the Fellbeasts there—#2 didn’t cover himself with glory as the only open Barad-dûr player. A ball-playing centre-back, or an attacking full-back, perhaps? His midfield and attack’s pretty coherent; after years of playing together, they’re pretty much on the same wavelength now.

Adam: Yeah. Alatar, Berúthiel, and Sauron on that one play was pretty much, tap-tap-tap, nutmeg Aragorn. Like they pretty much know where the other would be.

Elenrod: Right, that’s it for Eriador-Barad-dûr, then. There’s no avoiding it, Felagundion; we’ll have to discuss Nargothrond-Hithlum.

Felagundion: … We live by the dragon, we die by the dragon. Finrod should’ve been in that ten spot. We need a new centre forward in the transfer window.

Elenrod: Nice to see you back in the world of the articulate, Felagundion. But we’ll leave all that for later. For now, it’s all about the game. And that means the inspired second half performance by Hithlum.

Adam: Triggered by their inspired second half formation switch. Before that, you can see that the two teams were quite evenly matched; both teams had focal points who could bully their markers, a player who was occupying an entire wing on his own, and a free player who created overloads.

Maika: From what I saw of the game, Nargothrond were decent at keeping possession, even during that disastrous second half. It’s just that whenever they tried to get it to their forwards, they lost the ball quite easily and get murdered on the break.

Elenrod: By the way, Adam, you were right to call it. Arroch handled Gwindor all on his own, except for that first goal.

Felagundion: And I was surprised Glaurung managed to get to the locker room, so deeply stuffed was he in that Balrog’s pockets. Just like against Anfauglith.

Elenrod: So, will Glaurung be back? Felagundion’s of the opinion that he shouldn’t.

Felagundion: He had the gall to say that we should commit less going forward, and let more of the attack go through him. Just after that performance! Is he mental, or just really thick?

Maika: They do need more help on the defence. Bëor seems to have finally found his niche as a deep-lying playmaker, but he needs a midfield enforcer alongside him. It was agonising to see Húrin and Morwen simply strolling past him.

Adam: I had a word with Orodreth after the game. He’s fearful that teams will start sniffing around the squad, knowing that Nargothrond are haemorrhaging financially. Glaurung, Nienor, even Finrod could be poached, and that would leave them back to what they were two years ago.

Elenrod: Well, commiserations to Nargothrond, and well done, Hithlum, who now face Elrond’s Eriador in the quarterfinals. What’s your call on this one? Elrond’s 17-game concede-a-goal-or-less streak seems to be under considerable threat from Túrin and company.

Maika: Eriador’s defenders are much better than Nargothrond’s. And if Elrond set up his team to stifle Hithlum, I can see them conceding one or less.

Felagundion: Basically the same thing they did vs Barad-dûr? But Túrin’s a better target man than Castamir, not to mention his father can also hold the ball up well. Hithlum will try to play it long, something Barad-dûr explicably failed to do.

Maika: The only Hithlum defender who can play cultured long balls is Balrog #5. I’m sure Elrond has a plan to account for him.

Elenrod: So another nil-nil and penalty win for Eriador?

Maika: Why not? Well, maybe 1-1 and penalty win for Eriador.

Adam: You’re despicable. You’re the only one who finds entertainment in those kinds of games.

Elenrod: Moving along to the rest of the last sixteen results: Valimar-Arnor?

Felagundion: Arien is awesome.

Maika: Basically, Arnor didn’t have the talent to beat a less naïve Valimar side.

Elenrod: And AC Bel-Angband? A game that had the most talent on display in the round.

Maika: I don’t know about that. Real-Tirion was a spectacle. Anyway, yeah, there were a lot of talent on display on the pitch, but AC Bel were far more cohesive. Especially that front line.

Adam: Phwoar. Fingolfin-Angrod-Eöl for their equaliser, Aegnor-Eöl-Angrod for their late chance in normal time, and Aegnor-Eöl-Fëanor for that play that won the penalty. That is one scary, scary front line.

Elenrod: Fancy their chances against a Manwë-led back line?

Maika: Well, Valimar’s midfield can’t keep the ball against more combative midfields, which AC Bel obviously have, and I expect much of the game to be spent in Valimar’s half. But Valimar do have a fearsome counterattack, and a clinical finisher of them in Arien.

Adam: That’s basically it, right? Whichever score first will most likely win. Valimar can keep battering AC Bel on the break if they score first, and AC Bel can just play keep-ball if they get the opener. Oh, crap, that means it’ll be a cagey 1-0 AC Bel, despite the attacking talents on display.

Elenrod: Who’s up for some Real-Tirion?

Maika: Tirion gave a good account of themselves, taking the lead against the defending champions, and being three minutes away from upsetting them. But they need a better right-back.

Adam: Oh, Eru, yes. Irimë was responsible for conceding the corner that led to Real’s equaliser, and, of course, leaving her alone against Nerdanel is pretty much committing suicide. Where the hell was Rúmil in that play?

Felagundion: Why didn’t Tirion shut down shop after scoring? They didn’t need to get drawn in to that end-to-end action near the end of regular time.

Adam: You expect Anairë and Eldalótë to keep possession against Enerdhil and Nessa?

Felagundion: They could have pulled Aredhel or Finwë back and tucked Mahtan in.

Maika: You need mobile midfielders to keep possession against aggressive pressing teams. I don’t think Anairë or Eldalótë have the legs for that.

Felagundion: Ah, all right. Carry on.

Elenrod: In the next round, Real will be facing their inter-city rivals FC Valinor—this fixture seems to be a staple now, isn’t it? Now, before we discuss that, how about a brief account of FC Val-Misty Mts.

Adam: Another adults vs children performance. You’d have to worry whether they’re mentally prepared to face a team of Real’s calibre without prior preparation.

Felagundion: I don’t think you need to worry about that. Some great teams just have their bogey teams. Germany, for example, just don’t fancy playing against the Italians, no matter how strong or weak the respective teams are. Real were relieved just to be drawing even with FC Val, even though they’re the defending champs.

Maika: FC Val just seem a bit quicker and more energetic than Real. For example, last year, Celegorm and Curufin just gave Tilion and Caranthir the fits. The two defenders can’t get the ball past them whenever Real tried building play from the back.

Adam: But you have to admit the gap between the two is no longer that wide. I don’t think there is much between them from the very beginning, though—it’s just that the quality of the two sides amplify whatever marginal advantage there is.

Elenrod: So, what’s your prediction.

Maika: I’d go with 2-1 FC Val

Elenrod: All right. Finally, the games that were shockingly untelevised: TiG-Gondolin and Anduin-Armenelos.

Adam: Yeah, that was weird. All I saw of the Wolves-Gondolin game was: opening whistle, Duilin passes to Salgant, who passes to Penlod, who takes one touch, then hoofs it into the stands for a ShastaWolf goal kick. Then the signal died.

Elenrod: We’re still waiting for word from the broadcasters of these games to see if we can talk about the game, but it’s safe to say we can discuss the outcomes. Armenelos scored two goals after the break before Anduin pulled one back two minutes before time, so a pretty comfortable win for the Royals. Then, shockingly, Gondolin opened the scoring early before the Wolves scored three unanswered goals for a comfortable win. Now, how do you think the TiG-Armenelos quarterfinal tie would shape?

Felagundion: Speaking of bogey teams…

Maika: Tol-in-Gaurhoth always seem to get the best of Númenóreans: there’s that third place match in 2008, and another quarterfinal tie in 2011, when Westernesse seemed like world-beaters after their win over the first and best Anfauglith team.

Elenrod: But do you expect that trend to continue?

Adam: Well, TiG are pretty much as dominant as they were in 2011, and Armenelos aren’t as good as that Westernesse squad. So another 3-1 Wolves win, I guess.

Elenrod: I suppose that’s it for today’s Matchday. Our apologies that we can’t discuss goals of the week, but we hope to be able to do so next time. Until then, from all of us here, bye for now.

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Armenelos Stadium was emptied of most of its First Age crowd after the conclusion of the match between the Valinors. In their place, it seemed that the whole of Elenna had made their way to the capital to watch their home team take on the on-form Tol-in-Gaurhoth side. There was much bad blood between the two teams; Armenelos have been cruelly defeated twice by the Wolves. It was expected that the stadium would be almost totally on the home team's side, since the Wolves and the Wights could muster only about two thousand supporters to make their way to the island.

Shortly before the opening whistle. Ar-Pharazôn and PhantomWolf shook hands in the centre circle, but immediately let go. The Wolves were just here to do a job; the Royals here to avenge a few slights.

It was clear a few minutes into the game that Armenelos were having the run of play, with their midfield of Ar-Gimilzôr, Tar-Telemmaitë, and Elros keeping possession against SallyWight and LegateWight. BoroWolf and NilpWolf couldn't help their midfield due to fear of leaving their defenders two-on-two against Ar-Adûnakhôr and Ar-Pharazôn. And when NerWight drifted in from the wing to help, Tar-Miríel simply followed her there. The Wolves were outnumbered in the midfield, and their pressing weren't too effective against the mobile and energetic Númenóreans.

Elros was superb in his role as link man, helping his holding midfielders bypass the Wolves' pressing, and then moving forward to feed the strikers with through passes down the middle and crosses from the flanks. In one sequence during the twentieth minute, he played a pass to Ar-Pharazôn's feet, who turned on GaladriWight and fire a powerful side-footed shot towards ShastaWolf's far post. Fortunately, the TiG shotstopper reacted with alacrity and pushed his goalbound effort wide.

It was not all one-way traffic, but play stayed longer in the Wolves' side of the pitch, with even the talismanic TiG playmaker PhantomWolf being forced to defend against Tar-Ancalimon's forward runs. Around the half-hour mark, the two Armenelos forwards played a one-two right through the heart of the Wolves' defence, and only Draugluin's timely intervention prevented Ar-Pharazôn from tapping in Ar-Adûnakhôr's low cross into the net.

Half-time soon came, a respite for Tol-in-Gaurhoth and a wasted chance for Armenelos. Everyone in the stadium expected the wily Wolves to devise a plan to wrest control of the game from the Royals; Armenelos' position would have been much safer had they taken a lead into the interval.

In the second half, PhantomWolf took up a higher position on the pitch, essentially becoming a third forward, and NerWight tucked in to become a third central midfielder. It was a 4-3-3 vs a 3-5-2, a tactical battle of interest because of the lack of spare players for either side: two Armenelos forwards vs two TiG central defenders, three TiG forwards vs three Armenelos defenders, Armenelos' wing-backs vs TiG's full-backs, and three central midfielders against each other.

During the break, PhantomWolf ordered BoroWolf to work his socks off, making forwards runs while not neglecting his defensive duties, to make up for missing three match reports. Armenelos perhaps expected the more attacking NilpWolf to make the runs, but he was tasked to be more disciplined and help out his defence.

With each player occupied with an immediate task in front of him, giving no one time to consider tactics, the teams' attitudes became an important factor. Armenelos were apprehensive and thrown off balance by the Wolves' change, while the ferocity of Tol-in-Gaurhoth came to the fore--they were ever chasing after loose balls and closing down their marks.

PhantomWolf opened the scoring in the sixty-sixth minute. BoroWolf crossed for Thuringwethil at the edge of the box, and the vampire managed to bring the ball down despite the challenge of Tar-Calmacil. She then timed her lay-off to meet PhantomWolf's run, and his impressive finish from fifteen yards was too powerful for Tar-Atanamir to keep out. PhantomWolf ran to the centre circle and lifted his shirt, revealing an undershirt with the words, 'They don't call me phantasista for nothing.' This was met with a cry of approval from the TiG supporters.

But the goal seem to have woken Armenelos up from dazed and confused slumber, and they made ShastaWolf pick up the ball in his net six minutes later. Elros combined with Tar-Ancalimon on the wings, passing their way past BoroWolf and LegateWight. Elros got to the byline and cut the ball back for Ar-Pharazôn to stab home.

There was less than twenty minutes to play in normal time, but instead of sitting back and waiting for extra time, Tol-in-Gaurhoth threw themselves forward in search of the winner, leaving them dangerously open to Armenelos counterattacks. It felt like, one way or another, the game would be decided in a few minutes, and it was as if the stadium held its breath waiting for the outcome.

In the eighty-third minute, SallyWight was caught dallying in possession, and Tar-Telemmaitë dispossessed her, getting the ball to Elros. The Armenelos number ten then began a four-on-four break, but BoroWolf slid in to intercept his pass to Tar-Ancalimon. He passed it to PhantomWolf, who had acres of space before him on the right wing. Tar-Telperiën was forced to bring him down at the edge of the area, earning a booking and conceding a free kick.

PhantomWolf himself took the free kick, and Tar-Atanamir was preparing for a goalbound effort, setting up the wall to that effect. But the TiG playmaker fired an outswinging cross that had the whole Armenelos defence fooled. BoroWolf met it inside the six-yard box, and his bullet header for the far post crashed into the net. It was two-one to the Wolves with five minutes left!

Armenelos desperately pushed forward for another equaliser, but Tol-in-Gaurhoth smartly reverted to their 4-4-2, arraying two banks of four as a wall between the Royals and ShastaWolf's goal. The Wolves were disciplined and well-positioned, and Armenelos were unable to find that spark of creativity that would unlock those defences. All dribbles were contained, shepherded harmlessly to the touchline, and all through balls were intercepted and returned to their sender. The final whistle signalled the end of Armenelos' Arda Cup campaign, and a small section of the stadium let out a blood-curdling roar. PhantomWolf ran to BoroWolf and lifted him off the ground, acknowledging the defender's vital contribution to all aspects of Tol-in-Gaurhoth's victory. The Armenelos players slinked quietly out of the pitch, and the home crowd poured out of the stadium, only a few of them applauding the victors' efforts. No matter. After last year's embarrassment, Tol-in-Gaurhoth were back in the semifinals!

Armenelos 1-2 Tol In Gaurhoth
on target 3-4
tot shots 11-14
GOALS:
*66, 0-1 PhantomWolf (Thuringwethil)
*72, 1-1 Ar-Pharazôn (Elros)
*85, 1-2 BoroWolf (PhantomWolf)
YELLOW CARDS:
*ARM- Ar-Adûnakhôr, Tar-Telperiën
*TIG- InzilWolf

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Bracket:


Top Individual Performers:
(Players in italics are from eliminated teams.)

GOALS + ASSISTS
6+2
Túrin (Hithlum)

5+2
Curufin (FC Valinor)
Fëanor (AC Beleriand)

4+3
Eöl (AC Beleriand)

4+2
PhantomWolf (Tol-in-Gaurhoth)

3+3
Beleg (Hithlum)

1+4
Yavanna (FC Valinor)

0+4
Angrod (AC Beleriand)

GOALKEEPING

• 84.62% – 22/26 – Marach (AC Beleriand)
• 83.33% – 15/18 – Elrond (Eriador)
• 81.25% – 13/16 – Ungoliant (Anfauglith)
• 80.95% – 17/21 – Tulkas (Real Valinor)
• 80.77% – 21/26 – Arvedui (Arnor)

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Elenrod: Dagor Bragollach. Nirnaeth Arnoediad. The plague that killed Lalaith. Mr Hador, your boys took a hell of a beating. Today: Won’t someone lynch them? Tol-in-Gaurhoth literally maul Hithlum and put, not one, not two, but three crosses on their title challenge. Meanwhile: Dagor Bragollach. Nirnaeth Arnoediad. Getting expelled from Nargothrond. Mr Curufin, your boys took a hell of a beating. Fëanor ordered his sons to go to their rooms—or, rather, the third-place match. This is the Matchday, coming to you very late because we’ve run out of things to say in the intro. But our panellists would never run out of words. Isn’t that right, tactics guru Maikalomion?

Maika: I always have plenty to say.

Elenrod: And someone who is equally not lacking in quantity of utterances, Adam Smith of ArdaCup.com.

Adam: Is that another way of saying, ‘Someone who doesn’t shut up’?

Elenrod: Could be, could be. And I don’t know what he’ll contribute to the conversation, but he’s here, anyway: blogger Felagundion.

Felagundion: Of course I’m here. You’re practically slave-driving me to be on this show.

Elenrod: But that’s another day closer to freedom, isn’t it? And finally—we’ve dragged him back from Angband—Iorithil of Quenta Noldorin Sport.

Iorithil: Hello.

Elenrod: Well, then, we have two very thrilling matches to discuss. Which one shall we start with?

Adam: FC Val were once again statistically the best team in the tournament, but they fail to reach the finals.

Felagundion: Of course, the best teams don’t always win these tournaments. Having to win four one-off matches in a row also requires a bit of luck.

Elenrod: So, were AC Bel lucky?

Maika: I once said that AC Bel’s playing style makes them immune to upsets, that you have to outplay them in all three areas of the pitch—especially in the midfield—to beat them. But that same style makes them a tough out for stronger teams. Well, ‘stronger’ is a relative term; both teams are separated only by inches in talent.

Iorithil: It was indeed a game of fine margins. You’d expect FC Val’s front line to be so good at pressing defenders into mistakes, especially with Celegorm and Curufin up front, and Yavanna and Argon behind them, but they seemed to lack the energy to do so—maybe their game with Real tired them. There was that tackle that got Celegorm booked; basically, he was late to the challenge and just lashed a boot out at Rochallor.

Maika: Also, in one sequence late in the first half, Curufin nicked the ball from Denethor, but he looked too winded to get past him. He still managed to thread a pass that put Celegorm one-on-one with Rochallor. But, instead of taking him on and rounding Marach, Celegorm just shot from range. He didn’t trust himself to have that extra burst of pace to beat both of them. The team on a whole were a bit leggy.

Adam: Well, they caught their breaths late in the second half, but by then AC Bel put a lot of players behind the ball. It’s hard to break the teeth of a determined defence, even if you’re FC Val.

Elenrod: On the other end, Huan had a right proper ‘mare, didn’t he?

Felagundion: I suppose it was more due to the quality of Fëanor’s finishes; giving him all that space really is just asking to lose. I mean, on the second goal, Maglor, the right-back, was marking his father near the penalty spot—both centre-backs have been dragged wide by Eöl and Aegnor’s movement. But, yeah, on another day, Huan could’ve saved one or even both of them.

Maika: I want to focus on the movement of AC Bel’s front four. The AKM commentator called their formation a diamond, even though the traditional team notation was 4-2-3-1: Eöl ahead of an attacking trio of Angrod, Fëanor, and Aegnor. But, boy, did he call it right—the AC Bel front four were very fluid, interchanging positions so that FC Val’s defence had no reference point and were dragged all over the pitch. They were all dangerous finishers and clever playmakers, and they all created chaos for the opposition so that Fëanor could romp through the middle and beat people one-on-one.

Elenrod: Well, then, let’s focus on the other game featuring a double-star striker who didn’t get to romp through the middle and beat people one-on-one. Were any of you surprised by the result of Hithlum-TiG?

Iorithil: I was certainly surprised at the margin of victory afterwards, but, seeing everything that happened in the pitch, it wasn’t that surprising. Basically, Tol-in-Gaurhoth were just better, both physically and tactically.

Felagundion: A few bloggers were critical of their deep defensive line and putting eight players behind the ball most of the time, but their midfield pressed intelligently, and the defence contained Hithlum’s multifaceted threats completely. GaladriWight kept Beleg in her pocket, and, except for a few scares, BoroWolf handled Húrin’s run quite well. The centre-backs kept Túrin almost scoreless, which is the best praise there is. His goal, though, was just—I can’t describe it.

Adam: I heard a MESPN pundit say that TiG beat teams with their athleticism, and that Galdor and Gundor can’t be expected to keep up with the Wolves. He pretty much called it right. InzilWolf was brilliant, disguising his intentions quite well before pouncing on the lapses of overcommitted defenders. I’ve never seen anyone change direction that quickly.

Felagundion: And I think there aren’t enough superlatives to describe how PhantomWolf is playing right now. His speed on the ball, his decision-making, his set pieces—he was at the heart of everything TiG did well on the offensive end for two games now.

Maika: Well, since I’ve praised AC Bel’s front four earlier, I’ll complete the praise of TiG’s front three as well. Thuringwethil played well as Anfauglith’s lone forward last year—strong, quick, and dominant in the air; she could win headers to score from crosses or feed attacking midfielders. But with a strike partner, especially one with movement as excellent as InzilWolf’s, she is a lethal weapon on crosses and set pieces.

Elenrod: Let’s get down to it, then. AC Bel vs the Werewolves: who would win?

Iorithil: Remember: two years ago, Tol-in-Gaurhoth had the same run of form going into the finals, when they swatted good teams aside left, right, and centre. They lost only to Doriath’s galacticos, arguably the best Arda Cup team ever. So unless AC Beleriand approach that level of untouchability, I predict TiG to be the winners.

Adam: Also, it looks like TiG played the way they did with an eye on the finals. How would you beat a team with a combative midfield and a dangerous attack? Answer: You let the team build up from the back, press their midfield when they cross the halfway line, and break forward behind their defence.

Felagundion: Don’t forget cashing in on set pieces. TiG’s goals in the semis came from a corner, a free kick, and a penalty.

Maika: But remember: teams are forced to play in those unconventional ways against AC Bel because of the way they control the game. Teams need a good defence to keep their front four at bay. They need a good midfield so that Denethor won’t have time to ping those dangerous long diagonals behind the defence, and so that Ulrad won’t have time to make those forward runs that break a distracted defence. And they need a decent threat up front, especially from the wings, so that AC Bel’s defenders won’t have time to go forward and help on the attack. Even then, they’re still playing on the back foot because they won’t see much of the ball. The composure of AC Bel in possession, how resistant they are to all but the most determined pressing, is unprecedented. Even Rochallor can take on a marker to play a long diagonal.

Iorithil: But that’s it. TiG have a team capable of determined pressing. You praised BoroWolf’s stamina in the quarterfinals; the entire team is roughly on that level. They will run and press, get legs and bodies in the way of passes, then run some more once they have the ball.

Elenrod: I’m just finding this fun. We know roughly how both teams will play, but you’re just going back and forth on the result. It all depends on what happens on the pitch, then?

Maika: Yes, I guess. But I’m thinking it’ll be 2-1 to AC Bel

Iorithil: TiG will beat AC Bel by the same score line as Hithlum: 3-1 TiG

Elenrod: And the third place match? Anyone hazard a prediction?

Adam: 2-1 or 3-1 FC Val, easy. Hithlum’s defence just isn’t good enough against world-class strikers, and if they sit the midfield deeper to screen for the back four, they’ll just invite pressure from Argon, Yavanna, and Maglor attacking them from all sorts of uncomfortable angles.

Elenrod: That looks painful. Speaking of uncomfortable angles… Someone already mentioned his unbelievable goal earlier, but Túrin almost managed to score from an uncomfortable angle when he chip-headed the ball past Draugluin. He scored similar goal vs Nargothrond way back in the round of sixteen. And with that we come to the end of the penultimate episode of the Matchday. We’ll be back to discuss the finals. Hope to see you then.