Arda Cup Football 2013

[the phantom]

MESPN Quarterfinal Round Table
Live from Angband

Philip McPhantom: It's semifinal time, and we’re here to discuss the quarters and predict who will play in the final. I’m Philip McPhantom, MESPN Lead Football Coordinator, and with me I have the dragon Ruharg the Red, the lead sports editor of Monster Magazine, and Ar-Tar-Aradil, sports writer for Westernesse Weekly and president of the Numenorean Association for the Advancement of Football.

Ruharg: Exciting times ahead!

Ar-Tar-Aradil: Let's get cracking!

Philip McP: First things first- Ar-Tar is no longer undefeated.

ATA: Sad to say. But still, 11 and 1 isn't too bad.

Ruharg: Perhaps I'll catch you yet.

ATA: I'd have to really nose-dive at the end, here.

PMcP: But before we go to those picks, let's look back at the last round.

ATA: We were unanimous selecting AC, but Ruharg was more correct about the margin.

R: You saw the game. I called it right.

PMcP: Indeed, AC was simply too much for Valimar to handle.

ATA: They had the better array of athletes, and they were battle-tested.

R: And they'll be facing another battle in the next round. Not the one I thought they'd face, though.

PMcP: Yes, FC had the edge on Real after all. It went to overtime and all, but I think the right team won.

ATA: No mistake- FC played a fantastic game and just executed an inch better when it counted.

R: And I think perhaps I underestimated their determination to undo last year's quarterfinal flame-out.

PMcP: And then there was the Hithlum-Eriador contest.

ATA: The one that broke the streak.

R: You had too much faith in Eriador's defense. It's rock-solid, no mistake, but defense doesn't trump offense in the playoffs.

PMcP: Indeed- Hithlum's offense proved equal to Eriador's defense, while Eriador couldn't score themselves. Elrond can't win a game by himself- not with Turin and friends on the field.

ATA: And both Ruhard and I had TIG advancing. Too bad- I was rooting for my home team, but Armenelos just didn't have it in them.

R: TIG just didn't have the weaknesses or lapses to take advantage of.

ATA: And PhantomWolf. Again.

R: Oh, that's right. He's the one that got Armenelos a couple years ago.

ATA: Don't remind me.

PMcP: And how about the next round- will PhantomWolf and TIG continue to impress?

ATA: Yes. They can handle Hithlum's offense as well as about anyone in the tournament. BoroWolf or NilpWolf will be tasked with shadowing Turin and denying him the ball and roughing him up if he gets it, and Drauglin's speed and agility will be used to take Beleg out of the game.

PMcP: So you don't think they go with a more team defense concept like Eriador?

ATA: No. They excel at winning straight up with athleticism.

R: Hithlum isn't a two-man team, though. Hurin and Hador are more than competent scorers.

ATA: TIG will have another Wolf defender to deal with one of them, essentially turning Hithlum into a single-threat squad supported by a midfield and defenders that frankly won't be able to support that well as they'll have their hands full with the TIG attack.

R: The Hithlum defense isn't without teeth. The size and speed of Arroch will be useful, and their Balrog won't be overpowered or made to look unathletic either.

ATA: I doubt Arroch will be at his best around monsters. They'll make him nervous. And Galdor and Gundor certainly can't be expected to outjump or outrun whoever is left.

R: I don't think anyone will be "left". Arroch and the Balrog will be free to roam a bit- they can close out in a hurry. That might not work against an attack like Miriel and Nerdanel, but the TIG attackers don't necessarily specialize in making a series of pinpoint passes in a crowded offensive zone.

PMcP: That's true. They generally favor making big plays off of free kicks and corners and big runs on counters.

R: Exactly. Hithlum will be able to limit their big play opportunities and hamstring their athletic advantage. And once the ball is theirs one of their big playmakers will have a mismatch and the rest of the team knows how to give him a shot.

ATA: And what if TIG calls in help from one of their attackers.

R: Then they'll be that much easier to defend against.

ATA: With their speed PhantomWolf and Thuringwethil can practically play on both sides of the field, though.

R: So can Arroch and the Balrog. They can help the offense more than you think they will, and it won't hurt them getting back.

PMcP: Okay okay guys, what I'm hearing is that both teams can somewhat counter the other. Do you agree with that?

R: To an extent, but Hithlum has the edge.

ATA: I think TIG does.

PMcP: But it's close?

R: Definitely. I'm picking Hithlum 2-1.

ATA: TIG 2-1.

PMcP: I really have no idea if this thing will be low or high scoring. You'd almost think they could shut each other out or score a handful, depending on the philosophy and flow of things.

R: That's why I picked a score in the middle. I could see 1-0 or 4-3 both happening.

ATA: Same here.

PMcP: Well, I'm going with Ruharg here. I think Turin will not be denied sitting so close to the finals. Plus Turin, Hurin, and Beleg all have recent experience getting the best of TIG in that final two years ago.

R: Yep, they'll know how to play TIG.

ATA: But this Hithlum team isn't 2011 Doriath. Melian, Thingol and Luthien aren't back there in front of Huan.

R: Yes, but-

PMcP: No no, we're running too long on this one. We need to keep moving. How about the other semifinal, AC Beleriand vs FC Valinor?

R: I did a column for Angband's paper right after the quarters and I wrote a piece for TIG just yesterday, and I flip-flopped.

ATA: Ha ha, I know how you feel. I was late with a couple of my submissions because I couldn't decide which team to go with.

PMcP: But you stuck with just one after you decided?

ATA: Yes, I figured I may as well just stay true.

PMcP: So, who did you go with?

ATA: *sigh* AC Beleriand.

R: That's who I landed on.

PMcP: Why?

R: Feanor. I think he's kind of due for a dominant game. And especially against three of his sons and his step-mother, I think his competitive juices will be off the charts.

PMcP: So you don't see that being a disadvantage?

R: No. Do you?

PMcP: AC has been exactly what they need to be all tournament, so if Feanor starts pressing I think it may undo the flow of the offense they've established. He might be a little quick to jump on Angrod and Aegnor for doing something he didn't want, or he may try to take it alone when he should give the ball up... I can see several ways that Feanor could undermine the effort.

R: I disagree. I think when he gets that intense will to win it sharpens and focuses him to the point where he'll simply do everything right. His temper won't get the best of him because that would run counter to his goal.

PMcP: Ar-Tar-Aradil?

ATA: I'm not certain that Feanor will be out for blood or anything- I just think AC is the slightly better team.

R: I think if Feanor doesn't make the difference that FC might be slightly better.

PMcP: I think FC is better. Huan has been one of the best keepers in Arda Cup through the years, plus the defense in front of him is better.

ATA: No, I'd give AC the edge on defenders.

R: How? Eonwe and Fingolfin are a wash, and Indis and Imlach bring different skill sets to the table, but they're essentially a wash. Then Maglor and the Balrog- Roggie has the size and strength, but Maglor has the quickness and is better in possession. Then finally it's Thorondor vs Rochallor, and both have speed but Thorondor is faster and bigger. FC has the better defense.

ATA: Give the Balrog more credit- while Maglor might be equally useful in some situations the Balrog is generally the more useful situational defender.

R: Not against these fast-pace pass-happy offenses. Maglor does a better job staying in the hip pocket of an attacker and not getting carded for anything.

PMcP: Wow- you guys are even arguing when you agree on a result.

R: We wouldn't if Ar-Tar would just have better opinions.

ATA: Hey now, I'm the one with the good record this year.

R: Can we continue on to the midfield since we disagree at the rear?

ATA: Certainly- edge AC. Denethor and Ulrad have the slight edge over Elemmire and Findis, while Angrod and Aegnor are a wash with Argon and Yavanna.

R: No, no- Argon has proven himself the equal of the twins, and Yavanna is better. That's an edge to FC.

ATA: But it's undone by the edge held by the other two midfielders.

R: Which at best makes the whole thing a wash.

ATA: You can't deny the AC edge at the front though.

R: *grumble* No, probably not. Celegorm and Curufin are no slouches though.

ATA: I never said they were, but it doesn't get better than Feanor-Eol.

R: But AC's offensive edge is countered by FC's edges at defense and at keeper.

ATA: But I don't even agree that FC has the defensive edge.

PMcP: All right, all right- if we had more time we'd go into this more, but for right now, let's have the picks.

ATA: AC wins it 2-1.

R: AC wins in overtime or in a shootout.

PMcP: And I'm going with 2-1 to FC.

ATA: No matter what it's going to be amazing to watch.

R: No argument there.

PMcP: Okay guys, thanks for coming on. Enjoy watching, and I'll see you next week to rehash things.

ATA: Later.

R: Have a good one.

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Elenrod: Question: What’s black and white and red all over? Answer: Eriador battered by Hithlum, with Elrond more than black and blue from Túrin’s rocket. Meanwhile, Valimar huffed and puffed until they were blue, but AC Bel blew them down. Elsewhere, Valinor derby couldn’t be settled in ninety minutes, but Curufin’s goal proves golden as FC Val’s quest for gold continues. And speaking of gold: Ar-Pharazôn scores against TiG, but PhantomWolf and BoroWolf shine. All that, and more, in this colourful edition of The Matchday.With us today is red-faced Maikalomion, who got Eriador-Hithlum wrong.

Maika: Well, I did get half the scores right.

Elenrod: You and your excuses. And with us is pale-faced Adam, who was in awe of AC Bel’s performance.

Adam: I knew they’d win, but I did not see a hammering.

Elenrod: And also on this week’s panel is Felagundion, who’s green with envy at the teams still in tourney. Who did you watch?

Felagundion: Armenelos-TiG. Of course, they lost. Tar-Míriel is out.

Elenrod: Commiserations, Fel. Well, to start off, let’s discuss the game at Vinyamar, Eriador v Hithlum. According to the stats, Eriador had a slight advantage in possession, 53% to Hithlum’s 47%. But why weren’t they able to score.

Adam: They did put the ball in the back of the net, but it was ruled out for offside. They were probably hoping for an early goal so they could force Hithlum to open up and be vulnerable on the break. As it was, they were the ones more vulnerable on the counter due to Morwen and Hador’s runs.

Felagundion: Their legs probably haven’t recovered from that Barad-dûr game, and then they had to chase and battle a bunch of energetic players. You can see after the goal that they were just sitting on the ball, catching their breaths, because none of the midfielders or full-backs could make runs.

Maika: Eriador play a man-marking system, which is amazing, considering the amount of stamina needed to keep up with the athleticism and movement of modern footballers. Usually, you apply man-marking only at limited times or on limited areas of the pitch, like AC Bel’s standard high pressing game or what Valimar did in the opener of their quarterfinals match—more on that later, of course. But it’s tiring to man-mark for ninety minutes, let alone for a hundred and twenty, or, worse, for two straight matches. You can see it on the defenders’ faces when Túrin made that run that led to the goal. Arwen was too gassed to get in front of him, and none of them had the alertness to clear the rebound that Beleg slotted home.

Adam: Isildur just doesn’t have the work rate of Wiki. He and Glorfie were instrumental last year in disrupting opposition build-up plays, easing the defensive burden on everyone behind them.

Elenrod: Well, Glorfindel now plays on the line of attacking midfielders, although he still plays like a wide forward.

Felagundion: Also, may I just say, through gritted teeth I must add, that this was exactly the type of game you wanted Hithlum to win if you wanted them to win the cup; a close, cagey game where chances are hard to come by and the other team have a combative midfield and forwards who can do heinous things on the break. They weren’t dominated in the middle of the park, and they weren’t caught out by any dangerous counterattack.

Elenrod: Adam, you were on the post-game press conference. How did Eriador feel after the game?

Adam: I can show you a clip of my exclusive interview with Elrond.

Elenrod: That would be great.

_____

Adam: Elrond, if I may ask, why do you think you lost this game?

Elrond: We didn’t create enough chances to score. I know you’d be pointing at how we just came from a very exhausting victory over Barad-dûr, but I think we had enough time to recover. Maybe I was too conservative with my setup—I should have given my full-backs greater license to advance, for example. Hithlum were going to get shots no matter how we set our defences up, so a more adventurous approach on our part would have given us the win.

Adam: But you had one less shot than Hithlum had. Don’t you think it has more to do with the lack of composure of your finishers?

Elrond: No, I don’t think so. Isildur and Glorfindel are talented forwards, and, even though we’ve played NogWight in midfield, he used to be a striker for Tol-in-Gaurhoth.

Adam: But Isildur has never been a prolific scorer, and this is statistically Glorfindel’s worst season playing for you.

Elrond: Next question, please.

Adam: What changes will you make to this team to give you a chance to go back to the finals?

Elrond: Not much. Glorfindel and Gil-galad told me they’d be here again next year. In fact, Gil-galad told me that he’s been making some good progress with a relation of his that seems to be leaning towards a return to this region.

Adam: What does that mean?

Elrond: He hasn’t told me yet, either.

Adam: And your attackers? Will you make changes there?

Elrond: Hmm… Given our need to change things up front, there would be some… You know that I also have an eye on Arnor and Imladris, so our team and their teams often exchange talent, depending on our respective needs. But I hope that this squad remains intact coming into 2014.

Adam: Even NogWight?

Elrond: That’s a tough question. We still haven’t got a reply from AFA if he can stay or if he has to return to TiG or the Barrow-Downs due to residence restrictions.

Adam: Thank you for your time, Elrond. Good luck for next year.

_____

Felagundion: Wow, you got through five minutes without being declared persona non grata.

Adam: I have experience interviewing stars, you know. There was that preseason interview with Fëanor last year, for example.

Elenrod: All right, moving along, let’s discuss their semifinal opponent—Tol-in-Gaurhoth, coming off that narrow 2-1 victory over Armenelos in their own stadium.

Adam: I bet Maika was salivating over that. 4-4-2 vs 3-5-2, then a 4-3-3 vs 3-5-2.

Maika: Well, yeah, the tactical adjustments played a part in the result, but it was a game of fine margins, that the turning point was PhantomWolf’s brilliance and BoroWolf’s stamina. In fact, here’s an interesting stat: Armenelos ran 106.3 kilometres in that game, and TiG 117.9. BoroWolf ran 11.5 kilometres—in essence, his effort was the difference between the two teams.

Felagundion: You can see that: by the eightieth minute, Tar-Ancalimon had enough of running after BoroWolf. He owned that right flank. His cross to Thuringwethil led to the opener; his tackle on Tar-Ancalimon led to PhantomWolf’s run that won the free kick; and, of course, he scored the winner.

Maika: PhantomWolf was also instrumental in BoroWolf’s dominion of the right flank—his runs dragged Tar-Calmacil further infield so he couldn’t help on their left, meaning that it was purely a battle between Tar-Ancalimon and BoroWolf for that side of the pitch, which the TiG right-back won.

Adam: Since we’re praising them for the win, of course it’s also essential that we criticise them for getting their first-half formation wrong. Perhaps they thought they could overwhelm Armenelos on the wings, but they didn’t count on the Royals being so good at keeping possession. If they stuck to their usual 4-4-2 diamond, with LegateWight as holder, NerWight and SallyWight as shuttlers, and PhantomWolf as number ten, and getting width from NilpWolf and BoroWolf’s runs, they could have dominated even that opening stage.

Maika: Well, that formation might have left them either lacking in width or very vulnerable at the back. It was slim, but Ar-Pharazôn and Ar-Adûnakhôr had the better of GaladriWight and Draugluin. One of NilpWolf and BoroWolf would have been forced to stay behind just so they could have spare bodies at the back.

Elenrod: Now that we’ve discussed both of their quarterfinal games, how do you think a semifinal tie between Hithlum and TiG would go?

Felagundion: That Hithlum front three looks super-scary. I don’t think we’ll see BoroWolf or NilpWolf going past the halfway line in this game.

Adam: And they have a midfield conundrum—do they change back to the diamond, meaning that Hithlum’s full-backs would be unmarked and free to double up on TiG’s full-backs, or do they stick to 4-4-2 and get outnumbered in the middle of the park? Letting Hithlum have a lot of the ball is, quite frankly, asking for trouble.

Maika: They could ask Thuringwethil to help the midfield; she’s played there before, after all. I don’t know why they didn’t think of doing that in the first half of the Armenelos game, but I guess it’s difficult to change things halfway through a half.

Elenrod: A result, anyone?

Felagundion: …

Adam: …

Maika: … I’m thinking a one-goal Wolves win, just because they’re slightly better across the board. Maybe 3-2 TiG.

Elenrod: Well, then. Let’s move on to the other side of the bracket. First off, there’s AC Bel’s 3-0 destruction of Valimar. How could Manwë ever concede three?

Felagundion: Well, first of all, he’s up against Fëanor. More importantly, though, they gambled in the first fifteen minutes of the game, they failed, and they paid for it.

Maika: Yes, it was that early spell that decided the game. Valimar unnerved AC Bel’s midfield in that fifteen-minute spell—they were unable to get the ball forward and looked under pressure. I think the intention behind that was correct—get the early goal so that AC Bel would be forced to chase the game. But they didn’t get that early goal, and Fëanor and Fingolfin exploited their high defensive line. Then by the second half, after another brief spell of pressure, the fatigue hit their legs and AC Bel scored a third that killed the game.

Adam: That strategy is probably the best way of beating a team as good at keeping possession as AC Bel, but it’s basically a coin-toss. Last year, Real scored after their early pressure and ripped AC Bel apart on the break for the rest of the game. This year, Valimar didn’t score, and they get picked open on the break.

Elenrod: That was rather unanimous. Well, then. The final quarterfinal game was the Valinor derby. FC Val gets the better of Real, again, with Curufin nicking an extra-time goal in their 2-1 victory. And to tell us about this one, calling all the way from Rómenna, Iorithil of QN Sport. Hello, Iorithil.

Iorithil: Good morning, Elenrod.

Elenrod: Let’s get down to it, then. The Valinor derby: some people thought that the game was too open. A few even called it sloppy from both sides, relying too much on their talents and athleticism instead of a shared tactical philosophy and structure.

Iorithil: Well, yes, it was basically an end-to-end game, far too open for a normal knockout tie, but you know how these derby games take a life of their own. For one thing, the form book’s often thrown out the window. Well, both teams were in sparkling form coming into the game, but many believed that Real would be sharper, having beaten two genuinely good teams to get there, whereas FC Val strolled through their games. And another thing is, both teams want not only to win, but to win while imposing their style on the game.

Elenrod: So what styles do these two teams have? And did FC Val impose theirs on the game?

Iorithil: Well, the funny thing is, they basically both have broadly the same style. Everything starts from their Valarin defensive solidity and verticality. Remember that First Age clásico when it took Valinor ages to attack Angband, and people had to wait for the last minute for a goal, but it took only one Manwë long ball to release Eönwë and score the only goal of the game? Now Valimar—Manwë teams in general—are the ones most faithful to this philosophy, but the Valinor teams adhere to it to some extent. It’s just that they married it to the Noldorin concept of possessiveness and creativity. This is why the attacking force of both teams has been built around a pair of Noldorin strikers. That Curufin goal was basically the combination of verticality—FC Val took just two touches from Thorondor’s clearance to the net—and creativity that epitomised both team’s philosophy—well, there was also the belief in individual talent that FC Val had.

Elenrod: Did the Valinor press think it was a fair result?

Iorithil: Well, for one thing, they’re glad it didn’t end in a penalty shoot-out, which is generally a disappointment for the Valinor crowd. And FC Val were slightly better in that game, so yeah, they thought it was fair.

Elenrod: Any prediction for their semifinal match with AC Bel?

Iorithil: I think AC Bel wouldn’t be drawn to FC Val’s franticness—they’d control the game with possession before slicing the defence open—so FC Val’s best chance is to do what Valimar did—high-intensity pressure to get the early goal, forcing AC Bel to play instead of keeping the ball. The early fifteen to twenty minutes is important—if FC Val get that early goal, I think they’ll win. If not, it’ll be difficult. I think they’ll do better than Valimar. 2-1 FC Val

Elenrod: Thanks for your thoughts, Iorithil.

Iorithil: My pleasure. Speak to you soon.

Elenrod: All right, then. Anything to add?

Adam: Nope.

Elenrod: I see. Well, before we go, what’s your favourite goal of the week?

Adam: Curufin’s winner. The way he rounded Tulkas, an Arda Cup-winning goalie, was just oozing with confidence. Stating the obvious here, but I think he’s the key to beating AC Bel.

Maika: Speaking of AC Bel, Fingolfin’s goal was a classic example of how their high pressing combines both defence and offence in one smooth play. Angrod nicks the ball from Elenwë in Valimar’s half and then start a four-on-four break that left Manwë helpless.

Felagundion: PhantomWolf’s opener was almost a perfect thunderbuster. Too bad it wasn’t from outside the area, but from the way he hit, I was certain that, had someone tried to block it, he would have died.

Maika: Speaking of that, an interesting stat: Túrin’s shot that broke Elrond’s finger and led to their opener was clocked at around 144 kph (90 mph). PhantomWolf’s shot? 186 kph (116 mph). So maybe you’re right.

Felagundion: Ouch.

Elenrod: You covered most of the good goals, so I’ll take something totally different. In fact, it wasn’t a goal. Did you see that Glorfindel 180 turn on Aradan and Gundor.

Maika: Glorfindel’s close control is still something special, even if his stats this year are down.

Elenrod: I agree. And with that we’ve come to the end of yet another edition of The Matchday. Many thanks to all of you, and we’ll be back after the semifinals. Speak to you then.

[Nogrod]

There are only really good teams left so no game will be inevitable or easy to any one team. There are no clear winners or even favourites at this point – only some different grades of differences which will play out this or that way. And with the debatable exception of a few teams it is easy to see we have the top four teams of the tournament left at this point.

Many say that with different groupings etc. we could have had Real Valinor, or Nargothrond, or Angband, or Armenelos, or… in this final four. But the AKM actually thinks that only Real Valinor would have seriously challenged the four top teams in a simple series of games where everyone played each other.

So more or less, we have the best left.


AC Beleriand vs. FC Valinor

It is a game of two quite equal keepers. Marach of AC Beleriand with 84,2% (3/19) and Huan of FC Valinor with 84,6% (2/13). But looking at the number of shots saved the AKM thinks Marach is actually the hotter goalie at the moment – but it is very close anyway.

It is a game of two tough defences. AC Beleriand defences have allowed more shots against them (19/54 vs. FC’s 13/44) but they have also been more dangerous in the attack. That said, the AKM thinks the FC Valinor defence is slightly better in what it is there to do in the first place aka. Defending – so a slight edge there for FC Valinor.

It is a game of two midfields where the balance is as even as it can be. With the defencive midfielders AC Beleriand has the edge and with the offencive ones FC Valinor has it. But in sum, the AKM thinks that the dangerousness of Argon and Yavanna over Angrod and Aegnor is more relevant to the final score than the slightly better numbers of Denethor and Ulrad over Elemmirë and Findis in the more defencive end. So the midfield goes ever so slightly to FC Valinor.

But it is is also – and most formidably – a game of two attacks both trying to outshine and -perform each other. And even if the brothers Celegorm and Curufin are known through the footballing Arda as the wonderboys or the killer-duet, it must be said that this year Fëanor and Eöl have formed an even more dangerous pair and the scales fall toward them being the favourites…

So basically it is even, two strongpoints against two: goaltending and attack for Ac Beleriand, defence and midfield for FC Valinor.

But because of some of the discrepancies there the AKM concludes that AC Beleriand (mostly because of their defences ability to score and the importance of a great finishers – two of them, not just one as Celegorm hasn’t quite shown his qualities this year) is the slight favourites to win the game and proceed to the final.


Hithlum vs. Tol-in-Gaurhoth

Unlike the other semifinal, this one is played between two very different teams by their profiles. Even if the T-i-G –team became famous in their first games as a team that shoots a lot they are now meeting a team that is sovereign in that area: if Hithlum is dangerous in one field of the game, that is shooting. Hithlum shoots a lot and they shoot efficiently – 14 goals in five games gives you the rough idea, it’s almost three goal per game. Meanwhile T-i-G has only made two goals per game.

But on the other side of the coin is the defence. Hithlum has given in seven goals in five matches aka. about 1½ per game – while T-i-G has given in only three goals (a little bit over ½ goal per game).

The question then becomes whether the T-i-G can take the bombardment of Hithlum without allowing too many goals while being able to score enough to win themselves.

One clue to that question lies, naturally, on the goalkeepers. Huor’s percentage of 77,4% is slightly worse than ShastaWolf’s 80%, but when you see that Húor has faced 31 shots while ShastaWolf has only faced 15 the difference kind of melts away – with almost the same percentage Húor has caught 24 shots while ShastaWolf has only caught 12. So a slight edge here woud go to Hithlum.

On the other hand, the difference between goals scored (advantage to Hithlum 14-10 aka less than one third) and goals allowed (advantage to T-i-G 3-7 aka. over half) would bring the advantage back to the T-i-G.

In a sense this is the harder game to predict than the other one, due to the different approaches of the teams to the game.

The AKM is drawn to predict Hithlum to win because of their record in earlier games: unlike T-i-G, Hithlum has played against wildly charging teams and fex. won Nargothrond 5-2 and managed to squeeze a win from the defending champs Eriador – meanwhile T-i-G has shown they have what it takes to beat strong defences but not how to handle a wildly overwhelming attack Hithlum will serve them.

[the phantom]

Angband Attempts to Outshine Valinor
The Phantom, MESPN News

Gracious as he is, Eru decided to give Valinor every opportunity to prove themselves after the lifting of the ban on hosting games. Their opportunities will culminate next week as they host the finals of Arda Cup. But knowing that such a move would be unpopular with some, Eru awarded the semifinals to the polar opposite- Angband.

Many of Melkor's friends and associates had been blasting Valinor for years before the ban, and now they were given the perfect opportunity to make good on their words. Hosting back to back in this fashion, all of Arda would be allowed the opportunity to compare the two and see which one truly knew how to host football properly.

Some, like Monster Magazine sports editor Ruharg, believe that Eru's decision was very wise indeed. "Angband has been calling out Valinor for years as hypocrites, and making a big show of the discrimination and violence of the Valar. With Valinor set to host immediately after them, how could Angband not put their best foot forward and try to prove that they can do things right? And then in the finals, how could Valinor not try and outperform Angband? Eru set this up so that the conditions will be as perfect as anyone could hope for. I think things will be as peaceful and organized and controlled in these semis and finals as ever they were."

One step Melkor has made to ensure a smooth pair of games is he has elected to prepare and use both arenas- the ancient underground arena modeled after Utumno Underground, and the somewhat larger and more famous outdoor arena burrowed between the triple-peaked Thangorodrim.

One of the hallmarks of the outdoor arena was the constant canopy of roiling smoke that blotted out light and gave an atmosphere of a burning battlefield, especially when combined with the occasional rumblings of the ground that made it feel as if catapults were bombarding the stadium. But Melkor was doing away with this trademark. "Most of the players on AC Beleriand and FC Valinor, and most of their fans, wish to play the game in a less hostile and foreign atmosphere. Rest assured the air will be clear when the squads take the field for the afternoon match."

By no means was Melkor expected to make such a concession- it was rather expected that the stadium would be take as-is. This gesture of welcoming and accommodation has to make those in Valinor sit up and take notice. Melkor has raised the bar on what a host site can do.

The late match between Hithlum and Tol-In-Gaurhoth would be played in the loud and formidable underground arena, lit by the light of many fires, and at times stiflingly hot. Many have wondered if Angband was attempting to show favoritism for Tol-In-Gaurhoth, but there is no clear consensus. Some have even posited that the Werewolves would prefer the cold, what with their thick fur and all, whereas Hithlum has playing for them a Balrog who will feel right at home.

When asked about the use of both stadiums, Melkor said that the primary concern was the flow of fans. "I don't want fans of the first game to be chased out like thieves. Let them stay and celebrate a while, or drown their sorrows, depending on which side they supported. Meanwhile the Hithlum and TIG fans can get in their rows nice and early and get in the spirit of things." Melkor also acknowledged that other sites had had problems with TIG fans in the past, and said that hosting them underground would make things easier. "They have to pass by checkpoints to get in or out, so rest assured they can't bring anything in that we won't know about, and they won't be able to escape out easily if they've misbehaved."

All in all it looks like Arda Cup is set to have a fine semifinal where the main thing to talk about will be the matches on the field.

[Nogrod]

AC Beleriand vs. Real Valinor
By the AKM


Many eybrows were raised when it was told by Melkor’s press-secretary that the game between AC Beleriand and FC Valinor would be the afternoon-match and thus, in a way, the game between Hithulm and T-i-G had been promoted to a kind of the “main game on the day” –status. So while making concessions with the clearance of the ever-present smoke and darkness, and forcing off the trembling of the earth, Melkor was still able to humiliate the greatest heroes of the High-elves and the Ainur.

Even with the smoke and darkness gone the stadium under the pillars of Thangorodrim was imposing enough to make weaker mortals and even elves shudder with unnameable anquish. But despite that the stadium was filled to the brim for the first game – and with the rays of the afternoon sun finally reaching the plains and greeting the spectators to mark the beginning of the game the overall mood was actually lifted. And people were actually praising Morgoth for his benevolence – which was a real annoyance to some of the Valar present. “He just lifts a burden for a moment he has himself imposed in the first place” they complained, but enjoying the rays of the sun was enough to most lesser souls – and the feeling was high when the game began.


~*~

The name of the game was soon revealed to everyone. To counter – or to actually prevent AC Beleriand’s possession-play – FC Valinor was pressing heavily the AC Beleriand midfield and defenders forcing them into errors and creating nice opportunities from stealing the ball – but when AC Beleriand managed to get past the pressure and get the ball up to their famous “diamond” of brothers Angrond and Aegnor, Eöl and Fëanor, the FC Valinor defences were having hard times to keep their own goal safe. The result was a nightmare to any coach but extremely spectator-friendly play with great chances of scoring at both ends from the get-go.

Some analysts at Tar-Eldar Network had pointed out that it would be very important for FC Valinor to get the first goal, hopefully early on to the game, so that they could force AC Beleriand to play more openly. But that was exactly what did not happen.

On the contrary AC Beleriand scored the first goal of the game at the 22nd minute after a beautiful cross-passing by the “diamond” which totally ripped the FC Valinor defences apart and left Fëanor no problems finishing it off from close quarters.

After the goal it seemed for a while FC Valinor was too dumbfounded to actually do anything as their scenario had failed totally – and AC Beleriand took advantage of that by taking the possession of the ball and building up their attacks slowly but dangerously. But FC Valinor was not going to leave it at that, and little by little they started to get the hang of the game once more and started coming more aggressively towards the AC Beleriand players – it cost them a few yellow cards but it did change the spirit of the game and AC Beleriand was once again forced to fight an uphill struggle to bring the ball upwards and basically rendered them unable to make long possessions.

All that was cut off by the half-time whistle.


It was clear both teams hade been thinking about their best strategies during the half-time and came to the field both with some brand new ideas. FC Valinor had clearly decided to fall back with their pressure to both avoid more cards but also to contain AC Beleriand’s attacking quartet. The idea was simply to let the AC Beleriand to possess the ball and bring most of their team up to the attack and then by a quick steal let their strong forwards Celegorm and Curufin make their way through the field from the center of the fied where they would be waiting for the occasion – the speed of Yavanna and sharpeness of Argon’s long passes would be instrumental in that, of course. And they could deliver the ball up fast.

Sadly from FC Valinor’s point of view AC Beleriand had dropped the idea of possessing the ball away and was going for very straight and fast offence with a lots of players left downstairs to keep the lead secure instead.

Suddenly there was a total misbalance on the field. FC Valinor’s fastbreaks were futile as Celegorm and Curufin faced four to six defenders in front of them. And FC Valinor’s attempts at “containing of the diamond” were more or less pathetic compared to the speed especially Fëanor and Eöl went left and right and to and fro searching for room to be passed the ball to – totally breaking the diamond-formation the defneces were trying to defend against.

And so it was that Fëanor striked again before FC Valinor had had time enough to correct their tactics enough. It was a nice centering from close to the corner-flag Eöl gave and Fëanor just plain outmanouvered his son Maglor (whom he had always considered a kind of a sissy coming too much to his mom) and booted the ball in behind Huan with fierce force.

On top of other problems FC Valinor had it seemed not to be Huan’s day – it was two goals from four shots towards the goal. 50% is not exactly what one is used to from Huan.

Even if their father was celebrating his second goal, it was not in the spirit of Fëanor’s sons to give up – even to their dad. To the amazement of all the spectators and even AC Beleriand players it seemed that Thorondor, Eönwe and Yavanna seemed to suddenly to grow in stature while all the three sons of Fëanor began to radiate some holy (or unholy) glow – and Huan was roaring wildly like giving a battle cry. Even many dark creatures on the stands were frightened by the show-off.

It was a kind of “put away tactical finesse, we come now for real” –moment. And FC Valinor really started to play like there was a fire in their back. They were on the skin of everyone trying to possess the ball and getting it themselves they came forwards like a hurricane aiming just towards one place, AC Beleriand goal.

Suddenly the cards were turned upside down and AC Beleriand which had more or less commanded the pace of the game thus far were forced to draw back towards their own goal under the pressure of the whirlwind called FC Valinor. Even Fëanor seemed helpless to turn the tide – and Fingolfin and the Balrog were having their hands and feet full, unable to strech everywhere when other defenders seemed to fall.

Eönwe led many of the attacks like a herald of Mänwe should in a time of trouble, and so awesome he was the orcs and goblins in the stands had to shut their eyes – only the Balrog in the defence could face him and keep him from scoring with ease. Yavanna had grown and turned into a fearsome white-green light swirling around the field making the rest of the Melkor’s minions at the stands to cry in pain – and only Rochallor and his master Fingolfin were steady enough to contain her – but sometimes it took both of them to do that.

Which left Fëanor to deal with his two mighty sons who were pressing towards the goal relentlessly.

And so it was in the end that Curufin, the son who it was said was most like his father, forced his way away from his dad while Celegorm held him at bay – and with the accurate pass from Argon received the ball around the penalty spot. Shooting from the bottom of his heart Curufin left Marach no chance whatsoever to pick the shot.

It was a one goal game again and there was about twenty minutes left. It was building up to be a great finale for the game. The spectators were all standing now.

FC Valinor didn’t ease up their game a bit and AC Beleriand was in great trouble.

On 73rd minute Eönwe broke free from the Balrog’s guard and fired a booming shot to the crossbar from the edge of the box making the crowds to let out a loud “Oooh!”.

Two minutes later Yavanna got Fingolfin and Rochallor to stumble on each other and got free only to be denied the ball by a last-second slide by Aegnor. From the ensuing corner Findis headed the ball just inches away from the post.

On 78th minute it was Curufin and Celegorm –show once again. Fooling their father they passed the ball between themselves and were getting open to shoot when Rochallor galloped to the scene at the last moment and kicked the ball off the field and high up to the stands.

Fëanor was yelling at his team – and so was Fingolfin, and the Balrog… They were gathering strength for the last ten minutes. And it seemed to ease their plight for a moment. For a long time AC Beleriand was able to go for an attack – and it was actually only a cool save by Huan that prevented AC Beleriand from taking the quite unassailable – and against-the-odds – lead 3-1 when Eöl was set free to run one-on-one with Huan.

With “all or nothing” game at hand FC Valinor was not taken back by AC Beleriand’s newly found spirits but pressed on with all they had to throw on attack.

On 83rd minute Thorondor winged the ball towards the upper-right corner of the goal from a great center by Yavanna but Marach tipped it away. Yea. Even Thorondor had come up at the last minutes and FC Valinor was leaving their defences to chance now. It was a goal or nothing.

On 86th minute Argon managed to dribble Denethor and was left open to give a perfect pass towards the middle from between Rochallor’s hooves – and Yavanna dashed to it leaving Fingolfin behind. Sliding to the ball she tipped it forwards… and Marach dived for the save… just missing the ball by an inch… and the ball rolled… to the post!

There was a great sigh from the audience. And then Imlach booted the ball far to the other side of the field forcing a host of FC Valinor players to run for their money to catch the ball before the AC Beleriand players could break through – which was in the end shot back to the AC Beleriand side of the field by Huan coming off from his goal to meet the ball.

There was only two minutes left of the game and FC Valinor was having the game stick on the AC Beleriand half of the pitch. With the exception of Huan who was impatiently strolling around the center-circle of the field all the players were deep in the AC Beleriand half.

The clock was ticking away the precious seconds.

FC Valinor defenders were passing the ball around 40 meters away trying to find any free spaces to pass the ball forwards while being harrassed by AC Beleriand’s few forward disturbers (Angrod, Aegnor and Eöl who were really giving them a rough time). Itseemed totally deadlocked – until Angrod charged Maglor to the ankles and the referee called a free kick from 35 meters. There was one minute on the clock.

After a short discussion Thorondor and Eönwe stood behind the ball and all the others took their places around the edge of the box held closely by AC Beleriand players.

Thorondor took off towards the ball with one great swing of his wings but just as he was reaching the ball he actualy dived forwards and Eönwe dashed into a run. It took the defenders a moment to realise what was going on – and then it seemed late to move…

When Thorondor was just about to pass the defending line Eönwe’s hammer of a kick was flying forwards – and Thorondor turned a bit sideways mid-fly in the air to accommodate the onrushing ball and to… yes, wing it in!
Among the astonished players the Balrog was awake though and not only saw what was going on but was also able to act. With a flash of an eye he produced something totally controversial: his wings!

In a flash and clash of wings Thorondor tried to steer the ball into the net… and was denied by the Balrog’s wing sending the ball high up into the air and flying off the stadium’s walls.

After a short discussion between the referees it was judged as a throw-in for FC Valinor. The clock was already ticking overtime…

It was going to be the last chance.

Yavanna went to give in the throw. Curufin demanded the ball and so did Celegorm – while Eönwe was calling for the ball at the other side and Thorondor at third. Even Huan had come forwards and showed his eagerness to give the last shot.

Willing to try the last card Yavanna threw the ball to Huan who ran for it and gave it a shot of a lifetime – from the power of the shot the ball sped through the air with incredible speed and past the defenders… only to miss the post by half a meter.

With Marach getting the ball back from the stands and readying to kick the opening shot the referee finally blew his whistle. It was game over.



AC Beleriand had advanced to the final. But surely, not without a fight.


AC Beleriand 2-1 FC Valinor
on target 5-7
tot shots 14-17
GOALS:
*22, 1-0 Fëanor (Angrod)
*55, 2-0 Fëanor (Eöl)
*68, 2-1 Celegorm (Argon)
YELLOW CARDS:
*ACBel- Angrod
*FCVal- Celegorm, Thorondor

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Utumno Arena
Hithlum vs Tol-in-Gaurhoth

The second semifinal of the 2013 Arda Cup was to be held in the underground arena in Utumno, also known as ‘Hell’s Pit’ to the locals. The name came easily to those who saw the thousand torches and bonfires that illuminated the stadium. Smoke had started gathering in some stands, and had begun rolling towards the pitch itself; Hithlum fans suspected that this was no accident, that Morgoth and Angband, who had strong sympathy with the Wolves (two of their players had once played for Angband), were trying to recreate conditions similar to those in ‘the Den’, the Wolves’ home arena in Tol-in-Gaurhoth. Hithlum captain Hador had already approached the Avari referee, asking him to stop the game in case the smoke interfered with visibility on the pitch.

Three thousand denizens of the Barrow-Downs forums assembled to cheer for their team. While they were outnumbered by forty thousand Hithlum supporters who made their way into enemy territory, they were reinforced by the home crowd, who cheered for the lycan team as if they were their own.

However, it was no ordinary team they were up against, and no amount of intimidation would work on them. Many of the Hithlum players had died (or, in Húrin’s case, lived) within sight of Angband, and they knew well the terror of Morgoth’s stronghold. These players had nerves of mithril and could not be psyched out—they had to be outplayed.


[Hithlum in yellow and dark red; Tol-in-Gaurhoth in green and black.]

One of the biggest questions coming into the game was TiG’s formation—more specifically the number of central midfielders they would field. It turned out that they stuck to the 4-3-3 they beat Armenelos with, making everyone think that they would battle Hithlum for possession without conceding the flank. But NerWight, SallyWight, and LegateWight sat in their own half instead of pressing Hithlum’s midfielders, springing only into action when Aradan crossed the halfway line. Every recovered ball was sent quickly to the wings, where PhantomWolf or Thuringwethil stormed forward and combined with InzilWolf.

NilpWolf moved to central defence to provide strength against the on-form Túrin, while BoroWolf matched endurance with Húrin. GaladriWight tracked Beleg’s forward runs, but refrained from following the winger whenever he dropped deep. Draugluin was the spare defender and swept up behind them, occasionally barking orders about retaining shape.

Hithlum had lion’s share of possession in the opening spell of the game, but Hador and Morwen were repeatedly rebuffed when they attempted playing the ball to the final third. NerWight and SallyWight kept goalward of them, while LegateWight was quietly efficient in cutting off passing lanes to the Hithlum forwards. In the first fifteen minutes of the game, Hithlum may have had 57% of the ball, but the Wolves had already mustered three shots to Hithlum’s none—and, more importantly, they were a goal ahead.

LegateWight intercepted a Hador through ball for Húrin and sent the ball quickly to PhantomWolf on the right. The TiG number 10 ran at Galdor, and InzilWolf brilliantly faked a far post run, as if to meet a cross, before quickly changing direction and taking PhantomWolf’s lay off. He fired a snapshot that Huor did well to bat away. The lycan forward was also involved in the ensuing play. Thuringwethil met NerWight’s corner kick at the near post, but instead of trying for goal himself, she set InzilWolf up wonderfully for an unstoppable close-range volley that beat Huor.

Hithlum committed more players forward in search of an equaliser, leaving themselves vulnerable to the Wolves’ counterattacking strategy. Shortly past the half-hour mark, Draugluin cleared a Beleg cross, and SallyWight sent it long to PhantomWolf, who stormed forward with acres of space before him. Aradan was forced to bring him down at the edge of the area, conceding a free kick and receiving a yellow card in the process. PhantomWolf himself took the free kick. Again, InzilWolf was prominently involved in the subsequent play—displaying his brilliant change-of-direction play once more, he made a nuisance of himself at the far post, before spinning and dashing for the near post just as PhantomWolf took the kick. His booming header forced an outstanding reflex save from the Hithlum shotstopper, but the rebound spilled into SallyWight’s path, and she stabbed it home into an empty net.

‘Two-nil, and it’s not even half-time,’ the Wights and Wolves chanted, soon taken up by orcs, trolls, and other nameless creatures of the home crowd. Meanwhile, shortly before play restarted, Túrin conferred briefly with his captain Hador. ‘Keep the midfield back and just send the ball to me. I’ll win every header.’ It might have seemed a boast coming from any other player, but the Hithlum talisman’s eyes glinted with determination. He would turn this game around, or die trying.

After this change in tactic, Hithlum mustered two good chances before the half time whistle. Túrin did seem to win every header, although he often got too rough with NilpWolf in their duels—at one point, he got booked for elbowing the Wolves defender hard in the face. The lycan rolled on the ground and cried in pain, screaming, ‘The pain, the pain! Lynch me! For Eru’s sake, lynch me now!’ His performance might have influenced the referee into reaching for his card, because no one else was convinced the Werewolf was really hurt. But in other instances, the Hithlum forward headed the ball past the Tol-in-Gaurhoth defensive line for his father to run into; unfortunately, Húrin got the ball too close to the byline, and his shot from a very acute angle sailed wide of ShastaWolf’s left-hand post.

Shortly before half time, he chip-headed an effort at goal past ShastaWolf, only for his attempt to land on the roof of the net.

The Hithlum faithful were on tenterhooks during the break; they had once overturned a tactical difficulty against Nargothrond with an inspired formation change, but they feared that the Wolves were too cunning to be outthought like that. The second half soon began with no changes in either team’s strategy: Hithlum kept seven players behind the ball, sending long passes for Túrin, while Tol-in-Gaurhoth kept their shape, snapping into tackles only when Morwen or Hador tried to bring the ball into their half. Túrin kept winning an absurdly high number of aerial duels, but he found his space easily smothered by the two centre-backs, sometimes aided by LegateWight. His knockdown targets Húrin and Beleg were ably corralled by the TiG full-backs. If they were to break through the Wolves defence, they really needed the help of their midfield.

The Hithlum front line did induce a moment of panic among the Wolves back four. An hour into the game, Balrog #5 sent a long ball, but this time not for Túrin but for his father. Húrin won the header, brought it down, and turned on Boro before the rest of the defence could reorient themselves. NilpWolf shifted right to contain him, and Draugluin switched on Túrin. Húrin sent a short cross to his son, who easily outleapt his marker and sent a goalbound effort from the penalty spot. Fortunately, Shasta was at hand to keep him out, and his clearance fell to GaladriWight, who sent it forward to Thuringwethil. The vampire tried to dribble infield, but Arroch shepherded him to the touchline, rebuffing all her attempts to link up with InzilWolf. The TiG centre forward jogged closer to Thuringwethil, dragging Balrog #5 with him. He had noticed PhantomWolf’s infield run from the opposite wing, and his movement left Gundor all alone to contain the Wolves playmaker. Thuringwethil sent a low cross, and Balrog #5 slid in to clear it, but the ball bounced awkwardly off his knee and into his arms. The referee whistled and pointed to the penalty spot, then brought out a yellow card for the Hithlum defender.

The Hithlum fans were outraged. Balrog #5 pleaded with the ref, telling him that the ball hit his arm, not the other way around. But the referee shook his head; the ball bounced into the byline instead of continuing on its path, meaning that he had controlled the ball with his arm. Balrog #5 spun away with a huff; Hador had to grab his shoulder to tell him to calm down, lest he get sent off.

And so it was a penalty to Tol-in-Gaurhoth. PhantomWolf stepped up to take it, lashing it into the top-left corner before Huor could react. The stadium exploded as the Angband crowd howled in delight. ‘Three-nil to the empty seats,’ they chanted, gleeful that the shoulders of the Hithlum supporters have dropped.

Hithlum players gritted their teeth. They were so close, throwing the Wolves off-guard when they sent the ball to Húrin instead of to Túrin, but their goalkeeper made an excellent save, and they immediately started a counter just as Hador and Morwen advanced to reinforce their attackers. The players of Hithlum were not ones to admit defeat easily, but most of them could see that overhauling a three-goal deficit in less than half an hour against an excellently defending side required nothing short of a miracle. Only Túrin and his father had any fight left in them, and Tol-in-Gaurhoth smartly shifted to 4-4-2, the same formation they used to shut Armenelos out in the closing stages of their quarterfinal tie.

Hithlum now had an extra player in the centre of the pitch, and they managed to pass their way past the Wolves’ midfield barrier. But with the front band of four just a few metres ahead of the back four, there was no space for the advancing midfielders to manoeuvre in, and they repeatedly lost the ball, prompting even more bare-bones counterattacking (‘Route One plays’) from Tol-in-Gaurhoth—a downfield hoof from a clearance to their two centre forwards who were fifty metres ahead of the midfield. Hithlum’s defenders were able to contain Inzilwolf and Thuringwethil, but with their movement they managed to occupy all four defenders, giving them second thoughts about advancing to help on the offensive.

There were ten minutes left in the game when PhantomWolf conceded a free kick to the left of the box after a clumsy challenge on Beleg. The Doriath march-warden took the free kick, and Húrin’s dummy header fooled half the TiG defenders in the box, leaving Túrin relatively free to take a shot. ‘Relatively free’ in his case meant that the head and feet of NilpWolf and Draugluin came at him from many directions, but, without jumping, he fired an overhead back-heel over NilpWolf’s shoulder with such ferocity that ShastaWolf was unable to contest the shot.

But that was the last time Hithlum would ever seriously threaten Tol-in-Gaurhoth. In the last nine minutes, the Wolves defended with ferocity, closing down anyone who came within five metres of their penalty area and rushing to intercept every through ball. Hithlum, like Armenelos before them, looked bereft of ideas how to break through that wall. Soon, the final whistle was blown, and one of the tournament’s best players was relegated to playing the consolation game. As for the Wolves, they were playing their second final in three years. Last time it took Melian’s super team to deny them the cup. This year, maybe they could finally get their paws on it.

Hithlum 1-3 Tol In Gaurhoth
GOALS:
15, 0-1 InzilWolf (Thuringwethil)
32, 0-2 SallyWight (InzilWolf)
66, 0-3 PhantomWolf
81, 1-3 Túrin (Beleg)

Total Shots
16-14

Shots On Target
4-7

YELLOW CARDS:
3-2
HTH: Túrin, Aradan, Balrog#5
TIG: Draugluin, PhantomWolf