Arda Cup Football 2011

[Boromir88]

Group B

Predicted Standings
1. Wilderland
2. Misty Mountains
3. Anduin
4. Esgaroth

As in Group A, this Group seems to have a pretty clear favorite winner in the Wilderland squad. They know how to score and can hurt you in a variety of ways. What works so well is the two great dragons are goal scorers. They're the targets, and it works in Sauron's scheme, because while Sauron will take a shot if the opportunity is there, he prefers to be the architect of the offense with expert passes. Khamul is a similar player, who can score, but looks to target the imposing dragons. Simply put, it's a deadly effective attack because you've got 2 primary goal scorers and 2 players who look to set them up with good chances. The defense is nothing to boast about, but it's good enough to win this group, it'll have to get better to advance further.

2nd becomes tricky to figure out again, although TTN will give a good edge to Misty Mountains who drew with Anduin and easily dispatched Esgaroth 3-0 in the friendlies. It's a new day now and I expect the tensions to boil over into a bloody bar fight, but then you're just walking into Misty Mts' specialty. They seemed to be coasting through their friendly matches and still performed well. And Caradhras was the best GK of the group. I'd say their biggest weakness is if Saruman and Durin's Bane lose their saavy. They are two big personalities, so big that if things start out rocky for them, their own egos will be Misty Mts' undoing.

The challengers then, how realistic is it that Anduin or Esgaroth make it through? Eh, nothing about their games tells me they can. So it's going to come down to either luck or one of them decides to surprise me with something I haven't seen yet. Neither Fram nor Brand can keep their goal clean (where Caradhras and Grimbeorn have done so). And in Brand's case, he was the 2nd poorest GK of the friendlies (58.1 sv%). They can both score goals, and will score goals in this group, but not enough I'm afraid. And if you look at the defenders on Anduin and Esgaroth, they pick up about as many cards as Misty Mts.

Round 1 Predictions

Esgaroth vs. Misty Mts - Just going by the 3-0 thumping Misty Mts gave them in the friendlies, Girion needs to come up with a new game plan and fast. The key is going to be who controls the mid field. Saruman has given the offensive reigns to Durin's Bane, so their offense runs through him. He's a notorious ball-hog (wait, I thought he was a ball-rog?) but the most dominating mid-fielder in this group.
Misty Mts wins 3-1

Anduin vs. Wilderland -
This will make for an interesting match, Beorn had wanted to recruit Grimbeorn to Anduin, but Grimbeorn was suaded by Sauron instead. Why? Most likely the money was better, but it might have bit to do with Grimbeorn also wanted to play GK. And will Beorn be in a frenzy as he can tend to play in? Whatever the case, Grimbeorn performed much better than Fram; 78.9 sv% to Fram's 66.7%. And even if Wilderland's defense falls asleep at times, that's always a good sign because it means Wilderland's offense is keeping possession and they're getting bored at the back.
Wilderland wins 3-1

Phantasy spin -

GK - I don't know if I'd take a GK from this group. Caradhras and Grimbeorn both stopped 15/19 which is a solid performance, but with it being their first time protecting the goal, I would still need to see more from them before choosing one. But for no star-cost they could make one of the better options.

DF - A lot of cheap defenders in this group. Stick to any of the DFs on Misty Mts or Wilderland. We've rated Wilderland's defense 9th and Misty Mts 10th. They were pretty much the same statistically, but Misty Mts' defenders draw more cards, which means negative points and a greater risk in taking them.

MF - As a 2-star player there was a bit of a risk with Durin's Bane because he can lay the occasional stinker of a game. As a 1-star he's a steal. Snatch him up for your team. And this group has several underrated MFs to be honest. Khamul and Girion both had 16 pts and Saruman 17. I don't recall Saruman performing particularly well in the tournament before, but the presense of Durin's Bane may change his fortunes. Girion and Khamul have been consistent (and again underrated) phantasy performers.

FW - Can't go wrong with any of the choices on the Wilderland, they score goals and lots of them. Earnil II and Bard have shown some quality but they averaged under 3 phantasy points per friendly, and thus probably aren't worth the risk.

[Nogrod]

Reading instructions for the numbers:

After the name of the team are the number of friendlies they have won-drawn-lost
Next row: total goals made – total goals allowed
Last row: scoring percentage*, shots on target (all shots) – shots allowed on goal (all shots allowed), goalie’s saving percentage.

* The AKM thinks the percentage of scored goals vs. overall shots (not only those on target) tells one more about the team.

Group A
Doriath
Himring (hosts)
Shire-Bree Utd.
Tirion

Doriath 4-0-0
12-3
20,7% 34(58) – 18(37) 83,3%

A very strong performance in the friendlies. And the team really has talent this year. Elu Thingol hit the golden vein giving her spouse to pick up the team this year. This team is delivering! And there is no way it will not qualify. Actually there is no way they’re going to take any other than the first place in the group unless they wish to play tactics in an odd situation where the number two from Group H would be more to their liking and they’d be willing to lose in purpose for that forgetting their pride.

They just excel on all areas of the game.

Their friendlies have been just smashing. They have controlled the games as they wish, pressing and making goals when they will, even falling back after a lead but still scoring. Anfaughlith managed to score twice against them, but then again it was a very polite game where both teams played “hands-off” defense thus allowing more shots to the opponent (twice the number Doriath normally allows). So Huan and the defense led by Melian & Thingol (including Carcaroth & Beren) is even more formidable the stats show them to be – while the opponents will be playing it with full swing in the future as well to be sure.

But while their defense is solid, their offence is the real game-breaker. Twelve goals in four games is the best scoring-line of the friendlies with a margin. Having Túrin, Beleg, Húrin and Eöl up front would be a wet dream of any coach. Doriath has them – with Lúthien and Mablung supporting in the midfield.

With this line up and spirit Doriath will go a long way in this tournament.

Himring 1-1-2
4-7
10% 18(40) – 25(52) 72%

Losing the solid defense of Amon Sûl it was a surprise Maedhros and Fingon stuck together trying to gather a team around them and not just sell themselves to the highest bidders. It looked fine when Maedhros’ younger brothers Maglor, Amrod and Amras joined, but then it looked like all the rest of the talent was already hired to other teams. In a forced situation they turned towards their former Easterling allies, faithful and treacherous, to form an alliance in memory of Nirnaeth Arnodiedad – in the vein of how team Anfaughlith had been formed.

None predicted them a happy tournament and overall the results of the friendlies are just about average. But there is one thing that should be kept in mind here. They lost to Anfaughlith 1-3 because Maedhros purposefully left his defenses alone to see how they could cope, they played even with Nargothrond as they stopped playing after the leading goal. In their only game in more or less tournament drive they actually beat Gondolin 2-1. So maybe they’re just holding back something and will be much more dangerous come the real games?

One anomaly there is though: how was it they lost to The Forest 0-2 just like that? Was Tom Bombadill just that sovereign or what was it?

They will fight for the second qualifier with Tirion in this group. Only the future will tell which one will proceed.

Shire-Bree Utd. 0-2-2
7-12
14% 21(50) – 29(52) 58,6%

The Shire-Bree Utd. has attacked with gusto and scored. But that’s the only positive news there is to tell about this team. And sadly their ability to score is way undermined by the weakness of their defenses that allows the opponent to outscore them anyway. Also it must be admitted that most of their opponents in the friendlies have treated them with silken gloves – which will not happen when the real games begin. The one game their opponent played for real in the friendlies they scored zero. So if Doriath will be tougher in the tournament than their stats show, then S-B Utd. will be a lot weaker their stats show.

They draw with Esgaroth mostly because they were taking turns in the attack and amiably not taking it too seriously in between the joking. Eriador was way better a team of the two but Aragorn and friends rather chatted with them and let them make some game when they were ahead themselves – and were decent enough to only win them by one goal. The Forest ents just stood the first half fascinated more about seeing halflings than the game, but as soon as Bombadill woke them up S-B Utd. had no chance. The only game where the opponent were not giving them easy time was their last against T-I-G – and they lost that 0-4 without a question as to which team was superb.

Butterbur is one of the lousiest goalies in the tournament, their defense scores more minus points than positive ones (every defender has at least two cards)… The “hero-quartet” has a decent scoreline (Pip excluded) but that has been gaoned against opponents who do not play it for real. Only Bandobras Took has shown some quality in the team – and that will not be enough.

The last team of the group.

Tirion 1-2-1
9-6
15,5% 32(58) – 20(43) 70%

A nice pack of Noldor talent gathered around grandfather Finwë and aided by Aulë. Aredhel is a superb steal and Finrod Felagund delivers always. But will it be enough?

Their defense is probably better the stats allow as they gave away two goals to Pelori in a game that was more like an open practice, and three to Hithlum in the same way (an open test of the forwards where both teams neglected organised defense). And anyway their defensive stats are already better than their major rivals Himring – and actually their attack is on a class of its own regarding Himring. But there are a host of “but’s” involved.

A serious contender to be the second to qualify. 60%-40% against Himring.



Group B
Anduin
Esgaroth
Misty Mts.
Wilderland (hosts)

Anduin 0-2-2
5-8
11,1% 24(45) – 24(46) 66,7

It is rumoured that Earnil II, Beorn and Fram were drinking together one night by chance in a same inn and realized they had in common living by the Great River – and thus decided to form a team for this year’s Arda Cup. As is known, most drunken ideas should be left alone the next day but the three seemed to be serious enough to actually go for it. The result is a diverse team with no unifying cause to make them fight for it together – even if there is a host of individual talent involved.

Their stats aren’t too bad, but in this case they lie a bit. They draw with Misty Mts. (in the same group) but it was more like a cat and a mouse thing where the cat (Misty Mts.) let them shoot to test their new goalie and after falling back easily equalized on their will. They lost to Wilderland 1-3 (also in the same group) while Wilderland played left-handedly. They lost to Lothlórien only 0-1 because Lothlórien pulled back totally after getting the lead…

The only team they seemed to have earned a point from a draw was their game against the most pathetic team of Dunharrow (probably the worst one this year). Good for them, the team Esgaroth is even lousier than they are.

Most probably third in the group.

Esgaroth 0-1-3
5-13
14,3% 17(35) – 31(59) 58,1%

Esgaroth looks a lot like the team Dale from last year, but that they have lost their best players like Smaug and Beorn. The addition of the spiders Attercop and Tomnoddy goes nowhere near to replace the two heroes but might even distract the inner balance of the team – if there ever was one.

The results from the friendlies are just sad reading. They managed to draw with Shire-Bree Utd. in a game that was more like taking turns and chatting & joking. On other games it did happen that every time the opponent decided to play a little Esgaroth was more or less overrun.

Esgaroth really needs to find a solution to their classless defense. They have allowed almost sixty shots to the opponents of which about half on target – in four games! Even a great goalie would have problems trying to keep the goal intact in such a rain of shots, and sadly Brand isn’t one. And if one is going to allow three goals in every game (3,25 to be exact), they’d need a flashing attack to win games – which they have neither.

Unless they really pull their act together, and do some magic with their defense, they will be the last of the group.

Misty Mountains 2-1-1
7-4
16,3% 25(43) – 19(39) 79%

It is not said in vain of Saruman that he is wise, as wise people learn from their mistakes. Last year was a nightmare for Saruman with Gandalf and the halflings but this year he has chosen his companies with more care and the results are quite promising.

Saruman seems to have delved into negotiations with Durin’s Bane quite early on and they seemed to have Azog on board early as well thus founding the offence. Many questions hover over the true nature of Caradhras as the goalkeeper. His saving percentage is pretty good but not outstanding (79%), but many say they have purposefully held him at bay to only show his real qualities as the real games start.

The defense of Misty Mts. sure is formidable: with two great eagles, the chief wolf and the Watcher very few dare to rush towards them. The Great Goblin and William the Troll make it a huge stopping-zone in the midfield and Narvi provides some craftsmanship and intelligence to the team.

They draw with Anduin only because they wished to test Caradhras and let the opponents purposefully to shoot and they played an even game against Pelori (even if losing 0-1). The two other matches they won easily in a relaxed mode.

Ends up second in the group.

Wilderland 3-1-0
10-4
18,9% 32(53) – 19(41) 79%

Sauron hasn’t win the Arda Cup but once and that makes him ever more hungry for it – and he rarely signs with a lousy side that has no chances to go really far in the tournament. It seems the same this year – and he’s behind the steering wheel this time quite openly – including the fact that he has more or less stayed in the shadows during the friendlies leaving it to his team to make it. Like always, he seems to be happy to support the team with beautiful passes (like he was behind team Armenelos’ victory a few years ago feeding Ar Pharazôn).

But what kind of signings he has gathered this year… Smaug and Scatha around him in the attack! It’s hard to find as intimidating offence from this tournament. But he also signed the three wizards solidifying his defenses – and stealing the always deadly Khâmul was his last master strike.

And Wilderland has been outstanding in the friendlies as well even if their opponenrts haven’t been of the highest quality. The draw with T-I-G could make one wonder as T-I-G hasn’t been that impressive in their other games, but then again that’s the way T-I-G plays only stepping up when they really need to.

So Wilderland will easily win this group unless Saruman provides some real wizardry to outwit Sauron. But looking at the relationship of the two that’s hardly likely.

Wins the group.



Group C
Angband
Anfaughlith (hosts)
Hithlum
The Downer

Angband 3-0-1
8-2
16,3% 23(49) – 16(40) 87,5%

Morgoth leads the defense of a few Balrogs and Draugluin the Werewolf while Ungoliant guards the goal. You know the opponents will not be scoring a lot against that downstairs household. The amazing (and baffling) Tilion keeps being dangerous under Morgoth’s eye third year in a row in midfield, and Tevildo, Thuringwethil and Ancalagon himself go for the offence. Formidable.

Ungoliant was the shared best goalie last year and she has continued where she ended last year, being the trustworthy lock in the defense with 87,5% savings (2 goals from 16 shots on goal) in the friendlies. They gave one goal to Pelori in a tight game where Eönwë the herald scored from a corner and Fëanor’s brothers managed to get one in in a game Beleriand was defeated 1-3 by Angband. So mind you. It will not be easy to score against this backline.

The only problem one might see thus far with Angband’s playing in regards to the play-offs is that only Ancalagon (4+0) and Thuringwethil (3+0) have been scoring majorly (well, any team would be jealous for that kind of scorers, especially two of them in a same team). But they’d need Tilion to get his act together once again to have a third tooth to bite the opponent with.

Anfaughlith is a tough team as well, but it would be a surprise if Angaband didn’t claim the number one seat in this group. Unless the jokers of the group perform miracles…

Anfaughlith 3-0-1
8-4
14,8% 30(54) – 19(40) 79%

The team Anfaughlith is an astonishing combination of the best talent there is rallied around the hill of Haudh-en-Ndengin (Dagor Bragollach and Nirnaeth Arnodiedad) and from the great city of Gondolin tightly webbed with the fates of Ard-Galen. Basically half of the last years champions play for Anfaughlith this year and that must be said is the master-steal of the year by Huor, Rían and Azaghâl (forget Galadriel getting only one Fëanor). And the selected Balrogs aren’t no weak substitutes to the rest of the team, especially Gothmog is a real game-decider. Interestingly enough, the team organisers might be the weakest links of the team…

It’s hard to make a judgement on their friendlies as so many of them have included shooting contests, all out attacks by mutual consent of both teams etc. But their performances have been solid enough – and their defense strong enough even with the shooting contests, that it is easy to predict them to qualify over Hithlum and The Downer. Just look at how they’ll play when the games start for real.

But the two other teams are the real jokers this year and they will make this group extremely interesting.


Hithlum 1-2-1
10-11
18,9% 28(53) – 34(65)

The talk of Arda this year. Last year’s star defenders Celegorm and Curufin insisted on playing offence and Hador dared to hire them with the terms they laid on him. It wasn’t that good in the beginning as they were dominated by Gondolin in their first match (even if it was a draw) and were totally beaten by Doriath (0-4). But when they changed their tactics and started to go all out for offence, Fëanor’s sons started to deliver: Celegorm has scored now 3+1 and Curufin 4+4. Hador has shown that the edain can score as well gathering a nice 3+0 behind his stars.

A lot depends on what tactics Hithlum will choose in the group-phase. The all out attack produces a bunch of goals but also allows the opponent to score back as was seen in their last two friendlies against Mithrim and Tirion. Imlach has been a precious goalie in a few games but he’s not one of the top keepers of the tournament, so can Hador count on him and the fairly untested defense to go on full attack or will he be more careful thus frustrating his top-scorers? The group is really tough and the other teams will score if given room to do that. To be or not to be, that’s the problem Hador now faces.

If Hithlum defences start to hold and Imlach steps up a notch – and Hithlum braves to play offensively – they might challenge Anfaughlith for qualification. But if not, and they leave Celegorm and Curufin without proper feeding in the front, they will end up third or fourth.

The Downer 1-2-1
8-8
15,7% 22(51) – 22(46) 63,6%

The Downer is another talking point of this year’s tournament. It is less that no one expected the AFA authorities to allow for this kind of team to take part (the exception of T-I-G has been quite an everyday thing no one has contested in years), but more the way this team plays.

And they really play an odd game. During the friendlies they have been really aggressive claiming 16 yellow cards in four games (only Mordor comes even close with 15 cards), but they have also confused their opponents by pressing on when every decent team would have withdrawn and vice versa – or starting to play when the opponent thinks there is a mutual consensus that the end-result is okay.

The real question is, that now as the surprise-factor has probably worn out, how will the other teams adjust their play to counter the haphazardness of the Downer team? Pelori already gave them some physical counter-play, a tit-for-tat the first time, and thus causing them their first lost game during the friendlies. Looking at teams like Angband and Anfaughlith it looks like they’re not going to shy away from playing physically if it needs be – so answering the call of The Downer with a lot more strength and stamina The Downer can ever produce.

But one should not forget that the team Downer also has some real talent. Saucepanman is a quality midfielder who scores a lot (4+0). Alien (2+0), hookbill (1+2) and Peter Hampton (1+2) are guys to be watch out for as well. King Bus at the goal hasn’t been the best of goalies and the overall defense of The Downer hasn’t impressed.

The other joker-team of the group. If they manage to confuse the opponents they might even have a chance to qualify, but more probably the other teams just run over them playing it much more physical now as it is time for it and leave them the last in the group. But *knock-knock*, one never knows.



Group D
Barad-Dûr
Eregion (hosts)
Eriador
Gondor

Barad-Dûr 1-1-2
6-9
15,8% 16(38) – 30(62) 70%

After Sauron vanished the “boys of the last alliance”, Gil-Galad and Isildur, were left free floating and everyone thought they would leave the Dark Tower and join some competitive team to play with their friends for a change, but for some unseen reasons they decided to stay there, even alluring Cirdan from the Havens to join them. But it is an uneasy alliance now with Mouth, orcs, a nazgul etc. with the good guys and the focus tying them into that place gone to put up team Wilderland. But as they say, great minds are seldom understood in their time – or in this case even after their time.

The stats of the friendlies are not too flattering for Barad-Dûr, but one would do well to note they have played somewhat tougher opponents than an average team. But it was mainly the rifts inside the team which resulted in Gondor beating them in their last friendly – or was it just revealing their real level?

They will have it tough to advance from the group-phase even in this pretty mediocre group D. And most probably they will not do it.

Eregion 2-1-1
4-3
10,3% 20(39) – 17(38) 82,4%

Eregion has thus far the most solid defense of the group and with the master-keeper Elrond at the goal they can rest assured the opponents will not score a lot. Other than that is hard to say as their friendlies have been more or less played in a practice mode with nice understanding with the opponent of not being too competitive.

Glorfindel has flashed some nice play and Elrohir has been quite spirited as well. People are waiting for Eärendil to wake up though. And if he does, then Eregion has good chances of qualifying. And they do have a good chance anyway as everything in the group is quite open now. So which team goes forwards to the play-offs will be something hard to predict on.

Eriador 1-2-1
7-7
15,2% 24(46) – 22(46) 68,2%

Eriador knows how to score. Aragorn and Barrow-Wight have been really good at it getting great support from Halbarad. Last year’s comet Araphor hasn’t quite reached his level yet but has done decently. But the problem of Eriador lies elsewhere, namely in defense. It’s not that they have the most shots against them or that Arvedui would be a pathetic goalie, but somehow the defense just doesn’t work. And unless Bert stops taking those cards they will end up playing undermanned in every game when the stakes get higher. And that’s not a position to fight even matches.

But the same thing which applied to Eregion applies to Eriador as well: their friendlies are of little evidence to any direction. They were weaker than the numbers tell against Numenor, and their draw with T-I-G was only due to the werewolves freezing with the sight of the Barrow-Wight. Then again they were much better than the numbers show against the Shire-Bree Utd. and their final game with Eregion was a happy match where both teams were just walking it through.

As said, the group is wide open and it is hard to say which teams (except Barad-Dûr who are not qualifying) will make it to the play-offs. Whether there is a glorious path there for anyone team from this group to advance any further, well only a fool would bet on that.

Gondor 3-1-0
10-6
18,5% 24(54) – 22(49) 72,7%

Gondor’s stats from the friendlies look like they’re the clear favourites of the group, but whereas Eregion’s and Eriador’s stats are just hard to read, it looks like Gondor’s stats are plain misleading. They have won three games – and in a more or less competitive athmosphere – but those wins have come from some of the poorest sides in this year’s tournament. Their amazing draw with Westernesse was mainly due to the Numenorians playing with half-speed and letting them to play, some individual talent and sloppiness on behalf of Westernesse’s defenses and goaltending.

On a positive note one must say that Eldacar (5+1) has been on fire during these friendlies, and if he continues that way, the opponents need to really concentrate their defensive efforts. Also Eorl and Arwen have played well.

Gondor has good chances of qualifying, but they can’t be sure of it. In no way.



Group E
Mordor
Nargothrond
The Forest (hosts)
Tol-In-Gaurhoth

Mordor 2-0-2
5-7
13,9% 14(36) – 23(49) 69,6%

Mordor is facing a real leadership-problem.

Nazgul #7 has carried the burden of scoring but he seems not yet ready to fill the boots of the leader of Mordor. Shelob is no team leader – even less than being a team player with the orcs. The same goes with Watcher who could otherwise qualify as someone others look up upon, but he’s too much an individualistic loner to be able or willing to take responsibility of a team effort. Gollum does have personality, but who would follow such a wretched one? The orcs could fight over leadership, but the stars wouldn’t be impressed… So it looks like team Mordor, as it is now, is just a bunch of rag-tag baddies going after a whim, and in the worst instance destroying their own chances.

They did win the lousy Dunharrow team in a sloppy game and Minas Morgul in a more or less practice-like friendly re-union where no one cared about the result. But Gondor was clearly a too strong a team against them and with Westernesse they didn’t stand a chance.

The only chance for Mordor seems to be that Nargothrond turns out as sloppy team they are when the real games begin and Tom Bombadill decides to love flowers more than the game. Or if someone steps up to lead them and the Watcher turns into another mode entirely.

Will not probably qualify.

Nargothrond 0-2-2
4-7
9,5% 20(42) – 21(52) 66,7%

If Tuor has been criticized for making a bad choice willing to lead a team of his own, then some similar kind of criticisms should be sent towards Finduilas as well. Finarfin’s grand-daughter sure has led herself into trouble even if many from the mighty house of Beor did join the team. Glaurung sure is a star but his last season was just wretched and even if he has shown some higher spirits this year he seems past his prime (no wonder Morgoth told him he was too big and slow to fit his team) ith only two goals in four games thus far. Maybe the strict rules Finduilas set for him are an issue as well – like not being allowed to go for Túrin - and he doesn’t quite feel happy with the team?

After all the complaints one could try to see positive things in their game. They were the first to meet the odd team The Downer and got away with it with a draw. Also they played it quite evenly with Gondolin, which is no small feat – and as the man of the match there was Rôg on Gondolin’s goal it actually tells they were doing something right in there. Losing to Doriath only 0-2 is decent as well.

But after all it is a plain fact that their scoring percentage is a sad 9,5% with which no team could dream of making it to the play-offs. If Finduilas could motivate Glaurung to feel happy and do his best, and they could organize their defenses to let the opposition to shoot a little less – and then play as well as they did against Gondolin, well then they might stand a chance to qualify. But there seems to be quite many ifs on the road to play-offs…

The Forest 1-1-2
5-7
12,5% 21(40) – 24(47)

One always wishes to talk of other players than Tom Bombadill in an analysis concerning a team he plays in, but there seems to be no way around it. Once again it is Tom Bombadill who will steal our attention.
So let’s take a worn out example once more. Take Fëanor, take Túrin, take phantomwolf or whichever hero and present them with the Ring of Power. Or take any Maia… They will be either twisting to its will or at least having a great struggle with it – and even if this is pure speculation, it’s not so clear if all of the Valier would be able to ignore it either. But be as it may, the Ring has absolutely no power on Tom. He’s just above that kind of things and no one knows what he is and where he comes from.

The sad thing for any team having him in their roster is that he can be totally above playing football as well picking flowers from a near meadow or delving in his poems. But when he plays he is one of the best, if not The Best player in whole Arda. At least there are only a few who could contest that ranking with him in earnest – if he would happen to be interested in trying out anything g as insignificant as that.

This time around he has shown a considerable amount of interest in the game – maybe it is because Goldberry is playing as well and he has more reasons to focus on things in the field? But he is unforeseeable, which has been seen in the friendlies already – and in the tournaments before.

So if Tom is playing The Forest can go anywhere: the ents can be really tough on both defense and offence if sang to it in the right way – and Thranduil (who has been forgotten by most analysis on team Forest) is a good forward as well. But without decent calling the ents can also be very slow and well, treeish (just remember how the hobbits made fool of them in the first half of the game between the two until Bombadill sang the ents into playing – which changed everything).

A real questionmark then, but unless Tom deserts his team once and for all, then more probable qualifiers than not.

Tol-In-Gaurhoth 2-2-0
10-4
18,5% 29(54) – 18(34) 77,8%

After the trial of playing in a human form last year proving a disaster the T-I-G team has taken back their natural werewolf-form again – and they have been pretty good, if not as dashing as many would have anticipated. But like phantomwolf famously said after the first friendly: “Psh – it’s just friendlies”, and there’s nothing new in here. Traditionally T-I-G only starts playing when it matters.

Anyway, T-I-G are the clear favourites to win this group by a margin – if they just stick to it. But will they be good enough to go far in the tournament this year? Only time will tell.

Putting Gwathwolf up in the offence seems to have been a great idea as he has already produced 3+2. Also Nerwolf is getting her game together having scored three times already. Shastawolf is slowly gearing up and has now an okay goalie savings percent of 77,8%. Phantomwolf has also shown increased interest in the game and has scored a decent 2+1. Sallywolf and Galadwolf have done well in their supporting low midfield role, both securing two shut-outs but also offering two assists to goals each. On the downside Nogwolf has been quite invisible thus far after making one goal in their first match.

Yes, T-I-G will qualify for play-offs but they need to find the edge to their game if they’re to go much further this year.



Group F
Mithrim
Númenor (hosts)
Tol Eressëa
Westernesse

Mithrim 0-0-4
3-13
7,1% 17(42) – 33(58) 60,6%

Many a great name has weared the jerseys of team Mithrim, but this year those heroes will feel ashamed of the level of the team they have represented earlier years. This year Mithrim is just a shadow of their former days of glory. They have problems in scoring, but even worse problems in keeping their own goal clean – and it’s not only the problem of Tuor in the goal (even if it is partly also his problem) but the problem of the whole defense which just isn’t able to keep the opponent’s forwards away from shooting. They have allowed 13 goals in just four games and Tuor’s saving percentage is a dismal 60,6%. And meanwhile they have scored only three goals themselves thus far.

Even more worrisome however is the fact that every time the opponent has shown some interest in playing it for real (or just having an interest in controlling the game) Mithrim has been more or less overrun by them – and two of their three goals were made in a game against Hithlum where Hithlum threw everything forwards to practice goal-scoring (making four) leaving Mithrim more than ample room to score themselves (only two) – a situation they will not see during the group-play.

Looking at the other teams in the group every sign predicts an early exit to team Mithrim this year, which is a pity, looking at the proud history of the team’s banner.

Númenor 1-2-1
3-4
10% 14(30) – 20(45) 80%

Númenor is one of those teams it is very hard to say anything but impressions as most of their friendlies have been played in practise mode or just plain slow and unwilling to show off anything or to wear out the players. Being the hosts of the group one might though expect some real action from them when the group-phase finally begins. And anyway, it will be a battle between them and Tol-Eressëa for the second place in the play-offs as Westernesse will walk there quite easily.

But to those impressions then. They were a bit better than Eriador (which is not a lot, but something) and they seemed quite even with Beleriand (which is something) – and clearly the weaker team against Valinor (which was predictable). Their last game against Tol-Eressëa gave out nothing as both teams tried to avoid showing anything to the opponent as they will meet in the first game of the group phase. But the teams ending in 0-0 tells a lot about both teams.

The fact that they are the hosts and the feeling that they have been holding back a lot during the friendlies might speak of their behalf to qualify. But it looks like Tol-Eressëa has been holding their horses (waves?) as well so it is a tough call. But either one will advance to play-offs anyway.

On the positive note, Silmariën has proved to be a decent goalie and their defense stands cool.

Tol-Eressëa 0-2-2
1-4
2,9% 16(34) – 20(41) 80%

If Númenor has scoring problems, then I’m not sure what to call the situation Tol-Eressëa has in their hands. They have scored one goal (1 goal!) in four friendlies. And that’s all. Friendlies or not, but that is pathetic.

Ulmo leads a very solid defense, a stellar one it could be said, and Amandil is a right man between the posts (80% saving ratio is pretty good), but they just haven’t scored. Is this some sneaky tactics by Ulmo and they will surprise everyone when the real games begin or is it just that Uinen is a) not fit to carry the burden of being responsible for scoring, or b) is he just too alone in offence?

Looking at the friendlies it could be said that both T-I-G and Tirion just didn’t let them attack (and the game against Númenor doesn’t count, see the previous entry for details). The positive note could be found from their game against Beleriand where they actually got 7(12) shots made and only Halmir’s good day on goal denied them an equalizer – but even that game was quite sloppy, by both teams.

Everything else would point towards Númenor running over Tol-Eressëa in the group phase, them being hosts and all, but somehow it just feels like Ulmo has with-held more of his cards than others – even if it feels like team Numenor has also kept a thing or two out of sight as yet.

But a scoring percent of 2,9%! Even Dunharrow scores 5,4% of their shots – and Tirion scores 20,7%; in this group Westernesse scores 17,5%, with double the shots…

Odd, too odd – and thus very tough to predict.

Westernesse 2-1-0
10-2
17,5% 30(57) – 17(35) 88,2%

Westernesse’s defense has been only a little bit better than those of Númenor and Tol-Eressëa, but that’s the only thing one can meaningfully compare the teams. On all other fronts Westernesse is not just better but on a totally different level.

Tar Atanamir has been the second best keeper thus far and he will not be an easy guy to pass in the oncoming games – especially to teams who have problems shooting & scoring to begin with.

Secondly, Númenor has scored three goals and Tol-Eressëa one goal. Looking at the cream of individual players from team Westernesse shows the difference: Ar Pharazôn 3+2, Elros 3+1, Ar Adunakhôr 2+1, Tar Minastir 1+2… Mardil alone (1+1) scores even with team Tol-Eressëa. ‘nuff said.

Thirdly, unlike the other teams of the group, Westernesse has dominated their friendlies at will – even when playing half-speed. The one game against Valinor was different, but there both teams played without a play-book and only went with individual talent. And that was an even game which Westernesse nevertheless won. It’s hard to see any other team from this group winning Valinor, whichever mode the game would be played.

So Westernesse will win the group – and could go far in the tournament. Their worst problem is round 1 of the play-offs where they will meet either Angband or Anfaughlith, both potential finalists this year. But if they survive from there, sky’s the limit.

[Nogrod]

Group G
Beleriand
Gondolin
Pelori
Valinor (hosts)

Beleriand 2-1-1
6-5
14,3% 19(42) – 20(46) 75%

Beleriand would be a serious contester to qualify from almost any other group, but in this “group of death” their fate is to be eliminated. And that’s just a cruel fact. It looks clear the fine sons of Finarfin have just been thrown to the lions in AFA group-lottery. They really challenged Angband, they played even with Numenor (even if not full speed), they beat Mithrim 3-1 walk-in-a-park style…

What remains to be seen is whether they or Gondolin will be the last team in the group.

With Celegorm and Curufin turning from star-defenders to star strikers a new concept was born and it looks like Aegnor and Angrod are trying to accomplish the same (it actually looks like Finarfin’s sons came up with the idea first), but with results clearly lagging behind that of the sons of Fëanor. Celegor and Curufin had their problems in the first games but now they’re looking quite impressive with Celegorm at 3+1 and Curufin at 4+4. But unlike them, Aegnor and Angrod have only been pretty good defenders, not stellar ones like Fëanor’s sons. Secondly, Aegnor has managed 2+2 and Angrod 1+1 thus far. Not bad but far from the other brothers.

Of the two teams Beleriand has the edge on offence and Gondolin on defense. But a place in the play-offs will remain a dream to the two as Pelori and Valinor will just fly there on their homeground.

Gondolin 1-1-2
5-6
9,8% 23(51) – 28(46)

As said before, team Gondolin was the champion of last year only to be stolen the cream of their team for this season. But no worries, King Turgon himself came back with half of last year’s silver-medalists from team Vinyamar. And the team looks very solid, able to qualify or at least seriously challenge for qualification… in any other group but this.

And to add to Turgon’s problems some elves in Gondolin have been also questioning the wisdom of some of his decisions which they claim if done otherwise could have made a difference and make them competitive enough to really fight for qualification even in this group of death. The issue mainly revolves around Penlod, Duilin and Egalmoth.

Penlod earned “The Clutch Performer of the Year” award in 2010 as a forward for Vinyamar. Nevertheless Turgon decided to make him the deepest defender in front of the goal. His talent in scoring, and scoring at the right time is something the team now lacks, the critics say. Instead, Turgon named Duilin and Egalmoth as the team’s forwards. They were quality midfielders last year and played well in offence scoring and assisting a few goals, but they are no strikers who will deliver every night, several goals every night, the criticism continues.

Turgon has mainly tried to shut the mouths of his critics by scoring. And he has done quite well in that. But the questions, many elves feel, remain unanswered for the time being.

So a good team but not good enough to really challenge the Valier teams who look much more competitive and dangerous this year than any year before. Fights with Beleriand from the third place.

Pelori 4-0-0
6-2
14,3% 20(42) – 22(45) 90,9%

Manwë’s teams have been accused of conservative play, being too happy to just defend, or just to be too nice to all the “goodie-teams” and not being competitive enough to really play and risk some goodie-opponents feel bad.

Whether that criticism is fair or not is anybody’s opinion, but it looks like Manwë is not going to give up his style of play even if some of his great Valier left his team for this year’s tournament: Pelori has won all its games with one goal difference in the friendlies again… And the team really plays conservatively in general trusting even more to goal-keeping this year as Manwë himself has taken the post between the posts. Saving percentage of 90,9% is just superb, but then again what else would you get from the Ruler of Arda?

But there is an interesting twist to Manwë’s game an avid follower of the games might have spotted. Pelori did indeed get physical to beat The Downer. Some (self-)righteous anger over a team that doesn’t play by the book or a new facet of Manwë’s team? A good question. But clearly not too Manwë-like.

Winning Angband when part of the game was played for real and forcing the odd ones, The Downer, to their first defeat just tells how ready this team is for the competition even if it has played most of the time with half-speed, or less.

Unless Manwë becomes too cordial and lets Beleriand or Gondolin to surprise him at the last minutes there is no way either of the two will beat Pelori to the play-offs.

Valinor 3-0-1
8-2
15,1% 29(53) – 12(30) 83,3%

Even if they lost one of their friendlies, Valinor still looks like “the dangerous team”. It’s not only that it is led by Tulkas who broke up with Manwë to play some more daring football with a quality-company, but it is also the relaxed easiness they have sailed from victory to another.

And that game they lost to Westernesse, well you could forget it as it was game where neither team played organizedly as not to show their cards to their probable opponents later in the tournament, and the winner for Westernesse was a lucky one deflection.

Other than the game against Westernesse (serious contenders for this year’s Cup and an unusual game anyway), Valinor dominated the friendlies at will: controlling the possession, scoring when willing to, calling the pace of the games… Add to that the crushing talent of their offence: Miriel, Nerdanel and Arien (consistently on the top of scoring year by year – beautiful steals to his team by Tulkas), a midfield led by Olwë and Yavanna (who at last seems to have found a team she plays well with!) and a defense led by Tulkas himself with Ingwë at the goal saving 83,3% of the shots on target. A strong team indeed.

It is clear Pelori and Valinor will battle it out – or if Manwë plays it “nicely” then they will gove the win to Valinor – the other two teams will be just onlookers this time, even if they are highly competitive teams. The last thing to confirm that prediction is just to reminisce the last year’s tournament and the way how the Valier looked after their own teams when playing in the West. It is no nice or easy place for a visiting team to play.

Whether Valinor wins the group or whether Pelori does is anybody’s guess. But those two will qualify.

[Boromir88]

Group C

Predicted standings
1. Angfauglith
2. Angband
3. Hithlum
4. The Downer

TTN will go against the favorite pick of Angband to win the group and say Angfauglith will win the group. At this point just grab a coin and flip it, because they are that ridiculously close and both look like attractive picks to win the Arda Cup. Here they are battling in the same group.

We could find no significant advantage the top 2 teams have against the other. Possibly at GK, as Ungoliant continues to swallow every ball into her unlight, but don't be too qucik to forget Huor HAS won a championship as a keeper, Ungoliant hasn't. Angfauglith did give up 2 more goals, but that was against Doriath and Morgoth's defense isn't impenetrable. Also, we like Angfauglith's attack ever so slightly better than Angband. The Gothmog, Maeglin, and Gwindor trio is superior to the Angband trio. The downside is, Tilion can easily make it the Angband quartet, if he's in the right mood, where Angfauglith doesn't really have the 4th able scorer.

You really can flip flop those teams and since it's so unpredictable TTN is making it's Angfauglith pick based on plot lines. Balrogs are greater than dragons and Fingolfin is the only person with the moxy to ride out, face Morgoth, and smack him around (ok so he did get crushed too, but as this is football, Fingolfin will prove the greater ).

So is it a forgone conclusion the other two are Angs-fodder? Yes. To their credit they are good enough teams to make the games in this group of the highest entertainment (and certainly there is a lot of personality to Hithlum and The Downer squads). The problem is simple though, The Angs are the more complete team. GK Imlach is too inconsistant (and King Bus is just bad), which would be more easily hidden with a good defense. Too bad for Imlach, Hithlum's defense is non existant.

The Downer can get away playing unconventionally in the friendlies, but that strategy won't work now that the teams are playing a full effort. There is a danger with the rash temper of Morgoth though, I can see this Downer team just really peeving him off. (Not because The Downer team will be particularly effective, but simply out of annoyance).

Round 1 Predictions

Angband vs. Hithlum - The keys to the game, the Hithlum FWs against Ungoliant and Morgoth's defense. Hithlum's going to give up goals, but Morgoth doesn't go full attack without mercy. He pressures to get a 2 goal lead and then plays shut down defense. Will Hithlum's attack be good enough to overcome a 2-goal defecit, not against Angband's defense.
Angband wins 3-1

Angfauglith vs. The Downer - I can't see this being a good match up for The Downer at all. Although, admittedly, when the Arda Cup teams were announced I knew nothing about these clowns. And for the first time I've got no analysis other than I wouldn't be surprised if The Downer plays a man short, at some point and then it's a route.
Angfauglith wins 3-0

Phantasy spin

GK- Of the two stars GK, Ungoliant is probably the one I'd most likely want to have. She's a beast and started last year with 4 straight shut out for Utumno. With that said, you can't go wrong with the cheap Huor either. He's led all of his teams at least to the Quarterfinals every year, and last year won a championship for Gondolin shutting out Vinyamar.

DF- I would not be opposed to taking either of the 2-star defenders in this group. Morgoth has moved to defense but know also his offensive abilities when he was a MF. He'll set up the attack starting in the back line, so I think Morgoth can get a lot of points as a DF. Fingolfin is probably the riskier pick out of the 2, but he had 13 pts in the friendlies, Morgoth 14. No significant difference. The Balrogs also make fabulous defenders and are less pricey.

MF- I say get Tilion. At least for the group stages. He disappeared, just as quickly as the moon, in the playoffs. But in the group stages that dude was on fire and single-handedly was Utumno's offense. Not many of hte other midfielders in this group look attractive. Ecthelion and Gothmog have worked out their rocky relationship, so perhapse Ecthelion as a cheap choice. Or take a risk on the unpredictable Downer midfielders (Hookbill, Peter Hampton, and Saucepan), they showed some ability. Wouldn't take them with their first round opponent of Angfauglith however.

FW- Ancalagon disappears way to often to be a dependable phantasy player. And actually any of the Angfauglith or Hithlum forwards would likely be much better choices. The good thing about Angband is their scoring is more spread out so you're almost guaranteed points no matter who you select from their team. However Hador, Curufin, and Celegorm for no cost have a reasonable chance to get a lot more points. (Same can be said for the Angfauglith trio, but they will cost more).

[Boromir88]

Group D

Predicted Standings
1. Eregion
2. Eriador
3. Gondor
4. Barad-dur

This is one of the more difficult groups to figure out. Where so far A-C have been easier identifying where the teams stand either as favorites or a fighters chance (or no chance) to advance, this one looks far more up in the air.

In the end TTN believes it's Eregion's to lose. That is to say, we place them as the favorites, but are not confident in this choice and would not be shocked if they did not win the group. All signs say they should. Elrond wins games with keeping his goal clean, and last year the defense struggled to help their Lord. This year has seen a definite improvement with Celebrimbor and Asfaloth signed to the team. Earendil did not show up in the friendlies and somehow Eregion still went 2-1-1. Fans are waiting for him to heat up as they know he is more than able too, and right now criticism of the high priced signing has been tame because Eregion fans are distracted by Figwit's presense.

Who gets 2nd? We like Eriador because of Arvedui and Araphor's run last beating Manwe's Valinor team in the 1st playoff round. They rise up big on the bigger occasions and if they managed a respectable 1-2-1 in the friendlies, just think how they will show up on the primetime stage? The trolls added to the defense may backfire, but it's not terrible, and part of the problem is actually Arvedui at goal who isn't up to his standard from last year.

Based on Gondor's results and numbers, shouldn't we like them above Eriador? Eh, don't know how to describe it, or why I feel Eriador will edge out Gondor for 2nd. Defensively the teams performed almost identically and the only difference is Ecthelion II stopped one more shot than Arvedui. I look at Gondor and see a respectable team, and a team hard to beat because they won't beat themselves, but what is Boromir I doing playing as a DF? And Eriador has the late game intangibles, Araphor has an uncanny ability to score crucial goals late, and Aragorn's leadership is unrivalled.

Of course with how hard we're finding it to pick between Eriador and Gondor, it's completely possible both advance and send Eregion home packing.

There's talent on Barad-dur too, but I'd pick the co-operative teamwork of Gondor and Eriador over the discombombulated talent on Barad-dur. When Sauron was at his Tower last year the baddies fell in line to play with the goodies. Sauron's gone now, Gil-Galad's taken the leadership role but the baddies are no longer falling in line. Their backline is too disoriented and we wonder why then not place Anarion up front and put The Mouth in charge of the defense? At least that way the DF may have a bit more organization to it.

Round 1 Predictions

Barad dur vs. Eriador - Let's see if Arvedui's reasons for adding the trolls and Barrow-wight to the team pays off. He wanted to be able to stand up to the more evil minded teams. But this will be a weird game because it's Isildur, Gil Galad and Cirdan on the attack for Barad dur, and the trolls will have trouble containing them. Arvedui will have to be on his best form. With that said, Araphor, Aragorn, and The B-W should have their way against Barad dur's defense too.
Draw 2-2

Eregion vs. Gondor - It will likely take 2-goals to beat Eregion in this one, and 2-goals against Elrond is outside Gondor's ability. Question is, can they get 1? I can see it ending in a 1-1 draw, but if Earendil is ready to play it'll more than likely be a 2-1 win for Eregion. Although, TTN is going to say...
Eregion wins 1-0

Phantasy spin -

GK - Elrond is really the only keeper I'd feel ok about picking from this group. He's costly, but shuts down the goal and that's all there is to it. Out of the group stages he's always one of the top point getters for GK's.

DF - And as Elrond is the only GK, I would consider picking, same with Eregion's defense. It's not that Eriador and Gondor are horrible defensively but 1. The trolls pick up a lot of cards and 2. They allow a lot of shots, so unless the GKs are superb you're going to score on their defenses. Where Elrond is always superb and therefor his defenses are always a lock for phantasy points (and they don't foul often). The downside is, Eregion's defense doesn't venture too far up field so they won't be involved in the attack very often. With that said, Celebrimbor is the only one who costs 1-star (and Celebrimbor in the past has made a couple assists as a defender).

MF - Of the mid-fielders over the past couple years, Arwen has been the most consistant one. Although, in the 1st round of games with Gondor going up against Eregion, safer selections would be someone from the Barad-dur or Eriador MF, since there will likely be more goals in that game. Right now, I'd feel better taking Aragorn before Gil-Galad, or the Barrow-wight as a cheaper option.

FW - The FWs I like best from this group are Eldacar and Eorl, and you can get them for no star cost. I'd hold off on Earendil to see if he can play under his son's style, but there's no doubt that Elf is a hammer at the front. Araphor also has the knack of scoring goals, he does it every year and no reason to believe he's suddenly lost that ability, even with the subpar friendlies.

[Nogrod]

Group H
Dunharrow (hosts)
Lothlórien
Minas Morgul
Minas Tirith


Dunharrow 0-1-3
2-8
5,4% 13(37) – 28(48) 71,4%

The muster of Rohan doesn’t seem to be what it used to. The eorlinga have been a disappointment, to put it in cordial terms. To put it frankly, they have been lousy. The new and old talent don’t seem to mix and their game has been almost as inconsistent as that of The Downer. The saddest proof was their last friendly in which they went against Wilderland with a rough and aggressive stance only to be beaten up badly.

Now as with many teams one can say they have played it not with the full steam and have left some aces into their sleeves for the group-play. And that is possible. Especially their games against Eregion and Anduin are ones it’s hard to say how a real game would have ended. But that actually reveals something: the teams it looks plausible they might have beaten if there was a reserve from where to draw some energy and stamina to their game are Eregion and Anduin; two other very lousy teams this year.

So even if group H is one of the weakest, if not the weakest, in this year’s tournament it is hard to predict any success to Dunharrow.


Lothlórien 2-0-2
4-4
11,4% 16(35) – 18(36) 77,8%

There has been a lot of talk and rumour around Galadriel and Fëanor and their personal relations. This is not a place to continue looking at that side of the situation, but looking at how Lothlórien’s game is organized the two have something to do with their problem.

Lothlórien defends pretty well – and we know Galadriel insists playing defensively: they have only allowed four goals (including a game against Valinor where they allowed two) and Galadriel’s saving percentage is quite good at 77,8%. They have a level or two better defense than the other teams of their group.

But the problem is scoring. If they have only allowed four goals, they have produced only four goals themselves. And that from a team which has Fëanor himself as the striker up front! It looks like Fëanor might be right in his complaints that he is being left too alone up in the attack and the balls just don’t get delivered to him often enough into decent enough places so that he could do what goal-scorers by the mercy of the Valar can do best aka. to score.

It looks quite clear that Lothlórien will qualify from the group just because the others will have hard time trying to break their defense and because the defenses of the others are basically so bad that Fëanor will just walk past them to score taking the ball with him from the defense if it’s not delivered to him otherwise.

But a word of caution to the play-offs. Something tells one Lothlórien is one of those teams actually hiding something. In their second game they actually scored three of their four goals. The opponent was Esgaroth and as such it was not a feat Gladriel’s grandchildren would be told about as mummy’s day of glory, but on that game they started using counter-attack tactics on the second half being losing 0-1 after the first half – and they won 3-1, in one half.

After that game they have never come back to that tactics but have just kicked the ball around – or like with the last friendly against Anduin where they took some tough playing in the beginning and after they scored they pulled back and for the second half just totally shut the game down.

So if the public rift is only a decoy or a bait, then we might see a team Lothlórien seriously able to challenge other teams also in the play-offs. But if there are some real disagreements as how to play when the going gets tougher, then Lothlórien will drop off from the games after their first play-off game.


Minas Morgul 1-0-3
5-9
8,8% 26(57) – 20(41) 55%

Let’s start with an interesting piece of data. Teams Doriath and Tirion have been the most active shooters in the friendlies (making 58 shots in four games each). Minas Morgul is the third most active shooter with 57 shots! And only one of their games can be called a “friendly-friendly” (and they shot a little less than average in that friendlier game) where one could say there could have been some mutually arranged practice-shooting sessions some teams have had.

But whereas Doriath has scored 12 goals (shooting percentage 20,7%) and Tirion 9 goals (15,5%), Minas Morgul has only scored 5 (8,8%). Therein lieth the problem.

But not only there. They have a huge problem in between their posts, and that problem has a name, Eärnur. Admittedly he played way better in their last game against Minas Tirith – but a kind of battle-frenzy seems to have taken hold of the whole team in that match. But even counting the last game, his saving percentage is only 55% - and in the game against Barad Dûr it was 25% (letting in three shots from four)!

The good news will be the following: Angband has a rock-solid defense which held them at bay (and they would do the same to most of the teams in the competition this year), in the game against Barad Dûr they had clearly more chances but Ohtar at the goal denied them the victory more or less alone – and when they really engaged themselves into fury they won Minas Tirith convincingly (the game against Mordor was just a fun reunion). So maybe, just maybe they have in them more than meets the eye?


Minas Tirith 0-0-4
5-11
10,9% 22(46) – 27(57) 59,6%

The hope for Minas Tirith lies in the possibility that they have met a bit more quality teams many others have. They played close against Gondor and The Downer – and the quality of those two will tell a lot about Minas Tirith’s quality as well. Angband just ran over them and so did Minas Morgul – but on the latter case there is the fact that they will meet again in the group-phase and if Minas Tirith is wise they try other tactics than getting all heated which is just the playing-style Minas Morgul loves to play – and knows how to play.

Looking at the stats they should beat Dunharrow, but taking on Minas Morgul and Lothlórien demand they play well better they have done thus far.

A sad fact telling a lot of the quality of the younger generation of the heroes of Minas Tirith is that the ancient Tarondor they dug up from the grave is easily their most effective player thus far. Oh, these are sorry days for the Great City of Gondor.

[Boromir88]

Group E

Predicted Standings
1. Tol In Gaurhoth
2. The Forest
3. Nargothrond
4. Mordor

The Isle of Werewolves is an interesting team, they were bronze-medalists in 2008 but that was with Sauron. Once Sauron defected they've been desperately trying to return to their past success. The over-aggressiveness cost them and they lost the tenacity changing back to humans last year. Although you can't help but see a different werewolf pack, a more organized pack instead of relying on the talents of their individual athleticism. It was seen in the friendly against Wilderland, they really wanted to prove their worth to former boss, Sauron. If they keep that attitude every game, I can see TIG returning to former glory and a dark horse for the Final 4 teams.

2nd place is up for grabs and while we've overrated Bombadil's teams in the past, we're going to pick him this year. For Breeland, it all lied in Bombadil's hands and with the Bree bums there was too much slack Bombadil had to pick up. Now, while it's clear the success of The Forest will begin and end with his boots and how much interest Bombadil has to play, the team has better talent behind Bombadil. Thranduil for one is a reliable scorer. And when the Ents are roused they show great quality. AKM pointed out how lackluster they played, just watching the Hobbits play, but 2 facts about this group. 1. There are no hobbits in it. 2. Mordor is loaded with bur-ra-rums and TIG is loaded with werewolves, I don't think the Ents will need much help from Bombadil to wake up and play inspired.

In the end, The Forest's fate still lies with Bombadil, because of this the other 2 teams are contenders to advance. Mordor's got more stars on the team, but a lot of garbage lying around on the team (not to mention the huge void in leadership). Nargothrond has been siphening talent all around Arda the last two years. They are truly an ancient city crumbled from it's former glory. With that said, they will all play under Finduilas' leadership, so they may have a surprise in store for the other teams in the group. However, if Bombadil's been criticized for his disappearing act, I think Finduilas has every right to demand a refund from Beor because he hasn't shown up. Period.

Round 1 Predictions

Mordor vs. Nargothrond - I can't see how the Mordor team will fare well when they have no one in a leadersip role. Their lack of organization will be their undoing, especially against a still highly organized Nargothrond (even if they've lost a lot of their former stars). Nargothrond tradionally plays guarded in the friendlies, and becomes a lot tougher to breakdown in the tournament. Although, they will still have serious scoring issues.
Draw 1-1

The Forest vs. Tol In Gaurhoth - TIG typically starts out sloppy because they field a full team late and don't care about practicing together. However, with the friendly schedule they've had the chance to shake out all their mistakes. It will only work to TIG's benefit. As human players, the Barrow-Downs completely shut down Bombadil's Bree team last year, however as werewolves, they usually struggle keeping the erratic looneyman contained. Bombadil annoys no one else like he annoys phantomwolf. This will be a thriller.
TIG wins 3-2

Phantasy spin -

GK - The only GK worth the phantasy spot in this group is Shastawolf. The Silent Watcher is too green and unproven (especially against some of the powerful strikers in this group). Barahir performed the worst of the goalies in this group and as Nerwen pointed out last year...Old Man Willow, is a tree. Think about it, a tree. I think in later rounds Shastawolf could be a good steal, for no cost, but I don't like the Round 1 match up against Bombadil.

DF - The TIG defense peformed the best getting 2 shut outs. Their aggressiveness though also means they can give up easy goals. Treebeard usually aligns a solid Ent defense, and they did shut down Himring in the friendly. I'd like any of the defenders from these two teams, except when they're playing eachother. (Haleth for Doriath and the Wolves were slightly card-happy. Although not nearly as risky as picking troll or orcish defenders).

MF - So far it's really been the TIG show, and honestly all their MFs have contributed in the friendlies where the other teams haven't. Nazgul #7 has been a force and he's the only one who's been pulling his weight for Mordor. Also Glaurung is a force as a scorer in the center for Nargothrond, if Finduilas decides to let him loose some.

FW - You know what to expect from Bombadil and he is probably the most aggravating player to phantasy owners ever. I don't think he's worth the risk (especially with many other options available) but there's no denying he can unleash a plethora of goals in a short span, if you've picked him on the right game. The TIG FWs would be better bets since you can count on them scoring, but their goals get spread out amongst them. Thranduil can also pick up a goal here and there, but he's best suited being an experimental sleeper pick. He'll rarely be picked up (which means no one else can get the points he'll score), but not a strong enough FW to build a phantasy team from.

[Boromir88]

Group F

Predicted Standings
1. Westernesse
2. Tol Eressea
3. Numenor
4. Mithrim

There should be no way Westernesse does not win this group. They have the best Numenorean talent from the Armenolos championship team and some of the best talent from Gondor. Not great individual stars, but play an excellent team game (although fusing the Numenoreans with the Gondorians might take a bit of time). Doriath was 1 of 2 teams ranked in the top 5 in each of our categories, and Westernesse is the other. (OFF-3, DEF-3, GK-2). And let's be honest, none of the other 3 can be legitmate challengers to first place.

It will still be an interesting 2-team battle for the 2nd spot. Well, more like whichever defense is better, or whichever offense is the least inept, however way you want to look at it. Despite Tol Eressea only achieving 1 goal, we like them above Numenor because it's Ulmo's defense. Wherever Ulmo is at, he always leads the best defense, and he consistantly takes the team far (2009 for Hithlum and 2010 for Vinyamar, the Ulmo's defense was good enough to be silver-medalists). Also, last year Vinyamar had no offensive ability in the friendlies, and while they didn't start burning up the scoreboard, they clearly adjusted their game to get more goals. The question is, can we see the same result, since Uinen, Elwing, and Earwen have never been great tournament scorers?

So, is Tol Eressea's defense good enough to shut down Numenor's attack? Yes. And that's what it comes down to, and that's why Numenor will finish 3rd. They have serious scoring issues and their only goals came against teams of lesser men and dwarves. Scoring on Ulmo and his Maiar helpers? Not going to happen.

Mithrim, probably doesn't deserve any mention at all based on the garbage we've seen from them. But if we say we're going to cover every angle, we mean it. The only person any good is Tuor and it's surprising his sv% was an atrocious 60.6%, because in 2008 as a goal keeper, Tuor performed about 20 percent points better. That seems so long ago now. Which is the story for the entire team, Androg was a premier name when Turin and Beleg first stepped onto the scene of Arda Cup soccer. He was able to mentor the two amazing FWs, but after they left the team, Androg went into retirement only to be brought out now by Tuor who really needed help to summon an 11-player team. Androg would have been better to stay in retirement and be remembered for the player he was, not the creaky, broken down veteran who can't move on from the game.

Round 1 Predictions

Mithrim vs. Westernesse - Well not much to say about this one, and the only key would be for Mithrim to keep some honour by not losing 4-0. How embarrassing. Westernesse is dominant in every position and facet of the game, still I can't believe Mithrim has forgotten all it's pride and dignity.
Westernesse wins 3-0

Numenor vs. Tol Eressea - One of the bigger games of Round 1, but based on friendly performances it'll probably be a real snoozer. Big because the winner will more than likely move on to the next round. If it's a draw, that will throw a wrench into things and add some tense excitement to the last rounds of this group.
Tol Eressea wins 1-0

Phantasy spin -

GK - Several good options at GK in this group. Tar Atanamir is always one of the top keepers (and doesn't cost as much as Huan or Ungoliant). However, Silmarien has come in to perform quite well, and same with Amandil both saving 80%. And even though Tuor has had a terrible go so far, he was a quality GK in 2008, and with the defect offenses of Numenor and Tol Eressea, he might get some consideration.

DF - Take a couple defenders from any team in this group except Mithrim. They're all good defensive teams and Tar Telperien is also an offensive power (at least when we're talking about defenders).

MF and FW - I've combined the last 2 positions because the only ones I'd feel comfortable adding to my team, from this group, would be the Westernesse MF and FW. Pick and choose really, they have a healthy spread of points (Hyarmendacil was the lowest at 6, but the other 5 had all 10 phantasy pts or more).

[Boromir88]

Group G

Predicted Standings
1. Valinor
2. Pelori
3. Gondolin
4. Beleriand

Matches from this group will be some of the best the Arda Cup has to offer at this stage. While The Vala teams will be the front runners, the other 2 teams are no slouches and can perhaps have a few surprises up their sleeves.

While Pelori went undefeated and Valinor lost a game, Valinor looks stronger at both offense and defense. They created more chances, scored more goals, and allowed the fewest number of shots on goal. And we're not talking a small difference, Valinor ranks 9th on OFF, 1st DEF, compared to Pelori's 15th and 17th. Significant differences there. The edge in GK belongs to Pelori as nothing was getting passed Manwe. Although, you wonder if he can stand up to Valinor's impressive trio of beauties leading their attack.

Poor Gondolin and Beleriand, good enough to seriously contend for advancement in all other groups, except this one. But there's nothing about these two teams that I can see them dominating. Even if Halmir and Rog were good GKs, Manwe and Ingwe were even better. Defensively, again not bad, but not as dominant as Valinor. We will give the a decent shot of knocking out Pelori, it all depends on what Manwe's motivation will be, continue beating teams kindly or handing everything over to the will of Eru?

Round 1 Predictions

Beleriand vs. Pelori - Beleriand managed to score in every one of their friendlies, and it's not like they played junk defenses. Even if you'd have to question the amount of effort Tol Eressea, Numenor, and Angband put into their matches against Beleriand, getting a goal against all those defenses (and the sturdy GKs) is nothing to scoff out. They can score 1. The key will be does Pelori want to push for 2 goals, and can Beleriand hold them to 1? For the sake of making this group convoluted.
Draw 1-1

Gondolin vs. Valinor - You always question how committed a team will be after winning a championship, and whether they will have the same focus and passion the next year. Interesting thing about Gondolin, despite the city winning the Cup, I believe only Thorondor remains from the championship year. So all the Gondolin players shouldn't have a question about their focus, as they weren't the ones who brought the Arda Cup to the hidden city. In fact, the players from Vinyamar may have a bit of fire after finishing 2nd last year. So, I don't question Gondolin's passion, but I do question their talent.
Valinor wins 2-1

Phantasy spin -

GK - All these golies performed well in the friendlies, and Rog was the highest point GK last year for Vinyamar. So in this order, if I were to take a keeper from this group I'd probably go with: Rog, Manwe, Ingwe, then Halmir.

DF - Gamil Zirak showed some offensive ability in the friendlies, and the Beleriand team is extremely focused on defense. And actually all the defenders in this group would make pretty good choices. I would just caution to pick the defense that happens to be playing Valinor in whatever round, because Valinor has also shown they can score some goals. Mandos, Tulkas, and Indis scored the most points in the friendlies from this group, all picking up 12.

MF - Varda, Yavanna, and Turgon have all been impressive scorers. Varda is usually safe for 2 goals and an assist for the 3 group stage games, although she's not going to score like Hurin and Eol are capable of, so for a 1-star? Eh, I'd rather have Hurin or Eol. The more offensive minded team of Valinor, Olwe and Yavanna could make nice steals, since they don't cost anything. And I still wonder how Idril has no stars, she always puts up goals. There is probalby more risk with Angrod and Aegnor since you can't really be sure how well Beleriand will fare against the teams in this group.

FW - From this group, I don't think it's worth taking up a spot with Marach or the Gondolin pair. Although from Pelori, Eonwe is a Herald on and off the field, and the Valinor trio is probably the most dangerous group of FWs in this tournament. (Or it can certainly be argued those ladies are one of the best!)

Group G

Predicted Standings
1. Lothlorien
2. Minas Morgul
3. Minas Tirith
4. Dunharrow

This is similar to Eregion's group, where Lothlorien should win simply based on the quality of their players. However the strategy of Galadriel may lead to Lothloriend undoing. While we would be shocked if Lothlorien did not get first, we wouldn't be greatly surprised. However, to not advance at all, that would be a true sign that new management needs to step into the Golden Wood. They're the safest bet for 1 of the 2 playoff spots, and mostly likely the best bet for 1st. This is based solely on natural ability, not from a "wise" strategy.

The challengers then? The Witch-King's teams have a long history of making it into the playoffs. I picked against them last year, and while it didn't hurt me (only temporarily wounded my ego and kept me out of the lead for a bit), I can't pick against MM this year, especially looking at the other competitors. Minas Morgul outshot all their opponents in the friendly and just had some of the lowsiest luck I've ever seen. (A lot of that had to do with Earnur though). And if you thought Minas Morgul was all out attack in the friendlies, just wait for these games to start, and the Witch-King decides to put even more effort into an all out attack.

Next then? Well nothing looks particularly good about Minas Tirith or Dunharrow. Minas Tirith were mediocre at best, and Dunharrow were even worse. I thought for sure the strength of Minas Tirith would be their familial-styled mid field but where did Eowyn go? How did she become this angry one wonders? 4 yellows in 4 games, and we've never seen that from the Shieldmaiden. Is it possible she's unhappy with her marriage to Faramir, or the real reason Aragorn has not returned to Minas Tirith is because Arwen wouldn't allow it while Eowyn was on the team? Hold on, we at TTN are higher than these spurious rumors...yes, definitely. This type of stuff belongs in that trash The Underground.

Dunharrow? Who?

Round 1 Predictions

Lothlorien vs. Minas Morgul - If Galadriel wants to play counter attack football, than this is going to be a nightmare match up for the Witch-King I have to say. Lothlorien's defenders are certainly strong enough to keep Minas Morgul at bay, and Minas Morgul always leave themselves open to huge counters. Feanor should have a field day running all over this Minas Morgul defense.
Lothlorien wins 3-1

Dunharrow vs. Minas Tirith - After the 1st game I wonder how much interest there will be in this game? Because really, these two teams are just fodder for Lothlorien and Minas Morgul in the next round. Oh my, am I getting grouchy as the day grows older. Sorry Minas Tirith fans, I can't be a homer (although I do wonder how much longer TTN will keep me on if I at least don't believe the White City can get the best of some bewitched mountain).
Minas Tirith wins 2-1

Phantasy spin -

GK - The only GK I would consider adding to my team would be Galadriel, but from past years she's been rather over-rated. She likes to try to be the star of every match by having to make a dramatic show out of all her saves. There's no doubt she can, but if you're going to be such a big show off, atleast do better than 77.8%

DF - Go all Lothlorien if you want any of the defenders from this group. I don't know if Gandalf will be worth that 2-star cost, obviously Lothlorien will have a shut down defense, but from your 2-star DF you want someone who can get a goal a/o an assist here and there. Tar Telperien does this, Morgoth can, but I'm not sure Gandalf can. Celeborn, Shadowfax, and Amroth though are nice, cheap options.

MF - I don't think there's a MF worth the spot in this group...hmm Legolas may be, since he is a scoring threat, but how much of a threat in Lothlorien's system is yet to be seen. You have to think someone needs to help Feanor though, and Legolas has this ability.

FW - Obviously it's Feanor. He will still perform great in this group (looking at the inferior competition), even if he's reigned in by Galadriel. Not sure I'd want him though on my team in the playoffs, where the competition will inevitably be tougher, at least not until I see if Legolas, Boromir II, and Haldir provide a bit of support for him.

[the phantom]

Group C at Angfauglith

As the games approached many were discussing who would actually end up as the home team in Group C. Angband was so close, but then so was Hithlum, and fans of The Downer were interdimensional beings that could flit about Middle-Earth as quick as thought. And then of course there was Angfauglith, the official host, as the games would be played in the large, sand-colored stadium that stood in the middle of the empty plains between Thangorodrim and the Sirion. But Angfauglith had such a diverse make-up. Could they count on being backed strongly by any group?

As supporters slowly filled up the small number of usually vacant hotels and spilled out into a hastily erected shanty-town surrounding the stadium, it looked like Angband had sent the most. Trolls, dragons, wolves, spiders, orcs, orcs, and more orcs formed a never ending stream from the gates of Angband to the stadium. There appeared to be a good number that initially were looking to support Gothmog and the other two Balrogs on team Angfauglith, but suspiciously these fans group by group had a habit of turning up the next morning sporting a host of injuries and brand new Angband jerseys.

When supporters of The Downer began showing up, it seemed the denizens of Angband were keen to make converts of them too, but to no avail, as the wights were able to make themselves insubstantial at will, rendering them immune to physical coercion. "Yes, a gang of orcs threatened to 'tickle me with their swords'," said avid Downer supporter GreatElvenWarrior. "But unfortunately for them, their description turned out to be quite accurate," she laughed.

The hotels were mostly filled by men and elves. The House of Hador and its subjects were out in force, fully behind Hador's Hithlum squad, but also not entirely against the idea of cheering on Huor, Rian, and Fingolfin in Angfauglith's push to qualify. But possibly the most rabid Hithlum fans came, not unexpectedly, from the lands of the Sons of Feanor. They were nearly foaming at the mouth at the prospect of Celegorm and Curufin playing on offense this year. "Even as defenders they got on the score sheet occasionally!" said one elf. "Now they'll be scoring all the time!"

Very small groups of friends and family came from Gondolin and Nargothrond to root for Ecthelion and Gwindor of Angfauglith, and quite a few Noldor showed up to cheer on captain Fingolfin and the skillful striker Maeglin, and a larger than expected delegation of dwarves marched in to show respect for Azaghal, but all together their numbers were a bit less than Hithlum and certainly smaller than Angband. The Downer of course had the smallest group, but Wights are well known for being louder than any other race.

As far as the facilities, the stadium was one of the few stadiums in Arda capable of holding 100,000, understandably as it had hosted many a championship in the first age of Middle-Earth. It was built mostly from light colored sandstone, and sported few decorations or embellishments. The grass was a yellow-brown shade, and between that and the sandstone stadium and the barren plains surrounding it the overall effect was uncomfortably bright when the sun was out as well as a bit depressing if the crowd wasn't into it.

But no worries about that for the first game, as it was Angband versus Hithlum, which was certain to feature the most violently split crowd of all the Group C contests. Oddsmakers placed Angband as the heavy favorite to win both the match and the group overall, but the true winners are decided on the field and not by the sports writers....

[the phantom]

Group E at The Old Forest

Tom Bombadil is always a lightning rod for discussion at the Arda Cup. "The Master", as they call him, always plays in a ridiculous manner, skipping and tumbling about the pitch singing nonsense songs. But whenever he has a mind to do so he displays uncommon power and speed that few can match, and that combined with his distracting style really gives defenses fits. The question every year is whether or not he'll feel like applying himself and paying attention.

This year it looks like there is a good chance he'll be ready to go, as he is the organizer and captain of his own team this year- The Forest, made up of his wife and mother-in-law, several Ents, and single representatives of Doriath, Brethil, and Mirkwood. But not only is he the captain- he is also the host of Group E, playing in a stadium that he sung out of the ground from root to tip.

The Old Forest stadium is one of the smaller arenas to host in recent years, seating just under 50,000, but it is an excellent stadium nonetheless, with all the walls and seats and stairs made from living trunks and boughs. Even the goalposts are made from roots that arch out of the ground, draped behind by vines that mimic netting. A canopy of leafy branches provides a cover for the arena, filtering and spreading the sunlight evenly so as to provide nice even lighting and not blind anyone, and also keeping out the rain. The facility is also well equipped for night-matches, as hundreds of lanterns hanging on branches all over the arena can be lit, and due to some song of Tom's the leaves and grass glow softly as well.

The stadium is situated on the western side of the Old Forest, a couple hours walk from the hedged border of Buckland. There are no lodgings in the Old Forest, and the trees there aren't the hospitable sorts anyway, so the fans were instead swarming Buckland, especially Crickhollow and Bucklebury. The hobbits were delighted to host the Ents and other scattered supporters of The Forest, and also gladly welcomed the Elves of Nargothrond and their friends from the house of Beor.

They were considerably less happy to see the orcs of Mordor, but only a very few made the trip, as there was Barad-Dur and Minas Morgul and Wilderland for them to support in other groups. Not to mention the orcs were quite frightened to enter the strange forest, recalling tales they had heard surrounding the doom of the orcs of Isengard.

And last to arrive- a small and close-knit group of Wights and Werewolves supporting Tol In Gaurhoth. Very few of them sought lodgings with hobbits, as they fully expected to be turned away. The hobbits were understandably frightened of the creatures, and were also feeling a bit hostile towards them after the beating they'd give Shire-Bree United during the friendlies. But this suited the Wights and Wolves just fine, as they were looking to party in the forest in close proximity to the stadium. "We spirits have no need of food or beds," said PitchWight. "And we're not scared of the trees either!" added Wereomer. "If they bother us, we'll bite and claw their bark off. And if they keep pushing, well... a couple of us brought our tinderboxes along."

Forest supporters were more than a bit worried about their opening night match against Tol in Gaurhoth and their devious fans. TIG was the oddsmakers favorite to take the group, and if they prevailed against the host in the opener it would deflate the atmosphere and possibly lead to a bit of overzealous partying from the TIG group. But if TIG lost, well... the volunteer fire-fighting department was geared up to spring into action.

[Nogrod]

Group F at Armenelos

When Númenor won the bid over hosting group F it was clear where the games would take place. Although there are beautiful and large enough stadiums in both Andunie and Romenna, there was no question the action would take place at either. The “Wembley” of the Middle-Earth, the Armenelos stadium, is situated just in the shadow of the tower and the citadel raised by Elros just beside Meneltarma. Even if there are some fancier and bigger new stadiums in Arda, the Armenelos stadium stands as the classic venue, the somewhat grey but revered old king of stadiums. And in its stonework one can still see the craftsmanship of the men of old, and the eye for architecture of the Dúnedain at the height of their power.

The Númenorians are a footballing folk, and now as they had practically two home-teams to support it was obvious the whole island went absolutely nuts over the games. The Armenelos Times and The Númenorian – the two high-class journals of Númenor - published pages after pages of special reports and analysis over the coming games, predictions of the performances of different teams and top interviews with interesting players during the days leading to the beginning of the group-phase.

The players and fans from Gondor have been received with open arms, like long lost brothers and sisters. Elros’ decision to include some great kings (and a steward) of Gondor seems to have even cured some rifts between the generations of Númenoreans, not only towards their mainland relatives but also among themselves. And that is no small feat.

Getting Tol Eressëa to play there was a great honour for the Númenorians. As a sea-faring people they do revere the Lord of Waters and the Lady of the Seas and their vassals. And there were also Elros’ mom Elwing playing, and Tar Aldarion, and Amandil, people who could be counted to the “home team” as well. And even if Númenorians had some differences of feeling concerning the elves, it was clear they had decided to rejoice with the Teleri from the Lonely Island over coming to Númenor as football fans – and they were warmly welcomed.

Also team Mithrim and it’s followers received an honoring welcome, for even if they weren’t exactly the hallowed kings and queens of old, they were seen as the forefathers and to be honored as such. One can say the Númenorians are a proud folk and they can despise any lesser men, but it must be admitted they know to pay their honors to tradition and their ancestors, how rag-tag and pathetic they might look in their eyes. And naturally Tuor was received more or less as a national hero.

The most touching moment of the opening ceremonies to the games was seen when the captain of team Westernesse, the High King Elros himself, kneeled in front of his grandfather after which they embraced each other with tears of joy dropping from their cheeks while the huge crowds gave them a thunderous cheer.

The tabloids naturally made selling headlines from that the next day. Romenna Rumourer yelled: “Elros humbled himself pre-games, Mithrim will be humbled in-game!”, and Mittalmar Sun cried in huge letters: “Grandpa’s sole moment of glory!”.

But in general the mood has been relaxed and friendly, and everything is building nicely towards a week of really exciting football. The Armenelos stadium will be packed every game-day, also in the afternoon matches which is rare. Everything’s pointing towards a real football-frenzied jubilation when the whole island is turning their eyes towards their main stadium.

[Nogrod]

Group G at Valmar

“No city can compare to the glory and splendor of Valimar, and many say the same about their grand stadium. The masonry, jewels, and lights are spectacular, and adding to the flavor are the trees and flowers incorporated in the design, as well as the many massive beautiful bells which are used to celebrate goals scored by the home side.” Thus started the story about last year’s Group F gearing up by the world famous journalist and commentator the phantom on MESPN. And we have nothing to add to that but the following. There is no more suitable place to hold games than a city in which the houses have roofs of gold and their floors silver and their doors are of polished bronze; in bright sunshine the city glimmers eye-blindingly bright for miles and miles away. What a place for a football tourist to visit! Especially as it is otherwise more or less impossible to visit the Blessed Realm.

Like with group F, group G has kind of two hosting teams even if just one is the official host. That should grant full stadiums for all the games – and as many Middle-earth based teams’ players are either one’s who have lived in the undying lands themselves or relatives & friends of them, there is a great feeling of a family-reunion, mutual respect and goodwill which reaches out to the fans of teams Beleriand and Gondolin as well.

There has been some rumours though that anticipating Tulkas deciding team Valimar willing to host the games at Valmar some AFA authorities were afraid the scandal of last year could be revisited – and that in turn would have affected the group-settings excluding any “baddie teams” from group G. But even with the pretty “good” teams involved, not all pre-game rumors have disappeared. Especially the non-existence of Nogrodian football tourists has raised some eyebrows, especially as it is rumoured at the same time that Aulë himself has begged for the Valar to let the dwarven supporters to watch the games. We will be following this issue closely.

The local media seems to have decided that the “home-teams” would qualify more or less easily and thus they have afforded to comment on the visiting teams in a mostly friendly and polite manner, even bringing forth their strengths; like the stamina of team Beleriand and the quality & achievements of team Gondolin’s players last year. Even if many professional sports analysts do actually agree that teams Valimar and Pelori are the favourites to qualify from this group, it would be interesting to see how the self-asserting mood of local media would change if one of the visiting teams really stood up and challenged the mighty teams of the West.

[Pitchwife]

Originally Posted by the phantom

"We spirits have no need of food or beds," said PitchWight.

"Drinks, of course, are a different matter. We spirits need spirits to keep up our spirits, if you get my meaning. Goes without saying. What? Nah, no worry, we won't leave any bottles lying around. Don't wanna anger ol' Bombadillo by littering his forest. We've had a pipeline installed running all the way from Elrond's miruvor distillery back in Rivendell straight to the stadium. And we'll all be drinking from our own skulls. No barrels, no bottles, no plastic cups, no litter. We're eco-conscious boozers.

Who will win? The wolves, of course. They usually do, don't they? More often than not, at least. Though maybe the village will make it this time. Or if there's Lovers, they might win too. Maybe even the Bear.

What? There's no Bear in football? No Lovers either? And what do you mean, nobody gets lynched?"

[Nogrod]

Group A at Himring

The Ever-Cold Arena is built on top of the flat summit of Maedhros’ old stronghold on the hill of Himring. It is said that those who are unlucky to book their tickets too late and are forced to sit on the highest rows have a special compensation in the breath-taking views over Taur-Nu-Fuin, over the plains of Himlad up to the forests of Doriath, and over the narrow beginnings of Little Gelion meeting the Greater Gelion and forming the great river Gelion itself running into Thargelion. Some even say certain people only pay for tickets up there for the view and not so much for the sports. But that of course can’t be true.

After The Himring Herald called group A “The group of the Great Noldor” the usage has spread to most East Beleriand elven magazines which has understandably annoyed not only the core of team Doriath’s fans but has actually caused a kind of protest wave in Shire and Bree. Outside, the press has been more observant as to the dynamics of the group.

The very same rift can be felt in the stronghold at the eve of the games. Even if the Noldorian elves have shown why they are renowned for their lavish hospitality and cordial behavior, the tensions between the different groups has not been left unnoticed by anyone sitting in the tavernas or walking down the streets of Himring filled with tourists and locals the last couple of days. That of course is not the whole picture as there are both bonds and rifts stretching over the team lines and cutting into them; both with the teams and among their fans. So it is no wonder the guard of Maedhros has been called to full alert just in case.

But no one anticipates any real confrontations; some bragging, foul words thrown out or insignificant fist-fights between the drunkards are the mainstay of any larger city or venue hosting major tournaments on any sports and not only tolerable but plain unavoidable.

But it must be confessed that if the hobbit fans of Shire-Bree Utd. have felt themselves more or less a bit lost or forgotten in between the tall elves and relatives and friends of great heroes of early men, the fans of the treacherous easterlings and Carcaroth have had quite hard times in the dark and drunken streets of Himring at night.

But there has been many happy reunions like Fingon the Valiant meeting his sister, uncle and cousins; or the reunion of the sons of Fëanor. And if you want to guess how many pages the yellow press has made out of Aredhel meeting the sons of Fëanor on the one hand and Eöl on the other, you can easily multiply that with ten.

The home-fans look forwards to a tight contest between Himring and their friends Tirion for the other qualification spot as most everyone accepts Doriath is the sole favourite to win the group – and the number of visitors from the neighbouring forest quarantees that Doriath may feel they’re playing almost in front of home audiences.

No one seems to pay attention to the Shire-Bree Utd. A headline in the Four Farthing Daily thus read a day before the tournament beginning: “The small ones have been underestimated earlier as well!” Sadly the big news agencies never noticed even that.

[Boromir88]

Group B at Wilderland
Last year lots of grumblings were made when the Arda Committee awarded the Gorgoroth team with hosting Group B. More than a few believed Sauron had underhandedly bribed and threatened the committee to have the games in Mordor (Sauron claimed he wanted the West to finally wake up and see the improvements and modernization going on in Mordor). And this year, the rumours of dirty money dealings are growing as Sauron's team was yet again chosen as the host team. But where would Sauron construct the new stadium, or would he try to renovate existing ones like in Dol Guldur? Wilderland was a vast and diverse land, and is representative of all the teams in Group B, which have a large cultural mix.

Wilderland almost had to give up their host bid, as Sauron really struggled trying to find a suitable location. Sauron has only himself to blame for the Brownlands being unhospitable for a tournament and the committee denied Sauron's request to build the stadium there. Then he was denied by Thranduil to return to Dol Guldur. Sauron was not happy but Thranduil held firm saying that "Greenwood" was finally beginning to recover and would not allow Sauron to foul up his forest as he had done many years ago, and it didn't matter to him if his father played for Sauron.

So, in the effort to hold onto Wilderland's hosting rights, Sauron brought the captains of Anduin, Esgaroth, and Misty Mountains together to determine the most suitable location. The skeptics would say Sauron was just trying to manipulate the captains to get the most beneficial deal for Wilderland, but Sauron's supporters would tell you he cares about creating the best tournament experience and he should be commended for the effort to unite the culturally diverse land.

The proceedings were mostly kept behind closed doors, but we did see Fram, Earnil II, and Beorn leave expressionless, Saruman left trying to cover up a big grin, and Girion left red-faced. Then Sauron announced he would be building a new stadium, on the edges of Wilderland, and in fact a stadium near the Gladden Fields as a landmark to commemorate the historical fields. Fram was content enough to keep the location along the Anduin, as the team's fans live near the river. Saruman was very pleased, knowing the Misty Mts were near and was likely guaranteed good fan turnout. Girion had wanted the games nearer to the Long Lake and tried convincing Sauron Esgaroth could accomadate the games far better than trying to build up a whole new location, but was overruled by the other captains who were obviously pleased to keep the location closer to them.

When construction of the 50,000 seat stadium was getting underway, despite Thranduil turning down Sauron to rebuild Dol Guldur, he was not going to turn down Sauron's deep pockets. Many supplies for the stadium's construction came from nearby Mirkwood, and Thranduil also agreed to provide at least half the food, and most of the lodging for the duration of the games.

Due to the cultural diversity of the land and all it's teams it would be hard for any of them to have a dramatic advantage in fan support, and also many fans would have mixed allegiances. Like, who would the Beornings support in the 2nd game between Anduin and Wilderland? Would the Orcs and baddies of the Misty Mountains be totally aligned with their team (it helps Durin's Bane is back on the team, as he always has a loyal following of baddie support), or would they want to support the orc Bolg or the dragons on Wilderland?

Once the seat alottment was released, people began to see why Saruman left the meeting of the captains glib and how Sauron was able to pull this whole deal off. 20,000 seats would be alotted to fans of the teams playing in the current match. 2,500 each to the teams not playing. Which left 5,000 seats and while Mirkwood provided the supplies, Saruman agreed to provide the labor and soon the area had a host of dwarves brought by Narvi and orc laborers brought in by Azog to construct the Gladden Fields stadium. Critics also thought Saruman was unsure how his mountain spirit could be at GK, if he was far removed from his source of power in Caradhras. Thus Saruman was pleased with the arrangment when the 5,000 remaining seats were awarded to the Misty Mts for providing all the labor in constructing the stadium and it's surrounding hotels and vendors.

Though, some can't help but wander if this was just Sauron pulling the sheep's wool over Saruman's eyes, as the Wilderland mastermind is surely expecting with icons like Scatha, Smaug, Khamul and Bolg on his team the extra Misty Mountains alottment would have little trouble in supporting his Wilderland team as well.

And what is one to make of the marble statue, titled at the entrance of the Gladden Fields Memorial Stadium? A statue of Isildur, with orc arrows in his back, and titled "Isildur's Bane" is surely to get the orcs joyfully rowdy. Sauron said "It was just a bit of fun for a very old friend of mine." But when word came that the Arda Cup committee would send in demolishers to destroy the statue, by morning it suddenly had disappeared and no one knows to where. Sauron denied all accusations that in the dead of night he ordered the statue secretly removed and relocated to Mordor, saying "If you know about it, then it's not a secret now is it?"

[Boromir88]

Group D at Eregion
There's nothing the Noldor smiths and their dwarven friends like more than a building project. There was already a stadium built outside Ost-in-Edhil which hosted several Arda Cup playoff games, but when Eregion won its bid to host Group D, the Noldor went straight to work renovating the old stadium.

The Ost-in-Edhil Stadium already had 65,000 seats, which was quite satisfactory for the Noldor's fancy. They don't like making the largest, bulkiest stone stadiums possible, but would rather build a true gem on Middle-earth. So the Eregion planning committee diverted all funds not to adding more seats, but to adourn the stadium in all the precious stones and gems the Noldor and dwarves could get their hands on.

The greatest accomplishment of the renovated stadium has to be somehow the Noldor builders were able to craft windows and precious jewels that could take in and capture light. So when the Hollin sky would often be lit up in its various hues of blues and greens, oranges and yellows and reds the stadium's walls somehow took in all the outside light. Then at night time the stadium let out a pale, but bright glow of light being converted to all the colors of the sky. And residents from the nearby great Noldo city and even sometimes from the entrance to Moria (under a day's walk away), could see the stadium letting off it's beautiful multi-colored glow. It was a site that has attracted many a tourists to the area and the Noldor were proud of their new accomplishment.

The stage for this group is expected to be extremely friendly as it will predominantly feature Elves in support of Eregion. However, as the group was also hosting many Elf-friends, like the rangers and older generations of Gondorians, under the captaincy of a jewel unto herself, Arwen then there isn't expected to be much trouble in terms of security or rabble rousers. Even the Barad-dur team, many of Eregion, Eriador, and Gondor fans were anxious to see Gil-Galad, Isildur, and Cirdan return.

The baddies on Barad-dur were feeling quite alone and you must wonder how well they can perform for their team being so far away from any support. Surely the Moria orcs would be more likely to attend the Group B games for the Misty Mountains and whatever orcs out of Mordor decided to travel, they would likely follow Sauron. The Mouth and Nazgul #1 were looking both disgusted and nervous that under 500 orcs and other general beasties (of the 'fell' disposition) had turned up for Barad-dur. Their hearts raised somewhat by a travelling band of around 100 trolls came, but only to find out they were sporting the Dunedain emblem of the royal sceptre and wearing Bert, Tom, or Barrow-wight jerseys.

"This game can turn even the evilest creatures into a travelling carnival of singing freaks" scowled The Mouth.

[Boromir88]

Group H at Dunharrow
The road through Dunharrow, lined with the stone statues the Rohirrim called Pukel-Men was now lined with mostly Men, Orcs, and other beastlies, but also small packs of Elves and Dwarves were heading through up the narrow passage, to cheer for individual favorites like Feanor and Legolas or Gimli. And out of the Dwimorberg, through the Dimholt, came a particularly ghostly and chilling group to support the King of the Dead. Rarely before had these ghouls ventured out of their haunted mountain, but with their King playing on Minas Morgul, they felt their King's call to watch the games.

Where they were all heading? To Firienfeld where the Rohirrim have used the Firien plain as the pitch, and have carved 85,000 seats into the encircling White Mountains. Some spectators believed the seating wasn't ideal since even the closest row of seats were quite removed from the field and players benches. And there were questions of how would you get almost 90,000 people through the congested mountain pass, from Edoras (which was going to be providing all the food and lodging)?

However most were pleased with the large Firienfeld, since no matter where one was sitting, one could see the entire pitch, and the mountains encircling the plain insured the noise from the crowd would be ear-deafening. Lothlorien had the fewest fanbase, and most seemed divided more by either loving Feanor or Galadriel, not so much the 'Lothlorien' brand. Although the Rohirrim would find little difficulty cheering for not only their home team, but also for Lothlorien with Shadowfax and Gandalf, and their friends from Minas Tirith.

The one thing everyone agreed on was Minas Morgul would be the outcasts of the group. The Rohirrim would be hurt if their own team didn't make it, but as long as Minas Morgul didn't go through that would be acceptable. And that was the other problem the Rohirrim would have on their hands, because Minas Morgul had a swarming crowd hoping to get tickets to their teams' games. The Witch-King put together the best PR effort, and not a greater host leaving from Minas Morgul had been recorded in history before (and when joined by the dead men from the Dwimorburg, and the Corsairs out of Umbar, Minas Morgul's numbers swelled to nearly 40,000).

What security problems would this cause, because surely the Rohirrim (nor the Minas Tirithians) would like having to play host to this unruly crowd of their ancient enemies? And especially since such a large turnout came from Minas Morgul, the home town fans were wondering how much of a "home-field" advantage they would enjoy?

[the phantom]

Group C

Though not daytime creatures by habit, the residents of Angband were up early and, equipped with sunglasses and gobs of sunscreen, pouring into the Angfauglith arena, eager to snatch the best seats. The supporters of Hithlum were out in force as well, and wisely the site committee had separate entrances for the two groups, and also tried their best to keep them on opposite sides of the stadium.

But as noon approached, nearly all of the men and elves were seated, whereas Morgoth's supporters were still pouring in, spilling over into the north half of the stadium until they occupied around two thirds of the seats. Hired patrols of various races paced the bordering aisles helping keep incidents to a minimum, but despite this plenty of goblets, wrappers, and such were tossed back and forth, and there were competing songs and chants all the while.

Suddenly the doors to the tunnels were thrown wide and team Angband and team Hithlum trotted onto the brown-yellow field. Most of the crowd cheered wildly, but some booed simply because they were upset that the teams were not allowed to make separate entrances thus allowing them to voice their hatred for the opposition.

Many of Hithlum's players looked a bit sloppy in warm ups, their practice shots and passes all a bit overdone. They were obviously a little too jacked up and anxious for the contest to begin- except the Sons of Feanor. They were used to playing against the best talent on big stages and showed no fear, and they had worked too hard to earn the right to play as forwards to allow themselves to get over-hyped.

Quite soon both squads took their positions and the game was underway. Angband pushed forward immediately and a quick pass from Morgoth to the speedy Thuringwethil caught Hithlum sleeping, but Imlach saved the day brilliantly and Hithlum sighed with relief at dodging the early bullet. Angband attacked again, but this time Hithlum had gotten rid of the cobwebs and converged nicely, forcing the ball to retreat a few times. And then out of nowhere- the first blow was struck!

Ancalagon tried to send it back out to Telvildo, but Gloredhel was there first and touched it sideways to Galdor who immediately sent it downfield over the heads of Morgoth and his Balrogs to a dashing Celegorm and Curufin. Drauglin attempted to challenge as the ball arrived, but Curufin, who largely inherited his father's ball skills and dexterity, received the ball and sent it over the Werewolf and hopped over his swiping paws without breaking stride and continued on towards the left post with Celegorm mirroring him on the right.

At the last minute Curufin faked the shot and sent it sharply to Celegorm, but Ungoliant is a fantastic keeper and read it perfectly and was leaping to meet the ball as soon as he sent it. But Celegorm read his brother even better, and had already turned towards his brother. Celegorm's head reached the pass a fraction of a second before Ungoliant, volleying the ball straight back to his brother who was fully expecting to receive it back and was more than prepared to chip it into the empty net for the 1-0 lead.

Angband's supporters fell silent immediately as Hithlum cheered. The orcs and monsters of Angband had been looking forward to a thrashing, and this was the last thing they expected. Many of them uncomfortably recalled last year's bronze medal match, where Celegorm and Curufin had played an important role in besting Melkor's squad. Would the brothers duplicate the feat?

But Morgoth showed no such fear on the field. "We'll get it back!" he could be heard shouting. "This thing lasts 90 minutes!" And indeed the field general proved correct, as Angband went back on the offensive and soon had their equalizer thanks to the booming tail of Ancalagon. The whole of the crowd was back in the match.

Soon after, however, the baddies were sent spiraling down again, as the Hithlum attackers showed some great movement in sustaining an attack and forced Ungoliant to make a tough save, only to have Curufin pounce on the deflection and skip it to Hador to put them in front once again!

Hithlum tried to get it up to the forwards again, but Morgoth ordered them to be swarmed to deny them the ball, and carefully built up the attack while staying towards the rear himself to keep an eye out for the counter. Shortly before the first half ended the quick and clever Telvildo worked it in against the athletically inferior defense of Hithlum and sent it to a racing Thuringwethil who was left too free on the side opposite the attention grabbing Ancalagon. Yet again, the score was tied!

The general fans of football were quite pleased with the talent they saw displayed in the opening 45, but the more partisan viewers were quite worried. Angband-leaners thought, "We ought to be one of the very top defenses! How can we go on giving multiple goals like this? What's wrong?" Hithlum-leaners thought, "We can't stop them scoring- they're too big and powerful. And Morgoth will have some strategy to stop us scoring, no doubt."

And in fact it was the Hithlum fans who were right to be worried. In the second half Morgoth and Drauglin did their best to stick to Curufin like glue and had his two rear Balrogs hover around Celegorm, thus negating long passes, as those were the two with the blinding speed to cause trouble on them. Hador was certainly a threat as a scorer, but without the Sons of Feanor to get him the ball, the other members of Hithlum just couldn't do the job against their imposing Angband defenders.

On the other end of the field, the Angband offense possessed the ball marvelously and gained some decent opportunities. Not long into the second half Balrog #3 thundered a drive high into the net for the lead, and fifteen minutes later Tilion poked it away from his man and beat everyone to it, immediately crushing a straight drive in nearly the same location as Balrog #3, and it was a two goal lead!

Hithlum pushed desperately to get back into the contest, but to no avail. Hungry to have the ball on his foot, Curufin began coming all the way back to collect the ball and take it upfield himself, but it was too great a task even for him.

Angband left the field looking pleased indeed, having gained a win from their bitter foe. Hithlum was upset, but not crushed. "We fought hard," said captain Hador. "Angband is one of the championship favorites, and I think the way we played today shows we're good enough to qualify, and once you're in the playoffs anything can happen."

Angband 4-2 Hithlum
tot shots 18-11
on target 9-6
GOALS:
*6, 0-1 Curufin (Celegorm)
*16, 1-1 Ancalagon (Ulfang)
*29, 1-2 Hador (Curufin)
*42, 2-2 Thuringwethil (Telvildo)
*59, 3-2 Balrog #3 (Thuringwethil)
*74, 4-2 Tilion
YELLOW CARDS:
*Angband- Tilion, Drauglin, Ulfang
*Hithlum- Algund, Lorgan, Aradan, Galdor

Next up was the contest between the host, Angfauglith, and the upstart team named "The Downer". Captain Fingolfin was quoted before the match as being unhappy with playing a complete unknown in the first match. "They could be great. They could be horrible. There's no preparations we can make!"

But the lack of information did not seem to hinder the elite scorers of Angfauglith. Though Downer's tactics were strange and unbalancing, they did not have the legs to stay with Maeglin and Gothmog and the pair each scored in the first half to secure a two-goal cushion at halftime. And only minutes into the second half Gothmog's pal Ecthelion put his mark on the game, sliding expertly towards a low pass and blasting it low past the wheels of King Bus to go up by three.

Pleased, and perhaps a bit relieved, with the way things had turned out, Fingolfin called off the attack and ordered the team to defend the lead, partly to reduce the chances of injury, as The Downer had been treating the forwards as harshly as allowed by the refs. Fingolfin, his horse, and the balrogs held firm for five... ten... fifteen... twenty minutes, and the Men and Elves in the crowd began growing louder, counting down the minutes to the impending victory.

But The Downer was not content to go quietly. At minute 77 the metal-covered Wight known as Saucepan Man boomed a terrifying bullet past a surprised Huor to make the score 3-1. Fingolfin apologized to the keeper for allowing the good look and made it his mission to deny SPM after that. The Downer then turned to Alien to do the next damage, but his head just wasn't in the game, as he seemed to be more interested in perpetrating various forms of mischief, such as lighting fire to the grass on the sly.

Rather than being angry with the green terror the rest of the team seemed largely amused by his antics, Captain Hookbill in particular, who began shouting out suggestions for what sort of vulgar thing Alien could do next. Finally the refs spotted and carded Alien- this time he was projectile-vomiting into the crowd, giggling all the while.

Angfauglith would have taken advantage of the confusion, but most of them were busy being ill themselves, and the final minutes of the contest were pretty well spent standing around trying not to look at the Downer squad- now gathered in a circle near their own goal to watch Alien attempt to eat the posts.

Only the wights left the stadium in good humor, and no doubt head tournament official Boromir88 will have something to say to The Downer squad about their terrible behavior.

Angfauglith 3-1 The Downer
tot shots 14-7
on target 7-2
GOALS:
*15, 1-0 Maeglin (Gothmog)
*36, 2-0 Gothmog (Gwindor)
*52, 3-0 Ecthelion (Rian)
*77, 3-1 Saucepan Man (John Fillis)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Angfauglith- Balrog #4, Azaghal, Gothmog
*The Downer- Morsul, Burnt Bert, Alien

[Boromir88]

Group B
Even though the Gladden Fields Memorial Stadium was on the smaller stadiums it was filled to max capacity (over 57,000) for the 1st round game between Esgaroth and Misty Mountains. And the organizers expected the same turnout for every match of this group, since there was something for every fan of the game to enjoy. For the first time in memory, every race of Man, Elf, and Dwarf, spiders, eagles, wild beasts, and even creatures of unknown origins were represented amongst the teams of Group B.

The other talking point of the group is how would crowd handle the mixed allegiances? Dwarves from Erebor who made the journey to support Esgaroth had a hard time not wanting to see Anduin perform well, since their great King Durin the Deathless played for them, and then there was the famed craftsman Narvi for the Misty Mts. But how could they like the Misty Mts when it was home to a demon of the ancient world, the very Balrog who slew many of their kin? It was a conundrum indeed, and would all these divided loyalties, clash of cultures, cause security risks? Would the cultural mix of all the teams unite their fanbase or divide them sparking internal fighting?

That was all yet to be seen. Whatever the case, the stadium was filled to the brim and the sun was shining on the morning of the opening game of Group B. Who would not enjoy the Arda Cup atmosphere?

Match 1 - Esgaroth vs Misty Mts
As the game kicked off it was clear Girion had a new scheme in mind to show their quality after losing to Misty Mts 3-0 in the friendlies. Esgaroth was going on the attack to put the Misty Mts defenders on their heels. The defenders looked slow and already under 10 minutes their eagle defender Meneldor was handed a yellow for a late tackle. The pessimists were not surprised in seeing not much has changed with this team, even with Saruman joining, they were still going to play dirty and risk playing 1-man down. The neutrals of the crowd thought that maybe Azog was correct when he called out the refs for being unfairly hypocritical in giving cards to the eagles. Whatever the case, it was never good to receive a yellow that early in the game.

It also effected how the Misty Mts played as after the early yellow, the defenders backed off and were not as aggressive as normal. Yet Girion kept laying on the pressure in an effort to have the Misty Mts draw more cards. But as much as Esgaroth was trying to attack, one would have to say the Misty Mts defenders actually played an organized defense, a lot different from the one seen in previous years. Esgaroth found shots hard to come by and whenever they did get one, the Caradhras was a force that could not be beaten. After saving a shot off Bard, with a cold blast of ice, Esgaroth was awarded a corner. However, Girion complained to the ref, that the ball was frozen solid and he couldn't kick it without breaking his foot. The Misty Mts crowd jeered and mocked laughter, while the Esgaroth crowd booed about how can this be allowed? It was just plain unfair! The ref couldn't do anything about it except replace it, and send the frozen ball into the locker room to get it defrosted.

After things settled down the game evened out and Misty Mts was slowly gaining the advantage. While they were not creating many chances of their own, Narvi had dropped farther down to help the defense and once he did Esgaroth found it even harder to keep up the attack. In the 39th minute Tomnoddy was looking to pass it off to Bard, but got distracted by Narvi's beard and the dwarf easily just took possession away from the spider. Narvi quickly sent it up to Durin's Bane. It was honestly the first real chance of the game for the Misty Mts, and so the Esgaroth defending was totally asleep when Durin's Bane broke through and sent a wicked curving ball to the top left corner. Brand could not reach it. The Moria crowd was alive and cheering in full force.

The Dale supporters were making noise too, but it was noise of protests. They were claiming it was cheating! They had clearly felt a gust of wind when Durin's Bane shot it and that gust of wind obviously came from no other source except Caradhras. How else could you explain Esgaroth being the more dominant team for 40 minutes, but on the Misty Mts first real scoring chance they convert! Whatever one believes, the Esgaroth fans were probably looking for a way to vent their frustration that despite their dominance on the stat sheet, after 45 minutes they were losing on the only thing that mattered, the scoreboard.

In the 2nd half, Esgaroth again came out trying to attack. Only this time, they were having no success, not even at getting shots. Not only were their FWs legs tired, but their will seemed broken. After the 1st half they had and to still be losing 1-0, Girion just looked lost...what else could he possibly do? At the same time, the Misty Mts attackers saw very little action in the 1st half so they were fresh. Even though the Esgaroth defenders were pretty fresh too, once the Misty Mts gained possession for longer periods of time and started pressuring, it was the end. The defense had no hope with an attack force like Durin's Bane and Azog, supported by Saruman and Narvi (and at times even William and the Great Goblin found their way farther forward).

After Azog scored on the 55th minute, the Esgaroth fans began coping with the reality it was not in their teams power to beat the Misty Mts. And in truth, Brand was really struggling between the posts as he allowed another in off Saruman's boot in the 68th minute. After going up 3-0, Saruman called off the onslaught and Esgaroth tried to put together another attack to at least bring back a goal and not make it another embarassing loss. But there was no beating Caradhras on this day.

Esgaroth 0-3 Misty Mts
tot shots 9-12
on target 4-5
GOALS:
*39, 0-1 Durin’s Bane (Narvi)
*55, 0-2 Azog (Durin’s Bane)
*68, 0-3 Saruman (Great Goblin)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Esgaroth- Bain, Mayor, Thorin
*Misty Mts- Narvi, Great Goblin, Meneldor

Match 2 - Anduin vs Wilderland
As with the dwarves this game saw the divided loyalties of the Beornings. Would they support Anduin because of Beorn, or Wilderland because of Grimbeorn!? And in truth, this game was a lot about those two players.

Anduin, like Esgaroth in the first game, surprisingly came out as the aggressors. They knew Wilderland's defense could be had and Beorn seemed to be making this game personal as he was already in a berzerker frenzy to begin. He really wanted Grimbeorn on the Anduin, and looked like he wanted to make it his mission to beat Wilderland and prove that Grimbeorn made the wrong choice. At the start it looked like Beorn would be right, as he was a beast at the MF, having his way with the wizard defenders. In the 11th minute he beat Pallando to the ball and hit a rocket on goal that was barely tipped away by Grimbeorn for a corner. Beorn elected to take the corner and sent a strike to the far corner that met the head of the unmarked Falastur, and this time it got passed Grimbeorn for a 1-0 lead.

The Wilderland favoured crowd was stunned and Sauron was displeased with the sloppy defending on that play. He hoped things would eventually calm down but Beorn was tireless and even after the goal, while Anduin eased up on pressure was still wrecking havoc on the Wilderland defense. Pallando was having real trouble and had no choice but to slide in for a foul or Beorn might have put them up 2-0. Sauron had to do something else and so Khamul was newly assigned to shadow the Bear-man. Khamul has become more of an attacking player, but he had once been a defender for Mordor and Sauron hoped he could neutralize Beorn. Neutralize he did, once the wild bear was tamed by Khamul's marking, Wilderland finally got the game under their control.

Right before the end of the first 45, Wilderland got the equalizing goal they quite frankly deserved. Fram had made some good saves to preserve the lead but could not hold onto the blast off Smaug's tail in the 43rd minute.

The 2nd half was underway and both teams had to feel like they could win this, although Anduin would get a cold awakening. They were little threat on offense without Beorn's effort. And whatever coaching Sauron did at the break, or whatever Pallando picked up from Khamul guarding Beorn for most of the 1st half, Beorn was suddenly ineffective. Sauron risked putting Pallando back on Bear-watching duties, and this time the wizard was more than a match.

With Pallando now able to take Beorn out of the game, Khamul could come up to his true position and contribute his talents as an attacking midfielder. Now the balance had clearly switched to Wilderland's favor, but they still weren't getting goals. With the game winding under 10 minutes the stadium was silent, Anduin fans felt they had a real chance to escape with a 1 point if their defense and Fram could hold on a little longer. And who knew, maybe Beorn would fully recover from the Wraith lord's guarding and catch the Wilderland defense sleeping?

While the Wilderland crowd was nervous, knowing Anduin's capability to counter and their defense's shakiness. Still one could see Anduin just wasn't getting possession, as the Wilderland FWs were controlling, working it all over the field and hopefully to finally crack Fram's fortitude as they had done at the end of the 1st half. Also, as the Anduin defenders were tiring from the constant defending, they began fouling more just to not get beat and give up an easy goal.

Wilderland, however, are great from set pieces and in the 82nd minute, after a foul about 5 meters outside the box was to be taken by Sauron, everyone in the stadium was on the edge of their seats. Sauron took a shot that made it over the wall of defenders, and it was covered well by Fram, but Scatha muscled passed his marker and redirected it to the opposite post. Wilderland was in the lead with under 8 minutes to go and the Gladden Fields stadium was rockin'!

Anduin desperately tried to equalize, knowing the Misty Mts would be a tough opponent after seeing the Esgaroth match, and they wanted the point. However, with Sauron now diverting all efforts to defense, and Beorn being personally guarded again by Khamul, there was no chance. Anduin just was not the same team with their great bear being tamed.

Anduin 1-2 Wilderland
tot shots 8-15
on target 4-8
GOALS:
*13, 1-0 Falastur (Beorn)
*43, 1-1 Smaug (Radagast)
*82, 1-2 Scatha (Sauron)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Anduin- Rumil, Earnil, Orophin, Durin
*Wilderland- Scatha, Pallando

[Nogrod]

Group A

The Ever-Cold Arena was packed and buzzing when the first game of the first group was about to start, and even if the official home team was not playing most of the spectators were strongly supporting either team. The air was filled with excitement and anticipation.

So when the players of Tirion finally poured into the field led by Aulë himself and the Leader of Noldor Finwë hand in hand, followed by Finwë’s son and three grandsons, and the White Lady of Gondolin… the crowds went just wild. This was what they had been looking for! Some players had been seen in press-conferences and others on practice-grounds – and a lucky one might had even gotten a glimpse of one of his heroes in the streets or taverns, but this was different. Now they marched to the field with their jerseys flying their colors, ready to take on the opponent for real.

The entry of team Doriath was no less impressive. Elwë Singollo and Melian led the team followed by Beren and Lúthien, followed in turn by Huan and Carcaroth shoulder to shoulder, giving the chills to the crowds with their fierce presence. There must have been many souls in the crowds who praised their maker being able only to watch the two from afar and not needing to face them oneself: some of those sitting on the first rows were not sure if buying those expensive seats was that a good idea in the first place. The last ones to enter the field were Húrin, Túrin and Beleg. The three men looked solemn, stern and focused. They got the stars’ welcome they duly deserved and acted like true stars by not showing any notice or appreciation to the rising levels of cheering around them. They were here to play a game.

And what a game it was! All possible sloppiness there might have been in the friendlies was blown away with the referee’s whistle and both teams played with full gear. It was such a different game!

Tirion tried to press with attack planning to give Doriath no room to breathe, but Doriath played back with holding the possession of the ball and letting it do the work thus frustrating the great efforts of Tirion’s pressure running to and fro. Some of the passing-combinations of Doriath were just breath-taking. And as soon as Tirion’s players felt they needed a breather after running wild after the ball Doriath punished them. It was like straight from the handbook. Mablung gave a pass forwards from midfield reaching Túrin who played wall with Beleg releasing himself from the defenders. And Túrin rarely misses when left face to face with a goalie inside the box.

Tirion came back to the pressure mode but Doriath continued evading their pressure with smart passing. And after another fifteen minutes Tirion’s players were feeling the pain in their legs and Doriath capitulated again. This time Lúthien gave a nice cross to Húrin who headed the ball in from the back-post.

Being two goals down Finwë rallied his team around him and they went for it 110%. It’s hard to say whether it was the extra-effort alone by Tirion or whether Doriath was feeling a bit too confident not to play it to the edge, but there was finally a shift in pressure and Tirion started to rain attacks towards Doriath’s goal. Just a minute before the half-time whistle they finally made it. The attacks of Tirion had ran towards the goal like waves, and this time Aredhel shot the ball from the right flank hard towards the center behind the defenses and Finwë took a spurt sliding for it leg on – and he managed to slide beside Elwë and hit the ball giving it a new direction Huan had no chances to follow.

Eöl had been running after Aredhel, trying to deny her passing the ball up, but when he failed and Aredhel’s pass led to a goal, some madness took him and he took Aredhel by the hair and started dragging her off the pitch. Luckily before any war between the teams, Melian and Elwë managed to force him to leave Aredhel alone. Some people would have thought it was worth a red card but the referee only showed him a yellow commenting something about it being a family affair.

It was only 2-1 on the half-time. And the tension was rising. The crowds were on fire.

On the second half Tirion continued with their pressure and they managed to force Huan into a couple of spectacular saves. The majority elves on the crowds were waiting for the equalizer both holding their breath at times and yelling and chanting wildly on others, but the longer the game went on the clearer it became that Doriath had chosen just the right tactics for this game. The Tirion squad started showing signs of wearing out from all the effort they had put in, while Doriath players had played it smartly. So when Doriath suddenly shifted gear after some fifteen minutes into the second half, Tirion had no way of countering.

On 62nd minute they then scored again, this time from a corner after some real pressure on Tirion’s goal. After a mess in front of the goal Beleg got the ball and passed it backwards to Túrin who was relatively free behind the rush in front of the goal and hammered a mighty cannon-shot into the back of the net from 18 meters leaving Orodreth no chance to even react to it.

There was some frustration in the faces of team Tirion but they fought back bravely. As the time ticked on it was nevertheless clear they were losing and some of the intensity of the game withered slowly. It was Eöl who sealed the final numbers shooting in a nice volley from a pass by Túrin from between the Tirion defenders. Even if the game had been decided already, the goal seemed important to Eöl as that way he kind of balanced his bad deeds on the first half. And those who saw the grin he flashed to Aredhel after the goal could see other meanings behind it as well.

It was a highly entertaining game full of great performances on both sides, but in the end it was a knock-out for team Tirion. And Doriath looks even stronger the media or the betting agencies have anticipated.


Doriath 4-1 Tirion
tot shots 18-13
on target 11-6
GOALS:
*17, 1-0 Turin (Beleg)
*33, 2-0 Hurin (Luthien)
*44, 2-1 Finwe (Aredhel)
*62, 3-1 Turin (Beleg)
*78, 4-1 Eol (Turin)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Doriath- Elwe, Eol
*Tirion- Mahtan, Caranthir



As the sun was withdrawing behind Taur-Nu-Fuin and the lights of the arena started slowly emerging the table was set for the main act of the day for the huge crowd of home fans. And one could feel the excitement. Whether one read the local media or listened to the people talking at local inns, it was clear the home team supporters were certain that the odd hobbits would be but a snack to their great team. But there was a nervous doubt there one could sense from behind the loud words… what if those halflings were of different make they seemed?

But when Maedhros and Fingon led their team to the pitch the nervous optimism turned into a carnival of song and cheer. This was it now!

There were not that many supporters of Shire-Bree Utd. on top of the thousand or so hobbits and men of Bree who had made the travel following their team. Some Doriath-supporters who bore a special grunt towards the easterlings and those elves who couldn’t stand anything to do with Fëanor and his offspring were seen to cheer for the hobbits, but to the most of the elves and men especially in the audience the hobbits looked like weird deformations of nature whom they found it hard to support in a game against noble elves and men of old.

From the first minutes it was clear the home team had adopted the conservative philosophy expressed neatly in the maxim “all play starts from defense and works through defense”. The hobbits tried to shift their game into it by running around wildly using their agility and small size to their advantage, but their eagerness turned out to be a great mistake. For the game had lasted only 12 minutes when Himring scored and rtook the early lead to the great joy of their fans in tens of thousands. The goal itself was beautifully crafted by Madhros and Fingon. It was clear to everyone witnessing the goal these two had played together for a long time, it was seamless co-operation totally disarming the hobbit-defenses.

While the hobbits tried to find new ways to open the Himring defense, the home team played it wisely not risking anything but building their attacks slowly and carefully. And it brought them another goal at half an hour’s mark when after some pressure around Shire-Bree’s box Fingon lent the ball backwards to Bór who found Ulfast from the side where he had sneaked while the hobbit defenders had concentrated in the center where most of the pressure had been. And let free with the ball about ten meters from the goal Ulfast booted it in leaving Butterbur standing.

The rest of the first half Himring were happy to just keep the hobbits at bay and securing a two goal lead for the half-time.

The second half was more or less the continuation of the first one. The hobbits tried different ways of breaking the solid defenses of Himring while Himring built their attacks slowly from the bottom. And there was no question which team had the better chances of scoring as Himring defenders constantly forced Shire-Bree to shoot from far away and from difficult positions.

On 67th minute the hobbits were given new hope when Amrod took a stupid yellow for a late tackle on Bandobras, and as that was his second he got thrown out of the pitch. But oit went completely the opposite way. Seeing they were one man short Himring started to play a bit more energetically and in just four minutes they scored their third goal of the night; this time it was Maedhros’ turn to do the serving while Fingon scored from close range.

They home team won 3-0 and showed the footballing world they are serious about qualification. The game between them and Tirion will be a thriller indeed. In the late night press conference Bandobras Took didn’t even try to to make excuses: “We were beaten and the better team won. We’re not going to sprinkle ash to our heads though but will give a better effort in the next one”. Interesting though, he was not willing to answer a question by the Bree Enquirer concerning the very bad performance of Butterbur on goal (3 goals allowed from 7 shots on goal), but told the media the conference was over on his part.


Himring 3-0 Shire-Bree United
tot shots 13-11
on target 7-3
GOALS:
*12, 1-0 Maedhros (Fingon)
*32, 2-0 Ulfast (Bor)
*71, 3-0 Fingon (Maedhros)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Himring- Amrod, Borthond
*Shire-Bree- Bandobras, Gerontius, Ferny
RED CARDS:
*Himring- Amrod (67, second yellow)

[the phantom]

Group E

There was much anger to be found in the ranks of Wights and Werewolves when the start times for the Group E matches were pushed earlier. Instead of 2 o'clock and 8 o'clock, the matches were switched to 11 and 4. "They're did that deliberately!" complained FormendaWight. "They know that Werewolves thrive when the sun sets, and that we Wights love to sleep all day and party all night!"

"Formy's quite right!" agreed The BoroWight. "It would be different if they had scheduled the matches at such times originally, but waiting to see who the homeside was playing and then making it a day game... Preposterous!"

Tol In Gaurhoth wasn't the only fanbase enraged by the early start. The few Orcs of Mordor that showed up also griped about things, pointing out that under their normal schedule they ought to be asleep until 3 or 4 in the afternoon. "The host committee really should be more considerate with their game times," said Mordor football enthusiast Mortakh. "Since the other teams have no troubles playing games later, why not do so? That way things would be fair for everyone."

But the complaints weren't going to change things for this round anyway, and so at 11 AM the opening match between Mordor & Nargothrond kicked off. The orcs and Nazgul looked a bit sluggish off the bat, and with little crowd support to jumpstart them things could've gone poorly for them, but fortunately Nargothrond didn't open too sharply either, and the Silent Watcher was on his game enough to turn away two early efforts from Finduilas.

As the first half wore on the fog cleared from the heads of orcs and slowly they began to control things. Just past the half hour mark they gained their first serious chance. Barahir was equal to Shelob's header, but the excitement of the near-miss seemed to spur the Nazgul out of their daze and Mordor became more dangerous than ever.

Shortly before the half they finally broke through, as they brought up their midfield to help apply the pressure and Gorbag turned a rebound around from just outside the box. The team on the field celebrated, but there was hardly a reaction from the crowd- most of the Mordor fans were stretched out on the tree-branch seats snoozing in the warm sun.

When the teams began the second half every last Mordor supporter was sound asleep, and Nargothrond took advantage stealing the spirit and momentum. At minute 67 they gained a well-deserved equalizer off the tail of Glaurung and it was anyone's game. The noise made by the men and elves woke the orcs in the crowd who were absolutely shocked to find the match in the final 35 minutes and tied at 1-1.

Even the best of people can be grumpy first thing after waking up, and orcs aren't exactly saints. In no time at all they were tossing things big and small down onto the field and shouting death threats, recalling their fury at the early start time. Team Nargothrond for the most part was stunned (and perhaps a bit frightened) by the sudden turn of things, where as team Mordor was buoyed up and found new energy, and in no time at all they were back ahead, as Nazgul #7 found Grishnakh beautifully!

Glaurung roared at his teammates in fury for losing their nerve, but the damage was already done, and Mordor organized a lockdown defense in front of Silent Watcher and hung on for a win in their opening match of group play.

Mordor 2-1 Nargothrond
tot shots 10-11
on target 5-4
GOALS:
*40, 1-0 Gorbag (Nazgul #6)
*67, 1-1 Glaurung (Finduilas)
*70, 2-1 Grishnakh (Nazgul #7)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Mordor- Snaga, Shelob, Gollum
*Nargothrond- Arminas

Nearly all of the Noldor and men of Beor filed out silently, but the section of Orcs stuck around and were soon joined by the Wights and Werewolves, who had apparently invited the creatures of Mordor to sit with them for the evening contest and party with them afterwards. Had Mordor lost perhaps the goblins would have left, but they were indeed in the mood for some fun after their victory and stayed put.

Small groups from Doriath, Mirkwood, and Brethil occupied the seats directly across from the riotous ghosts and ghouls, but the rest of the stadium was a sea of Hobbits and Ents and Huorns. With the stadium grown from living roots the way it was, the tree-people very nearly blended with the arena itself, making it look a bit empty. But the volume made it obvious that the place was filled. The laughing of Hobbits, the howls of wolves, the shrieks of Wights, and the hooming of Ents made for quite a racket, and the game hadn't even started yet!

When Tol In Gaurhoth bounded onto the pitch the Ents surprisingly let them be, letting their fans cheer them on. "We hardly know them," said one Ent. "I realize there's been talk of them threatening forest fires, but let's not be hasty to judge."

But the TIG fans showed no such courtesy, laughing and mocking the Forest squad as they made their entrance. They had signs spoofing Tom's peculiar manner of speaking, and all of them had sticks and twigs which they merrily declared were "Entings" before snapping them and tossing them onto the sideline.

At the start of the game in appeared The Forest was able to tune out the audience and focus on the task at hand, but they were unable to make any headway against the Werewolves on the field. As time approached fifteen minutes The Forest began to look overmatched and lost focus, and as a result the crowd started getting to them. In particular Saeros seemed completely lost, as to everyone's amusement MormWight and LhunaWight repeatedly called "Take it off!" and "Give us a show!" and "Show us some skin, Saeros!", making light of his shameful death in Doriath.

And quite soon the game wasn't being lost in only the stands but on the field as well as PhantomWolf received it from GwathWolf and sent one of his trademark drives in for the lead.

Bombadil energized his team to strike back, but Saeros muffed their best opportunity and ShastaWolf turned away Bombadil's strike and The Forest, disheartened, was pushed back. At 35 minutes TIG lit the scoreboard again- this time it was the cool head of NogWolf nodding in a nice cross from Inzil.

TIG then played the possession game for a bit, especially with SallyWolf and PhantomWolf giving it back and forth and attempting various ball-tricks. The two wolves were openly laughing as the whirled in circles around their Ent defenders, deriding Treebeard and his race for their lack of quickness despite their straight-line speed. The pair finally put a stop to their antics after being asked repeatedly by NogWolf and SkipWolf. But soon after PhantomWolf was chuckling again as NerWolf wove into the Forest defense like a squirrel through tree-branches and ended her solo run by chipping it past a helpless Old Man Willow for the commanding three goal halftime lead.

As the team started the second half it was obvious that NogWolf had instructed TIG to sit on the lead and play suffocating defense, and for the first 20 minutes they did, but predictably PhantomWolf got bored and started showing off again, doing whatever he could to make his opponents feel inferior. This delighted the Wights and Werewolves in the stands, and in no time they were screaming for more, and other players began joining in, most notably SallyWolf who continually threatened to douse Treebeard with lantern oil and NilpWolf who carried on with the tradition of mocking Saeros.

At minute 65 NilpWolf was carded for going a bit too far- he took a water cup that had rolled onto the field of play and chucked it at Saeros's head, exclaiming, "This look familiar?!" Fellow defender SkipWolf yelled at NilpWolf and told him to straighten up, but NilpWolf had gotten such a great reaction from the TIG fans that he couldn't help but continue pushing things.

But at minute 73 he paid for it as he was sent off the field for going up behind Saeros and yanking his shorts down around his ankles. NogWolf was furious, but his anger was completely buried beneath the approving roaring and howling of his teammates and their supporters in the crowd. Even the well-mannered and courteous EstyWight was laughing herself out of breath in the front row.

Bombadil attempted to spur his team to take advantage of the missing defender, but the rest of his team was entirely flat, as the Werewolves had convincingly got it into their heads that things were hopeless and they could not compete with TIG's speed, skill, and ferocity. Not to mention they were more than a little frightened of what TIG players or supporters might do to them if they didn't roll over and submit. What an embarrassing way to begin for the home team!

The Forest 0-3 Tol In Gaurhoth
tot shots 7-16
on target 3-8
GOALS:
*22, 0-1 PhantomWolf (GwathWolf)
*35, 0-2 NogWolf (InzilWolf)
*44, 0-3 NerWolf
YELLOW CARDS:
*The Forest- Skinbark, Haleth
*TIG- GaladWolf, InzilWolf, NilpWolf
RED CARDS:
*TIG- NilpWolf (73, second yellow)

[Nogrod]

Group F

The organisers of the games in Númenor had decided to open the gates of the Armenelos Stadium already on early afternoon to fill the stadium fluently and with easier pace as the stream of incoming spectators would spread more evenly. That was a fine idea, but the practice proved different. Huge queues started forming already around mid-day and when the gates were opened tens of thousands of football-hungry people had packed around the stadium trying to get in all at the same time. Even if the scene looked quite chaotic at times, the organisers aided by Armenelos City Guard managed to bring in enough order to avoid any major accidents.

Even with the crush at the gates, long queuing times and some unavoidable rows in the crowds, people seemed to be on a jubilant mood. Finally reaching their places and sitting down in the stadium parties opened their wineskins and brought forth the many imaginative snacks and pic-nic meals they had prepared for the occasion, trading and offering tastings to the next parties. The organisers had counted it wrong: the Armanalos Stadium was the place to be on this day, and when people heard the gates would be opened earlier they rejoiced with the news realizing they’d have a longer party at the stadium. When most of the Teleri and Gondorian supporters started to pour into stadium the normal one and half hours before the match they were totally surprised to see the stadium almost full already – and very much disappointed to find out that they had been left the farthest seats available with their ticket-classes.

As said on earlier reports, team Númenor was the official host of the group F, but in practice the group had two home teams. Most of the Númenorians cheered for both teams with as open heart, but many people had also taken their favourites. Some said that bringing Gondorians aboard was a bad idea and only a purely Númenorian team earned their full support. Others argued that the greatest heroes of Númenor played in the mixed team, and the Gondorians were their brothers, of the same blood after all. But only a few were willing to make it an issue to fight over.'

~*~


The first game between Westernesse and Mithrim sent the crowds into nirvana.

After just twenty minutes of gameplay Westernesse was leading with two goals to nil with Ar Pharazôn and Elros, more or less their greatest heroes, both scoring once. And when Ar Adunakhôr made an outstanding goal straight from a free-kick from about 25 meters just before the end of the first half the crowds just went mad. The editorial staff will wish to make their apologies for the language here, but there’s only one way of expressing the feeling in the crowds when Ar Adunakhôr hammered it in to the upper left corner of the Mithrim goal: they were peeing honey, and quite uncontrollably.

Playing defensively against Westernesse is a bad idea as that allows the highly skillfull and physical Westernesse midfield and forwards to bring in wave after wave of balanced attacks forcing the defending team into a position of complete underdogs constantly occupying the receiving end. Although, and to be honest, it was not the tactical choices of team Mithrim that brought them down but the sheer difference in quality of the players. An exceptionally talented, tough and confident team could build up their own attacks against the balanced lines of Westernesse even from deep down their own half. But that is clearly not what Mithrim as a team is.

Many were afraid the second half would be a formality, and in a sense they were right, but the crowds did see some top quality football on the second half as well.
Mithrim pressed harder against Westernesse in the beginning of the second half and even got a few decent shots (if only two on target), but there was still no doubt as to which team ruled the pitch. Malbeth’s bicycle-kick goal at 62nd minute was one of the most impressive of the first round. Grithnir pushed Malbeth from behind unbalancing him just as the corner shot from Tar Minastir was coming towards the two. But somehow Malbeth managed to turn sideways while falling down and stretched out to make a perfect sideways bicycle-kick leaving both Grithnir and Tuor at the goal standing in confusion. To top the angst of team Mithrim the referee showed Grithnir a yellow card after the goal, truly earned.

So if Doriath showed they are a force to be reckoned with in this tournament in group A, one could say that team Westernesse also gave a tempest-warning of how deadly they are.


Mithrim 0-4 Westernesse
tot shots 6-18
on target 2-10
GOALS:
*14, 0-1 Ar Pharazon (Elros)
*19, 0-2 Elros (Mardil)
*38, 0-3 Ar Adunakhor
*62, 0-4 Malbeth (Tar Minastir)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Mithrim- Gethron, Grithnir
*Westernesse- Elendil



The expectations were high for the late night match after the glory of the first one and the home crowds chanted Númenorean songs, old and new, more or less without a pause the full 60-minute interval between the games. But the few realists started sweating as the game drew closer. As TTN had said in their pre-group analysis, Tol Eressëa’s defense led by Ulmo might just be a bit too tough a nut to crack for the team Númenor’s attack. And they were afraid TTN was right.

But the majority of the home crowd seemed to feel that Númenoreans would beat any team brought against them this magical night. Some of the more drunken parties (drunk not only because of the wine) were even boasting they could form a team of their own to bring down Pelori and Valinor. But happily, for the honor of Dúnedain, there were only few parties among the tens of thousands getting that loose, even if they were quite loud.

But any hybris there was died down pretty soon as the game began and it became clear to the supporters of the home team that Númenor would not beat Tol Eressëa in a way Westernesse slew Mithrim at the pitch just a moment ago. It was a real struggle of two very even-looking teams both trying to avoid errors and shutting off any attacks of the other early on only to be cut by the other one in turn. And so most of the game seemed to be played in the midfield, or safely keeping the ball on one’s own half. It was no high moment of football as a dynamic art – even if the game sure had it’s own dynamics.

Then, on 37th minute just before the break, the heavens fell down for the Númenorians. Uinen gave a swerving free-kick from about 35 meters and found Elwing’s head perfectly. Silmariën saw the header coming and dived to the farther corner of the goal assuming the natural outcome, but Elwing had a snap second to notice Silmariën’s intention and she managed to yank her head giving the ball a different angle and sending it down in front of the two closest defenders and bouncing through between them to the nearest corner of the empty goal.

Some yellow papers claimed the next day that after seeing Elwing’s performance Elros had sprang up from his seat and yelled feverishly “Go Mum! Yay Mum!”, but that surely can be dismissed as just one more trick to sell more papers. But whatever Elros’ reaction was, it was an impressive goal anyway and the crowds did cheer for it even if somewhat confusedly as it was made by their greatly revered lady, but at the wrong end of the pitch.

But the worst thing to the Númenorean team and fans alike came only after the goal. Tol Eressëa regrouped into a lockdown and held their defense tight from the midfield on allowing the hosts no chances as they always seemed to have all ten players under the ball. As the second half went on the Númenorians started to get frustrated and fex. both their yellow cards came there, out of frustration facing such a solid defense which didn’t even try to attack sparing all the players into defensive tasks. Near the end of the game even some of the crowds started booing but that had no effect. Tol Eressëa took a precious win looking at the qualifying and made Númenor’s path to the play-offs all the more harder.

The home crowds poured into the streets after the game with mixed feelings: like they had been on a rollercoaster-ride that first made them immensely happy but in the end left a bad feeling.


Numenor 0-1 Tol Eressëa
tot shots 9-7
on target 4-3
GOALS:
*37, 0-1 Elwing (Uinen)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Numenor- Ar Zimrathan, Vardamir
*Tol Eressea- Uinen

[Pitchwife]

"What did I tell you? The wolves won! Though, honest, I don't really get why, when they didn't kill anybody and even were outnumbered by the Forest guys after Nilp was killed by that guy in black. Who was that one supposed to be, anyway? A Black Beorning? Didn't seem to be playing for either team, did he?

Impartial? Ah, I get it - he's the Mod! Makes sense now, the way he was bossing everybody around. So Nilp wasn't killed but modfired, eh? What for, please - I'd say he was definitely participating! Confusing game, this. So they don't have to make kills but 'goals'? Put the ball into that framed net thingummyjig? Seriously, what kinda winning condition is this?

Anyway, the wolves won, which is all that matters - and quite impressively, if you ask me. I mean, they were at a clear disadvantage, with the village - er, Forest - knowing who they were from the start. Not that the Forest made much use of that. Played pretty wooden, didn't they? Some of 'em didn't move at all, you'd have thought they'd grown roots. Need to get more mobile, these guys.

Oh, and that Saeros guy shouldn't be such a sissy." *shouts at Saeros:* "Take it off! Swap shirts!"

[Boromir88]

Group D

Match 1 - Barad-dur vs Eriador
Like in many of the first games already, the Ost-in-Edhil stadium was sold out for Barad-dur vs Eriador. The rangers came out in droves to watch their Eriador, and a good company of trolls had come to watch Bert and Tom. But there was also a crowd of Eregion Elves who were anxious to see Gil Galad and Cirdan again. The atmostphere was generally friendly and festival amongst the fans, and the baddies of Barad-dur looked nervous. Only a small section of orcs and fell creatures (probably under 500) had come to watch them and one has to wonder how this would effect Barad-dur's play? Would they be discouraged by the lack of support or not be bothered?

It was kickoff and the game started out with both teams being pretty cautious, not wanting to commit a costsly turnover or be exposed to a dangerous counter. It's not a surprise seeing who captains both teams they would begin by probing and testing out the other without risking much. However, after the cautious trial stage, the game started speeding up, much to the likeness of the crowd. This was the football they liked seeing.

In the friendlies Arvedui had trouble keeping his troll defenders in line, and again it seems like this would be a problem for Eriador. As Bert just ran over Cirdan in an attempt to steal possession and it was an easy yellow for the troll (the troll fans in the stands cheered the play, thinking Bert had made a great defensive stop). The Mouth took the free kick and Fellbeast #2 came swooping in to knock it into the net giving Barad-dur the 1-0 lead.

Once Barad-dur grabbed the lead the game slowed down again, as the Dark Tower was defending it's lead more than pushing to expand it. The trolls had actually started showing a true ability to be able to play well in Arvedui's defense. However, another mistake by Bert would lead to another Barad-dur goal.

Isildur tried dribbling into the penalty area. There was contact and Isildur fell down, the Barad-dur supporters were screaming for a penalty and for Bert's 2nd yellow (which would send him away from the match). But the ref was unconvinced, as Isildur was clearly looking to get a foul, and Bert held his ground. However, Bert thought the ref whistled the action dead, and stepped away from the ball, just leaving it. Cirdan rushed in, knowing the play was still live, took possession and rounded Bert, he sent it to the right side, where Gil Galad was also rushing in. And the High King of the Noldor finished it. Barad-dur would lead 2-0 going into the break.

If you've ever heard the tale of two halves this is an example of one of those instances. It's not that Eriador played terribly in the first, it's just a few trollish mistakes led to 2 easy goals for the other team. So, if they could find a way to keep the pressure off their trolls and avoid those mistakes, than you thought Eriador would be able to get back into the match. And they did!

Gil Galad shut down the offense completely and went into an extremely negative scheme where he wanted to keep all 11 players behind the ball at all times. While it was hard for Eriador to break down Barad-dur defense, it was not impossible. As is so often the case, unless if you have a lockdown defense like Angband or Tol Eressea, holding onto a lead is more damaging than it is not.

Eriador got on the board in the 68th minute, by Halbarad cleaning up the rebound of Aranarth's shot in the 68th minute. Barad-dur still decided to protect their lead, and found it hard to switch gears to an offensive one. The Mouth was trying to push the action but his passes often sailed over Isildur, Gil Galad and Cirdan, who often retreated and let the Eriador defenders take possession.

As Eriador was holding most of the possession now, and looking for an equalizer, Arvedui pushed his lines farther upfield, including the defensive line. Aragorn didn't earn the nickname Striker without reasons, and when Amlaith took the ball up to mid-circle he spotted Aragorn making a run. The star King took Amlaith's looping pass, chested it down and with one swift touch drove it passed Ohtar.

The match ended in a draw and Barad-dur was rather lucky to escape with the point. Since by the strategy of their captain in the 2nd half they definitely deserved to lose. The Mouth led all the baddies off the field, while the Last Alliance Company met with Arvedui's squad at mid-circle and shook hands for the good game.

Barad-Dur 2-2 Eriador
tot shots 10-13
on target 5-6
GOALS:
*22, 1-0 Fellbeast #2 (Mouth)
*43, 2-0 Gil-galad (Cirdan)
*68, 2-1 Halbarad (Aranarth)
*80, 2-2 Aragorn (Amlaith)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Barad-Dur- Nazgul #1, Isildur, Shagrat
*Eriador- Bert, Tom

Match 2 - Eregion vs Gondor
After an exciting 2-2 draw in the morning match, the crowd was ready for the afternoon game of their hometown heroes, Eregion, taking on the likeable and respected Gondor (especially since Arwen was captaining the team now).

The first half ended scoreless but the crowd was still buzzing with excitement, it was far from a snooze fest. Fans were seeing a real defensive masterpiece and it's not like the offenses were just staying back on their own side passing it to eachother. The offenses were truly working, but having to work hard to get chances. Gondor for the most part was attacking more, as Eregion looked to create counters. Eregion was able to get some good counter attacks, but it's difficult against Gondor's defense which is rarely ever caught napping, and even harder to beat their last line of defense, the GK Ecthelion. While Arwen was having an even harder time feeding the ball through Eregion's defense to her FWs.

So, despite the scoreless draw in the first 45, fans were still eagerly interested into the game. If the offenses were still able to get these chances off the flawless defenses, eventually a goal had to happen, right? Even with also the perfect goal keeping of Elrond and Ecthelion, surely a goal was coming.

Well, the Eregion crowd began their singing and chanting at the start of the 2nd and did not have to wait long to see that goal they knew was sure to come. Eorl had his best chance yet, and raised his arms up in celebration as he struck the ball hard to the right post, but Elrond jumped out of apparently nowhere to snatch it right out of mid air. Eorl exasperately breathed and threw his arms down, how was Gondor going to beat Elrond when he's playing like this?

Elrond spotted Gondor just a second late in back track and set up their defense so he threw it out wide to Erestor. Erestor made a deep run until Narmacil tried to challenge and take the ball away, but Erestor quickly sent the ball to Elladan. No one closed in on Elladan as no one anticipated he would shoot, and so he did. Ecthelion was too busy paying attention to make sure the dangerous strike forces Earendil and Glorfindel were marked, by the time Boromir I shouted "SHOT", it was too late, Ecthelion reacted too slowly and the ball snuck between his hand and right post. The stadium burst into more joyous singing and even the Gondorian fans had to applaud the goal.

Their team had been making a stellar effort, and there really wasn't much they could do than admit the facts that Elrond was an Arda class goal keeper and he was determined to keep his goal clean. And Gondor hadn't given up after the goal, since there was still a lot of time left and Eregion was surely going to go into all out defense now. Sadly, for the Gondorians, the other goal came by means of another Eregion counter attack. This one from precise, brilliant team work between Earendil and Glorfindel. If those two had their timing in sync, than Eregion could be quite a dangerous team, especially since it's certain you can always depend on the defense and their Master Elrond.

Eregion 2-0 Gondor
tot shots 10-12
on target 6-6
GOALS:
*51, 1-0 Elladan (Erestor)
*74, 2-0 Glorfindel (Earendil)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Eregion- Elrohir
*Gondor- Folcwine, Eorl

[Nogrod]

Group G

At the time of pre-game press conference there had been no sign of any dwarven supporters from Nogrod in Valmar, or anywhere in Valinor. That had understandably given birth to all kinds of rumors. The fact that one of the most believable ones was that three ships of them had set sail from the Havens already the previous week was not exactly toning the other rumors down. One could easily dismiss rumours which claimed the Valar had asked for Ulmo to sink the ships into the sea, or that Manwë would have personally destroyed the ships with a blazing thunderbolt (or given that for Tulkas to handle, like another rumor claimed). Even if the dwarves were not of the original creation and none had visited the Blessed Realm, they were no creations of Melkor or in any other way servants of evil – and thus killing them was in no way a believable explanation. Or that’s at least how the local media reasoned.

But what had happened, or had nothing happened at all? That was the question which took over the press conference to the seeming annoyance of the organisers who would have rather discussed the great shape teams Pelori and Valimar on. Let’s peak in for a short moment.

Estolad Evening Star: So, does anyone here know about the fate of the three ships carrying dwarves from Nogrod? Where are they now?

Namo: Now there’s no evidence those ships ever set sail so it’s impossible to make any judgment at this point. It’s hard to pass judgements over entities you’re n ot sure exist in the first place – and rumors are no evidence.

The AKM: But it would seem odd that the Nogrodians would not be willing to come as their two great champions Telchar and Gamil Zirak are playing. And no one sighting them here would point towards there being something fishy in here, knowing the conservative nature of Valinor…

Namo: Now even if speaking of the intentions of someone who is not here to speak on his or her behalf is somewhat dubious and nothing one could use as evidence, I can see your meaning. And if we wish to dwell into speculation I do admit it would be easy to suppose some dwarves would have wished to do the trip. But we all know there are so many different ways in which a trip may fail, be slowed down or be just cancelled; accidents, financial problems, weather… But as I said, that’s all nothing but speculation.

Estolad Evening Star: But the hosts of ships of men and elves from Beleriand did manage to come! Isn’t it a bit odd only the dwarves didn’t make it?

Namo: Now you are basing your question again on the unproven assumption there was a ship of dwarves in the first place. And like I said, I do like facts more than assumptions without evidence.

The AKM: Let me put you a different question. We all know you and Manwë are the ones delving deepest in the vision of Ilúvatar. And many say you know almost all there is to know about the destinies of Arda and in the end you declare them according to your understanding of the Vision. Now team Beleriand is the most remarkable showcase of inter-racial comradery and bonds between different races who have bled together in the defense of the good against evil. Now surely Ilúvatar would not discriminate one race of heroes while embracing the other two. Now would He?

Namo: The mind of the One is hard to interpret for even those who have the best capabilities for it. So do you, Mr. Journalist, think you understand Ilúvatar’s vision?

Estolad Evening Star: Forgive me my boldness, but was that a confession?

Namo: Unfathomable are the ways of Ilúvatar…


The reader is free to make her /his own inferences from there.


~*~

It’s clear the press conference didn’t ease the tension over the issue. Actually it did provoke quite an unique protest from the team Beleriand as coming to the arena they all wore black ribbons, like honoring the memory of the deceased, in their left arms – and they wore them the whole game.

After a pretty careful start Pelori went into lead when only 12 minutes was played. From a nice pass from Varda, Eönwë forced himself free from between the Beleriand defenders and hammered the ball into the net with real power-shot. The crowds were pleased and relaxed as the haunting thought that these visitors from the east could have gained some extra-powers from their protesting felt now like something they had feared in vain.

But lo and behold. Telchar and Gamil Zirak called the team together with the help of Aegnor and Angrod. And as the game continued, the home crowds soon learned that the team Beleriand was capable of more than just protesting with their arm-bands as they suddenly looked very much focused and determined to give the best they could. It was clear the local media had not talked about their stamina in vain for they really gave a hard opposition to the home team who was so used to calling the shots in almost any game. But now the game was very much even.

Even with the extra-tension and effort in the field it still was not exactly the fastest or most flashing football on Arda due to the conservative and defensive playing-style of both teams – for even if rallied on a cause the Belerianders didn’t overdo it but still played from the defense on. Both teams had a few really good scoring opportunities but the crowds had to wait until the very end to see something more.

With only a few minutes to go the home crowds started feeling secure of the win when Aegnor silenced the whole stadium in disbelief. Very fittingly it was actually Gamil Zirak’s goal. It was he who took the defenders with him, got released from their pressure enough to chip the ball sideway to release Aegnor all alone at the corner of the goal where it was an easy task for him to just pass the ball in with no defenders around and Manwë being seriously late.

There were only two minutes on the clock and it was one all!

And it remained thus. Beleriand had robbed a point from Pelori thus making the group a lot more interesting as it is not anymore that certain Pelori will qualify. Surely the oddmakers would still see them as the more probable candidates of the two, but at the moment their performance is even. Whichever of the two teams plays better in the future has the claim for qualifying. Unless Gondolin breaks in and shuffles the deck once more.

That was what the evening game could reveal.


Beleriand 1-1 Pelori
tot shots 9-10
on target 4-4
GOALS:
*12, 0-1 Eonwe (Varda)
*88, 1-1 Aegnor (Gamil Zirak)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Beleriand- Telchar, Marach
*Pelori- Irmo


The elves (and maiar) of Valinor outnumbering all others in the stadium were getting a bit nervous when the evening match was about to begin. Their walk-in-the-park group had turned into something different: a competitive group where even Middle-Earth teams seemed to have a chance. And they were little by little waking up for real to the fact that over half of the team Gondolin were last year’s silver-medalists and players like Turgon and Thorondor weren’t exactly weak links either. So, talking about them as a tough team was no talking-point only or a nice admission to some weaker side, but something that was true.

The game started with both teams looking at how the other played. Valinor was having more of the ball but Gondolin answered flexibly to their moves holding them away from any serious scoring opportunity. The game gathered pace as the half went on but it stayed pretty even, Valinor shooting a bit more than Gondolin mostly due to their greater amount of time with the ball.

But just before the half-time Arien offered the home crowd a relief heading in the well-marked pass by Nerdanel after a short corner. Valinor was in the lead! But even in their joy many of the spectators supporting team Valinor realized that the overpowering happiness for the 1-0 just betrayed their innermost insecurity. It was not that easy they had thought beforehand. The goal and their own reactions hammered it in.

The second half continued quite evenly even if Gondolin seemed to be a bit more active in the beginning of the period trying to go for the equalizer. And to the horror of the home crowds they finally did it on 63rd minute! With a quick “change of direction” –play Idril managed to send Duilin free running the right side. When Vairë and Indis rushed after her noticing their mistake both Egalmoth and Turgon ran through the center facing only Tulkas and with the advantage that they saw the situation all the time while Tulkas needed to glance aside every now and then while he backtracked and tried to keep an eye on both attackers. And so Duilin sent a meter high pass from the side just as the two defenders were getting at her – and Turgon dived for it head on from Tulkas’ right while Egalmoth took a tight curve to steal his attention – and Turgon headed the ball past the stupefied Ingwë. And it was clear Tulkas wasn’t too happy either.

But the crowds were totally lost, biting their nails. Was this how it was going to be?

Tulkas was of the different opinion and Valinor started to move the ball even faster than before. Slowly the confused crowds started to wake up for a new hope and started supporting their team from the bottom of their hearts. And it was not long when the ball was in Gondolin’s net. Galdor had to stop Nerdanel against the rules when she was breaking free from him to reach a ball coming from Miriel. He was duly carded and Valinor was given a free kick from quite near the corner of the box. Arien and Nessa ran towards the ball from different angles, Olwë made a side run towards the corner of the goal, and Yavanna being at the side of the wall ducked down. Things were happening. But Estë had just rested beside the ball and suddenly as Arien was just about to reach the ball, she chipped it a meter sideways to Miriel who shot a real beauty from standing legs to the upper right corner of the goal. So while everyone thought the players doing the runs were those about to do something it was the two still-standing ones who scored! That was so cool even the elves from Gondolin and Vinyamar joined the standing ovation.

There was still time and Gondolin didn’t give in. But their promising chase got a sad ending when Olwë managed to steal the ball from Salgant in the midfield and sent it forth to Arien sensing the steal and already running full speed onwards. He was forced to shoot from 20 meters though as Thorondor was closing on him. Rôg kneeled down to safely pick the ball coming straight towards him rolling on the ground when it slipped from his fingers, took a swerve from his shoulder and bounced over him… and into the goal!

The crowds were relived and danced and sang and cheered to no end. It is not possible to reproduce the f-, s- and h-words springing from the mouths of team Beleriand players to tell what they seemed to feel at the moment.

Just ten minutes left with two goals down against a Valier-team the Belerianders realized it was too tough a job and they seemed to give it just a half-hearted effort to go for a goal. Had they not been upset for such a cheap goal they might have played differently, but now it felt like they had sold their city.

So the Blessed Realm got one victory in the end – even if they had been anticipating two easy ones. But even if Gondolin managed to play evenly against Valinor for long periods all the stats tell one that Valinor earned it’s victory. One thing for the speculators opened though – and that would concern betting on both of the two teams of the latter match.

Rôg was one of the top two goalies in last year’s tournament but began this season with a very bad performance gaining only 66,7% saving percentage against Hithlum. Now some said it was because Turgon had decided to leave the defenses without support to test them – and to give Rôg a true warm-up, but many thought Rôg was just rusty. And the following friendlies seemed to show the latter explanation to be the correct one as he really stepped forwards and played the next three games with almost 82% saving-ratio which is not stellar but on the top ten anyway.

But now he was playing badly again! The third goal went straight to him and some said that also the first header by Arien could have been saved by a goalie who was in top shape. Or was it that Rôg just couldn’t face the sun? Maybe the great blacksmith who had only stared at the fire and Balrogs couldn’t stand the sun? These are feeble excuses as one can see. Maybe he is past his prime then? Or maybe he will come back after the first match like he did in the friendlies?

Be it as it may, Rôg’s saving percentage in the game was a lousy 57%. Sure Valinor makes quality shots and all that, but depending on the reason for his bad numbers either Gondolin could be much stronger if he pulls himself together or Valinor is not that good if he is really playing badly in general. that remains to be seen.


Gondolin 1-3 Valinor
tot shots 9-16
on target 4-7
GOALS:
*41, 0-1 Arien (Nerdanel)
*63, 1-1 Turgon (Duilin)
*72, 1-2 Miriel (Este)
*79, 1-3 Arien (Olwe)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Gondolin- Turgon, Galdor
*Valinor- Tulkas, Este

[Boromir88]

Group H

Match 1 - Lothlorien vs Minas Morgul
Minas Morgul fans had shown up by the tens of thousands to watch the matches in this group. In fact, had it not been for the strong number of Rohirrim locals to see Shadowfax, or the band of Gondorians to see Boromir II, Lothlorien fans would have definitely been outnumbered. The stadium was split 50/50, which would sure to make an interesting match.

To everybody's surprise Lothlorien started out as the aggressors. Well it was more like Feanor, toying with Minas Morgul. Galadriel refused to lend her star FW any support as he dashed to and fro playing keep away for several minutes. Then something awoke in Boromir II, spiritted on by Feanor's skill, he suddenly charged forward and when Feanor found him with a perfect pass, Boromir made his trademark shout "FOR GONDOR!" as he struck the ball. Earnur was stunned and Boromir rifled it past him. Then he ran over to the section of Gondorians. They pulled out their plastic replicas of Boromir's horn, and began blowing into them. The noise was a loud, constant buzzing that greatly annoyed the Minas Morgul section.

After the goal, Galadriel gave a stern glare to Feanor and Boromir, as if to say "ok, you've had your fun, now come back and defend." Thus, Lothlorien began defending their lead, and they were doing admirably. A mistake by the King of the Dead, led to a quick counter by Lothlorien. Castamir tried to play the ball to the Dead King, but somehow he missed it completely, it's as if the ball went straight through his foot. Feanor picked it up and broke forward with Boromir and Legolas. Boromir got it and tried to rifle another one past Earnur. But this one hit the top post and richoted almost straight down, however Legolas was there to ever so delicately nudge it over the line, giving Lothlorien the 2-0 lead.

Now Galadriel really believed the 2-0 lead would be sufficient and put an end to any counterattacks. While Minas Morgul was holding most of the possession, Lothlorien defenders had a pretty easy time of it, as Minas Morgul couldn't even crack the first line of defense, Feanor. Often times Feanor would steal it away, run around for a few minutes and pass it back to the defenders who also kicked it around for a while. It was a dreadfully boring end to the half.

The 2nd half was pretty much the same story as the end of the 1st. Minas Morgul couldn't keep possession passed Feanor long enough to get off shots, and Lothlorien refused to even attempt to expand their lead. Except for the occassional, solo-elf runs by Feanor where he attempted to take on the entire Minas Morgul defense or make up his own trick shot.

By the 80th minute Firienfeld had about half-emptied when Minas Morgul went into one of their classic late-game, manic periods. Last year they made a habit of being down for most of the match and storming back in the final 10 minutes. Minas Morgul came forwards in full force and it took the Lothlorien defense by surprise. They had a relatively easy day up to that point and, when all the force of Minas Morgul came in that first swift stroke, they overwhelmed the Lothlorien defenders and the Witch-King had an easy, open net, bringing the score 2-1.

However, after that first wave, Lothlorien adjusted and despite Minas Morgul sending even Herumor and Fuinur up to attack, it looked more likely Lothlorien would make it a 2-goal lead again on one of their counters. Feanor had a good chance in the 88th minute, but Earnur managed to come up with a good save. Thus the game ended 2-1, in favor of Lothlorien.

Lothlorien 2-1 Minas Morgul
tot shots 11-10
on target 7-4
GOALS:
*9, 1-0 Boromir (Feanor)
*23, 2-0 Legolas (Boromir)
*81, 2-1 Witch King (Beruthiel)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Lothlorien- Haldir
*MMorgul- Castamir, Fuinur

Match 2 - Dunharrow vs Minas Tirith

After Minas Morgul's defeat in the first match, the mood in the stadium was festival and jovial. Obviously the Rohirrim would like their team to come away with 3 points in their match, but the fact that Minas Morgul was at the bottom with 0 was all too sweet.

It was a clean and fairly even and competitive match, but not one would remember as great or exciting. Judging by the play and the statistics of the teams, it would be hard to see either one advance, to be perfectly honest.

Brytta opened the scoring by heading in a corner delivered by Theodred in the 24th minute. Dunharrow pulled back to defend their lead and were able to do so successfully, in part due to some nice saves by Aldor.

Dunharrow began the 2nd ready to just defend and protect but in the 56th minute it cost them when Elfhelm cleaned up the rebound of Tarondor's shot.

As the game drew on it looked to all Minas Morgul fans Dunharrow and Minas Tirith made a secret deal at half time to end the game in a draw, so they could pick up a point and leave Minas Morgul at the bottom. However, they underestimated Dunharrow wanting to truly give their fans something to cheer about and that was a solid win, on the opening day of games, in front of their home crowd.

So in a short period where Dunharrow was actually forcing Minas Tirith to defend, and Minas Tirith looked more anxious to just hold onto the point then try to win the match, Theodred found Thengel completely unmarked and with under 4 minutes remaining in regulation gave his team the lead. Dunharrow was easily able to hold until the ref blew the final whistle.

Now there was a real reason for the Rohirrim to be excited. Their team was hosting, and they were tied with Lothlorien on top of Group H. Minas Morgul's defeat earlier in the day had become only the 'icing on the cake.'

Dunharrow 2-1 Minas Tirith
tot shots 9-12
on target 5-5
GOALS:
*24, 1-0 Brytta (Theodred)
*56, 1-1 Elfhelm (Tarondor)
*86, 2-1 Thengel (Theodred)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Dunharrow- Helm, Folca
*Minas Tirith- Denethor II, Firefoot, Eowyn

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Standings:



Power Ranking:

The ArdaCup.com Stats Report Power Rank shall return with the next issue.

Phantasy Numbers:

GOALS + ASSISTS
2+1
Túrin (Doriath)

2+0
Arien (Valinor)

1+1
Fingon (Himring)
Maedhros (Himring)
Durin's Bane (Misty Mts)
Thuringwethil (Angband)
Gothmog (Anfauglith)
Curufin (Hithlum)
Elros (Westernesse)
Boromir II (Lothlórien)

0+2
Beleg (Doriath)
Théodred (Dunharrow)

GOALKEEPER - SAVES
7 saves
1. Orodreth (Tirion) 7/11 - 63.6%

6 saves
2. Elrond (Eregion) 6/6 - 100.0%
3. Fram (Anduin) 6/8 - 75.0%
4. Tuor (Mithrim) 6/10 - 60.0%

5 saves
5. Huan (Doriath) 5/6 - 83.3%
6. Eärnur (Minas Morgul) 5/7 - 71.4%
7. Old Man Willow (The Forest) 5/8 - 62.5%
8. Imlach (Hithlum) 5/9 - 55.6%

GOALKEEPER - SAVE %
100.0%
1. Elrond (Eregion) 6/6
2. Caradhras (Misty Mts) 4/4
3. Amandil (Tol Eressëa) 4/4
4. Maglor (Himring) 3/3
5. ShastaWolf (Tol-in-Gaurhoth) 3/3
6. Tar-Atanamir (Westernesse) 2/2
.
7. Huan (Doriath) 5/6 - 83.3%
8. Aldor (Dunharrow) 4/5 - 80.0%

YELLOW CARDS
2 yellow cards
Amrod (Himring)
NilpWolf (Tol-in-Gaurhoth)

Erratum: On Cermië the first, Year 2011 of the Seventh Age, we have erroneously published the saves of GK Butterbur of Shire-Bree Utd as 8, due to an error in our records. The entry has been duly amended and we wish to apologise for the inconvenience the erroneous data may have caused. We thank Boromir88 of Two Towers Network for spotting said error, and would wish to offer him a job in our company, if we could afford him.

[Boromir88]

GROUP - ROUND 2 PREDICTIONS
BoroLXXXVIII Two Towers Network

After the atrocious friendly predictions I had, glad to know I'm right where I left off last year. The only team I said would win, but didn't was Minas Tirith. And I thought Himring vs Shire-Bree and Mordor vs Nargothrond would end in draws. However, I under-estimated how mismatched the hobbits were, and I over-estimated Nargothrond's ability based on previous years. I'll take 13/16 for round 1 and the predicted scores were all over the place, but those will become more accurate with time.

Group A

Shire-Bree United vs Tirion - First Himring, now Tirion, and they haven't even gotten to the favorites to win the group yet, Doriath. No fools hope left for the hobbits, they're going to get steam rolled again.
Tirion wins 4-1

Doriath vs Himring - Since Doriath will likely win this game, there's a lot riding on it for round 3. Doriath would already advance, which would leave one playoff spot open in the Himring vs. Tirion battle next round. Oooh excitment. But for the task at hand, Doriath takes care of business.
Doriath wins 3-1

Group B
The two playoff teams for this group could very easily be decided in this round, if Misty Mts and Wilderland win their matches. Which would just leave who gets 1st and 2nd in a thrilling Round 3 match between Misty Mts and Wilderland.

Anduin vs Misty Mts - Anduin's been a respectable and competive opponent, not only because of the 2-2 draw against the Misty Mts in the friendly, but they played even with Wilderland for most of the game. However, Anduin's scoring is way too reliant on how furious their star bear can get.
Misty Mts wins 2-1

Esgaroth vs Wilderland - If Smaug toasted Lake-Town can you imagined what another dragon and Sauron will do to it? Another embarassing loss for the Lake-men.
Wilderland wins 3-0

Group C

Angband vs The Downer - The Downer won't be able to intimidate or creep out Angband. Seriously, we're talking about Morgoth here, to beat Morgoth you need to be fair and crafty, not grotesque and erratic.
Angband wins 2-0

Angfauglith vs Hithlum - Another group where the two playoff teams can be determined at the end of this round, unless Hithlum has some tricks left. They were able to play even with Angband for a half, so they definitely shouldn't be overlooked.
Angfauglith wins 3-1

Group D

Eriador vs Gondor - This is a big game, and more important to Eriador who ends group play against the very strong Eregion. Still, Gondor needs points and can't lose this game or they will be eliminated. And Araphor really needs to start showing up or Eriador won't advance. Pressure on both teams, it should be a great game to watch.
Draw 2-2

Barad-Dur vs Eregion - I don't think anyone in this group has the skill or power to beat Elrond. While Earendil and Glorfindel will have no difficulty facing the baddie defenders on Barad-dur. Another comfortable win for Eregion.
Eregion wins 2-0

Group E

Nargothrond vs Tol In Gaurhoth - The werewolves are back and just as vicious as ever. Nargothrond will be a slightly tougher opponent do to better organization, and Glaurung will be hard for the wolves to control. However, do to Nargothrond's severe lack of star power, they're just another speed bump in the way for TIG to sweep the group.
TIG wins 2-1

Mordor vs The Forest - Big game for both teams. If Mordor wins they can have advancement wrapped up (assuming TIG wins too). The Forest can't lose, but at least should be a better match up than the vile werewolves.
The Forest wins 3-2

Group F

Tol Eressea vs Westernesse - Ulmo's defense is just as strong as last year, but I'm afraid it won't be strong enough to stop Westernesse. One of the other giants of tournament (even though their star power wouldn't indicate that). This group is coming down to which offense can score against the defenses? Westernesse's can, Tol Eressea's cant.
Westernesse wins 1-0

Mithrim vs Numenor - I won't add on to the abuse Mithrim is taking in the media for that 4-0 embarrassment. Fortunately Numenor is only a shadow of their Westernesse kin, and they may be able to salvage some honor with a goal. Mithrim will still lose, so not much of a victory.
Numenor wins 2-1

Group G

Gondolin vs Pelori - Well now the games of this group have a wrench thrown into it with Pelori's draw against Beleriand. It's vital Pelori wins here, they need a good points lead as they face Valinor in the final round. But, I'm not as confident about their advancement as I was before Round 1. Manwe's conservativeness may cost this team the playoffs.
Pelori wins 2-1

Beleriand vs Valinor - Nice job forging a draw against Pelori, you can see the dwarves, elves, and men have really rallied together for the dubious disappearance of the Nogrodian boats. That was good enough against Pelori, but it won't be good enough against the more talented Valinoreans.
Valinor wins 3-1

Group H

Lothlorien vs Minas Tirith - Lothlorien looked good in their victory against Minas Morgul and Minas Tirith should prove to go down just as easily. Even though there are some signs that the entire team isn't moving in the same direction. Still, if Lothlorien continues to win, the fans will continue spending money on their team, and Galadriel will likely be forced into being more tolerant of Feanor. Once something goes wrong, you can bet Galadriel will tighten her grip.
Lothlorien wins 2-0

Dunharrow vs Minas Morgul - Here's Dunharrow's chance to knock their rival out of the playoffs, so they will come out inspired on by the passionate Rohirrim. Problem is, Minas Morgul is too good to be contained by Dunharrow as they were against Lothlorien.
Minas Morgul wins 3-2

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

So the first round's over, and the Felagundion got ten out of sixteen of his predictions correct. So this just proves that even bigoted journalism can get it right--over half the time! (TTN got, what, 13/16? That's just a +3 difference between journalistic integrity and biased sportswriting!)

Group stage round 2 predictions:

GROUP A
Tirion vs Shire-Bree United
Doriath vs Himring

The best friends Fingon and Maedhros did a number on the Hobbits, but apparently, Doriath is serious this year--as they demonstrated to Tirion. (Tough loss, but you'll meet them again in the finals. We believe! In the meantime, have fun shooting the lights out of the Halflings.)

GROUP B
Anduin vs Misty Mts
Esgaroth vs Wilderland

Might be exciting matches, considering the skill gaps. (Again)

GROUP C
Angband vs The Downer
Anfauglith vs Hithlum

Hithlum actually made 2 goals against Morgoth's fortress, so the boys of Gasping Dust better beware. Still, it's Fingolfin's game to lose.

GROUP D
Eriador vs Gondor
Barad-dûr vs Eregion

Eregion bares its offensive fangs! Other tourney favourites beware!

GROUP E
Nargothrond vs Tol-in-Gaurhoth
Mordor vs The Forest

Even if Bombadil refuses to rise to the occasion, surely the Ents will be roused up playing against the burárum.

GROUP F
Tol Eressëa vs Westernesse
Mithrim vs Númenor

All right, so Ulmo's squad got a goal against the Land of Star (dang), but does anyone in his right mind expect Tuor's team to do the same?

GROUP G
Gondolin vs Pelóri
Beleriand vs Valinor

Thank Eru Valinor's in this group. Their three-lady front line wins games--and the adoration of fanboys. (Arien is hot.)

GROUP H
Lothlorien vs Minas Tirith
Dunharrow vs Minas Morgul

Free Fëanor! Free Fëanor! Free Fëanor! (And the Rohirrim actually won a game! But the Black Tower scored a goal against the Golden Wood's defence, so they'll break the Eorling stronghold open foh sho.)

[Kuruharan]

Kuruharan, The Underground

Moria-

The Arda Cup was rocked to its core today as it was revealed that Elrond of the Eregion side has been supplying his players with performance enhancing drugs. Unsurprisingly, the substance in question is Miruvor, which Elrond has been linked with producing in the past. Elrond himself disappeared when our reporters confronted him with these allegations and his representatives denied all knowledge of anything.

Eregion’s recent victory over Gondor is now up in the air as attorneys for the Gondor side have announced their intention to contest the result of the game.

Our reporters will be contacting the officials of the Arda Cup committee in the near future to get their reactions and the steps they intend to take to ensure a clean tournament.

[Boromir88]

Group B

Match 3 - Anduin vs Misty Mts
The Gladden Fields Memorial Stadium was sold out yet again for both the morning and afternoon matches. It was fairly split for what team the crowd would be supporting, but Misty Mts did have a slight advantage. The orcs and baddies out of the Misty Mts had come in full force to cheer for their team and their star, Durin's Bane. They were also rowdy and raucous, as a win against Anduin would almost guarantee Misty Mts advancing, because no one believed Esgaroth could challenge Wilderland in the late match. The Black Chasm hasn't been awakened in many years, until now, until Saruman came. And thus far he has delivered on his promises, so the Orcs were confident they would crush the patchwork Anduin team.

Anduin would not be a walk-over, as it took a late goal for Wilderland to beat them, and they had drawn against the Misty Mts in the friendlies. "We weren't trying in the friendlies" jeered the orcs "and Durin's Bane still scored against your weak defenders whenever he wanted. We'll give you credit for being barely better than Esgaroth, but we'll still crush you by 2, or 3 goals. No one can beat our keeper!" Was it smart to get the Anduin team riled up with harsh trash talk? As the Anduin jogged out to the field to shake hands and get the match underway, everyone on the Anduin was stone-faced except for Beorn, he looked like he had orcs for breakfast.

However, when the game started Misty Mts were the aggressors and controlled all the action. The orcs kept singing their crude chants and taunts, it looked like they would be correct to not fear Anduin based on how the game began. Azog, Durin's Bane, Saruman, and Narvi were really pressuring and getting some decent shots. The Anduin defenders couldn't steal the ball away and Fram had to make some great saves just to keep it 0-0 in the first 20 minutes.

All the pressure was not turning into goals though and after Anduin had weathered the early assault. Durin's Bane was pressing too much, getting frustrated by not having scored yet, and he was even more angered when it was Durin who took the ball right from under his metaphorical wings. Now Anduin was building the attack and pressuring the Misty Mts defenders. In traditional Moria fashion, under good pressure they begin picking up a lot of cards.

Beorn was yet again causing havoc, and Misty Mts seemed to try to adopt the strategy of "rough up the bear." However, everyone knows if you try to play rough with a bear, you'll just get an angry bear. Beorn was immune to all the blatant attempts of the Misty Mts defenders to injure him and finally, in the 29th minute he blasted such a shot that it tore straight through the heart of the storm in the Misty Mts goal.

Anduin withdrew to defend the lead the rest of the half and were able to do so relatively easy. The Misty Mts crowd had been quieted by the goal, but at the beginning of the 2nd they got back behind their team and began the taunts and jeers all over again. There was some new founded wisdom to the Misty Mts. In previous years they would get overly-aggressive, turning over possession and collapsing defensively. However, with the presense of Saruman, they stayed smart, knowing they had a powerful strike force, that if they just kept working on the game plan eventually Anduin and Fram will break.

Break it did, and in the 71st minute, Misty Mts was level. Since sheer power did not work in the 1st period, they tried clever deception leading to the equalizing goal. Saruman had possession, while Narvi and Durin's Bane made simultaneous runs. Durin's Bane had his shadow all about him, and when Saruman passed it towards the shadow. Rumil and Orophin were both marking the Balrog, however to Anduin's surprise Azog had also been cloaked under Durin's Bane shadow. So as the 2 defenders followed the shadow, when Azog burst out of the darkness he was left unguarded for the easy score.

With under 20 minutes left, Misty Mts was the team making more of an effort to take the lead, and Anduin desperately trying to hold onto the 1 pt. However, not wanting to lose on a good counter attack, Misty Mts also made sure they were not overly aggressive, because even with a secured point, it would be extremely difficult for Anduin to overtake them in the standings based on the goal differential. So, it was Anduin who needed the win, and the 3 pts, more, but with a draw they are still not eliminated. It would just take a miracle to overtake the Misty Mts in the last round of matches.

Anduin 1-1 Misty Mts
tot shots 11-12
on target 4-6
GOALS:
*29, 1-0 Beorn (Leod)
*71, 1-1 Azog (Saruman)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Anduin- Orophin, Beorn, Durin
*Misty Mts- William, DBane, Great Goblin, Chief Wolf

Match 4 - Esgaroth vs Wilderland
Esgaroth was just hoping to play better than their 1st round loss, and hopefully with better play they could still keep in the playoff hunt. It would not be to Esgaroth's benefit though that Sauron would be going all out for the win. With the draw from in the earlier match, Sauron knew they could lock up their advancement with a win, and also be in great position to win the group.

Whether it was nerves, just trying to play a little more cautiously so to not let the game get out of hand, or that Esgaroth was severely outmatched (probably more the latter reason than the former), this was another embarrassment for the Lake-Men.

While Esgaroth did begin the game defending better, once Wilderland got the first goal from Sauron in the 28th minute the nightmare for Esgaroth began, and Wilderland blazed through like a wild brush fire. There was no chance for Esgaroth to hold possession and Wilderland came in a ceaseless wave of attacks. While everyone got involved in the scoring, Sauron was the architect of it all. Sad thing is, a 4-0 thumping is bad enough, this could have been 5 or 6-0 if Wilderland's shooting was a bit more accurate.

The game was long over before Scatha thundered in the 4th goal of the game, but only then did Sauron call off the onslaught. All the Esgaroth fans had left before the end whistle and their team sauntered back into the showers. The Wilderland team stayed long after the match was over and partied with their fans who had witnessed the great victory well into the night.

Esgaroth 0-4 Wilderland
tot shots 9-18
on target 2-8
GOALS:
*28, 0-1 Sauron (Alatar)
*42, 0-2 Khamul (Bolg)
*62, 0-3 Smaug
*75, 0-4 Scatha (Sauron)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Esgaroth- Thorin, Tomnoddy
*Wilderland- Bolg, Great Warg, Scatha

~*~*~*

Group B (after Round 2)
1. Wilderland, 6 pts, (+5)
2. Misty Mts, 4 pts, (+3)
3. Anduin, 1 pts, (-1)
4. Esgaroth, 0 pts, (-7)

Round 3 Matches:
Anduin - Esgaroth
Misty Mts - Wilderland

Wilderland has already advanced (but can lose 1st place if loss to Misty Mts in round 3). Esgaroth has been eliminated. A win or draw, Misty Mts advances. A Misty Mts loss, with an Anduin win over Esgaroth, and combined goal differential of 4 Anduin will advance.

[the phantom]

Group C

After the opening round of games most of the residents of Angband were feeling quite good indeed. They had taken Hithlum's best punch and gotten out with a win, and now they were matched up against The Downer, a team that had displayed considerable trouble with discipline and seemed more interested in having a laugh and causing property damage than competing for a spot in the playoffs.

But there were other Angband fans that weren't so keen to accept an easy win over The Downer. The Downer's blatant disregard for doing things properly and following rules had secretly won quite a few of the evil types over to their side, and they wished for them to advance as well.

And so it was that when the squads took the field many orcs cheered wildly for both, or at least they did until Morgoth glared up at the stands. But soon Morgoth's concentration was held by the ball in play, and the cheering resumed slowly. Around minute 20 a majority of the crowd was actually with The Downer, as the audience was mighty amused by the Soap Pope whacking the Angband forwards with his hat whenever the refs weren't looking.

Delighted by the reaction, the rest of the team joined in, doing any sly trick they possibly could to hinder the stars of Angband. But naturally it was bound to end in disaster- at minute 35 Philip Hampton put aside all trickery and delivered a flying kick to Tilion's backside.

The crowd roared with laughter as Tilion went down grasping his bottom, and the ref rushed over to show Philip a red card. But such a storm of boos broke out! All manner of objects began pelting the pitch and many in the front row started putting a leg over the wall to jump down to the field. The suddenly terrified ref instead gave Philip just a yellow to the crowd's delight, but Angband was still granted a nice free kick, which a recovered Tilion put on the money to Ancalagon for the lead.

Incensed at the way his forwards were being treated, Morgoth moved up onto the attack to put a stop to things. They wouldn't dare rough him around! But next thing he knew he was taken down from behind on a breakaway by John Fillis, who had tripped Morgoth through means no more clever than simply diving and grabbing his ankles.

A furious Morgoth took the free kick himself and boomed a beautiful strike to Thuringwethil, and stared down Fillis as if to say, "There! We see who came out ahead on that exchange!" But Fillis merely laughed and performed a comic reproduction of Morgoth's tumble to the turf, which greatly amused his teammates. While most of The Downer was engaged in a mocking game of charades, Ancalagon and Telvildo took it down and scored a third time just before halftime was announced.

Morgoth stared in wonder at his opponents, who hadn't even noticed the scoring strike. They were now in deep discussion as to the best way to cook a small child.

When Angband emerged for the second half, Morgoth ordered everyone to go on full time-wasting mode, no longer trying to score. The Downer made a couple nice runs at putting up a goal, but eventually lost interest and pursued other diversions. Alien in particular was in fine form, burrowing beneath the field and emerging beneath the feet of the opposition to bite their ankles. The refs looked ready to hand out cards, but Morgoth ramped up his intimidating aura and told them to keep the cards in their pockets, and encouraged his squad to join in the senseless violence.

By the time 90 minutes was up the field looked like a war zone, and everyone was bruised and bloody. The score completely forgotten, all the fans in the stadium sang in unison crude songs of plundering and burning and beating. Morgoth was smiling bigger than any time in recent memory.

In a brief press conference following the match, Morgoth had this to say: "We really needed a match like that. At first I looked down on The Downer for losing the game on the field, but then I realized halfway through that there are more important things. First and foremost they care about being nasty. I love the way they are true to themselves. I think that attitude will be good for us moving forward, as we play better when we are true to ourselves. I think this fun we had will really loosen us up for the playoffs."

Angband 3-0 The Downer
tot shots 13-13
on target 6-4
GOALS:
*35, 1-0 Ancalagon (Tilion)
*40, 2-0 Thuringwethil (Morgoth)
*44, 3-0 Ancalagon (Telvildo)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Angband- Balrog #1, Morgoth, Thuringwethil
*Downer- Philip Hampton, John Fillis, Peter Hampton

The second game between Angfauglith and Hithlum was largely thought to be the battle for second place, and it would be hotly contested to be sure. Angfauglith with their star forwards and Balrog defenders were considered the favorites by the betting agencies, but no one was willing to count Hithlum completely out of it- not with Hador, Celegorm, and Curufin up front.

As the game started it was clear that it was entirely different from the previous contest. It was largely clean, with beautiful movement and quick back-and-forth action. In the early going Angfauglith definitely had the edge, as the defense and midfield was quite sharp and wouldn't let through any balls to the scorers of Hithlum. On the other end they built their attacks quite nicely and Imlach was really feeling the pressure in goal.

At 11 minutes the wait for the opening score was already over, as Gothmog and Maeglin showed some nice teamwork. Before the half-hour mark the home team lit it up again, only this time their captain and star defender Fingolfin came up in support to blast one in.

Hithlum looked shaken and out of sorts and no surprise Maeglin took advantage to get on the score sheet yet again, and Angfauglith was up by three! It was a very upset group of players that entered the Hithlum locker room, and a depressed bunch of fans that waited to see if they could turn things around in the second half.

But miracles do happen, and Hithlum stormed out of the locker room looking completely different! Surely the Sons of Feanor must have given one of their trademark fiery speeches! In the opening two minutes already Hador nodded it in to put them on the board. One goal by itself was nothing, but only three minutes later Hador struck again, this time helped out by Celegorm. It was a one goal game suddenly!

Fingolfin settled his crew down and the defense tightened nicely, but even their defense was not immune to a player like Curufin making a highlight reel solo run right down the middle, and at minute 62 it was tied!

The once silent men of Hithlum were going nuts now! And none of them were thinking to be content with a point from a draw- they knew they were going for the win.

But at last the Angfauglith defense truly got things locked down, bringing back everyone to help, and slowly Hithlum started to lose steam, tired out from their frantic pace. As the game approached its conclusion, the ball had moved to be mostly on Hithlum's own side, and with two minutes left the dream was brought crashing down as Maeglin and Gwindor made an unexpected charge forward and the Nargothrondian put the game out of reach.

Hithlum groaned and Angfauglith celebrated. The hosts would be going forward to the playoffs. Hithlum would stay home.

Angfauglith 4-3 Hithlum
tot shots 18-14
on target 9-6
GOALS:
*11, 1-0 Gothmog (Maeglin)
*25, 2-0 Fingolfin (Maeglin)
*33, 3-0 Maeglin (Azaghal)
*46, 3-1 Hador (Aradan)
*49, 3-2 Hador (Celegorm)
*62, 3-3 Curufin (Lorgan)
*88, 4-3 Gwindor (Maeglin)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Angfauglith- Balrog #4, Rochallor, Azaghal
*Hithlum- Gundor, Baragund

GROUP C, after round 2
1. Angband- 6 pts, 7-2 (qualified, 1st place with win or tie)
2. Angfauglith- 6 pts, 7-4 (qualified, 1st place with win)
3. Hithlum- 0 pts 5-8 (eliminated)
4. The Downer- 0 pts 1-6 (eliminated)

ROUND 3 GAMES
Hithlum vs The Downer (playing for pride)
Angband vs Angfauglith (battling for 1st place)

[Boromir88]

Group D
Group D has been rocked by doping allegations of the host team. This also effects Gondor, because if true, would Eregion have to forfeit their 2-0 victory in Round 1? That was the talk of Group D and mediat had swarmed around the lockerrooms for reactions from the clubs.

Arwen: I can't believe my father would cheat to win. I don't know how these rumors started, but they did not come from my team, no matter what you may have read elsewhere. We got beat by an Arda Class GK, there is no shame in that, and we have to concentrate winning Eriador now. This group is in our hands to take.

Aragorn: Are we playing Eregion this round? That'll be all.

The Mouth: Well I don't know much about the use of PEDs, that wouldn't surprise me much. But I do hear from good sources that Earendil is not playing well because his wife was seen wearing an Elrond jersey. Father jealousy? Everyone knows a mother will support her son more than the other man in the house.

In the mean time there is a game to be played, but everyone is waiting for the release of the next Underground to see what the Arda Cup Committee has to say about the allegations.

Match 3 - Eriador vs Gondor
The game was extremely even the full 90 minutes. They traded shots, goals, everything about the match brought it an exciting back and forth affair. Gondor would press, Arvedui would need to make a few saves, until the pressure paid off on the scoreboard. Then Eriador would press, Ecthelion II would have to make a few saves, until finally the pressure led to a goal. It was almost like a friendly, but the crowd actually did see skilled football. Eriador and Gondor were literally just that evenly matched.

So it was Gondor that started attacking first and in the 19th minute a good releasing pass by Arwen was banged in by Turambar. With the lead Gondor relaxed and Eriador was the team most often with possession in the opponents half of the field. Araphor has a long history of scoring crucial goals at the end of games, this one came with 2 minutes remaining in the 1st half. The Wight worked his way deep into Gondor's box and left it for Araphor. A finisher of Araphor's quality, there was no doubt to anyone in the stadium that one was going in. The half-time whistle blew and the teams walked off, agreeing that was a fair result.

The 2nd half was almost a mirror image of the 1st. 19 minutes in Gondor had the lead again, as Eldacar put in his 1st goal of the tournament. Gondor again relaxed and defended their lead. This time though, Eriador pressured a bit more. Araphor almost had his 2nd goal of the game but it was a brilliant hand save by Ecthelion, preserving the Gondor lead. But the rebound bounced perfectly to Aragorn, and the Gondor keeper had not recovered from saving Araphor's shot, it was 2-2., with under 15 minutes to go.

Knowing a draw would do them little good, since they would face Eregion in the last round, and either Gondor or Barad Dur could knock them out of the playoffs simply by beating the other, Eriador began looking for another goal. Though, there was something a bit frantic about their shooting in the last 10 minutes. Gondor's defense was holding well, but Eriador's shots were uncharacteristically wild, and Ecthelion II didn't even have to make a save in the last 10 minutes, since all Eriador's shots went sailing harmlessly off target.

Eriador 2-2 Gondor
tot shots 16-12
on target 6-6
GOALS:
*19, 0-1 Turambar (Arwen)
*43, 1-1 Araphor (Barrow-Wight)
*64, 1-2 Eldacar (Narmicil)
*77, 2-2 Aragorn (Araphor)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Eriador- Tom, Halbarad
*Gondor- Arwen, Narmacil

Match 4 - Barad Dur vs Eregion
The tension was thick before the kick off to this game, and a lot of it likely had to do with The Mouth's comments to the media before the game. Eregion fans did not take those comments kindly, so when the teams came out onto the field, the Barad-dur baddies were greeted with a host of boos (the Last Alliance crew, cordial clapping). The Mouth and his cronies were smiling, and security was looking nervous before the start.

However, as the match was going on, Gil Galad had maintained pretty good control over The Mouth and his crew. Maybe since The Mouth was in enemy land with very little support, he kept his followers fairly tame? Maybe he was just looking for some inspiration to spark a fire in his boys against Eregion? Who knows, only The Mouth knows, but like Gondor in Round 1, Barad-dur was not playing terribly against Eregion. They were able to get good pressure and create scoring opportunities. Yet again though, there was just no way Elrond was going to allow a goal this game. I don't think we've ever witness a GK this dominant in Arda before. I mean this is a whole knew level, even for Elrond!

And so as Barad-Dur was getting their opportunities, and seemingly holding most of the possession, Eregion fans were shocked (but pleasantly so) to see their team was up 2-0 at the half. It was almost like, they were so enamoured by Elrond's saves they forgot their team actually scored twice!

First goal was on a corner, in the 26th minute, that Figwit took and it found the head of Glorfindel, who was showing no fear in the face of the Nazgul and orcish defenders. The 2nd goal came when Glorfindel made a run into the box, with the ball, and the BD defenders collapsed, wanting to prevent the re-embodied Elf from shooting. But that left Elrohir, in the center, right outside the box to line-up his shot and make a good strike. Ohtar was blocked out by the crowded mess in front of him, and didn't see Elrohir shot until it was too late.

The 2nd half was pretty uneventful. Elrond shut down the offense completely, and Barad-dur tried to narrow the lead, but with each save by Elrond, the Eregion crowd cheered more wildly than the save before. 12 out of 12, no one has witnessed this before! Would anyone be able to score against Elrond!?

Barad-Dur 0-2 Eregion
tot shots 12-14
on target 6-7
GOALS:
*26, 0-1 Glorfindel (Figwit)
*43, 0-2 Elrohir (Glorfindel)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Barad-Dur- Nazgul #1, Fellbeast #1, Cirdan
*Eregion- Elrohir, Valandil

Group D (after 2 Rounds)
1. Eregion, 6 pts, (+4)
2. Eriador, 2 pts, (0)
3. Barad-Dur, 1 pts, (-2)
4. Gondor, 1 pts, (-2)

Round 3 Matches
Barad Dur - Gondor
Eregion - Eriador

Eregion has not only advanced, but has locked up 1st place. Eriador wins they advance. Eriador ties, or loses, the winner of Barad-dur/Gondor will advance. Eriador loses, and Barad-dur/Gondor draw, that's a messy 3 way tie for 2nd. First tiebreaker is goal differential, then most goal scores, and if there's still a tie, SHOOTOUT!

[Nogrod]

Group F


There were two things in the minds of the home crowds for round 2. Could Westernesse beat Tol Eressëa as confidently as they did to Tuor’s Mithrim – which in the end meant asking the question, how good Ulmo’s team actually was, could they even challenge the Dúnedain-heroes? The second one naturally concerned the chances of team Númenor to still qualify. To keep that hope alive they had to beat Mithrim, but even a confident win today wouldn’t let them off the noose which had been tied around their neck when they lost their first game against Tol Eressëa.

Especially the yellow papers speculated wildly with different scenarios. For if Westernesse won Tol Eressëa they could afford giving away just a big enough win to their brother-Númenorians on the last game as they would by then know the end result of the earlier match and thus secure two Númenorian teams to qualify. In the game day press-conference Ar Pharazôn, who was representing Westernesse because Elros was having a family-lounch, understandably denied the existence of any such plans – or that they would try to make as big numbers today as they could to make Tol Eressëa’s goal-difference worse. But he did it also in quite strong terms, saying the pride of the Númenorians would never give in fighting half-heartedly, even if against their own brothers and sisters. Some people thought that was kind of an odd remark and a little off to say the least, but no one could deny the truth of it.


~*~

The second match-day saw similar kind of festivities the first had. The families and parties had once again filled the Armenelos Stadium to the last bench for hours before the referee would blow his whistle to signal the first match started. They were having their food, wine and music under the slowly cooling afternoon sunlight enjoying each other’s company and the general carnival athmosphere – and of course behind all of it, the suspense and excitement of the games they would be witnessing today.

The crowds were not forced to stay under suspense for long though as the power-duo Elros – Ar Pharazôn made a beautiful combination-play outwitting the revered Ulmo’s defenses with some flashy passing. In the end Ar Pharazôn gave the final freeing pass to Elros from between Salmar’s legs and left face to face with Amandil on roughly at the penalty spot there was no way Elros would miss. And he didn’t. The crowds cheered wildly for the early lead when only 14 minutes had been played.

After the goal the game turned into a kind of war of attrition. Westernesse is known for it’s flexible and balanced game and with one goal ahead they naturally took their defense a tad more seriously – and as Tol Eressëa is a team that lives from defense whether in the lead or behind – the outcome was some very cool devensive play the coaches around Arda would have loved to watch hour after hour, but which in the eyes of a common football fan started getting a bit boring after a while.

But it was a solid fight. Both teams were earnestly trying to score but because of the rock solid downstairs both teams displayed most of the shots were shot from too far and from under too hard pressing by the defenders. Towards the end of the game it was getting clear though that Westernesse had more imaginative variations on their attack and well, just more quality, and they were able to slowly start asserting more pressure towards the Tol Eressëa backlines. Even the crowds woke up demanding a second goal.

And what was to come, was to come. A fair ten minutes from fulltime Tar Aldarion was forced to tackle Elros against the rules to deny him sprinting past him freely for a nice pass by Mardil. Elros thanked Mardil for the nice pass and asked him to give the ensuing free kick. While Ulmo’s defenses held Elros, Ar Pharazôn, Tar Minastir and Ar Adunakhôr tightly guarded close the goal, Mardil passed the ball sideways to on-rushing Hyermendacil who booted his heart out from 25 meters banging the ball into the back of the net leaving the unprepared Amandil no time to react. It was 2-0 and the Gondorians had scored for Westernesse, showing the homeside fans that the brothers were no pushovers but solid parts of team Westernesse. The Gondorian fans were just overwhelmed singing “Gondor, home of the brave” –hymn the rest of the match.

Tol Eressëa 0-2 Westernesse
tot shots 8-11
on target 4-4
GOALS:
*14, 0-1 Elros (Ar Pharazôn)
*78, 0-2 Hyarmendacil (Mardil)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Tol Eressëa- Salmar, Ossë
*Westernesse- Tar Palantir



After Westernesse had given Mithrim a bashing on the first round many Númenorians hoped team Númenor would ignite similar kind of fireworks. But the older the first half became the weaker that hope became. Mithrim managed to force Númenor’s forwards to shoot from afar and were actually able to build up a few decent attacks themselves keeping the game pretty much even.

The second half seemed like a copy of the first at start, but then, like in the first game, it looked like the heavens deserted the Númenoreans again. It was a neat and slow build-up Mithrim gathered together moving the ball to and fro on the Númenorean half of the pitch looking for any holes in the defenses. And it took only a second’s lapse of concentration from Tar Calmacil – and the keen eye of Androg to notice it: Morwen sneaked off from her guard slipping behind him and Androg delivered the ball surgically accurate to her boot at the exact right moment giving her a chance to make a turn-around one-timer shot totally taking Silmariën unawares. And the visitors were in the lead! The stadium was silent, except the few thousand men (and some elves) from Beleriand who were shouting their throats sore from happiness and pride.

But the Númenoreans weren’t beaten yet. With the rallying call of Inziladûn’s daughter, the queen “fairer than silver or ivory or pearls” the Númenoreans started attacking stronger than before and the crowds were aroused into an ear-banging cheer and song to encourage their team. The minutes ticked away and Mithrim cling to their lead. The suspense!

Finally, when there was less than fifteen minutes to go, the stadium exploded. Tar Surion equalized with a header from a great corner by Tar Miriel.

And Númenor was not done yet! The craze of the crowd and the almost manic boldness of the great Númenorians was alight now – and even if Mithrim offered a stiff defense the waves of attacks roamed towards their goal And just four minutes before fulltime Tar Miriel hammered the ball in after a beautiful individual effort. Númenor would win! Númenor would win after all! The crowds were going nuts. The dream they had feared lost still lived on.

Mithrim 1-2 Númenor
tot shots 9-12
on target 4-5
GOALS:
*55, 1-0 Morwen (Androg)
*77, 1-1 Tar Surion (Tar Miriel)
*86, 1-2 Tar Miriel (Tar Ancalimon)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Mithrim- Sador, Asgon, Aerin
*Númenor- Ar Gimilzor


Group F (after 2 rounds)
1. Westernesse, 6pts. (+6)
2. Númenor, 3pts. (+-0)
3. Tol Eressëa, 3pts. (-1)
4. Mithrim, 0pts. (-5)

Last matches:
Tol Eressëa vs. Mithrim
Númenor vs. Westernesse


Westernesse has secured the qualification and practically also the peak position in the group (unless they lose to Númenor with 6 goals or more). The second qualifier is most probably either Tol Eressëa or Númenor. Tol Eressëa looks like favourites as they meet Mithrim in their last game while Númenor has to take on the impressive team Westernesse. Unless Westernesse plays too relaxedly as they don’t have anything at stake any more – or unless those unsportsmanlike allegiations are true and Westernesse wishes to aid their brothers and sisters to qualify.

[Kuruharan]

by: Kuruharan, The Underground

Bywater

The Underground recently obtained and interview with Boromir88, president of the Arda Cup to get his response to the doping allegations.

"The only PED legalized by the committee is 1 liter of ent-draught, and only players registered as Hobbits are approved to drink a liter of ent-draught before the tournament. Any non-Hobbit caught with ent-draught in their system will face the appropriate level of punishment.

1st offense is a fine, 2nd offense is suspension from the tournament the following year, and 3rd time offenders are permanently banned from all Arda Cup affiliated events.

Now, it is true by the Arda Cup's regulations that whole Miruvor is a performance-enhancing drug. However, any drink with under 2% miruvor content is qualified as skim miruvor and thus is an energy drink, not a PED. Each year, Elrond submits his batch of miruvor for testing, and if it 2%, or under, miruvor content than Eregion is in no violation of laws regarding PEDs.

We are awaiting the results of this years batch."

Forlong the Fat, lead attorney for the Gondor side had this response.

"When was this mysterious new rule regarding miruvor implemented? I've never heard of it before today? And why was only Eregion allowed this sweet deal and no other team had heard of it? And why was the testing not completed before the Arda Cup? At the rate we are going now the results won't be completed until months after the Cup is over.

I can assure the public, that in the interests of fair play and integrity, we will not cease our investigations until all our questions have been satisfactorily resolved.

Several members of the Barad-dur team, who just got their heads handed to them by Eregion, also weighed in on the topic.

Fellbeast #1 had this to say, "SHRIEEEEK, *snort* wheeeeeze *munch munch* SHRIEEEEK"

Shagrat echoed those sentiments. In part he said, "The fix is clearly in. Not only is the committee allowing certain teams to use PED but they are essentially refusing to look into the allegations. They have been bought."

Boromir88 allegedly tried to have both players dragged out back and shot. No word yet on whether he succeeded.

[Boromir88]

Group H

Match 3 - Lothlorien vs Minas Tirith
Yet again, everyone seemed surprised that Lothlorien was the attacking team at the start of the game. Although, again after Minas Tirith had possession for a few minutes, Feanor stole it away and then played keep away. The Minas Tirith players were running around like headless chickens, with no idea how to steal the ball back. Realizing they would run themselves out of the game within the first 10 minutes, they really had no choice but to stay back and doggedly defend. They couldn't get the ball from Feanor, they couldn't keep it away from him for long, what else could be done?

Minas Tirith was able to hold off the goal everyone knew was sure to come until the 28th minute. That was because for the most part, it was just Feanor and Legolas up front, and while the White City defenders could not get possession, they were lordly men and a horse, they knew how to handle trouble. Also, Boromir II was actually staying back with Gimli as a defensive MF, saying he could not raise a boot against his home city. Lothlorien didn't need Boromir's offensive ability in this match however, because seeing how much fun Feanor and Legolas were having, Haldir and Nimrodel decided they wanted in the action. Once they came up for the attack, it really unbalanced the game to Lothlorien's favor. Nimrodel was able to feed the ball to Haldir, who got into point blank range, so all he had to do was taaaaap it in.

After creating that goal, Haldir and Nimrodel both seemed content to be a part of the scoring, and pulled back to defend. Legolas and Feanor also relaxed some, but like with Minas Morgul, Minas Tirith was having no success getting it passed Lothlorien's 1st wall of defense, Feanor. It's like Feanor was saying, you can hold the ball you want in your half, but once you come into my half, I'm taking it. And so when Feanor stole possession from Tarnodor the counter was on. Feanor and Legolas were able to complete 10 consecutive passes to eachother, until Feanor made it 2-0 and got his first goal of the tournament.

Up 2-0 now, Lothlorien became really defensive, since now Legolas and Feanor just seemed happy to kick it around in their own half for the remaining few minutes. Minas Tirith just wanted to get into the locker room, without being down any more so they didn't pressure and just let Lothlorien pass it around as if it were a practice.

Lothlorien seemed to just want the match over already, but Minas Tirith came out to start the 2nd half with a new spirit and fire. They were actually able to make up some pressure and get a couple shots. It was nothing that Galadriel couldn't handle, and more than anything Galadriel actually seemed to be getting annoyed that Minas Tirith hadn't folded yet. So she threw a long pass out to Feanor, some say he winked and smiled. Feanor boomed a kick downfield, and still onside, Legolas sprinted through White City defenders, and scored his 2nd goal in just as many games.

That goal looked pre-planned, as if to tell Minas Tirith, see what we can do, sure you still want to try for a goal? There was a new swagger and confidence which seemed to be contagious in the Lothlorien team. Although, you also have to admit, they haven't been tried by a serious championship contender yet.

Lothlorien 3-0 Minas Tirith
tot shots 15-7
on target 8-3
GOALS:
*28, 1-0 Haldir (Nimrodel)
*36, 2-0 Feanor (Legolas)
*73, 3-0 Legolas (Feanor)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Lothlorien- Nimrodel
*MTirith- Elfhelm, Eowyn, Grimbold

Match 4 - Dunharrow vs Minas Morgul
The evening match was going to be wild and rowdy. The Rohirrim had won their first game, and had a chance now to knock out one of their old enemies if they could just beat the Minas Morgul team. Most Rohirrim were cautiously hopeful, knowing that task was easier said then done. Especially since Dunharrow fought out a hard 2-1 victory against Minas Tirith, but they just saw Minas Tirith get obliterated by Lothlorien. Still Minas Morgul, looked like a beatable foe, and anything is possible when we're talking about rivalries.

Also the Dunharrow fans wanted to win this game, knowing they had Lothlorien next while Minas Morgul would be heavily favoured to beat Minas Tirith in round 3. So, now would be their best chance to advance and knock out their enemy. Although, it would be hard to enjoy a huge home-field advantage since the Minas Morgul host had invaded the Rohirric mountain refuge, and the stadium was nearly half the crowd clothed in black and ghostly green and half in green with gold trim.

The Dunharrow crowd wanted a win, so perhaps were disappointed from the start seeing that Minas Morgul was the team attacking more, or maybe the Minas Morgul attack really was strong and just couldn't show off their strength against Lothlorien's superior athletes? Whatever the answer, Minas Morgul found themselves up 1-0 in the first 10 minutes, as Castamir line up for the free kick, the Witch-King wanted a goal immediately so they could take a firm grip on the match. So, he brought forward his entire team for the free kick, except the 2 central defender, Angamaite and Sangahyando. It was a risky play, because any failure could lead to a big Dunharrow counterattack.

The risk paid off though as Castamir chipped it into the crowded box, the Minas Morgul defenseman, Nazgul #3 rose above the rest, and got his unseen head to the ball, heading it past Aldor. Being down 0-1 in the 1st 10 minutes is not what the Rohirrim hoped for, and were dampened even more after hearing the roar of the Minas Morgul crowd, present on Firienfeld. They were taunting that at this rate, Minas Morgul would destroy the weak strawheads 4 or 5 to nil.

The Dunharrow players are proud bunch though, they would not be so easily riled by the taunts of Minas Morgul, and knew if they could just bunker down, keep this only a 1 goal defecit, the Witch-King's over eagerness would eventually be his team's undoing. So, Dunharrow dug in deep and halted the waves of Minas Morgul players trying to break through the stronghold of men in front of the goal.

And then Dunharrow got exactly what they hoped and planned for. Beruthiel lost the ball in the Dunharrow box, and within a blink of the eye, Theoden passed it to Theodred, who sent it on to Helm and the break was on. Earnur looked nervous between the posts, because Helm is known as Hammerfoot in these parts, and he has a reputation of injurying players with blasts off his foot. But, the Hammer also has a reputation for being poorly inaccurate, so when this rocket launched off well above the goal posts and into the stands, Earnur and the Minas Morgul fans breathed a sigh of relief.

Now the Witch-King wisened up a bit, and he still would push an attack to increase their lead, but would keep back more than just his 2 central defenders, to prevent Dunharrow from having such an easy break. With the 1st half winding down, Dunharrow's defense would falter again. Last game King Dead had a poor touch that led to a turnover and costly goal, but this time there would be no mistaking it. The King of the Dead made great contact, after receiving a pass from Herumor and made the score line 2-0. The ghouls from the Dwimorberg joined in the celebration with the Minas Morgul orcs, and Umbarian pirates.

When the half ended, Dunharrow knew they were in trouble. They needed several goals to come back, and goal scoring is not their strength. At the same time they needed some way to keep Minas Morgul from scoring, before the game got really out of hand. So, Dunharrow actually began the 2nd more aggressive than usual and 15 minutes into the 2nd, Brytta got his 2nd goal in his 2nd game. It was suddenly a game again.

Now Dunharrow could return to their usual style, playing rock-solid defense and finding a chance to counter against the hyper-aggressive Minas Morgul. However, the Witch-King also made an adjustment. He knew with Dunharrow having Lothlorien in the last round, all the pressure was on Dunharrow to win this match. So, while he did desire to have a little breathing room and expand the lead, he wasn't going to let Dunharrow get an easy goal from a counter.

He saw that since Dunharrow was hoping to counter attack, there would always be enough Minas Morgul players back to make it hard. Thus, unlike the 1st half, Minas Morgul had totally shut down Dunharrow's ability to counter. And it looked like still Minas Morgul would make it a 2 goal game, instead of Dunharrow equalizing. Aldor tried to re-adjust, his team's strategy, but it was too little, too late, and too rushed and frantic. Minas Morgul had won this rivalry and now Dunharrow would be hard pressed to have to beat Lothlorien, while Minas Morgul had the cellar-dwellers Minas Tirith.

Dunharrow 1-2 Minas Morgul
tot shots 12-14
on target 4-8
GOALS:
*9, 0-1 Nazgul #3 (Castamir)
*36, 0-2 King Dead (Herumor)
*61, 1-2 Brytta (Walda)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Dunharrow- Thengel, Brego
*MMorgul- Herumor, Castamir, Angamaite

Group H (after 2 rounds)
1. Lothlorien, 6 pts, (+4)
2. Minas Morgul, 3 pts, (0)
3. Dunharrow, 3 pts, (0)
4. Minas Tirith, 0 pts, (-4)

Round 3 Matches:
Minas Morgul - Minas Tirith
Dunharrow - Lothlorien

Lothlorien's advanced, and with a win or draw against Dunharrow will win the group. Minas Morgul wins they advance. Dunharrows wins, and Minas Morgul loses or draws, Dunharrow advances. Minas Tirith is still not eliminated, even if they need a lot of help. MT must beat MM by at least 2 goals, and Dunharrow has to lose to Lothlorien by at least 2 goals.

[Nogrod]

Group G

Alqualondë Herald, 5.7.2011


*breaking news* *exclusive*

Disaster at the high seas!

Remnants of three ships from Falas were detected about hundred nautical miles North-East from Tol Eressëa yesterday afternoon. Only a few hours later the Medi-Eagles’ squad of first-rescue had pulled a host of elven shipsmen to safety alongside three dwarves from Nogrod.

The teleri sea-elves from Falas are all safe and sound and have been released from the emergency department of Alqualondë central hospital and been given tickets to this evening’s matches from the loges of the V.I.P.’s for their bravery. Repeat: all elves taking part in the sea-crossing from Falas carrying dwarves from Nogrod have been accounted for and no one is missing as everyone is safe and sound.

Here are the names of those brave elves who survived the catastrophy at the seas in alphabetical order: Calenar the minstrel, Doralda, Eäloth, Galathilion 3rd, Galedhon, Luinen, Neldorloth, Nimgaer, Pelros the Mariner, Sîrtal, Talathril the dryfooted and Uialwen. Our deep thankfulness and gratitude belongs to the Great Powers of Valar and the Great Eagles.

The three dwarves are still treated at the intensive care unit and cannot be interviewed or seen by the media.

The news first released by the Alqualondë Herald spread fast all over Arda. The Dwarven newspapers were understandably upset not only with the content but also with the style of the news-release. The Nogrod Post went as far as to accuse Ulmo being behind this and being answerable for the lives of a host of many good dwarves. The Dwarven Daily called for Aulë to help them against the treacherous plans of “some untowards entities” and to bring forth justice.

The Himring Guardian took no stance on anyone’s guilt, but still criticized the overall organization of the Arda Cup: “If Arda Cup means there will be a lot of travel by the sea by teams and fans alike, it is not wise that Ulmo and all his entourage concentrate on the games themselves as players and fans – some security over the seas should be provided to all footballing community making these games possible. If Ulmo insists in playing himself, couldn’t he release Uinen, Ossë or Salmar at least to keep the seaways safe?”

Even if many thought The Himring Guardian’s concern legitimate, some sharper persons pointed out that Anfaughlith and Tol Eressëa might meet in the play-offs and that was just psychological warfare, the cynics said they were deliberately trying to force a decision on the issue and thus weaken Tol Eressëa in case Anfaughlith would meet them.

But even if most papers weren’t as enraged as the Dwarven magazines or as purposeful as The Himring Guardian, there was a steady stream of uneasiness pouring from the editorials from the newshouses all around Arda, but the Valinorian media. The last year had not been forgotten and the ways Valar handled things looked ever more suspicious. But only a few said that out aloud.


At Valmar press-conference the feelings were understandably tense. Marach was demanding a full investigation on the matter and Turgon was actually backing the demand. Manwë did his best to affirm the truth would be learned and that there was no foul play involved. Tulkas stayed more or less in the background for the whole press-conference, but some journalists reported seeing him grinning following his brother taking on all the pressure. Some even told they thought him muttering to himself “you reap what you sow” while shaking his head, smiling.


~*~

The game between Pelori and Gondolin was quite uneventful, Pelori playing the uneventful but effective game they played. Varda shot them to lead at half an hour’s point and Namo made 2-0 just before the half-time. The early game had been careful and conservative defending from the Pelori-team but on second they just held the ball to themselves frustrating Gondolians to no end. Duilin managed to sweeten the numbers twenty minutes before the end of the game but after the goal Pelori tightened their already tight defenses even more shutting Gondolin out of any opportunity to equalize.

Some immediate blogger-reactions from Gondolin were quite telling. “Gondolindrim sacrificed again!” yelled the tweeter “The Rôgger”.

Just after the game a more known bitter columnist “Maeglin’s Ex-girlfriend” wrote in her blog thusly: “The whole Arda Cup is a big ego-boosting for the self-sufficient Valar who keep their feet out of the Middle-Earth fearing they might get dirty with life! Gondolin’s natural group would have in it teams like Nargothrond, Himring, Hithlum, Beleriand – maybe Doriath. And as one can easily see, the chances for Gondolin would have been totally different. On what grounds does Gondolin play in a group with Pelori and Valinor? Why have Gondolin and Mithrim been chosen as the sacrificial lambs on the throne of Valar?

Now we all remember the scandal from the last year and to avoid it the AFA authorities were cautious enough to not let any baddies play in a group where the Valar played – and they had to give them a group in the “Blessed Realm” – should I say the “unsporty realm”? So some goodie teams had to be sacrified to the altar of Valar where teams play by their rules and make sure their teams qualify… But why not the pathetic hobbits, the odd Bombadillo and the freaky ents, why not the sissies of Dunharrow, why not the sad copiers from Minas Tirith?

And why do they have this policy in the first place? Are they afraid of meeting Angband, “the team” we faced in real life millenia ago? We lost, to be sure, but we fought it bravely unlike these modern-day Valar.”

Some more even-headed commentators made some sharp questions though, like where is Rôg’s performance, how can last year’s silver-medalists underperform that badly (the Vinyamar players)? Even if team Gondolin didn’t actually lose that much in numbers had they lost their soul?

Gondolin 1-2 Pelori
tot shots 9-14
on target 3-6
GOALS:
*27, 0-1 Varda (Eonwe)
*40, 0-2 Namo (Ilmare)
*70, 1-2 Duilin (Idril)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Gondolin- Galdor, Salgant
*Pelori- Nahar


After the breaking news it was rumoured that Beleriand would refuse to play entirely. And even if Marach had pledged in the press-conference that they would play for their honour – especially for the honor of the Nogrodian dwarves – the whispering went on that at least Telchar and Gamil Zirak had already packed and left Valmar to Aqualondë intending to force their way into the hospital if need be. But at time of the game both teams ran to the pitch from their lockers in full strength. Beleriand-players were still wearing the black ribbons in their arms and they looked very much focused and determined.

The game kicked off with some real intensity. Valinor was willing to control the ball as was their tactics but even if Beleriand clinged to their defense-first –philosophy, they were doing it quite aggressively cutting passes and passing-lines all over the field creating a few dangerous-looking counter-attacks already on the first twenty minutes.

The first goal of the game actually started from a neat counter-attack by Beleriand. Getting the ball up to the front Beleriand started to bring forth more power when Vairë stole the ball from Belegund and sent it straight up to the midfield from where Nessa immediately delivered it forwards to Yavanna who had realized her chance while the lowest Beleriand defenders were busy tying the trio Nerdanel, Miriel and Arien down. Appearing out from nowhere to the Beleriand defenders Yavanna spurted after the ball and scored confidently from close range the defenders trailing her by meters.

But Beleriand was not going to give in an inch. They kept pressing the Valinor possession-play and had their fair share of decent opportunities to score. And finally they did score. It was a classic counter-attack stuff. Marach cut a pass in the midfield, sent it to Aegnor who in turn sent it to Angrod who was already in full speed. Running towards the goal Angrod and Aegnor were drawing most of the defenders to them, when Angrod finally sent the ball diagonally backwards reaching Marach who got a chance to hit the ball straight from the pass. A great shot from a great pass, and the game was even!

Sadly for the Beleriand supporters Valinor retaliated in just five minutes. Nerdanel and Miriel were showing once again why they are the hottest ladies the sport has to offer – with Arien, of course. This time Miriel freed Nerdanel to score with a flashing heel-kick. And so Valinor was back in the lead again.

Beleriand came with renewed effort to the second half but the high-intensity game they were playing started to take it’s toll on them and it seemed they were getting fewer and fewer cuts to Valinor’s passing-machine. And when the all-female forwards-trio totally outwitted the bit slow Beleriand defense at 62nd minute, the game was practically over. Nerdanel brought the ball into the edge of the “danger-zone” (the box) and gave a genius blind-pass backwards to Miriel who gave the decisive pass again, chipping the ball in between two defenders to the center from where Arien scored with a nice half-volley straight from the pass before the defenders were able to even imagine reaching her.

Valinor continues their strong game. But Beleriand has played bravely and shown that inter-racial co-operation is not just for hippies and their peace & love mission, but must be taken seriously in sports as well.

Beleriand 1-3 Valinor
tot shots 11-15
on target 4-8
GOALS:
*19, 0-1 Yavanna (Nessa)
*33, 1-1 Marach (Angrod)
*38, 1-2 Nerdanel (Miriel)
*62, 1-3 Arien (Miriel)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Beleriand- Aegnor, Telchar, Bregor
*Valinor- Nessa


Group G (after 2 rounds)
1. Valinor, 6pts. (+4)
2. Pelori, 4pts. (+1)
3. Beleriand, 1pts. (-2)
4. Gondolin 0pts. (-3)

Last games:
Beleriand vs. Gondolin
Valinor vs. Pelori

Valinor is through to the play-offs. If Beleriand wins Gondolin they can reach the same points Pelori will have if they lose to Valinor. It looks unlikely Tulkas would give his brother the aid to let them draw to secure Manwë’s qualification as he has put up his own team just to show his brother, but looking at the general feeling around any group-play done in Valinor there seem to be some doubts as well. On the other hand: if the Gondolin players are as upset on the game day as their fans in blogosphere were right after the match today it is thinkable they would lose to Beleriand like 10-0 betting their fortunes with Valinor beating Pelori and thus making Beleriand to qualify just to show Manwë…

[the phantom]

Group E

After the first round of games the fans of Nargothrond were quite worried. Their players had allowed the crowd to get to them in their contest against Mordor, and the promising looking home side had been blasted by the wolves of Tol In Gaurhoth- their next opponent.

Nargothrond News columnist Gilnor had this to say: "Unless Finduilas can force her team to block out the antics of the crowd then things are going to go badly, as Tol In Gaurhoth's fanbase is more active and devious than Mordor's. But much more difficult will be blocking out the antics of the team on the field. Tol In Gaurhoth has a habit of getting inside the heads of their opponents, through means legal and otherwise. The Nargothrondians have got to block it out and hope that Tol In Gaurhoth will resort to taking cards."

And it looked like that would be a good strategy indeed, as Arda Cup Officials announced in no uncertain terms that they would be on the lookout for underhanded behavior from the Werewolves in this game. When Tol In Gaurhoth heard this proclamation they were outraged. "It's one thing to call a tight game," said NogWolf, "But to single out a side and threaten them like that is really out of bounds! And when one combines that with the fact that the games have been shifted several hours earlier so as to hinder the performances of nocturnal creatures, well... this host committee should never win another bid, that's for certain."

But NogWolf needn't have worried about the game, as Tol In Gaurhoth took only two cards, the same as Nargothrond. PhantomWolf in fact received no cards at all despite the fact that he was being watched like a hawk. He spent most of the game following the refs around, refusing to insert himself in play and making it impossible to call anything on him. And in the meantime Tol In Gaurhoth really didn't need his help to dominate, as everyone was grim and determined to show that they could win fair and square.

Nargothrond held firm for half an hour, but the speed of the Werewolves finally got to them as SallyWolf found GwathWolf on a breakaway and he scored easily. Some Nargothrond fans were hopeful at the half, knowing they were only down by one goal, but the more observant fans knew they were being outplayed and that it would only be a matter of time. And indeed less than ten minutes in GaladWolf caught the Nargothrond keeper off guard with a pinpoint boot from long range that sailed just over his hand as he tried to back up in time to stop it.

Conventional wisdom at that point would've been to withdraw and play some defense, but NogWolf was worried that the refs were itching to hand out cards, so he called for full-fledged possession game. The Werewolves did a fine job at it, and even gained themselves a couple more opportunities while doing so, though Barahir turned them away. But the third time was the charm as NogWolf received it deep, faked the shot, then ran in drawing the defense and freeing NerWolf for an easy header, and it was 3-0.

Judging that 3-0 was too large a deficit for Nargothrond to overcome with such little time left, even with the refs helping them, NogWolf went ahead and ordered a retreat, and Tol In Gaurhoth settled down to defend. Nargothrond tried their best to run some offense through the towering Glaurung, but they could only manage a couple of long-range efforts that simply weren't powerful enough to challenge ShastaWolf.

As the final whistle sounded, the Wights and Werewolves in the stands began celebrating. Two shutouts to start things off- they were almost certainly through to the playoffs.

Nargothrond 0-3 Tol In Gaurhoth
tot shots 9-17
on target 3-8
GOALS:
*32, 0-1 GwathWolf (SallyWolf)
*54, 0-2 GaladWolf (InzilWolf)
*67, 0-3 NerWolf (NogWolf)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Nargothrond- Guilen, Glaurung
*TIG- GaladWolf, SkipWolf

The stadium was filled with hobbits and huorns as The Forest prepared to kick off against Mordor. Bombadil and friends needed this win, as a Mordor victory would end all hopes of advancing.

Despite the awful showing in the first round, fans remained hopeful, believing that Tol In Gaurhoth was simply a bad matchup for them. And this belief looked quite correct as only six minutes in Bombadil shredded the orcs for the early lead!

Not at all content with their slim lead, The Forest pushed for more, and Mordor was really on their heels. At minute 20 Gorbag committed a foolish foul and The Forest was awarded a free kick. It looked quite certain that they would go up by two, but Bombadil's drive bounced off an invisible barrier right before it went through- The Silent Watcher had saved it!

The Forest howled in protest, as it seemed entirely unfair that a goal could be denied when the keeper was sitting motionless in the center of the goal, but the refs told them that was simply the way of things. It took them a while to get their concentration back, and Mordor took advantage of this by equalizing off a corner, and that's the way it would stay through the half.

At the start of the second period Mordor looked the most dangerous, owning the ball and putting pressure on Old Man Willow, but how quickly things can change. Thanks to a quick counter The Forest went ahead yet again, as this time Bombadil summoned greater will and energy into his shot and broke through The Silent Watcher's defenses.

The Nazgul did their best after that to distract Tom, knowing that their Silent Watcher could turn away any half-hearted attempt, but Tom was having none of it. At minute 73 he took on the middle of Mordor's defense all by himself and sent it last minute to the sneaky River-Woman who deflected it in before Silent Watcher could shift his attentions, and the Huorns and Hobbits went absolutely nuts.

For the final fifteen Bombadil pulled his troops back to defend against Mordor's desperate attack. With only five minutes left the Nazgul made things interesting by closing the gap to a single goal, but that was as close as they could get.

The host was still alive!

Mordor 2-3 The Forest
tot shots 13-14
on target 5-7
GOALS:
*6, 0-1 Bombadil (Thranduil)
*25, 1-1 Shelob (Grishnakh)
*61, 1-2 Bombadil (Saeros)
*73, 1-3 River-Woman (Bombadil)
*85, 2-3 Nazgul #7 (Nazgul #5)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Mordor- Gorbag, Nazgul #6, Nazgul #4
*Forest- Skinbark, Fimbrethil, Treebeard

Group E, after round 2
1. Tol In Gaurhoth- 6 pts, 6-0
2. Mordor- 3 pts, 4-4
3. The Forest- 3 pts, 3-5
4. Nargothrond- 0 pts, 1-5

ROUND 3 GAMES
Mordor vs Tol In Gaurhoth
Nargothrond vs The Forest

With 6 pts and a +6 goal differential Tol In Gaurhoth is almost certainly in. They would have to lose very badly to Mordor and The Forest would have to completely slaughter Nargothrond to leave TIG out. In order to qualify, Nargothrond would have to win by two goals over The Forest, and Mordor would need to lose to TIG by three. If The Forest loses then Mordor is in with a draw or better, and the same works in reverse. If they both win then The Forest would have to have a differential at least two goals better than Mordor. This is a very convoluted group.

[Boromir88]

Group A

Match 3 - Tirion vs Shire-Bree United
Everyone knew the Hobbits would be made into 2nd breakfast by the Tirion faithful. The hobbits were far away from their homes, had very little crowd support, did not look at all like the great athletes on the other teams in Group A, and were completely shut out by Himring in round 1. This would be easy.

The hobbits and Breelanders were anxious to prove that just because they didn't appear as fit and as athletic as the other teams that does not mean they weren't a proud footballing nation too. So, the hobbits came out in a whirlwind, controlling the action, darting through and around the Tirion defenders. They were shooting from every possible angle, and whenever they had the spacing to do it. And while most of their shots were going off target, Orodreth was really sweating between the posts.

Finally the hobbits work ethic paid off, as Bandobras was able to direct a shot on target. Orodreth was there on the save, but couldn't hold on and Samwise reached the rebound before Elemmire to give Shire a shock 1-0 lead.

But Tirion were cool professionals, if this was the game the hobbits wanted to play, they would only be playing to Tirion's strengths, their skill players up front. The hobbits showed their worth, but now it was time for Finwe, Aredhel, Finrod, and Mahtan to show how deadly they were.

After some testing of the Shire-Bree defense and Butterbur, 13 minutes after the hobbits goal Tirion was equal. Finarfin threaded a crisp pass to his father, who easily rounded Butterbur and scored. Then 11 minutes later, the always calm and collected Finrod saw Mahtan open and the great Noldor smith lined up a real power strike to give Tirion the lead. That was the manner of Tirion, they can beat you with skilled precision or raw power and everything was right again in the footballing world.

After the crowd saw 3 goals in the first 30 minutes, the game calmed down in the final minutes of the half, as the attacks became more tired and less frequent.

Shire-Bree began the 2nd much like the 1st half as the hobbits were darting all around the Tirion defenders again. Only this time, having seen the hobbitish tricks already, Aule was more easily able to handle their attacks. After a couple of their shots went off target, Tirion regained possession and went to work for more goals. Finrod got on the scoresheet again, only this time with a well-struck goal, giving Tirion a 2-goal lead early in the 2nd.

And there was even time for a 4th goal as the Tirion defenders decided to get involved in the scoring. Aule launched one of his trademark passes deep into Shire-Bree's half of the field, to the dark Caranthir who out-hustled the two ponies. Butterbur tried to come out to pick the ball on its bounce, but was too slow and clumsy for Caranthir who controlled it expertly with a nice chip over the Breelander keeper.

Tirion let the Shire try to their own luck attacking again, but Tirion's defense was now well aware of the hobbits directionless offensive strategy and did not allow them any more quality scoring chances. So, after a bad 4-1 defeat to Doriath, Tirion was able to bounce back with a 4-1 victory of their own and hoped that Doriath would play to expectations to beat Himring in the next match, and that way Tirion's fate would be in their own hands in the final round. The hobbits were eliminated, but did have an improved performance to look at; they had scored on one of the greatest Vala and his Noldorin defenders. And had even been leading the match for 20 minutes, surely that counts for something!?

Tirion 4-1 Shire-Bree United
tot shots 15-16
on target 8-5
GOALS:
*7, 0-1 Samwise (Bandobras)
*20, 1-1 Finwe (Finarfin)
*31, 2-1 Mahtan (Finrod)
*53, 3-1 Finrod (Aredhel)
*70, 4-1 Caranthir (Aule)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Tirion- Elemmakil, Enerdhil
*SBUnited- Samwise, Lumpkin, Pippin

Match 4 - Doriath vs Himring
The ever cold arena was not sure what to expect from their team in this game. Doriath was surely one of the best teams of the tournament and would be a championship contender. But there own team were just coming off a strong 3-0 win, even if it was against a team no one thought too highly about.

The first half was a very even affair, but it was slow and uneventful. The teams seemed to want to play a testing phase, sizing eachother up, checking for weaknesses and playing carefully.

During intermission the Himring fans were murmuring "this was the great Doriath? This was the team everyone seemed afraid of? Ha! The sons of Feanor could conquer Thingol's wooded realm. Although neutrals wondered how excited Himring should be, it was 0-0 and Himring showed very little promise to be able to score against Doriath. While everyone knows of Doriath's striking ability, and were wondering just when the Easterlings would bail on their Elven teammates again.

It turned out the neutrals were correct as early in the 2nd, Uldor had a vicious sliding tackle on Turin. Turin escaped without injury, but was probably about to receive a yellow himself (Uldor was handed a yellow for the tackle), with his rash temper. Turin had felt Uldor should have been handed a straight red, because it was a goal scoring opportunity and Uldor was looking to intentionally foul, but his trusty friend, Beleg restrained him before the ref carded Turin for protesting. Eol was set to take the free kick, and in what one could only call "football justice," Eol chipped it to Turin, who muscled through Uldor, to give Doriath the 1-0 lead.

Doriath was now turning to their quality possession game, working the ball around Himring's penalty box, trying to find open scoring lanes. The Easterlings made another costly mistake, this time Ulwarth and Uldor mixed up their assignment, and Hurin was left free. It was an easy pass once Turin saw him and Hurin made it 2-0 Doriath. That was Doriath's 6th goal of the tournament, and in 5 of them Turin had a part to play, 3 goals, 2 assists. Absolutely remarkable!

Maedhros and Fingon tried to make a game of things, but they were not strong enough to beat Doriath's defense, which is known as the Girdle of Melian. And with 9 minutes to go, Beleg found Luthien, and Maglor could only get his fingertips to the shot, unable to deflect it off its course, the ball snuck into the left-side post. After a sluggish 1st half, Doriath finished off Himring in what could only be called a dominating performance. Doriath were serious contenders this year!

Doriath 3-0 Himring
tot shots 15-11
on target 8-4
GOALS:
*56, 1-0 Turin (Eol)
*69, 2-0 Hurin (Turin)
*81, 3-0 Luthien (Beleg)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Doriath- Carcharoth
*Himring- Ulwarth, Uldor

Group A (after 2 rounds)
1. Doriath, 6 pts, (+6)
2. Tirion, 3 pts, (0), 5-5
3. Himring, 3 pts, (0), 3-3
4. Shire-Bree, 0 pts, (-6)

Round 3 matches:
Doriath - Shire Bree United
Himring - Tirion

Doriath's qualified and for all purposes we'll just say they've won the group. They'll need to lose big to The Shire, and Himring/Tirion would need to win big in their match to knock Doriath out of first. Shire-Bree has been eliminated. Winner of Himring/Tirion will advance. If ended in a draw, Tirion goes through based on having scored more goals.