[the phantom]

Group C @ Moria

The Group C hosting committee was a little ahead of the curve this year. Not only did they have two quality venues within a short hike of one another, but they also had the final games scheduled to be played simultaneously- a feature that was rumored to be a requirement for Arda Cup 2013.

They had gotten word out early about the double-game final round, and that combined with steeply discounted tickets ensured that a veritable flood of fans would pour in to the Dimrill Dale and Moria in the days before the matches. The efficient dwarves were prepared for them, and the visiting Arda Cup officials were probably taking some notes, marking Moria down as a good site to visit again.

Not only was the site good, but the matches promised to be excellent as well. It’s all a fan can ask for- to attend a game where every team in the group has a shot at advancing on the final day!

The only shoe-in was Erebor- they were through with 6 points, but they hadn’t clinched first. When asked about their drive to win their final match, goal-keeper Beorn promised a full effort. “Well frankly we’re not fussed about our placement- we’ll be meeting a quality opponent in the playoffs no matter what, and should we win that our next match will be against one of the power-houses of Group D or E, so both paths are remarkably similar. But that doesn’t mean we’re not trying our best. We owe it to the other teams in the group and the fans. It’s not in us not to fight.”

Anduin supporters were fervently hoping Beorn was merely giving lip-service to the integrity of the game and would rest up and roll over for them. But the host Dwarves United was certainly hoping for the opposite- they wanted Anduin beaten so that they could nab the 2nd spot by winning Wilderland. But the oddsmakers said that such a task was perhaps beyond the dwarf-centric squad, as Wilderland had been mighty impressive in their six contests since friendlies kicked off this year.

Would Erebor prove their dominance? Would Wilderland show they belong among the elite? Would Anduin or Dwarves United help spring their counterpart to an upset qualification? The answers were forthcoming.

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The outdoor game in the dale was Anduin versus Erebor, while the game in the deeps of Moria was Dwarves United versus Wilderland. The wood-elves were out in force to support King Thranduil of Erebor, but their loyalties were split in the other contest. A few hundred headed underground sporting “Legolas 4 Dwarves!” shirts while an equal number passed through the doors of Moria to support King Oropher and Galion.

There were many, many Elves of Lothlorien invading the area. In fact, it seemed as if the entire realm had relocated. Many of the long-time dwellers were out to support Amroth and Amdir with Anduin, while the late third-agers were split between Celeborn of Anduin and Galadriel of Wilderland. There were certainly more of them in the Dimrill stadium though, as Wilderland supporters had a slightly tougher time gaining tickets, as the Dwarves were swift to buy them up, and for prices that could not be ignored.

There were also quite a few Dwarves in attendance in the dale- mostly from the Lonely Mountain and the Iron Hills. They travelled well, it seemed. And though they eyed them with suspicion and a bit of dislike, the hosts also opened for the Orcs. There were quite a few Minas Morgul and even a few Mordor Orcs there to support Nazgul #7 of Erebor, and even more Misty Mts Orcs showed up to cheer on Erebor’s Bolg.

Needless to say, both stadiums were full to capacity when the contests kicked off at 5 o’clock, and given the hopes of all four teams there was much singing and chanting, and every movement of the ball had fans cheering and clapping!

(IN THE DALE)

The sun was behind the mountains and it was cool and windless, providing perfect conditions for an important contest. From the start it looked like Erebor would be true to their word and compete hard, and already in the opening 10 minutes they forced Amroth to get his hands dirty twice- first on a header from Nazgul #7 and then on a trade-mark tail-shot crushed by Smaug.

Anduin wasn’t defending with their usual tenacity, as they seemed to be looking upfield more than usual, as they needed to outright win, and possibly with a decent differential. And this shift in ideals hurt them finally in minute 17 when Thranduil timed his run perfectly and was given an unopposed header by Smaug, and the woodland King converted for the early lead!

(UNDER THE MOUNTAINS)

While the underdog was off to a poor start, the “under-dwarves” were absolutely bringing the home fans into a state of frenzy. After defending expertly and forcing a couple no-problem shots in the opening minutes, they sprang a surprising speedy counter, with Aule dashing up the right side. Gamil Zirak got it out in front of the Dwarf-Father as they crossed midfield and after several huge strides Aule sent a heavenly pinpoint cross curling into the box, and sprinting full-on Legolas dove into it perfectly and Dwarves United had the lead!

Deep-throated voices bellowed throughout the echoing halls, and drums launched into a frantic roll! The Wilderland supporters (and even a few players) covered their ears and hung their shoulders. This was a bad start indeed.

Orome went around and clasped the hands of his teammates to make sure their heads were in it, and Elwe followed his example. But as the half continued Wilderland made no headway. With the lead Aule and Celebrimbor were fully committed to defense, and Scatha and Orome found themselves without an inch of breathing room. Only the midfielders gained opportunities to shoot, but they were hurried and harassed and either shot wide or were easily handled by Bombur, who appeared to playing under the impression that the ball was made of cake.

When the halftime whistle sounded, the score remained 1-0, and the Dwarves roared in approval as Dwarves United exited to the lockers.

(MEANWHILE BACK IN THE DALE)

Things were looking much the same out in the dale, only it was the favorite holding the 1-0 lead. After Thranduil’s goal Erebor really locked down on the defensive end and Anduin was not having any luck cracking it. The three eagles and Girion were simply too good at getting in the way, breaking up attack after attack.

Finally towards the end of the half Anduin seemed to give up on gaining a quality shot and started slamming drives at the goal- but the tactic was not wholly bad, as Grimbeorn and Boromir II both possess fantastic legs, and though he has slightly less power Haldir is an expert marksman with excellent spin control. In the closing minutes all three came close- Grimbeorn spraying one just a couple feet high, Haldir forcing Beorn to dive to bat a curler away, and Boromir rattling the woodwork in the final minute.

As halftime began the Anduin fans were more hopeful for the second half than they had been. All it would take was for a couple of those shots to go in for them, and they were back in it.

(BACK UNDER THE MOUNTAIN)

The halftime score in the Dimrill Dale was announced just before the start of the second half, and the Dwarves United fans applauded with great enthusiasm. The stars were aligning for them!

But perhaps not. The Dwarves were immediately put on their heels by the now desperate side from Wilderland. Elwe and Galadriel in particular looked miles quicker. “After winning the title last year- I’m not going out like this!” Elwe could be heard calling. “Not in group play! And not to Dwarves!”

When word of these comments spread around the arena the King of Doriath became the target of booing every time he touched the ball, but the determined Elf ignored it and pressed on, and in minute 59 the Lady Galadriel fed the tall Lord a perfect cross and the game was level!

The angry Dwarves wailed and tore at their beards, and some even hurled bags and cups onto the field. Of all the people to dash their hopes, they were furious that it was Thingol! But the Dwarves on the field kept their cool thanks to the calming presence of Aule. “One goal and this is forgotten!” he told his side.

But it didn’t look like the goal would be coming any time soon. Not that Dwarves United was playing poorly- in fact they were playing better than ever. But they were playing their team defensive game, and that was simply not likely to yield a goal. And as their discouraged fans looked on with increasing anxiety, rumors trickled into the arena that the game in the dale was now tied!

(IN THE DALE)

And the rumors were quite true. After playing hard-line competitive ball for the opening 20 minutes, Erebor appeared to grow a bit lazy. Perhaps it was finally sinking in that group play was nearly finished and they were through to the playoffs. But whatever the reason, Anduin began to own the ball more and look the more dangerous. And in minute 74 Haldir made them pay- another one of his crafty snipes challenged Beorn and he barely tipped it away, and it bounded off a defender and to the feet of Grimbeorn who wasted no time in putting it away to level the match!

And indeed word had reached the dale about the game taking place under the mountain. Anduin was disheartened to hear that Wilderland was level, as they were hoping for a one-goal Dwarf win, but Celeborn encouraged them to hope for the desired outcome and take care of their end of the bargain and bring home a win against Erebor.

(BACK UNDER THE MOUNTAIN)

Most of the stadium already knew what was happening when the announcer officially acknowledged the 1-1 score in the dale, but it was still tragic to hear. Things had started so well, but now both games were moving in the wrong direction.

But to the astonishment of the crowd, with 10 minutes left in the contest, Aule shouted, “Dwarves- let’s get it!” and the game turned. Dwarves United completely changed their tactics, moving the ball quickly and efficiently, with Aule and Celebrimbor pressing forward more and more. The crafts-dwarves Gamil Zirak and Telchar showed their marvelous handling skills, which just shocked Wilderland. They knew to expect it from Celebrimbor and Aule, but now that there were four players that could move about with the ball at will and dribble a defender away, they weren’t certain what to do.

Twice it looked like Dwarves United had gained a decent look at a go-ahead goal, but both times the shooters (Legolas and Thorin) passed up the opportunity and sent the ball moving back. They were waiting for something better.

As time ticked away the crowd began roaring- some in encouragement, some in desperation, and some in frustration, but Dwarves United stayed on their plan. Finally at 88 minutes it happened.

Telchar received it at the left corner of the box and after faking a boot back out to the midfield he turned and found Celebrimbor dashing in from the left side. As soon as he sent the pass Telchar took off towards the goal and the defenders that closed on Celebrimbor desperately tried to recover as he immediately one-touched it back to the moving Telchar. But Telchar just touched it right back to Celebrimbor! Right between the crossed-up Ents went the ball, and Celebrimbor met it hard and accurately with all his Feanorian skill, and the Great Warg keeper didn’t even have a chance!

Telchar leaped onto Celebrimbor and both spilled onto the ground while their teammates converged to join in the congratulatory pile! The arena absolutely throbbed with noise! Finally the refs got the game restarted for the final minutes, and Elwe and Orome tried desperately to make something happen, but the Dwarves won it away and refused to give it back, and soon it was all over! Scatha stamped in disgust and Elwe sagged to the turf in disbelief. Galadriel however made her way over to congratulate her old friends Celebrimbor and Gimli, and the crowd made note of the sportsmanship.

But, but… Dwarves United was not necessarily into the playoffs. Some of the Dwarves seemed not to care about the other result- merely intent upon celebrating the well-fought victory over a quality foe, but most of the arena grew quiet as they waited upon word from the Dale. Had Anduin kept their rally going to send both them and Erebor through?

One minute went by… two… three… Then a buzz could be heard by Dwarves nearest the north entrance. As Dwarves on the south side of the stadium watched and listened, a wave of motion and noise slowly swept around both sides of the stadium towards them. But they could not tell if the Dwarves were wailing in agony or celebrating.

As the disturbance grew nearer the drums started beating in the upper balconies. Surely that was a good sign. Also, it became clear that the fans were waving flags- another good sign. And just as the news reached the south stadium, the announcer made it official.

“The final score- Erebor, one. Anduin, one. DWAAAAARVES UNITED ADVAAAAAAA---“

But the end of the word or anything that came after was not heard. The stadium under the Halls of Moria was perhaps as loud as it had ever been since it was delved long ago. Dwarves United, barely picked by anyone to advance, was into the playoffs!

Anduin 1-1 Erebor
on target 6-5
tot shots 15-14
GOALS:
*17, 0-1 Thranduil (Smaug)
*74, 1-1 Grimbeorn (Haldir)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Anduin- Frumgar, Borondir, Grimbeorn
*Erebor- Nazgul #7

Dwarves United 2-1 Wilderland
on target 4-7
tot shots 8-18
GOALS:
*12, 1-0 Legolas (Aule)
*59, 1-1 Elwe (Galadriel)
*88, 2-1 Celebrimbor (Telchar)
YELLOW CARDS:
*DwUnt- Thorin, Durin
*Wild- Skinbark, Elwe

Q: Erebor
q: Dwarves United
Eliminated: Anduin, Wilderland

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MESPN EXIT INTERVIEWS

MESPN: So, gentlemen, a big disappointment for Anduin.

Celeborn: Indeed. We thought we’d be advancing.

MESPN: Why didn’t it work?

Fram: Well, Wilderland’s offense proved a tough matchup, and we didn’t execute our own efficiently enough to keep even.

Boromir II: Yes, we needed a bit of a spark.

Grimbeorn: Same with our match against the Dwarves. We didn’t make the most of our offensive chances.

Celeborn: And we gave up that late equalizer.

MESPN: So then, do you feel you already have the necessary team put together?

Boromir II: This team is good enough, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t looking to improve.

MESPN: Anyone in particular you’re looking at?

Celeborn: Well, it wouldn’t be proper to discuss names with the tournament still going.

MESPN: Is there anything you can tell us?

Grimbeorn: We’ve very nearly secured, a… er… spectacular home grounds- and I imagine we’ll be a host next season.

Fram: Quite so. And we suspect the opportunity to be on such a stage might help us snag a prospect or two.

MESPN: Thanks for your time.

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MESPN: Team Wilderland was ranked as high as #2 in TTN’s power rankings. This has got to sting.

Scatha: It’s infuriating! We could score a heap on anyone and we choked!

Orome: Erebor won us fair and square, but that finale against Dwarves United- that was ours for the taking.

Galadriel: They wanted it more- had more team spirit.

MESPN: Can you rectify these problems in the offseason?

Oropher: Certainly. I’ll be back and working harder than ever.

Scatha: I won’t be contained next season!

MESPN: Elwe- you certainly looked upset. How about you?

Elwe: I can’t really say where I’ll be next year.

MESPN: Galadriel?

Galadriel: I have no plans of being held out of the playoffs again, but it’s too soon to guarantee where I’ll be.

MESPN: Oropher- this team seems splintered. What do you expect to happen next season?

Oropher: Well, it certainly seems there will be some roster turnover, but we ought to have most of our investors back. I don’t expect us to take a step back.

MESPN: All right. Thanks for your time.