Arda Cup Football 2011

[the phantom]

Let the countdown begin!

Last year's tournament was a beauty, culminating in a victory by heavyweight Gondolin over their old friends from Vinyamar. There were many exciting moments along the way, such as Bywater qualifying over Thangorodrim, and Norbury upsetting Valimar, and we hope that this year's tournament will prove just as interesting.

In the 2010 Phantasy contest, Boro won three of the final four rounds to shoot past the field and claim the victory. Will he repeat? Or will Gwath or Skip become the first to add a second Phantasy trophy to their cases? Or will it be someone entirely new? Perhaps you!

There are rumors of major roster shake-ups this year, and our top reporters will be on the case to tell you all about it. This year is shaping up to be even more entertaining than last, but the only sure way to guarantee fun is to get as many people playing as possible!

The participants the last couple years were-
Boro
Eomer
Eonwe
Fea/Ni
Glirdan
Gwath
Hakon
Lari
McCaber
Morm
Nerwen
Nogrod
Sally
Shasta
Skip
TGEW
Wilwa

We'd love to have all of you back, and we'd also love to see a few new faces! Tell your friends! Tell your enemies! Tell those people that you don't really talk to!

Nog & Boro plan to be with us again, providing their thrilling match reports and expert editorials on behalf of Arda Kicker Magazine (AKM), Middle Earth Sports Programing Network (MESPN), and The Two Towers Network (TTN), but as always new writers are welcome. Please let me know if you'd like to write a match report, and of course you're always welcome to provide your own analysis as the tournament rolls along.

The teams and rosters will be released in the coming days, and the Phantasy Competition thread will start soon after that. That is where you will pick players for your team and make trades and such.

In case you wanted to take a look and see how this thing works, here is last year's tournament thread->
Arda Cup 2010
And here is last year's Phantasy Competition thread->
Phantasy 2010

[the phantom]

TEAM AND ROSTER RUMORS
Phantom, MESPN News

The clock is ticking down to the start of the next Arda Cup tournament, and as always there are many rumors floating about as to which teams will be participating and what their rosters look like. We here at MESPN don't have all the answers, but we know a few things, and can make some educated guesses.

Rumor #1- Last year's championship team, Gondolin, has been scrapped.
This rumor appears to be true to an extent. King Turgon has returned to his city to captain the squad, and several prominent members from last season have left. But the team should still be quality, as Salgant and Thorondor have stayed, and six members of last year's runner up, Vinyamar, have agreed to play for the hidden king (Rog, Penlod, Galdor, Idril, Duilin, Egalmoth).

Rumor #2- Melkor has vacated Utumno and returned to Angband.
This rumor is definitely true. Melkor and every member of last year's Utumno squad has stated without hesitation that there will not be a team at Utumno this year, and that Melkor will be captaining team Angband. The complete makeup of this team is unknown, but from what we've heard it seems certain that Ungoliant, Telvildo, and Ancalagon will be on the team.

Rumor #3- Elros is injured and will not play in this year's tournament.
We're fairly certain that Elros is perfectly healthy, but the jury is out on his participation. As has been widely reported, he was approached about captaining the Numenor squad but refused the position, and has since refused invitations to play on several other teams. It's anyone's guess as to what's going on with him, but I've been told that Arda Kicker Magazine lead writer Nogrod is close to breaking the story, and he hints that it's a shocker.

Rumor #4- Feanor/Turin is playing for (team X).
Every year all of Arda anxiously awaits the decisions of these two elite scoring threats. They are notoriously unwilling to settle down and are always looking to find some new challenge.

As far as Turin goes, I think he's unlikely to accept Angrod & Aegnor's invitation to play with Team Beleriand, as he just doesn't know anyone on the team well. I also think it's unlikely he'll go to Hador's Hithlum team, as their offense is already set. I don't think Mithrim is a possibility either unless Tuor is willing to share the captainship with his cousin, though there is certainly the allure of playing alongside his mother and sister who have already signed there. It seems to me the strongest candidates are Nargothrond and Doriath. Finduilas is in charge of the Guarded Realm this year, and Turin's always had a special place for her, but his friend Beleg (who has confirmed he will be travelling with him wherever he goes) I believe will push for Doriath, which may sway Turin in the end.

As far as Feanor, it would seem to make sense that he'd stick around in Tirion after the near miss last year. Tirion came as close as anyone to beating eventual champion Gondolin, and with a slight tweak to their defense they'd probably be tournament favorites this year. But Feanor's restless attitude cannot be discounted. Perhaps he will accept his brother's invite to play upon Angfauglith? Or maybe Maedhros & Fingon will invite him to lead their Hithlum squad? Those are the only possibilities I can offer, as he will surely refuse to play under the command of a Vala like Manwe, or alongside an entire group of mortals that he is unfamiliar with.

Stay tuned for more roster reports from MESPN.

[Boromir88]

Boromir88 sits down with Phantom to talk phantasy phootball

MESPN lead reporter, Phantom, sat down with defending Phantasy league champion, Boromir88, in an exclusive interview about the 2011 Phantasy Arda Cup.

Phantom: Let's get right to it, how confident are you in repeating this year?

Boro: I will win again. It won't even be a contest. The fight for 2nd will be interesting to watch though.

Phantom: That sounds like a guarantee.

Boro: Cash it into the bank. Look, the only reason Skip beat me in 2009 is because I predicted the championship game wrong and he had a storming comeback in the final round to win by a mere few points. I dominated in '09 but Skip won based on picking up lucky points like predicting which player would get the most assists.

And if everyone thought I was a stud in '09, they were blown away by me last year since my ability to predict match winners was even more dominating.

Phantom: So you don't see any challengers to your title? The usual competitors Nog or Gwath, Nerwen's always a dark horse? Is there no one?

Boro: Gwath? Gwath who? He hasn't been relevant in years. Nog can usually pick a better line-up than me, but it never comes close to making up the ground he loses to me in predictions. Truthfully no one can match up to my predictions, so the only way I can conceivably lose is if Nog combined points with Nerwen. Then they would have a chance.

I actually think players like wilwa and sally are larger threats. Their selections are so random, they could win with sheer dumb luck by making choices based on team colors, shoe wear, or by any arbitrary means not even related to soccer.

[Nogrod]

It's time for the Arda Cup 2011. Rejoice!

As always, Arda Kicker Magazine will be bringing you the hottest inside interviews and top rumours with it's top celebrity-journalists, most up to date statistics, the most in-depth analysis, the most reliable predictions based on facts; although the crappy Two Towers Network (TTN) will claim differently on the last one. But they have had pure luck the last two years with their predictions having lady Fortuna swing it their way in the end.

And as the editor of the MESPN News hinted, we''ll have a real revelation coming concerning Elros and the big picture of the tournament this year. Our top journalists are working on a story to be published tomorrow.

Look forwards to the reliable and up to date information and entertainment from the AKM. Like always.

AKM - The Real Thing!

[Nogrod]

Brothers in arms – against each other?

Everyone knows that the relationship between Manwë and Ulmo is like that between Zeus and Poseidon; the two will pull together in need but the latter will prefer his own company on other occasions. But now it seems also Tulkas has got bored with the High-God’s defensive playing style and is putting up a team of his own. And it looks like the High-One is the one to lose this time around!

The well-informed ears of the AKM have heard that Tulkas has indeed been gathering a real bunch of stars from teams like Tirion, Aman, Havens and Valimar, and will call his team Valinor this year (just to annoy Manwë and his team last year called Valimar?). The hottest gossips link the female powerhouse of Miriel and Nerdanel joining Tulkas. But what seems quite apparent though, is that Tulkas has most probably managed to enlist Arien (“Greatest single offencive performance” 2010 by AFA & shared second place in the AKM stars on 2010) to his team. Some feminist websites have also attached Aredhel to Tulkas’ team but those rumors seem a bit overstretch.

The captain of the last year’s silver-team Vinyamar, Ulmo, has lost some of his top scorers but it is said he has been able to retain most of the solid defence by which Vinyamar championed the last year. But can any team prevail after losing players like Idril, Duilin, Penlod and Tuor in the front, or Rôg at goal? That remains to be seen.

Be as it may, it seems that has left Manwë little options. Unhappy with Namo’s performance it is told that Manwë will take himself to goaltending. The true ones, like Varda, Nienna, Oromë and Eonwë will most probably follow Manwë and his defensive ways, but will it be enough? In the last year’s tournament Manwe’s team was thrown off the games by the unimaginative but solid team Norbury on the first qualification stage. It’s hard to predict any better result to his team this year. But Manwë’s brothers seem to have much more worthwhile teams. Especially team Valinor led by Tulkas is one to watch for this year.


A coup d’etàt?

“Never change the winning team” goes the slogan. But in Gondolin a very different wind seems to be blowing. The city of the last year’s champions is in bafflement and annoyance. And the reason is clear: it seems half of their team has moved into a new team deserting the hidden capital of the world. And it’s not just any half of any team, but key-players like Maeglin, Fingolfin, Echtelion and Huor…

A most biting fact is that the new team rumors to be named Anfauglith, consisting on the top players from both the good and evil sides and anyway serious contesters for the championship this year. Just add players like Gothmog, Gwindor, Balrog #4 into the names mentioned already and you’ll get a tough team for anyone to beat. If the rumours are true, that is. Some even say Morgoth himself would be joining the team…

To the great hopes of the Gondolians the Great King Turgon has come back to rescue his own city with a bunch of stars from the team Vinyamar, the second team of last year’s tournament and good friends of the Gondolians. And it is rumoured Elenwë is on as well. But there is an air of controversy in the air anyways, not only why their heroes deserted the Gondolians, but also on the line-up from this year’s team; like why has Penlod – who was the best forward in team Vinyamar last year – been put into the defence according to the word of mouth; or why is Idril not playing if the rumors hold? Did she want to go with Tuor? Was that too much for his dad?


Pride and honour: the High Edain united?

Many have stated, that if the best talent of the Numenorians could be gathered together they would reign sovereignly over the sports, but there has always been this rift between the great Numenorian kings and queens and those loyal to the Valar. But now it seems some of the wounds have been healed by the leadership of none else than the King Elros himself.

Even with the rift between the two sides in Numenor, the team Numenor has always been a serious contender to the Arda Cup (and they actually won it on 2009). Last year they suffered the loss of their undoubtedly brightest scorer Ar-Pharazon and the importance of Annatar for their championship was revealed. So the time seemed ripe for a new alliance of the Edain, and the Edain only, with no Sauron or other powers to meddle with it.

And king Elros was tough in the negotiations. It would be his team, and team Westernesse – not team Numenor – he was gathering the talent for. And he was looking for some real talent also outside the isle, from among the first men.

If the rumors are true, it seems it has not been labour in vain. Having Ar-Pharazôn, Tar Minastir, Ar Adunakhôr, Tar Telperien, Malbeth, Elendil and Tar Atanamir in a team led by Elros himself is no small feat – and it will be a major pain to any opponent to face; be it Túrin and his friends, Fëanor and his kin, Valar or anyone imaginable. If this team is true, it will be one of the serious contenders to the throne this year. The grace and pride of the finest of Edain is unsurpassed.

[the phantom]

FINAL ROSTERS TAKING SHAPE
Phantom, MESPN News

There are still quite a few things up in the air, but many teams are really taking shape at this point.

Angband
Everyone knows that Melkor is the leader here with the resources to sign anyone he wishes, and his team looks to be close to completion. Telvildo, Thuringwethil, and Ancalagon were early signings, and Ungoliant and Drauglin followed soon after. In a move that has many wondering whether Tilion has gone over permanently, the moon man has yet again signed with Melkor's squad.

It seems there are only a couple slots remaining on this squad, and rumor is Melkor's trying out his Balrogs to see which are the best fit for the positions.

Angfauglith
This is a squad that not many expected to exist, but it's official and the side is looking quite strong thus far. Huor and his wife Rían were at an event commemorating the 5th battle fought on the plains of Angfaulith when they happened to run into Azaghål, who also fought in that battle. As they were recalling how many great deeds had been done there and how many mighty beings had clashed, the idea came to Huor of forming a team.

None of the three were prepared to captain the team, especially if the team contained any of the outstanding battlers that they had been discussing, so they agreed to take the idea to Fingolfin and see if he'd captain, and he agreed. With him came another player, his war horse Rochallor, and he also swiftly gained the help of Gwindor, who so famously charged Angfauglith.

And just two days ago, Angfauglith made their biggest signing yet, as Fingolfin managed to coax Gothmog Lord of Balrogs and Ecthelion of Gondolin to join the squad. Separately the signings would not have been made, but Fingolfin knew the pair would likely be keen to play with one another, as they have shared a special bond ever since their joint death.

There are only three slots left here, and Fingolfin is doing all that he can to find the best players.

Barad-Dur
Last year's team was a mix of baddies and goodies, and this year is no different, only this time around it's Gil-galad that is more or less calling the shots with Sauron gone elsewhere. His friends Isildur and Cirdan are with him, as well as Isildur's brother Anarion and the faithful Ohtar.

The Mouth signed quite early, and Gil-galad immediately set him to work on recruiting some of his associates, and he has since convinced a Nazgul to join, as well as commander Gothmog II and the brutal Shagrat. Two slots remain open, but Gil-galad says that he has it narrowed down quite well already.

Beleriand
During the offseason brothers Angrod and Aegnor were giving thought to how much talent was spread throughout all of the Beleriand squads, and realized that merely by stealing a player or two here and there they could put together quite a decent squad, and so they drew up their papers to form team Beleriand.

Their first concern was finding a tall and powerful finisher to go up front, and this need was met nearly immediately when Marach announced his interest in joining. After that pieces began falling into place, with the skilled pair of dwarf craftsman, Gamil Zirak and Telchar, applying, and soon after Halmir and Handir agreed to shore up the defense.

More recently Doriath residents Daeron and Nellas were gladly received onto the team, leaving only two slots to be filled.

Doriath
After such a disappointing tournament last year, King Thingol did what any smart fellow would do in his position- bring the problem to his goddess wife. Soon after Thingol declared Melian co-captain and in charge of recruiting, with the belief that her more personal touch would more easily compel allies to join. And she has proved herself indeed!

First things first she asked her daughter and son-in-law to return to the wood, and they obliged, and for bargain price. And as a surprise bonus, with them came Huan who had apparently missed playing with them and wanted to give it another go. Faithful Mablung signed swiftly as well, putting Doriath well on their way.

In the meantime, Thingol tried to pull his weight by convincing Eol to join, praising his play for last year's champ Gondolin and reminding him how he had been granted Nan Elmoth by Thingol and Melian so long ago.

And then came a great surprise- Carcharoth asked to be let on! It turned out that he and Huan had chatted regularly during the off-season about the possibility of teaming up somewhere, and here he was to prove that it was more than idle talk.

Now there are only three spots open, and rumors are rampant that Melian has been in deep talks with Turin and Beleg, though doubtless it would cost a lot to sign the famous pair.

Dunharrow
The great hold of Helm's Deep often has a team, and so Aldor thought it was high time that the other great hold of Rohan be given a chance to prove its valor.

Many great leaders of Rohan flocked to the banner immediately, including Theoden, Brytta, Walda, and Thengel, and surprisingly Helm himself abandoned his castle and joined them, eager for a fresh start after last year's failing.

Aldor and company are now busy trying out various kings and great men of Rohan, attempting to pick out which players will mesh the best.

Eriador
The men of Arnor always put together a solid feisty squad, including last year's team that upset mighty Valimar in the playoffs. But this year captain Arvedui wanted a squad with more staying power, and more diversity to contend with various monster-laden squads, like last year's Utumno which so easily dismissed them.

To this end Arvedui recruited trolls Bert and Tom to join them, as well as the great Barrow-Wight himself. Evidently Barrow-Wight was through playing with Bombadil, as the cold ghost believed the Master was just not focused enough despite his talent and would never quite win it big.

After signing more familiar faces such as clutch scorer Araphor and the solid Argeleb and Valandur, Arvedui managed to entice King Aragorn to play up front for Eriador. Word is the squad will be completed and practicing by tomorrow.

Esgaroth
Girion is leading the way this year, and no surprise he was joined quickly by dwarves such as Thorin, Balin, and Dain, who have lent their spending weight to the team. Representing men are Bard and Brand, and Galion the elf has joined as well.

But it is the more recent signing of spider stars Attercop and Tomnoddy that has created the greatest stir- primarily it has infuriated the dwarves, once held captive by the spiders. Girion has insisted that in the absence of Smaug, Beorn, and other such beasts he really needed to bring in some more monster-like players to add the intimidation and different skill sets, but as of now the dwarves remain in opposition and refuse to open their pocket-books for additional signings until the spiders are gone.

Gondor
In the early stages of planning it looked likely that King Aragorn would captain the Gondor squad, but unexpectedly he left for Eriador and Queen Arwen was named in his place. She says that there are no problems between them, and that her husband merely has a need to travel and compete under various guises in various places.

It came as a surprise to no one that Eorl and his horse Felarof soon joined, as he has always been ready to ride to Gondor's aid. Gondorin mainstays such as Romendacil, Ostoher, and Eldacar were signed early on as well, and more recently Ecthelion II and Boromir I have joined, making the team nearly complete.

Himring
Maedhros and Fingon, those two legendary BFFs, are together again, co-captaining a squad at Maedhros's fortress. Various men pledged to the sons of Feanor have announced their intentions to sign, and Maedhros has confirmed that his brothers Maglor, Amrod, and Amras are also on board, and for less than might be expected in order to leave some room for potential last minute signings.

Hithlum
The great Hador was set on captaining a team of his own in Hithlum from the start, but signings were quite slow, until something unexpected happened.

Those two inseparable sons of Feanor, defensive stars Celegorm and Curufin, approached Hador with a proposition- allow them to play up front on offense for a change and they would sign with the team. Recognizing their talent and the potential to draw in others with the publicity they'd create, Hador agreed, and soon interested parties were showing up.

Since then Hador has signed Aradan, Imlach, Galdor, and others to his side, and things are really coming together for Hador and company.

Minas Morgul
After trying a year apart last season, Castamir and Beruthiel are back with the Witch King's Minas Morgul squad, and soon they were joined by familiar faces such as the King of the Dead, Earnur, Angamaite, and Sangahyando.

Word is The Witch King has been outbid for the services of his friend Khamul, but there are rumors that other Nazgul are looking to sign with Minas Morgul in his place.

Minas Tirith
This year's Minas Tirith squad is captained by Cirion. He hoped early on that Eorl would come to his aid as of old, but Queen Arwen nabbed him for Gondor instead. However, in his place came another ruler of Rohan- Eomer.

This started the pebbles falling, and soon he was joined by two of his generals Elfhelm and Grimbold, and then by his sister Eowyn and her husband Faramir, and then Eomer's father-in-law Imrahil. After a couple more signings this team will be ready to roll.

Mithrim
Tuor was asked to join Gondolin, Hithlum, and others, but he decided he would prove his mettle by forming his own squad this year. With few backers the attempt looked likely to fail, but his old friend Annael agreed to help immediately, and his relatives came to his aid as well- Morwen, Nienor, and Aerin.

Tuor is still working on finalizing his squad, but he isn't worried about gaining the necessary numbers.

Mordor
No one doubted that there would be a team Mordor once again, but no one ever stepped up to take the captaincy. In the meantime, mainstays such as various Nazgul, Grishnakh, and Shelob signed up to play with the officially non-existent squad.

In time the Arda Cup Committee decided that they would declare the team formed despite the lack of a captain, and soon the team was full. In an interesting move, Grishnakh suggested that the Silent Watcher be recruited to play as keeper, turning away shots with force of will. Everyone is anxious to see how that will turn out.

Nargothrond
With both Finrod and Orodreth gone to play in the Blessed Realm, Finduilas has taken over management of the guarded realm.

Elves Arminas, Gelmir, and Guillen signed early on, and Beor and members of his clan accepted contracts quite early as well. There appears to be one remaining spot on the squad, but Finduilas has refused to say why she has kept the spot open with so many wishing to be a part of Nargothrond.

Numenor
The formation of this team is a similar story to that of Mordor. With the usual captains gone to other squads, Numenor became a collection of unified talent. Ar Zimrathan, Ar Gimilzor, Tar Miriel, and others signed early, but they kept a handful of slots open just in case any of their great leaders had a change of heart. With recent developments in mind regarding team Westernesse however, it is expected that Numenor will soon round out their squad.

Shire-Bree United
Mayor Samwise was elected to lead the Shire squad, and he immediately sent a message to Breeland asking if they'd be interested in a joint squad. The Bree dwellers enthusiastically received the message, and Shire-Bree United was born.

His lifelong friends Frodo, Merry, and Pippin were with it immediately, as was Butterbur, Ferny, and Harry. There are only a couple of slots left now, and there has been much debate as to which hobbits or men will receive them now that it has been confirmed that Bombadil has a team of his own this time around.

The Downer
Some residents of Middle Earth have never been pleased with the inclusion of alternate universe Downers & Werewolves in the Arda Cup, and these folks now have yet another reason to be angry, as Arda Cup officials have allowed captain Hookbill and his band of cartoon minions a place in the tournament.

Armed with a huge bag of fake paper money, Hookbill has signed nearly all of The Downer's biggest stars, like Alien, Lalwende MP, John Fillis, Burnt Bert, Peter Hampton, and even the Soap Pope.

This team was put together top to bottom as early as any, but no one knows what to expect from them. We'll have to wait and see.

The Forest
Unbelievably Tom Bombadil has shown some real motivation this year. Usually he spends the off-season running about chasing rainbows and signs with someone late for little money, but this time around he said that he would be master of his own squad.

The Ents and Entwives requested to help him immediately, and Tom was happy to receive them, offering to sing them into shape in no time. Tom also signed Haleth of Brethil forest in the early going, as well as Saeros of Doriath after it became apparent that he wouldn't have a spot with his home squad.

Recently the team was filled up by gaining Thranduil of Mirkwood, who had little interest in other squads.

Tirion
Co-captains Finwe and Aule were determined to better last year's strong performance, but they've encountered a good deal of poor fortune.

As has been reported by AKM, annual scoring stars Miriel and Nerdanel have been lured away by team Valinor, and rumor is that Feanor is unlikely to return as well. But not all is bleak for Tirion, as Finrod and Orodreth signed to play for their grandfather only last week, and regulars Mahtan and Finarfin have signed as well.

More encouraging is the addition of Aredhel, who has been to three consecutive finals and won two of them. For the remaining spots, most believe Finwe is attempting to dig up some new talent from the Noldor's deep talent pool.

Tol Eressea
As touched upon by AKM, Ulmo is away from the rest of the Valar yet again- this time captaining the Tol Eressea squad. After his success with Vanyamar last season, why not try something similar again?

Many great lovers of the sea such as Tar Aldarion, Amandil, Earwen, and Elwing have joined Ulmo's Maia helpers Osse, Uinen, and Salmar to put together a loyal team, and Ulmo has already commenced full practices, focusing on defense first per last year's philosophy.

Wilderland
Disappointed by the performance of Barad-Dur last season, Sauron has ventured out into the wider expanse of Wilderland in an attempt to recruit a greater array of talent, and with his deep pockets it's no surprise that he's found plenty of willing help.

His pitch to Smaug and Scatha for playing side by side was received enthusiastically, and his recruitment of the Blue Wizards was swift and without complication as well. More recently he has managed to buy Khamul away from Minas Morgul and lure Bolg out of the mountains, and several sources say that deals with Radagast and Grimbeorn are in the works.

[Boromir88]

LOTHLORIEN PRESS CONFERENCE
BoroLXXXVIII, Two Towers Network

Amid all the offseason speculations of where Feanor would be signing this year, not even Elrond could have forseen this. Well, that's not entirely true since it was TTN last year which reported rumors Feanor had wanted to go to Lothlorien, and only for a lock of her hair, but Galadriel rejected him. Needless to say though, we were still shocked when Feanor was seen arriving at 'The Stadium in Golden Woods' a few days ago. Galadriel invited local reporters up to her talan to answer questions with their most recent signee, Feanor.

Galadriel: First order of business I'd like to answer now, it is true Feanor has been signed to our squad for a lock of my hair. And with that answered, we can start taking other questions.

The Dreamflower Journal: Boro, writer for TTN, reported last year Feanor essentially came to you with the same offer and you turned him down. First, was that true? Second, if so, what changed your mind this year?

Galadriel: Personally I don't pay attention to what people write and say outside of my realm and I won't answer any questions about last year or my past relationship with Feanor. The important thing now is, I understand the fan discontent with Lothlorien's past performances, and I believe signing a striker of Feanor's caliber will address the reasons we haven't fared well in previous tournaments.

The Dreamflower Journal: Ok then, same question to Feanor.

Feanor: The Lady Galadriel is right, all that's important is the present. I will say that 1 of 2 desires in my life has been fulfilled and I believe I'm about to achieve the other one.

The Dreamflower Journal: Can you be more specific about your...desires?

Feanor: Ha you act like I'm full of secrets and surprises. My heart has always been known, just unlike most, I don't fear taking risks to get what I want. I've desired the Arda Cup trophy again since winning it for Formenos in 2008. I want to be the best, and everyone knows the one with the most trophies is the best.

Laurelindorenan Herald: So, by your standards would you say the White Lady of Gondolin is the best player in Arda?

Feanor: Without question I think you have to admit Aredhel is in the discussion. I played with her at Formenos in our championship year, and she is a highly skilled player, definitely one of the best. But the number of championships is only one measurement, I'm just saying it's hard to be viewed as the best if your one championship came several years ago. So every move I make is because I feel it gives me the best opportunity to win a 2nd title.

Laurelindorenan Herald: Let's question some of your moves since your champions in '08. You fielded a team in Hithlum in '09, and lost to Armenolos in the title match. Then in '10 you went to play with your mom and dad in Tuna, and got knocked out in the Round of 8. How do you hope to win a 2nd, when you've come to a team that hasn't made it passed the group phase in any of those years?

Feanor: Listen, in 2009 and 2010 we lost to the most balanced teams in the tournament. Armenolos and Gondolin respectively, who both wound up champions. In both those years, our defenses collapsed in the final minutes. Armenolos and Gondolin had the better defenses, and as you all saw, our failure has been conceding late goals. There's no way you're going to win the title when your defense gives up 2late goals to Ar Pharazon, and 1 late goal to Glorfindel. I came to Lothlorien because Galadriel has already set in place a solid defense, and has always been defensively oriented.

The Celebrant Courier: That's what I wanted to get to. You two have a storied and complicated history with eachother? How will your differing philosophies and clearly different personalities work together now, when they haven't before?

Galadriel: As I've already said I won't get into questions about our past. Feanor and I have the same desires, and our philosophies aren't so dramatically different. Our failures to achieve our goals, we've learned from. I haven't changed my focus on defense, this should be proved since our signings of Gandalf and Shadowfax, two top quality defenders and the return of Gimli, the best defensive-midfielder. However, as Feanor alluded to, you also need to score goals. We will still be focused on the defense, but in the past the inexperience of our strikers meant I'd have to put more MFs forward than what I was willing to commit to create more goals. The problem with pushing the MFs forward is then you lose a step defensively.

Signing Feanor allows for much more flexibility. He can create offense on his own, and will only be more dangerous with continued support from Legolas and Boromir II. Also, signing better defenders allows me the latitude to commit more MFs if needed to get goals, but not lose anything defensively, simly because Gandalf and Shadowfax are better defenders then we've had in the past.

Feanor: I believe I answered this previously, but yes, we've both learned from past mistakes. You can't have a defense which conceded late goals and expect to win the Arda Cup. And if you remember, who captained the defense with Hithlum in 2009? Ulmo. Who captained the defense with Tirion in 2010? Aule. The fact is, the Vala do not want to admit their own fault in banning me, and thus they will do whatever is within their powers to stop me from winning another title. I came to play for a team that fits my philosophy, desires what I desire, and doesn't have a Vala captaining the defense.

The Celebrant Courier: Are you saying Ulmo and Aule purposefully tanked their defensive responsibilities just to stick it to you?

Feanor: What have I said about not conceding late goals? And who conceded those goals late that cost me the match? I rest my case. Believe what you see or not, I won't trust the Valar ever again.

Galadriel: Well, on this, I have to disagree with, but the bottomline is, I have done everything in my powers to make Lothlorien a champion this year. My record speaks for itself, every game I come ready with a determination and expectation to win. And I want players, who game in and game out, play with the same determination and leave it all out on the pitch.

Now, that is all the time we have for questions, as there are a few practices we need to begin.

[Galadriel55]

With an exclusive interview!

There are questions raised about a former Midfielder of Gorgoroth, one called Gollum. We heard that a long time ago, when he was still called Sméagol, he used to play for Anduin. However, for frequent disappearances from practices, his strict grandmother – who also happened to be the coach and head of the team – kicked him out. He tried his luck at the Misty Mountains, but he did not make a good first impression to the Great Goblin, so he turned him down.

Since then he tried to sign on to a team, but without success. Finally, last year, team Gorgoroth agreed to take him. It wasn’t what Gollum expected, wretched creature. He did not like playing on the team and left as soon as he convinced the ferocious goalkeeper, Shelob, to let him leave. He might have regretted resigning this year, because he was not able to find another team that would take him.

With thanks to Aragorn the Ranger, who helped us find Gollum in the Wilderland, we are able to bring an exclusive interview with him!

Reporter: Which teams have you tried joining?

Gollum: Poor good Sméagol! No one likes him. No one wants him, yess, preciouss. They only kicks him and pokes him: Dwarves, Men, and Elves, terrible Elves with bright eyes, gollum!

Reporter: What experience from past years can you offer a team?

Gollum: Lost, lost! We lost, my preciouss! Losst!

Reporter: How have you preformed with Gorgoroth? What did you do?

Gollum: Ssneaking!!! O yess, my preciouss. We are a sneak.

Reporter: Can you tell me what are you planning to do now?

Gollum: We won’t! Not to you. Gollum, gollum! Don’t look at us! Go away! Go to sleep!

[Kuruharan]

By: Kuruharan, son of Khoreth, Underground

Lorien -

The Arda Cup…an exciting extravaganza celebrating the way sport can bring the world together or a vehicle of debauchery for footballers and those who mooch off of them?

As many of you are no doubt completely unaware, the ravages of cultural rot in our society were set to new lows during the last Cup by such names as Coleen Balrog #4 (wife of Balrog #4), Cheryl Ancalagon (wife of Ancalagon), and the raunchy arch-diva herself Victoria “Rich Parsley” Sauron (who needs no introduction). But never fear, ladies and gentledwarves, The Underground is here and our cracked reporters have brought to light shocking allegations of uncontrolled shopping sprees, wild parties and unlicensed balloon stands that raged throughout the course of last year’s Cup.

Indeed, during last year’s Cup one alcohol fueled international shopping binge ultimately spanned 8 nations, cost 3 million gold, 5 dead and 26 wounded. Over the course of this spree The Underground has learned Coleen Balrog #4 bought a pair of sunglasses so large she toppled over when she put them on and Cheryl Ancalagon had to buy a handbag so enormous it required a dozen Haradrian slaves to carry…all for the purpose of holding Coleen’s sunglasses.

But most shocking of all is the charge that during last year’s championship match Victoria “Rich Parsley” Sauron ran a charity juice stand that cost so much money to operate her husband Sauron had to take out a mortgage on Cirith Ungol.

One of our reporters recently questioned Sauron regarding these allegations. He had this to say:

Sauron: Who are you and what are you talking about?! I’m not married! I’ve never heard of a “Rich Parsley” and I’ve never taken a mortgage out Cirith Ungol! You’ll be hearing from my lawyers!

Clearly a man hopelessly lost to love and in the deepest depths of denial about the costs of his wayward spouse’s wasteful lifestyle.

Will such decadence lead to Sauron and his Wilderland squad losing their chance at the Arda Cup? Only time will tell.

[the phantom]

Groups

GROUP A
Doriath
Himring
Shire-Bree United
Tirion

GROUP B
Anduin
Esgaroth
Misty Mts
Wilderland

GROUP C
Angband
Angfauglith
Hithlum
The Downer

GROUP D
Barad-Dur
Eregion
Eriador
Gondor

GROUP E
Mordor
Nargothrond
The Forest
Tol In Gaurhoth

GROUP F
Mithrim
Numenor
Tol Eressea
Westernesse

GROUP G
Beleriand
Gondolin
Pelori
Valinor

GROUP H
Dunharrow
Lothlorien
Minas Morgul
Minas Tirith

Rosters

Anduin
GK Fram
DF Frumgar
DF Rumil
DF Orophin
MF Falastur
MF Calimehtar
MF Durin
MF Leód
MF *Beorn
FW Telumehtar
FW Earnil II

Angband
GK **Ungoliant
DF Drauglin
DF Balrog #1
DF *Balrog #2
DF **Morgoth
MF Balrog #3
MF Ulfang
MF *Tilion
FW Telvildo
FW Thuringwethil
FW *Ancalagon

Angfauglith
GK Huor
DF Rochallor
DF Balrog #4
DF *Balrog #5
DF **Fingolfin
MF Rían
MF Azaghål
MF Ecthelion
FW Gwindor
FW *Maeglin
FW *Gothmog

Barad-Dur
GK Ohtar
DF Fellbeast #1
DF Nazgul #1
DF Gothmog II
DF Anarion
MF Shagrat
MF Fellbeast #2
MF Mouth
MF Cirdan
MF *Gil-galad
FW Isildur

Beleriand
GK Halmir
DF Bregor
DF Daeron
DF Handir
DF Gamil Zirak
MF Nellas
MF Telchar
MF Aegnor
MF Belegund
MF Angrod
FW Marach

Doriath
GK **Huan
DF Carcharoth
DF Elwe
DF *Beren
DF **Melian
MF Mablung
MF Luthien
MF *Eol
MF *Hurin
FW Beleg
FW **Turin

Dunharrow
GK Aldor
DF Hama
DF Brego
DF Snowmane
DF Theoden
DF Walda
MF Folca
MF Thengel
MF Brytta
MF Theodred
FW Helm

Eregion
GK **Elrond
DF Asfaloth
DF Valandil
DF Erestor
DF *Celebrimbor
MF Lindir
MF Elladen
MF Figwit
MF Elrohir
MF *Glorfindel
FW *Earendil

Eriador
GK Arvedui
DF Tom
DF Valandur
DF Bert
DF Amlaith
MF Argeleb
MF Halbarad
MF Aranarth
MF Barrow-Wight
MF *Aragorn
FW Araphor

Esgaroth
GK Brand
DF Mayor
DF Balin
DF Thorin
MF Galion
MF Attercop
MF Bain
MF Tomnoddy
MF Girion
FW Dain
FW Bard

Gondolin
GK *Rog
DF Penlod
DF Galdor
DF Meleth
DF Thorondor
MF Elenwe
MF Salgant
MF Idril
MF *Turgon
FW Duilin
FW Egalmoth

Gondor
GK *Ecthelion II
DF Romendacil
DF Felarof
DF Boromir I
MF Folcwine
MF Narmacil
MF Ostoher
MF Turambar
MF *Arwen
FW Eldacar
FW Eorl

Himring
GK Maglor
DF Uldor
DF Amrod
DF Ulwarth
DF Amras
MF Borlach
MF Ulfast
MF Borthond
MF Bór
FW Fingon
FW *Maedhros

Hithlum
GK Imlach
DF Baragund
DF Lorgan
DF Algund
DF Galdor
MF Gloredhel
MF Gundor
MF Aradan
FW Celegorm
FW Curufin
FW Hador

Lothlorien
GK *Galadriel
DF Amroth
DF Shadowfax
DF Celeborn
DF **Gandalf
MF Gimli
MF Nimrodel
MF Haldir
MF Boromir II
MF Legolas
FW **Feanor

Minas Morgul
GK Earnur
DF Nazgul #2
DF Angamaite
DF Sangahyando
DF *Nazgul #3
MF Fuinur
MF Herumor
MF King Dead
FW Beruthiel
FW Castamir
FW *Witch King

Minas Tirith
GK Cirion
DF Grimbold
DF Firefoot
DF Denethor II
DF Beregond
MF Elfhelm
MF Imrahil
MF Eowyn
MF Faramir
FW Tarondor
FW Eomer

Misty Mts
GK Caradhras
DF Chief Wolf
DF Landroval
DF Meneldor
DF Watcher
MF Great Goblin
MF William
MF Narvi
MF Saruman
MF *Durin’s Bane
FW Azog

Mithrim
GK Tuor
DF Sador
DF Brodda
DF Gethron
DF Grithnir
DF Annael
MF Aerin
MF Morwen
MF Asgon
MF Nienor
FW Andróg

Mordor
GK Silent Watcher
DF Gollum
DF Nazgul #4
DF Radbug
DF *Nazgul #5
MF Gorbag
MF Snaga
MF Nazgul #6
MF Grishnakh
MF *Nazgul #7
FW Shelob

Nargothrond
GK Barahir
DF Baran
DF Guilen
DF Gelmir
DF Arminas
MF Mim
MF Gildor
MF Emeldir
MF *Glaurung
MF Finduilas
FW Beor

Numenor
GK Silmariën
DF Tar Meneldur
DF Tar Cirytan
DF Tar Calmacil
DF *Ar Zimrathan
MF Tar Elendil
MF Ar Gimilzor
MF Tar Ancalimon
MF Vardamir
MF *Tar Miriel
FW Tar Surion

Pelori
GK *Manwe
DF Gwaihir
DF Nahar
DF Nienna
DF *Namo
MF Vana
MF Orome
MF Irmo
MF Ilmare
MF *Varda
FW Eonwe

Shire-Bree United
GK Butterbur
DF Harry
DF Bill
DF Lumpkin
DF Ferny
MF Gerontius
MF Frodo
MF Samwise
MF Pippin
FW Bandobras
FW Merry

The Downer
GK King Bus
DF Soap Pope
DF Burnt Bert
DF Philip Hampton
MF John Fillis
MF Morsul
MF Lalwende MP
MF Saucepan Man
MF Peter Hampton
MF Hookbill
FW Alien

The Forest
GK Old Man Willow
DF Haleth
DF Fimbrethil
DF Treebeard
MF Goldberry
MF Quickbeam
MF Skinbark
MF River Woman
FW Saeros
FW Thranduil
FW *Bombadil

Tirion
GK Orodreth
DF Elemmakil
DF Elemmírë
DF Caranthir
DF *Aule
MF Enerdhil
MF Finarfin
MF Mahtan
MF *Finrod
FW Aredhel
FW Finwe

Tol Eressea
GK Amandil
DF Tar Aldarion
DF Osse
DF *Salmar
DF *Ulmo
MF Voronwe
MF Lindo
MF Eriol
MF Earwen
MF Elwing
FW Uinen

Tol In Gaurhoth
GK ShastaWolf
DF KuruWolf
DF NilpWolf
DF *SkipWolf
MF GaladWolf
MF SallyWolf
MF InzilWolf
MF *PhantomWolf
FW GwathWolf
FW NerWolf
FW *NogWolf

Valinor
GK Ingwe
DF Indis
DF Vaire
DF Tulkas
MF Nessa
MF Este
MF Yavanna
MF Olwe
FW Nerdanel
FW *Miriel
FW Arien

Westernesse
GK *Tar Atanamir
DF Tar Palantir
DF Elendil
DF Malbeth
DF **Tar Telperien
MF Hyarmendacil
MF Mardil
MF Ar Adunakhor
FW Tar Minastir
FW Elros
FW Ar Pharazon

Wilderland
GK Grimbeorn
DF Great Warg
DF Alatar
DF Oropher
DF *Pallando
MF Radagast
MF Bolg
MF Khamul
FW Smaug
FW *Sauron
FW Scatha

[Nogrod]

Our star reporter Ugr Nogrendale has gone completely over the top now - unless he was that already. Now he wishes to be called Hunter U. Nogson. But the AKM wil grant him that so long as he can bring us the interviews with the stars.

Public disclaimer: the views expressed in all of Hunter U. Nogson's stories are not those of the AKM and the AKM bears no legal responsibilty for them. In any legal matters you should contact his lawyer and not us.

~*~

Halfwits with halflings by Hunter U. Nogson.


The food was crap and the service was slow. And it seemed that the crowd was straight from a flea-circus; ragged, tagged and bagged with age - stinking foul and drinking only to get drunk. The guys, and I mean it was mostly males there, had clearly already forgotten any other joys of life, like getting closer to the fairer but meaner sex... Heh, I merged in nicely with this bunch of losers.

But the ale saved my day. It is no hoax that there is indeed some wizardry in the Prancing Pony's beer. The foam was light and soft but had staying-power to beat any brew made in Edoras. The taste was hoppy and a bit crispy, nicely bitter, but still refreshing like any best labels from Eregion, ancient or contemporary. And it really kicked, like any the beorning master-brewers made on the hay-day of their art. It had all those qualities in a single brew. It was strong... and cheap.


And there the countdown to my fall started this time.

I had decided for good to make a professional interview this time as with some luck my agent had managed to deal a sit-down with none others but Frodo and Sam themselves, the heroes of the Middle-Earth - and exclusive to the AKM, by me! I had even prepared myself for it, looking for tough questions going through their personal histories and the history of football in these lost lands behind not only Valar's back, but behind any civilization's grasp whatsoever. But I was having my seventh pint when the duo finally arrived, sweating from their practises.

After the required "how do you do's" I decided to go straight to the bussiness while they were ordering some sausages and ham with Ithilien taters.

"It sure is remarkable, something the footballing Arda has been looking forwards; to see you four heroes of the M-E playing for the same team. It sure will be a commercial success and the stadiums will be sold out... and you'll be having fat wallets after all this is over, but do you really think you have qualities to compete in this year's competition for real? Is there any one team you could challenge for good?"

That was a worst starter anyone could have begun with. Let me tell any beginning journalists reading this story, what not to do when interviewing a decent hobbit.

a) Never make him understand you think he is doing something he loves for money, fame or vanity.
b) Never doubt his qualities: the hobbits have just gotten over the scorn of other nations disregarding them as insignificant little-men and they don't like to be reminded of that scorn.
c) Never, ever, doubt their personal integrity or honour (or the quickness of their temper underlying the jovial surface).

To my luck Frodo was the less offended of the two and he was able to pull Sam back from his bench as he was coming straight at me over the table. He would have beaten me for good, that I do allow him.

"You have your recorder on, Mr. Nogson?" Frodo asked after taming Sam, giving him a pint to mind.

I nodded, still shaky about the violent leap of master Samwise, reaching for my pint.

"Maybe you can edit your story when you're more sober... so I can answer your questions. I can see what you're hinting at with this being a lucrative deal, but trust me," and here he looked at me straight into the eye with the stare of an innocent hobbit, "that's not the case. We gathered together last autumn, the four of us, and reviewed our mediocre performances last year in different teams and we really came upon a strong urge to play together, for ourselves, and for our homeland. We really missed heart last year. Now our hearts beat together, and together we're strong. No friend left behind, you know?"

With Frodo's soothing voice recounting all those press-conference niceties I started to calm down and even my hands weren't trembling that much any more that I managed to take a long draught of my pint without spilling a lot of it to my breast. "Gandalf and Shadowfax were the single best players in team Bywater last year, and even with them the team was sad. Them signing off to Lothlorién you obviously can do nothing about - and I understand your ache for them when the powers - and money - talk. But you could have Maggott? He was basically the only player in the field to play on a quality-level! Why is he not in? Was he getting too self-conscious to you four comebacks? Do you have a inferiority complex with old Maggott Mr. Frodo?"

Now even Frodo seemed annoyed. "Look Mr. Nogson. If this is going to be an interview, you should watch your language! I will have none of it like this!"

"Well, maybe Mr. Samwise could tell our readers why you have dismissed the single best player of Bywater last year, namely the goalkeeper, your wife, Rosie Cotton? Why is she not tending the goal, why is she not playing at all? She was the clear MVP of the team Bywater last year and a quality-keeper in any M-E standards. And you're putting Butterbur between the poles instead? Are you guys freaking mad or is it because you don't want anyone to outshine you, not the least your wife?"

That was it. Sam jumped over the table and started pounding me with his fists, and Frodo seemed to be in no mood to stop him this time - nor were the other customers or the staff of that wretched inn with heavenly beer.


The next morning I woke up bruised in my bed where someone clearly had carried me. I remembered little of the night before but the recorder told me more I wished to hear. Now sitting on my bed I'm finishnig my report from the Prancing Pony.

Say whatever they say. The stats of the Fantastic Four from last year are sad to look at (Frodo / Ithilien -1, Sam / Ithilien +4, Merry / Rohan 0, Pippin / Minas Anor 0). But so am I.

Anyway. From last year's team Bree they have lost like 50 phantasypoints while the combined phantasypoints of the Fabulous Four they brought in is 3 points...

So let me express my doubts as to Shire-Bree Utd.'s success this year. I do not make this verdict totally ignoring the ache in my jaw and sides, but I still am sincere - even if not totally sober yet.


Hunter U. Nogson

[Kuruharan]

By: Chrysophalax Dives, Underground

Umbar-

The Underground recently sat down with the phantom to discuss the upcoming Cup...and some other stuff.

Underground: Thank you for meeting with us today.

the phantom: You're welcome. I am excited to have a new means of sharing myself with my fans!

Underground: How do you feel about your team’s chances in this year’s Cup?

the phantom I feel great! Obviously our fans need have no concerns about my performance on the pitch as I am the living, breathing definition of the word “awesome.”

Underground: What about the rest of your squad?

the phantom: Who? Ha-ha! Just kidding. I have a great supporting cast starting with NogWolf’s ability to argue the opposing defenders into an intellectual corner leaving them befuddled on the pitch and helpless to interfere with his goal scoring. Behind me I have SkipWolf’s ability to utterly bog down the opposing strikers and KuruWolf’s ability to bribe them into being offside.

Underground: You are on record as saying you believe Gandalf’s tactic of uncloaking at the drop of a hat is the most effective offensive tactic ever conceived. Will Tol-in-Gaurhoth be employing this tactic during this year’s Cup?

the phantom: I’m afraid I’m not going to get into specifics of our planned tactics this year. However, everyone can rest assured that our performance will be eye-opening!

Underground: Keeping on the Gandalf theme, isn’t it true that during the offseason, you and Gandalf discussed with each other the possibility of you two playing for the same team?

the phantom: I talk to all kinds of people as I am amazingly popular.

Underground: Isn’t it also true that in spite of your public commitments to never leave the Tol-in-Gaurhoth side, as a result of your chats with Gandalf, you entered into negotiations with Lorien to sign with them?

the phantom: I categorically deny that!

Underground: Which is unfortunate because we have a record of a conversation you had with Galadriel where she said to you, “I do not deny that my heart has greatly desired to ask what you offer.”

the phantom: .........she wasn’t necessarily talking about my signing with her team…

Underground: Can you confirm that your own negotiations to join her fell through when Gimli agreed to sign up, ironically enough, for a lock of hair?

the phantom: No comment.

Underground: Can you confirm or deny rumors that Galadriel has now paid so many players with locks of her hair that she is now, for all intents and purposes, bald?

the phantom: That’s it! This interview is over!

[Boromir88]

Final set of results for the Round 1 Friendlies!

Dunharrow vs. Mordor

This match was pretty sloppy and slow moving. Both teams seemed content to have a kick around and just practice against an opponent. The shooting was particularly poor from both. There was not much effort to build a sustained attack, but settle for taking long distance snipes on goal, and thus more often then not surrendering possession to the other team. The only difference in this game was the person (or well...thing?) in between the posts. The Silent Watcher's strong will stopped every shot, though any viewer would say the quality of the shots was quite poor, and we'll see if its will is strong enough to stop rockets from the better FWs. Aldor had quite a bit of trouble and whenever the Nazgul were around looked quite nervous in the goal. He may needed to just shake off some rust, because saving 50% will not get the job done in the tournament.

Dunharrow 0-2 Mordor
tot shots 9-10
on target 4-4
GOALS:
*40, 0-1 Grishnakh (Nazgul #7)
*72, 0-2 Nazgul #6 (Nazgul #7)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Dunharrow- Brego, Brytta
*Mordor- Shelob, Gorbag, Radbug

Eregion vs. Wilderland

Both teams again looked to be having a practice on the pitch. Sauron was definitely lacking his usual intensity, as he took more to watching and commanding his troops (as he had done from Barad-dur many ages ago), and Celebrimbor wasted his time being assigned to guard him.

The positive news for Wilderland is they look extremely deadly on set pieces, as both goals were scored from corner kicks. Khamul has the leg and accuracy to deliver excellent corners and the two dragons make large targets.

Eregion 1-2 Wilderland
tot shots 10-13
on target 5-7
GOALS:
*13, 1-0 Glorfindel (Elrohir)
*54, 1-1 Smaug (Khamul)
*83, 1-2 Scatha (Khamul)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Eregion- Elladan, Valandil
*Wilderland- Scatha, Bolg, Alatar

Esgaroth vs. Shire-Bree United

Another friendly in the sense that the teams were joking and laughing as they were playing against eachother. The fans saw a lot of goals, which is always exciting, but none of them were what I would call "great" goals. Either because the goal keepers were sloppy, or the defenses were uninterested and lackluster, or probably a lot of both.

You can see both teams liked to shoot, and Shire-Bree United a bit more so, but with far less accuracy as they peppered shots from every direction and angle, no matter how unlikely it was to go on target. Esgaroth worked with a better direction to their attacks, instead of everyone just kicking the ball from wherever, you could tell Girion was more methodical by being able to deliver good passes to Bard and Dain.

Esgaroth 3-3 Shire-Bree United
tot shots 13-16
on target 6-7
GOALS:
*11, 1-0 Bard (Girion)
*29, 1-1 Bandobras (Frodo)
*42, 2-1 Bard (Tomnoddy)
*61, 2-2 Frodo (Pippin)
*69, 3-2 Dain (Girion)
*83, 3-3 Merry (Samwise)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Esgaroth- Attercop, Thorin
Shire-Bree- Bandobras, Lumpkin, Ferny

Tol Eressea vs. Tol In Gaurhoth

Both teams, and in particular Tol in Gaurhoth, are known for clever trickery and deception, but this match they played it straight forward. My guess is they are saving the deception for when the games mean more and did not want to tip their hands too much.

With that said Tol In Gaurhoth had simply overwhelmed Tol Eressea by the wolves superior athleticism. Ulmo likes to build the attack from the defenders forward, but Tol Eressea simply could not do that against the werewolves who were running all around, harassing the Eressea players. This game could have been a lot uglier had Amandil not made some truly nice saves or had Phantomwolf shown that he cared at all. He was quoted post match saying, "psh - it's just the friendlies."

Tol Eressea 0-2 Tol In Gaurhoth
tot shots 6-13
on target 2-8
GOALS:
*32, 0-1 InzilWolf (GwathWolf)
*64, 0-2 NogWolf (GwathWolf)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Tol Eressea- Osse, Uinen
*Tol In Gaurhoth- GaladWolf, NilpWolf, GwathWolf

[Nogrod]

Pay heed to these performances after the first round of friendlies...

Goalkeepers:

The Silent Watcher of Mordor
- saved four shots and kept the goal clean.

Manwë of Pelori
- conceded only one goal from six shots against him.

Defences:

T-I-G defence
-let the opponents only to shoot 2(6)

Midfield:

Nazgul #7 of Mordor
- 0+2 and a shut-out

Saruman of Misty Mts. & Frodo of Shire-Bree Utd.
- 1+1 but not too happy to defend...

Forwards:

Eldacar of Gondor
- 2+1

Ancalagon of Angband, Maeglin of Anfauglith and Bard of Esgaroth
- 2+0

[Boromir88]

FRIENDLIES - ROUND 2 PREDICTIONS
BoroLXXXVIII, Two Towers Network

It appears the players are not the only ones who need to shake off some rust, as my scores were woefully off. But by the time the tournament kicks off, I assure my esteemed readers all the rust will be gone.

Anduin (0-1-0) vs Wilderland (1-0-0)
Anduin comes into Round 2 with a draw against the Misty Mts and Wilderland beat Eregion. Anduin doesn't look like they will be pushovers in this tournament, but an uninterested Sauron still managed to beat Eregion and they should have the same success against Anduin.
Wilderland wins 3-1

Angband (1-0-0) vs Minas Tirith (0-0-1)
Angband's defense came out on fire against Minas Morgul, it'll be interesting to see if Melkor wishes to continue flexing his defensive might in the friendlies or after shutting down the effective Minas Morgul attack if he relaxes.
Angband wins 2-0

Angfauglith (1-0-0) vs Gondolin (0-1-0)
This would be an excellent match if it took place in the tournament. Anfauglith has the better athletes but I think Turgon will continue attacking more and letting the defense stand up on it's own.
Draw 2-2

Barad-Dur (0-0-1) vs The Downer (0-1-0)
I have no idea what The Downer team is going to do for this match, or not to mention what they are going to do 5 minutes from now. There seems to be no rhyme or reason, but that's worked to their benefit since no one else knows what they're going to do either.
The Downer wins 3-2

Beleriand (1-0-0) vs Tol Eressea (0-0-1)
With Ulmo expect Tol Eressea to remain defensive. Now that Angrod and Aegnor and some great dwarven smiths have joined Beleriand, I'm still not sure what to expect. They're in a tough group for sure, but should be better to watch than last years team.
Draw 1-1

Doriath (1-0-0) vs Hithlum (0-1-0)
Doriath is the more expensive team as Thingol really has emptied his pocket book this year. Also they're pretty relaxed under Melian's calm demeanor. Hador already struggling with unhappiness from his stars does not bode well for their chances this year. Still on talent alone, this will be a close game.
Doriath wins 3-2

Dunharrow (0-0-1) vs Eregion (0-0-1)
Both teams come in with a loss, but Eregion at this stage looks like the much better team as Dunharrow still has a lot of practicing to do.
Eregion wins 2-0

Eriador (0-0-1) vs Tol In Gaurhoth (1-0-0)
Eriador's had a tough go getting Numenor and now Tol in Gaurhoth, who looks to play just as aggressive as werewolves past, but much more intelligent.
T-I-G wins 3-1

Esgaroth (0-1-0) vs Lothlorien (0-0-1)
It appears the much talked about purchase of Feanor has signs of backfiring for the Golden Woods. I can't explain it other than Galadriel trying to show this is still her team and thus they will play her style. Where the Lothlorien players may fear going out of their Lady's favour the Esgaroth team is playing very care free.
Draw 2-2

Gondor (1-0-0) vs Westernesse (1-0-0)
I can't imagine Westernesse playing with the same gusto they did against Barad-dur. These are their younger brothers and with former Gondorians like Mardil and Hyarmendacil on team Westernesse they will look kindly upon their kin. While the Gondorians will be awed by the majesty and royalty of the Numenoreans and hope one day to achieve their same glory.
Westernesse wins 2-1

Himring (0-0-1) vs Nargothrond (0-1-0)
Not sure what to make of Himring yet, there's definitely talent with the friendship of Maedhros and Fingon. However, would Maedhros have been better trying to attract better talent instead of relying on the loyalty of Men and the "pledged" loyalty of Uldor's clan? If it's true that Glaurung is happy to be back in Nargothrond, where he can be an attacking MF, this bodes good for them.
Nargothrond wins 2-1

Minas Morgul (0-0-1) vs Mordor (1-0-0)
I can see this match being some pre arranged deal where the teams won't go hard against eachother but will still try to get their practice round in. This one has the makings of a...
Draw 2-2

Misty Mts (0-1-0) vs Pelori (1-0-0)
Pelori tends to have greater motivation against the baddie teams and they are overall better than the Misty Mts. The score won't be a blowout, because Manwe's teams like to eak out "kindly" wins, but the numbers will be heavily scewed in favor of Pelori.
Pelori wins 1-0

Mithrim (0-0-1)vs Tirion (0-0-1)
Tuor's a good keeper, but I can't see this team he's put together working. Sorry, I can't. Androg was good at one time, under Turin's guidance, but he had to be begged out of retirement and I can't see them scoring enough goals. Even if Tirion's lost a lot with the departure of Miriel and Nerdanel, Finwe, Aredhel, and Finrod make a quality attack and should not be taken lightly.
Tirion wins 3-1

Numenor (1-0-0) vs Valinor (1-0-0)
Tulkas has put together a dangerous team (and deadly trio of FWs). I wonder how happy Manwe is with the decension of his Valar? Oh well, doesn't matter because Tulkas will take Valinor farther than Manwe will take Pelori. You can go to the bank with that one.
Valinor wins 2-0

Shire-Bree United (0-1-0) vs The Forest (0-0-1)
This should be an entertaining game as both teams approach to the friendlies is loose and relaxed. Both teams have a history of collapsing under pressure, but when there are no pressures to perform well they're a lot of fun to watch.
The Forest wins 4-2

[Boromir88]

Friendlies - Round 2 Results

Angband vs. Minas Tirith

The teams came out quick and competitive, with Angband having the clear advantage. When Tilion blasted in a long strike, making the score 1-0, you'd have to say Angband came out controlling possession and deserved it. This is the 3rd consecutive year Tilion has signed with Morgoth, and he will have to be a big part for Angband's success.

After grabbing the lead Morgoth focused all efforts on a suffocating team defense and the Minas Tirith players tried hopelessly to break the Angband back line. You'd have to give credit to the White City's defenders though, who also did a good job cutting off the legs of the Angband attack. They did not allow Angband to hold possession for long and the only other score came on Morgoth intercepting a pass and booming the ball downfield to the 3 rushing FWs. It was 3 on 3 break and with the skill of the Angband trio, you knew they would win that battle, even before Ancalagon smashed it in for the 2-0 Angband victory.

Angband 2-0 Minas Tirith
tot shots 11-8
on target 5-3
GOALS:
*17, 1-0 Tilion (Balrog #3)
*62, 2-0 Ancalagon (Telvildo)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Angband- Thuringwethil
*MTirith- Eowyn, Grimbold

Dunharrow vs. Eregion

An extremely friendly game that only had 1 yellow card handed out, and that was because the field was still soggy from the morning rain. Thengel was guarding Figwit, and when he slipped he accidentally took out Figwit in the process of falling down. The ref had no choice but to give a yellow. The small crowd of new Eregion fans, sporting bright colored Figwit jerseys looked frightened since their favorite player had went down awkwardly. However, Figwit got up quick, shook hands with Thengel, and to the cheers of the lovesick fans, walked off any soreness.

Even if the defenses were superb on both teams, you'd have to say the offenses still had a lot of work before being tournament ready. Lots of sloppy passing, badly struck corner kicks, and just not accurate shooting. Eregion had the better of it, but their 1 goal came on a low roller that Aldor couldn't pick up because somehow Glorfindel managed to sneak it through the mess of Dunharrow defenders in the box.

Dunharrow 0-1 Eregion
tot shots 7-10
on target 2-6
GOALS:
*34, 0-1 Glorfindel (Figwit)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Dunharrow- Thengel
*Eregion-

Esgaroth vs. Lothlorien

Lothlorien came out uninspired and their heads not in the match, which showed in the first 10 minutes. Even without their star-striker, Smaug, Esgaroth are great executors and it came to no one's surprise they took advantage of Lothlorien's uninspired team. It also looks like the Lothlorien defenders need more time playing together since Celeborn and newly acquired Shadowfax took eachother out of the game, freeing up Girion for the early Esgaroth goal. After falling behind, Galadriel was irate and demanded her entire team to withdraw back and play lockdown defense. Even Feanor was held back in Lothlorien's half of the pitch.

At the start of the 2nd, Galadriel was convinced her gameplan to play lockdown defense and counter-attacks would pay off, and pay off it did! The 1st counter took Esgaroth completely by surprise as Legolas and Feanor outran the defenders for a 2 on 1 break against the keeper. The 2nd happened when Galadriel snatched a shot by Bard, tossed it out quickly to Gandalf and soon the entire Lothlorien team was pushing forward. The Lothlorien players overwhelmed the Esgaroth defenders, and Boromir headed it in for a 2-1 lead. Then the 3rd and final counter was just a sick display of individual skill. Gandalf took the ball away and sent a long, looping pass down field. Feanor outran everyone (including the help coming from Legolas and Boromir) and easily beat Brand for a 3-1 Lothlorien win.

Esgaroth 1-3 Lothlorien
tot shots 9-12
on target 5-6
GOALS:
*9, 1-0 Girion (Dain)
*47, 1-1 Feanor (Legolas)
*54, 1-2 Boromir II (Haldir)
*59, 1-3 Feanor (Gandalf)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Esgaroth- Attercop, Bain, Mayor
*Lothlorien- Shadowfax, Celeborn, Boromir II

Gondor vs. Westernesse

Westernesse came into this game far less aggressive, most likely since they were playing against friends and kin. Despite the 2-2 outcome Westernesse showed they were the better athletes, by for the most part, keeping control of the game and the better shots. Afterwards, the teams paid eachother their respects for the good game, but Westernesse was clearly disappointed in their defense and goalie breaking down to let Gondor equalize both times.

Gondor 2-2 Westernesse
tot shots 11-14
on target 5-8
GOALS:
*16, 0-1 Mardil (Tar Minastir)
*40, 1-1 Eldacar (Arwen)
*65, 1-2 Elros (Ar Pharazon)
*81, 2-2 Eorl (Narmacil)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Gondor- Folcwine
*Westernesse- Hyarmendacil

[Nogrod]

Angfauglith - Gondolin

Packing into the stadium Gondolians were having some really mixed feelings. The field would be filled up with their heroes but many of their champions from last year would carry the colors of team Angfauglith while their own team was bursting with names from the silvermedalists team Vinyamar. When the teams entered the field there were individual yells calling for “traitors” and “deserters”, but most of the crowds seemed to cheer for all players congenially.

As soon as the game began it became clear both teams had paid heed to the possible contempt of the Gondolinians and they were giving the audience their best while maintaining a well-humoured and gentlemanlike attitude towards the game and to each other. So instead of hard tackling and merciless fighting from each ball the audience was entertained with some of the tournament’s hottest players delivering ball tricks and trying out clever passing combinations; at time it looked like the Angfaughlith midfielders had put up a fun competition over who could score from the greatest distance.

With all the talent and skill on the field it was more than fitting that the only goal made was an absolute beauty by Gwindor: from a rebound of Ecthelion’s power-shot from almost forty meters that hit the post, Gwindor made an outstanding volley off the bounce and hit it just under the crossbar with such force Rôg was totally disarmed.

So even if the game was more like looking at friends playing at the park than following competitive football, the crowds were pleased and entertained in the end. And there is good news for team Gondolin; after a more or less mediocre performance in the first friendly game, Rôg seems to be gearing up again at the goal.

Angfauglith 1-0 Gondolin
tot shots 11-6
on target 8-2
GOALS:
*49, 1-0 Gwindor (Ecthelion)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Angfauglith- Balrog #4
*Gondolin- Thorondor


Doriath - Hithlum

The mood of the game between Doriath and Hithlum could have been quite congenial as well, was there not the clear tension between Celegorm and Curufin on the one side and Eöl, Beren and Luthien on the other; they didn’t even shake hands in the beginning of the game ceremonies. In-game Eöl got booked from tripping Curufin and Celegorm from roughing Beren. And if looks could kill, there sure would have been five dead players in the field. But all in all, Melian and Hador managed to keep their players more or less in order and the overall athmosphere of the game was friendly.

But even playing a friendly game doesn’t mean that Doriath would play lazily. They scored twice in less than twenty minutes in to the game ripping Hithlum’s defence apart like a tornado. After gaining a two goal lead they eased their pressure somewhat and the game became a bit more even. Before the end of the first half Curufin narrowed the score with a brilliant individual performance outrunning Doriath’s defence.

On the second half Doriath took the reins again playing a very well balanced possession game leaving team Hithlum time and time again without the ball or room to make a play with it. Unlike against Gondolin in the first match, Imlach looked just the mortal man he is and was forced to surrender two more times.

Like after the first game, brothers Celegorm and Curufin were complaining the lack of feeding. “Natural born scorers do score, but only if they get the ball to do it!” Curufin is told to have yelled at Hador. Hador’s greatest problem of course is that Curufin is right.

Doriath 4-1 Hithlum
tot shots 15-8
on target 9-4
GOALS:
*8, 1-0 Hurin (Turin)
*17, 2-0 Turin (Luthien)
*37, 2-1 Curufin (Aradan)
*51, 3-1 Eol (Beleg)
*65, 4-1 Mablung (Hurin)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Doriath- Elwe, Eol
*Hithlum- Lorgan, Galdor, Celegorm


Minas Morgul - Mordor

The game between Minas Morgul and Mordor could have been labeled the reunion of last year’s team Gorgoroth – and it was as an amicable meeting baddies can pull off.

Mordor team was more than proud of showing off the new impassable goalkeeper to their Morgul friends. Unlike most others, the Witch King remained unimpressed and proved his point by hammering in a shot behind The Silent Watcher’s back when only 22 minutes had been played.

Finally team Mordor left the field as winners but neither team actually shined. Minas Morgul does have an active attack and they produce a decent number of shots every game but so far Castamir and Beruthiel have mainly concentrated in shooting far and wide off the mark. And they really have a goalkeeping problem with Earnür: if half of the shots on target go in, they’ll have long and laborious journey towards winning games. On the other hand, Mordor hasn’t left an impression either: the team is clearly missing Sauron’s leadership and a little bit too much seems to be laying on Nazgul #7’s shoulders.

Minas Morgul 1-2 Mordor
tot shots 13-9
on target 5-4
GOALS:
*15, 0-1, Nazgul #7 (Gorbag)
*22, 1-1 Witch King (King Dead)
*39, 1-2 Shelob (Grishnakh)
YELLOW CARDS:
*MMorgul- Fuinur, Witch King
*Mordor- Snaga, Radbug, Nazgul #5


Mithrim - Tirion

After the practice-session with Pelori (where Pelori were clearly the better team) Aulë led his team Tirion into the field finally going for it. And the team looked good indeed: Aredhel is always dangerous, but also Finrod Felagund and especially grandfather Finwë showed their qualities. Yet their game was not only about stars scoring, but also their defensive game was a delight to watch – and very effective. But in earnest it must be said that even if Tirion didn’t play with full throttle all the game it was also the mistakes of the Mithrim defense that led into the ugly numbers on the board in the end (especially the last goal where Grithnir passed the ball straight into Felagund’s feet who immediately released Aredhel totally forgotten by Brodda).

Which leads one to speculate whether Tuor would have made a wiser move joining Gondolin when asked. Now it just seems there is talent so thinly spread in team Mithrim that it will not survive the group-stage and last year’s silvermedalist Tuor needs to watch the play-offs from the tv.

Mithrim 0-4 Tirion
tot shots 7-15
on target 3-9
GOALS:
*10, 0-1 Finwe (Finarfin)
*23, 0-2 Mahtan (Aule)
*65, 0-3 Finwe (Finrod)
*83, 0-4 Aredhel (Finrod)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Mithrim- Aerin, Nienor
*Tirion- Elemmire


Numenor - Valinor

After the first friendly against Eriador the loyal fans of team Numenor were seeing positive marks in the air: maybe losing a bunch of the cream of their players to Westernesse was not so bad after all, maybe they were having once more a competitive team? Those hopes were not totally crushed in the game against Valinor, but a strong doubt was cast over their aspirations – so far behind their team was from their opponents at this point of the tournament.

On the first half both teams seemed content to just practice passing the ball – Valinor even started sending the ball back from the offence after getting it there just for the sake of practicing. Happily for the crowds both teams decided to make it tad more competitive on the second half. Valinor had no problems scoring twice and, like against Lothlorien, their defence allowed only two shots on their own goal.

Valinor’s game looks easy; clean and quick, and effective. It is clear Tulkas has managed to form a team that will go far in this year’s tournament. But how far?

Numenor 0-2 Valinor
tot shots 6-14
on target 2-6
GOALS:
*54, 0-1 Nerdanel (Arien)
*73, 0-2 Yavanna (Miriel)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Numenor- Ar Zimrathan, Tar Ancalimon, Tar Surion
*Valinor- Este


Shire-Bree Utd. - The Forest

The match between Shire-Bree Utd. and The Forest was actually quite an entertaining one but it did tell little about how the teams would fare in the actual tournament. There were two totally different phases in the game which could be called before and after Bombadill decided to do something about the game.

On the first half and through the early minutes of the second it seemed that the ents were more fascinated in watching and following the hobbits they seemed to think a curious kind of creatures than they were interested in the ball. As someone from MESPN commented on the media-balcony, their game looked stiff and “treeish”.

But after the hobbits had thanked their opponents by scoring twice sprinting between the slow ents laughing as they went, Bombadill finally decided it was time to do something. And he did start singing thus awakening the ents. And the scales were turned around in a snap; now it was the hobbits’ turn to stand in awe as the ents started moving and creating chances.

After awakening the ents Tom Bombadill had left the field for the near meadow to pick some flowers to his dearest. But when he came back to the stadium about ten minutes before full time and realized how inefficient the entish attacks had been (mostly shooting high and wide the mark), and that their team was still two goals behind, he decided to concentrate for a moment. In four minutes he equalized the game and then read some poems to Goldberry for the last ten minutes.

Both teams seemed happy with the draw.

Shire-Bree United 2-2 The Forest
tot shots 14-11
on target 6-6
GOALS:
*36, 1-0 Samwise (Frodo)
*51, 2-0 Bandobras (Lumpkin)
*78, 2-1 Bombadil (Skinbark)
*82, 2-2 Bombadil (Thranduil)
YELLOW CARDS:
*SBUnited- Ferny, Pippin, Bill
*Forest- Quickbeam, Haleth

[Boromir88]

FRIENDLIES - ROUND 4 PREDICTIONS
BoroLXXXVIII Two Towers Network

Final round of friendlies before the tournament and I don't think I ever had as woeful of a round as last one's. My days of mediocrity are dead and buried, from this point on you will want to tune into TTN to get all the best Arda Cup reporting.

Anduin (0-2-1) vs Lothlorien (1-0-2)
Rumors are saying Feanor is angry in Lothlorien, but an angry Feanor usually doesn't bode well for the opponent. Even if it is just a friendly, if Lothlorien doesn't win confidentally they may not make it out of their group, and that would be a huge failure to all the new players Galadriel brought in.
Lothlorien wins 2-1

Angband (2-0-1) vs Beleriand (2-1-0)
Beleriand's performed well but Angband is miles better and if Angband shows half the effort they should win this one relatively easy.
Angband wins 2-0

Angfauglith (2-0-1) vs Mithrim (0-0-3)
Mithrim's in a tailspin having the worst goal differential so far (-8). Tuor is having a difficult time keeping his goal clean and his defenders are having trouble clearing the ball out of their box.
Angfauglith wins 3-0

Barad-dur (1-1-1) vs Gondor (2-1-0)
This should be an interesting and fairly competitive match. You would think it would be pretty tame with Isildur, Gil-Galad, and Cirdan on Barad-dur, but relations between Gondor and Isildur are pretty tense recently. It was one thing to forsake the realm of his father to play for Arnor a few years ago, but it's a completely different story to join and stay on a team with your bitter enemies. It looks like a slap in the face to all loyal Gondorians.
Draw 2-2

Doriath (3-0-0) vs Nargothrond (0-2-1)
Doriath is going to continue chugging along convincingly in the friendlies. Will they be worn out later on in the tournament? Only time will tell, but they will coast into the tournament undefeated and with the best goal differential. Despite Nargothrond's decline in previous years they're still a very hard team to embarass off the pitch. It'll be one of the tougher games Doriath will play.
Doriath wins 2-1

Dunharrow (0-1-2) vs Wilderland (2-1-0)
Dunharrow will likely approach the final friendly as all others, just having a fun practice kick-around. Sauron will undoubtedly match the same intensity and get a close, but convincing win, simply because Wilderland's talent is that much better.
Wilderland wins 2-1

Eregion (2-0-1) vs Eriador (1-1-1)
This is interesting as both will meet in Group D and I can see both of these teams just laying back playing a boring game. They're all friends, and it won't be the same story when they match up again, but for a 4th round friendly? Don't bother watching this one.
Draw 0-0

Esgaroth (0-1-2) vs Valinor (2-0-1)
Just when I complimented Esgaroth for playing better than last years pathetic Dale squad, they go and lay a stinking, ugly 0-3 loss to Misty Mts. Valinor is an even better team, but Esgaroth's luck is I can't see Valinor being as ramped up for this match. Still, Valinor is that talented...
Valinor wins 3-2

Gondolin (1-1-1) vs Himring (0-1-2)
One of the harder ones of round 4 to predict. Gondolin's played about as well as expected and Himring has been a bit of a disappointment. Himring will have to get the act together or they could easily finish in the cellar of Group A (which I would have given that dishonor to the hobbit conglomeration before the friendlies). While Gondolin will be in contention in Group G, but Group G is the group of death this year. It'll be close.
Draw 1-1

Hithlum (1-1-1) vs Tirion (1-1-1)
Both boast some of the stronger attacks and they're probably pretty even in this regard. The difference is Tirion is an improved defensive team from previous years, and Hithlum's defense on its best day, is still full of leaks.
Tirion wins 3-2

Minas Morgul (0-0-3) vs Minas Tirith (0-0-3)
Two of the winless squads square off and despite both teams being pretty garbage in the friendlies this will be one of the better ones to watch for a few reasons: 1. They hate eachother, always makes for the best games. 2. They're in the same group and what better way to build some momentum going into the tournament then not only getting a win but sending your most hated enemy away winless? Talk about a stabbing someone in the heart with a rusty knife, that's the chance before both these teams. Who wouldn't enjoy this deathmatch?
Minas Morgul wins 3-2

Misty Mts (1-1-1) vs The Forest (1-1-1)
Not sure what to expect with this one because it all depends on whether Bombadil wants to show up and put in the effort. Misty Mts could win in a snorefest, or it could be an entertaining treat with multiple goals.
Draw 2-2

Mordor (2-0-1) vs Westernesse (2-1-0)
Mordor's going to be in trouble in this one, Westernesse might have dealt shadily by secretly putting their team together and snubbing many of their fellow Numenoreans, but they're dangerous and even more so not being seen as one of the favorites.
Westernesse wins 2-0

Pelori (3-0-0) vs The Downer (1-2-0)
Manwe's going to be confused that's for sure. His teams tend to have added inspiration defeating the baddies, but are The Downer players qualified as baddies? They play the dirtiest football any team has seen before, but for some reason when in a discussion about "evil" you can't include them in the same breath with Morgoth and Angband...can you?
Draw 1-1

Shire-Bree United (0-2-1) vs Tol In Gaurhoth (1-2-0)
There isn't much love the TIG players have for hobbits and Breeland loafers, but there also isn't much respect. I can see TIG starting the game over confident and allowing SB United to get ahead early. Then realizing it would be completely embarassing to lose to the bums and putting them away easily.
TIG wins 4-2

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

*Edit:* Due to an editting error in this report we have seemed to have left out the Numenor-Tol Eressea match. Our staff didn't realize the error until after all the results came in, therefor it would be improper and unfair to make any prediction on that match. I will say, however, that match probably would have been better to not have been played at all, so maybe TTN not having a prediction for it, was a subliminal message to tell fans don't waste their money on Numenor vs. Tol Eressea. We still apologize to all our fans and readers for any inconvenience. (Even if we've probably only offended the 3 combined people who root for those teams. We value everyone of our readers.)

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

We interrupt this mindless blathering about numbers and fractions done by old men in a stuffy room* to bring you a true sports fan--or so he claims.
_____
* This statement is directed at the reports of the sogenannte ArdaCup.com Stats Report, and not the other journalists who have posted alongside it. Unless you feel offended, in which case it means you, too.

~*~

Hi! This is the Felagundion's sports blog, here to bring you true sports journalism--none of the stats and all of the fanaticism. We'll not be doing reports on the friendlies because, quite frankly, who cares about them? True sports fan watch games where something's on the line--not some happy campfire sing-along with a football.

Now let's start with the group stages: who's most likely to get in, who might make it with luck and effort, and who gets to watch the rest of the games from the television in their hotel rooms.

GROUP A
Advance: Tirion, Doriath
Dark Horse: Himring
Out: Shire-Bree United

This is where the dream starts! Finrod, his father, grandfather and brother begin their quest for the Arda Cup by defeating the overrated Sindarin in a glorious match, and then disposing of their less talented brethren from Himring. The hobbits and men of SBU will need more than a pint after the humiliation they'll be subjected to in this group.

GROUP B
Advance: Wilderland, Misty Mountains
Dark Horse: Anduin
Out: Esgaroth

Quite frankly I can't be bovvered with this group. Fodder in the bracket stage. Next please.

GROUP C
Advance: Anfauglith, Angband
Dark Horse: Hithlum, The Downer

I don't know why they've let Balrogs join their team, but anyway, Fingolfin and company will put the fear of Eru in Morgoth and his ilk, who'll bully everyone else. Hard to judge though, since everyone has a fighting chance, even them strange ones who attract yellow cards like Nilp attracts lynchings.

GROUP D
Advance: Eregion, Gondor
Dark Horse: Eriador
Out: Barad-dûr

Another one of those fodderweight groups, I'm afraid. Only Eregion has a chance out of the group stages, should they finally find that shooting touch.

GROUP E
Advance: Tol-in-Gaurhoth, The Forest
Dark Horse: Mordor, Nargothrond

Really? You let a dragon in your team? You could have had tried harder to get Tûrin, for crying out loud! Ai, laurië lantar lassi súrinen . . .

In other news, Tom Bombadil could be the greatest player ever, or the greatest waste of player slots. But you probably already know that.

GROUP F
Advance: Númenor, Westernesse
Out: Tol Eressëa, Mithrim

In an ideal world, Tar-Míriel will get her comeuppance against her unspeakable excuse of a cousin, even if it's just in the football pitch. And to the other teams: there's this little thing called a goal. You should try getting some.

GROUP G
Advance: Valinor, Gondolin
Dark Horse: Pelóri, Beleriand

The Group of Death, as they say. But if there's one thing you can take to the bank, it's for Manwë to choke some time or another.

GROUP H
Advance: Lothlórien, Minas Tirith
Dark Horse: Minas Morgul
Out: Dunharrow

Rather boring group, unless that kinslaying chap steps up. Good wins over evil, at least in this realm, so the Tower of the Guard will defeat the Tower of Black Ghouls to come in second. (Lack of Arda-class talent will, however, lose to both good and evil. Sorry, Dunharrow)

And now for predictions on the first round of group matches:

GROUP A:
Doriath vs Tirion
Himring vs Shire-Bree United

That might be your championship match, right there! (Not the one with the Halflings, of course.)

GROUP B:
Esgaroth vs Misty Mountains
Anduin vs Wilderland

Might be exciting matches, considering the skill gaps.

GROUP C:
Angband vs Hithlum
Anfauglith vs The Downer

The bullies and their conquerors-to-be should take their games.

GROUP D:
Barad-dûr vs Eriador
Eregion vs Gondor

Will Eregion's shooters wake up in time?

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

Will we see Tom Bombadil? Or will we see ten players on the pitch against the Werewolves? In other news, zzz . . .

GROUP F:
Mithrim vs Westernesse
Númenor vs Tol Eressëa

Them Second Children over the First and the before-the-First, easy.

GROUP G:
Beleriand vs Pelóri
Gondolin vs Valinor

A scoreless draw, followed by a dominating performance by Valinor.

GROUP H:
Lothlórien vs Minas Morgul
Dunharrow vs Minas Tirith

Only Galadriel could turn a team with Arda-class talent into a team that might not make it out of the group stages. Had they been in a stronger group, that is.

_____
DISCLAIMER: The Felagundion may be a raving lunatic--reader discretion is recommended.

[Nogrod]

Angband vs. Beleriand

Both Angband and Beleriand played very controlled game on the first half, even slow. But to the joy of the audiences the game came alive on the second when Angband started to play it harder and really went for a second goal. Beleriand showed some guts kicking it up a notch after getting two goals behind, and for about twenty-five minutes the crowds were served with really good football.

Finarfin’s sons actually brought Beleriand only one goal behind and they were pushing hard for an equaliser when Morgoth and Thuringwethil ended their efforts making it 3-1 just ten minutes before the final whistle. With that both teams pulled back and just kicked the ball around for the last ten minutes.

Angband had the game in their control ending their impressive series of friendlies into a nice win. But it must be also noted that Beleriand showed again that when really going for it they are a formidable team that should not be taken lightly even by the Big Teams. Sadly they’re facing two Big Teams (Pelori and Valinor) already in the group-phase – and when the fourth team of the group is the always dangerous side of Gondolin, the chances of Beleriand to qualify aren’t too high. But they’re not nonexistent.

Angband 3-1 Beleriand
tot shots 13-10
on target 7-4
GOALS:
*25, 1-0 Thuringwethil (Ulfant)
*54, 2-0 Ancalagon (Telvildo)
*78, 2-1 Aegnor (Angrod)
*80, 3-1 Thuringwethil (Morgoth)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Angband- Morgoth, Ancalagon, Balrog #3
*Beleriand- Daeron, Aegnor


Anfaughlith vs. Mithrim

There’s not much to tell one’s grandchildren of the friendly between Anfaughlith and Mithrim. The difference in the relative quality of the teams was clear and as there were many good friends and relatives in the field on both sides they played quite clean and easy.

No one in their right minds is going to bet on behalf of team Mithrim to qualify from their tough group F. Tuor just hasn’t enough talent around him to build a team that could compete at this level. Anfaughlith on the other hand is looking very strong and looks like qualifying from group C – but teams Hithlum and Downer are no push-overs so that is left to be seen.

Anfaughlith 2-0 Mithrim
tot shots 13-8
on target 7-4
GOALS:
*18, 1-0 Maeglin (Gothmog)
*31, 2-0 Maeglin (Ecthelion)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Angfauglith- Rochallor, Azaghal
*Mithrim- Morwen, Grithnir, Brodda


Dorriath vs. Nargothrond

Even if it was a friendly game between teams Doriath and Nargothrond most people talked about it as a “rematch” between Túrin and Glaurung. But surprisingly Glaurung obeyed Finduilas’ orders not to get into it with Túrin – and on the other side Melian and Thingol had persuaded Beleg and Húrin to talk sense to Túrin as to take it cool. And to a great disappointment of many, there was no clash between the two – even if they both got booked from unsportsmanlike conduct using unsuitable language calling each other with some pretty harsh terms not suitable for this kind of a family-friendly site. Seeing their star-players were accepting not to run for each others’ throats (or bellies), the feelings relaxed and the two teams played a very friendly game indeed.

Doriath took a clean two-goal lead on the first half and then fell back playing low-effort team defense for the second half, but somehow it seemed Finduilas was not into making an effort to even the game. Being asked after the game about their reluctance to go for full attack when their opponents fell back on the second half Finduilas only said that they were already concentrating on the group-phase and needed to conserve energy to those matches.

Sadly one doesn’t qualify from the group-phase with concentration in the future only.

Doriath 2-0 Nargothrond
tot shots 13-7
on target 8-3
GOALS:
*27, 1-0 Eol (Melian)
*42, 2-0 Turin (Hurin)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Doriath- Mablung, Turin
*Nargothrond- Glaurung, Baran


Esgaroth vs. Valinor

Esgaroth hasn’t been the worst team what comes to scoring (even if it hasn’t been flashing either), but they have a real problem keeping their own sheet clean. The friendly game against Valinor was no different. Knowing it was their final tune-up both teams played straight up during the first half and went to their lockers for half time the scoreboard showing numbers 3-1 to Valinor.

The game practically over both teams eased up their game and more or less just kicked the ball around almost practice-style willing to avoid injuries and conserving their energies to the first games of the group-phase.

A clean win to Valinor from a side a few levels weaker: nothing flashing in their performance, but a good game. Arien’s and Yavanna’s good performances must have delighted Tulkas as thus far the scoring has been too much the responsibility of Miriel and Nerdanel alone.

As for Esgaroth, they really need to find a solution to their classless defense. Being able to score once in every game is not going to help if you give up three goals.

Esgaroth 1-4 Valinor
tot shots 6-17
on target 3-10
GOALS:
*16, 0-1 Olwe (Nerdanel)
*23, 1-1 Girion (Bard)
*33, 1-2 Miriel (Yavanna)
*38, 1-3 Arien (Nerdanel)
*79, 1-4 Arien (Yavanna)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Esgaroth- Galion, Mayor
*Valinor- Olwe


Gondolin vs. Himring

Brothers Turgon and Fingon agreed that going into the tournament their teams ought to have a real test, so they played the game in near tournament form from beginning to end. And in that game Himring reminded the whole footballing crowds of Arda that it would be very unwise to forget them when doing betting on the results.

Fingon the Valiant aided by four sons of Fëanor led by Maedhros and supported by a bunch of easterlings showed some real quality football and took an earned victory. Why is it that big deal? Well, it is still worth reminding that the team Gondolin consist of half the team Vinyamar, last season’s silver-medalists, a few champion’s from last year’s team Gondolin added with Turgon himself. So it was no small feat, even if Gondolin has been somewhat underperformers in the friendlies thus far.

Gondolin 1-2 Himring
tot shots 13-11
on target 7-6
GOALS:
*36, 0-1 Maedhros (Fingon)
*52, 0-2 Bor (Maedhros)
*73, 1-2 Turgon (Thorondor)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Gondolin- Thorondor, Egalmoth
*Himring- Uldor, Ulfast


Hithlum vs. Tirion

It seemed clear both teams had agreed on giving their offenses and keepers some real practice and thus both teams concentrated on attack – and what great fun it was for the crowds to watch six beautiful goals made in one game – and that despite the keepers performing actually pretty well.

Curufin and Celegorm were on top shape once again as Hithlum played in an offensive fashion. But Aredhel and Granpa’ Finwë shined as brightly, the latter showing his grandchildren that the old bones are still working.
Hithlum seems to have found a truly effective way to attack after the disasters of the first two games, but when they go on full forward their defenses suffer considerably. Somehow Hador should find a balance there if they wish to contest for a place in the play-offs.

Hithlum 3-3 Tirion
tot shots 16-18
on target 8-11
GOALS:
*8, 1-0 Curufin (Algund)
*12, 1-1 Aredhel (Finwe)
*15, 1-2 Finwe (Finrod)
*26, 2-2 Hador (Celegorm)
*43, 3-2 Curufin (Gundor)
*60, 3-3 Aredhel (Finarfin)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Hithlum- Aradan, Gundor
*Tirion- Caranthir, Mahtan


Mordor vs. Westernesse

Everyone knows the relationship between Mordor and the Men of the West… and it did show. Even if officially named as one, this was no friendly game. Far from it.

Mordor went for it very aggressively from the beginning trying to rough their way through and scare their Dúnedain rivals. But that tactics was totally counterproductive as Westernesse played both a focused and disciplined game showing no fear whatsoever. More or less blinded by their wrath team Mordor wasn’t getting anything done while Westernesse put up three well-executed goals on the first half.

The intensity of the game did fall a notch for the second period until Grishnak roughed Elendil down in quite an ugly manner. Grishnak got his second yellow from that and was shown the red card. Westernesse retaliated the smart way pressing forwards the last minutes producing one more goal to them.

With one more sovereign performance on their belt team Westernesse looks even stronger than earlier while team Mordor clearly has a leadership-problem: they’d need someone to organize them and focus on playing the game. As said earlier, it seems Nazgul #7 seems not ready to fill the boots of Sauron and Shelob and Watcher are no team-minded persons anyway to take the lead.

Mordor 0-4 Westernesse
tot shots 6-16
on target 2-9
GOALS:
*19, 0-1 Ar Pharazon (Elros)
*31, 0-2 Ar Adunakhor (Tar Minastir)
*35, 0-3 Ar Pharazon (Tar Telperien)
*83, 0-4 Elros (Hyarmendacil)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Mordor- Gorbag, Grishnakh, Nazgul #4, Snaga, Nazgul #6
*Westernesse- Hyarmendacil, Elendil
RED CARDS:
*Mordor- Grishnakh (76, second yellow)

[the phantom]

The men of Rohan have no love for Sauron, and so it was that from the beginning Dunharrow appeared to be trying to rough up Sauron and his Wilderland squad. Unfortunately, all it did was arouse the wrath of a quality side that was planning on just kicking it around.

After getting serious and putting up two goals Wilderland played ball control through the rest of the half. To start the second half Wilderland pushed again and gained a third goal. After that Dunharrow actually stopped with the bruising attempts and played some offense, but the Wilderland defense staved them off.

Dunharrow 0-3 Wilderland
tot shots 7-14
on target 2-9
GOALS:
*7, 0-1 Sauron
*22, 0-2 Smaug (Bolg)
*55, 0-3 Khamul (Radagast)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Dunharrow- Theoden, Snowmane, Helm, Walda
*Wilderland- Khamul, Smaug, Great Warg

The matchup of the sea-realms was an absolute snoozer for scoring fans. The Dunedain and the Lonely Isle both were keen to save their energy for group play and didn’t wish to reveal any set plays, and that combined with their stellar defensive talent and teamwork made for a no-goal game.

Numenor 0-0 Tol Eressea
tot shots 7-9
on target 3-4
GOALS:
YELLOW CARDS:
*Numenor- Tar Elendil
*TolEressea- Osse, Voronwe

Pelori came in prepared to kick it around and get on to the tournament, but The Downer went after them and thanks to a successful box-swarming took the lead. In the second half Pelori did a fine job of building attacks carefully with some nice passing and pulled even with The Downer, and they also started pushed back against the underhanded Downers, and The Downer seemed a bit cowed by their display of power. Soon Pelori had the lead, and Manwe called off the dogs and ran the clock down.

Pelori 2-1 The Downer
tot shots 10-9
on target 5-6
GOALS:
*24, 0-1 Peter Hampton (Lalwende)
*58, 1-1 Eonwe (Ilmare)
*77, 2-1 Varda (Irmo)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Pelori- Irmo, Nahar, Varda
*Downer- Morsul, Alien, Soap Pope, Peter Hampton

Neither the hobbits nor the Werewolves came in giving full effort, but Werewolves are just a nightmare match-up for hobbits and Tol In Gaurhoth found themselves an easy three goal lead by the half.

In half #2 the Shire-Bree defense thought they’d get a bit grab-happy and throw in some sly tripping. NogWolf encouraged the team to just put up with it as they were easily tough enough to take it, but the football diva PhantomWolf demanded another score as punishment, as he was most displeased with having his jersey grabbed and stretched. "They aren't showing me proper respect!"

Most of the Wolves were sporting enough not to give him the ball, but SallyWolf was completely on the same page and made a successful run with him to give a four goal lead, and to add injury to insult both drew cards soon after for hard fouls against Bill the donkey.

Shire-Bree suddenly retreated into their shells soon after, leaving many fans puzzled, but after the contest rumors emerged that PhantomWolf threatened to eat Bill the donkey if Shire-Bree didn’t fold. Investigations are pending.

Shire-Bree United 0-4 Tol In Gaurhoth
tot shots 5-15
on target 2-9
GOALS:
*9, 0-1 NerWolf (InzilWolf)
*15, 0-2 GwathWolf (SkipWolf)
*41, 0-3 NerWolf (GaladWolf)
*58, 0-4 PhantomWolf (SallyWolf)
YELLOW CARDS:
*SBUnited- Ferny, Lumpkin, Harry
*TIG- GwathWolf, SallyWolf, PhantomWolf

[Boromir88]

Friendlies - Round 4 Results

Anduin vs Lothlorien

In the 1st half both teams pretty much as to be expected, and at least fans saw a fairly good first 45. Anduin held the majority of possession but they had no space to shoot, or whenever they did it was from an unfriendly angle. It appears after 4 friendlies the Lothlorien defenders have finally become accustomed playing together and stopped all Anduin's attacks before anything formed. Lothlorien's first half goal came from none other a quick counter started by Feanor and finished by the precise boot of Legolas. After the goal Galadriel really pulled back her team and even stopped going for counters.

There is no story for the 2nd half as the teams decided there wasn't much else they could accomplish before the tournament and decided it was better to save energy.

Anduin 0-1 Lothlorien
tot shots 7-9
on target 3-5
GOALS:
*31, 0-1 Legolas (Feanor)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Anduin- Beorn, Rumil, Orophin
*Lothlorien- Boromir II, Amroth

Barad-Dur vs Gondor

This was a peculiar game, even if the Gondorian fans were frustrated Isildur chose to stay on with Gondor's enemies, the Gondor players would still be cordial and respectful to one of their forefathers (and his friends). Although there wasn't much love they held for The Mouth and his cronies. At first Gondor was content with the half time score and just planned to coast the rest of the way.

However Gondor became increasingly annoyed with The Mouth's trash talking and once the trash talking turned into hard fouls (on the Nazgul #1's foul he accused Arwen - or "she-elf" as he addressed her - of flopping). But Eorl decided to respond to the unsporty play by rallying everyone behind Gondor's Queen, and he was able to make the score line 3-1. The Mouth attempted to taunt even more and beat his cronies into mounting a comeback, but much to The Mouth's dislike, Gil Galad ordered his friends to remain back.

Barad-Dur 1-3 Gondor
tot shots 10-17
on target 4-7
GOALS:
*19, 0-1 Eldacar (Ostoher)
*36, 1-1 Gil-galad (Shagrat)
*43, 1-2 Turambar (Arwen)
*64, 1-3 Eorl
YELLOW CARDS:
*Barad-Dur- Nazgul #1, Fellbeast #1, Cirdan
*Gondor- Narmacil, Arwen

Eregion vs Eriador

At kick-off Elrond and Aragorn were very pleased to see eachother again and embraced at mid circle. The game began slow as the squads looked like they were in a warm up and stretching, which is what you would see BEFORE a game, not during one. The match did pick up in the 2nd half but once the teams traded goals they called it a day, lazily running out the clock.

Bert received another yellow card, but like previous ones it was a strange way to get a card. Bert was literally stretching his leg out as Earendil was trying to make a run, and just outside the penalty area Earendil accidentally tripped over Bert's foot. After the game a confused Bert tried to explain what he was doing: "Cap'n Arvedui says to play defence for 'im I can't just squash em into jelly. 'E says you 'ave to be limber an' always stay be'ind the ball. I wus tryin' to stay limber, because Cap'n says I don wanna pull a muscle or sumfin'. I don get 'is defence, I get yellows for bashin' people and I get yellows for not bashin' people. If I'm gettin' yellows both ways, I'd rather get em by bashin' people."

Eregion 1-1 Eriador
tot shots 10-11
on target 5-5
GOALS:
*50, 1-0 Elrohir (Glorfindel)
*76, 1-1 Aragorn (Halbarad)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Eregion- Glorfindel, Lindir
*Eriador- Barrow-Wight, Bert

MMorgul vs MTirith

This was perhaps one of the more brutal friendlies of all the rounds. These teams don't like eachother and if this friendly saw 8 total cards (and a horse sent off), just imagine the carnage when they meet in Group H.

Minas Morgul benefitted more from the chaos, as that was their style and clearly Minas Tirith was playing out of their element. Instead of the normal controlled, minimizing mistakes style Minas Tirith prefers to play, or responding in the way Eorl did in Gondor's match, they became blinded with anger, which led to bad turnovers and one of their defenders being sent off the field. Minas Morgul was finally able to get an opponent to play to their low level of dirtiness, and once you fall into the Witch-King's snare, it's game over.

Minas Morgul 3-1 Minas Tirith
tot shots 15-10
on target 8-6
GOALS:
*38, 0-1 Tarondor (Eowyn)
*44, 1-1 Beruthiel (Castamir)
*66, 2-1 King Dead (Nazgul #3)
*77, 3-1 Beruthiel (Witch King)
YELLOW CARDS:
*MMorgul- Sangahyando, Beruthiel, King Dead, Nazgul #2
*MTirith- Imrahil, Eowyn, Firefoot
RED CARDS:
*MTirith- Firefoot (72, second yellow)

Misty Mts vs The Forest

The teams were quite content with their play, and where they stood at the end of 3 rounds, so in the 4th round they both just relaxed. Although the crowd was still able to see a couple good goals and the masterful ball skill of none other than Bombadil. For an unexplained reason Bombadil was fully engaged in this game too, so perhaps we are seeing signs that the yellow-booted madman will have his head in the match once they begin for real? If so, Mordor, Nargothrond and T-I-G, will all have real cause for concern.

Misty Mts 2-1 The Forest
tot shots 11-8
on target 6-5
GOALS:
*30, 1-0 William (Watcher)
*52, 2-0 Azog (Narvi)
*78, 2-1 Thranduil (Bombadil)
YELLOW CARDS:
*MistyMts- William, DBane, Chief Wolf
*Forest- Skinbark, River Woman

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Power Ranking:



Greatest gain:

• +9 Valinor
• +7 Tol-in-Gaurhoth
• +5 Misty Mts, Lothlórien
• +4 The Forest, Minas Morgul

Greatest loss:

• -16 Mordor
• -9 Tirion
• -8 Shire-Bree Utd
• -7 Beleriand

The Power Ranking is based on the aggregate of offensive and defensive ranking--the lower the aggregate, the higher the rank. Ties are broken by a) win-draw-loss-record; b) goal differential; and c) goals scored.

The offensive ranking is based on the goals scored throughout the friendly matches. Ties are broken by a) greater number of shots made on target; and b) greater number of shots made.

The defensive ranking is based on the goals allowed throughout the friendly matches. Ties are broken by a) least number of shots allowed on target; and b) least amount of shots allowed.

Please note that the above ranking is based on the four rounds of friendly matches played by the teams, and does not reflect actual tournament performance.

Phantasy Numbers:

GOALS + ASSISTS
5+1
Eldacar (Gondor)

4+4
Curufin (Hithlum)

4+1
Maeglin (Anfauglith)

4+0
Aredhel (Tirion)
Smaug (Wilderland)
Ancalagon (Angband)
Saucepan Man (The Downer)

3+3
Túrin (Doriath)

3+2
Húrin (Doriath)
GwathWolf (Tol-in-Gaurhoth)
Ar-Pharazôn (Westernesse)

3+1
Eöl (Doriath)
Maedhros (Himring)
Celegorm (Hithlum)
Eorl (Gondor)
Bombadil (The Forest)
Elros (Westernesse)

3+0
Bandobras (Shire-Bree Utd)
Scatha (Wilderland)
Thuringwethil (Angband)
Hador (Hithlum)
Mouth (Barad-dûr)
Aragorn (Eriador)
NerWolf (Tol-in-Gaurhoth)
Turgon (Gondolin)
Varda (Pelóri)
Eönwë (Pelóri)
Berúthiel (Minas Morgul)

2+3
Finwë (Tirion)

2+2
Girion (Esgaroth)
Saruman (Misty Mts)
Khamûl (Wilderland)
Gothmog (Anfauglith)
Nazgûl #7 (Mordor)
Aegnor (Beleriand)
Míriel (Valinor)
Nerdanel (Valinor)

1+3
Frodo (Shire-Bree Utd)
Finrod (Tirion)
Sauron (Wilderland)
Arwen (Gondor)
Yavanna (Valinor)

0+4
Tevildo (Angband)

GOALKEEPER - SAVES
23 saves
Imlach (Hithlum)

22 saves
Rog (Gondolin)

21 saves
Ohtar (Barad-dûr)

20 saves
Aldor (Dunharrow)
Tuor (Mithrim)

18 saves
Maglor (Himring)
Brand (Esgaroth)

17 saves
Old Man Willow (The Forest)
Butterbur (Shire-Brie Utd)

GOALKEEPER - SAVE %

1. Manwë (Pelóri) 20/22 - 90.9%
2. Tar-Atanamir (Westernesse) 15/17 - 88.2%
3. Ungoliant (Angband) 14/16 - 87.5%
4. Ingwë (Valinor) 10/12 - 83.3%
5. Huan (Doriath) 15/18 - 83.3%
6. Elrond (Eregion)14/17 - 82.4%
7. Silmariën (Númenor) 16/20 - 80.0%
8. Amandil (Tol Eressëa) 16/20 - 80.0%

YELLOW CARDS
5 yellow cards
Bert (Eriador)

4 yellow cards
Fellbeast #1 (Barad-dûr)
Éowyn (Minas Tirith)

3 yellow cards
Ulfast (Himring)
Ferny (Shire-Bree Utd)
Beorn (Anduin)
Orophin (Anduin)
Attercop (Esgaroth)
Mayor (Esgaroth)
Azaghâl (Anfauglith)
Lorgan (Hithlum)
Morsul (The Downer)
Alien (The Downer)
Gothmog II (Barad-dûr)
Snaga (Mordor)
Ossë (Tol Eressëa)
Hyarmendacil (Westernesse)
Nahar (Pelóri)

[Boromir88]

TWO TOWERS NETWORK
BoroLXXXVIII

Be prepared for the most thorough breakdown of all 8 groups and 32 teams that you will find. With the standard competition of AKM and MESPN, but also new jumpstart competitors like Nilp's blog and The Underground, TTN is really stepping up their efforts to remain the premier news source for phantasy and tournament information. We will cover every group from every possible angle imaginable (and angles unimaginable).

We don't care so much about friendly records, it's all about how the teams ranked in each category (as ArdaCup.com has also done). The difference is TTN includes the performance of goal keepers into their final rankings. Outstanding keepers can cover up leaky defenses and terrible GKs can make some of the better defenses look horrible.

As an example when we compiled all stats Minas Morgul actually allowed fewer shots -41(20)- than Pelori -45(22)- but somehow Minas Morgul gave up 7 more goals. How did this happen? Earnur was looking like swiss cheese at goal, while Manwe was a brick wall. So, in breaking down the teams, TTN produced some different results to include the goal keeper factor.

Group A

Predicted Standings
1. Doriath
2. Tirion
3. Himring
4. Shire-Bree United

1st place is already being awarded to Doriath and not without good reason. Doriath was 1 of 2 teams that was rated Top 5 in all our categories (OFF-1, DEF-5, GK- 4). This also means Doriath is one of the favorites to get into the semi finals (or if they don't make it that far, than their may be a real uprising in Thingol's forest). Whatever happens you have to favor Doriath to advance far because they got solid production from pretty much every position player during the friendlies. It's loaded with talent and grabbing Doriath players on your fantasy team (while some are a bit pricey) would definitely be worth it.

Even though Tirion look like the clear 2nd place favorites, we're not going to outrule an upset by Himring or Shire-Bree (although that chance is ever so slight). Tirion is better and it's really that simple. You look at every position and like Doriath, it's loaded with playoff experience. Aredhel, Finwe, Finrod, and Mahtan at the front, with Aule and Caranthir at the back. Not only is it hard to see these players slacking and allowing themselves to be upset, but they have good chances at knocking off the winner of Group G to go on a deep playoff run. The true weakness I can see is Orodreth is only a decent goalie, and Tirion's defense has shown to give up a lot of shots to teams who emphasize the attack.

So why include the other 2 in this discussion? Well, Himring has championship experience with Maedhros, Fingon and Maglor. The weakness is, no one else inspires a lot of confidence. All the men have pledged undying loyalty to Maedhros and Fingon, but you can't help but wonder what the men from Uldor's clan will do? Uldor does play hard and tough, but also is prone to making a lot of costly defensive mistakes. It's gotten to the point where you see Uldor on a team and you wonder what horrendous goof is he going to make and then just hope Maedhros is good enough to overcome it.

If you take out Shire-Bree's last friendly against the werewolves, which created a match up nightmare then you can see how the hobbits and Breelanders can be an upset pick. But you have to include every game, and at least in the hobbit's favor is none of the teams should be that bad of a mismatch. Let's be clear, they have no chance beating Doriath, but the hobbits won't be scared out of their minds to give an effort. The elephant in the room is their defense and goalie just isn't going to be good enough, without needing a whole lot of luck (and maybe a backdoor deal with Doriath and the refs?) to sneak into 2nd place. They're good enough to get a draw against Himring, but honestly, they need to beat Himring to get a fool's hope.

Round 1 Predictions

Doriath vs. Tirion - The two teams predicted to advance square off in Round 1. Keys to this game will be seeing if there's vulnerability to Doriath's defense. They'll be up against a proven and solid Tirion attack. Tirion's defensive problems are known, can they score enough to get a draw? They can still lose and easily advance from the group, but the defense will have to keep the scoreline close enough. If they're beaten by 2+ goals, that opens the door for Himring and S-B United.
Doriath wins 3-2

Himrings vs. Shire-Bree - Keys to the game has to be the defenses of both teams, and if Maglor can still remain a dependable keeper. The hobbits will look to attack more than Maedhros, so Himring's defense will have to stay smart and not run their legs off by dashing after the smaller hobbits. With that said, Himring should also have no problem putting up goals on their own. Whoever loses is dead in the group, if it ends in a draw, I say they're both dead.
Draw 2-2

Phantasy spin: We've added this section to our breakdown to identify players you may just want to have on your team, at each position.

GK - Huan is going to be your safest bet. He's costly, but always a lock for 4 points and can get a lot of shut outs. I don't like the pick for this round since Tirion has proven goal scorers, and it's risky taking the 2-star hound, when there are better (and cheaper) options in other groups.

DF- Pretty much anyone on Doriath is the way to go. A 2-star defender with an offensive ability (such as Melian - 2 assists in the friendly) are always good picks for teams. If you want to put stars on your defense, it pays off more to spend the extra cost on the 2-star defenders. Melian had 16 phantasy pts, Beren (1-star) had 10. That's a pretty big difference and worth the extra cost. If you don't want to spend your stars on DF, then better to go with Thingol or Carcharoth than any of the other defenders in this group.

MF- This group is loaded with good mid-fielders because of their offensive abilities. Hurin, Eol (Doriath) and Finrod (Tirion) are always involved in the attack and are usually good bets to score goals. The Hobbit MF also have a mind to attack, but with them there's a bit more risk involved as you don't know how much success they can have, where there's more sure-fire points from the three 1-star midfielders.

FW- A lot of good options at FW too. For those who like to spend stars on FWs, you can't go wrong with Turin. However, to no cost you can get Finwe or Aredhel (Tirion) and they've been getting points consistantly for years. Although, I don't know how much I like their chances against Doriath in Round 1. So, perhaps a bit more safety drafting Maedhros of Fingon who should have little trouble scoring against the weak Shire-Bree defense.

[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.

[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 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....

[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)

[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.)

[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 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…

[Boromir88]

Group B

Match 5 - Anduin vs Esgaroth
It was a cloudy day at Gladden Fields but for the Anduin supporters in the crowd, they were not going to let the weather prevent them from coming to the stadium and supporting their team. Even if Anduin needed to clear Esgaroth confidently and hope Wilderland could beat the Misty Mts by at least 2 goals in order to have a chance of advance. Fram, took a few questions before the game, "Yes, our fate is not completely in our hands, but we can't concern ourselves with the late match. If we don't beat the task in front of us, then we're out no matter what happens in the late game. We are focused on winning Esgaroth, we have to be."

Anduin was also in desperate need of goals, so the crowd was expecting heavy pressure by Anduin, and hopefully several goals to applaud. They would sure have the majority of the crowd behind them, as less than 1/5th seemed to have the Esgaroth colors and banner. And Esgaroth was likely to even have less support, since the Dwarves who had come with King Dain, were now getting behind Durin. If their team was eliminated, then better to have Anduin with the great Durin go through, then have to see the vile orcs and their Balrog.

The first 45 was completely dominated by Anduin. They were passing it all around Esgaroth's half the field and while Esgaroth would do just enough to clear the ball away before anything dangerous materialized, they could not build any attacks of their own. So, as Anduin kept working for opportunities, Esgaroth was just trying to hold out indefinitely. You always pay when trying to hold out indefinitely, and it was no shock to see Anduin get on the board first.

Leod received a pass from Durin and no one knew if Leod was just trying a speculative long ball to test Brand or if it was a serious attempt on goal. Not even Brand knew, as he was caught napping on Leod's long-bomb projectile, giving Anduin a 1-0 lead. No one could seem to answer what Brand's struggles were, was he playing injured? Did he just not have any confidence after a poor friendly performance? Was he not happy goal-keeping? Whatever it was, it is the worst showing of any GK in Arda history, and Brand is much better than this.

Anduin was still in need of goals though, so they kept attacking, and again Esgaroth was having trouble trying to keep possession to build attacks of their own. In the 35th minute, Leod was involved in the scorig again, this time Moneybags knew he was about to take a shot and was able to get in front for the block. But the ball squirted away from the Esgaroth defender, and Earnil shot a screamer to the top post that Brand honestly had no chance to stop.

It was intermission and the Anduin fans were getting drunk (but still remaining about as civil as drunk fans can be). "If we can get another goal or two, and keep Esgaroth off the sheet, we just may be able to pull this off!" And they were right, if Esgaroth conceded defeat and just folded, than Misty Mts would be under a lot of pressure in the night match.

But it turns out that there was still a scrap of dignity and fire in Esgaroth, particularly the Men of Dale who wanted to show they would not hand over the match so easily. Maybe with a 2-goal lead the Anduin team decided to relax some, but Esgaroth was now able to keep most of the action in the Anduin half now. And in the 62 minute Girion showed he still has quality, by threading a pass between the two Elven defenders to Bard, who kept his shot on the ground and it squeezed under Fram's arm.

It was a 1-goal game again, and the few Esgaroth faithful cheered the goal. Although one would have to say there was more sarcasm to the cheers than approval of their team's performance. And the Anduin faithful knew that 1-goal probably would not be good enough to advance, but once Fram tightened his defense and Anduin started getting control of the game again the crowd began urging their team on again.

Leod was playing like a man posessed and determined to give his team the best hopes of advancing. With 15 minutes remaining Leod gave Anduin a 2-goal lead again. You woud think after the game he had so far, there would be closer defending on him, but he was released free by Telumehtar and pounded it into the net. Anduin was looking to furthering their lead even more, but it was not to be thisnight. With only few minutes remaining Leod found Earnil with a pass, Brand was clearly beaten on the play, but Earnil shot it wide! And so it ended a 3-1 victory for Anduin, and they would be anxiously anticipating the end of the Wilderland - Misty Mts game.

The team from the Long Lake had been eliminated before their last match, and afterwards Girion and Dain talked about their horrid showing in this years Arda tournament and started looking ahead to next year:

Girion: "We are disgusted by how we've played these 3 games as all our fans are just to be disgusted as well. Yes we lost a lot of our star talent from last year, but there is no excuse. None. It was a bad team effort all around."

Dain: "We did not try hard enough in the off season to keep our best talent from Dale and Erebor on the team and hastily tried to fill holes. There will be a lot of changes, especially at the mid-field where we were dominated in all three games. But the Dwarves of Erebor have always stood firm with their Dale allies. We do not throw aside friendships at the first sign of struggle. I and any dwarf who chooses to follow, will be back with Girion next year."

The Esgaroth Esquire: You've mentioned changes at the mid-field, what about at GK? Surely you can't keep Brand back there with the performance he gave this year?

Girion: "Brand is loyal and valiant. Something was effecting him, but it's a personal matter and he's played through it. But you ask a fair question and I will discuss with him about a possible change in re-joining me in the midfield. In whatever capacity it is, I do not want to lose Brand."

Some things answered, but only more quesions will be asked. With the cotinued stress about the mid-field, we can only assume that Girion is going to rebuild that area, so that could mean bye-bye to the spiders. And what of Dain's statement about "any dwarf who chooses to follow [him]." Are some of the Dwarves not as enthusiastic about Girion's leadership and looking to move on else where if there is a sweeter deal?

Anduin 3-1 Esgaroth
tot shots 13-13
on target 6-4
GOALS:
*19, 1-0 Leod (Durin)
*35, 2-0 Earnil (Leod)
*62, 2-1 Bard (Girion)
*75, 3-1 Leod (Telumehtar)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Anduin- Orophin, Telumehtar
*Esgaroth- Tomnoddy, Dain, Balin

Match 6 - Misty Mts vs Wilderland
With the 3-1 win by Anduin, Misty Mts did have a bit of breathing room, but they could not melt down and in the past the team has been notable for some big meltdowns. A 1-goal loss and they would still be through, a 2-goal loss and it would go down to a shootout between them and Anduin. A 3-goal loss was simly unacceptable and some may have been fearful of what evil could be awoken underneath the mountains if Misty Mts did lose by 3!

But as we talk of as it's assumed Wilderland would beat the Misty Mts, Saruman was singing quite a different tune; rallying his goblins out of Moria and propping up his rock-solid GK. Saruman would have everyone believing Misty Mts would win and steal the group away from Wilderland, as it would take an effort even beyond the will of Sauron to beat his new, shiny keeper. But, while a win, draw, or loss Wilderland was already through to the knockout stage, Sauron was not going to concede his grip of 1st place in Group B.

The stadium was jammed full of orcs and nameless, gnawing critters, who hid underneath he grand stands from the sun that was beginning to set. There was even a few dragons present, and one of peculiar interest was spotted, Glaurung who was there to watch Scatha and Smaug. Certainly the rumors and speculation would start, since Glaurung had trouble landing with a team in the off-season was h trying to make nice with Sauron or his former dragon-buddies for next year?

Had both teams not performed well so far, and both not be in good position to advance things between the orc factions may have gotten more violent. But thankfully there were only a few minor rows and taunts about which was the stronger, the Red Eye or the White Hand. There was also a small section of Anduin fans, with the team of the Great River present, watching, waiting, and fully supporting the Wilderland.

Sauron was quick o try and get even tighter control of 1st place in the group, and show Saruman that he was still inferior. And so Wilderland began with a flurry of shots. The Misty Mts defenders were doing their best to disrupt, without drawing cards, knowing they could not afford a player being sent off, or this could turn into a nightmare.

First Smaug and Scatha tried it, but their shots were stopped cold (literally!). Then Khamul tried it and his shot was pushed aside. Then Sauron himself tried the Mountain and his attempt was stopped. Saruman was right to brag about his Spirit, and maybe it was too powerful for even Sauron!

After Sauron's shot was stopped, with a mighty gust of wind Caradhras threw the ball out to Narvi. The Misty Mts also had a skilled attack, and were finally able to get pressure off their defense, which was thankful for the much needed break after 30 minutes of constant Wilderland attacks. Now was the Misty Mts turn to see what damage they could cause on the Wilderland defense and their keeper, Grimbeorn.

The Azog, Saruman, and Durin's Bane combo was too hot to handle and in the 41st minute Durin's Bane rocketed a shot that was heading straight towards Grimbeorn. It looked like Grimbeorn was going to stop it, but at the very last instant Saruman stuck his leg out to deflect it, and it was too late for Grimbeorn to adjust. Misty Mts would go into the half with a 1-0 lead! A result that would see them in 1st place, and Wilderland in second. The Moria orcs were singing songs of praise for Saruman the White. Saruman the Wise. Saruman the Great. The orcs under Sauron just muttered and grumbled.

As the 2nd half began, it was clear Sauron was not going conceding the game without a fight. And like the 1st half, Wilderland was keeping the pressure on. With the lead, the Misty Mts defenders started getting more aggressive though, not as fearful to lose a player early and thus began drawing cards.

After Landroval's foul, latching onto Smaug's tail, Wilderland was awarded a free kick. Sauron figured now was a time they needed a goal and brought every attacking player up front. Khamul usually takes the corners and free kicks, but this time Pallando came up and Khamul was on the front line with the dragons and Sauron. When Pallando delivered a pass into the congested box, Khamul had scared off his Chief Wolf(pup) defender and headed it in. The will of the mountain had been beaten and Wilderland was level.

Much to the surprise of the Misty Mts crowd, Sauron kept pressing the attack. A 1-1 result would still assure Sauron's team 1st place, so why was he pressuring with this much intensity? And in the 77th minute, Sauron passed the ball to Scatha, and with a mighty whip of its tail, it was a 2-1 lead for Wilderland. What a display of sheer power, it looked as though the Caradhras spirit had it stopped with one of it's strong blasts of ice, but it ripped right through the ice.

The Anduin fans were now more alert, another goal by Wilderland would mean it would go down to a shootout, between their team and the Misty Mts for runner up in the group! However, to their first confusion, and then anger, they figured out the treachery at work. With 13 minutes remaining, it appeared Sauron and Saruman had reached an unspoken arrangement. Sauron was displeased with Saruman's arrogance in the pre-game, and with Misty Mts having the lead in the 1st half. Sauron had wanted to prove to Saruman, that he was still the Mightiest. And he displayed his dominance by pushing all out for the win, but once grabbing the lead, that was it. As long as Saruman folded, and didn't show any desire to equalize the match, Sauron would call it off, and thus allow Saruman's team to advance as well.

Thus after 70+ minutes of some of the most exciting football yet seen in this years cup, the last 10 minutes was a complete dud. Saruman did not want to test Sauron's grace, and Sauron was content that he taught Saruman his lesson. Don't try to challenge him again.

*~*~*

That result would mean the Misty Mts was going through to the knockout rounds, while Anduin team would be going home. They clearly showed disappointment in their eyes when the Misty Mts crowd swarmed onto the field to celebrate with their team, but Fram and the other leaders of Anduin were keeping their heads held high. They had not been embarrassed by anyone in this group, and if they could have held out another 10 minutes against Wilderland than they'd be the ones going through. 1-goal, Misty Mts gave up 1 less goal, that was all the difference.

Fram: "For being a spur of the moment idea between a group of friends at a late night gathering, I thought we put on a good show to build on for next year. Obviously our goal at the start of the tournament was to go through to the round of 16, but we have the right spirit and mentality within the team. Now we just need to get an earlier start recruiting, there's a lot of talent to be found along the Great River."

Leod: "There's no reason we can't be back with a greater Anduin team next year. I will do all that I can in Rhovanion and we are lacking royalty amongst the Rohirrim."

Fram: "Indeed and we can even expand our efforts beyond what we were able to do this year. With how late recruiting started, Earnil, Beorn, and I stayed basically within our own lands, but we can definitely go father north and south to get players. There is a lot of untapped talent in the ancient haven of Pelargir."

Misty Mts 1-2 Wilderland
tot shots 13-16
on target 5-8
GOALS:
*41, 1-0 Saruman (DBane)
*62, 1-1 Khamul (Pallando)
*77, 1-2 Scatha (Sauron)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Misty Mts- Saruman, Azog, Landroval, William
*Wilderland- Smaug, Great Warg, Alatar

Final Results: Group B
Wilderland 9p. 8-2(+6)
Misty Mts 4p. 5-3(+2)

Anduin 4p. 5-4(+1)
Esgaroth 0p. 1-10(-9)

Wilderland will face the runner-up of Group G. Misty Mts will play the winner of Group G.