Middle-Earth Football Tournament

[Hookbill the Goomba]

Why not both? :P

Either is good. I'm just conscious of people with little hard-drive left. Will they be downloaded or streaming?

[Sleepy Ranger]

Streaming, provided I can find somewhere to upload the files. Don't worry though, I'll still have short descriptions of the matches.
I just meant that if you want the videos you'll get it ALL on Wednesday so as not to spoil the match.

[The Saucepan Man]

Sleepy - I think that a short delay will be in order, so as to give people an opportunity to comment on the upcoming quarter-final matches.

A final group table, plus draws for the quarter-finals would be good in the meantime, though.

[Valesse]

Movie-Arwen finds interferance during her interview with Rune Son of Bjarne.

If you're wondering what order these are being posted in, I've been following the order of response. I will admit to having many delays ranging from shaking down a tree (it was already dead, mind) to scholastics: one thing is for sure-- I'm working on them RIGHT NOW so keep patient.

[Hookbill the Goomba]

The Groups! The Final tables!
Those whose points are in bold have a greater goal difference.

[Sleepy Ranger]

Finally, after much anticipation here are the Quarter-Final's matches.

Mirkwood

Numenor

vs.

vs.

Valimar

Angband

Gondor

Nargothrond

vs.

vs.

Bree

Moria

Doriath

Tol-In-Gauroth

vs.

vs.

Shire

Arnor

Mordor

Alqualonde

vs.

vs.

Fangorn

Barrow-Downs

[Bergil]

Mirkwood: An O.K. team, though Legolas' ability is often over-rated. Their unique training method of taking practice shots at spiders (usually followed by a run) may pay off.

Valimar: An old favorite, but their field presence is declining. Their coaching, however, is only improving and I have heard several fans saying that coach Eru is God.

Gondor: A newer team, but they have potential. Chants of "Gondor rocks" are becoming more and more common.

Bree: This team has never, in all its long years on the league, made an impact, and whith their best players out, this trend will likely continue.

Doriath: Another old favorite, but they have a real chance. Some fans remember the time Melian removed her girdle in the middle of a game.

Shire: Something has sparked this unassuming little team, and the return of Gandalf has only incresed their chance. They could definetly go all the way.

Mordor: A team whith a bad reputation for trying to weaken the other teams. If they aren't disqualified, they could do well.

Fangorn: wooden you know it, these old guys will succeed in anything they get around to doing.

Numenor: some say the second-age finals were there downfall, and they certinly over-reach themselves often enough.

Angband: Known for playing dirty. romored to have secret dealings with Mordor and Tol-In Gaurhoth. Can win honestly. Generally considered the favorite to win.

Narogothrond: Definitely a threat, but they may be neglecting their defence.

Moria: If their players are ever convinced to co-operate, they could be unbeatable. However, they are not unbeatible now.

Tol-In-Gaurhoth: Another team plagued by rumers. Apperantly, they have the other teams' cobblers on the take.

Arnor: some say this team is gone, I say otherwise.

Alqualonde: Generally considered to be full of players the other teams don't want.

Barrow-Downs: This team exemplifies the hocky saying "it's not enough to score goals, you have to be able to talk about it". They're serious contenders.

[the phantom]

A very quick look at the next round...

Mirkwood versus Valimar
Despite shortcomings such as an unwillingness to act and poor judgement, Valimar simply has too much talent to lose to a less than spectacular Mirkwood team.

Gondor versus Bree
Remind me- how did Bree get this far? I think it goes without saying that a fairly talented and pretty solid Gondor team is more than a match for Bree.

Doriath versus The Shire
Pippin will not continue his scoring binge. You can bet that Doriath will assign one of their players to stay with him at all times, and frankly, Pippin will not be able to get away from the defender. The elf will be faster, taller, more agile, and have better vision. If Pippin scores a goal then you can bet your life that someone did something illegal, like slipped tranquilizer into Doriath's drinking water. Gandalf will be the only person for the Shire capable of scoring, and he could very well score a goal, but I doubt he can score much more than that, because he's not going to get many chances. The vast majority of the time the ball is going to be on the other end of the field, being controlled by Doriath's extremely potent offense. The Shire will not be able to stop the Beleg-Mablung-Thingol combination from putting up two or three goals- or maybe more.

Mordor versus Fangorn
You have to go with Mordor in this one. Their talent and teamwork cannot be overcome by the Ents. Sauron's team is the most likely in this half of the draw to make the finals.

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

Numenor versus Angband
Numenor certainly has some talented men, but they do not have the ability to stop Ancalagon, Gothmog, and Melkor from scoring, nor do they have the talent to work the ball up the field consistently against Angband's Balrog defenders. And even if they get the ball past the Balrogs, there is still Glaurung the Golden Goalie to contend with.

Nargothrond versus Moria

Finally, a match that could go either way!

Moria's Azog has been playing very well, and Bill the Balrog is always tough to defend, but on the other hand it is doubful that Moria can stop Turin from scoring. And if they focus on him too much, he's good enough to get the ball to the open man (er, elf, actually), and Gwindor and Finrod are certainly talented enough to finish the job and get the ball in the net.

This match could go either way.

Tol-In-Gaurhoth versus Arnor

Arnor will have a difficult time matching up with Sauron's strong, speedy wolves, and surely an impossible time stopping Sauron himself. Though Arnor is a good team, Gaurhoth is a cut above.

Alqualonde versus The Barrow-Downs

The Barrow-Downs shouldn't have a problem with the Teleri. The Downs has solid defense and goalkeeping, and a scary offense. That is more than enough to win, but then add to that the fact that two of the Down's players, Fea and Gil, are Noldorin. We know how elves from Alqualonde tend to get killed when they come up against the Noldor.

The Barrow-Downs will dominate Alqualonde.

[Boromir88]

Ok, so we have

Mirkwood vs. Valimar-
Sure Mirkwood has played well, but really who have they beat? Valimar is the more talented team by far.

Valimar wins 4-2.

Gondor vs. Bree-
This games going to be a blowout. Gondor has already had impressive victories over Angband and Gondolin. However, some may think the forfeited match against the Grey Havens may cause Gondor to come out of the gates slow. They will come out of the gates slow, because of excessive partying in the streets this past weekend, but they still take care of Bree pretty easily.

Gondor wins 3-0

Doriath vs. The Shire-
I think this game is going to be closer than a lot of people think. The Shire has been one of the more impressive teams so far, but Doriath has been lighting it up on the scoreboard. This one comes down to a shootout(!!) and I'll pick The Shire for the upset. (5-4)

Mordor vs. Fangorn-
This will be another pretty close game. It appears that Mordor has the advantage in their matchup against the Ents. But, don't forget these are the ents, and the sight of thousands of Orcs filling the stands should cause the Ents to get into a quite fearsome rage. Watch out Mordor.

Fangorn wins 2-1.

___________________________

Numenor vs. Angband-
Numenor is talented, but with Melkor back, plus Gothmog and Ancalagon Angband is just a way too tough a team for Numenor to handle.

Angband wins 4-1.

Nargothrond vs. Moria-
Surely is a tough game to decide. And since "ties" are now over this one will make it into OT, and the only goal of the game will be scored by Turin in OT. Nargothrond wins.

Tol-in-Gaurhoth vs. Arnor

Arnor is in it's decline, Tol-in-Gaurhoth and the wolves are thriving right now...enough said.

T-I-G wins pretty easily. 2-0

Alqualonde vs. Barrowdowns-
Another easy match to decide the Downs will dominate every offensive and defensive category and control this game. They get the shut out 5-love.

[Anguirel]

Mirkwood vs. Valimar-or, Clash of the Hippies

This game may be pretty slow starting as both sides will be eager to avoid damaging the grass on the pitch.

However, once Mirkwood get onto form, there will be no stopping them. They embody the wild spirit of Faerie, while the ethos of the Valier is just too mixed. They're in a Celto-Norse-Hellenic muddle, which will lead to a disordered atmosphere in contrast with Mirkwood's dynamism and determination.

Winner: Close victory to Mirkwood

Likely Scorers: Legolas, Thranduil, Varda, Yavanna.


Gondor vs. Bree-or, Epic Pub Crawl

Bree have scraped through so far by the skin of their yellowed teeth. They lack Barliman Butterbur, a vital morale-raiser, and the crafty Bill Ferny. Gondor is on peak form. The question is whether Bree will be able to humiliate its conqueror by penetrating its defence even once.

Winner: Walkover to Gondor

Likely Scorers: Aragorn, Boromir, Faramir, Imrahil, Harry Goatleaf


Doriath vs. The Shire-or, Under the Greenwood Tree

Gandalf is full of surprises, but he'll have to be on top form if he hopes to take on Thingol's star-scattered Sindar. The Shire's talent base is too narrow to be efficiently exploited against such a versatile opponent; other Hobbits than Pippin are going to have to show their quality. Bar a radical improvement in performances of key players like Frodo Baggins, Doriath will storm this one...

Winner: Solid win to Doriath

Likely Scorers: Beleg "Strongboot", Thingol, Mablung "Heavyfooted", Saeros, Pippin, Gandalf


Mordor vs. Fangorn-or, Slash n' Burn

Remember the Brown Lands Cup Final? The Dark Lord led his Mordor diehards against a solid Entwives United opposition and slaughtered them so heavily that their team had to be disbanded-the survivors went out east and took up netball. Now there's only the males to deal with, though they'll put up a stiff resistance.

Winner: Mordor will defeat Fangorn. Many injuries on both sides.

Likely Scorers: The Dark Lord, the Witch-king, Khamul the Easterling, Ringwraith No. 7, Treebeard, Quickbeam


Numenor vs. Angband-or "His name is Melkor, the Giver of Freedom"

Numenor famously caves in against Melkor's mere apprentice Sauron. The host of Angband, it might be said, is rather too much for them. But brute force is what Numenor excells in opposing. Provided Ar-Pharazon is positioned as centre-forward, the Numenoreans will have a slim chance of humbling the pride of He Who Arises In Might. In such a situation the subtle tactics of new striker Maeglin may prove more useful than the brute force of Gothmog or Ancalagon.

Winner: Narrow victory for Angband

Likely Scorers: Melkor, Maeglin, Gothmog, Ancalagon, Ar-Pharazon, Ar-Zimraphel, Tar-Ancalime


Nargothrond vs. Moria-or, Claustrophobia

This struggle for the caves can only have one victor! Nargothrond has dealt with a Petty-Dwarven team in the past which should easily prepare it for Balin, and friendlies with Angband have made this team more than used to Orcs and Balrogs. If the rumours that Nargothrond are planning to transfer Edrahil and Orodreth in exchange for Celegorm and Curufin prove true, the defeat of Moria will be still more pronounced.

Winner: Solid win for Nargothrond.

Likely Scorers: Turin, Finrod Felagund, (Celegorm and Curufin-to be confirmed), Bill the Balrog, Azog


Tol-in-Gaurhoth vs. Arnor-or, Who's the Ranger?

Tol-in-Gaurhoth have been tipped to romp through this one, but Arnor have a tendency to overturn predictions-they are, we must remember, fresh from knocking out Rivendell against the expectations of the phantom. With so many Rangers in their ranks, the dirty lynching tactics of Tol-in-Gaurhoth will be consistently thwarted; but expect the wolves, bitter at their loss, to aim to injure Arnor's star players towards the end.

Winner: Arnor will win, just

Likely Scorers: Arvedui, Arathorn, Halbarad, Sauron, Draugluin, Thuringwethil


Alqualonde vs. Barrowdowns-or, The Gulls Are Crying

Here I must cohere with previous expectations. Unless Alqualonde signs Tom Bombadil at the last minute, a somewhat unlikely course of action for these haughty Elves, they will go down. Into the barrow. Ha ha!

Winner: the Barrow-Downs will win with usual elegance and contempt for its piffling opponent.

Likely Scorers: the Saucepan Man, Sleepy Ranger, Olwe

[Sleepy Ranger]

Middle-Earth World Cup Poster - Done by Valesse

I'm sorry but the results will NOT be up today because of a problem with video settings. (Yea, I messed up >_<) SORRY!

[The Saucepan Man]

The second in a (very) occasional series.

Mirkwood v Valimar

A difficult one to predict this. Neither team have been particularly prodigious scorers.

Mirkwood have Legolas, whose keen eye and deadly accuracy have netted him four goals in the tournament so far. But he is their only real source of goals. Thranduil has teamed up magnificently with his son in the past, but he currently seems to be out of form. Moreover their coach, Oropher, is prone to throwing his team forward with little thought to strategy and the overall shape of the game, meaning that they can be badly caught out of position when playing stronger sides. It is only goalkeeper Attercob’s skill in weaving webs across the goal that has saved them from conceding more so far.

Valimar have not scored many goals in the tournament yet either, with Varda being their main source. She has formed a good partnership with Yavanna, but the midfield is weak. Este is far to gentle, and thus prone to being muscled off the ball, while Nienna spends too much time grieving over her team’s errors to focus sufficiently on the game at hand.

Nevertheless, I see the game going to Valimar, on account of Mirkwood’s defensive frailties.

Gondor v Bree

Anyone for an upset? I would love to see Bree progress against all expectations but I just can’t see it happening. As has already been noted, they are missing key players and cannot simply rely on (gate) keeper Harry Goatleaf to keep out the goals. Particularly not against the likes of Faramir, Boromir and Aragorn, all of whom are in fine goal-scoring form. Faramir and Boromir have formed a very strong partnership up front, while Aragorn times his great striding runs into the box to perfection. Bree’s only hope is Gondor coach Denethor’s uneasy relationship with his son and star striker, Faramir, which has led to speculation that he might take him off so as to allow Boromir to snatch all the glory. But even if that happens, I can’t see Bree pulling a shock out of the hat here.

So I’ll go with the flow. Easy Gondor win.

Doriath v The Shire

I predict that this will be a cracker of a match, possibly the pick of the quarter-finals, with goals galore. Beleg’s scoring streak seems unstoppable and he is bound to score a few against the diminutive Shire defenders. Key central defender Gaffer Gamgee is not the player he once was and he has an uneasy relationship with his defensive partner, Ted Sandyman. On the other hand, Pippin is in fine form too and I believe that this game will finally see other key players, such as Merry, Frodo and Sam, shoulder their responsibilities in attack. Midfield pair Frodo and Sam are known for sneaking into dangerous positions, while Gandalf’s trickery is renowned. If anyone holds the key to unlocking Melian’s tight defensive girdle, it is him.

Lots of goals here, but I’m going to go with my heart and predict a Shire win.

Mordor v Fangorn

This will be a tough match for Mordor. Fangorn’s players are implacable once roused and the beckoning semi-final place should be incentive enough to bring out their finest form. Defensively, the Ents are difficult to break down. If they stand firm, I can see Mordor resorting to sneaky tactics and most probably incurring the referee’s displeasure. Disciplined they may be, but Mordor’s dirty tactics are well-known and star referee, Boromir88, will be keeping a close eye on their players. A few not-too-hasty counter-attacks by Treebeard and Quickbeam could then see Fangorn go ahead.

So I’ll go for the upset and predict a Fangorn win.

Numenor v Angband

With Melkor back in the line-up and Maeglin on board, I can’t see anything but an Angband win here. With Maeglin’s arrival, Ancalagon has been moved to the wing position, where he has proved very effective. Numenor, on the other hand, have been woefully lacking in the goal department, despite the best efforts of Tar-Ancalime. Quite simply, fellow striker Ar-Pharazon has not been pulling his weight in the team. And with Melkor and Maeglin mocking his mortality, his concentration will be lacking, so I don’t see that changing. In such a frame of mind, anything he tries is likely to end in disaster.

I predict an easy Angband win here.

Nargothrond v Moria

My but this one is evenly matched. Moria seem to have overcome their inter-team rivalries and have produced some stunning football. Azog, in particular, has shone in the tournament so far, amply supplied by Balin from midfield and Durin’s Bane on the wing. His strike partner and son, Bolg, has yet to get on the score sheet but talent clearly runs in this family, so it’s only a matter of time.

On the other hand, we have a very strong attacking team in Nargothrond. Turin, in particular, can be deadly. However, his neglect of defensive duties could allow Moria in on the counter-attack.

Slim Moria win, possibly on penalties.

Taur-in-Gaurhoth v Arnor

If there’s one team that can defeat Sauron’s Wolves, it’s Arnor. They are expert defenders, but also not averse to coming forward and Arvedui and Arathorn in particular have impressed. And, while the Wolves are deadly in attack, being adept at turning up unexpectedly in dangerous positions and capitalising on accurate crosses from Thuringwethil on the wing, they can be weak in defence. Carcharoth Red Maw is one of the weaker goalkeepers in the competition. It’s not his natural position since Wolves are, by nature, attackers and he can be easily distracted.

I predict a narrow win for Arnor.

Alqualonde v The Barrow-Downs

Are you kidding? Can anyone name an Alqualonde player other than Olwe? Their natural sport is yachting and they are yet to prove themselves as a force in football. I really don’t know how they got this far. The Barrow-Downs simply has too much firepower for them.

Easy win for the Barrow-Downs.

[Anguirel]

As part-time PR manager and image consultant (and full-time sword) for the new Angband striker, I would like to gently clarify that his name is

Lomion Eolion, a.k.a. Maeglin or Sharpboot

not Maedhros, Tuor, or any other variant! Just avoiding confusion. And there is the fact that if slighted my client can get quite angry. I wouldn't want any of you to get run through...

[The Saucepan Man]

Originally Posted by Anguirel Clifford

As part-time PR manager and image consultant (and full-time sword) for the new Angband striker, I would like to gently clarify that his name is

Lomion Eolion, a.k.a. Maeglin or Sharpboot

Comments duly noted and amended in the second edition.

I always get those two confused.

[Sleepy Ranger]

Er, sorry about getting it so late. I just haven't had my mind on things lately. Anyway it isn't really good quality its a pretty big file (18mb) so I wouldn't really suggest watching it unless you really want to. I'm trying my best to improve video quality, the next match should be of better quality if I can figure out what I'm doing. >_<

Anyway heres the results for those who decide NOT to watch the match. I'm afraid I can only do one tonight, the rest seven will be up tomorrow with a lot of random write-ups. (Blame the after-exam partying for not having it up till now)!

Mirkwood (1)0 - 0(4) Valimar
Valimar win 4-1 on penalties.

Valimar - Goal! (1-0)
Mirkwood - Saved! (1-0)
Valimar - Goal! (2-0)
Mirkwood - Saved! (2-0)
Valimar - Goal! (3-0)
Mirkwood - Goal! (3-1)
Valimar - Goal! (4-1)

Yours Whateverwayingly,
Sleepy Ranger

Mirkwood vs. Valimar

Mrikwood - Portugal
Valimar - Croatia

[The Saucepan Man]

Sleepy, who scoed the penalties?

[Sleepy Ranger]

Originally Posted by The Saucepan Man

Sleepy, who scoed the penalties?

Saucey! Saucey! Saucey! it doesn't matter who scoed the penalties. They don't count towards the overall goal tally because they're scoed when the ball is out of play. Only a penalty within normal (or extra time) counts as a goal! But if you still want a list I guess I could make one for you!

[The Saucepan Man]

Oh, I thought that they counted. Fair enough then, no need to give the scorers.

Btw, it occurred to me that we are not in the quarter-finals, but round 2. The quarter-finals are the next round, when we are down to 8 teams.

[Sleepy Ranger]

Originally Posted by The Saucepan Man

Btw, it occurred to me that we are not in the quarter-finals, but round 2. The quarter-finals are the next round, when we are down to 8 teams.

It is the Quarter-Finals. The tournament is divided into two halves. A left half and a right half, each follow their own pattern from QF, SF, F and then the actual Finals with the two second placed teams in each half playing off for third place. So this is indeed the Quarter-Finals. Didn't I post a link with the World Cup Format?

[The Saucepan Man]

Originally Posted by Sleepy

The tournament is divided into two halves. A left half and a right half, each follow their own pattern from QF, SF, F and then the actual Finals with the two second placed teams in each half playing off for third place. So this is indeed the Quarter-Finals.

Not according to this list of World Cup formats. Look at the format for the 1998, 2002 and 2006 tournaments, which give it as follows:

Eight groups of four teams (top two in each group qualify for the knock-out stage in the second
round)
- Second round (knock-out stage, winners proceed to quarter-finals - in a case of a draw after extra
time penalty shoot-outs will used to decide)
- Quarter-finals (knock-out stage)
- Semi-finals
- Third-place play-off
- Final

According to this, we are in the Second Round, in which the winners proceed to the Quarter-Finals.

[Hookbill the Goomba]

I think this is what the Ladder should look like:

[Valesse]

Movie-Arwen is back! This time with Feanor of the Peredhil.

[Sleepy Ranger]

FINALLY! I have figured out the best video configuration!
Anyway, expect regular updates now unless school gets in the way.

Expect Numenor vs. Angband soon.

Here, I'll relase their teams early-

Numenor - Czech Republic
Angband - Argentina

And thanks for pointing that out Saucey, my bad.

[Sleepy Ranger]

This match was awesome. It went into penalties and I don't plan to spoil the results. If you're unable to download the file, PM me for the results.

Numenor vs. Angband

[Valesse]

Movie-Arwen spends the day chatting it up with arcticstorm.

[Sleepy Ranger]

Be prepared to be shocked...

Bree vs. Gondor

[Roa_Aoife]

Uh.... which teams are which?

[The Saucepan Man]

Sleepy, I think it's great that you are providing links to the games to build up the suspense. But for those of us who don't always have the time to sit through them would you mind posting the results (and the goal scorers) once people have had an opportunity to view the games? It's also quite difficult to make some of the game details from the clips.

On another note, it's great to see a few upsets, even though they go against my predictions (which, I suppose, is in the nature of upsets ). However, fingers crossed that our game doesn't follow the same pattern, eh?

[Anguirel]

Also, Sleepy, I think in future saying which colours are which might be more useful than saying which countries are which, as it's pretty hard to read on the video...

[Sleepy Ranger]

Yea, I realize that though the videos are great, they are an inconvenience (even to me) for people. So I've decided that only big matches will be taped. I plan to go back to the original format because then I can have the matches longer which makes them more exciting on the whole and keeps from too many upsets. If people want I'll re-do the entire Round of 16 or I'll continue from where we are. I'll leave it up to you to decide.

[Anguirel]

You mean videoing the matches makes upsets more likely?!

That would explain rather a lot!

[Sleepy Ranger]

Originally Posted by Anguirel

You mean videoing the matches makes upsets more likely?!

That would explain rather a lot!

No, I mean when I make the videos I have to do shorter matches that kinda screws up play, won't you say?

The longer the matches the less likely a major upset would be. Taking Gondor vs. Bree for example, Bree scored the only goal and didn't have to hang on for long had it been a 10 minute a half match I daresay we'd see Gondor win by a big margin.

When I was experimenting with the vidoes, the Valimar vs. Mirkwood match went 4-1 in Valimar's favor with 10 minutes a half but that was a 60mb match so I had to cut down on time to record videos.

[The Saucepan Man]

While I enjoy upsets, I would be in favour of re-doing the matches, in order that the "lifelike" nature of the competition is maintained.

It seems rather unfair that major contenders should go out as a result of the shortening of the matches, particularly if you are to revert to the original format for the remainder of the second round matches.

Although it would, of course, give the Barrow-Downs team an advantage ...

[The Saucepan Man]

The official Barrow-Downs MEFWC Anthem (to the tune of Three Lions by Baddiel Skinner and the Lightning Seeds)

It's coming HoME, it's coming HoME, it's coming, football's coming HoME
It's coming HoME, it's coming HoME, it's coming, football's coming HoME
It's coming HoME, it's coming HoME, it's coming, football's coming HoME
It's coming HoME, it's coming HoME, it's coming, football's coming HoME

Everyone seems to know the score, they've seen it on the for - a
They just know, they're so sure
That all we do is chatter away, that discussion’s our way
But I know we can play

'Cos I’m a Downer

Green sword on the shirt
Yellow boots are gleaming
Talking ‘bout Middle-earth
Keeps us all still dreaming

So many posts, so many clicks
Without a ball being kicked
On the Downs, through the years
But I can see Barrow-Wight standing tall
and when Sleepy R scored, phantom belting the ball
and Saucepan dancing

Green sword on the shirt
Yellow boots are gleaming
Talking ‘bout Middle-earth
Keeps us all still dreaming

All that talking Tolkien - ‘s gonna help us to win

It's coming HoME, it's coming HoME, it's coming, football's coming HoME
It's coming HoME, it's coming HoME, it's coming, football's coming HoME
It's coming HoME, it's coming HoME, it's coming, football's coming HoME
It's coming HoME, it's coming HoME, it's coming, football's coming HoME

*Repeat to fade*

[Gothmog]

Me, too, prefer results that reflect the true performance of the teams. If we have to sacrifice the videos, so be it (downloading my first right now).

And Saucy: Great song! I don't know the original, but your lyric is great!

[The Saucepan Man]

For those who don't know the original song:

Three lions lyrics

It was the England Football Team anthem for the 1996 European Championships, and has become somewhat of a standard among fans. It is also a great song.

[Sleepy Ranger]

and I'm your host, Sleepy Wan-Rangeobi. We have quite an exciting line up of matches for you today but first we have some important announcements to make.

-The young Barrow-Downs striker, Sleepy Ranger will miss the next match due to an injury sustained during a practice session.

-Shire's star player, Pippin Took has been getting into hot water with team's management and new captain, Gandalf. As a result the team has suffered a significant drop in morale.

-A decision that shocked the entire football world, Bree's captain, Barliman Butterbur has decided to retire from every stage of the game. Despite being cleared for play for their upcoming game against Gondor, Butterbur stated that age has finally caught up with him and he plans to take a behind the scenes job. He also said that their current run of luck wouldn't last forever and a win against Gondor was highly doubtful.

Thats all the news for now, football fans. Today will be the beginning of the knockout stages, which will start at 4pm EST. Please tune in next time for more updates on the World Cup.

[Sleepy Ranger]

Match 1
Live from Greenwood's Park

Mirkwood 2 - 4 Valimar

This match was a heated competition in the beggining but after the first few goals Mirkwood seemed to be out of it. Varda opened scoring with a low kept shot in the 31st minute which was followed up by an own goal due to a mistake by Thranduil. Ending the half at 2-0, Mirkwood seemed to be out of form. In the early minutes of the second half, Yavanna scored a header from a well taken corner, taking the score to 3-0. Mirkwood's first goal came in the 67th minute, when Legoals found himself with the ball in front of an open goal, their comeback however was short-lived as Varda slotted in a penalty in the 71st minute, effectively stealing the match. Legoals scored a second in the closing stages of the match but this served little purpose other than saving face.

Overall, it was a comfortable win for Valimar.

Match 2
Live from The Dark Grounds

Numenor (4)0 - 0(5) Angband

This was a close fought match with ended in favor of the favorites in penalties. What was thought to be a very physical contest ended up in being a slow paced and defensive game for the first 45 minutes at least. Both teams were reluctant to move front in the first half. The second half however was an entirely different story, there were several sliding tackles, several falls and almost a fight on the ground. However, there were very few shots at all. The match was deadlocked all the way through extra time and surprisingly neither team had been carded or injured. The match went 5-4 in favor of Angband in the penalties.

At the end of the day I'd say Angband earned a well deserved victory and may pat themselves on the back if they can still move their arms.

Match 3
Live from The Citadel

Gondor 2 - 0 Bree

A comfortable two goal walk-over by Gondor though it seemed Bree would take the match, their inability to convert any of their chances led to another Gondor victory. The first goal was scored by Bormor who pulled off a spectacular bycycle kick which left the crowd in awe. The Gondor fans were rather loud and rash and kept security on their toes tonight. A complaint has been lodged against such behaviour and a reply from the Middle-Earth Football Association is awaited. Gondor's second goal was by fan-favorite Faramir who knocked in a high, chipped shot over the keeper's head. The Bree team were down after the retirement of their captain and this effected their performance on the field.

Gondor is still maintaining its hold as one of the top teams in the tournament and doesn't seem to be about to drop that place any time soon.
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Nargothrond vs. Moria shall be up later today

[Sleepy Ranger]

Match 4
Live from Khazad-Dum

Nargothrond (7)3 - 3(6) Moria

This was a very narrow match and was snatched away by Nargothrond in penalties. Nargothrond opened strongly and took the lead thanks to Finrod in the 5th minute after which they shifted to a defensive mode of play. The managed to hold of many brave plays by Moria until the 87th minute when Azog recieved a long pass from Balin to equalize. The two teams went into extra time at 1-1 and Moria continued to take the game to Nargothrond, a beautiful shot by Balin from 30m out sailed over the keeper's head and into the back of the net. After this an attempted pinball play backfired when a defender go in the way and cleared the ball which was picked up by Turin who ran in unopposed to level the score again. After this Moria began to slip, a hard challenge on Finrod in the box resulted in a red card for Gothmog and a penalty for Nargothrond. Turin took an easy shot to take the game 3-2 but in the close minutes of the second half of extra time Azog managed to break free and shoot an easy goal past Nargothrond's keeper.

The score was 3-3 after Extra Time and this match went into penalties. After several saves and misses the match went 7-6 in Nargothrond's favor.

Overall, this was a very hard-fought contest and both the teams played well. Its really a pity only one could win.
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Doing the rest of the matches now

[The Saucepan Man]

Sleepy?