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Much has been written elsewhere about the splendour of Gondolin and every lover of football owes gratitude to Turgon the king for easing the otherwise so strict travelling restrictions to and from Tumladen, thus enabling matches to be played at this fair venue. The visiting fans of Umbar, notorious for their irreverent behaviour, also came here displaying their best side and they marvelled at the high white walls of the city, the shining fountains and the images of the two trees in the king’s court. Few had expected Umbar to survive the group stages and the travelling fans were happy just to be here and watch their heroes play for further glory.

As the stadium filled up commentators noticed that many Gondolin-fans now were sporting Eöl-jerseys, a proof of the attacking midfielder’s increasing popularity. The Dark Elf, as he is known here, was not always a popular name in the gift-shop though. When news first came out that he would represent the city most fans were ill at ease, despite of his undoubted talents. Among other things, it was said he would be detrimental for team morale due to his documented dislike of the Noldor and that he couldn’t perform in sunny weather. So far these fears have been unfounded. In fact, during the group matches he had been perhaps Gondolin’s best player, scoring twice himself, setting up three goals for his teammates and linking wonderfully with his son Maeglin. He has constantly refused to answer any questions from the press however and doesn’t seem to celebrate his team’s goals with much gusto. But as long as he keeps delivering top notch performances on the pitch, the Gondolin fans are willing to forgive almost anything.

As the game kicked off Eöl was soon in the thick of the action again, this time for the wrong reasons. His strong run into the Umbar box was picked out by the ever impressive Turgon, and as Calimehtar came in for the challenge the Dark Elf went down like he’d been shot! Parts of the home crowd were appealing for a penalty while not a few of them stirred uneasily, some even booing. If there had been contact, it was slight indeed, and the home fans did not appreciate this kind of unsporting behaviour. Neither did the ref, who showed Eöl a yellow card for diving.

Now the pirates of Umbar had done extremly well to beat their great rivals Osgilath in the round robin, but they were having a difficult time making an impression in Gondolin. The home team’s sublime skill made it hard for them no get much contact with the ball, and when they did manage to get hold of it, they were quickly closed down and forced to try difficult passes and dribbles, often resulting in mistakes and turnovers. Cheered on by their supporters, Gondolin were getting a firm grip on the match and in the 27th minute they also took the lead. Idril dazzeled the crowd with some nifty footwork before delivering a hard, low ball towards the near post which Ecthelion pounced on, rifling a shot into the roof of the net from 5 yards out. 14 minutes later goalscorer Ecthelion turned provider as he unselfishly squared the ball to Maeglin who made no mistake with the open goal at his mercy, efter the two had beaten the Umbar offside trap for a clear run at goal. As the half-time sounded the anachronistic Mexican wave was rolling around the stands and extatic Gondolin fans were singing songs of impending glory.

If the Umbar-fans had any hope for a miracle, it was was soon to be shattered, as Gondolin were three goals up only four minutes into the second half. The goal came when Maeglin fired off a shot from distance that took a wicked deflection off his father’s back, leaving a dejected Pelendur with no chance to save. This was Eöl's third goal of the tournament, although he knew little about it himself. Now the game was in practicality over, and Gondolin eased off the pace somewhat, conserving enery for the later stages of the tournament. Umbar did manage to pull one goal back when Tuor - having had little to do all night - failed to handle a Queen Beruthiel shot that bounced awkvardly in front of him and allowed Castamir the Ursurper to pounce on the rebound. But it was little too late for the pirates, who now face the long journey back to their distant shores without the spoils. This Gondolin side however looks supreeemly confident, and they will be looking forward to their quarterfinal whether they play Doriath or Armenelos.

Gondolin 3-1 Umbar
shots 16-10
on target 8-6
GOALS:
*Gondolin, 27 (Ecthelion- Idril)
*Gondolin, 41 (Maeglin- Ecthelion)
*Gondolin, 49 (Eol- Maeglin)
*Umbar, 82 (Castamir- Beruthiel)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Gondolin- Eol, Rog
*Umbar- Nazgul #9, Angamaite, Brodda