[the phantom]

Minas Morgul played host for the final friendly for Barad-Dur and The Sea. It was easier for visitors to reach than any of the arenas within Mordor itself, and so would get a better mix of fans. A couple ships worth of mariner-types sailed up the Anduin and made the trek east for the match, and even more Gondorians showed up to support their Numenorean forefathers.

And these fans were pleased indeed, as both Veantur and Tar Minastir made it into the scorebook, one of them off a nice find from Tar Aldarion. They were displeased when longtime foe Sauron scored just before the half, but even with the talented Sea defense playing fairly top level Sauron is going to do that from time to time.

In the second half the high level of play continued and The Sea was able to play their style and suffocate Barad-Dur in the final 25 to hold on for the win.

Barad-Dur 1-2 The Sea
tot shots 14-13
on target 4-7
GOALS:
*17, 0-1 Veantur (Tar Aldarion)
*42, 1-1 Sauron (Beruthiel)
*75, 1-2 Tar Minastir (Ulmo)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Barad-Dur- Castamir, Fuinur, Mouth, Herumor, Sauron
*Sea- Tar Aldarion, Osse, Ulmo

The match between group foes Dwarves United and Wilderland wasn't terribly well attended, even though it took place in Dimrill Dale- close for both the Dwarves of the mountains and the Elves of Lothlorien.

But the Elves were split with their attentions- Rumil and Orophin were with the Misty Mts, Celeborn and Haldir were with Anduin, and Galadriel was with Wilderland, so they simply couldn't get behind one team full force.

The Dwarves on the other hand- they were certainly behind their squad, but many of them were busy with preparations, as the Dwarven Halls of Moria would be playing host to Group C. Not to mention that this particular game would be played again- only when it mattered.

So a half-empty stadium got to see a rather low-effort game. The natural athleticism of Wilderland was on display, and Aule's squad refused to counter with physicality, either for fear of injury or because they wanted to save their energy and plans for the group stage.

With Wilderland playing loose too the Dwarves did get a few looks at the goal, but the Great Warg made several nice saves to keep the opposition at bay. In the end only a pinpoint surprise drive by Celebrimbor kept them from being shut out.

Dwarves United 1-4 Wilderland
tot shots 14-18
on target 7-7
GOALS:
*35, 0-1 Galadriel (Orome)
*57, 0-2 Scatha (Elwe)
*69, 1-2 Celebrimbor (Telchar)
*79, 1-3 Scatha (Galadriel)
*83, 1-4 Elwe (Fimbrethil)
YELLOW CARDS:
*DwarvesU- Gimli
*Wilderland- Oropher, Galion