[Boromir88]

The friendlies are finally underway and the final slate of Round 1 games brought quality entertainment, a couple eye-opening performances, and a few major disappointments.
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Hands down the lousiest performance of Round 1 is awarded to Doriath. They might as well have just stayed in the locker-room and saved themselves from the embarrassment.

Easily this was the most precise I've ever seen Tol In Gaurhoth play in the early goings. Habitually slow starters who can't be bothered to play inspired during a meaningless friendly, it was not the story for Tol In Gaurhoth today. And often trusting to individual athleticism and sheer intimidation to make up for careless and sloppy tactics, the wolves and wights looked like a team that had been playing together for ages. The mid-fielders were sharp and dominated that game with a combined 1 goal and 3 assists contribution from phantomwolf and the wights Sally and Nerwen.

Doriath can't give up on the season just yet, it's hard to imagine they can look any worse. So, get the crummiest game out of the way early. The wolves seemed just like a terrible match up for this Doriath roster. The wolves stacked up several yellow cards, as they were playing brutally aggressive all game. Only Mablung and Melian are probably equipped to handle the monstrous beasts and they weren't nearly enough when the rest of the team was flat out afraid. But you can't help to get the sense Doriath is desperately missing the likes of Beleg, Beren, and Luthien as they would not have been as easy to intimidate.

Doriath 0-3 Tol In Gaurhoth
on target 1-6
tot shots 6-16
GOALS:
*22, 0-1 PhantomWolf (SallyWight)
*29, 0-2 Thuringwethil (PhantomWolf)
*41, 0-3 InzilWolf (NerWight)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Doriath- Nellas
*TIG- Drauglin, BoroWolf, SallyWight, PhantomWolf

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Now we go to perhaps one of the lousiest games of Round 1. Where some other low-scoring contests showcased good defense and goal saving, this was more giving no confidence that they can advance in the tournament.

Barad-dur's defense looks improved from last year, but given the fact their offensive weapons are the same as last year, they should have been more intune with eachother to put up a goal against Arnor. Yet they weren't and this fact does not bode well.

Arnor 0-0 Barad-Dur
on target 3-3
tot shots 9-10
GOALS:
*
YELLOW CARDS:
*Arnor- Argeleb, Earendur, Malvegil
*BDur- Fellbeast#2, Castamir, Herumor

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Especially considering one of Barad-dur's group opponents is Gondor. And the Gondorian side looked as solid as ever against (albeit) lowly Mordor. With Gondor's roster shake-up there were justified questions about if Gondor could repeat or improve from the last tournament.

This match was textbook to the way Gondor likes to play. A tactically sound mid-field that opponents get worn down trying to break down, or build up nice attacks. And once the Gondorian mid-fielders are able to work up field to proven finishers Eldacar and Anarion, it is game over. If Gondor sticks to the gameplay they know best, they will be a tough out in Group D.

Gondor 3-1 Mordor
on target 8-3
tot shots 19-8
GOALS:
*22, 1-0 Anarion (Meneldil)
*41, 2-0 Romendacil (Eldacar)
*59, 2-1 Mouth (Nazgul#2)
*80, 3-1 Eldacar (Romendacil)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Gondor- Eldarion, Meneldil
*Mordor- Gothmog II, Gorbag, Shelob

One of the highlight matches of Round 1 friendlies was Angband vs. Hithlum and it sure did not disappoint. Both sides really went for the attack and the defenses were tested early and often. The defenses and goal keepers did well just limitting the match to 4 combined goals.

In particular, Hithlum's money spent on the Balrog defender seems to be money well spent as its imposing form has stabilized Hithlum's horrid defense from a year ago. Morwen and Hador were the goal-scorers for Hithlum, which also is bright news because we already know the devastation Turin, Beleg, and Hurin can cause playing together.

Angband did get a worthy equalizer in the end, but we're used to Morgoth's teams playing rather comfortably in the friendlies. That is, Morgoth prefers to be the grand architect and let his pawns prove their quality. This time though, Morgoth was clearly angered by the scoreline and just to get a more desirable draw Morgoth had to take the matter upon himself by blasting in a late-goal past the helpless Huor.

Angband 2-2 Hithlum
on target 6-7
tot shots 14-15
GOALS:
*23, 1-0 Ancalagon (Uldor)
*56, 1-1 Morwen (Hurin)
*61, 1-2 Hador (Turin)
*82, 2-2 Morgoth (Oikeroi)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Angband- Ulfang, Morgoth, Ulwarth
*Hithlum- Balrog#5, Hurin, Morwen, Arroch, Galdor