[the phantom]

MESPN POST-TOURNAMENT SPECIAL: TEAM REVIEWS

Fans from Valinor to Mordor are already talking about next year's Arda Cup, but let's pause for a moment and reflect on the performances of each of the 32 teams this year.

Following each squad we will say whether the stage they reached and their results accurately reflected their talent or if they underperformed (or overperformed).

ANDUIN- Underperformed. They outshot Dwarves United solidly but conceded a late goal and thus earned 1 point rather than 3. Had that not happened they would have advanced to the playoffs. Against Erebor they played well, once again outshooting the competition in a draw. Only Wilderland outshot them, but the on-target number was equal. With Fram and Celeborn at the back and Grimbeorn, Boromir, and Haldir at the front and solid pieces surrounding them, they could have made a run, and with a couple minor upgrades in the off-season it'll be expected of them.

ANGBAND- Underperformed. When you've got Carcharoth, Morgoth, and a Balrog at the back and Telvildo and Ancalagon up front the minimum expectation is quarterfinals. In their first-round playoff against Minas Tirith they simply did not impose their will and really let Minas Tirith play their game and send it to PKs where anything can happen. To separate themselves they really need to add another skill player at the front or back to build off of.

ANGFAUGLITH- Underperformed. They had the same record and differential as the advancing Doriath, but Doriath's wealth of goals was the tie-breaker. With their defensive focus and majority of strong players at the back, it was expected that they would play low-scoring contests, but the strategy perhaps wasn't the best fit for Group G, which was laden with offensive fire-power. They certainly could have made the playoffs in another group. Next year they need to decide if they're going to gain scoring ability or if they're going to focus in more on defense.

ARMENELOS- Underperformed. The reason here is quite obvious- Group D (D for Death). The eventual champion Real Valinor nipped them by a goal and they lost to the streaking FC Valinor as well. The close Real loss along with beating a quality Tirion side they proved they likely would have advanced in pretty well any other circumstance, and once in the playoffs- who knows how far they go? They don't feel great pressure to improve their roster for next season, but certainly their results must improve.

ARNOR- Expected. Arnor was in a sense the light version of Eriador, so they could hardly be expected to beat them. They outplayed Inter Beleriand (even outshooting them by eight!) but simply didn't finish as efficiently. But even had they won that one, Gondolin obviously wasn't a good match-up for them in a 4-0 drubbing. They're smart and don't really have weaknesses, but they're going to have to add another talented piece to build around if they wish to improve their fortunes.

BARAD-DUR- Underperformed. They owned most of the game against Minas Tirith but only managed a draw, and they played an extremely uninspired half against Mordor and only managed a draw there as well. BUT- in other groups we would've rated them "expected", as such a cheap team can hardly expect to compete properly, Sauron or not. If they hope to make it out of groups next season he's got to up the team salary at least a bit- to either give himself another helper at the front, but more likely to shore up the defense.

AC BELERIAND- Expected. They were in the semis with a chance at the title, and that's where this team belonged. They played even with the champs in the semis (putting 2 more shots on-target in fact), but lost by one. Most teams would be content to field a squad with a similar chance of making the semis, but Feanor is likely to try and improve his squad in some manner- even if it means a bit more money.

INTER BELERIAND- Expected. When you've got Turgon and a Balrog in back and Fingon and Maedhros in front one expects to be in the playoffs. But Eriador and Gondolin took advantage of the edge their non-big-name performers had over Inter's regulars. If Inter wishes to give themselves a better shot they need yet another big name or they need to do a couple minor upgrades in the midfield or back line.

DORIATH- Expected. They had quality attackers up front and were fairly solid through the middle and back with Melian holding things together. In the playoffs they played the runner-up Eriador very tough, and things could have gone different. If they can nab a small upgrade in the back midfield or defense they could definitely make a run.

DWARVES UNITED- Overperformed. With Celebrimbor, Aule, Durin, and Azaghal defending they obviously have something to build on, but they didn’t have enough offensive firepower or ball control to run with the big dogs consistently. They upset Wilderland to make the playoffs, but if they don’t want to depend on upsets to advance they need to gain some scoring ability next year.

EREBOR- Expected. Though there were other teams that critics will argue were better on paper, Erebor certainly had enough talent that their semifinal run was not unexpected. The midfield and forwards behind Smaug were solid in support and in creating opportunities, and the eagle-laden defense in front of Beorn was quality. It’s going to be expensive to keep the team together next year with other squads looking to poach players though.

ERIADOR- Expected. Again, some critics might say that they weren’t one of the top two teams, but they were certainly good enough to make a deep run with quality diverse defense in front of super-Elrond and a solid midfield supporting Witch King and Glorfindel. And like Erebor, they might have trouble keeping the bill down next season, so there may be a financially imposed roster shake-up in a couple spots.

GONDOLIN- Expected. They were good enough to get in the playoffs and they did, but then ran into a tough matchup in AC Beleriand. They could’ve made the quarters with a friendlier draw, but if they want to give themselves a better chance next year they need a minor upgrade or two in their back half.

GONDOR- Expected. They didn’t have any super-stars, but they had definite quality all over without weak links. They were PKs away from the quarters, so they were right there. If they want to improve their likely longevity they need to try for another one-star type talent or add some sort of skill diversity.

HITHLUM- Underperformed. When you have Turin, Hurin, and Hador you expect to be in the playoffs, and in other groups perhaps they would’ve been rather than missing out on tie-breaking PKs. To ensure their success Hithlum needs to beef up their defense, but that might prove too expensive unless they get a financial partner or two.

IMLADRIS- Expected. This was a playoff squad with talents like Elrond’s children, Varda, and Elros, but they appeared to have too many weak links to be a sure-fire contender to make a deep run. A couple minor upgrades would go a long ways here.

ISENGARD- Expected. Saruman and the Ents can be a tough matchup, but with a budget that low Saruman couldn’t fill the holes well enough around them. If Isengard wants to be in the playoffs they need to open up the checkbook and nab another talent.

MINAS TIRITH- Overperformed. A similar squad to Gondor, they were solid all over and earned a spot in the playoffs, and then played an excellent match to upset Angband. Though their run was not entirely unbelievably, they’re probably not ranked in anyone’s top 8 despite the quarterfinal appearance. If they wish to return regularly they need to diversify or make a couple small upgrades.

MISTY MTS- Underperformed. With diversity and skill at all levels they wanted to be in the playoffs. Durin’s Bane is a great finisher with a solid Azog to compliment and three good feeders in the midfield. At the back the trolls, Watcher, and Chief Wolf are good at handling most types. With one or two minor upgrades they could definitely improve their finish.

MORDOR- Underperformed. With Nazgul all over the field complimented by Shelob and other baddies they were not hoping to be relegated, despite their cheap budget. If Sauron and his partners are prepared to up the spending they could give Mordor a better shot, but it remains to be seen what his strategy is.

NARGOTHROND- Underperformed. Nargothrond boasted an extremely dangerous front six, but they didn’t do a good enough job at keeping the squads in their group off the scoreboard. Finrod will be looking to upgrade at the back for certain.

ROHAN- Expected. They had a nice blend of athleticism and prudence, and with a different draw perhaps they could’ve gotten into the semis. If they want to up their chances for next season they need to look at getting another skill player up front to free up Gandalf and Eorl.

SHIRE-BREE UNT- Expected. Though they might’ve been a surprise to some in the quarters, they had the talent to make a run- particularly at the front. With their relatively low salary, they have a real chance at buying improvements at the back and making themselves an expected repeat performer.

THE HAVENS- Underperformed. Though some think them lucky just to make it out of their tough group, Cirdan and Olwe on one side and Earendil, Tuor, and Finrod’s twin brothers on the other make Havens a legit threat to make a run. With a minor upgrade or two critics will definitely count on seeing them in the playoffs again.

THE SEA- Underperformed. They had a big budget and a fine mix of Numenorian and Ainu talent around the pitch, and they weren’t happy to be out after four games. Real outplayed them and provided a tough match for them. They’re good enough, but if they want to up their odds of seeing a final they ought to diversify slightly.

TIRION- Underperformed. With the names on this squad you expect to see the playoffs, but of course they were in the group of death. Simply by switching groups they can change their fortunes next season, but doubtless they’ll be looking to add new faces, as doubtless the other Valinor squads will be looking to steal members of their roster. An upgrade at the back would be in order.

VALIMAR- Underperformed. Manwe and company should not be missing the playoffs, though their group did them no favors. In the end it was lack of goals that did them in, so without a doubt they’ll want to upgrade their next season. They’ll need to cut payroll though, so it’s a tricky situation.

FC VALINOR- Underperformed. After streaking through friendlies, groups, and the first round they ran into upset-minded Erebor and couldn’t close the deal. It’s tough to say where they need to upgrade after such solid performances, but they’ll be scrambling on account of needing to get payroll down.

REAL VALINOR- Expected. Though it seems ridiculous to say a title is “expected”, they certainly felt they were a heavy contender and they proved it. Their payroll is probably about where they want it, but after their performances some players undoubtedly will want raises. Which players they can afford to keep will determine where they try and make switches for similar but lesser-paid talents.

WILDERLAND- Underperformed. As high as some publications had them ranked they have to be hugely disappointed. Their front four were about as good as any, so they likely place the blame on the defense (letting the Dwarves score twice, for instance), though frankly the offense didn’t live up getting held to 1 twice. A minor upgrade or two at the back ought to have them at serious contender status.

THE DOWNER- Expected. When you’re the cheapest squad by a large margin there isn’t much in the way of expectations. They showed promise with a close loss to Shire-Bree and a tie with TIG (thanks to a timely red card), but if they wish to truly be a threat they need to take Eru’s “Tolkien Mandate” to heart and add some decent Middle-Earth talent.

TOL-IN-GAURHOTH- Underperformed. After being in the finals last year being relegated doesn’t sit well. Even with the restrictions on their Werewolf forms five powerful athletic Werewolves supported by six solid conniving Wights should’ve been enough to make a run. They outplayed Shire-Bree but couldn’t overcome their slow start to gain 3 points instead of 1, and then they got out of control against The Downer and only took 1 point there. Their tie against Angband was their best outing. To improve their fortunes they’ll need to smartly comply with the Tolkien Mandate- perhaps upgrade one of their Wight positions and trade the others evenly.