Arda Cup Football 2009

[skip spence]

Although the fate of the home team was sealed, the three other teams in this group had it all to play for. Minas Morgul had surprised a few people so far, playing much better than big brother Mordor, and a draw against Gondolin would be enough for them to advance. Gondolin recovered from their opening night defeat against Hithlum with a comprehensive win against Isengard, and were now looking to banish the evil Witch-King and his following to the shadow-world. Hithlum would face Isengard, and needed a result to ensure passage to the last 16, something that wouldn’t seem too difficult judging by the lacklustre form the host had shown so far.

Match 5: Gondolin vs. Minas Morgul.
With kick-off approaching a black rider on a huge black stallion appeared. It was the Witch-King, fully armoured, looking kingly, stern and deadly. He paced up and down around the stadium, giving his opponents a close examination from head to toe, and not a few of the Gondolin (and Morgul) players looked terrified. Then his horse halted with a loud snort, and the Nazgul king dismounted. His assistants rushed up and helped him take off his armour, and helm, and the long black sword he was carrying to the dismay of tournament officials. Turgon, Etchthelion and Idril showed no fear however, and neither did Gothmog, who just scuffed at the intimidation-attempt by the Nazgul. They were here to play ball, not strut around trying to look important.

The match itself was extremely competitive and fast paced. Gondolin played passionately, always looking to set up their power trio of Ecthelion, Gothmog and Idril, but the Morgul team also looked dangerous, and the WiKi had a menacing air about him any time the ball was around him. Early on, Minas Morgul was defending rather deep, and it worked well too, at least until a wonderful long distance shot from Etchelion forced them to change their game-plan. The Elf hit a half-cleared ball on the half-volley from more than 30 metres, and got the perfect bend and power to it, giving The Mouth no chance to stop the ball from the position he was at.

This goal really opened up the game, as Minas Morgul now were forced to attack - and it took them little time to equalize. The goal came rather cheaply from a Gondolin standpoint. Duilin slipped on the wrong occasion, and Queen Beruthiel picked up the ball and sent a low cross that was met by Eärnur who got past his marker at the near post, firing in from close range. Poor defending from the Gondolin players on that goal!

In the second half Gondolin gave it their best, and when three quarters of the match was played they took the lead once again, as Gothmog nodded in Voronwe’s well measured cross. The small section of Gondolin fans were celebrating wildly now, believing their team had done enough to win. Long it looked like they had done so too, as Minas Morgul found it hard to create chances against the solid Elven defence. But out of the blue, and just as the team of the Moon seemed to have hit a brick wall, the Witch-King himself equalized. He received the ball from Castamir, accelerated past Penlod, and hit a shot from a position that normally wouldn’t worry Rog in the Gondolin goal, but the ball was hit so hard it had passed him before he could even react. The Morgul players were praising their captain for his marvellous feat, while the Gondolin team looked shell-shocked.

With only 5 minutes to go Gondolin went looking for a winner, and although they did get one last chance Idril couldn’t capitalize on it, and time ran out. Gondolin had been eliminated, while The Witch-King and his Morgul team advanced to the second round of play.


Gondolin 2-2 Minas Morgul
shots 14-13
on target 6-7
GOALS:
*20, Gondolin (Ecthelion, Duilin)
*35, Minas Morgul (Earnur, Beruthiel)
*62, Gondolin (Gothmog, Voronwe)
*84, Minas Morgul (Witch King, Castamir)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Gondolin- Penlod, Elenwe, Salgant
*Minas Morgul- Angamaite, Gothmog II

Match 6: Hithlum vs. Isengard.
As the earlier match had ended in a draw, the only thing Hithlum had to play for now was the number one spot in the group. They would play in the second round no matter what, while the home team would not, and this fact certainly played a part of making this affair rather boring. Hithlum had two proper opportunities to score in the first half and made both count, and while Isengard did try to make a match of it, they were simply not good enough to threaten the Noldo side. In the second half Hithlum just kept possession without wasting too much energy, and their nonchalance almost resulted in an Isengard goal or two, but the score remained at 2-0.

Hithlum 2-0 Isengard
shots 13-6
on target 7-2
GOALS:
*23, Hithlum (Fingolfin, Feanor)
*43, Hithlum (Fingon, Aredhel)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Hithlum- none
*Isengard- Wulf, Quickbeam, Lurtz

Final Standings: Group C

Team................W D L GF GA P
1) Hithlum..........2 1 0...6 - 3 7 Q
2) Minas Morgul..1 2 0...7 - 4 5 q
3) Gondolin........1 1 1...5 - 5 4
4) Isengard........0 0 3...1 - 8 0

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In group H the top two had been decided already in the second round. But who was the top dog? Was it Romenna, the extremely solid Numenorian team, led from the back by Elros, or perhaps Valimar, with their dazzling Ainu flair and power. Also there was the match between the two teams without any points so far: Bree and Amon Sul. Both were looking to make amends to that tonight.
Despite the relative unimportance of the games, Bree stadium was full. After all, the sun was shining and Arda Cup was in town. The home team wasn’t going to advance; the fans knew that, but why make this fact it even worse by staying at home sulking about it? Those who came out also got to enjoy two well-played matches of football.

Match 5: Valimar vs. Romenna
This clash of the undefeated lacked some of the passion it deserved, as Romenna especially looked mentally drained, having fought so hard to get into the position they are in, and having their minds set on the last 16 already. And nothing short of a 100% effort just isn’t going to be enough against this extremely talented Valimar side. Melkor once again did well and played a key part in both goals, scoring the second himself, while setting up team captain Eönwe for the first. Some commentator have already started to question who in actuality is the leader of this team. Is it Eönwe, herald of Manwe, or is it Melkor, He who arises in Might? When asked to clarify the situation after the game, Melkor himself denied any claim to leadership, stating that he is only the humblest of servants. Tulkas was of a different opinion “His words mean nothing to me, and no, I cannot support his inclusion despite the quality he has added to the team. Eventually it will back-fire”, the Vala spoke, adding that he would remain loyal to the team and cooperate even with Melkor as long as he was a part the team also.

Romenna 0-2 Valimar
shots 8-14
on target 3-7
GOALS:
*37, Valimar (Eonwe, Melkor)
*72, Valimar (Melkor, Arien)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Romenna- Tar Surion
*Valimar- Tulkas, Melkor

Match 6: Amon Sul vs. Bree
Amon Sul had yet to score a single goal ahead of this match, but with nothing to lose, they relaxed and for once played some attacking football, determined to go out with honours intact. Bree also came out looking to entertain their supporters, and entertain they did. The match was wide open and gave the crowd plenty of excitement, including four good goals. It ended 2-2, and both teams were satisfied to end this tournament with a smile on their faces. Afterwards all the players (except the Barrow-Wight) joined up at the Prancing Pony, and spent a wholly enjoyable night drinking and singing their troubles away. There would always be a next time.

Amon Sul 2-2 Bree
shots 12-15
on target 5-7
GOALS:
*13, Amon Sul (Arahael, Arathorn)
*26, Bree (Goldberry, Ferny)
*71, Bree (Barrow-Wight, Harry)
*82, Amon Sul (Arasuil, Arahael)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Amon Sul- Elendil, Araglas, Arathorn
*Bree- Bob, Ferny

Final Standings: Group H
Team................W D L GF GA P
1) Valimar......... 3 0 0...8 - 1 9 Q
2) Romenna......2 0 1...3 - 3 6 Q
3) Bree...............0 1 2...4 - 7 1
4) Amon Sul........0 1 2...2 - 6 1

[the phantom]

FINAL GROUP STANDINGS

GROUP A (Moria)

----team---points--goals--against--differential
Angband........7........6.........4.......+2
Minas Tirith....5........7.........5.......+2
Moria.............3.......3.........7........-2
Alqualonde.....1........1.........7........-2

GROUP B (Mirkwood)

----team---points--goals--against--differential
Nargothrond..9........5...........2........+3
Mirkwood......6.........7..........4........+3
Arnor............3.........5..........6.........-1
Helm's Deep..0.........1..........6.........-5

GROUP C (Isengard)

----team---points--goals--against--differential
Hithlum.........7........6.........3.........+3
Minas Morgul..5........7.........4........+3
Gondolin........4........6.........5........+1
Isengard........0........1.........8.........-7

GROUP D (Erebor)

----team---points--goals--against--differential
Eregion........9..........6..........2........+4
Erebor..........4..........5..........4........+1
Osgiliath.......4..........5.........5..........0
Mordor..........0..........1.........6.........-5

GROUP E (Lothlorien)

----team---points--goals--against--differential
Armenelos....9...........8..........2........+6
Dor-Lomin....6...........7..........5........+2
Lothlorien.....1...........3..........6.........-3
Doriath.........1...........4.........9..........-5

GROUP F (Shire)

----team---points--goals--against--differential
Edoras.........9..........6..........0........+6
Taniquetil.....4..........3..........3.........0
Shire...........2..........2..........5........-3
Dorthonion...1..........2..........5........-3

GROUP G (Tuna)

---team---points--goals--against--differential
Tuna..........9........11........3.........+8
T-i-G..........4........7.........7...........0
Gondor.......2........5.........7..........-2
Brethil........1........3.........9..........-6

GROUP H (Bree)

----team---points--goals--against--differential
Valimar........9..........8.........1.........+7
Romenna.....6..........3.........3..........0
Bree............1..........4.........7.........-3
Amon Sul.....1..........2.........6.........-4

[the phantom]

These are the sixteen teams who fought their way through group play to gain a chance at the coveted Arda Cup! The playoff format is standard- winner advances, loser goes home. Winner of match 1 plays winner of match 2, winner of match 3 plays winner of match 4, etc. So without further delay, here are the games you've been waiting for. The playoffs are here!!

Angband versus Romenna

Nargothrond versus Tol-in-Gaurhoth

Hithlum versus Taniquetil

Eregion versus Dor-Lomin

Armenelos versus Erebor

Edoras versus Minas Morgul

Tuna versus Mirkwood

Valimar versus Minas Tirith

[Boromir88]

Jim "Scoop" Johnstone here and Round 3's predictions turned out to be significantly better than Round 2. I managed 9-7, in calling games correctly, if it weren't for a few unexpected ties that would be much better! That brings the total to 15-17, and I'm looking to shoot that prediction record up now that it's playoff time and there are no nasty draws! Now we get a clear cut winner, and the champion is decided in a playoff system, as is the right way of crowning a champion!

These games will be significantly tougher to predict, there are no more Isengard cupcakes teams can beat up on, and you lose, you're gone, there is no room for teams to slip up. Now it's time to offer in-depth, unbiased, and the best analysis of each match you will ever find.

Match 1: Angband v. Romenna

What a mighty even first game match this is...Romenna's stout defense and well organized team vs. the powerful might and scary scoring threat of Angband. Usually I would take the ability to score a goal at anytime in the match as the winner, however in Cup in a parallel universe, a well-organized Iraq team gave the offensive powerhouse Spain one heck of a game.

Romenna lost their last match to Valimar, but Valimar is probably slightly more talented than Angband. Angband comes off a win against Alqualonde, but it was a pretty lackluster perfomance...and now there are questions about whether the goodie-two-shoes Hurin and Gwindor want to play for their team. Those two think they have completely clean hands...ha...ha, but if Angband wants to advance far in the tournament Hurin will definitely have to get evil.

Angband's offensive ability will outmatch Romenna, and Carcharoth will continue to improve from his last preformance. Angband wins 2-1...and I will also predict the guy named Tar will get the goal for Romenna. Do I pick up an extra point?

Match 2: Nargothrond v. Tol-in-Gaurhoth

Poor Nargothrond to get this opponent in the first round. But maybe it's good, because everyone in the Soccer community knows TIG has been a major letdown so far. The fans have lost some of that swagger after a disappointing group play showing...and the team may have lost their swagger too. That's not good, because guys need swagger, they need to know they are better and they will go out and beat you on the field. If a team doesn't have that, they might as well go home now, because they aint winning this tournament, let alone beating anyone in it!

Positively though, TIG is not facing Miriel, and no one on Nargothrond can even come close to Miriel's ability...so at least morm-"Swiss Cheese"-wolf should be able to handle GK and hopefully the FWs will step up their game, because right now I'd rather have Natalie Portman, a t-bone steak, and a basket of mozarella sticks as the TIG forwards, because at least they will be appetizing to watch. Where was I...oh yes, match prediction...Draw 2-2, but TIG will take it in a shootout.

Match 3: Hithlum v. Taniquetil

Taniquetil is lucky to be here, there is no motivation, no passion. They believe if Eru wills them to win, they will win, and there is nothing the can do about it. Bogus, I say. The team that will win this tournament, will win it, because they play the best soccer...and that team is not going to be Taniquetil.

Hithlum's got high expectations, and so far they may not have lived quite up to it, drawing with Minas Morgul in their group (but Minas Morgul is an unexpected surprise so far!) The point is, Hithlum is in, they're up against a talented team, but a team that is entirely unmotivated. It's playoff time, which means it's Feanor time, and he will show up all the phantasy managers dumping him faster than a hot potato for that rotten Miriel. Hithlum wins 2-0.

Match 4: Eregion v. Dor-Lomin

It's a surprise to me that Dor-Lomin is here, but Turin still is not a premier player. What did he have in the must win match against Doriath? Oh that's right, one assist. And of course now he is up against the strongest defensive team in the tournament. I challenge anyone to put up more than 2 goals against Eregion. Dor-Lomin's own defense has been shaky, if Eregion gets 2 goals on them (and they will) it's over. Eregion wins 2-1.

Match 5: Armenolos v. Erebor

On paper this looks like it won't be a contest, Armenolos is too powerful, and unstoppable with Sauron playing at the level that he is. It doesn't matter what he's planning, alone, in the clubhouse - away from the rest of the team. Whatever he's doing it's working, and the team feels it's working too, because Armenolos dominated everyone in their group. And unlike some other groups, that was one of the tougher ones, any one of the 4 teams had a good shot a winning or advancing. Armenolos has shown up ready to play.

Though I suspect the tough to tame dwarves, and the most charming and lovable dragon there is, Smaug, will have some fight in him. This could be an off-game for Sauron, as the Dwarves will prove to be tough foes against him, as they always have been. Too bad for Erebor, that Armenolos has many more weapons at their disposal. Armenolos wins 3-1.

Match 6: Edoras v. Minas Morgul

This is probably the toughest match of the 1st playoff round to call. Edoras who has not given up a goal yet, but they have only played the Taniqantscore bums, the Borethonion slugheads, and The not even good enough to get a corny name Shirelings. Minas Morgul will be a true test to Edoras' defense...and this is the match I am more looking forward to. Because Minas Morgul has proven they can put up points, and points against tough defensive teams like Hithlum and Gondolin.

Edoras has an under-rated offensive ability, and their comradarity as a team is unrivalled, but ultimately Minas Morgul has hands down the best player on the field and he's got 3 of his Nazgul who will come to his call on the defense. Theoden finally breaks and so does Edoras, it was a good showing for them, but they are a few stars short of having a really dominant team. Minas Morgul wins 3-2.

Match 7: Tuna v. Mirkwood

This will be another offensively dominated match, you can forget about the defenses. For no amount of odds will I predict this game will end 1-0. Miriel v. Scatha...edge Tuna. Finwe v. Legolas...edge Tuna. Nerdanel v. Thranduil...edge Tuna...you see the point don't you? Tuna's offense is even better than last tournament, and last tournament they scared a lot of teams, but defense was their undoing.

But before I actually trash both defenses, it's necessary to point out the addition of Aule at GK for Tuna, who has been pretty impressive so far, and against some capable offenses too, like TIG and Gondor. Tuna might not rely on defense, but they are going to tell every opponent, "Go ahead try to put up 4 goals on us" because that's what it will take to knock them off. Mirkwood has some firepower, but not that much. Tuna wins 4-2.

Match 8: Valimar v. Minas Tirith

Poor Minas Tirith, it's been an impressive and good tournament for them, but Valimar is just too much for them. Aragorn will surely give his guys a speech that will heat the blood and stir the mind, but speeches don't win matches. Aragorn has not seen an enemy like Melkor, they will fast find themselves down 2-0 and the Minas Tirith defenders will be clueless to how it happened. Valimar wins 3-1.

[Nogrod]

Arda Kicker Magazine has been following the last round of the group-stage and is happy first to deal the following stars from round three.

Five stars go to:

Curufin of Nargothrond
Felarof of Edoras
Miriel of Túna
mormwolf of TIG

Three stars go to:

Aulë of Túna
Beleg of Dor Lomin
Boromir of Minas Tirith
Carcaroth of Angband
Elrond of Eregion
Gwindor of Angband
Melkor of Valimar
Scatha of Mirkwood
Ungoliant of Valimar

One star goes to:

Aragost of Amon Sûl
Arahael of Amon Sûl
Araphor of Arnor
Eldacar of Osgiliath
Finwé of Túna
Hardang of Brethil
Huan of Hithlum
Nerdanel of Túna
Orodreth of Nargothrond
Rôg of Gondolin
Romendacil of Osgiliath
Sauron of Armenelos
Shadowfax of Edoras
Tar Atanamir of Armenelos
Theoden of Edoras
Thranduil of Mirkwood
Varda of Taniquetil


~*~
FANFARES! tat-ta-dat-taaaa!
~*~


Then it will time for some special awards after the group-stage is now completed!

The amazing defence (defenders & goalie) of Edoras (Theoden, Frealaf, Elfwine, Shadowfax and Felarof) playing three shut-outs in a row will gain five stars each.

The most solid midfields who otherwise seldom score points in the tournament as a whole; those of Valimar (Balrog #4, Arien, Tilion, Melkor) will gain five stars each and those of Angband (Tevildo, Gwindor, Thuringwethil, Húrin) will gain three stars each.

Best value for “money” prizes will be given to the most effective players who have not been starred by the organisers of the tournament. They will get the following stars: Nerdanel (18pts.) 5 stars, Eärendil (17pts.) 4 stars and Eldacar (16pts.) 3 stars.


------

All this will result in the following stars (those not playing anymore are in italics) after the group phase:

11 stars:
Felarof of Edoras
Melkor of Valimar
Nerdanel of Tuna

10 stars:
Elros of Romenna

7 stars:
Eldacar of Osgiliath
Miriel of Tuna
mormwolf of TIG
Shadowfax of Edoras

Bubbling under in six stars… Curufin, Galadriel, Gwindor, Sauron, Theoden and Tilion.

In five… Arien, Arwen, Balrog #4, Eärendil, Elfwine, Frealaf, Gandalf, Huor, Nazgul #6 and Turgon.

Beleg and Elrond are in four stars. In three stars there are twenty players…


A little teaser coverage by AKM to follow in a shortwhile...

[Nogrod]

On last year's tournament the first knock-out round went as follows:

Rivendell won Valimar in a shoot-out
TIG beat Mordor in a thriller

Formenos overran Amon Rhûdh
Nargothrond lost scandalously to Túna

Gondolin beat Umbar
Armenelos had it easy with Doriath

Hithlum crushed Mirkwood
Angband gave no chance to Fornost


Only Túna managed to beat the odds being the second best of it's own group and beating the number one of another group.

The teams were a bit different then - a lot different on some accounts, like trading the whole forward-trio of Formenos (Aredhel, Maedhros, Fëanor) to Hithlum for this season - but one does well to remember those times as well...

How did it continue?

Well, the teams advancing to the quarter-finals last year were TIG, Formenos, Armenelos and Hithlum.
(For more, see the very first post of this thread on page1)