ARDA CUP Football 2012

[Nogrod]

Group E at the Grey Havens, round 1

The Greay Havens have never been a specially hip or cool place in Arda. It has been an important place to the elves who went and stayed in the Middle-earth as their base of entry and safety at times, and later a main point of departure back to the undying lands. But other than that, it has been taken as a quiet harbour-town mainly for those who come or go – which means more or less nothing to any Middle-earth-born folks. And Cirdan the Shipwright is probably the only person the people know from there even if the town is not the smallest one in the ME, or the poorest. Sadly people don’t seem to know or care of it at all, not to speak of appreciating it’s splendour and beauty.

With group E of Arda Cup 2012 the interest has suddenly been araised. There were a host of ships from the West bringing Maiar and elves into the city and long caravans of elves and men of old, and hobbits turned in from the East as well. Who wouldn’t want to see Manwë and his household with the wizards, or Ulmo and his household with the Númenorian kings, or Húrin and his children, or Eärendil, Tuor and Cirdan playing for the hometeam? The line-ups were so spectacular even the laziest northern-dwellers couldn’t resist and on the game-day the organizers were in trouble with all the football-fans, even if the parks beside the river offered a lot of space for them to fit into.


~*~

The first game of the day was one between Hithlum and The Sea aka. Ulmo and his minions strengthened with some real Númenorian talent against Húrin and his children. The Númenorian fans were a small but a loud bunch who made a noise much over their numbers, and the elves, especially the Teleri, seemed to be mostly supporting The Sea. But the remarkably huge crowds of humans were supporting Hithlum with their chants and flags. With the locals mainly supporting The Sea, Ulmo’s team had the advantage in support but the humans didn’t let them win it easily and the feeling in the first match at the new Lhûnarena was actually quite passionate and loud as there was a feeling of competition also in the stands, and the crowds camped at the park outside the stadium were having a nice afternoon even if there were some complaints about not getting enough information from the game. But people outside reacted to the cheers from inside and at times an announcer announced the latest action in-game.

Now the elves and the other West-folks were pretty confident The Sea would qualify with team Valimar (although some folks from the Grey Havens, and the fans of Eärendil, Tuor and Olwë still believed their team could make it), but the humans were as secure that Hithlum would just outscore at least one Valar-led team and take their place in the qualifiers.

To the Hithlum-fans the beginning of the game between Hithlum and The Sea was pure nightmare. The Sea was controlling the ball frustrating the Hithlum squad and when the Hithlum team got the ball the Sea’s defences were already organised and ready to pick on any imaginable forward plan Hithlum was trying to come up with.

To the end of the first period The Sea started to make results as well. Hithlum concentrated on their defence on a totally different level than in the friendlies, but that was not enough for the hot Númenorian forwards of The Sea. So on 34th minute Tar Aldarion found undefended ground inside the box and got a perfect pass from Veäntur hammering the ball in with a skilled volley. And just before the half-time Tar Minastir ran through Hithlum’s clumsy defences and received a long ball from Tar Ciryatan which left him one on one with Aradan – and you can figure the result with as cool finisher as Tar Minastir…

But Hithlum team was not going to surrender even if the score looked pretty bad on halftime. As The Sea concentrated more and more in the defence Hithlum started pressing more and more. The attacks were raining in but the Sea defenders helped by their midfielders were able to clean their area untill 74th minute when Húrin headed Hador’s corner in after a first touch by Nienor.

There was fifteen minutes of the game left and Hithlum was trailing by one goal. The Sea fell totally down into defence – and with no credible threat of counterattacks by Tar Aldarion or Tar Minastir, Hithlum pressed on in the way they only can. It was a bombardement!

But the clock was ticking and the time Hithlum had to equalize was running out as The Sea managed to either block the final passes or to block the shots, or then Voronwë saved the few shots coming in.
One minute left to the game Morwen went for it and challenged the Western defence with all her defiance and strength, and there was a second of confusion between the mighty-ones when she passed the ball behind Ossë and Uinen – straight to the foot of her son Túrin who didn’t hesitate getting the ball at the penalty-spot and booting it in to the net with the crowds roaring from either joy or disbelief. Hithlum had drawn just one minute before the end of the game!

It was 2-2 and it did stay that way. It was also clear neither team was too happy with the result.

Hithlum 2-2 The Sea
on target 5-6
tot shots 15-13
GOALS:
*34, 0-1 Tar Aldarion (Veantur)
*42, 0-2 Tar Minastir (Tar Cirytan)
*74, 1-2 Húrin (Nienor)
*89, 2-2 Túrin (Morwen)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Hithlum- Androg, Nienor
*Sea- Tar Ciryatan


The afternoon game had been great entertainment so the feeling was high when the hometeam marched into the field following the mighty Manwë and his squad for the late match-up. But as soon as the game was kicked off one realised this was going to be a very different ball game.

Both teams played it very safely indeed trying to avoid mistakes which led there being very few real efforts at attacking. With The Havens defending solidly with the whole team from midfield onwards Valimar had trouble finding alleys to break through, but with Valimar not able or willing to move their squad up forwards there was no chance for The Havens’ downstairs to feed their forwards for breakthroughs with fast long passes behind Valimar defences.

But just when the crowds were starting to show their contempt after half an hour of watching the sides walking in the field it happened. It was a clear marking error from Valimar defence as Amrod and Amras went both taking Tuor thinking Vana would take care of looking after his son – but for some reason she turned into the same direction before noticing her mistake. But that was enough for the great Eärendil to break free. And Angrod’s beautiful pass found him behind the lines perfectly. So against all expectations it was a goal for the home team!

The crowds went just mad. The homeside had just taken a lead against the mightiest of all, team Valimar! And like with a touch of a magic wand the game was suddenly alive. Being one goal down Valimar was forced to attack and that in turned opened opportunities for The Havens to play counter-attacking game they were more than keen in playing.

Some twenty minutes into the second half Valimar was finally rewarded from their effort. Mandos himself rose highest to a corner given by Ilmarë and headed the ball in the net with relentless force leaving Cirdan no chance of denying him.

Sadly for the spectators the evening goal changed the dynamics of the game once again as The Havens fell back into defence not to let Valimar take the lead and Valimar was not showing a real effort to win at any cost either. And like the game in the afternoon, this also ended in a draw.

In the post game press conference Manwë entertained the journalists commenting on Eärendil’s goal: “You know, this guy has entered our territory without permission already earlier… that time I let him go with it, but let’s see will he be forgiven a second time. Let’s not ask Mandos about it though. I’m not sure he thinks his goal is enough of a compensation…”

The Havens 1-1 Valimar
on target 5-5
tot shots 13-12
GOALS:
*27, 1-0 Eärendil (Angrod)
*63, 1-1 Namo (Ilmare)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Havens- Olwe
*Valimar- Vana, Celebrian

[Boromir88]

It was only mid-day, but the sun was being blotted out by a heavy overcast. It put the Mordor orcs in good spirits, since they never liked the nasty brightness of the sun. The atmosphere before first kick was thick with tension, there was definitely no love loss between these two enemies, but the situation could have been much much worse. Or so the MEFA (Middle-earth Football Association - the official governing body in charge of discipline and safety) authorities believed.

Group H @ Minas Morgul

The largely pro-Mordor crowd also had a lot to be pleased with by the way Barad-dur started the match. Barad-dur had a very disappointing friendly performance, but the fans soon forgot that with Barad-dur's positive, attacking strategy to begin. Minas Tirith was putting up the walls and playing a stiff defense, but the chants rising steadily louder, and louder still made a goal for Barad-dur seem inevitable.

It was just so in the 18th minute, when Sauron as he had done so many times before, threaded a perfect ball to Castamir who only had to slightly deflect the ball's path to get it beyond Denethor. And again in the 34th minute, Minas Tirith's defense couldn't hold of the ceaseless wave of Barad-durs attack. This time, Sauron found himself as the goal scorer after, Beruthiel, Castamir, and the pirates were wreaking havoc around Minas Tirith's box.

The half-time whistle came and Barad-dur found itself up 2-0. The crowd was rowdy, but in good spirits (which meant the most threatening they got was jeering the Gondorian fans about having a superior team). It must be said, that while Minas Tirith didn't create many chances in the 1st, while they were in possession, the attack looked dangerous, especially on counters when Barad-dur looked a little sleepy on defense. However, if they didn't start playing more positively in the 2nd, then even neutrals would have to agree Barad-dur looked the more deserving.

It appears Minas Tirith did not want to be embarrassed on this day, since they began the 2nd more aggressive. They were awarded with a quick score, only 7 minutes after the break. A power strike from Earnur made it 2-1.

The orcs taunts and jeers stopped for a brief moment, as the match got a little more nervous for them. But soon they were back to supporting their team, as Barad-dur responded by attacking even more, hoping to regain the 2 goal lead and put the match away. However, a bit of misfortune would force Barad-dur to change strategy. Just as it looked like they would break Minas Tirith's defense again, Ecthelion II poked the ball away from Beruthiel and started a counter. Herumor had no choice but to bring Faramir down from behind. The crowd was livid with the referees decision to send Herumor off, handing the Black Numenorean his 2nd yellow. But truly, they had no stance to complain with the ref's decision.

Barad-dur couldn't put everyone towards the attack now, without risking the defense. Angamaite and Sangahyando dropped further back to fill the hole left by Herumor, and the game began being played mostly in the mid-field. With more possession, Minas Tirith was looking more dangerous, but they still weren't creating enough chances to perturb Sauron. The White City was still too talented to stop when they have a 1-player advantage. Barad-dur defended admirably, and stopped most of Minas Tirith's attacks at the mid-field. However, with time winding down, and Barad-dur's midfield getting worn out, they became less and less effective on the attack.

Minas Tirith put one final attack together in the closing 5 minutes. Faramir got open down the right wing and sent a great cross into the box. Boromir I met it with a beautiful header. The Minas Tirithians let out brief cries of joy, before realizing they were in Mordor and facing a larger, possibly hostile crowd. They dared not press their luck.

It would end 2-2, and after some time to cope Mordorians turned their attention to the night match. For Barad-dur had clearly been the better team, and it took one of their own being sent off for Minas Tirith to just squeak out a draw. Surely, Mordor would beat the pathetic Tarks in the 2nd match.

Barad-Dur 2-2 Minas Tirith
on target 7-4
tot shots 18-9
GOALS:
*18, 1-0 Castamir (Sauron)
*34, 2-0 Sauron (Beruthiel)
*52, 2-1 Earnur (Mardil)
*86, 2-2 Boromir I (Faramir)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Barad-Dur- Fuinur, Herumor
*Minas Tirith- Earnil II, Ostoher
RED CARDS:
*Barad-Dur- Herumor (62, second yellow)

The Mordorians were getting quite aggressive at the sight of thousands and thousands of Gondorians. It was as if Gondor was trying to re-stake it's claim of ownership to Minas Morgul, by a show of force. Fortunately, instead of showing up with swords and clad in full-mail, the Gondor fans came with banners and silver trumpets, or else it may have been perceived as a declaration of war!

The crowd was less enthusiastic to begin this game, in part because of the Barad-dur's disappointing draw, but also in part because Mordor came out less aggressive then Barad-dur. In fact, the pace of this game was a few steps slower than the 1st, as they appeared to be testing eachother out. But Mordorians would prefer seeing the style of play they got from Barad-dur. Gondor was on their turf, any sign of passivity, is a sign of weakness!

Gondor put a first strike into the high spirits of Mordor in the 21st minute. Anarion scoring the opening goal was salt in the wound, since it was only the last few Cups that Anarion was playing for Barad-dur. Mordor definitely let Anarion know what they truly thought of him, while Gondorians soon remembered Anarion's skills. Whomever he played under in the past did not matter anymore, he was playing under his home banner now.

The crowd wasn't kept silent for long though, since Mordor quickly pulled it together to even the match after 8 minutes went by from Anarion's goal. Shelob tunneled her way through the defense and with one of her 8 legs, flicked Nazgul #5's pass into the back of the net.

The remainder of the half was rather unexciting since it went to becoming a fight in the mid-field and there were no more serious threats made on goal, by either team. The Mordor fans were beating their drums all through intermission, believing if their team was more spiritted to start the 2nd then their boys would be victorious.

The exact opposite happened, however, as Mordor apparently came out of the lockrooms asleep. Poor marking by the defense left Falastur open, and the lordly Ship-King had the strong boot to break the Silent Watcher's will in front of the net. Mordor was in shock, but there was still time left. Yes, still lots of game to be played.

Mordor would not go down without a fight, but it must be said Gondor did not go into a defensive shell. They kept Mordor constantly on guard, with some good pressure created by Anarion and Eldacar. The teams traded chances, but Gondor was able to just hold on. Whether that be because Hyarmendacil had a masterful performance saving 5 of 6 shots on target, or Mordor lacked the quality in their shots, Gondor ended the 1st round as sole leader of Group H.

At this outcome, the Gondorian supporters could not contain their joy and blew their trumpets proudly, and loud. This would surely stick in the craw of Mordor, but how they would handle the results was yet to be seen.

Gondor 2-1 Mordor
on target 6-6
tot shots 15-15
GOALS:
*21, 1-0 Anarion (Romendacil)
*29, 1-1 Shelob (Nazgul #5)
*48, 2-1 Falastur (Eldacar)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Gondor- Earnil I, Turambar
*Mordor- Fellbeast #1, Grishnakh, Shagrat

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Group Tables:



Power Rank:

The Power Rank shall return in the next issue of ArdaCup.com Stats Report.


Top Individual Performers:

GOALS + ASSISTS

2+0
Ancalagon (Angband)
Thuringwethil (Anfauglith)

1+1
Bombadil (Shire-Bree United)
Fingon (Inter Beleriand)
Scatha (Wilderland)
Galadriel (Wilderland)
Ar-Pharazôn (Armenelos)
Beleg (Doriath)
Sauron (Barad-dûr)

GOALKEEPING

1. Huan (FC Valinor) - 4/4 (100%)
2. Beorn (Erebor) - 3/3 (100%)
3. Théoden (Rohan) -2/2 (100%)
4. Uglúk (Isengard) - 5/6 (83.33%)
5. Hyarmendacil (Gondor) - 5/6 (83.33%)

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

These predictions can be a tricky business.

GROUP A: 1 out of 2

The Downer will get more bookings than shots on goal.

Three shots on goal, three bookings. Darn.

GROUP B: 1 out of 2

Elrond will save more shots than the goalkeepers of the first match combined.

Elrond has four saves, Rog and Turgon has 11 combined. Double darn.

GROUP C: 2 out of 2

Wilderland will score more goals than the Dwarves will get shots on goal.

Three Wilderland goals, three Dwarf U shots on goal. If I included ties, I would've been two out of three already. Sadly . . . triple darn.

GROUP D: 1 out of 2

More people will watch the first game of this group than the number of people who'll watch all matches of Group H combined.

I won't know until the group stage is over, but so far so good . . .


GROUP E: 0 out of 2

Eärendil will do again what he did late First Age--get to Valinor unmarked.

Oh, yeah.

GROUP F: 1 out of 2

The number of shots saved in the first game will equal the number of goals scored in the second game.

Five saves vs two goals. Whatever did Uglúk and Great Goblin eat that made them play that well?

GROUP G: 0 out of 2

Ooh, Beren vs Lúthien . . .

Well, the lovers played on opposite sides of the pitch. But they got a goal each.

GROUP H: 2 out of 2

More exciting things will happen in the stands than in the pitch.

No brawls? When did Orcs and Tarks start becoming buddy-buddies?!

8/16 from the first round. Nothing to be proud of, BUT I FINALLY BEAT TTN!!!

Round 2 predictions:

Group A
The Downer vs Tol-in-Gaurhoth
Angband vs Shire-Bree United

The Downer will have more bookings than shots on target.

Group B
Arnor vs Inter Beleriand
Eriador vs Gondolin

Elrond will limit Gothmog and Maeglin to one goal.

Group C
Erebor vs Wilderland
Anduin vs Dwarves United

Dragons will have more goals than Dwarves will have shots on goal.

Group D
Tirion vs Real Valinor
Armenelos vs FC Valinor

Arien will score a hat-trick to make up for the previous round's loss.

Group E
The Sea vs Valimar
Hithlum vs The Havens

Ulmo will score. Or at least he'll create a goal.

Group F
Imladris vs Misty Mts
Isengard vs Rohan

Remember Helm's Deep, Saruman? Helm will get one.

Group G
Anfauglith vs Doriath
AC Beleriand vs Nargothrond

Finrod will get more goals than Fëanor.

Group H
Barad-dûr vs Gondor
Minas Tirith vs Mordor

Erm, good guys win?