Middle-Earth Football World Cup 2007

[The Saucepan Man]

Group E

Fangorn is another team that looks good on paper. But they have made a strategic error in fielding their Ents in attacking positions and holding their Orcs back in defence. Their attack, while powerful, is woefully lacking in pace. Ugluk was a prolific goalscorer last year, so I cannot understand why he has been relegated to the back four. He is Ugluk and he commands the defence, but he cannot rely on Grishnahk or Wormtongue. Team captain Saruman is a capable leader, but past his best. This is a weak Group, so I think that they will progress to the next round, but I don’t see them going much further.

Hey diddle diddle! The Old Grey Hill certainly add variety to the competition, but I wouldn’t bother dwelling on them too much. With a Tipsy Cat, a Dog helpless with laughter, an Ostler and a Landlord forming the back row, their defence is sadly lacking in focus and they will leak goals like the sieve they nearly picked to play up front. As an attacking force, the Dish and the Spoon can combine well on forward runs and they do have the blistering pace of the Sun up front, but it won’t be nearly enough to save them from an early trip back home.

Tol In Gauroth is another newcomer, and it certainly has a big following. The problem that I see with this team, however, is the in-fighting. They are notoriously bad at trusting one another. Some will no doubt contribute more than others, leading to arguments, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they have difficulty working out each other’s tactical roles. That said, the Mythomaniac can be unpredictable in midfield and may cause a few surprises, while the Seer has a good eye for the game. It’s unlikely to see them through the Group, though.

Like the Moria team, the Misty Mountains may find themselves with a discipline problem, and the Dwarf players will find it difficult to build up any kind of a working partnership with their Goblin team-mates. However, the Stone Giant is strong and powerful up front (though prone to handball, being used to hurling stones, rather than kicking footballs), and he will be supported by a generally workman-like midfield, with Gwaihir providing the pace on the wing. A strong defence also includes Gollum who is undoubtedly resilient, but his form is unpredictable and their performance may hinge on which Gollum turns up for the match: the tricksy Slinker or the hopeless Stinker.

Saucepan’s prediction:

I can see this being quite a tight Group, with the exception of the Old Grey Hill. But Fangorn and the Misty Mountains should have sufficient quality to prevail. It’s a toss up between them who will win the Group, but I see Fangorn edging it, as their ability to stifle the midfield will break down most attacks against them.

Group winners: Fangorn
Group runners up: Misty Mountains
First round elimination: Tol In Gaurhoth and the Old Grey Hill

Group F

Gondolin are an excellent all-round team and have talent all over the pitch. Defensively, they are strong, and capable of guarding their goal well. Having re-signed the talented Maeglin following his defection to Angband last year, they had better hope that he doesn’t let them down again. Huor and Tuor combine well in the midfield and provide loyal support for Turgon, allowing him to get forward on occasion and to slip back into a more defensive role at other times. With the dogged veteran Hurin and the talented Glorfindel up front, they will score lots of goals too. The class of the Group.

Bree proved themselves to have a sturdy defence in last year’s competition, but failed to score enough goals to progress very far. This year, they have strengthened their squad by signing the star players of the Old Forest team, following the latter’s failure to qualify for the finals. Old Man Willow in goal will certainly help maintain their strong defence, while wing-backs Goldberry and the River Woman like to stream forward on each side and shower crosses into the box. Harry Goatleaf normally plays in defence and has been promoted as a make-shift striker, so don’t expect too much from him. But Tom Bombadil, the winner of the inaugural Yellow Boot trophy, remains a class act. Although Butterbur, Bob and Nob are mainly defensive-minded midfielders, the Barrow Wight’s forward runs are a chilling prospect. I’m not sure that it will be enough to get them the goals that they will need, though.

Another team out of their depth, Wooton Major are very unlikely to progress. Smith in goal is a dreamer and easily distracted from the realities of competitive play. They have one star in the Chief Cook, but the rest of the team is hopelessly inexperienced, while Nokes up front is desperately lacking in match fitness.

Mirkwood, on the other hand, are fielding a very good team and showed their class last year. Spider “the Spider” Spider in goal is a great shot stopper, although Thrain will have to be doubly alert in defence as the Wine Steward and the Guard are prone to doze off at times. The midfield is solidly anchored by Grimbeorn, while Thranduil and Legolas provide attacking verve. With the powerful Beorn and the ruthless Necromancer up front, this team will certainly score a lot of goals.

Saucepan’s prediction:

Gondolin are the clear Group winners, while Wooton Major will be hopelessly outclassed. It will be tight between the other two for second place, but I‘ll plump for the attacking spirit of Mirkwood.

Group winners: Gondolin
Group runners up: Mirkwood
First round elimination: Bree and Wooton Major

Group G

I had high hopes for Rohan last year, but they sorely disappointed. They should be a good team. Erkenbrand, Hama and Eorl provide a solid defence, although Eowyn has a tendency to neglect her defensive duties in her eagerness to get on the attack. The midfield is strong too, with Ghan-Buri-Ghan in particular excelling at the hidden pass to help the pacy Eomer and strong Helm up front unlock defences. As I said, they should be a good team. But I suspect they may disappoint once more, particularly in a strong Group like this.

As reigning champions, the Barrow-Downs team has much to live up to. But they have the quality all over the pitch to help them do so. In Sleepy and Saucepan, they have two highly prolific strikers (having been joint runners-up in last year’s Yellow Boot Trophy competition) and Rune has been promoted from defensive duties to provide good aerial support. The phantom is a free-kick specialist and a great provider as well as a talented goal-scorer himself, and he will be ably supported in midfield by the unpredictable Feanor of the Peredhil and the tempestuous Arcticstorm. Glirdan and Firefoot are excellent defenders but also like to get forward, providing pace on the wings, while the solid defence has been strengthened with the addition of the implacably philosophical central defensive pair, Nogrod and Formendacil. A classy team is rounded off by one of the best (and most feared) goal-keepers of the competition, the inscrutable Barrow-Wight.

Gondor are a solid team, but have undoubtedly been weakened by the loss of star striker Aragorn to Arnor. Nevertheless, brothers Faramir and Boromir have forged a good partnership up front with Anarion. I suspect, however, that they may lack support from a static midfield, with Thengel well past his best and Forlong (the Fat) lacking match fitness. They have a good defensive line-up though, with Imrahil worthy of particular mention, and so should not give too many goals away.

The Inklings are an unproven side, although they may provide a few surprises. Veteran striker JRR Tolkien has shown himself to have an uncanny insight into the nature of the other teams in this competition. In the past, he has shown good understanding with his strike partner, CS Lewis, although it is rumoured that they may have fallen out in recent times. He can, however, expect good support from his son, Christopher, in midfield. Indeed, Christopher likes to get forward and has shown himself to have great skill in finishing off moves started by his father.

Saucepan’s prediction:

This is an exceptionally strong Group. The Barrow-Downs undoubtedly has the talent to progress from the Group, and I would expect a semi-final finish from them at the very least. Of the others, my heart says Rohan, my head says Gondor, but I will go for the dark horses as Group runners up.

Group winners: The Barrow-Downs
Group runners up: The Inklings
First round elimination: Rohan and Gondor

Group H

Arnor have three very good strikers in Aragorn, Arathorn and Elendil and they can expect good support from a talented midfield, with Isildur standing out in particular. However, with the formation that they play, Arvedui and Malvegil will have to concentrate on their defensive duties, particularly since, Halbarad aside, the defence is fairly weak, and Trotter, in goal, is not quite the finished product. This team is going to give away a lot of goals, so their attackers are going to have to be in great form for them to progress very far.

For Doriath, the darkly charismatic Eol and the dependable Mablung are both very talented strikers and, in Beleg Strongboot, they have one of the best attacking midfielders in the competiton. Huan likes to get forward too, and is capable of penetrating even the most forbidding of defences. I expect lots of goals from this team, and I can’t see them letting too many in either. Melian provides a strong protective girdle in goal, ably supported by the defensively-minded Thingol, while Luthien and Beren have a great defensive understanding and are not shy about getting forward on the attack. Saeros, is perhaps, the weak link in the team and he is likely to get a rough ride from some of the more skilful opposing players, such as Turin and Mormegil.

Rivendell have a strong defence, with a talented goalkeeper, the skill and agility of Elladan and Glorfindel and Erestor’s ability to read the game. Bilbo plays the sweeper role, and is adept at confusing opposing players by disappearing with the ball only to reappear further up the pitch to put in a deadly pass to Gilraen or the pacy Elrohir. The team is hampered, however, by the presence of the three Stone Trolls in midfield, who often fail to see eye-to-eye and can be dreadfully static at times, particularly in sunny conditions.

I suspect that Ham may provide a few upsets in the opening stages of this competition. Chrysophylax Dives is sly and cunning in goal, while the Giant provides an imposing presence in defence. Garm is a terrier on the right wing, and the midfield makes up for in enthusiasm what it lacks in experience. The forward partnership of Farmer Giles and Tailbiter is likely to nab a few unlikely goals, too.

Saucepan’s prediction:

Doriath should easily win this Group, but second place is more difficult to predict. Arnor, I think, will give away too many goals, while Ham perhaps do not yet have quite the experience that they need at this level. Despite their poor midfield, I think that Rivendell will just about scrape through.

Group winners: Doriath
Group runners up: Rivendell
First round elimination: Arnor and Ham

[Sleepy Ranger]

Ladies and gentlemen we are reporting to you live from the national stadium in Mordor, nicknamed the Eye of Fire. The first two matches of the 2007 Middle-Earth Football World Cup will be played here. We are just moments away from the beginning of Erebor vs. Angband. We have some famous faces in the crowd today. It seems Sleepy Cowell has showed up for the Erebor vs. Angband match.

I also think I saw ME Idol winner, Elempi, and the runner-up, TORE, walking about in Shire jerseys but then again I may have had a tad bit too much wine. Without further ado, the first two matches of the World Cup are ready to kick off!

***

Group A
Erebor 0 - 1 Angband
(Thuringwethel 85th)

The first half was relatively actionless with neither side really threatening despite Erebor's three corners. Erebor began the match very positively and won three early corners but were unable to really threaten with them. Angband kept trying to break through but very foiled time after time and after a relatively sedated first half the teams went in level.

The second half played out more or less the same as the first half with neither team really able to do much in attack. The deadlock stood till the 85th minute when Thuringwethel broke away and slide in a neat shot past the goal keeper to give Angband a well fought win. Moments later Erebor came close to equalizing through a drilled in shot by Thorin that fizzled wide of target.

Shots: 3(0) - 6(2)
Posession: 43 - 57

Group B
Lothlorien 0 - 0 Shire

So far this has been a pretty boring and defensive match. The Shire soon reverted to long ball tactics and the first half ended without a goal. While Lothlorien's dribbling and graceful play may have lit up the play at parts on the whole neither team has shown and signs of being able to win. Neither team having taken a shot the entire half.

The second half showed no improvement and both teams still struggled to find any quality in front of goal. Lothlorien were the first to create an actual chance when Gandal cracked in a shot from the edge of the box but it was wide, very wide. Soon after, Shire's long ball tactics finall paid off and Bullroarer found himself free with the ball but his volley was hopelessly wide.

The Shire found themselves with another very good oppurtunity when Pippin was taken down outside the box and Rumil recieved a YELLOW CARD. Sam sent the resultant free kick over the goal, well over. Moments later Lothlorien recieved a free kick in an identical position but no card was shown this time. However they too sent the ball well over the goal. In stoppage time Bullroarer had a wonderful oppurtunity, open goal, and wham, he sends the ball into the post and out of play. Disappointing game, neither team deserved the win quite frankly.

Shots: 3(0) - 4(0)
Posession: 50 - 50
Bookings: Rumil

***

It doesn't seem either of these matches were all that exciting but Angband will be pleased to have picked up the three points. Lothlorien and Shire played it out sensibly seeing as they're the strongest of their groups maybe a draw isn't that bad a result for them. Every point counts. Hopefully we'll see some more attacking games later on. The other two fixtures will kick-off soon and of course, we'll be providing live coverage available over eagle and palantir.

[Sleepy Ranger]

Here we are, ready and waiting for the kick-off the next two matches of the day. Angband won in a rather listless match and Lothlorien and Shire played to a goalless draw in a match were they both played a very careful game. Next up we have Mordor taking on Roverandom in what should be, on paper, an easy win for Mordor. After that we have Rohan taking on the Inklings, which seems to be an interesting match to say the least.

***

Group D
Mordor 0 - 1 Roverandom
(Roverandom 88th)

Fantastic attacking play by Mordor all through the first half. Why, Roverandom hardly got a touch on the ball. It was a thrilling performance as Mordor managed to dribble past the Roverandom defence over and over, putting on quite a show. They won a free kick very early on in the game which deflected off the crossbar and out leaving Gothomg very annoyed. After some more fantastic moves ended in disappointment, Gothomg managed to play a ball in to Witch-King who beat his marker and unbelivably saw his shot saved by Tinker. The resulting corner was headed over by Dark-Lord.

The second half started off in the same way the first half ended with Mordor dominating quite about everything, but not finding the target. They knocked on the door ceaselessly but Roverandom held on quite unbelivably. Shot after shot after shot, Roverandom denied Mordor quite... quite luckily to be honest. Towards the end it became apparent that all this fast paced attacking had worn out the Mordor team and they began to make some costly mistakes.

A very frustrated tackle by Snaga led to a yellow card for him and a free kick for Roverandom. Wizard Artaxerxez took the free kick rather well but it was easily handled by the Mordor keeper. With only two minutes of regular time to be played a lob into the area from Wizard Artaxerxez was converted easily by Roverandom, pulling off what may be one of the biggest upsets to date. A lot of the blame should be placed on Shelob for diving before the shot came in, giving Roverandom a very easy job.

Shots: 14(5) - 5(3)
Posession: 55 - 45
Bookings: Snaga

Group G
Rohan 0 - 2 Inklings
(J.R.R Tokien 23rd, 79th)

The match started with the Inklings making a fine break of goal but a slide tackle on the edge of the area by Theoden ensured he didn't let in a goal right off. After that Rohan pretty much dominated the game. Eomer came close to score but his quick fire shot just grazed the post on it's way out. Around the 23rd minute, Christopher Tolkien provided a neat pass to Charles Williams who crossed in for J.R.R Tolkien to head in the opener. After that goal the match began to play out a bit more evenly though no other note-worthy chances were created.

Though Rohan saw more posession in the second half it was the Inklings made use of theirs. The game played out rather evenly when everything is taken into consideration. Rohan held the ball more and Inklings shot more. Neither team was able to find a goal though. In the 79th minute that changed as C.S Lewis broke past the Rohan defence and slotted back a through ball for J.R.R Tolkien to tap into an empty net, Bullroarer Took better be taking notes. The Inklings prove Saucepan Man's analysis true and emerged victorious by a two goal margin.

Shots: 3(0) - 6(2)
Posession: 54 - 46

***

Wow... I'm still stunned that Mordor LOST to Roverandom. I really have no idea what to say. The Inklings impressed with a fairly good performance which saw them beat Rohan two goals to none. Now it remains to be seen how they stack up against Gondor and the Barrow-Downs.

Also, photos from the game shall be up later on in the day.

[The Saucepan Man]

I would have expected Angband to slot more past Erebor, but the win sets them off on the path of likely Group winners.

I can understand the caution of The Shire and Lothlorien, but one of them may come to rue this result with hotly tipped Tuna (mmm, tasty ) in the Group. The Shire, in particular, should have looked to capitalise on their many chances. It looks like Pippin is missing his former strike partner Merry already. The fact that they ended up resorting to the long ball suggests that the midfield is a shadow of its former self. The Shire need to improve, and quick, if they are to repeat last year's achievement. Still, Lothlorien are a difficult team to break down.

Well, I said that Roverandum should not be underestimated, but I didn't expect this! There is no other way to describe their result against Mordor other than as a major upset. And, in quite a tight Group, Mordor could come to regret all those missed chances (14 shots on goal, 5 on target) big time.

And it looks like Rohan are going to flatter to deceive once more. They really should have done better. But it seems that The Inklings are as good a side as I suspected they might be, and it also appears that JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis have patched up their recent differences to combine well up front.

Yellow Boot Trophy competition

Day one sees John Ronald Reuel making an early bid for the prize:

JRR Tolkien (Inklings) – 2
Thuringwethil (Angband) – 1
Roverandom (Roverandom) - 1

[the phantom]

Erebor 0 - 1 Angband

The result was not surprising here, but I am shocked that Angband didn't outshoot Erebor by more than 6-3. Thuringwethil played up to expectations, displaying the speed and guile of a true vampire queen.

Lothlorien 0 - 0 Shire

Boring to watch, and honestly these two teams deserve to be disqualified after that gutless performance. They played as if they had already sewn up births in the next round, which they may have just kept themselves from doing by being content to pick up one point instead of three. Within their group, Tuna is superior at every position and Brethil is solid with an all-star scorer up front, so really I don't understand Lothlorien and Shire's tactic. At least there was one positive note- I didn't see blatant underhanded play from the Shire. Perhaps it was Frodo and Merry behind all the schemes last year, and with them gone we will see better sportsmanship.

Mordor 0 - 1 Roverandom

Sauron has got to be furious after dominating shots and posession and yet still managing to lose. This was not so much a great game by Roverandom as it was Mordor swooping in and seizing defeat from the jaws of victory. Of course, that sort of thing seems to happen to Sauron now and then.

Rohan 0 - 2 Inklings

Despite the fact that I didn't pick Inklings to advance, this result is not terribly shocking to me. I knew Inklings had a bit more potential than the other new teams, but I didn't want to rate them too high early on seeing as they've never been in the tournament before. If today's match was any indication, they are a real contender, because Rohan is no push over.

[The Saucepan Man]

Originally Posted by the phantom

SHIRE- Every single member of the Shire team will be slower, weaker, and shorter, and have less reach than his/her opponent in every single game. So naturally, they will win lots of matches. Makes sense, doesn’t it? Teams of twelve year olds regularly beat World Cup teams after all, right? But seriously, so long as officials refuse to crack down on various illegal activities, I fully expect the Shire to carry on winning matches by continuing their practice of poisoning opponents’ water jugs, paying referees, rigging the ball with magnets, and other such nonsense.

Aw, you're just smarting still from the success of The Shire last year.

Originally Posted by TP

Within their group, Tuna is superior at every position ...

Last year, I would have put this down to your traditional contempt for Hobbits and bias towards anything Feanor-related. Unfortunately, though, I think that this asessment is correct this time round. The Shire is clearly not the team it was last year.

Originally Posted by TP

... Rohan is no push over.

Logically, that's right. But Rohan are Middle-earth's Spain. Great players, great team, much expected of them by fans and analysts alike but, year after year, they fail to deliver.