Arda Cup Soccer 2008 - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Anguirel · 05-13-2008, 02:01 PM

GROUP A
FORNOST
MICHEL DELVING
RIVENDELL (H)
ROMENA

Rivendell are the clear favourites here; the charm and financial leverage of their home city (or strictly speaking, home home) has got them something close to an all-star squad. (Are the twins worth their caps though? Or in by nepotism?)

The second strongest team is Romena, a grizzled Akallabeth and Last Alliance League victor with a glittering striker.

An upset could however be mounted by the veteran, if low-budget, Fornost under the experienced management of Mr. Aime Hunter. Michel Delving? Michel Diving more like. They'll use their endemic crowd-pleasing to get away with a lot of cheating, but still, whenever have Halflings proved a threat outside the regionals?

OK, last World Cup. But they had Gandalf (who has now let the bucks draw him to Elrond's side) and they were on anabolic pipeweed. I say:

WINNER: Rivendell
SECOND: Romena
UPSET: Fornost
RELEGATE: Michel Delving

GROUP B
BREELAND
EDORAS (H)
MIRKWOOD
TOL-IN-GAURHOTH

Tol-in-Gaurhoth have a massive, captive, fan-base, the most sophisticated tactics in the tournament, and huge stars onside. But will they let over-analysis and celebrity run away with them? I reckon the overconfident wolfies might lose some gloss here. I hear they've had recruitment trouble as well.

Mirkwood and Edoras both have dream-team offensive capabilities. Despite Edoras's pair of excellent strikers, Mirkwood has three exceptional ones, and overall a more solid quality (even if "Gazza" Galion's skills in defence aren't what they were).

Breeland...nice try lads. Your fans' chanting should be quite funny. I say:

WINNER: Mirkwood
SECOND: Tol-in-Gaurhoth
UPSET: Edoras
RELEGATE: Breeland

GROUP C
ALQUALONDE
DORIATH (H)
FORMENOS
ISENGARD

I have little to add to my coverage above. Go get 'em boys! Your strategy can do with work to be honest - Cel Curu n' Caran should be on the midfield, while Maglor's better tested in defence - but your skill is The Best. Here's hoping the White Lady shows off her legs and scores too...

Doriath are the other respectable team; Isengard could try Maiarin tricks; Alqualonde will fare no better than Galdor's Mithlond side did last year. I swear:

WINNER: FOOOORRRRRRRRMENOS!!!
SECOND: Doriath
UPSET: Isengard
RELEGATE: Alqualonde

GROUP D
LOTHLORIEN
NARGOTHROND
OSGILIATH (H)
UMBAR

Two classes here, simply: the Elder children, and, way out of their league, the younger.

Captains Galadriel and Finrod should generate an interesting spark of sibling rivalry. Finrod has a way better quality side, but Galadriel really, really plays to win. Felagund's a golden boy but Gally's gold has steel in it. No upset likely here.

WINNER: Lothlorien
SECOND: Nargothrond
RELEGATE: Osgiliath, Umbar

GROUP E
EREBOR
GONDOLIN (H)
GONDOR
TUNA

Team play? Pshah, what counts here is individual style, and that is why Gondolin will win, with Sharpboot top scorer. Captain Turgon's boys are lucky to have acquired the temperamental genius back from Angband. They know he's open to bids and they'll make sure and leave him opportunities for glory this time...or else.

Tuna has plenty of quality, but a typically hesitant strategy from cautious captain Finarfin. Gondor and Erebor both rely on heavyweight key players, but Gondor only has one of real note: "Swanny" Imrahil; Erebor can call on Beorn and Smaug.

WINNER: Gondolin
SECOND: Tuna
RELEGATE: Erebor, Gondor

GROUP F
AMON RHUD
ARMENELOS
HELM'S DEEP
TANIQUETIL (H)

Taniquetil have the biggest budget in the game, and tend to destabilise the league, ever since mysterious oligarch Eru Illuvatavich bought them up as a side business for his line in universes. They run a risk against really veteran and skilled sides - Tol-in-Gaurhoth, Formenos, Gondolin, most of all probably Angband - but are otherwise untouchable.

Armenolos have a decent standard and a rightly feared striker. Helm's Deep are typically full of last minute surprise moments. Amon Rhud's captain Forweg is struck by slease allegations and Androg is their only quality player. They're down for sure.

WINNER: Taniquetil
SECOND: Armenolos
UPSET: Helm's Deep
RELEGATE: Amon Rhud

GROUP G
HITHLUM
MINAS TIRITH
MORDOR (H)
MORIA

Hithlum should waltz this senza problemo - the rest are regional heroes like Moria (never scored major victory outside the Azog Memorial League) and teams of frankly siphoned talent. Still, even though Minas Tirith looks like a glorified sub-bench with all the royal sparkle bought off elsewhere, lots of their players are a safe pair of hands; Denethor II, Boromir I, Mardil, their stewardship's just legendary, they can cope with trouble.

Mordor as one of my colleagues observed has gone from hero to zero - though the Witch King has strategic talent, his minions just won't be up for the long-haul.

WINNER: Hithlum
SECOND: Minas Tirith
RELEGATE: Mordor, Moria

GROUP H
ANGBAND (H)
ANNUMINAS
BRETHIL
VALIMAR

Angband. The other big hitter after Taniquetil, financially. They bought the Sharpboot from Gondolin and they sold him back, trading him in for an exceptional Balrog training and recruiting programme. What they lack in strategic thought they make up in brutal endurance, might, and physicality. Our boys and Gondolin might get grudge match inspiration against these guys, and Taniquetil could give them a straightforward ride, but here they will slaughter their opposition. Valimar for the runner up here. The other two...Men? Men in this situation are toootally weak.

WINNER: Angband
SECOND: Valimar
RELEGATE: ...who are those two again?

Formendacil · 05-13-2008, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anguirel

GROUP C
ALQUALONDE
DORIATH (H)
FORMENOS
ISENGARD

I have little to add to my coverage above. Go get 'em boys! Your strategy can do with work to be honest - Cel Curu n' Caran should be on the midfield, while Maglor's better tested in defence - but your skill is The Best. Here's hoping the White Lady shows off her legs and scores too...

Doriath are the other respectable team; Isengard could try Maiarin tricks; Alqualonde will fare no better than Galdor's Mithlond side did last year. I swear:

WINNER: FOOOORRRRRRRRMENOS!!!
SECOND: Doriath
UPSET: Isengard
RELEGATE: Alqualonde

While you are to be commended for loyalty to your team colours, Anguirel, I think I'll up the stakes around here a little regarding the outcome of this grouping. After all, what's a sports competition without some friendly rivalry? As much as I'm a fan of Team Fëanáro, you have to take a look at the track record. Doriath has the most renowned defencive side in the league. Melian's record is spotless. The only time the Fëanorians have ever scored against Doriath, Melian was out on grief leave, and even with Melian, Lúthien, and Elwë all absent, Doriath still put up such a fight that, though Formenos could claim to have won, the Curu-Caran-Celeg power trio had been completely neutralized and they were still prevented from taking home the Nauglamír Cup. A draw is the best that Team Fëanor can claim from that series.

With Melian and Thingol back on the team, I don't think you can be so confidant about a victory from Team Fëanor. The strength of the Fëanorians is in their offencive; look at their rivalry with Angband: when they have Angband back in a corner, Team Fëanor plays masterfully, but as you can see in the Nirnaeth series, when the other side gets control of the offencive, the Fëanorians tend to fall apart. On the other hand, the strong point of Team Doriath is their unbeatable offence. If the Fëanorians cannot dent that defence, and with Melian back I don't see it as all that likely, they won't know what to do if Doriath manages to get control of the ball. All it takes is one goal...

So, let's make this a good, old-fashioned rivalry. I'm going to say that Doriath takes the grouping. I also wouldn't write off Isengard so quickly. Underestimating the Ents cost Saruman dearly in the past. My prediction? The Fëanorians will again be "dispossessed".

Group C:
Winner: Doriath
Second: Formenos
Upset: Isengard
Relegate: Alqualondë

Valesse · 05-13-2008, 09:35 PM

Out of all of the teams I've randomly made 3 logos (so far) under the direction of one (very creative), Formendacil. And I do mean random, folks. ;D

I'll be converting these to 60x60 images for avatars once finished.

Alqualonde, Edoras and Tol-In-Gaurhoth

(and no, I didn't notice that they were all green and neutral colors until after I posted this.)

Formendacil · 05-13-2008, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Valesse

-snip- under the direction of one (very creative), Formendacil. -snip-

A very creative Formendacil, you say? I don't believe I've ever met one.

You're too kind, Valesse.

Tuor in Gondolin · 05-13-2008, 10:01 PM

From the pages of The Bree Blast:

Quote:

In a stunning developement Smaug has
quit team Erebor. Declaring "I've had it with that
#%$&^ arrow-shooting &^)%$ Bard'! I'm outa here!

Pending an inquiry Smaug has been suspended from the
team. The Iron Hills consortium ownership
has tentatively elected to replace the prima donna dragon
with Ancalagon the Black or Sacatha the Worm who, while superb
athletes, have never performed at Middle-earth level competition.

the phantom · 05-15-2008, 04:33 PM

Those are some lovely group breakdowns there. I will try and get the fantasy rules and such sorted out and up on a thread tonight or tomorrow during the day. I will also give an *official* team by team breakdown to help you decide what to expect from teams. Not that two defensive teams can't have an unusual day and play a 4-3 game, but I will try and tell you what sort of thing is most likely from teams and players.

Spread word to other Downers about what we are going to be doing here. After the fantasy thread is up I will post the complete game schedule here for group play.

Lhunardawen · 05-16-2008, 05:07 AM

GROUP F
AMON RHUD
ARMENELOS
HELM'S DEEP
TANIQUETIL (H)

No fair. Even if the other three teams can carry anakronistic oxygen tanks up Taniquetil, their playing will still be severely hampered. At least Amon Rudh is a bit accustomed to playing in heights, but still.

Hookbill the Goomba · 05-16-2008, 06:02 AM

Don't you think that whatever team the phantom is on is always going to have an unfair advantage?

Lhunardawen · 05-16-2008, 06:13 AM

Hookbill, was that other guy Menel?

Oh, phantom dear, when will we see the complete roster of players for Team TiG?

the phantom · 05-16-2008, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Oh, phantom dear, when will we see the complete roster of players for Team TiG?

Okay, here's what we have so far...

TOL-IN-GAURHOTH
G- Drauglin
DF- To Be Decided
DF- To Be Decided
DF- Cailin
MF- Lhuna
MF- Thuringwethil
MF- Eomer
MF- the phantom
FW- Formendacil
FW- Nogrod
FW- Sauron

There are still two roster spots open. Vote for a Downs WW player to fill the slots by pming me. Remember that voting also gets you a vote for yourself.

the phantom · 05-16-2008, 09:45 AM

Hm, after viewing that cartoon I can see that Alien might be quite useful. Perhaps we should make him part of the coaching staff.

the phantom · 05-16-2008, 11:52 AM

I just thought... since Ang declined his roster spot, perhaps I should offer the spot to the fifth person who posted?

That would be McCaber, I believe.

How about it, lad? Fancy being a defender for the fearsome Tol-In-Gaurhoth team?

the phantom · 05-16-2008, 11:54 AM

The reason I'm so anxious to fill the remaining two slots is because I cannot start the fantasy thread without complete rosters.

05-13-2008, 02:01 PM	#1
Anguirel Byronic Brand Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: The 1590s Posts: 2,778	Full predictions of the Daily Star Sword's sport correspondent GROUP A FORNOST MICHEL DELVING RIVENDELL (H) ROMENA Rivendell are the clear favourites here; the charm and financial leverage of their home city (or strictly speaking, home home) has got them something close to an all-star squad. (Are the twins worth their caps though? Or in by nepotism?) The second strongest team is Romena, a grizzled Akallabeth and Last Alliance League victor with a glittering striker. An upset could however be mounted by the veteran, if low-budget, Fornost under the experienced management of Mr. Aime Hunter. Michel Delving? Michel Diving more like. They'll use their endemic crowd-pleasing to get away with a lot of cheating, but still, whenever have Halflings proved a threat outside the regionals? OK, last World Cup. But they had Gandalf (who has now let the bucks draw him to Elrond's side) and they were on anabolic pipeweed. I say: WINNER: Rivendell SECOND: Romena UPSET: Fornost RELEGATE: Michel Delving GROUP B BREELAND EDORAS (H) MIRKWOOD TOL-IN-GAURHOTH Tol-in-Gaurhoth have a massive, captive, fan-base, the most sophisticated tactics in the tournament, and huge stars onside. But will they let over-analysis and celebrity run away with them? I reckon the overconfident wolfies might lose some gloss here. I hear they've had recruitment trouble as well. Mirkwood and Edoras both have dream-team offensive capabilities. Despite Edoras's pair of excellent strikers, Mirkwood has three exceptional ones, and overall a more solid quality (even if "Gazza" Galion's skills in defence aren't what they were). Breeland...nice try lads. Your fans' chanting should be quite funny. I say: WINNER: Mirkwood SECOND: Tol-in-Gaurhoth UPSET: Edoras RELEGATE: Breeland GROUP C ALQUALONDE DORIATH (H) FORMENOS ISENGARD I have little to add to my coverage above. Go get 'em boys! Your strategy can do with work to be honest - Cel Curu n' Caran should be on the midfield, while Maglor's better tested in defence - but your skill is The Best. Here's hoping the White Lady shows off her legs and scores too... Doriath are the other respectable team; Isengard could try Maiarin tricks; Alqualonde will fare no better than Galdor's Mithlond side did last year. I swear: WINNER: FOOOORRRRRRRRMENOS!!! SECOND: Doriath UPSET: Isengard RELEGATE: Alqualonde GROUP D LOTHLORIEN NARGOTHROND OSGILIATH (H) UMBAR Two classes here, simply: the Elder children, and, way out of their league, the younger. Captains Galadriel and Finrod should generate an interesting spark of sibling rivalry. Finrod has a way better quality side, but Galadriel really, really plays to win. Felagund's a golden boy but Gally's gold has steel in it. No upset likely here. WINNER: Lothlorien SECOND: Nargothrond RELEGATE: Osgiliath, Umbar GROUP E EREBOR GONDOLIN (H) GONDOR TUNA Team play? Pshah, what counts here is individual style, and that is why Gondolin will win, with Sharpboot top scorer. Captain Turgon's boys are lucky to have acquired the temperamental genius back from Angband. They know he's open to bids and they'll make sure and leave him opportunities for glory this time...or else. Tuna has plenty of quality, but a typically hesitant strategy from cautious captain Finarfin. Gondor and Erebor both rely on heavyweight key players, but Gondor only has one of real note: "Swanny" Imrahil; Erebor can call on Beorn and Smaug. WINNER: Gondolin SECOND: Tuna RELEGATE: Erebor, Gondor GROUP F AMON RHUD ARMENELOS HELM'S DEEP TANIQUETIL (H) Taniquetil have the biggest budget in the game, and tend to destabilise the league, ever since mysterious oligarch Eru Illuvatavich bought them up as a side business for his line in universes. They run a risk against really veteran and skilled sides - Tol-in-Gaurhoth, Formenos, Gondolin, most of all probably Angband - but are otherwise untouchable. Armenolos have a decent standard and a rightly feared striker. Helm's Deep are typically full of last minute surprise moments. Amon Rhud's captain Forweg is struck by slease allegations and Androg is their only quality player. They're down for sure. WINNER: Taniquetil SECOND: Armenolos UPSET: Helm's Deep RELEGATE: Amon Rhud GROUP G HITHLUM MINAS TIRITH MORDOR (H) MORIA Hithlum should waltz this senza problemo - the rest are regional heroes like Moria (never scored major victory outside the Azog Memorial League) and teams of frankly siphoned talent. Still, even though Minas Tirith looks like a glorified sub-bench with all the royal sparkle bought off elsewhere, lots of their players are a safe pair of hands; Denethor II, Boromir I, Mardil, their stewardship's just legendary, they can cope with trouble. Mordor as one of my colleagues observed has gone from hero to zero - though the Witch King has strategic talent, his minions just won't be up for the long-haul. WINNER: Hithlum SECOND: Minas Tirith RELEGATE: Mordor, Moria GROUP H ANGBAND (H) ANNUMINAS BRETHIL VALIMAR Angband. The other big hitter after Taniquetil, financially. They bought the Sharpboot from Gondolin and they sold him back, trading him in for an exceptional Balrog training and recruiting programme. What they lack in strategic thought they make up in brutal endurance, might, and physicality. Our boys and Gondolin might get grudge match inspiration against these guys, and Taniquetil could give them a straightforward ride, but here they will slaughter their opposition. Valimar for the runner up here. The other two...Men? Men in this situation are toootally weak. WINNER: Angband SECOND: Valimar RELEGATE: ...who are those two again? __________________ Among the friendly dead, being bad at games did not seem to matter -Il Lupo Fenriso

05-13-2008, 09:35 PM	#3
Valesse Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: \|Away Posts: 614	Out of all of the teams I've randomly made 3 logos (so far) under the direction of one (very creative), Formendacil. And I do mean random, folks. ;D I'll be converting these to 60x60 images for avatars once finished. Alqualonde, Edoras and Tol-In-Gaurhoth (and no, I didn't notice that they were all green and neutral colors until after I posted this.) __________________ "Loo, what sholde a man in thyse dayes now wryte, 'egges' or 'eyren'?" - Caxton, Eneydos Last edited by Valesse; 05-13-2008 at 09:40 PM.

05-15-2008, 04:33 PM	#6
the phantom Beloved Shadow Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: The Stadium Posts: 5,971	Those are some lovely group breakdowns there. I will try and get the fantasy rules and such sorted out and up on a thread tonight or tomorrow during the day. I will also give an official team by team breakdown to help you decide what to expect from teams. Not that two defensive teams can't have an unusual day and play a 4-3 game, but I will try and tell you what sort of thing is most likely from teams and players. Spread word to other Downers about what we are going to be doing here. After the fantasy thread is up I will post the complete game schedule here for group play. __________________ the phantom has posted. This thread is now important.

05-16-2008, 09:45 AM	#11
the phantom Beloved Shadow Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: The Stadium Posts: 5,971	Hm, after viewing that cartoon I can see that Alien might be quite useful. Perhaps we should make him part of the coaching staff. __________________ the phantom has posted. This thread is now important.

05-16-2008, 11:52 AM	#12
the phantom Beloved Shadow Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: The Stadium Posts: 5,971	I just thought... since Ang declined his roster spot, perhaps I should offer the spot to the fifth person who posted? That would be McCaber, I believe. How about it, lad? Fancy being a defender for the fearsome Tol-In-Gaurhoth team? __________________ the phantom has posted. This thread is now important.

05-16-2008, 05:07 AM	#7
Lhunardawen Hauntress of the Havens Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: IN it, but not OF it Posts: 2,538	GROUP F AMON RHUD ARMENELOS HELM'S DEEP TANIQUETIL (H) No fair. Even if the other three teams can carry anakronistic oxygen tanks up Taniquetil, their playing will still be severely hampered. At least Amon Rudh is a bit accustomed to playing in heights, but still.

05-16-2008, 06:13 AM	#9
Lhunardawen Hauntress of the Havens Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: IN it, but not OF it Posts: 2,538	Hookbill, was that other guy Menel? Oh, phantom dear, when will we see the complete roster of players for Team TiG?

05-16-2008, 11:54 AM	#13
the phantom Beloved Shadow Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: The Stadium Posts: 5,971	The reason I'm so anxious to fill the remaining two slots is because I cannot start the fantasy thread without complete rosters. __________________ the phantom has posted. This thread is now important.