Arda Cup Soccer 2008

[the phantom]

--GROUP C--

The arena in Doriath was largely vacant for the first match of the day between Formenos and Isengard. Formenos was already assured a spot in the playoffs and the residents of Doriath had no desire to see them finish off the group, which they were quite certain would happen against the winless Isengard who was already eliminated from the playoffs.

Isengard started off the match looking like they were playing to win a championship, with every player giving it every bit of effort they could muster. Formenos looked surprised, but not displeased, and proceeded to steal the ball away and work it right down the field to Feanor, who dribbled circles around a couple of Isengard defenders and last minute gave it up to Aredhel who nudged in an easy goal.

Isengard kept up the intensity, but Formenos handled it easily and forced them into a rushed long shot which sailed well over the goal. Formenos took the ball and sent it around and around the midfield while the Isengard defenders chased it, always well behind. Then Formenos started taking huge blasts at the goal from far out, almost as if they were having a fun day of practice. Maglor and Amrod both hit one of the posts, and the few Formenos fans applauded wildly as if they had actually meant to do it.

At minute 29 Aredhel appeared trapped in a corner but burst through the defenders towards the goal, looking like she'd take it all the way herself. But before reaching the sidebar she sent a high pass out front to Maedhros the tall, and he used his superior height to rise up and head the ball uncontested past Beechbone for the 2-0 lead.

After that Isengard seemed beaten and they allowed Formenos to coast into halftime. Coming out after halftime it was obvious that Formenos desired to continue coasting, but Isengard showed a bit of spirit and started trying to press again. Formenos appeared annoyed by this and Celebrimbor actually hollered at Saruman, "Knock it off- it's over!" But Isengard continued to defend doggedly.

Then Feanor began playing in earnest and calling for the ball. His grandson Celebrimbor sent one downfield for him and Feanor beat out two defenders for the ball, sprinted past another, and faked out the final defender and pounded it past the helpless goalie. He then ran over by Saruman and just stared at him, as if to say "Do you want us to do that again?" After that Isengard folded and allowed Formenos to boot the ball around the rest of the game, finishing up a dominating group play performance.

Formenos 3-0 Isengard
shots 15-4
on target 8-1
GOALS:
*Formenos, 7 (Aredhel- Feanor)
*Formenos, 29 (Maedhros- Aredhel)
*Formenos, 59 (Feanor- Celebrimbor)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Formenos- Caranthir
*Isengard- Skinbark, Quickbeam

The stadium filled well before the start of the second game and the crowd buzzed nervously. It was a must-win game for the host team, and Alqualonde was no pushover. Both teams felt like they were a quality team worthy of advancing to the playoffs, and both came out playing their best.

The crowd screamed early as Doriath took the offensive and scored only 15 minutes in. But Alqualonde rose to the challenge and took it right at the host, and equalized just a few minutes later. The crowd did not grow quiet however, and began various chants in support of their team.

At minute 41 the crowd was rewarded as Dior intercepted a bad pass and fired a quick long shot which snuck into the top corner of the goal. After the half both teams played evenly for the first bit, but then Beleg made a deep run and Elwe threaded a perfect pass to him. Beleg proceeded to kick it beautifully at the far post beyond the reach of Olwe and Doriath was out to a two goal lead. The crowd screamed more loudly than ever, finally feeling safe for the first time.

But Alqualonde was not finished yet. At minute 70 the lovely Uinen led her husband beautifully and Osse converted to pull within a goal. But that was all the scoring they could manage, and the home crowd left the stadium singing, wondering who their opponent would be in the first round of the playoffs.

Alqualonde 2-3 Doriath
shots 12-14
on target 5-7
GOALS:
*Doriath, 15 (Mablung-Nellas)
*Alqua, 29 (Gil-Galad- Bilbo)
*Doriath, 41 (Dior)
*Doriath, 59 (Beleg- Elwe)
*Alqua, 70 (Osse- Uinen)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Alqualonde- Eriol, Osse
*Doriath- Elurin, Saeros

[skip spence]

--GROUP B--

When morning broke in Edoras rain was falling, but as the evening progressed and with kick off only hours away the sun suddenly burst throught the clouds, illuminating a glorious rainbow stretching over the snow-clad mountains in the south. The gilded ornaments of Meduseld Stadium were glimmering majestically and on it’s pinnacles, high above the crowd below, the green and white banners of the home team were flying proudly. It was a beautiful day for football.

The sell-out crowd had two matches to look forward to tonight. First Breeland, in desperate need of a win, was to play already qualified Tol-In-Gaurhoth. It was the second match the home crowd was most eager to watch however, as their beloved Edoras was to secure a spot in the play-offs against Mirkwood. A draw would do it for the Rohirrim, and few doubted they would succeed front of their passionate supporters.

The biggest pre-match story ahead of the first game was the alledged excursion into the Path of the Dead that some of the Tol-In-Gaurhoth players were reported to have done. After having secured their place in knockout-stages of the tournament, there were reports of a wet celebration in their Inn near the Hornburg. A waiter at the party has confirmed that a few prominent players, of which Saruon and The Phantom stood out, were bragging about ‘showing those half-baked ghouls just who should be afraid of who in this valley’. Whether they went ahead with their plans isn’t known, but some pundits commented that they should feel right at home inside that dreadful passage.

As the stadium filled up for the first match of the evening, there was no sign of weariness on the faces of the Tol-In-Gaurhoth players, who looked very relaxed as they entered the field. There opponents Breeland seemed tense though, as they were pressed to win in order to give themselves a possibility to progress. As the match kicked off, it soon became apparent that this would not be an easy task. Offensively, star men Tom Bombadill and The Barrow Wight were given very little space to operate in and at the back it looked even worse for the Breelanders, as their diminutive backline struggled against the aerial strenght of Nogrod, deployed as a targetman for the day. His lay-offs often picked out the runs of the Phantom and Sauron, who created havoc in the northeners defence. Breeland tried to play more agressively, pushing up their back four, but this only created more openings for Tol-In-Gaurhoth, who very nearly took the lead when The Phantom picked out Sauron’s perfectly timed run, giving him a one-to-one opportunity with Old Man Willow, who managed to pull off a good save. Sauron wasn’t to be denyed for long though, and in the 22nd minute he broke the deadlock with a thunderous drive from just outside the area. Old Man Willow looked rooted to his spot as the ball rocketed past him and into the net.

Now Breeland’s captain Bombadill tried to rally his troops and he was whisteling a merry tune as he powered past Lhuna down the right. The smile on his face turned upside down however as he tumbled to the ground in agony. Lhuna appeared to have grabbed his beard, and ref Boro88 had to separate the two before showing the Tol-In-Gaurhoth defender a well deserved yellow card. Minutes later crowd favourite Eomer earned another booking by sending The Barrow Wight flying thought the air with a harsh challange. Any suggestions that Tol-In-Gaurhoth would take it easy and save their strength for the later stages of the tournament could be easily dismissed. They were really banging up their opponents who were beginning to look a bit scared at this point.

At the start of the second half Breeland once again tried to rally, but they were immidiately punished. Formendacil expertly controlled a long ball from Hookbill and advanced down the left. His pinpoint cross was met by the head of Nogrod, and directed into the net past a hapless Old Man Willow. It was a good effort by the big Finn, but Nob and Bob really could have done a lot better with their marking. At this point the match was all but over, and Tol-In-Gaurhoth were happy just to knock the ball around and keep possesion. When the final whistle sounded, Breeland had not managed a single quality effort on goal. Bombadill and The Barrow.Wight had been completely neutralised by the Tol-In-Gaurhoth-defence, led by the excellent centrebacks Gwathagor and Cailin.

Breeland 0-2 Tol-In-Gaurhoth
shots 7-14
on target 3-7
GOALS:
*TIG, 22 (Sauron- the phantom)
*TIG, 50 (Nogrod- Formendacil)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Breeland- Goldberry, Harry, Ferny
*TIG- Nogrod, Lhuna, Eomer



The disapointment of failing to hold on to a second half lead against Tol-In-Gaurhoth was all but forgotten among the Edoras fans, who, judging by the singing and taunting in the streets and bars during the day, seemed certain of victory; a conviction no doubt boosted by copious amounts of mead consumed during the day. Most of their taunting was directed at Scata, the Mirkwood star striker, who had had a torrid time last time he played the Rohirrim. Mirkwood were seen as a patch-work team by most pundits, and they were disregarded by the Edoras fans, something which only seemed to please team captain Thranduil. “Being the underdogs just gives us the peace we need to prepare for the game” he said to a reporter prior to the game. “We have a good chance of progressing in this competition and are confident in our abilities”.

The crowd roared as the two teams finally made it onto the pitch. Last of all Eorl the Young came out of the tunnel and the noice reached a crescendo. The Mirkwood players were not daunted however, and when play came underway it was they who made the brighter start. Although Edoras tried to attack they looked a little nervous, often losing possession and allowing Mirkwood to counter-attack. Fair-haired Legolas had a few good efforts early on, and the female fans in the stands were swooning. As the half progressed however, The Rohirrim, urged on by the home crowd, started to take over the match. It payed off in the 28th minute when Muzgash and Gorbag allowed a hopeful long ball from Eowyn to drop behind them, giving Eorl the chance to steal in and finish with applause. The crowd exploded in extasy.

The joy was not to be long-lived though, as Mirkwood equalised in the 38th minute of play, though a deflected shot by captain Thranduil. The nerves were once again showing in the faces of the Edoras players and they could well have been two goals down at half time, had it not been for a pair of very classy saves by Theoden, on both occations denying Scata in front of goal.

The second half was pretty much a mirror image of the first. Edoras tried to come forward, and did create quite a few chances, but they looked anxious, more afraid of losing than hungry to win. In the 52nd minute Legolas hit the bar with a swirling shot, and the home supporters grew quieter. A draw would do it for them, but they were getting nervous now, and would have prefered a bigger margin of error. In the 58th minute the home team was handed a gift though, as a weak back-pass by Grishnakh was intercepted by Eowyn, who rounded the keeper and rolled the ball into the open net. Thranduil could not have been happy with the defending as once again the Orcs had been all too negligent.

Alas, the party atmosphere in the stands wasn’t to last long this time either. In the 66th minute Mirkwood equalised once again and what a goal it was. Thranduil aimed a corner towards his son Legolas who met it with an unstoppable volley from some 35 yards out, leaving Theoden no chance to save. Although renowned for his long distance projectiles, Legolas can’t have scored many better than this. Sensational! The home crowd was stunned, while the few Mirkwood fans present (mostly unruly spiders) screamed out their joy.

Now Mirkwoood were going all out for the win, as Edoras failed to mobilise a third time, falling back deep into their own half. Their defensive outlook seemed to work though as Mirkwood struggeled to create chances, but the Edoras players could never allow themselves to back down too much and give the dreaded Legolas a chance to shoot. The Edoras penalty area was starting to resemble a war zone now, as Mirkwood pushed more and more players forward. In the 80th minute the pressure finally payed off when Mirkwood were awarded a penalty kick as Grimbeorn was alledged to have been man-handled inside the area. Inevetably it was Scata who stepped up, and he made no mistake, sending Theoden the wrong way. With a finger to his mouth and a swagger he celebrated the goal in front of the dejected and silent Edoras fans.

The Rohirrim tried to come back into the game, but despite managing a few half-chances, they were never really close to a third goal. Edoras were eliminated in front of their home crowd! As the jubilant Mirkwood players and supporters celebrated, the Edoras players left the pitch with their heads hanging low. They would not sleep well tonight.

Edoras 2-3 Mirkwood
shots 20-22
on target 8-10
GOALS:
*Edoras, 28 (Eorl- Eowyn)
*Mirkwood, 38 (Thranduil- Nazgul #8)
*Edoras, 58 (Eowyn)
*Mirkwood, 66 (Legolas- Thranduil)
*Mirkwood, 80 pen (Scatha)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Edoras- Folcwine, Brytta, Thengel, Folca
*Mirkwood- Muzgash, Grishnakh, Nazgul #8

----------------------
Group B EDORAS

Mirkwood – Tol in Gaurhoth 2-3
Breeland – Edoras 2-3

Breeland – Mirkwood 3-3
Edoras – Tol in Gaurhoth 2-3

Breeland - Tol in Gaurhoth 0-2
Edoras - Mirkwood 2-3

Final Standings:

1. Tol in Gaurhoth 8-4 9pts Q
2. Mirkwood 8-8 4pt Q
3. Edoras 7-8 3pts
4. Breeland 5-8 1pt

[skip spence]

--GROUP D--

Osgilath was bustling as in it’s heydays when the city prepared to host the final matches of group D of the Arda Cup. Two matches were on the schedule and what matches they were! First out was the showdown between Nargothrond and Lothlorien, a match-up between two strong Elven sides, with the much publicized sibling rivallary of Galadriel and Finrod Felagund as the highlight. Later, there was the game all had been anticipating with both exitement and apprehension: the meeting between the home team and their most bitter rivals, the Corsairs of Umbar. The Kin-Strife it was dubbed in the media, and the pre-match comments from both sides certainly lived up to this epithet. “They have polluted their blood with lesser men” said Castamir of Umbar to a MESPN- reporter. “There’s no way they can beat us with half-bloods such as Eldacar in their side”, he continued.

Osgilath on their side accused Umbar of spying on them, in an attempt to reveal tactical plans and set-play variaties. Falastur spoke on a press conference the day before the game: “We have found several cats sneaking around our training facilities and there’s little doubt where they came from. But my dear wife Berúthiel, you shall know your spying will avail to nothing. We will crush you tomorrow”.
"Employing a Nazgul shows they are no better than Mordor", Eärnil added.

As kick-off approached, many wondered whether Galadriel and her Lothlorien would improve from the lacklustre form they had been showing so far, and as the teams took to the field, the determination in the face of the lady was plain to see. Sadly, her winning mentality was once again missing in most of her team-mates, even though Lothlorien still had a theoretic chance to make it into the play-offs. Nargothrond, playing relaxed with nothing to lose, were simply a much better team this night. Led by midfield-maestros Finrod and Glaurung, the latter playing with real fire in his belly, the Beleriand side toyed with their Silvan counterparts. First they brought the tempo down to tire their opponents out chasing the ball around and then, suddenly, a change of pace and an attack with great movement and precision. In fact, Galadriel did well to restrict the Noldo side to two goals only.
The first came after 37 minutes of play, when Gwindor latched on to a pinpoint pass from the elegant Finrod and did well to finish with a low shot, despite the unnerving attention of Gollum grasping after his neck. Finrod himself also got of the scoresheet in the 61th minute, when he beat his sister with a curling right-footed shot from the left that nestled into the far corner. When the match was over, Galadriel looked distraught, and her mood was in no way lightened when Bregolas offered to exchange jerseys.

Lothlorien 0-2 Nargothrond
shots 7-15
on target 3-7
GOALS:
*Nargothrond, 37 (Gwindor- Finrod)
*Nargothrond, 61 (Finrod- Baragund)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Lothorien- Amroth, Nimrodel, Gollum
*Nargothrond- Barahir

When Umbar came out of the tunnel in their black jerseys, the boos and the jeers from the home crowd had to be heard to be believed. Outside of the stadium their bus had been attacked and almost turned over by a bunch of hoolingans ‘playing orc’ and the reception inside of it was no better. But there was a spark in the eyes of Castamir and his team when they huddled onto the pitch, avoiding best as they could the coins and pebbles hurled towards them from above.

As soon as play was underway it was clear this was going to be a match to remember. Osgilath were playing as there were no tomorrow and throwing caution to the wind, totally abandoning their usually so defensive gameplan. Umbar were hard pressed, but played a tactically sound game, trying to hit Osgilath on the break with quick counter-attacks on the flanks. But it was the home team which started best and after having missed two good chances early on Eärnil made the third one count, as he nodded home an Eldacar cross from 5 yards out. Umbar were soon back on level terms though, when Berúthiel, nicknamed the Queen, scored a sensational goal against the run of play. She showed almost cat-like agility when she leaped between two onrushing defenders with the ball between her feet, and finished the move off with a crisp left-footed drive beyond the reach of Romendacil in goal. It was 1-1 at half-time, a result that would see the home team advance to the next round.

It was not long into the second half before Umbar took a shock lead however. Once again “the Queen” was the inspiration for her team, as she beat two defenders and delivered a low ball across goal that was met by Angamaite at the far post for an easy finish. Osgilath were not startled however as there was plenty of time left on the clock and they felt they had the better team. Urged on by their fanatic supporters they played some very nice football too, despite of the pressure. Umbar was holding on though. Eldacar, having been taunted by Castamir for not being a real Numenorian, seemed determined to prove his detractors wrong. By far Osgilath’s best player for the night, he was tormenting the Umbar defence with quick feet and accurate passing. It was fitting that he was the one to bring the home team back on level terms in the 67th minute as he skinned Brodda on the right and dispatched a ferocious low drive from a tight angle. Pelendur in goal probably should have done better with it though, but he allowed it to slip under his arms despite having it pretty well covered.

The remainder of the game would go down to history, as the two teams went at each other with a fury seldom to be seen. Umbar, now needing a goal, tried to feed balls to Berúthiel and Nazgul #9 on the wings, who in turn looked to deliver crosses into the box for the tall Castamir, now often supported by Angamaite and Sangahyando. Osgiliath wouldn’t settle back into defence yet either, and really wanted a win in front of their home crowd. Eldacar looked dangerous everytime he had the ball at his feet, and Eärnil could and perhaps should have scored off one of his passes, but the forward was repeatedly and often unnessesarily caught off-side.
Eärnil was to regret his over-eagerness (something the Nazgul did not fail to point out) as Umbar once again silenced the home crowd. Unseen by his marker, Nazgul #9 managed to open up space for himself, and delivered a cross into the box which was met by Castamir whose bullet header hit the crossbar and went in with nine minutes to play. He pulled the black jersey over his head celebrating, and the crowd was furious when they saw a sceptre printed on his white undershirt.

Time was now running short for the home side, and their play was getting increasingly desperate, with hopeful long balls. Playing on injury time Osgilath finally got the chance they were looking for. Calimehtar’s attempted clearance hit an outstretched leg and fell perfectly for Eldacar, who looked certain to score. But Pelendur made up for his earlier error by making a fantastic save at full stretch, and then another one, as Ostoher followed up on the rebound. That was all Osgilath could muster, and as the referee blowed his whistle the Kin-Strife was over. They had lost. All was lost.

Osgiliath 2-3 Umbar
shots 15-12
on target 8-6
GOALS:
*Osgiliath, 27 (Earnil- Eldacar)
*Umbar, 38 (Beruthiel- Fastred)
*Umbar, 53 (Angamaite- Beruthiel)
*Osgiliath, 67 (Eldacar- Falastur)
*Umbar, 81 (Castamir- Nazgul #9)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Osgiliath- Cemendur, Ostoher
*Umbar- Calimehtar, Brodda

-----------------------
D OSGILIATH

Nargothrond – Umbar 3-1
Lothlorien – Osgiliath 0-1

Lothlorien – Umbar 1-1
Nargothrond – Osgiliath 2-1

Osgiliath – Umbar 2-3
Lothlorien - Nargothrond 0-2

Final standings:

1. Nargothrond 7-2 9pts Q
2. Umbar 5-6 4pt Q
3. Osgiliath 4-5 3pts
4. Lothlorien 1-4 1pt

[Nogrod]

It was clear from the early morning hours on that Gondolin was the place to be that day. The whole city was buzzing in anticipation of the day’s matches. The home team had secured their place in the final 16 with stunning performances creating a real football-madness in the city. And there was lot to cheer for the elves who had adopted their kinsmen from the Tuna team as their second favourites.

"The Rock of the Music of Water" -stadium was sold out already before noon and it was bursting with chants, dances and the waving of flags a few hours before the first match of the day. Whatever the Ereborians said about being quietly scorned the general mood was that of peace, love and harmony – and sunshine.

The first twenty minutes of the game between Erebor and Tuna were marked by extra-careful play from both sides. The stakes were high as the winner would get through the next round of games and the losers would be sent home. To Tuna even a draw would suffice. The crowd lived passionately with the game even if it wasn’t any great drama in the beginning. But at 22nd minute the stadium was suddenly silenced. An innocent looking attack turned into a disaster for the Eldar team as Girion released Smaug free to roam. The dragon wiped Elenwe and Guilen out of the way and banged the ball in giving Orodreth no chance.

Even if – and partly just because of – Erebor made it a tough game in the end, and especially Girion, Smaug and Bard were a constant threat on the Eldarin goal, the elves will remember the game as “the game of the founding mothers”. There was no question about the heroines of the game. Though football enthusiasts will remember it also as the game of the founding father. The way Finwë supported his wife and daughter-in-law by attracting the attention of the defenders with his constant dashes to and fro really created the space the women needed to roll their show.

Miriel scored one of the most beautiful goals in the tournament so far at 31st minute volleying the ball into the upper corner of the goal from mid-air. Nerdanel got room for the pass after Finwë had made a distractive run the opposite way drawing Thorin and Thror with him. The great roar and cheer of the crowd must have been heard far outside the vale of Tumladen.

Erebor came to the second half full of energy and their efforts were rewarded at 51st minute when Girion managed to break free with a nice pass behind the defenders by Bard. But after that goal which put Erebor in the lead again the real show started. During the last half an hour it seemed there were only three players in the field and a bunch of statists standing around watching their performances in awe. With a bit more accurate shooting the game might have ended 2-5 or 2-6. Such was the hurricane that devastated the Erebor defences making the crowd go just wild.

Nerdanel’s constant runs into the tip of the attack and the astonishing agility and creativity of the duo supported by the intelligent counter-runs by Finwë were just poison to the bit clumsy and slow dwarven defence. Finally Nerdanel brought the game even on 68th minute after one of the neatest passing-shows seen in "The Rock of the Music of Water" –stadium. Miriel’s winning goal was no poorer. The duo just tore the defence apart and in the end fooled Bain at the goal as well. Either one could have scored the goal but finally Nerdanel offered her mother-in-law the honour of making the winner.

One thing is now certain. Whoever meets the Tuna team the next round will need a lot of feet in their downstairs…

The crowd was more than happy with the result and the singing went on the whole hour the interval between the two games lasted.

Erebor 2-3 Tuna
shots 12-14
on target 6-7
GOALS:
*Erebor, 22 (Smaug- Girion)
*Tuna, 31 (Miriel- Nerdanel)
*Erebor, 51 (Girion- Bard)
*Tuna, 68 (Nerdanel- Miriel)
*Tuna, 77 (Miriel- Nerdanel)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Erebor- Thror, Thrain, Bard
*Tuna- Ingwe

The athmosphere was jubilant as the evening-game began and the crowd got just what it wanted even if the game as such wasn’t a classic at any standards. The two teams were just on so different level in what came to their individual skill and tactical prowess. Though it must be acknowledged that the Gondorians fought hard the first fifty minutes against a far superior opponent. But after Ecthelion turned the numbers at the scoreboard into 3-1 they finally gave up. And the last half an hour was mainly kicking the ball from one to another as both teams had had enough.

Maeglin pulled the home team to a lead on 18th minute with nice header after a freekick given by Eol. Eol himself finished the 2-0 goal after Penlod’s shot deflected back from Minalcar’s back offering him a sudden opportunity he was not hesitant to use.

In the first minutes of the second half Gondorian efforts were finally rewarded with a goal. It was a nice run by lord Imrahil and Faramir from Anardil’s brilliant long pass that resulted in a nice two on one attack and a goal.

But Gondolin wasn’t in a mood for any uncertainties. A nice dribbling by Eol created him the room to pass the ball backwards to onrushing Ecthelion who hammered a real killer into the back of the Gondorian net from 18 meters.

The homecrowd was satisfied with the day and all except a few Ereborians cheered for a great tournament. It had been a great group from which the two best teams had clearly gotten forwards.

Gondolin 3-1 Gondor
shots 15-11
on target 7-5
GOALS:
*Gondolin, 18 (Maeglin- Eol)
*Gondolin, 38 (Eol- Penlod)
*Gondor, 51 (Imrahil- Faramir)
*Gondolin, 59 (Ecthelion- Eol)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Gondolin- Salgant, Penlod
*Gondor- Minalcar, Calmacil


------
E GONDOLIN

Erebor – Gondor 2-1
Gondolin – Tuna 3-2

Gondor – Tuna 1-3
Erebor – Gondolin 1-2

Tuna – Erebor 3-2
Gondolin – Gondor 3-1

1. Gondolin 8-4 9pts. Q
2. Tuna 8-6 6pts. Q
3. Erebor 5-6 3pts.
4. Gondor 3-8 0pts.

[skip spence]

Originally Posted by Nogrod

I
Maeglin pulled the home team to a lead on 18th minute with nice header after a freekick given by Eol. Eol himself finished the 2-0 goal after Penlod’s shot deflected back from Minalcar’s back offering him a sudden opportunity he was not hesitant to use.

Hm. I never should have transfered Eöl. But I must say, I'm really surprised to see the Dark Elf excel under the bright sun of Tumladen, and getting along so well on the pitch with his Noldori teammates.

[the phantom]

--GROUP F--

The first game upon Taniquetil between Armenelos and Helm's Deep sparked little interest among the local football fans. Armenelos was already assured a spot in the playoffs, and Helm's Deep had already bought their tickets for a swan boat back to Middle Earth.

The game everyone was waiting for was the finale between the host Taniquetil and the scrappy patchwork team from Amon Rhud. No one expected Taniquetil to have much trouble with their opponent, but as many pointed out no one expected Taniquetil to have such a close game with Helm's Deep, and certainly not lose 3-0 in their second game. And so it was that though they held a great advantage there was a splinter of fear in the minds of the Taniquetil supporters.

The first game was poorly attended. A very small group of travelers from Rohan was there to cheer on Helm's Deep, and the few Numenoreans who had been allowed into Valinor were cheering for Armenelos. Most of the several thousand Numenoreans who made the trip were denied entry, and thus were on their tall ships gathered around the palantir to watch the contest.

But it wasn't much of a contest at all. After Helm's Deep got off a surprising flurry of shots right in the first couple of minutes, Armenelos took firm control as Ar Pharazon rocketed in his fourth goal of the tournament. Only minutes after that he threatened to score again, only this time after he had drawn everyone to him he chipped it over to Tar Minastir who tapped in the point blank shot for a 2-0 lead. After that Armenelos pretty well coasted through the rest of the game. The only other score was at minute 62 when a Helm's Deep defender mishandled a pass and Tar Minastir pounced on it and banged it home for the final 3-0 tally.

The final whistle sounded and the Numenoreans left the stadium chanting loudly. They had swept the group. They had conquered the blessed realm.

Armenelos 3-0 Helm's Deep
shots 15-7
on target 7-4
GOALS:
*Armenelos, 8 (Ar Pharazon- Tar Ancalimon)
*Armenelos, 20 (Tar Minastir- Ar Pharazon)
*Armenelos, 62 (Tar Minastir)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Armenelos- Tar Atanamir, Tar Telperien
*Helm's Deep- Helm, Goldwine, Fengel

As the start of the second game approached the stadium filled like a water bowl, till the fans were practically spilling over the top edge. Everyone was quite anxious. "We're Taniquetil!" said one. "We shouldn't be playing for our lives in the final match! What's wrong with us?"

But the game kicked off and the fear was dispelled as Taniquetil took immediate control of the ball and began working it systematically around the pitch, looking for the perfect opening. The boys from Amon Rhud had been trained well and had big game experience from their days playing for titles with Turin and Beleg, and they were able to do just enough to keep Taniquetil from getting what they wanted.

But at minute 20 there was a small opening, and Varda rifled a pass to Lorien who tried to redirect it in, but it missed just wide. And then at minute 31 there was yet another golden opportunity, but Manwe's well placed shot was barely saved by Ebor. The crowd groaned collectively. "Convert already!" screamed a drunk Maia.

And he didn't have to wait long. At minute 40 Thorondor swooped down in front of the goal and Lorien found him with an accurate pass and suddenly it was 1-0. The Taniquetil crowd, who had had so little to cheer about the previous game, roared thunderously. It was impossible to hear anything else the rest of the half.

During the break the fans made their way to the concession stands and restrooms, and the mood was festive with much high-fiving and chest-bumping. For the first time in the tournament everyone was feeling good about their team. As the second half started those feelings grew stronger, as Taniquetil's smothering defense lived up to its billing and shut down Amon Rhud completely, giving them no good chances to equalize.

At minute 65 Taniquetil nearly took a two goal lead, but Ebor got a fingertip and Varda's header and it bounced off of the sidebar. As time wound down the crowd started singing the praises of the Valar, and all over Valinor Elves and Ainu wore broad smiles.

And then at the 87 minute mark- disaster!

Amon Rhud was awarded a corner kick, and Algund boomed the ball and curved it away from the goal and the massed defenders, directly to Androg who had started in close to goal but ran out to meet the ball. As the ball sped towards him Androg, whose back was to the goal, left the ground and kicked the ball violently over his head and backwards towards the net. The ball passed directly between the heads of two Taniquetil defenders and past the reaching Mandos and straight on into the goal!

The Amon Rhud players went wild and their celebration could be heard throughout the silenced arena. Play restarted and Taniquetil tried desperately to score, but quick scores were not their forte and the game ended at 1-1.

Taniquetil's goal differential for the group was -2. Amon Rhud's was -1.

It was over. Taniquetil was eliminated.

Amon Rhud 1-1 Taniquetil
shots 6-8
on target 3-4
GOALS:
*Taniquetil, 40 (Thorondor- Lorien)
*Amon Rhud, 87 (Androg- Algund)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Amon Rhud- Forhend, Gethron
*Taniquetil- Este, Thorondor

[the phantom]

--GROUP H--

The final games for Group H were a hot ticket. Orcs were standing on street corners selling them for twenty times what they payed for them originally- and people were buying! The stadium would not be empty for the first game as many others had been for the final round, for both games had playoff hopes riding on them.

Valimar and Angband were set to play each other in the night match, and both sat at four points in the group with a +2 goal differential. A loss by Annuminas in the first match would guarantee both a spot in the playoffs. But if Annuminas won, as most expected, they would take the points lead and either Valimar or Angband would then have the opportunity to eliminate their bitter foes by defeating them and allowing Annuminas to advance with them.

Many fans of Valimar and Angband could not decide which scenario they wanted to see. "Well, I'd feel much safer if Annuminas lost or tied in the first match, but at the same time I'd just love to see Angband have to stay home for the playoffs," said one Valimar fan, expressing quite well the conflicting emotions of many of his fellows.

As Annuminas took the field they looked grim and determined, but so did their foes from Brethil, who did not intend to return back to the forest without picking up a point, or at least scoring a goal. The match was intense, and rough, with neither side willing to give an inch. Both teams had their chances, but the defenses held. The deadlock was not broken till more than half an hour into the match when Annuminas counter attacked quickly and Araphor was able to find an open Arantar for the header.

After the half both teams came out and worked as hard as ever, only this time it was Brethil who was rewarded in the 67th minute on a goal by Haleth. Many of the Valimar and Angband fans cheered, knowing that a tie would clinch it for their teams, but Annuminas ignored the crowd and kept fighting valiantly for the win.

In their first match against Angband, Araphor scored after minute 80 to score a tie. In their next match with Valimar it was again Araphor scoring after minute 80 for the tie. And unbelievably, for the third straight game Araphor came through yet again in the final minutes, scoring the game winner off of a nice feed from Valandur. The Annuminas section screamed with joy and the Valimar and Angband fans bit their nails in worry as time ran out and the whistle sounded.

Annuminas had taken the points lead in Group H.

Annuminas 2-1 Brethil
shots 14-11
on target 7-4
GOALS:
*Annuminas, 36 (Arantar- Araphor)
*Brethil, 67 (Haleth- Hunthor)
*Annuminas, 81 (Araphor- Valandur)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Annuminas- Arveleg, Arantar, Elendur
*Brethil- Hunthor, Dorlas, Handir, Manthor

As the final game prepared to start, the pro-Angband crowd began working itself into a frenzy. Orc captains round the stadium encouraged their troops not to be nervous, but rather confident that their team would prevail so long as the crowd was behind them. The crowd for the most part took this advice to heart, and so it was that Angband trotted out to wild cheers and Valimar to rumbling boos.

As the game progressed it was clear that these two titans were evenly matched. The heroic Eonwe, Tulkas, and company pushed hard, but the mighty Balrogs pushed back. The skillful Istari and Ulmo defended brilliantly, but Ancalagon and Gothmog up front gave them everything they could handle.

Both sides forced a narrow save by the opposing keeper, but at minute 29 Earendil fired such a pin-point rocket that even Carcharoth couldn't do anything and Valimar took the lead. The crowd was not deterred, however, and continued supporting the home team loudly. Shortly before the half they erupted as Ancalagon pounded in the equalizer.

As the second half rolled along the intensity and tempo increased, and cards had to be handed out. In minute 62 the crowd was quieted a bit for the first time as Earendil sent in a screamer that bounced off the post straight to Eonwe who sent the rebound in for the lead. But Angband came storming back, building up the attack, and at minute 75 it was Melkor himself taking matters into his own hands, running in and deflecting Gothmog's pass into the back of the net to pull even yet again.

As the seconds ticked away both squads seemed determined to eliminate their foes from contention, but the defenses held, and the game ended with a 2-2 tie. Many of the fans were confused, wondering what that result would mean for the group standings. And then the group point totals flashed on the screen.

Annuminas- 5
Angband- 5
Valimar- 5

A three way tie!

And then the goal differentials-

Annuminas +1
Angband +2
Valimar +2

The orcs and dragons sent up a mighty cheer as their team would be advancing to the playoffs. The only question left- who had won the group? Valimar or Angband?

Angband 2-2 Valimar
shots 13-14
on target 5-7
GOALS:
*Valimar, 29 (Earendil- Tilion)
*Angband, 42 (Ancalagon- Melkor)
*Valimar, 62 (Eonwe- Earendil)
*Angband, 75 (Melkor- Gothmog)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Angband- Ulfast, Balrog #3, Balrog #2
*Valimar- Pallando, Orome, Tulkas