Arda Cup Soccer 2008

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--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.

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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

[Nogrod]

The next day, after the games of the second round, some pretty serious incidents of violence bursted out in the open. Many orcs felt it was incomprehensible that some of their fellows had cheered and partied even if the home team had not won the Hithlumians. It made them look at this game called football with even more suspicion they had before. It was clearly a degrading game able to make decent orcs into love-babbling losers. And they would have none of that. Here and there gangs of drunken anti-football youth attacked orcs wearing football garments, scarfs or carrying flags or banners. No need to add they also ran on any visiting football fan they could lay their hands onto.

The tally of the day was 43 killed, 72 wounded and bruised plus 287 jailed for violence. Due to their carefulness only 3 tourists were killed and 14 maimed.

MEFA protested for the violence and threathened to cancel the last matches if the organizers couldn’t solve the problems. And the organizers managed to perform a miracle. With good relations to the government they managed to impose a martial law for the last day of games.

Every street and corner was filled with orc-guards. The stadium and it’s surroundings were heavily guarded with a hand-picked battalion chosen from those who were football-positive in the elite troops of the army. There were also special patrols checking the inns and pubs to see whether anything was brewing under cover.

So the games of the third round began under a relative peace.

Hithlum and Minas Tirith offered the handful of spectators quite a nice match and some beautiful saves by both goaltenders. Minas Tirith’s players had their chances in their own hands and they had clearly decided to give their best. Especially in the defence the self-denying tactics of the Minas Tirith team frustrated the feared Hithlum forwards. It seemed every player gave all he got to the game.

And Minas Tirith was not bad in the offence either. It was only because of the alertness and a few spectacular saves by Huor that kept Minas Tirith at bay. The continuous long runs made by the strikers and mid-fielders challenged the Hithlum defence and resulted finally in a 1-0 lead on the 29th minute when Earnur slided the pass of Boromir in from near the post.

But slowly the Minas Tirith team started to wear down. It was clear they were not up to playing in such an intensive manner for the full 90 minutes. And little by little their attacks became more sporadic and less fast, and little by little their pressure on the Hithlum forwards lessened. And that was the beginning of the end for Minas Tirith.

Giving space and time to players like Turin and Hurin is always a bad idea for the opposing team. But that was just what Minas Tirith had to do as the whole team had run themselves quite exhausted already before the half-time whistle.

Hurin thanked for the space left him and passed the ball nicely behind the defence-line where Turin had hurried himself and the game was even on the 41st minute.

Minas Tirith’s players managed to keep the game tied in the beginning of the second half after having rested for the intermission but soon their feet became heavy again and Hithlum took the control it never lost. On 68th minute Hithlum finally got what it quite frankly deserved.

Turin gave the corner. First it looked like it was a bad one as the ball flew high up past the goal. But as the defenders took their move to reposition themselves nearer the ball – or made it for it – they realised that Fingon had been waiting for the ball there far on the right side of the goal. And he headed it straight back to the left side where Hurin now had all the space and time he needed to just put the ball in. Had Ecthelion II not played one of his best matches the numbers could have been far worse for Minas Tirith.

So Minas Tirith lost the game and will now pack for home while the frighteningly solid-looking Hithlum team will proceed on the next rounds.

Hithlum 2-1 Minas Tirith
shots 15-13
on target 8-6
GOALS:
*Minas Tirith, 29 (Earnur- Boromir I)
*Hithlum, 41 (Turin- Hurin)
*Hithlum, 68 (Hurin- Fingon)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Hithlum- Aegnor, Marach, Angrod
*Minas Tirith- Telumehtar, Beregond

The arena was not full as the evening game began. The unrest and all the police-operations had clearly affected the possible spectators. Many had been afraid to turn in for fear of getting beaten.

That was sad as the game was pretty entertaining in the end – and looking at the teams it was all too clear it would not be a game for sissies or child-soccer. At some points a more sophisticated football fan might have asked himself whether it was rather rugby the teams were playing but the referee held a permissive line as not to be the decider of the outcome. And it was also clear that even this “easier” crowd of football loving orcs was intimidating enough for any referee.

To the great joy of the home crowd – and relief of the organizers – the Mordor team really showed it’s qualities on the first half getting an unbeatable-feeling 2-0 lead after a nice show of talent and boldness, especially that of the Witch King and the Mouth. The two arranged both goals each one scoring once. It was clear there was a better team and a weaker one in the field.

The two-goal lead slackened the Mordor team a bit and gave Moria a chance to come back to the game. After some nice tries in the beginning of the second half Moria finally scored. While Durin and his Bane were tightly watched by Shagrat and Gothmog there seemed to open room for Azog and Bolg to play. And they used it beautifully. Azog passed from near the corner-flag to the corner of the box where Bolg took the ball, dribbled Nazgul #7 off and passed it back to Azog who had been left totally unguarded as he had crept nearer the goal. Shelob had been anticipating a pass to the back-corner and was late from the shot.

Unfortunately for the Moria-side it didn’t take long for the Mordor team to set the arena on fire with a 3-1 goal. Khamul saw the opportunity as Watcher was wandering far away from it’s goal and sent a long pass to Nazgul #3 who in turn sent a high ball over Wathcer and into the net just below the pole.

Moria managed to come yet one goal behind before the game ended but no one actually believed they could equalise. And they didn’t.

The home crowd was overjoyed for the victory and the entertainment, and under a heavy police surveillance they poured out from the arena to fill their mugs in the nearby pubs specifically reserved for football fans. The night was less violent the pessimists had predicted. Partly due to the fact that the home team had won.

Mordor 3-2 Moria
shots 17-12
on target 8-5
GOALS:
*Mordor, 28 (WK- Mouth)
*Mordor, 39 (Mouth- WK)
*Moria, 53 (Azog-Bolg)
*Mordor, 63 (Naz #3- Khamul)
*Moria, 81 (Bolg- Azog)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Mordor- Naz #4, Shagrat, Naz #5
*Moria- Narvi, Great Goblin, Durin, Ohtar


------------------
G MORDOR

Hithlum – Moria 3-1
Minas Tirith – Mordor 1-2

Minas Tirith – Moria 2-2
Hithlum – Mordor 2-2

Hithlum – Minas Tirith 2-1
Mordor – Moria 3-2


1. Hithlum 7-4 7pts. Q
2. Mordor 7-5 7pts. Q
3. Minas Tirith 4-6 1pt.
4. Moria 5-8 1pt.

[the phantom]

Angband and Valimar were the top two teams from Group H, but as their pts, goal differential, total goals scored, and head-to-head were a wash, it was decided that a shootout would break the tie between them.

Each team sent their five best scorers to take a shot at the opposing goal. The highest total would be declared the group winner.

A coin was flipped and it declared that Angband would be the first to shoot.

Ancalagon- score
Eonwe- score
Gothmog- score
Tulkas- save
Melkor- score
Earendil- score
Ulfast- score
Tilion- score
Balrog #5- save
Orome- save

Angband wins the shoot-out 4 to 3. They would represent Group H as the 1 seed, and Valimar as the 2 seed.