ARDA CUP Football 2012

[the phantom]

Eru Mandate: “Inter-dimensional squads (Downer & TIG) must feature Tolkien characters”
The Phantom, MESPN News

Following the salary and pay-out announcement this morning, Eru himself released a statement demanding that The Downer and Tol In Gaurhoth gain “a more Tolkien-ish flavor” for next season’s competition or risk being banned.

Team owners and players refused to comment following the announcement, except for captain NogWolf of Tol In Gaurhoth, who said only, “We’re not thinking about next season until this one is over.”

This so-called “Tolkien Mandate” is sure to have a major impact on Arda Cup 2013. Already fans are speculating on which teams may have their talent raided by the inter-dimensional Wights, but we at MESPN will save the serious speculation for the off-season.

[Nogrod]

Group D at Armenelos, round3

One of the most striking consequences of this year’s groupings is that Tirion has zero points from their two first games and is without a chance to qualify. Being put in almost any other group it is clear they would have been strong contenders to continue into the play-offs, but in group D their fate is sealed already before the last round.

Now the Númenorians are know to be patriotic, nationalistic and even a bit racist bunch of proud people, but they also have a deep-rooted football culture and are thus also able to value things worthy of appreciation. So when team Tirion arrived to the pitch they received huge applauses from the crowds. In the end the homecrowds cheered to both teams in the field: to FC Valinor because of their incredible skill and unrelenting stamina and to Tirion for their honourable fight combined with their ill-fate – it was to the Númenorians a game between heroes and tragic heroes, both descriptions Númenorians could identify with.

And what a game the crowds were offered! Neither team had anything at stake tournamentwise, so in that way they were both able to play a “pressure free” game. But it was clear from the very first minutes that both wanted to show who they are and how good they are – and neither team was willing to give in an inch.

Five goals, over forty shots, a bunch of tough but within rules tackling, fighting for every ball, speed, intelligence, great personal performances, awesome combinations, great shots, great saves and the game deciding goal only five minutes before the ending whistle. What else can a football-fan ask for?
The game rolled to and fro in an astonishing pace the first period with FC Valinor creating some of the more dangerous attacks, but Tirion had their fair share of chances as well including one shot hitting the post and another barely tipped over the crossbar by Huan. Still it felt more or less just that FC Valinor took the lead just before the half-time.

People talk about “will-goals” or “determination-goals”. Curufin’s goal was exactly that. He got a pass from Yavanna on the midfield and just pushed through the Tirion defences, even ignoring Thorondor’s effort of separating him from the ball. Finally he pulled a mighty shot past his half-uncle from close range leaving Finarfin no chances to deny him.

But Tirion gathered some added spirit to their effort during the break and came into the second half like a whirlwind. It was the first time in this tournament FC Valinor was forced into being the receiving side. Like in their previous game against Real Valinor, it looked like especially Eönwë, Finwë and Aredhel had grown in stature and even in size. But also the rest of them looked sharper, nobler, tougher… It’s not that players like Huan, Nahar, Lórien or the sons of Fëanor would be intimidated by that kind of show off. But it wasn’t a show off. They were really coming on FC Valinor faster, stronger, more determined… and Tirion did open with a flash.

Three minutes into the second half the whole Tirion offence rolled unstobbably towards the goal and plain opened the defence with their aggressive charge and astonishing passing. Coming near enough the goal Eönwë had the ball and challenged Huan one on one. The herald of Manwë pulled Huan close enough and then flipped the ball away from Huan’s reach - and Aredhel managed to dive to the ball despite Nahar’s effort of stopping her. Huan had been forced to surrender the first time in the actual tournament!

But there was more to come. Ten minutes later Ingwë gave an undirect freekick from forty meters, left of the box and shot it totally wide.But Finwë was first to pick it on the right side and after dribbling his wife he centered the ball towards the goal where the concentration had just started to loosen a bit. First it looked Aredhel was going to reach the header, but already in the air, at the last moment, she ducked her head down letting the ball go over. Huan was already on the move right anticipating Aredhel’s header when the ball flew just inches over Nahar’s back straight at Eönwë who headed it down to the low left corner of the goal leaving Huan surprised another time in ten minutes.

The mainly Númenorian crowds were pleased and some even joined Tirion supporters in their chanting. But when FC Valinor pulled itself together and kind of “changed gear” the same crowds were only happy to change their songs as now FC Valinor was showing them some really astonishing football –but Tirion was standing firm playing very impressive defence, something none had thought they could do.But when it is honour more than points that are at stake, then one can strech into remarkable deeds.

Tirion defences held the waves of attacks by FC Valinor for fifteen minutes but then the inevitable happened. And it was Curufin again. This time he got a centering pass from Idril the Silverfoot who had dashed to the edge of the field, and rushing from between Elenwë and Irimë he slid the low pass in from two meters.

The last fifteen minutes were a pure thriller. The game was even 2-2, but neither team seemed to accept a draw. The football fans were peeing honey. How wrong was it that Tirion had to drop out from the tournament now that they really showed their qualities struggling even with, and forcing the team most agencies would put as the number one favourite to win the whole Arda Cup 2012 into defence at times!

But in the end FC Valinor proved the stronger willed or just plain better. Or then it was just Curufin. He was in flames after the two first tournament games where he had been shadowed by his brother Celegorm, and it seemed there was no one that could stop him this day. Curufin scored his hat-trick with an impressive volley to a great long pass from the lower midfield by his broither Maglor. One rarely sees such goals: a thirty-meter high-pass and a turning volley – to the upper corner of the goal from just beside the box! It was just fantastic! The hats were being thrown into the field when Curufin made a celebrationary-run around the pitch to an unanimous standing ovation of an impressed crowd.

It was said before the match that this game had no signifigance. And tournamentwise it didn’t. But to everyone who was there witnessing the game – or to those who saw it live through Palantir Broadcasting Service (PBS) – it really meant something. To have lived such a game, to have lived such a game… it was something folks would tell their grandchildren about.

Tirion 2-3 FC Valinor
on target 7-9
tot shots 18-24
GOALS:
*38, 0-1 Curufin (Yavanna)
*48, 1-1 Aredhel (Eonwe)
*57, 2-1 Eonwe (Finwe)
*74, 2-2 Curufin (Idril)
*85, 2-3 Curufin (Maglor)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Tirion- Mahtan, Thorondor
*FCVal- Celegorm


So all was set for the “main game” of the day. With such an appetizer as they had just seen it was hard to see how the feeling or intensity could rise any more, but it did; it skyrocketed, quite literally. When the home team marched into the pitch the noise was just ear-piercing: the drums, the trombones, the chanting… the waves going round the stadium incessantly for the first twenty minutes of the game… you name it.

But even if the game outshone the earlier one in emotion and feeling for the majority of the homeside fans at the stands, a football cognoscenti must have missed the flash and flare of the earlier game. Not that the game or the players were bad, quite the contrary: had it been played at any time or at any place it would have been a great match of the best talent for football in whole Arda to remember for a long while, but after the Tirion vs. FC Valinor –game it just didn’t feel like it. Like The Valmar Bells put it in their headline the following day, it was like “the great beauty produced by the harps of the Ainur in Aman fade in comparison to the Ainulindalë”.

The first half was goalless with Real Valinor creating slightly the more dangerous chances. Many fans of Real Valinor were happy to see the dynamic-trio Nerdanel, Miriel and Arien being fed better than in the earlier games creating a few good chances as their performance – or actually the lack of it – has been the main reason for the situation Real Valinor is. But Armenelos was not content on playing a second fiddle either and made some pretty good build-ups, even winning the possession on the first half. Real was just an inch sharper on the first period while Armenelos’ attacks ended up more often into shots out of target or them losing the ball just before they could shoot. In the latter case especially Caranthir and Tilion were forcing turnovers time after time creating some real frustration in team Armenelos.

The second half started in the similar vein and in the end Real Valinor produced a result. 15 minutes into the second half Tar Calmacil was carded for a late tackle on Arien, quite nastily to the ankle actually, just behind the box. Arien had to be aided by the first-aid staff, but she insisted to take the free kick herself. And what a shot it was! The ball went round the wall and suddenly bent steeply towards the other direction. Tar Atanamir had no chance. Real Valinor had taken the lead.

That made Armenelos to push it all in. They took the control of the game and came forwards like a tidal wave. But going all in carries with it the risks of counter-attacks and just ten minutes into the great pressure by the home-team Tilion stole the ball and sent it forwards to Nerdanel who sent it immediately forth to Miriel who broke away behind the Armenelos defenders and ran alone to face Tar Atanamir. And she scored with her speed totally outweighing Tar Atanamir’s effort of trying to keep up with her.

There was twenty minutes left and the home team was trailing with two goals. The crowds were stunned and quiet. It looked like Real Valinor was making it to the play-offs and Armenelos would stay in the group-phase.

Armenelos had no chance but to press on, but with a two goal lead Real Valinor clearly draw back more they had done earlier.

Tar Ancalimon shot it just wide from thirty meters free kick.

Ar Adunakhôr headed a corner from a great situation straight to Tulkas’ hands.

Ar Pharazôn made an astonishing bicycle-kick from in front of the goal but it was bounced back to the midfield from Rumil’s back.

Tar Miriel was just breaking through inside the box when Caranthir’s sliding tackle took her from the control of the ball.

Ar Pharazôn took a rebound from a shot by Tar Ancalimon and shot it from between two defenders – exactly out of reach from Tulkas but still inside the posts!

It was a goal! Armenelos was only one goal behind with… three minutes to go.
Real Valinor decided to play it safe and pulled everyone down leaving only Arien to threaten a break-through and thus forcing Armenelos to consider leaving at least one player to look after her. It was like a cat trying to attack a hedgehog: there was no way in for the cat. With the home fans supporting their own furiously the Armenelos team tried to crack the all-team defence of Real Valinor – and it felt like they banged their head on a wall that didn’t give in. They didn’t manage a shot in the last three minutes even if they tried their hardest. The hometeam had lost and were left in the group-stage.

The disappointment was huge. The empty feeling at the stadion was undescribable but overwhelming. After such experiences, after so many highs (the first game included) and the final hammering blow the stadion was awkwardly silent. It was like too much to bear. There were slow and silent tears in the eyes of many proud and bold Númenorians while many just swallowed them and bit their lip. The Númenorians were refusing to leave the stadium, like their staying would open up a window for a third period to be played or what not – which none of them of course thought would happen.

When the visiting fans and supporters of the other teams finally dared to start exiting the stands the Númenorians spontaneously started to sing “Númenor will never yield” with great emotion. It was moment everyone present would remember the rest of their lives.

Later both the organizing committee and the visiting foreigners were afraid of troubles during the night but nothing drastic happened. One Vanyarin elf had to be taken to a emergency care after being beaten up badly in a row in a local tavern, and a decent number of bruises and minor wounds were treated at the first-aid centers around the city. But the numbers were unexpectedly low regarding the expectations or horror-scenarios.

One thing that might have eased the feelings was that Real Valinor sent Nienna and Arien to represent their team into the post game press-conference. They both praised the Armenelos team, the local fans and the organising committee to the high heavens and bowed to the footballing culture of Númenor.

When asked by The Armenelos Times, do they feel they can represent this extraordinary group in the play-offs with honour when, so to say, their scoring powder has been so wet, Arien seemed relaxed when answering: “There’s no reason to reveal all your cards prematurely or to perform your best before the time it matters. Real Valinor will go far in this tournament, you bet, and it will be for the honour of the Númenorians as well to see that a team that so thinly won your team will cruise it all the way.”

Armenelos 1-2 Real Valinor
on target 4-7
tot shots 11-16
GOALS:
*60, 0-1 Arien
*71, 0-2 Miriel (Nerdanel)
*87, 1-2 Ar Pharazon (Tar Ancalimon)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Armen- Ar Gimilzor, Tar Calmacil
*Real- Nessa


Group D final results
FC Valinor 9 3-0-0 8-2
Real Valinor 6 2-0-1 4-5

Armenelos 3 1-0-2 4-6
Tirion 0 0-0-3 5-8

FC Valinor (D1) and Real Valinor (D2) to qualify.

[the phantom]

Group B @ Weathertop

It was quite a mix of spirits in the hearts and goblets of the game-goers as the final round approached at Weathertop. The steadfast Arnor supporters, particularly Elendil and Isildur’s posse, were quite down knowing they wouldn’t be advancing no matter the results. Many of the Arnor supporters were clinging to a bit of cheer however in the form of team Eriador, which featured some of their favorites- Araphant, Malbeth, Valandil, Arahael, Arassuil, and Arveleg. And they were going through no matter the results.

But with their fates already decided, how hard would the sides play?

Arnor always fought hard and had pride, but then they were rarely in such a position, and Isildur was notoriously moody. The Elves of Gondolin sincerely hoped their opposition would roll over for them, as they needed a solid win to have a hope of advancing. Fans of Inter Beleriand also hoped Eriador would be a bit uninspired, but Maedhros and Fingon poured water on those hopes in interviews, pointing out that AC Beleriand looked in best shape to take the top spot in Group G and Eriador would doubtless wish for at least a draw to avoid running into Feanor & Fingolfin already in the first round of the playoffs.

The Arnor faithful that attended the early game against Gondolin had greater numbers, but the Elves were making all the noise- more noise than usual without a doubt, trying to will their team to a playoff berth.

The fans started getting desperate as the first half wore on with no results. Both teams were defending decently, and Arnor didn’t look like they’d give up, and Gondolin wasn’t exactly playing with the necessary desperation. But through good execution and persistence Gondolin finally put up a tally in the 36th minute as Maeglin made a nifty cut and got himself clear to feed Gothmog for an easy header.

As the second half ticked past the Arnor fans started getting into it more than the Gondolin Elves. They could very well gain a draw or win out of this, and thus send mighty Gondolin packing, and that was worth bragging about! Whereas the Gondolin faithful knew a one-goal win wasn't going to cut it if they hoped to qualify.

Near the hour mark Isildur received a ball from Malvegil and, holding Aranwe on his back, he spun round with a perfect turn and drawing the defense chipped it over to Araphor for a ringing header. But Rog with an amazing leap and stretch saved it! The resulting corner was sent in to the far side and Elendil jumped clear and directed it just inside the post- but Rog saved it again!

Rog yelled at his team, "Why am I making the plays here?! Do you want to be in or not?!" And as simple as it was it seemed to be precisely the spur Gondolin needed to crank up their intensity. The midfield hadn't been doing the best job of getting it to the forwards, but now they looked sharper, and in the 61st minute Meleth released Duilin behind the off-side trap and he made it count, drawing Arvedui and serving it up to Gothmog for the finish.

In no time at all Gondolin was on the hunt again, forcing Arvedui and his defense to scramble. Elendil managed to get in the way of a Duilin drive, and Gothmog was just barely too tall on another header. But the quickness of the "sharp-boot" Maeglin could not be denied. Duilin gave it to him with some space on the end-line and Maeglin carved up the defense with a run to the center and slammed it into the top-shelf to give Gondolin the 3-goal lead!

The Gondolin faithful were just going nuts now- their team had hope again! They had equaled Inter Beleriand's goal differential, which meant if Inter lost, Gondolin was in!

With that in mind Gondolin fell back to lock down on defense and concentrated on keeping possession rather than attacking. The despirited Arnor seemed to have nothing left to challenge, however, and Gondolin sensed it. At minute 76 Gondolin unexpectedly risked possession as Egalmoth sent a sudden longball down the right side. The speedy Maeglin received it well clear of defenders and brought it in towards Arvedui as the lead-footed defense attempted to regain positioning.

But Maeglin gave them no such opportunity, instead sending it sharply across the box where it was met by the flaming comet of Gothmog. No one had a chance to challenge him and Arvedui could only guess. He guessed near- Gothmog went far. The death-blow was struck!

With the extra cushion Gondolin pulled back once again, but Arnor did not seriously challenge. They knew they were packing their bags that night, and they knew they wouldn't be able to save even this contest for a bit of pride. They were beaten. Free to run out the clock, Gondolin did so with respect and the refs didn't worry about having enough stoppage time and blew the whistle everyone was waiting for.

Gondolin had not clinched, but after the glorious performance they had witnessed the fans could be forgiven for assuming it was in the bag, for it seemed quite easy to believe and hope that the group-favorites and home-team Eriador would take care of Inter later that night. This Gondolin team simply had to advance after such a dashing performance!

Arnor 0-4 Gondolin
on target 4-8
tot shots 12-21
GOALS:
*36, 0-1 Gothmog (Maeglin)
*61, 0-2 Gothmog (Duilin)
*68, 0-3 Maeglin (Duilin)
*76, 0-4 Gothmog (Maeglin)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Arnor- Earendur, Araval
*Gondolin- Gothmog, Salgant

But Maedhros, Fingon, Turgon, and the rest of Inter Beleriand still had a say in matters. If they forged a tie with Eriador, they qualified second. If they won- first place. And they certainly had no plan of losing.

Both fan-bases were relatively confident their side could win. "Even Elrond can't hold off Fingon and Maedhros forever, and we've got a Balrog to counter their offense, and Turgon minding the net."

"Yes, but Glorfindel can handle a Balrog, and there's still Witch King to deal with- and Elrond won't be getting Fingon and Maedhros's best efforts as Gil-galad, Malbeth, and Asfaloth will bother them plenty."

Football fans everywhere were keen to find out who was right. The fans at Weathertop on the other hand mostly wanted to see Eriador sweep the group. The disappointed Arnor fans were notably present, and most were drunk and cheerful. They looked to Eriador for redemption- for if they took first then at least they'd have something to be pleased about.

In the early going it didn't look like either fan base was right. The game was very even- good passing, bright ideas on offense, quality runs, but all countered by swarming defense and timely tackling. Each team gained but a single shot on goal in the opening 30, and both boots were professionally smothered by Turgon and Elrond.

Towards the end of the half Inter looked to have the upper hand, owning the ball just a bit more, and looking just a bit more dangerous around the box. But at minute 40 a fortunate bounce on a clearance found empty space in front of Malbeth, and the far-seer spotted an opportunity and sent a bullet into the other half.

Glorfindel was off to the races and put a spectacular first touch on the pass, spilling the ball out in front of him without breaking stride. Balrog #5 caught him as he closed on Turgon, but Glorfindel made a nifty cutback and back again to cross the flame-demon's feet and earn him a clear shot at goal, which he converted high and left, despite Turgon getting a fingertip on it. It was 1-0 for the homeside at the half!

When the second half began the home team took the initiative again, pressing in and finally earning a corner from a deflected shot attempt. Arassuil swung it in near post, and whether it was the plan or just good execution on the fly, Witch King got to it but knew he wasn't getting through with a good effort from his position, so he nodded the ball on through to the opposite side where Arveleg met it leaping in rhythm and put the header back to the original side into the side netting, and Eriador had a two-goal lead!

The pockets of Gondolin supporters screamed even louder than the Eriador fans. This was exactly what they hoped for! Even if Eriador reigned it in, Elrond wouldn't be scored on twice, surely.

Inter certainly attempted to force the issue, but Eriador was given over entirely to defending now, and Glorfindel and Witch King were immensely helpful at the back. Finally a near-impossible solo run by Fingon created an opening out of nothing and Inter gained a quality chance, but the foresighted Elrond was camped perfectly for Haleth's header location and he slapped it back out towards midfield.

Inter didn't get another decent sniff until minute 72 when Maedhros was given too much space outside the box and he crushed it with his left foot, forcing Elrond to dive- and the Master of Rivendell just barely poked it away and out of bounds.

The Inter supporters were finally allowed to cheer in minute 81 when Maedhros struck a seemingly intentional volley off of Asfaloth's flank which deflected in to cut the deficit to a single goal, but Eriador barely gave the ball back during the remaining time, and the contest ended at 2-1. Without much fanfare Inter exited and left the field open to the celebrating home fans, who were joined by several Gondolin supporters in their merry-making.

Eriador had swept their way to first place, and Gondolin had stolen second!

Inter Beleriand 1-2 Eriador
on target 6-6
tot shots 13-13
GOALS:
*40, 0-1 Glorfindel (Malbeth)
*48, 0-2 Arveleg (Witch King)
*81, 1-2 Maedhros (Fingon)
YELLOW CARDS:
*InterBel- Gorlim, Baragund
*Eriador- Arassuil, Araphant

Q: Eriador
q: Gondolin
Eliminated: Arnor, Inter Beleriand

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MESPN Postgame Exit Interviews

MESPN: Elendil- any words for your fans?

Elendil: Thanks for your enthusiasm, and we're sorry we couldn't keep this train going.

MESPN: Arvedui? Why are you left in the group stage?

Arvedui: Well, we certainly didn't have our best game today, and style-wise and personnel-wise this was perhaps our most problematic match-up in the group, but the fact is we were already eliminated coming into today. That's the concerning issue.

Elendil: With something to fight for we might've done better- yes.

MESPN: So what's the outlook for next year then?

Arvedui: With the pay-outs released and the low-end below what people expected, league-wide salaries will see some shaving, and so likely we'll trim just a little bit- but overall I expect we'll be the same or very slightly higher.

MESPN: Higher after cuts? How does that work?

Arvedui: We need to bring in a piece or two that might make the puzzle fit better. We can't be content to sit where we're at. So the existing roster will probably see slight decreases while a position or two will be exchanged for something slightly higher.

MESPN: Is ownership going to remain the same- Elendil, Isildur, and Annuminas Ltd?

Elendil: Annuminas Ltd. undoubtedly will retain a good chunk, but Isildur and I will have to crunch some numbers and see which way we should go.

Arvedui: It wouldn't surprise me if we ended up with just a bit of extra help next year- but someone we trust of course. Perhaps a bit of financing from Norbury Sport? They're doing well with Eriador obviously.

MESPN: All right. Thanks guys.

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MESPN: Maedhros- you aren't used to missing the playoffs. How does it feel?

Maedhros: Very wrong. This squad ought to be on the big stage.

MESPN: What stopped it?

Fingon: We didn't execute when we needed to, plain and simple.

Turgon: We played our game decently against Gondolin and got the draw, but then against Arnor Gondolin took the initiative whereas we were outplayed, and it showed up in the differential.

MESPN: Is it hard for you, Turgon, to see Gondolin move on without you?

Turgon: Whether they move on or not I'm disappointed to be out of the playoffs, so that stands on its own. But does it make me extra sore? No- I must say I'm pleased with anything that gives my subjects reason to celebrate.

MESPN: Are you considering a return?

Turgon: Not currently. I'm invested here and I don't wish to bail when there is so much promise.

MESPN: So you think Inter Beleriand will be improved next season?

Maedhros: I think we all believe that.

Fingon: The combination of us playing just a bit better and bringing in a piece or two where it's needed should make us a serious contender. No one is far out of contention under these new salary rules, least of all us.

MESPN: Thanks very much. Good luck in the off-season.

[the phantom]

Group C @ Moria

The Group C hosting committee was a little ahead of the curve this year. Not only did they have two quality venues within a short hike of one another, but they also had the final games scheduled to be played simultaneously- a feature that was rumored to be a requirement for Arda Cup 2013.

They had gotten word out early about the double-game final round, and that combined with steeply discounted tickets ensured that a veritable flood of fans would pour in to the Dimrill Dale and Moria in the days before the matches. The efficient dwarves were prepared for them, and the visiting Arda Cup officials were probably taking some notes, marking Moria down as a good site to visit again.

Not only was the site good, but the matches promised to be excellent as well. It’s all a fan can ask for- to attend a game where every team in the group has a shot at advancing on the final day!

The only shoe-in was Erebor- they were through with 6 points, but they hadn’t clinched first. When asked about their drive to win their final match, goal-keeper Beorn promised a full effort. “Well frankly we’re not fussed about our placement- we’ll be meeting a quality opponent in the playoffs no matter what, and should we win that our next match will be against one of the power-houses of Group D or E, so both paths are remarkably similar. But that doesn’t mean we’re not trying our best. We owe it to the other teams in the group and the fans. It’s not in us not to fight.”

Anduin supporters were fervently hoping Beorn was merely giving lip-service to the integrity of the game and would rest up and roll over for them. But the host Dwarves United was certainly hoping for the opposite- they wanted Anduin beaten so that they could nab the 2nd spot by winning Wilderland. But the oddsmakers said that such a task was perhaps beyond the dwarf-centric squad, as Wilderland had been mighty impressive in their six contests since friendlies kicked off this year.

Would Erebor prove their dominance? Would Wilderland show they belong among the elite? Would Anduin or Dwarves United help spring their counterpart to an upset qualification? The answers were forthcoming.

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The outdoor game in the dale was Anduin versus Erebor, while the game in the deeps of Moria was Dwarves United versus Wilderland. The wood-elves were out in force to support King Thranduil of Erebor, but their loyalties were split in the other contest. A few hundred headed underground sporting “Legolas 4 Dwarves!” shirts while an equal number passed through the doors of Moria to support King Oropher and Galion.

There were many, many Elves of Lothlorien invading the area. In fact, it seemed as if the entire realm had relocated. Many of the long-time dwellers were out to support Amroth and Amdir with Anduin, while the late third-agers were split between Celeborn of Anduin and Galadriel of Wilderland. There were certainly more of them in the Dimrill stadium though, as Wilderland supporters had a slightly tougher time gaining tickets, as the Dwarves were swift to buy them up, and for prices that could not be ignored.

There were also quite a few Dwarves in attendance in the dale- mostly from the Lonely Mountain and the Iron Hills. They travelled well, it seemed. And though they eyed them with suspicion and a bit of dislike, the hosts also opened for the Orcs. There were quite a few Minas Morgul and even a few Mordor Orcs there to support Nazgul #7 of Erebor, and even more Misty Mts Orcs showed up to cheer on Erebor’s Bolg.

Needless to say, both stadiums were full to capacity when the contests kicked off at 5 o’clock, and given the hopes of all four teams there was much singing and chanting, and every movement of the ball had fans cheering and clapping!

(IN THE DALE)

The sun was behind the mountains and it was cool and windless, providing perfect conditions for an important contest. From the start it looked like Erebor would be true to their word and compete hard, and already in the opening 10 minutes they forced Amroth to get his hands dirty twice- first on a header from Nazgul #7 and then on a trade-mark tail-shot crushed by Smaug.

Anduin wasn’t defending with their usual tenacity, as they seemed to be looking upfield more than usual, as they needed to outright win, and possibly with a decent differential. And this shift in ideals hurt them finally in minute 17 when Thranduil timed his run perfectly and was given an unopposed header by Smaug, and the woodland King converted for the early lead!

(UNDER THE MOUNTAINS)

While the underdog was off to a poor start, the “under-dwarves” were absolutely bringing the home fans into a state of frenzy. After defending expertly and forcing a couple no-problem shots in the opening minutes, they sprang a surprising speedy counter, with Aule dashing up the right side. Gamil Zirak got it out in front of the Dwarf-Father as they crossed midfield and after several huge strides Aule sent a heavenly pinpoint cross curling into the box, and sprinting full-on Legolas dove into it perfectly and Dwarves United had the lead!

Deep-throated voices bellowed throughout the echoing halls, and drums launched into a frantic roll! The Wilderland supporters (and even a few players) covered their ears and hung their shoulders. This was a bad start indeed.

Orome went around and clasped the hands of his teammates to make sure their heads were in it, and Elwe followed his example. But as the half continued Wilderland made no headway. With the lead Aule and Celebrimbor were fully committed to defense, and Scatha and Orome found themselves without an inch of breathing room. Only the midfielders gained opportunities to shoot, but they were hurried and harassed and either shot wide or were easily handled by Bombur, who appeared to playing under the impression that the ball was made of cake.

When the halftime whistle sounded, the score remained 1-0, and the Dwarves roared in approval as Dwarves United exited to the lockers.

(MEANWHILE BACK IN THE DALE)

Things were looking much the same out in the dale, only it was the favorite holding the 1-0 lead. After Thranduil’s goal Erebor really locked down on the defensive end and Anduin was not having any luck cracking it. The three eagles and Girion were simply too good at getting in the way, breaking up attack after attack.

Finally towards the end of the half Anduin seemed to give up on gaining a quality shot and started slamming drives at the goal- but the tactic was not wholly bad, as Grimbeorn and Boromir II both possess fantastic legs, and though he has slightly less power Haldir is an expert marksman with excellent spin control. In the closing minutes all three came close- Grimbeorn spraying one just a couple feet high, Haldir forcing Beorn to dive to bat a curler away, and Boromir rattling the woodwork in the final minute.

As halftime began the Anduin fans were more hopeful for the second half than they had been. All it would take was for a couple of those shots to go in for them, and they were back in it.

(BACK UNDER THE MOUNTAIN)

The halftime score in the Dimrill Dale was announced just before the start of the second half, and the Dwarves United fans applauded with great enthusiasm. The stars were aligning for them!

But perhaps not. The Dwarves were immediately put on their heels by the now desperate side from Wilderland. Elwe and Galadriel in particular looked miles quicker. “After winning the title last year- I’m not going out like this!” Elwe could be heard calling. “Not in group play! And not to Dwarves!”

When word of these comments spread around the arena the King of Doriath became the target of booing every time he touched the ball, but the determined Elf ignored it and pressed on, and in minute 59 the Lady Galadriel fed the tall Lord a perfect cross and the game was level!

The angry Dwarves wailed and tore at their beards, and some even hurled bags and cups onto the field. Of all the people to dash their hopes, they were furious that it was Thingol! But the Dwarves on the field kept their cool thanks to the calming presence of Aule. “One goal and this is forgotten!” he told his side.

But it didn’t look like the goal would be coming any time soon. Not that Dwarves United was playing poorly- in fact they were playing better than ever. But they were playing their team defensive game, and that was simply not likely to yield a goal. And as their discouraged fans looked on with increasing anxiety, rumors trickled into the arena that the game in the dale was now tied!

(IN THE DALE)

And the rumors were quite true. After playing hard-line competitive ball for the opening 20 minutes, Erebor appeared to grow a bit lazy. Perhaps it was finally sinking in that group play was nearly finished and they were through to the playoffs. But whatever the reason, Anduin began to own the ball more and look the more dangerous. And in minute 74 Haldir made them pay- another one of his crafty snipes challenged Beorn and he barely tipped it away, and it bounded off a defender and to the feet of Grimbeorn who wasted no time in putting it away to level the match!

And indeed word had reached the dale about the game taking place under the mountain. Anduin was disheartened to hear that Wilderland was level, as they were hoping for a one-goal Dwarf win, but Celeborn encouraged them to hope for the desired outcome and take care of their end of the bargain and bring home a win against Erebor.

(BACK UNDER THE MOUNTAIN)

Most of the stadium already knew what was happening when the announcer officially acknowledged the 1-1 score in the dale, but it was still tragic to hear. Things had started so well, but now both games were moving in the wrong direction.

But to the astonishment of the crowd, with 10 minutes left in the contest, Aule shouted, “Dwarves- let’s get it!” and the game turned. Dwarves United completely changed their tactics, moving the ball quickly and efficiently, with Aule and Celebrimbor pressing forward more and more. The crafts-dwarves Gamil Zirak and Telchar showed their marvelous handling skills, which just shocked Wilderland. They knew to expect it from Celebrimbor and Aule, but now that there were four players that could move about with the ball at will and dribble a defender away, they weren’t certain what to do.

Twice it looked like Dwarves United had gained a decent look at a go-ahead goal, but both times the shooters (Legolas and Thorin) passed up the opportunity and sent the ball moving back. They were waiting for something better.

As time ticked away the crowd began roaring- some in encouragement, some in desperation, and some in frustration, but Dwarves United stayed on their plan. Finally at 88 minutes it happened.

Telchar received it at the left corner of the box and after faking a boot back out to the midfield he turned and found Celebrimbor dashing in from the left side. As soon as he sent the pass Telchar took off towards the goal and the defenders that closed on Celebrimbor desperately tried to recover as he immediately one-touched it back to the moving Telchar. But Telchar just touched it right back to Celebrimbor! Right between the crossed-up Ents went the ball, and Celebrimbor met it hard and accurately with all his Feanorian skill, and the Great Warg keeper didn’t even have a chance!

Telchar leaped onto Celebrimbor and both spilled onto the ground while their teammates converged to join in the congratulatory pile! The arena absolutely throbbed with noise! Finally the refs got the game restarted for the final minutes, and Elwe and Orome tried desperately to make something happen, but the Dwarves won it away and refused to give it back, and soon it was all over! Scatha stamped in disgust and Elwe sagged to the turf in disbelief. Galadriel however made her way over to congratulate her old friends Celebrimbor and Gimli, and the crowd made note of the sportsmanship.

But, but… Dwarves United was not necessarily into the playoffs. Some of the Dwarves seemed not to care about the other result- merely intent upon celebrating the well-fought victory over a quality foe, but most of the arena grew quiet as they waited upon word from the Dale. Had Anduin kept their rally going to send both them and Erebor through?

One minute went by… two… three… Then a buzz could be heard by Dwarves nearest the north entrance. As Dwarves on the south side of the stadium watched and listened, a wave of motion and noise slowly swept around both sides of the stadium towards them. But they could not tell if the Dwarves were wailing in agony or celebrating.

As the disturbance grew nearer the drums started beating in the upper balconies. Surely that was a good sign. Also, it became clear that the fans were waving flags- another good sign. And just as the news reached the south stadium, the announcer made it official.

“The final score- Erebor, one. Anduin, one. DWAAAAARVES UNITED ADVAAAAAAA---“

But the end of the word or anything that came after was not heard. The stadium under the Halls of Moria was perhaps as loud as it had ever been since it was delved long ago. Dwarves United, barely picked by anyone to advance, was into the playoffs!

Anduin 1-1 Erebor
on target 6-5
tot shots 15-14
GOALS:
*17, 0-1 Thranduil (Smaug)
*74, 1-1 Grimbeorn (Haldir)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Anduin- Frumgar, Borondir, Grimbeorn
*Erebor- Nazgul #7

Dwarves United 2-1 Wilderland
on target 4-7
tot shots 8-18
GOALS:
*12, 1-0 Legolas (Aule)
*59, 1-1 Elwe (Galadriel)
*88, 2-1 Celebrimbor (Telchar)
YELLOW CARDS:
*DwUnt- Thorin, Durin
*Wild- Skinbark, Elwe

Q: Erebor
q: Dwarves United
Eliminated: Anduin, Wilderland

************************************
************************************

MESPN EXIT INTERVIEWS

MESPN: So, gentlemen, a big disappointment for Anduin.

Celeborn: Indeed. We thought we’d be advancing.

MESPN: Why didn’t it work?

Fram: Well, Wilderland’s offense proved a tough matchup, and we didn’t execute our own efficiently enough to keep even.

Boromir II: Yes, we needed a bit of a spark.

Grimbeorn: Same with our match against the Dwarves. We didn’t make the most of our offensive chances.

Celeborn: And we gave up that late equalizer.

MESPN: So then, do you feel you already have the necessary team put together?

Boromir II: This team is good enough, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t looking to improve.

MESPN: Anyone in particular you’re looking at?

Celeborn: Well, it wouldn’t be proper to discuss names with the tournament still going.

MESPN: Is there anything you can tell us?

Grimbeorn: We’ve very nearly secured, a… er… spectacular home grounds- and I imagine we’ll be a host next season.

Fram: Quite so. And we suspect the opportunity to be on such a stage might help us snag a prospect or two.

MESPN: Thanks for your time.

**********************************

MESPN: Team Wilderland was ranked as high as #2 in TTN’s power rankings. This has got to sting.

Scatha: It’s infuriating! We could score a heap on anyone and we choked!

Orome: Erebor won us fair and square, but that finale against Dwarves United- that was ours for the taking.

Galadriel: They wanted it more- had more team spirit.

MESPN: Can you rectify these problems in the offseason?

Oropher: Certainly. I’ll be back and working harder than ever.

Scatha: I won’t be contained next season!

MESPN: Elwe- you certainly looked upset. How about you?

Elwe: I can’t really say where I’ll be next year.

MESPN: Galadriel?

Galadriel: I have no plans of being held out of the playoffs again, but it’s too soon to guarantee where I’ll be.

MESPN: Oropher- this team seems splintered. What do you expect to happen next season?

Oropher: Well, it certainly seems there will be some roster turnover, but we ought to have most of our investors back. I don’t expect us to take a step back.

MESPN: All right. Thanks for your time.

[Nogrod]

Group E at The Havens, round 3

The day came to the Grey Havens sneakingly as the sun arose somewhere behind a dark wall of clouds towering over the city. It felt like a mysterious fog had arisen from the sea and wrapped the whole town into it’s gentle but overwhelming embrace. Folks realised it was not a night any more not because of the light but because of the absence of pitch darkness. The men, hobbits and dwarves visiting the city for the games were nervous, for sure it was some kind of magic of the West. Some even packed their bags and sped off from the city just in case something strange and bad was to happen.

But even some of the elves felt disturbed. They knew Ossë could not be predicted at all, and even Ulmo, their great friend, was well, more of a god than a mate to them – “and you know what gods can be...” they whisepered to each other walking the foggy streets trying to take care of their businesses before the matches.

When the pre-game press conference started it was realised the Valar and the Maiar were nowhere to be found. Celebrian and Tar Aldarion were not able to fill in the hungry press, but Túrin was ready to speak: “You know Mandos hasn’t ever been my favourite, and I have lost my faith to those big ones during my life enough many times not to be bothered of them any more. If they do not appear into the pitch when the game is to begin then we will win by surrender. And if they come forwards, one fog isn’t going to stop me from hammering a few goals into their net…”

About an hour before the first game was set to begin a fresh wind started blowing from the sea and scattered the cloudy pillow sealing the city, letting in a bright sunlight like they had never seen. As the fog disappeared, the ships of the Valar and Maiar were suddenly spotted sailing up the river and anchoring beside the stadium – and they were glimmering and shining this extraordinary light making the park around them appear in an unnatural light which almost hurt the eyes of anyone daring to keep them open.

Now a wide-spread rumour, first reported by The Lhûnandarwinian says that seeing the grand entry, Túrin had whispered to his dad that: “So they are trying to intimidate us”, into which Húrin had answered: “Whatever it is they are doing, they mean business now”. Túrin had them paused for a moment and said: “Good, even if took some time…” The exchange of course can’t be confirmed by any independent source.


~*~

Every newsmedia had made their own calculations as to the different outcomes of the night’s matches and who would qualify with which combinations of results – and there sure were a wealth of possibilities. But one thing remained clear: winning a game today would mean qualifying – and that sure was a no-nonsense rule to follow.

Valimar came into the field shining bright and looking just awesome. Some football lovers complain that human football stars are too interested on how their hair is in the game or how their shots or cheering looks like in television, but the Valar and Maiar had clearly perfected the art of how they look… Somewhat against the flare of their appearance, the Valimar team started the game with its trademark defence suffocating Hithlum’s attempts at attacking with their strong midfield & defence co-operation, attacking themselves only when they had it in control and could build it up slow and carefully. But it was effective.

And just past the half an hour mark Valimar was given the prize. Andróg tackled Ilmarë while she was breaking through the Hithlum defences into the box after a long and tedious build-up. Andróg was righteously carded but that the referee gave a penalty-shot to Valimar was something one could argue for or against. The slow-motion replays show a contact and a succesful effort to bring Ilmarë off balance but did it happen inside the box or not? Many will speculate about that in days to come.

But it was a penalty and Mandos came to take a shot. He didn’t wait to deliver but just after a few backtracking steps from the ball made a short run immediately to the ball and shot it securely – and with astonishing power – into the middle of the goal when Aradan hunched the left corner. “Eru’s will completed!” he yelled as he ran to face his embracing team-mates.

Hithlum never kind of recovered from that on the first half, and even if they tried to build attacks the strong defence in front of them felt like an unsurmountable obstacle they just couldn’t get through or around anyway they tried.

But if someone thought Hithlum had given in they were very wrong indeed. If the first half had been about Valimar’s control, the second looked to be about Hithlum’s willpower turned into great performance.

Valimar played very conservative tactics in the lead. Vairë dropped down beside her husband Námo and Estë was seen more at their level in the defence than in the midfield. Both wizards took a more defencive stance as well so that they had only Ilmarë higher up to run for possible turnovers and Celebrian somewhere in the middle both threatening to make runs upwards or taking part in the defence.
But even with eight players under the ball most of the times Valimar couldn’t thwarth Hithlum’s passion and determination. And time and time again they managed to break through here or try a good shot there.

And who else but Túrin evened the game on the 68th minute! Túrin managed to outwit Amrod and Amras dashing through them, and with a nice pass from his dad he got the ball behind the defences, had cool and nerves to just wait Mandos sliding in trying to cover the coming shot and with a short side-pass to himself repositioned and let the boot swing leaving Manwë no chance to relocate. Some spectators claimed they had seen Túrin passing a self-righteous grin to Mandos as the Vala was still on the ground and Túrin passed him just starting to celebrate the goal.

There was twenty minutes of the game left and it was even 1-1. Even if the winner would secure a place in the qualifiers, to Hithlum this was already a good result as they would be ahead of Valimar in the final tally with better scoring – so whichever team won the other match Hithlum would qualify alongside them. And the two other teams would have to play 3-3 to outscore Hithlum. So even if Hithlum did continue pressing they did it in a bit more careful fashion trying to make sure Ilmarë, Celebrian or either of the wizards didn’t have chances for quick turnovers.

On the other hand Valimar knew their situation was grave, but having played for defence more or less all the game and with Hithlum now having the drive on they found it hard to change gear even if they wished to – especially with Hithlum backing off their all-out attack just enough to shut out any hopes for fast counter-attacks Ilmarë or Celebrian could run for. And in a dire situation both Alatar and Pallando seemed more or less frozen. Maybe there was a reason they were sent to the east for easier tasks than Olórin back then…

And so the referee blew his whistle ending the game… in a draw once again.

Hithlum 1-1 Valimar
on target 5-3
tot shots 14-9
GOALS:
*31, 0-1 Namo
*68, 1-1 Turin (Hurin)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Hithlum- Androg
*Valimar- Pallando, Amras


The last game of the group was about to begin and the tension was mounting. The men of Hithlum had kicked Valimar off the tournament despite the show-off of Valar, but how would the hosts fare with the dangerous-looking team of Ainur combined with the Númenorian talent for scoring?

Ulmo and his vassals were awe-inspiring when they came to the field. Ulmo himself had put on his glittering green armour and at times it was hard to tell his wavelike being apart from the storming Ossë. The blows from Salmar’s horns sent thrills into the backbone of every spectator making them tremble while Uinen felt like a summer-rain spreading throughout The Sea’s half of the field. It was a magical entry to say the least.

But if there was a plan to make the hosts react in some way favourable to the Sea, it didn’t seem to work. The Havens started with a mighty pressing making the homecrowds go wild with support after they realised the team doing the attacking was their own. It looked like Ulmo’s team was busy kicking the ball away from their half when it was there again. Before the first ten minutes had been played Eärendil had already hit the post and Andreth had forced Voronwë to a save of the day. The magic sometimes wears thin pretty fast.

After the initial attacking-frenzy by the Havens the game evened and calmed down little by little. But it had sowed a seed of hope into the elves of Grey Havens and little by little they started chanting ever more loudly. They had thought throughout the games in their hearts that Ulmo’s team was just far too strong for them, but the first ten-fifteen minutes had shown otherwise. And halfway through the first half the homecrowds were becoming bolder and bolder in their chanting requiring a goal from their team.

Aided by the fanatic crowd the players found the extra momentum needed and the scales started to turn towards The Havens’ favour once again. And on 40th minute the stadium plain exploded when Aegnor’s center went in taking a bounce from Tuor’s missed header totally surprising Voronwë at the goal.

And what a boost that was! The Havens started pressing after the goal – probably also half-willing to show they could score also without the aid of dear lady Fortuna. And Aegnor did finally hammer the ball in just a minute before the half-time after a nice dribble around the edge of the box and a furiously twisting shot that left Voronwë armless a second time.

The home team was leading 2-0 on half-time! The Havens and Hithlum were qualifying leaving the pre-tournament favourites Valimar and the Sea behind. The elves of Grey Havens on the stands and all around the city were getting a hang of the game called football… and as the word spread the inhabitants started massing towards the Lhûnarena to get at least a glimpse of what was going on via the audio-commentary at the Riverside Gardens and to join the celebration.
Those elves who knew something about football were biting their nails though as they knew a match lasted 90 minutes and they were only halfway through – and it was unthinkable that Ulmo would just give up and go home like that, especially after all the pomp and circumstance of the early day.

To the great relief of the cognoscenti at the stands and to the great joy of all homeside fans The Havens came in to the second half inserting pressure to the Sea and almost scoring a third with a fiery shot by Eärendil just five minutes into the half. But the Sea was slowly gathering it’s force and like a tsunami which first draws back to gather momentum they allowed the Havens to bring it on them before they suddenly unleashed their whole power against the Havens defences. And the tables were turned.

The shots started raining on The Havens’ goal – on target, hitting the frame or going just a little off – finally putting Cirdan to a test for real. And Cirdan was standing to the test. He made two brave saves in ten minutes and Tar Minastir’s breakthrough was called offside by the linesman. But finally Cirdan’s old friend, the Commander of Men Vëantur outwitted him closing in from the left and booting the ball behind the great elf from between him and the near post.

With roughly 20 minutes of the game left the Havens still led by two goals against one. And the game turned into a thriller.

A tidal wave called the Sea now roamed over the pitch but The Havens defended courageously blocking shots with daring that brought back memories of some rougher times past. Olwë himself blocked a hammering shot by Ossë running up from his side and had to be attended to by the medical staff after losing all the air from his lungs by the force of the shot.

The clock was ticking the minutes away from the Sea.

The excessive attacking opened up chances for the home team as well. At five minutes before the full time Lindo’s intelligent long break sent Aegnor into a half break-through from the midfield. Aegnor ran like crazy having a second goal in his sights but Ossë was swifter and overcame him snatching the ball away into a throw for The Havens. With most of the players now stacking the Sea’s half Angrod threw the ball searching for Tuor’s head at the middle beside the box only to be cut off by Salmar.

There was a sound of a great horn blowing freezing most players to where they stood. Ulmo looked furious calling his team to attack, all of them. And the Sea rolled forwards, all of them. The Havens were almost panicking even if Tuor and Olwë tried to calm them down while concentrating… on running.

Salmar had passed the ball to the Stargazer Meneldur who sent it again forwards to his son who’s adventurous nature he didn’t always appreciate that much, but now the son was making some great progress advancing far into the Havens’ defencive territory. Olwë and his daughter Eärwen were facing him though and his wannabe-breakthrough came into a halt.

But there were the horns again as Ulmo himself dashed through the field like a roaring thunder. Tar Aldarion was shook by the horns like everyone, but was alert and cabable enough to pass the ball diagonally forwards… and there was Ulmo himself passing the running defenders like a giant wave passes through everything on it’s way. And Ulmo just ran the ball in almost ending up in the net himself.

No one could blame Cirdan for that goal as many speculated afterwards could even Manwë himself have been able to stop the fury and strength of Ulmo they witnessed there and then.

So it was 2-2 with four minutes to go and it seemed both teams had used all their energy. It was clear neither team wished for a draw but they had just ran out of new gears to change into. And so the game ended 2-2 with the audience and even most of the players unsure about what that would mean.

The Havens 2-2 The Sea
on target 7-6
tot shots 16-13
GOALS:
*40, 1-0 Tuor (Aegnor)
*44, 2-0 Aegnor (Earendil)
*68, 2-1 Veantur (Tar Minastir)
*86, 2-2 Ulmo (Tar Aldarion)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Havens- Annael, Angrod
*Sea- Uinen


Group E final results
Hithlum 3 0-3-0 5-5
The Havens 3 0-3-0 5-5
The Sea 3 0-3-0 5-5

Valimar 3 0-3-0 3-3



All teams ended with three points (three draws) so a difference cant be made on the basis of points or even matches between the teams, or the goal differentials. So it comes down to how many goals they have scored. That drops Valimar out of the competiton but doesn’t yet make a difference between Hithlum, The Havens and the Sea.

The tournament jury announced the ruling in this case soon after the late game ended.

There would be a shoot-out competiton the following day between the three teams and it would be played as long as an order between them would be reached. A special report of that hair-rising event will follow as soon as the competiton takes place tomorrow.

[Nogrod]

Group E penalty shoot-out cancelled for today! / The AKM

Today's penalty shoot-out at Grey Havens has been cancelled due to the sudden storm that hit the town with ferocity of a kind the locals didn't have a living memory of. The combined power of the rain, winds and thunder forced everyone indoors for the whole day and there was no way the competiton could have been held.

There has been a host of speculations as to where this storm came from and why. Even if - and exactly because of - it was Manwë's team that got left out from the shoot-out, the AKM will not speculate about it but encourages it's readers to draw the conclusions themselves.

If the weather clears up and the pitch can be dried the shoot-out competition will take place tomorrow - with full AKM commentary on it.

Stay tuned for the spectacle!

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Group G at Nargothrond

The High Faroth Arena was filled to the brim with the supporters of AC Beleriand and Anfauglith; there was no room for neutrals. The Elves supported AC Beleriand, and the creatures of Angband rooted for Anfauglith. The Bëorians lamented Rían’s choice of side, but they were all for Beren and Bregolas. The people of Hador felt sympathy for Marach and Imlach, but their hearts belonged to Galdor and Gundor. The folk of Haleth were not torn and cheered wholeheartedly for Haldir.

The two squads had already met before, a fiercely-contested friendly resulting in a scoreless draw. They had played with their cards close to their chests, and not even a player of Fëanor’s calibre could unlock the Balrogs’s defence in front of Ungoliant’s goal.

But this time AC Beleriand didn’t come to play. Assured of first seed (and avoiding Elrond’s Eriador in the first round of the knockout stages) even with a draw, they elected to keep the ball in the half-court line, not playing passes or bringing the ball towards the Anfauglith third of the pitch. Imlach to Bregolas. To Denethor. To Rochallor. Back to Bregolas. To Beren, who dribbled forward half-heartedly before passing back to Denethor.

Anfauglith tried to make a game of the proceedings, but they couldn’t take the ball away from AC Beleriand. No matter how hard they pressed, AC Beleriand simply retreated, passing to the open man regardless of position on the pitch. Anfauglith were basically chasing ten players with six, since their defenders refused to break formation, for fear of a sudden AC Beleriand attack.

AC Beleriand didn’t remain quiet forever, though, as Fëanor made his anticipated solo runs in the closing minutes of the half. The Fiery Boot left behind a trail of Anfauglith players in his wake as he forayed first through the centre and then down the left flank, carrying the ball at pace as if it were a puppy obediently following him. In both cases, however, Ungoliant was up to the task of saving his shots, and the half ended with both teams scoreless, but the AC Beleriand supporters were upbeat, chanting Fëanor’s name with fervour.

The second half began as the first had ended, with another Fëanor solo run down the right wing. It took a Borlach sliding tackle to deny him a goalbound shot. But after that initial frenzy AC Beleriand returned to their passive passing game. The nerves of the Anfauglith players were being stretched thin—they tried to chase the ball around, but they also had to be wary of sudden forward runs. It was more this nervousness, and less the physical effort of having to run all over the field, that tired them out, and the final blow was struck when, fifteen minutes before the time, AC Beleriand changed the game’s tempo again.

Imlach took a backward pass from Bregolas, and he passed it sideways to Fingolfin. Galdor and Rían plodded after the High-King, but a sudden burst of speed left the two behind. Balrog #3 went out to challenge him, but he passed the ball sideways to a charging Fëanor. Just outside the box, Borlach and Balrog #2 stood before the AC Beleriand captain. He faked a shot and then dragged the ball back, leaving a sliding Borlach behind. He turned on the Balrog and took a snap-shot, but Ungoliant got a leg in to flick the shot away. Beren had a foot in the rebound, but Balrog #4 headed his chip away. Anfauglith has denied AC Beleriand once again, but they have conceded a corner.

AC Beleriand players flooded the Anfauglith penalty box, leaving only Imlach and Rochallor at the half-court line. Beren took the corner, a short one to Eol, who quickly sent a cross into the box from an angle the Anfauglith players didn’t anticipate. Fingolfin was waiting at the near post, and he rose highest to guide the ball in past the legs of Ungoliant.

And that was the last straw. AC Beleriand’s passing killed the game; Anfauglith were simply too tired, too deflated to press AC Beleriand. The denizens of Angband booed loudly even before the final whistle was blown, but the AC Beleriand supporters cheered for their team. They chose a prudent approach; they didn’t need to win the game, and they got to rest in preparation for a game against either Gondolin or Inter Beleriand (or perhaps, though unlikely, even Eriador). And they saw that an on-form Fëanor was unplayable, even by one of the best defences in the tournament. Despite all the attention on the teams of Group D, they believed that Fëanor’s team was something special, and could go all the way.

AC Beleriand 1-0 Anfauglith
GOALS:
77, 1-0 Fingolfin (Eöl)

Total Shots
12-6
Shots On Target
5-2

YELLOW CARDS:
3-2
AC Beleriand: Fëanor, Ulrad, Fingolfin
Anfauglith: Rían, Gorgol

The home team Nargothrond was in last place, so to speak, in the race for the knockout stages. They were four goals down in difference, and they knew that their defence would have a hard time shutting down Doriath, who took two goals against AC Beleriand’s Fingolfin-led backline. Can Finrod, Glaurung, and Gwindor score five or six to qualify? Will Melian and Dior let them?

Doriath elected to play on the break instead of contesting Nargothrond in the midfield, with Melian starting at central defence for the third time running. They knew that both teams had equal numbers and almost equal talent in the midfield, but the Nargothrond offence cannot be contained by their back four alone. As for their offence, they had no player of Thuringwethil or Fëanor’s calibre who could dribble out the defenders and force multiple markers. Their front line’s greatest strength was their ability to create space and exploit them, especially with Mablung playing the false-striker role to the hilt, dragging away central defenders and leaving holes for Lúthien and Beleg’s inside runs.

They almost rued their decision to absorb the pressure instead of pressing themselves when Dior was called to action after fifteen minutes of play. First he palmed away Glaurung’s tailer from a Gwindor cross, and then he punched Finrod’s volley of the rebound over the crossbar. It was a fine double save, but now Nargothrond have won a corner, delivered by Finduilas, and Glaurung poked the ball between Galadhon’s legs; Dior could only stand helpless as the ball crossed the goal line.

Doriath fielded a lopsided 4-4-1-1, with right winger Beleg as the only outlet for long balls behind Mablung (instead of central attacking midfielder Nellas). But it was his wing partner Lúthien who created Doriath’s first chance near the half-hour mark, when she intercepted a sloppy Orodreth pass and zoomed downfield. She took on Mîm and found space to centre the ball, and Mablung stabbed it in with Nargothrond keeper Bëor diving too late.

The half ended in a deadlock, which had been the case for all but one game in the group (the AC Beleriand-Doriath tie), and the spectators knew that whoever came out of the locker rooms with fury would win the tie. The almost forty-thousand home supporters chanted their lungs out, knowing that their team had created far more chances in the first half, and would continue to do so, but the Doriath faithful noticed that, while Nargothrond’s many chances yielded but one goal, Doriath with their few chances were level with them. Their defence was better, and so was their finishing; thus they believed that their team could outlast the Nargothrond pressure.

Three minutes into the second half the Doriath crowd uttered a collective groan that was drowned out by the home supporters’ cheers. Finrod sent an incisive ball through the heart of the Doriath defence, and Gwindor’s superb turn-and-finish proved too much for Dior to handle. Nargothrond needed three more goals, and they still had plenty of time. However, Doriath would not simply roll over and die. A few minutes before the hour mark Melian sent a long ball to Beleg, who moved forward while Mablung pulled back. The Nargothrond defenders were unsure whom to guard, and Beleg had enough space to pass to a charging Daeron, whose drive from thirty yards clanged off the side post and into the net.

Nargothrond would answer eleven minutes later, when Gwindor found space to send a low cross that Finrod hooked in. But Doriath would equalise again in the seventy-fifth minute, after Mablung, in a rare display of strength, outmuscled Baran and Arminas to head in Beleg’s cross. The Nargothrond fans were snacking on their fingernails—would fifteen minutes be enough? Can they stop Doriath long enough to get the four goal difference they need?

They were given a glimmer of hope when, in the seventy-seventh minute, Gwindor dribbled past Nimloth into the box and Saeros’s sliding tackle collided with the winger’s ankle. A yellow card for the defender, and a spot kick for Nargothrond. Finrod took the penalty, and he sent it zooming to the left. But Dior guessed correctly—he had saved the penalty! Doriath supporters heaved a sigh of relief and the Nargothrond crowd clutched their heads. It seems that it was not meant to be.

Their pessimistic observation was borne out when Mablung completed his hat trick four minutes from time, taking a long pass from Melian before rounding past the Nargothrond defenders in a rare display of ball control. Nargothrond wondered why they had to meet Mablung on his day, and Doriath hoped that he would enjoy more days like this one.

Doriath 4-3 Nargothrond
GOALS:
16, 0-1 Glaurung (Finduilas)
29, 1-1 Mablung (Lúthien)
48, 1-2 Gwindor (Finrod)
56, 2-2 Daeron (Beleg)
67, 2-3 Finrod (Gwindor)
75, 3-3 Mablung (Beleg)
86, 4-3 Mablung (Melian)

Total Shots
17-22
Shots On Target
7-9

YELLOW CARDS:
1-2
Doriath: Saeros
Nargothrond: Mîm, Arminas

AC Beleriand gets first seed, and, despite their head-to-head game, Doriath snatches the second seed from Anfauglith due to goals scored.

Exit interviews shall soon be provided in the ArdaCup.com Tactical Review.

[Nogrod]

Group E at the Grey Havens, the shoot-out competition

The AKM’s reading instructions for the coverage: If you are wiling to just get the results scroll down until you find bolded results from each match-up and the end-result from the bottom of this post. If you’re into some hair-raising action and enjoyment of the drama of football, scroll carefully not letting yourself be spoiled with the bolded results coming your way as you go. Whichever way is your way, enjoy!

PS. The AKM understands this is probably the longest ever article in the history of the Arda Cup, but the situation was quite unique as well, so we here in the AKM thought it deserved a full coverage to all the fans in Arda and beyond.


~*~

The shoot-out competition

It was a time for the shoot-out competition at Lhûnarena to decide which two teams from Hithlum, The Havens and The Sea would qualify and who would qualify as E1 and who as E2. There had been some rumours that Manwë and his retinue had left the city after the defeat and the storm of yesterday had kind of confirmed that to many, but when Manwë and Mandos appeared in front of the full-packed stadium to perform as the shoot-out judges those stories gained a new twist. On the other hand Ulmo and his minions had made a great effort to dry the the pitch and the surrounding gardens for the day's shoot-outs to go on. Some sceptics said it was business as usual: the Ainur create problems and then correct them waiting to be honoured and praised...

So not all faces smiled seeing the ultimate judges personalities, but most of the folks packed at the arena and the dried surroundings were most of all happy for the matches to go on.


Mandos anyway declared the rules: every team would go against each other and after every team had faced the others it would be seen if there was a result or not. If not, the rounds would be repeated as many times it was needed to produce a result. The rules for an inividual match-up would be the following: both teams take five shots and if the scores are even, they go one by one until the winner is found. And no player would be allowed to make two shots until every player of the team had made one. So it would not be only the stars of each team competing each other but every team would need to produce some wider quality.

The order of the match-ups was then drawn with the team captains present. First it would be Hithlum against The Sea, then The Sea against The Havens and lastly The Havens against Hithlum.


~*~

Match 1, Hithlum vs. The Sea

The first shoot-out competition between Hithlum and The Sea was ordered to take place at the south-end goal and the crowds on that part of the stands were more than happy. Malach Aradan and Voronwë shook hands before starting to walk slowly towards the goal. Their concentration had already started and both the great grandfather of men and the heroic elf walked quietly forwards ending up in the opposite sides of the goal, waiting for their task to begin.

After Manwë and Mandos had received shooting order -lists from both teams the competition was ready to begin after a coin was tossed to determine which team would go first. It would be Hithlum.

It was no surprise to anyone that Túrin took the ball first walking with easy pace to the penalty spot while both teams stood at the center, team Hithlum players holding each other from shoulders.

Túrin set the ball into the chalked spot without hesitation, took a few quick steps backwards, glanced at Voronwë with a grim smile – and charged. Gooooaaaalll! Voronwë stood no chance against that cannon-blast straight into the upper-left corner.

Túrin is a great and renowned man, but so is Tar Minastir, the unrivalled and strongest King of all the Middle-Earth at his time, a man who was the key in beating Sauron himself. And he was as fast and pragmatic as Túrin had been: the ball into it’s place, a short few steps back, a challenging glance at Aradan and an unstoppable hammer into the back of the net. And like Túrin, he didn’t cheer or run around, only nodded at his team-mates and walked back at a leisured pace.

Hithlum 1 – 1 The Sea

The next shooter was the man with fire within him, a man no less than Húrin himself. And his determination was easy to see even to the other end of the stadium. Unlike the first two shooters he did take his time after setting the ball and taking his steps back. He was staring at Voronwë, challenging him with his gaze. If possible he looked even more grim his son looked – and with the first sign of Voronwë blinking he dashed forwards – and sent the ball hard into the center of the goal when Voronwë dived to the right feeling the need to react.

Tar Aldarion was the next shooter – a king who is perhaps unfairly known better from his marital problems than for his intelligence and capabilties. But on his turn he left no one a chance of questioning those characteristics: he took a long run to the ball – and stopped suddenly just as his boot was going to hit it. Aradan made a reflection dive forwards-right believing the shot was coming, but it didn’t come… yet. Tar Aldarion looked over when Aradan landed to the ground and then tossed the ball into the lower left corner of the goal like he couldn’t care less.

Hithlum 2 – 2 The Sea

It was Húrin’s grandfather and Aradan’s grand-grand-child Hador the Goldenhead who came forth the next. And like the previous shooters he didn’t give the goalie a chance. A powerful and accurate shot just under the crossbar left Voronwë totally helpless.

After starting with two Númenorians The Sea now sent it’s first Maia into the game. Ossë took the ball firmly into his hands and settled it sternly into a position. Nodding to Aradan with a grin he took only one step back and leaned backwards – and then shot an amazing blast of a kick that would have broken a skull if any had been on it’s way. But the ball went flying high over the goal and into the upper level of the stands. It was a miss!

Hithlum 3 – 2 The Sea

It was Niënor Niniel’s turn when Hithlum had taken the lead, and many Hithlum supporters were afraid if the young woman could handle the situation without breaking. She took the ball, settled it, took the steps back and breathed deep staring at the middle of the goal, like she tried to gaze through Voronwë. Then she dashed forwards and shot the ball closing her eyes… Voronwë hunched her intention to be shooting into the center and stood still only grounding his feet deeper on the ground to receive the force of the ball coming in – but Niniel’s shot that started plain forwards went curving neatly to the right side of the goal and Voronwë was totally late when he realised it. Niënor had outwitted him and scored!

The Hithlum supporters were going crazy while the Sea’s supporters fell totally silent… Hithlum led by four goals to two and if the next shooter from The Sea would fail it would be all over as the last round wouldn’t be needed.

But it was Ulmo himself who turned out to shoot next! The supporters went exploding and praised Eru of the tactical choice that was made before the shooting started: who else could bear the pressure if not Ulmo? “Praised be Mandos”, many of them thought – and many men cursed the same thing suspecting some foul games behind the scene. But it was clear, Ulmo had not made his shot and Manwë declared it was now his turn.

Ulmo took a deep breath after setting the ball and taking his distance. Aradan looked nervous but steadfast: he would stand his ground whatever the second of the Aratar would do. Ulmo was not hurrying up but started somehow growing, not in size but in stature, and suddenly he was on the move. The spectators felt like they were witnessing a slow-replay, like something happened and they just saw a slow-motion replica of it… and Aradan must have felt the same as the ball was in the back of the net before he realised Ulmo had taken the shot. Many humans were booing and some discredited the goal for “some Western wizardry”, but it was a goal nonetheless.

Hithlum 4 – 3 The Sea

The stadium fell silent as Morwen walked towards the box. The tension was building up. If She scored Hithlum would claim victory over The Sea. And Morwen, if someone, would know what it is to act under pressure… many Hithlum supporters silently praised Eru for the wise choice of the team.

Morwen took the ball, settled it for quite a long while before she was happy with it, took the steps back and breathed heavily. It was the decisive shot and she knew it. It was all upon her now and she just needed to act. And she did. With a few slow steps she got into motion and then sped on dashing to the ball sending it powerfully towards the lower left corner of the goal – and Voronwë hunched it right diving to the the ball and tipping the ball away from the post! It was the first save of the day and the Sea had a chance to get even!

And it was Vëantur, grandfather of Tar Aldarion, the mariner, the great captain of King’s ships, who proceeded towards the penalty spot… It was now up to him whether the game continued or whether The Sea lost it. With steadfast hands he placed the ball and took his steps away from it, quite a many of them. He was staring at the right corner of the goal incessantly totally ignoring the gaze of Aradan. And he ran, and he shot the ball with power… to the right corner of the goal – and it was in! Aradan hesitated just a part of a second trying to decide whether Vëantur’s intent gaze was a trick or not – and that did it, he was an inch late and only managed to touch the ball with the tips of his fingers, but couldn’t deny the goal.

Hithlum 4 – 4 The Sea

After all the five shooters had taken their shots it would then be one on one – in a reverse order. And the first pair where one scored and the other didn’t would decide the game. It was getting unbearably tense – even if the home team wasn’t part of it yet – but every elf in the stadium realised they’d have to face the same drama with their own team soon enough…

So it was Uinen who came forwards the next. Many humans in the crowds were sighing in despair just realising how many of the Ainur the Sea boasted in it’s ranks – and comparing them to what their team had in store for the next rounds. But they didn’t lose faith, on the contrary they started chanting songs to distract Uinen and to aid Aradan.

And Uinen missed the goal! She shot it wide! The humans were rejoicing. Their next shooter had a chance to win the game for them.

And it was actually none other than their goal-keeper Malach Aradan who came from beside the goal to take the shot. “It takes one to know one” they say – and so the Hithlum fans sang away when Aradan settled the ball to the spot. Aradan was in no hurry but took his time looking around the different areas of the goal clearly trying to make Voronwë guessing what he was going to be up to. Then he suddenly sped himself to the ball and made a shot… and fell down to the grass!

He had slipped at the crucial moment and the ball went on with half the speed it would have done if he had managed the shot normally. But it was heading to the opposite direction Voronwë was diving for! Voronwë made an incredible stretch and was able to touch the ball with the tip of his left foot changing the angle of the ball’s trajectory just enough to make it roll slowly just beside the post and off.

With both goalies lying in the grass and watching the ball roll past the goal the fans of the Sea rose up in the stands cheering wildly while the human fans fell silent. The game was still on!

Hithlum 4 – 4 The Sea

The Sea was able to put forwards yet another Maia and the fans were getting really excited. After all those shots they had been making with a knife at their throat they were now feeling like back in the steering wheel. And Salmar was a mighty if somewhat shady character just fitting for a shoot-out competition. And like some of the first shooters it looked like he really knew what to do. A short walk away from the ball, a sharp glance at the upper left corner, and a shot into the lower right corner. And it was a goal! The Sea was in the lead for the first time.

So now it was up to proud Andróg whether Hithlum would continue the game or whether they would lose. Andróg took his time and breathed slowly: it was him or the elf and he had to make good his error of giving Valimar the penalty-shot in the game. He just had to. He gathered energy, gathered feeling inside him, gathered rage, gathered power to release – and he dashed to the ball. It was a mighty shot from a mighty man and Voronwë dived to the opposite side of the goal! But the ball went wide!! Andróg missed!

Andróg fell on his knees from disappointment. He had been given an opportunity to make good his deed and he had failed. Voronwë walked past him and pat him gently on the shoulder before the cheering The Sea players reached him and joined in a group embrace.

Hithlum 4 – 5 The Sea

The Sea had won the first match-up 5-4 – and unless all the teams played cross-wins, they would qualify! So it was a huge step ahed for The Sea and a real setback for Hithlum.


~*~

Match 2, The Havens vs. The Sea

The second match-up would be the hosts The Havens vs. the winners of the first match The Sea. If The Sea would win this they would secure their qualification as number one (facing Real Valinor then) and leave the hosts fight it out against Hithlum for the second place in the group (to face FC Valinor). If The Havens won, they’d have a similar situation facing Hithlum in the last match-up. But with all teams ending up with one win, all the matches would be replayed as long as there was a result.

The Sea’s players were allowed a fifteen minute pause to regain their energies and to concentrate on the match to follow. The order of the shooting was meanwhile decided by throwing a coin again, and The Sea would be shooting, again, as the second team while The Havens would start. And like the last time: if five shots would not be enough to decide a winner, there would be one-on-one shots in a reverse order until there was a result.

While others were preparing themselves around the Mid-spot of the pitch, Cirdan walked quietly to the north-end goal where Voronwë was already concentrating sitting beside the goal. The two elves embraced and seemed to change a few light words before they both sat down next to each other to just sit still and get ready for the shoot-out. What they might have been sharing their laughs on is anybody’s guess.

When Mandos blew the horn as a sign for the second match to begin, Eärendil took towards the goal and Voronwë rose up walking in between the posts clapping his hands together to boost himself. The second match-up was getting started and the crowds cheered wildly for their hero Eärendil as he settled the ball into position and took the few steps back from it he needed. It was a remarkably short distance, just a few steps from the ball. Suddenly a dragon-killer’s fire eas lit in his eyes and he made a dash… and before Voronwë even realised the ball was in the net. Voronwë was left literally standing against the cannon booted from Eärendil’s foot. The crowds went crazy and enjoyed the humiliation to the fullest. Eärendil was their man!

Cirdan nodded with compassion to his fellow keeper and encouragingly patted his shoulder as they passed each other, Voronwë on his way outside the pitch and Cirdan going to face his turn on the goal.

Tar Minastir had already reached the penalty spot and was settling the ball into a position he would be happy with. And if somene had thought the Tower Watcher could be derailed with a lots of pressure from the crowds, they were very wrong. He looked at Cirdan to the eye, nodded, and took off. Cirdan hunched it right and dived towards the lower-right corner but the shot was just too powerful for him to reach it. Like the last time, Tar Minastir barely waved his hand to celebrate the goal but nodded to his team-mates after turning around and starting to walk slowly towards them.

Cirdan received a pat in his shoulder from Voronwë walking out from the pitch. They smiled and shook their heads while passing each other. It takes one to know one, and it takes a goalie to understand another goalie’s feeling in a penalty shoot-out…

The Havens 1 – 1 The Sea

The Havens continued with their strongest players sending Tuor to take the second shot. The two Ulmondili looked at each other for a moment in silence. Then Tuor bowed graciously to his one time guide and friend Voronwë who payed the courtesy back with a deep bow in turn. Tuor took the steps away from the ball walking backwards, looking at his friend to the eye as he backed away from him and the ball. And suddenly he was off with it shooting a real boomer to the upper-left corner of the goal.

But Voronwë got it right and made an unbelievable dive to the ball, catching it with his both hands and falling down still clinging to the ball in his fingers. There was a loud sigh in the crowds but with Tuor starting to cheer to his friend clapping his hands together high in the air the crowds slowly followed and in the end Voronwë was applauded for what he was due. It was by far the most beautiful save of the day.

Tar Aldarion now had a chance of putting The Sea in the lead and the crowds remembered just too well how he humiliated Aradan in the first match-up. The elves of the Greay Havens were biting their nails but Cirdan stood firm: Aldarion could not repeat his trick on him. And he didn’t.

Instead Tar Aldarion made a powerful run to the ball and booted it into the exact upper-right corner of the goal, the ball going in by slightly hitting both the crossbar and the post. Cirdan stood no chance against a shot like that. The Sea was in the lead.

The Havens 1 – 2 The Sea

Had the Havens known they would be down one goal after Eärendil and Tuor they sure would have chosen someone else to take the third shot, but they had declared Angrod as their third shooter and Angrod it would be. His tournament hadn’t gone too well thus far, gaining only one assist and one yellow card thus far it seemed Angrod’s self-reliance wasn’t the best it could be. The pressure was heavy on him: should he fail The Sea had a chance to take practically an unreachable two goal lead.

Angrod breathed heavily and concentrated with care before executing his shot. And he scored! Voronwë hunched it wrong and went to the opposite direction from Angrod’s sharp placement of the ball to the lower-left side of the goal. His relief could be seen from his body-language from the farthest point of the stadium as he went on jumping and cheering around from relief. Coming towards the rest of the team in the middle of the pitch Andreth ran to embrace him witch his borther Aegnor in her trail. The crowds cheered wildly.

But Ossë was already marching towards the penalty spot with steady feet. He had shot the ball high over the goal in the match-up against Hithlum – and the crowds started whistling and booing to him hoping he would miss the target again… in vain. With his trademark “one step run” to the ball Ossë hammered the ball straight into the center of the goal while Cirdan started reaching for the lower-left corner only to realise the real target a moment too late and unable to correct the trajectory of his weight. He fell on all fours to the ground and the ball slowly rolled back from the net just past him. It was humiliating.

But to the amazement of many in the stands Ossë came down to help his friend up and they nodded to each other holding their hands at each other’s shoulders. It did look like Ossë was saying “sorry pal”, and Cirdan was answering “never mind friend, my fault” – with their eyes only. Whatever it was, The Sea stayed in the lead.

The Havens 2 – 3 The Sea

So Aegnor faced the same pressure his brother had faced just a moment before, but in a bit more serious situation. If he failed and the next shooter from the Sea scored it would be all over. He placed the ball carefully to the spot trying not to reveal his decision to go for the left side of the goal with his eyes. Instead he tried to think of the crowds cheering and Andreth giving him a dear embrace as well after a succesful shot shutting off the images of failure from his mind.

He ran towards the ball and sent it flying towards the left side of the goal. Voronwë was about to jump to the right but realised at the last instant the shot was coming to the left and managed to change the momentum of his motion towards left… his fingertips touched the ball slightly swerving it more to the left.
The ball hit the post – and bounced inside from it!

The crowds exploded and Aegnor jumped high rolling his fisted right hand in the air. Jogging towards his team-mates he saw Andreth Saelind actually coming towards him with his brother on her trail. Aegnor and Andreth embraced – and Andreth kissed him! The crowds awed.

But the cheers died as quickly as they had started. Like in their first match-up The Sea marched forwards none less than Ulmo himself as their fourth shooter – and everyone remembered the awkward and almost magical goal he had made against Aradan of Hithlum. Could the Lord of the Falathrim stand up for the challenge of Ulmo? Suddenly it was strangely silent as Ulmo settled the ball to his liking at the spot.

Many vowed afterwards Ulmo had used a similar kind of a mind-trick as they claimed he had done in the first match-up, others were less sure. But everyone agreed things happened with incredible speed: at one moment they saw Ulmo bending backwards some ten feet away from the ball and next they saw it flying high up in the air towards the middle of the pitch after Cirdan had stood his ground and fisted it back and away from the goal. There was a moment of awed silence after which the stands broke into wild yells and cheer. Cirdan had saved Ulmo’s attempt and the game was even once again! Whatever had happened Cirdan had anticipated it… so it was not in vain he was called the most foresighted of the Falathrim.

The Havens 3 – 3 The Sea

The last shooter on the regular round from the Havens was none other than Olwë himself. Coming even from behind and seeing the great king coming to the fore the elves of the Havens were feeling confident again.

The white-haired king settled the ball into it’s place, glanced at Voronwë at the goal and backstepped a few feet away from the ball. With the home crowds cheering and chanting Olwë closed his eyes to breath in the strength from the elven crowd and stiffening his body. And he went for the shot booting the ball like he was, despite his years, still a youth. The shot took a mighty swerve…

Voronwë’s reaction was once again correct but despite his great reaction he seemed just inches late as the ball swerved ever more to the right – and off the goal just missing the post! Olwë had missed the goal!

For a moment Vëantur walked towards the penalty spot in total silence but slowly the crowds awoke to booing and whistling. At the time he adjusted the ball into it’s place the noise was already angbandal. And the reason was clear: if he scored The Sea would win, if he didn’t The Havens would still have a chance to fight for the win. With the win The Sea would not only qualify but they would also avoid facing FC Valinor which would be the destiny of the second team qualifying from this group. So being E1 was paramount.

Vëantur ignored the crowds and greeted his old friend Cirdan with a courteous nod before taking the somewhat lengthy way back from the ball. Cirdan saluted the Sea-Commander by raising his right hand to his forehead. Under all that pressure and the tens of thousands of fans the man and the elf seemed congenial. They were in a competition but they weren’t fighting eact other: what an example to any youngsters at the stands or reading this report: so children, remember this!

Vëantur took his time standing behind the ball. Then he suddenly raised his hand and pointed to the upper-left corner. Cirdan glanced up there and turned his eyes back to Vëantur smiling and nodding. Vëantur returned the nod and dashed forwards to the ball. Instead of the upper-left corner the ball whirled towards the lower-right side of the goal. And Cirdan got it right diving towards the shot into the right corner… Cirdan’s fingers caught the ball but there was a spin in the ball and it just rolled over Cirdan’s hands. Cirdan managed to take a second chance with his reflexes grasping the ball again with his left hand but that just doubled the spin and sped it’s way into the goal. It was a goal indeed!

The Havens 3-4 The Sea

The Sea had won group E by beating The Havens 4-3 and Hithlum 5-4! They would face Real Valinor in the first round of qualifiers while The Havens and Hithlum would fight it out in the last match-up which team would follow The Sea into the qualifiers meeting the feared FC Valinor.


~*~

Match 3, Hithlum vs. The Havens

So it was then that the homeside and Hithlum would play it out which one would qualify and which one would be left into the group-phase. The always keen statisticians started making predictions while the teams were preparing for the day’s finals contest in the field. Those in favour of The Havens went on reminding that Aradan hadn’t made a single save whereas Cirdan had made one – and they said also that behind the four top players Hithlum’s talent was light indeed and the wider spread of players able to clutch a game would make The Havens win. But those supporting Hithlum in turn reminded that both Tuor and Olwë had failed while all the Hithlum top-players had succeeded, and that Cirdan’s save against Ulmo was in part due both to him knowing Ulmo a way better Malach Aradan ever could and that he had seen the trick already so there was no way of telling which was the better goalie. The more level-minded people liked to note that the overall stats from the actual group-games showed Cirdan to be 3% more effective in shutting the shots on goal than Aradan, but on the other hand team Hithlum was about the same 3% more effective in scoring than The Havens, so it would be a tight match-up in any case.

The coin-toss ordered Hithlum to begin the shoot-out and Túrin was more than ready for the task. He was just like in the first competiton – or like he always was, as some noted. He took a glance at Cirdan and made his short run to the ball – and kicked it with power straight into the net leaving Cirdan without a chance whatsoever. Hithlum fans were having good times, this was how their team scored.

But when Eärendil came forth to shoot the crowds just went wild. Túrin was a great player, an icon in football to be sure, but Eärendil was the elves’ favourite and he had a dragon under his belt as well as Túrin. And it took him no hesitation to even the scoreline with a mighty boot to the upper-right corner of the goal. It was a mighty start for the final competition: two Arda-class finishes from two great players who left the goalies basically standing in between their posts.

Hithlum 1 – 1 The Havens

Húrin walked to the box and took his time with settling the ball as he used to do and took the steps back slowly with a determined look in his face. He stared Cirdan to the eyes. One who had stood against Morgoth’s gaze and all his torments, and seen and done what Húrin had, was such a strong soul even a mighty elven lord felt the pressure of his eyes.

Húrin ran towards the ball and Cirdan blinked to the right just before Húrin was hitting the ball. He saw Cirdan reacting rightwards and booted the ball from the bottom of his darkened heart to the left only to realise Cirdan outwitting him as the reaction had been a trick and Cirdan actually dived left. But such was the force of Húrin’s shot that Cirdan managed just barely to fist the ball off target even if he was spot on. But the goal was untouched! The Havens took a claim to victory with Cirdan denying none other than Húrin himself. The elven crowds were going nuts.

Tuor met his uncle halfway up to the northern end of the field walking towards the goal and the two exchanged looks. It was clearly an emotional moment for both of them, even if Húrin wasn’t exactly betraying his emotions with his face. In a post-game interview Tuor actually told the press that he surely wished all the Hithlum players to miss their shots, except his uncle who’d had “enough misfortunes and hardships for a thousand lives”.

But to be honest Tuor had his own pressures as well. Voronwë had beaten him in the first match and he had a lot to show for the Havens’ supporters. After adjusting and then readjusting the ball into its place after Mandos’ orders, Tuor looked concentrated when he walked away from the ball while Aradan jumped up and down to get himself into a right feeling to deny him. Tuor licked his upper lip and set himself forwards. And he produced probably the most confident goal of the day thus far!

Just as he was going to kick the ball he slowed his motion almost imperceptibly letting Aradan make the first move – which was going to the right – and then he just chipped the ball in the middle of the goal.

That was cool!

Hithlum 1 – 2 The Havens

With the homefans in a celebratory mood it was time for Hador Lórindol to show what the great men were made of. Like Túrin he just hammered the ball in with such force that even if Cirdan was actually diving for the right direction he had no chance to divert the ball’s trajectory as it rocketed in, partly from between his hands. Hithlum clearly was in no way surrendering the fight. Hador’s stature and body-language told it to the whole stadium as he just raised his fisted right hand while turning back away from the goal to walk back to the other players centerfield.

Hador’s cool defiance didn’t make the situation easier for Angrod. If he missed Hithlum would have evened the scores. Oh, the pressure…

Angrod took his time once again and went for a trick inspired by Tuor’s magical shot. It must have been something in his eyes or just pure luck but Malach Aradan hunched what he was trying to do and after pretending to fall slightly to the right he actually dived towards the shot and caught the chip safely into his gloves. For a moment there was an awkward silence at the stadium except the supporters of team Hithlum who yelled as loud as they could in support of their great grand-grand-father.

Hithlum 2 – 2 The Havens

Niënor Niniel had earned all the trust of Hithlum supporters with her cool scoring in the first match-up and the fans were getting loud indeed while the locals were biting their nails fearing Hithlum would take the initiative once more. The whistling of the homecrowd sure overtook the chants of the visiting fans but it didn’t sound as confident one would have anticipated. There was nervousness in the stands.

Niënor settled the ball and took her steps away from it in total calm not even glancing at Cirdan. After a few heavy breaths in and out she went for it and shot once more a nasty curve-ball that seemed to go straight but then started bending half-way to the goal. Cirdan had anticipated something like that and hadn’t moved when the shot took off but went after it with instinct the part of the second later when he thought he had a hunch as to where it would bend – and he got it wrong! Diving right he gasped in mid-air seeing the ball taking an incredibly strong bend leftwards. The ball was heading into the empty net and the homecroeds held theior breath while Hithlum supporters jumped up only to realise in the middle of their jump that the ball bent too much and went just an inch wide the target.

Suddenly the crowds were alive again. It was a miss from Niënor! The Havens could still take the lead after four shooters! And Aegnor had scored the last time so he would be an elf to grant them their lead. The cheering of the crowds were rekindled into full force.

Aegnor tried to stick into the good things while walking towards the goal… he could visualize himself scoring, he could hear the crowds cheering at him, he could feel Andreth’s lips pressed against his… Suddenly he saw his sister Galadriel and brother Felagund with his mind’s eye. They weren’t looking too happy with his procrastinations, Suddenly he felt weak. But he would not show it. He would not think of it. He would throw it away and score… He was muttering to himself as he settled the ball into it’s position and took the steps backwards.

He ran for it looking straight forwards trying not to reveal to Aradan his thoughts that were at the upper-left corner of the goal. A moment before his boot hit the ball he saw Aradan hunching up-left. A split second’s hesitation proved disasterous. He was about to change the plan at the last instance but realised it was too late – and the shot ended up more or less to where he had originally intended but with half the power and accuracy he could have pulled out sticking to his plan and ignoring the keeper’s reactions.

Aradan shoved the shot away from the goal with his palms. The crowds were having a real roller-coaster ride this time. After four shots each, the game was even.

Hithlum 2 – 2 The Havens

Morwen walked to the penalty spot her eyes almost closed when the homecrowds started their whistling to try and distract her. But there was nothing that could have taken Morwen out and off her misery at that moment. Voronwë had saved her shot in the first match and her husband had been shut out cruelly in this one. She was filled with agony and despair. It was just going to go down the drain as it used to, she thought walking away from the ball trying to shut out the yells from the crowds.

After standing motionlessly a while she suddenly turned her face towards Mandos standing beside the goal searching for his eyes. Catching his attention her eyes flared and she yelled out aloud over all the whistling of the crowds: “For Húrin, for my children!”.

Closing her eyes she ran to the ball and shot it from the bottom of her soul – into the goal! Cirdan might have been distracted or then he wasn’t, but the shot was just such a hammer-blow he had no way of getting in between it and the goal he was keeping. Some thouhgt afterwards Mandos might have grown soft on such appeals and froze Cirdan for the decisive second but most reasonable commentators disqualified such speculation as nonsense it was.

But Hithlum was in the lead now and the Havens just had to score… otherwise the games would be over for the team and Hithlum would qualify.

Olwë walked towards the penalty spot slowly and majestically looking nothing like an elf-king who had missed his shot in the first match. He was proud and tall, radiating confidence and honour to the highest rows of the stands. And slowly the trust spread within the homecrowds and they started cheering and chanting for him.

This time there was no swerve in the ball but just a plain old-fashioned power-shot that left Aradan taste the grass on the wrong side of the goal while Olwë slowly rolled his fist a few times over his head and bowed then to the cheering crowds before walking back to his team-mates.

Hithlum 3 – 3 The Havens

After the first five shots the match for qualifying was even. It would be one on one then to decide. It was getting more intensive many of the home-team supporters, most of them new to football, were ready to handle. And it would be the home team that would shoot first now.

But seeing that Cirdan himself would be shooting the first one the crowds kind of awoke from a spell. Cirdan was their hero and who else could lead them if not the bearded elf, the friend of the mighty and lesser folks as well?

The stadium awoke to a full cheer when Cirdan took the ball and settled it for a shot. Wawing to the stands Cirdan backtracked a few steps and emptied his lungs with a long blow out. Taking the air in he straightened his back and there he was, on the run.

He hadn’t given Aradan any hint of what he was thinking about by avoiding his eyes and the goal itself all the time, suddenly, at the moment just before hitting the ball he raised his eyes from the ball and glanced quickly at the top-left corner of the goal and then shut his eyes and booted the ball to it’s way.

Aradan was an experienced goal-keeper and quickly realised the trick the other goalie was trying on him. With such a plain revealment of where he was “going to shoot” it was clear it was just a game Cirdan was trying to play with him, and Cirdan would anticipate him understanding it and thus not go to the other end but actually dive to the left – and if that was what Cirdan hoped for he should dive right.

The moment the ball got loose from Cirdan’s boot Aradan jumped to the right and the ball headed just that way… only to suddenly swerve slightly back to the middle. Aradan had little options in mid-air but trying to reach for the ball with his legs while flying away from the ball. And he managed to stretch his left foot to hit the ball!

The ball bounced from Aradan’s foot to the roof of the goal just a few inches behind the crossbar and rolled along the net to bounce again from the bottom-bar rolling out of the goal over Aradan who laid down on the grass watching it go. The Havens was on the lead and Cirdan was their hero once again.

But when Aradan got himself up and walked not to the side of the goal but to the penalty spot the mood suddenly changed again. If a goalie can thusly fool another goalie why wouldn’t another goalie do the same? The home-supporters were worried and nervous feeling good only about the fact that their team could not lose the game with this shot. But their sudden joy of winning was now challenged and they didn’t know what to do or feel.

Now Aradan had slipped off balance the last time he made a shot, but even then he had only barely missed the goal as he had totally fooled Voronwë into the wrong corner. And Aradan looked again so confident the crowds forgot to whistle to him for a while.

Aradan was one of the first men and when he straightened to his full height some ten feet behind the ball he looked majestic indeed. He concentrated with his eyes closed for a moment and then opened his eyes gazing straight ahead with kind of a blind stare. Then he eyed the upper-right corner of the goal, then the lower left-one, then the upper-right corner again only to let his eyes fall down to the lower-right with his head coming down – and he was on the run.

Cirdan had never liked tricks and schemes and now he felt really uncomfortable: Aradan had given him a dozen of hints just to scheme it, but what was he really up to? Unable to pick up a better plan Cirdan went with the old maxim that the shooter who tries to fool you often reveals himself showing his real target not as the first but as the second one he glances. So at the moment Aradan hit the ball Cirdan dived towards the lower-left corer of the goal. And that was a mistake!

While cirdan jumped to the left, the ball headed straight towards the center of the goal. Aradan was raising his hands to celebrate when the ball hit the crossbar and bounced off and up to the stands behind the goal!

Aradan had missed another shot and Hithlum was out!

It took some time from the crowds to realize what had happened, but when they did there was no limit to their joy and cheers. The Havens had qualified!

Hithlum 3-4 The Havens



~*~

So The Sea goes forwards as E1 (facing Real Valinor) and The Havens as E2 (facing FC Valinor). Hithlum is left into the group-phase with Valimar.


Look for the AKM's selected post-group interviews & investment-group articles to come into a computer near you soon!