Arda Cup Football 2013

[the phantom]

Let the countdown begin!

Last season's Arda Cup was quite the contest, with Miriel-Nerdanel fans finally seeing the duo win a title, playing with Arien, Tulkas, and others to win the cup for Real Valinor. It was a tough road, squeaking past Feanor's AC Beleriand in the semis, and in the finals edging out Elrond and Eriador.

The Phantasy competition was even more dramatic! Powerhouse Gwath won his 2nd title in 2011 and looked set to win it last year, as he was leading the points after the final round, but the always enduring Nogrod earned more bonus points and eeked out the win 338 to 336. And Nilp got more bonus points than anyone, very nearly passing the leaders at the very end.

So, who is it going to be this year? A repeat for Nog? A second title from Boro? Will Nilp finally break through? Or will Gwath prove last season was but a bump on his championship road? Or perhaps a new contender will rise to the pinnacle and show these other gents they aren't so high and mighty.

As always we have a crack team of writers set to provide thrilling match reports and expert editorials on behalf of Arda Kicker Magazine (AKM), Middle Earth Sports Programing Network (MESPN), and The Two Towers Network (TTN), but of course other writers are welcome to provide their analysis as the tournament rolls along. (That means all of you can commentate.)

The teams and rosters will be revealed in the coming days, and the Phantasy Competition thread will start soon after that. That is where you will pick players for your team and make trades and such. But you don't have to worry about that for a bit.

Remember that this year is very much a continuation of last year, thus all 32 teams will still have a decent portion of their rosters intact. So- if you played last year, you'll have a better than usual handle on things to start this year. But there has been a new signing here and there, which we will reveal in our articles in the next few days.

There isn't a set date for the tournament to begin, so PM me to let me know if there are certain dates where you will definitely be out of commission so we can see if there is an obvious time to start that is superior for everyone.

As always, we'll work around your schedule- you can designate someone to make trades for you if you're gone or you can PM me your trades before a round is fully over etc. etc. We want as many participants as possible!!

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In case you wanted to take a look and see how this thing works, here is last year's tournament thread->
Arda Cup 2012
And here is last year's Phantasy Competition thread->
Phantasy 2012

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

It seems that I show my face around the Downs only during this event.

Hi, everyone. TENT is back for another year of challenging the big networks with our jargon and formation diagrams.

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Before the Arda Cup 2013 preseason madness of transfers and friendlies begin, ArdaCup.com writer Adam 'not the economist' Smith looks back at the worst and the best signings of Arda Cup 2012.

(The contents of this article have not been reviewed or endorsed by ArdaCup.com. All opinions expressed by Adam Smith are solely his own and do not reflect the opinions of ArdaCup.com or its staff, parent company, partners, or sponsors. His sources are not known to ArdaCup.com and he has no special access to information beyond the access and privileges that go along with being an Arda Cup accredited member of the media.

Again, there's a reason we place this disclaimer only in his articles.)
____________________

Contracts are everything in this new salary cap era of the Arda Cup. Once upon a time, teams with deep pockets could hoard most of the talent, promising a coalition that would steamroller all opposition before it (see 2011 Doriath, 2009 Armenelos, 2008 Formenos, who won the cup; 2010 Mithrim had a similar approach but stumbled during the semifinals). Nowadays teams can be built only around a few Arda-class talents, with a sprinkling of role players. 2008-11 Fëanor would never have asked the Edain to join a team he was building; 2012 Fëanor had no choice but to bring them in to stay below the cap.

Sign the wrong player for the wrong price, and you're looking at losses galore (both on the pitch and in the pockets--see Nargothrond and Valimar). But if you fail to sign any talent at all, and even teams with Arda-class players will stumble (see Barad-dûr and Hithlum).

To start off this two-part article series, here are the five worst contracts of Arda Cup 2012.

5. Ancalagon (Angband): $15 million

'But he scored five goals in four games!' you might protest. That's true, stats don't lie. But they didn't get past the first knockout round, either. Ancalagon disappears way too much to be the main source of a team's goals. Allowing an unnamed Ringwraith and, later, a bunch of Third Age Men (not even from the royal Númenórean line!) to outplay him is unforgivable for a centre forward of a presumptive top-eight team.

If I were Morgoth, I'd slash his wages and look for a second, more reliable goalscorer.

4. Legolas (Dwarves United): $13 million
3. Ilmarë (Valimar): $10 million

A lot of teams these days play lone centre forwards so they could pack the midfield to retain possession or defend in depth. What would one ask of a lone centre forward in a defensive team?

a) Hold up long balls from the defence so the midfield could advance and help on the counterattack;

b) Score from crosses sent by wingers after they have carried the ball past the opposition's midfield.

And now for a trivia question: how many goals and assists did these two lone centre forwards score and assist?

Hint: $13 million per goal, $10 million per assist.

2. Thorondor (Tirion): $14 million

He's probably not the reason they were eliminated with zero points (see Valinor, FC; Valinor, Real; Menelos, Ar), but he's the highest paid player in a squad that had to look to public investments for funds. You're allowed to expect that he should have done better. Tirion were eliminated because they were outscored. Thorondor is the only veteran defender in a team with newish defenders and goalkeeper. You do the math.

And the worst contract of 2012:

1. Glaurung (Nargothrond): $16 million

In a team with Gwindor giving you quality crosses and Finrod feeding you quality through balls, how could you have scored just once?!

In his defence, he might have been playing out of position--2011 Nargothrond almost (well, not really) advanced to the knockout stage with him scoring all of Nargothrond's three goals from the midfield (with hardly any help, too). But seriously, only one freaking goal with one of the best wingers AND one of the best playmakers in your team?!

[The best contracts of 2012 will follow shortly.]

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Before the Arda Cup 2013 preseason madness of transfers and friendlies begin, ArdaCup.com writer Adam 'not the economist' Smith continues his look back at the worst and the best signings of Arda Cup 2012.

(The contents of this article have not been reviewed or endorsed by ArdaCup.com. All opinions expressed by Adam Smith are solely his own and do not reflect the opinions of ArdaCup.com or its staff, parent company, partners, or sponsors. His sources are not known to ArdaCup.com and he has no special access to information beyond the access and privileges that go along with being an Arda Cup accredited member of the media.

As you'll see, there's a reason we place this disclaimer only in his articles.)
____________________

I am much loved, it seems.

Less than 24 hours after posting my previous article, a deluge of letters overwhelmed our office. Many of them were sent by Orcs from Angband, Utumno, and Thangorodrim, each one containing a single letter in black speech. There was also a longer letter from an Angband address, this time in the common tongue, that said: 'If you put those letters together, they read: "We'll hang you by your intestines."'

I guess they're angry that two of their draconic comrades are in the list. Well, they're about to get more riled up: the next letter has a fair point regarding other members of the Angband squad.

Shouldn't we just lump all the high-salary players of Angband in your list? Despite Ancalagon's disappearing act in the Minas Tirith game, Tevildo's goal should have been enough for them to advance had Morgoth ($20 million), Balrog #1 ($15 million), or Carcaroth ($12 million) done a better job of keeping the Stewards from scoring.
-Araniel, Doriath

As I've said, a fair point. Even though Angband didn't let in more than two goals in any game, and those games where they let two in were against teams with a reputedly strong attack line, those teams also happen to be the most decaffeinated Tol-in-Gaurhoth team ever assembled, as well as Shire-Bree United, whose whole game plan seems to revolve around hoping Bombadil's head is on the game. Not to mention Angband really should have shut out the Downer and Minas Tirith. They had enough talent to.

You bash Ilmarë and Legolas in your article, but how could you ignore Saruman ($16 million) and Durin's Bane ($15 million), both of whom have the same goalscoring rate as Legolas? They're worse than the two you've mentioned because they don't even have a good defense to fall back on, so seeing those overpaid divas do so little effectively dashed their teams' hopes of advancing. Did you really watch all the games? I bet you're as overpaid and underperforming as these two.
-Miri, Greenwood the Great

You have a point (regarding Saruman and Durin's Bane, not the last part). But here's the thing--there never really was much expectation of these two teams--well, Misty Mts had a fair chance of advancing, but the quality gap between them and the two teams that did advance seemed so, well, gaping.

. . . But I'll concede that Saruman and Durin's Bane should have been in the top five. Maybe number two and three.

To start off:

Average salary of an Arda Cup player: $7.8 million
Average salary of an Arda Cup player in a round of sixteen team: $8.5 million
Average salary of an Arda Cup player in a quarterfinalist: $8.7 million
Average salary of an Arda Cup player in a semifinalist: $9.1 million
Average salary of an Arda Cup player in a finalist: $9.2 million

While I agree with Glaurung being the worst signing of 2012, how could Ilmarë and Legolas have made your list? Judging from the averages, Legolas is only $4.5 million overpaid, and Ilmarë $2.2 million over. Surely, Ar-Adûnakhôr ($15 million, 1 goal in three games) or Hador (exactly the same price and same scoring rate), both of whom came from teams that didn't advance past the group stage, are better shouts than the two I've mentioned.
-B, BD

First, thank you for doing my job for me.

Second, those two you've mentioned were not always that terrible. Hador scored four goals in three games in 2011, and that with a team that included Celegorm and Curufin. As for Ar-Adûnakhôr, he's a Cup winner and a very important teammate of Ar-Pharazôn. Armenelos and Hithlum were both in extremely tough groups, so they had mitigating circumstances. They're getting the same free pass as Túrin (most expensive signing at $24 million, his team eliminated in the group stage) is. If they do bomb again next year though . . .
____________________

And now I present the ten best contracts of 2012. Why ten? Because I found it easier to find underpaid players who stood out than the reverse (unlike my readers, it seems). In a world where negativity reigns, I am a breath of fresh air.

But first, honourable mentions, two names that cannot be ignored:

Fëanor (AC Beleriand): $22 million
Elrond (Eriador): $20 million

The very best there are at their positions. Painfully expensive for anyone on a shoestring budget, but if a team who can afford them needs a striker or goalkeeper, they should be the first names to look for. (Túrin should have been here, but he's held out because of his down year. Hopefully he bounces back--his 2011 performance was the best year any forward ever had.)

10. Melian (Doriath): $15 million

She's $5 million cheaper than Morgoth, had lower quality teammates than he had, and faced slightly better attackers than he did, but let in only two more goals in as many games! How did she do it?! Melian is one of the best all-around defenders in the game, and a very capable back line leader.

9. Glorfindel (Eriador): $13 million

Seven goals and six assists in twelve games over two seasons. Four and three in seven last year. If you want to say 'consistent' in Quenya or Sindarin, the word's 'Glorfindel'.

8. Bard (Erebor): $8 million
7. Arveleg (Eriador): $8 million

Both played significant roles at important junctures with Cup contenders, while collecting below average market salary (see the letter above). Bard scored the second vs Wilderland in the group stage and the equaliser vs FC Valinor in the quarterfinals. Arveleg assisted Glorfindel's winner vs Minas Tirith in the quarterfinals and scored the opener vs Erebor in the semifinals. Best $8 million ever spent, those teams' owners surely thought.

6. Anarion (Gondor): $11 million

If, before the start of the 2012 Arda Cup, you told any owner that they could have a franchise goalscorer for $11 million, they would have laughed at you. Though it remains to be seen if he could be consistently good--he did almost nothing as a defender in the 2011 Barad-dûr squad.

5. Beorn (Erebor): $10 million

He did better than Huan in every existing metric! His team advanced further, he saved more shots (32 to Huan's 18), had a better save rate (80% to Huan's 78.3%), and he even saved more penalties in that shootout between their teams! Remember in 2011 when Grimbeorn looked like he was a really good goalkeeper in Sauron's Wilderland team (before they ran into the Valinor buzz saw)? Apparently his talent was hereditary.

4. Míriel (Real Valinor): $14 million
3. Arien (Real Valinor): $14 million

Three goals and four assist for Serindë, 6+1 for the Sun-maiden. That's right--of the twelve goals for their team, these two scored three-fourths of them. But wait, there's a missing name.

(Nerdanel may have found a good way to mess with statheads--no matter if her team reaches the final or gets eliminated in the quarterfinals, she would always put up two goals and three assists.)

2. Curufin (FC Valinor): $14 million

Remember, he had exactly the same stats as Arien--in two less games. Not only that, he's comfortable as a centre forward or out wide, and, since he's a converted defender, he doesn't shy away from defensive work. In the Valinor derby, with his brother Celegorm, he hounded Real Valinor's defenders to the point that Tilion and Caranthir had difficulty passing the ball to the midfield.

Let's see: had Finrod put him in place of Glaurung, not only would they have saved $2 million, their lack of defence wouldn't have been a problem because they'd win every game 4-3 or 5-4.

And the biggest bargain of 2012:

1. Beren (AC Beleriand): $12 million

'He had almost the same stats as Glorfindel, and scored one goal less than Curufin or Arien; how come he's ranked higher?' some would surely moan. But here's the thing--Beren is way more than a goalscorer. Remember that he was also a defender in the juggernaut 2011 Doriath squad. Remember that he was often tasked to mark the opposing squad's most dangerous midfielder or fullback without forgetting to be a goal threat. He had a higher work rate than the entire Angband back line, or eleven Glaurungs. I doubt you would find another player who can do everything short of goalkeeping at his price.

[the phantom]

Everyone knows that off-season moves are nearly as important as the season itself- a team needs players, after all! Here are a few squads and the rumors surrounding them...

Rohan- After a strong showing last year Rohan fans haven't heard much good news this off-season, as several of their biggest stars seemed reluctant to guarantee they're returning for this year. At this point it's pretty well settled that Gandalf is wandering off (and Shadowfax with him), and it seems Rohan will be losing their other primary horse-and-rider pair because...

Anduin- Multiple sources are confirming that Eorl and Felarof are deep in negotiations with Anduin, and with their major players from last season confirmed to return (Grimbeorn, Celeborn, etc.) Anduin supporters are feeling pretty good. Almost as good as...

The Barrow-Downs- They've complied with Eru's "Tolkien Mandate" and added several Middle-Earth talents. Yep, it's official- Bombadil and a few of his friends will be joining Hookbill and his crew of characters. Their payroll will probably still be on the low side, but for the first time this squad appears to be a threat to make it out of the group stage.

Armenelos- On the flip-side, these guys are used to advancing, and last year is looked on as an anomaly (they were in the "Group of Death" after all). No word has reached anyone of significant departures, and rumors of Elros are swirling after he declined to renew his contract with Imladris.

Valimar- Another perennial contender is feeling good about their status- it seems clear that Valimar has been successful at knocking their payroll down for their returners. And more interestingly, Manwe has scheduled a press conference for the end of the week, and he promises that he will be sharing "some extremely exciting news".

The Havens- Fans of The Havens are still waiting for a bit of excitement. While they were pleased last week to hear that Earendil and Cirdan would be re-signing, Angrod and Aegnor stated that they would be jumping ship (but to where?).

Mordor- Similarly, Mordor has heard more about departures than signings, with not one, not two, but three Nazgul apparently going elsewhere. Of course Sauron can fill the slots, but will he choose to go budget or quality?

Arnor- These guys have managed to do both thus far, cutting costs ever so slightly while looking to be improved. Thanks to their financial ties to team Eriador (through Elrond and Norbury Sport), it appears Isildur is headed to Eriador while the Witch King and Malbeth will be joining Arnor.

[Boromir88]

TTN will be back for another season of the Arda Cup to bring more variety to its readers and listeners.

Besides our traditional regional coverage, reporting on the happenings in Mordor and Gondor and match predictions from the esteemed Boro, TTN will offer more of a phantasy perspective than in years past. Pitting old school knowledge and history against new age projections to determine breakout stars in this year's tournament and much more analysis.

Stay tuned.

[Boromir88]

Hobbit Coalition Pleads for Eru Intervention
TTN's Shire Division

Our team of writers in the Shire have been following a growing story with Arda Cup 2013 just around the corner. We are pleased TTN is first in bringing the story to you:

The little-folk of the Shire have been feeling disenfranchised over the past few years with Hobbit representation on club rosters dwindling down to nothing. Last year only Bandobras Took made a tournament roster, playing for Shire-Bree United and it appears he will be the only Halfling in the tournament again. This has the Hobbits up in arms, pleading for Eru to make an edict similar to the "Tolkienian rule" only for Hobbits:

"I don't understand if Eru is serious about instituting a new rule that clubs need to have Tolkien characters in order to participate in the Arda Cup. Why can't we get a rule that makes teams try out and sign more hobbits?" asked, Fredegar Bolger, President of the Hobbit Futballers Movement.

Special liason to the Valar and Director of Hobbit Affairs, Bilbo Baggins responded by saying: "Eru takes all petitions made to him under advisement. At this time Eru believes it would be unprecedented involvement to instate a Hobbit Rule. A broad Tolkien characters rule is one thing, but a rule specifically catering to Hobbits would be a dangerous precedent. For instance, like myself, I know many other prominent hobbits have decided to retire from playing the game, but that doesn't mean we still don't play an important role in the organization and operations of the most prestigious sporting event in the world. There are even owners who are Hobbits, and I'm sure if they felt it would help their teams win, they would sign more Hobbits onto their rosters."

Master Bolger is not convinced. "The Shire is a long and proud sporting nation. We invented golf and other relaxing past times. We wrote the book on sport and leisure! The past two years just goes to show Hobbits have been driven out of football by the big-folk and don't even give us the time of day to prove our useful skills on the pitch."

It should be pointed out not all hobbits are united with Bolger on this; counter-petitioners have also sprung up, although their agenda appears even more cynical in just riling up the pro-Hobbit Rule groups. "Fatty is cracked, and anyone who believes as he does is also cracked, I say. He needs to keep his nose out of the more wordly affairs. I can't think of a bigger waste of time than kicking an inflated sphere around a patch of dirt with Big-Folk." said Ted Sandyman.

Many Hobbit youth look to the Bullroarer to be the standard-bearer in the movement to catch the eye of owners, and raise interest in signing Hobbit players. But Bandobras is solely focused on this team, and this year. "I'm very happy with my current situation and could not ask for better teammates than the ones I have now. I am confident the team is heading in the right direction and support the ownership's decisions in putting the team together as they constructed it."

----

Have reactions, questions, or comments on this story? Please PM Boromir88 and your comments may be published in our next edition!

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Tar-Eldar Network Television takes a look at various teams’ financial and tactical situations before assessing what moves they would make based on those two factors.

AC Beleriand

Financial situation:
AC Beleriand would be hard-pressed to keep the Eöl/Beren/Fingolfin trio while adding talent to their squad. Which of those stars they would let go depends partly on how they would reshape their squad. Alternatively, they could stand pat and give their current squad one more run at the cup.

Tactical situation:
AC Beleriand missed last year’s Arda Cup final due to a combination of two things: an inspired Arien performance and the failure of their plan B against Real Valinor. While Fëanor argued, ‘We don't really need a plan B; we just need to execute plan A perfectly,’ the fact is things don't always go according to plan on the pitch. Teams always need a plan on how to cope with going behind.

AC Beleriand’s largely-successful philosophy hinges on possession, even sacrificing attacking width to pack the middle of the pitch with four players to increase ball retention. Fëanor counted on Beren, Fingolfin, and Ecthelion’s impressive work rate to give his team attacking options down the flanks, despite the fact that they also had other duties. Against Real Valinor in the semifinals, the only time AC Beleriand had to come from behind, it was a common sight to see Fingolfin and Ecthelion so close to the Real penalty box, crossing for Beren and Fëanor as well as cutting in from the flanks to take shots themselves. But Nienna and Tilion intelligently bypassed the AC Beleriand pressing game by hoofing the ball towards Arien, Míriel, and Nerdanel whenever they recovered possession, leaving those formidable forwards with a three-on-two opportunity against the AC Beleriand centre-backs.

So what if Fëanor could find a wide midfielder who can both hug the touchline and help with the midfield battle, giving them a plan B that won’t include sending the full-backs forward? And what if he can find two of them?

Conclusion:
Fingolfin still has a year left on his contract, and Eöl has signed a new deal worth the same as last year’s. Beren, on the other hand, still hasn’t committed to the deal on the table (reportedly worth 13 million). Fëanor has shown no sign of improving his offer and is rumoured to be deep in talks with a pair of wide midfielders from the house of Finarfin. It seems that despite his talk of not needing a plan B, Fëanor has seen the wisdom of adding variety to their already-formidable attacking threats.

Nargothrond

Financial situation:
Nargothrond have already taken heavy losses last year, yet they still need to spend to improve their squad. They could let Glaurung walk, banking on Finrod and Gwindor to carry the scoring load, then use the savings on improving their defence. Unfortunately no team have made offers to Glaurung. Meanwhile, Gwindor has picked up the one-year option on his contract.

Tactical situation:
Nargothrond’s defence has famously allowed five goals against AC Beleriand, as well as four against Doriath. Bëor is a sieve at goal—he was never the best, and he got worse as time went on. The defenders in front of him were woefully disorganised, often uncoordinated in setting their offside traps and failing to cover for each other. The very first thing Nargothrond need is a vocal backline leader, either a goalkeeper or a defender, who can organise the four other defensive players.

Their midfielders, belying the results, have actually played well. Unfortunately, they have been asked to do too much, sitting in front of defence while linking up with the attack. The latter should have been Finrod’s job, but with Glaurung’s lack of form, he took up higher and more central positions to provide an additional goalscoring threat in the box—he scored half of Nargothrond’s six goals.

In short, Nargothrond is a poorly constructed team, and only the talent of Finrod, Gwindor, and the midfielders kept them within a distant shout of qualifying last year.

Conclusion:
It all starts with improving Nargothrond’s defence. A better backline would give their midfielders freedom to help on the attack, giving them goalscoring chances even if they retain an out-of-form Glaurung as centre forward. (Coincidentally, dropping Glaurung from the squad would give them cap freedom to overhaul their defence.)

Gondolin

Financial situation:
Gondolin took a minor hit last year, but not enough to force them to cut wages. However, they can't hold on to both Maeglin and Gothmog at their current price (20 million each) while improving their squad, though Gothmog is expected to leave the club anyway, perhaps returning to Angband or playing for Anfauglith. They can replace him with the wealth of talent that once called the hidden kingdom home, like Glorfindel, Tuor, or Eärendil.

Tactical situation:
Like Nargothrond, they need a backline leader to organise their poor defence. (Rog, even at his best, was never a vocal player.) They also need a better holding midfield pair than Salgant and Meleth. Salgant is a good scrapper, but he doesn't have the positional discipline to sit in front of his defence. Against Eriador he chased Arveleg all over the pitch, leaving Arassuil too much space to create Glorfindel's opener. Against AC Beleriand, he drew two yellow cards after committing cynical fouls to stop counterattacks, being out of position to contain AC Beleriand's midfield runs. And Meleth is a deep-lying playmaker, not a defensive midfielder. She lacks pace and gets overawed with direct attacks through the centre of the pitch.

Their attack is well-balanced, with Duilin providing the midfield runs, Elemmakil the width, Gothmog the powerful presence up front, and Maeglin the running into space to drag defenders out of position.

Conclusion:
There is little that needs to be changed to improve Gondolin—a backline leader and a good defensive midfielder would probably be enough to make them a possible quarterfinalist. Their major problem is finding those players. A minor problem would be dealing with the possible departure of Gothmog. Tuor, Eärendil, or even Húrin could take his place as a penalty box presence—although according to MESPN, Eärendil has already signed a new contract with the Havens.

Inter Beleriand

Financial situation:
Inter Beleriand lost 10 million last year, not a huge amount for the team’s financial backers, but still a concern. They were expected at the very least to advance from their group, which would have made them 10 million richer instead of poorer. If they wish to improve their squad, their wage bill would grow—most of their players are already on low wages, and their highly-paid players didn’t underperform enough to take huge pay cuts.

Tactical situation:
If we count Himring as their predecessor, Inter have been eliminated two years in a row on goal difference. The two situations have been eerily similar—they were beaten by the group favourite (Doriath/Eriador), drew against their rivals for qualification (Tirion/Gondolin), and defeated the weakest team in their group (SBU/Arnor) by a smaller goal difference than their rivals’. Inter’s defence has been fine, though not particularly impressive, limiting Gondolin and Eriador to two goals, so their problem might be more on the other end. It is possible that Fingon and Maedhros could not carry the scoring load on their own; they need a third goalscorer.

Conclusion:
Rumours abound that Fingon is deep in contract talks with a talented and versatile attacking midfielder looking to be reunited with his father’s old teammates. And there are whispers that along with him would join an equally versatile wide player who could play as a winger or an attacking full-back. If these rumours were true, and if they could keep Turgon and the Balrog, then they would upgrade both their offence and defence in one move, moving them from Round of Sixteen contenders to long-shot cup contenders.

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Tar-Eldar Network Television takes a look at various teams’ financial and tactical situations before assessing what moves they would make based on those two factors.

Tirion

Financial situation:
A team funded partly by their supporters, Tirion cannot afford to go on a spending spree to improve their squad. They need to know exactly which part (or parts) needs an upgrade. (As an added cost-cutting measure, Thorondor is expected to be cut loose, or at least take a severe pay cut.)

Tactical situation:
But it can be argued that, since they were eliminated more by the toughness of their group than by their lack of quality, it would be hard to judge their squad’s weakness. Their attack might be fine, judging by the two goals they scored against Huan and FC Valinor’s defence (although that was a game that no longer mattered, with FC Valinor already assured of advancing and Tirion already eliminated.) Finwë was the top performers in last year’s round of friendlies, scoring seven goals and creating two in four games; some believed that this was confirmation how much better Tirion would have done had they not been in the ‘group of death’.

Their more obvious weakness was the defence, having conceded seven goals in three games. Pundits said that they paid for their tactical naïveté, fielding a back three against established strike partnerships (FC Valinor’s Celegorm/Curufin, Real Valinor’s Arien/Míriel/Nerdanel, and Armenelos’s Ar-Pharazôn/Ar-Adûnakhôr) when a back four would have given them more security. But their choice of personnel may have been the bigger culprit there—none of Irimë, Elenwë, or Thorondor had any experience playing in a back three, and they were unsure how to coordinate their movements with wingbacks Findis and Anairë, leaving them covering too much ground.

Conclusion:
Aside from Thorondor, the other question mark on their squad is Eönwë—will he stay or would he leave, perhaps going to Valimar (a team in dire need of goalscoring)? They would most likely make changes to their defence, but knowing how drastic the changes would be, as well as whether they would also make changes to the other parts of their squad, is at best an exercise in guesswork.

Dwarves United

Financial situation:
Aside from Aulë, the financial supporters of Dwarves United probably consider the team a side project, and they might be keener to avoid a loss than giving them a chance at a good run. However, last year’s results might have given them some push to open the purse strings a little bit more to improve the squad.

Tactical situation:
So what do Dwarves United need? The three goals they scored in four games say that they need another goalscorer, or a striker who can hold the ball up, preferably both, much preferably in one player. Legolas’s goalscoring form last year was poor, and his hold-up play was terrible (which was explainable because he played more as a second striker for his other clubs). His offensive contribution was reduced to occupying the opposition centre-backs, while Gamil Zirak and Telchar occupied the full-backs and Dwarves United left-back Celebrimbor advanced to take up goalscoring positions. Anduin and Wilderland didn’t punish them for pushing Celebrimbor and Aulë higher up the pitch; their attackers were more concerned with helping their defence than exploiting Dwarves United’s undermanned defence. But Rohan weren’t so naïve; they kept Eorl and Helm high up the pitch leaving them with a two-on-two situation during counterattacks.

Their defence was fine. They conceded a little over a goal per game, and goalkeeper Bombur had a save rate of 78.3% (same as Huan’s). Aulë and Azaghâl formed a fine central defensive partnership, and Celebrimbor proved his pedigree by being one of the best attacking full-backs in the game, like his father before him. Durin was more conservative at right-back, slotting smoothly into the centre whenever Aulë advanced to offer an additional crossing target up front.

Conclusion:
The signing of Galadriel from Wilderland has been widely rumoured even before last year’s Arda Cup ended. Considering her solid form as an attacking midfielder, as well as Dwarves United’s lack of reliable goalscorers other than Celebrimbor, she would be expected to take up Gimli’s spot as central attacking midfielder. If that is indeed the case, then they have a good chance of qualifying for the knockout stage again this year.

The Sea

Financial situation:
The Sea’s main financial backers have deep pockets, making it unlikely that they would be forced to cut wages for any purpose other than squad improvement. They went out to an on-form Real Valinor in the Round of Sixteen, not a totally embarrassing loss. But a team with a nine-digit wage bill should be fighting for at least a semifinal slot, not squeaking past their group through penalties and then getting eliminated in the first knockout round.

Tactical situation:
The Sea’s defence looked fine, at least on paper. Ulmo and Ossë formed an established centre back partnership, both powerful and dominant in the air. The Vala was more comfortable marking and tackling forwards, while the Maia’s job was to sit on the edge of the box, make headed clearances and get last-ditch blocks in. Out wide, Salmar and Uinen had the pace to match wingers and the clever positioning to check their runs. In the actual games, however, they conceded seven goals in four games. The problem lay with the one on goal; Voronwë had an atrocious save rate of 63.16%, the fifth worst last year.

Their attack also looked fine on paper, with forward Tar-Minastir, wingers Tar-Meneldur and Tar-Aldarion, and attacking midfielder Vëantur, but they scored only five goals in four games (Ancalagon of Angband managed as much as an individual). The problem with it was that their build-up play was too ponderous, with their attackers spending too much time playing in front of the defence. This was due to playing two holding midfielders Tar-Ciryatan and Eriol, both of whom were better at recovering the ball than distributing it; they needed an extra touch or two to control the ball, and then needed to look up at their target then down at the ball before passing. The seconds they spent doing so gave defences time to get behind the ball. They need a deep-lying playmaker who can quickly identify the killer pass and execute it in one move.

Conclusion:
The Sea need two things to make their talents mesh: a goalkeeper behind their solid back four and a playmaker behind their talented front four. There are rumours that Ulmo is close to signing a goalkeeper of Númenórean descent who performed well in the last Arda Cup. If these rumours are true, then the Sea would be one more signing away from being a possible force in the competition.

Minas Tirith

Financial situation:
Minas Tirith are unique in that they have a socialist wage structure—all of their players agreed to take the same salary (8 million). This move helped foster the team solidarity that was the key to their fairy-tale advance, although it may have discouraged star talents from signing with them.

Tactical situation:
But the cohesion of Minas Tirith was refreshing for neutrals to see. Everyone defended, and everyone contributed to the attacking build-up. They fielded a compact 4-4-1-1 shape (with Faramir just behind lone forward Boromir I) that was difficult to break down and advanced as a unit when they pressed. But they simply didn’t park the bus, as underdogs were expected to do; they broke forward quickly and purposefully, with wide midfielders Mardil and Eärnur storming up the pitch to combine with Boromir I and Faramir, overrunning defences before they can get back into shape.

But they themselves had problems against teams sitting deep, a situation that often happened whenever they went behind. Organised defences simply didn’t give Minas Tirith’s attackers too much respect; they kept their formation and didn’t go out of their way to give any of them special attention. (Compare that to, say, Fëanor, who is familiar with situations like this.) Teams that were built on the cohesion of their personnel, like 2009 Mirkwood and 2012 Doriath, still had players who commanded a little more respect from the defence. If Minas Tirith wished to advance further into the tournament, they would do well to sign an Arda-class talent, unless they choose to bank on one of their players suddenly turning into one (like Anarion for Gondor).

Conclusion:
Signing a star player might upset Minas Tirith’s wage structure and do damage to the team solidarity that they fostered, but unless they count heavily on luck (that one of their players would become Arda-class, or that they would get lucky draws and/or lucky bounces in four knockout games), there is no other choice for this team to improve on their previous achievement.

[the phantom]

Pre-Tournament Tidbits From Eru
by Philip McPhantom, MESPN News

At a brief press conference last night, Eru gave a thumbs-up to this year's cup, and announced the new financials.

"The Downs team and Tol-In-Gaurhoth seem to be taking their roster demands in stride, and it looks like all the expensive squads are a bit more reasonably priced," said Eru, putting forth that the new team min & max and luxury tax rules have nudged the teams towards greater competitive balance.

When asked if he was happy with the amount of roster turnover, Eru said it was "just right", pointing out several stars or pairings that were staying put and then comparing it to previous years. "Arda Cup shouldn't just be a display of talent- or a trophy up for sale. This way there is more consistency and flavor to it all, and gives people everywhere a bigger reason to watch."

And looking at last year's numbers, overall attendance and viewership was indeed up, and thanks in part to the new viewing and stadium contracts Eru announced that Arda Cup would be paying out 75 million more this year- which brings the total award money to 2.56 billion. This change was a result of bringing the 1st place award money down to 135 million, in concert with raising the minimum award to 65 million. Eru felt this change was in keeping with the salary cap and competitive balance.

The mood at the press conference was cheery and celebratory, and one brave reporter *ahem* even had the cheek to ask Eru for a tournament prediction.

[Galadriel55]

As the team rosters are filling up, Morgoth was accused of letting too many cats on his team. “Telvido we can understand,” allowed the indignant voices, “he’s been around for a while and he sometimes even deserves his 9 million. But what about that sidekick Oikeroi?” The indignant voices snorted. “That cat doesn’t do anything, he just hangs around admiring Telvido and distracting everyone around him.”

Yet this is not all – recently a rumour came out that Umuiyan the cat will be completing the catty trio in the Angband team. The indignant voices became outraged. “I used to actually like this team,” and outraged indignant voice proclaimed, “but now it’s all catty! I have a feeling that there’s something cooking in that team. Next year,” he pronounced ominously, “Morgoth will not captain this team. If we do not do something about it, next year’s captain will be Telvido!”

However, some people are not as upset about the cat trio in the team. They predict that the trio will be on par with the (in)famous pairs of Nerdanel and Miriel, and of Celegorm and Curufin. They don’t care if the team is taken over by cats if it wins the Cup.

There is another accusation thrown at Umuiyan. The addition of this cat into the team makes the stats as follows: almost half the players’ names start with U! “It is udiculous!” the indignant voices continues whining indignantly. “Nobody allows so many players with the same initial on a team!” Umuriyan wished to respond to such unfair criticism. When the mic was brought to him, he launched unto a tirade that sounded like “mearrraw” repeated fourty-six and a half times.

Also, Oikeroi was caught eating cactuses.

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

• It's official: AC Bel's Beren and Doriath's Lúthien have signed with Inter Beleriand for a currently undisclosed fee. Said team captain Maedhros: 'Beren will give our team an extra scoring punch and bring energy to our midfield, and Lúthien will give added solidity to our team's back line.' She is expected to slot in one of the full-back positions, left empty after Maedhros confirmed the departure of Balrog #5.
  
  
• AC Beleriand might have let go of the Man who gave them five goals and an assist, but Fëanor seems not to have batted an eyelash and signed Havens wide midfielders Angrod and Aegnor. The AC Bel captain refused to answer the media's questions after the announcement, but Angrod commented: 'It would be hard to fill in for a player like Beren, but uncle told us that we won't be expected to play as he did. He told us to play our way, our style.' The 'AC Bel needs a Plan B' debate might have been put to rest with these signings.
  
  
• Another husband-and-wife pair signs for the same team: FC Valinor midfielder Idril and Havens forward Tuor return to Gondolin, confirms team captain Maeglin. He also confirms that Gothmog has left the team, our second Balrog departure of this round-up. But let us digest this first: Maeglin and Tuor fielded as a strike partnership? Is this the magic of football?
  
  
• And now back to brothers: Valimar centre-back pairing Amrod and Amras, as well as Cup-winning centre-back Caranthir, who played a blinder in the finals (he should have made our 2nd All-Tournament Team instead of Nazgûl #6--our apologies), join their grandfather Finwë's Tirion squad. Finally, the team upon Túna has a real backbone to its defence. But are they playing three at the back again? Said Caranthir: 'I can play full-back; so can any of my brothers. Our parents taught us to be proficient in all aspects of the game.'
  
  
• Hithlum's Nienor has confirmed her tranfer to Finrod's Nargothrond--but without her brother, Túrin, it seems. Is Turambar's nemesis Glaurung still playing for the Cave Elves, then?
  
  
• The rest of the round-up: Finrod's sister Galadriel confirms that she had joined Dwarves United, returning to her original role as a goalkeeper. So, who will Dwarves United's signing-to-improve-their-offence be? / Gondor's Hyarmendacil passed a medical and completes his transfer to the Sea. Ulmo hopes that his signing would help improve their defence from last year. The previous goalkeeper Voronwë has moved to the midfield--could he be the playmaker the Sea needs? / Minas Tirith captain Denethor II confirms that his son Faramir has exercised his opt-out option and left the team. In his place as attacking midfielder is Rohan's Éomer. 'Our ancient allies have heeded our call,' the last ruling Steward said to the press. 'The same, sadly, cannot be said of my sons.'

[Boromir88]

A Union of the Two Towers
-Boro

This year TTN is covering the offseason happenings of 8 teams. Some of them lie well outside our regional influence, but that hasn't stopped TTN from scattering field reporters all over Arda to inform you on what several teams have been up to during the offseason.

The 1st part in the series takes you to Isengard where in 2012 Saruman's squad finished 3rd in Group F. Failing to make it out of the group stage meant Isengard took a moderate hit to their finances and left many anxious over the future of Isengard.

To completely understand we have to take you back to the 2009 year when Isengard was a colossal flop in the tournament, Saruman left quickly to join Bywater and the team disbanded. Further investigation into the "books" revealed Saruman had been running an intricate ponzi scheme even forcing Isengard players to invest in the team with the promises of future fortune. Yet, when the team went bust after an awful 2009 campaign, Saruman bolted with the money, leaving Isengard in ruins.

In 2012, when Isengarders needed a buyer in order to reform a team, it was an even bigger shock Saruman reared up his head again, and was approved as the sole owner given the Maia's checkered financial history. However, Saruman's clever tongue apparently satisfied league officials and assured that his auto-parts manufacturing business was completely legitimate.

As noted, 2012 saw a loss for Saruman with Isengard's failure to make it out of the group stage. And anytime fans see their team's salary driven down, morale and hope for better days goes with it. How far would Saruman cut salary to make up for some of the losses? And how much of a cut would the more talented players from 2012 be willing to stomach before departing for better deals?

The answers are not yet fully known, but it is confirmed Saruman has sold part ownership of Isengard to another interested buyer that will help absorb some of the loss from last year. It is none other than Sauron. So, the Two Towers are in league once again, this time Orthanc Motors and Barad-dur's Gold & Jewelers have reached a deal to be part owners of Isengard in 2013.

There are more than a few watching the situation with a cautious eye as Sauron seems to be throwing his money to every team that needs financial assistance. Theoden of Rohan feels if Sauron can reach Isengard it won't be long until his encroaching business comes to Rohan: "Sauron's arm has grown long indeed. But let it be known Rohan has never given tribute to Sauron, nor will we ever accept tribute from him."

Sauron responded to allegations of his over-reaching by saying: "I've been wearing the same size black armor since the 2nd Age." However, Sauron's plans for the ancient Numenorean stronghold are well documented, leaving many to speculate it's only a matter of time before Sauron places a new lieutenant in Isengard. One more worthy of running a soccer club.

Saruman says the small change in ownership will not alter the make-up of the team which he wants to take after the traits of the metal industry. "We will run like a well-oiled machine, be as hard as steel and as grinding as gears."

Although, we wonder if it's not more likely 2013 Isengard will sink like a heavy, clunky, and rusted-iron ship.

[Boromir88]

Cutbacks in the Hidden Valley
-Boro

The 2nd of TTN's club reports is Imladris, the ancient Elven refuge. Last season Imladris experience some success, finishing 2nd in Group F, but then getting smoked out of the Round of 16 by Erebor 3-nil. This mean Imladris' 88 million payroll was likely too high, eventhough when factoring in sales and other income, they probably came out about even.

So, it was by no means a crummy 2012 for Imladris, but their issue in the offseason was finding themselves in the troublesome middle-ground. They were a decent team, but would need to keep their top stars (Elros, Varda, Arwen). And that would just be to hopefully maintain their level of play. If they wanted to improve on last year's performance, many felt they would need to get another solid mid-fielder (perhaps Aragorn) to play with Arwen. This would surely mean increasing the payroll even more and that was going to be out of the question in the minds of the owners.

The Rivendell group proposed new 1-year deals and to the majority of their players it would be 1 to 2 mil cut in salary. Then the hope was to use the extra money to make an important signing that could improve the team but keep costs down. Premier defender, Varda, and another reliable defenself, Erestor, re-signed for less money with Imladris. So their defense should be in good form as last year. However it was a greivous blow when Elros announced he would depart, leaving Imladris with a mighty void to fill at their goalie position. Then their best mid-fielder, Arwen, left for another too. As it turned out, Arwen is playing for less money this year, but told the Imladris press in her exit interview, if she was going to take less money it would be for a team that had better title chances.

Not exactly the start to the off-season Imladris was hoping for, as with Arwen and Elros gone, their payroll is expected to be much lower than last year. It will be a hard task finding replacements for the loss of production.

But, one thing that had not failed going noticed, the sons of Elrond (who own minor shares with the club) did re-sign and will likely take their forwards positions for Imladris again. Elladan and Elrohir did not have to eat a salary cut, and it's leaving many wondering if everyone else on Imladris was expected to take a cut, why not the sons of Elrond too? Is it simply nepotism, while the rest get labelled greedy if they didn't accept a pay cut "for the good of the team?"

[Kuruharan]

"Trouser Arson!"

Those were the words used today by the star of AC Beleriand Faenor to describe an incident last night that resulted in the destruction of all the pants belonging to the AC Beleriand side.

According to police reports, last night somebody broke into the AC Beleriand equipment room and set fire to every pair of pants, shorts, knickers, and the team's special loin cloth.

Grainy security footage appears to show a hooded figure with shiny eyes engaged in this act of sabotage.

"I know the phantom was behind this," stated Faenor unhesitatingly. "He has always been terribly jealous that he has no pants and only has that dingy robe to wear all day."

When asked about these allegations the phantom responded, "I don't know what he is talking about. I'm quite proud of my robes. They are distinctive and comfy. Pants are so restrictive."

Unsubstantiated rumors claim that the reason why the AC Beleriand field house was unprotected last night was that the entire team was breaking into the Nargothrond field house to set fire to all their trousers.

Police promise a full investigation.

[the phantom]

Projecting the Groups and Host Sites
by Philip McPhantom, MESPN News

Since there is less roster turnover going on this year, many are already thinking ahead to the groupings for the squads. In past years the Arda Cup Draw Committee has paid more attention to balance, but in this competitive salary cap era a bit more seems to be resting on geography, hence the possibility of a "group of death".

But it's doubtful we'll see a group as rough as last year's Group D in this year's competition, partly because it would be tough to duplicate, and secondly because the Committee has made a statement regarding a wish to avoid grouping the same teams year in and year out.

So, with that in mind, and also with an eye towards which sites are likely to host, we can make some educated guesses as to the groups this year. And let's face it- our favorite thing about the pre-season is making wild predictions and then patting ourselves on the back for the few we get right!

-------------
Let's start with what we know-

Eru has stated that he wants to see the final round of group games played simultaneously (like Group C at Moria last year, playing one game underground and the other in the dale). So any site selected for group play must be relatively near a secondary site good enough to host a third round game.

Also, the contract for semis and finals to be played at Rauros has expired, and statements we've heard have indicated that the ACC thinks it's time for a bit of variety. Given that they aren't using that arena for the finals, it seems logical that it's being used for something.

The ban on games in Valinor has been lifted. The folks from the Blessed Realm will likely be gung-ho to show themselves as fantastic hosts so as not to suffer another ban, and more than likely the ACC will want to take advantage of their eagerness to please.

So, in my opinion, Valinor is a cert for hosting both in groups and in the playoffs. But with four different teams from the Blessed Realm (and the likelihood that FC, Real, & Tirion won't be grouped together), who hosts, and which teams come?

Tirion's primary and secondary stadiums would be a logical choice, but so would Valimar's, so it seems one of them will host. As to the visiting squads, if it's Tirion then The Sea and The Havens and a team from Beleriand would be logical, but rumors are swirling about The Sea (pun intended) and a hosting possibility that is in the works for them, thus Tirion seems less likely.

Thus it seems that team Valimar is the more likely host, with Armenelos and the Havens likely to visit, supplemented by a Beleriand squad. Unless the inter-dimensional team is placed there (i.e. The Barrow-Downs). Given the sheer distance of Valinor, wouldn't it be an elegant solution to send a team that cares not a whit about distance?

And since we mention The Sea, let's address that now. Ulmo has been very nudge-nudge-wink-wink about the possibility of Tol Eressea as a host site. It wouldn't make any sense if Valimar was also used, if not for a few hints Ulmo has dropped about working on a very large project that would enable a wide variety of spectators to view games. So enough with the hinting and I'll come out and say it- I think Ulmo is working on a mobile sea-faring stadium.

And what a great idea it would be if it is actually pulled off! It would allow them to include in their group three not-so-close squads by virtue of holding games in each of the three locations, e.g. the first round could be in Gondor, the second in Beleriand, and the third back in Valinor. But of course that makes it somewhat impossible to predict which teams might join The Sea in the group.

Now what about the eastern end of Middle-Earth? Last year there were games at Isengard and Moria, and in the playoffs Lothlorien, so what places are there for this year? Well- Gondor obviously, either Minas Tirith or Osgiliath would be straightforward choices. But if The Sea does indeed have a mobile stadium and docks near Gondor for their first round, perhaps it would make sense to have the two groups in proximity, which opens up Dol Amroth and Pelargir as possible host sites (though it would make the primary and secondary stadiums farther apart for the third round matches).

Another easterly location would be Mirkwood and/or Erebor- we know they have attractive accommodations, so they've got to be considered. That would mean Erebor and Wilderland could be grouped together, and more than likely they'd take a team from Gondor or Mordor, and then another team from farther north (Anduin, Misty Mts, Isengard).

If Dol Amroth ends up hosting, then naturally they'd take one of the Gondor teams and one from Mordor, but to fill out the group they'd need some combination of Isengard or Anduin plus some other squad, which says to me that Misty Mts will more than likely end up with Wilderland and Erebor.

Now, what about the Beleriand & Eriador hosts? Since Nargothrond, Michel Delving, Weathertop, and Grey Havens were used last time for groups, I would say they are out. The obvious substitutes are Angband, Gondolin, and Doriath. If I can be allowed to stray into purest conjecture, I would say the lifting of the Valinor ban in conjunction with the expired Rauros contract will land the finals in Valimar, and thus to keep the balance I fully expect Angband to be awarded the semis.

With that in mind, Gondolin and Doriath seem nearly to be absolutes, and given the teams they were grouped with last time around, perhaps each will receive a Valinor team (FC or Real), each will receive an Eriador squad (Eriador, Shire-Bree, Imladris, or Arnor), and each will receive a Beleriand squad (Hithlum, Inter, AC, Nargothrond, TIG, Angfauglith, Angband). But that's too many squads obviously, thus another host site is necessary, and if Angband is already occupied with hosting in the playoffs, why not Anfauglith and Tol In Gaurhoth? If indeed none of the other sites are hosted in a location populated with "baddies", they would be a logical choice to balance things out.

Long story short, teams are going to be a bit more jumbled this year to provide a slight variance in flavor, but all it will involve is shifting last year's host sites to the nearest viable site and trading two teams in one group for a team or two from the next-nearest couple of host sites. Thus we can sort of predict the groupings, but not with much precision. It would be foolish to even post a list of predicted groupings, but guessing at host sites is a little more an exact science, thus in summary, my predicted group hosting sites for 2013 are-

Valimar, Tol Eressea, Anfauglith and/or Tol-In-Gaurhoth, Gondolin, Doriath, Erebor and/or Mirkwood, somewhere in Gondor

Now, if Anfauglith/TIG and Erebor/Mirkwood are indeed used together, that leaves one host site missing. For the remaining site- the options would be somewhere in Mordor, Annuminas/Norbury, Rauros/Dol Guldur, and Dor-Lomin/Hithlum. Football fans that are anxious to travel and support their team, or merely anxious to see if any teams will be close enough to justify a trip, simply cannot wait for the ACC to officially announce the sites. So hurry up already!

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Tar-Eldar Network Television presents a summary of the various reports, rumours, and opinions from the leading newspapers in Arda.

• From the Tirion daily broadsheet Arda: Eönwë and Ingwë fail to renew their contracts with Tirion, their destinations yet unknown. The editorial comments that the King of all Elves ‘had turned his back once more on his subjects to fawn upon the Valar’, suggesting that the Vanya, and probably the Maia as well, has joined Valimar. Meanwhile, Tirion captain Finwë presents their latest signing, former Real Valinor right back Rúmil. They now have four new defensive signings, though the contractual fate of their previous defenders remains unknown.
  
  
• From the Beleriand weekly magazine Quenta Noldorin Sport: AC Beleriand right back Ecthelion has been traded for another full-back, Balrog #4. Anfauglith are believed to have paid Fëanor’s side an additional $2 million to make the deal fall through. In the another article, QN Sport reports that deep-lying playmaker Meleth of Gondolin has taken a year’s hiatus from football. ‘The constant years of playing has tired me out,’ she said. ‘If I would be given another chance to play in future Arda Cups, I would consider it. But not this year.’
  
  
• From the Moria tabloid Daily Hammer: Midfielders Thrór and Thorin announce their departure from the Dwarves United squad; Thrór headed for retirement, Thorin joining the Lonely Mountain. In their place the sons of Dís, Fíli and Kíli, were signed for $2 million each.
  
  
• From the Beleriand daily magazine Gazetta Edain: AC Beleriand midfielder Bregolas’s one-year contract expires as negotiations for a renewal failed. In the meantime, regional rivals Inter Beleriand released defender Brandir. The editorial observes that, while Beren said that he joined Inter because he wanted to be reunited with some of his old Ladros teammates, his father Barahir signed an extension with Nargothrond, a team in dire need of a good defensive player.
  
  
• From the broadsheet Nargothrond Tribune: Finrod’s squad begin training in the High Faroth Arena. Most conspicuous is the presence of Bëor in outfield kit, meaning a) he is still in the squad; and b) he is no longer the goalkeeper. Less conspicuous is the presence of Petty-Dwarf Mîm on the touchline, wearing a grey suit and carrying stacks of videos. ‘Mîm in, Nienor out: Will that be enough to end years of disappointment?’ goes the editorial.

 

[Boromir88]

The Iron Prison on Lockdown
-Boro88

After Angband's disapponting 2012 season, where they were knocked out of the first round playoffs by the stalwart underdogs Minas Tirith, Morgoth retreated into his iron fortress to design plans for next year. Everytime Morgoth shuts out the press, and forbids any soul from entering or leaving Angband chills your bones.

What new schemes is Morgoth hatching? What new evil to employ that will (hopefully) give Morgoth the trophy of trophies, the Arda Cup. The trophy Morgoth has greatly coveted, but has so far eluded his grasp.

It was evident in the playoff matchup Angband did not have the players who were capable of winning a shootout. Ancalagon is clutch in those tight spots, but the dragon is just one Morgoth could trust. I mean, would you trust a cat in a shootout situation? Angband did last year, and it cost them. So, many felt for 2013 Angband would have to get a better striker up-front to pair with Ancalagon.

Not that Telvildo is rubbish, because felines add a new dimension to Angband's play. Cats contribute a cunning and agile gameplay that is great in the possession and passing game. Their cunning agility mixed well with the brute trickery of Morgoth. But let's be honest, if Angband finds themselves in a shootout, they'll face the same problem that tripped them up last year.

No one really knows what Angband's team will be this year, so tight has the lid on Angband been during the off-season. However, we do know their full roster is assembled and Evil House will not be spending anymore money on this season. Morgoth, Carcaroth, and Ancalagon are definitely back since no one has seen them come out of Angband since last year. What the rest of the team will be is anyone's guess, but the loudest sounds echoing out of Angband in recent days has been...purrs?

[Boromir88]

Gasping for some Offense
-Boro88

Next team up for TTN's previews takes us to the desert plains. And as much as I was gasping for water while visiting Angfauglith's practice facilities, the team ownership was gasping for some much needed offense. Angfauglith had been eliminated in group play last year, but it was based on fewer goals scored than Doriath. Angfauglith could only manage 3 goals in 3 games and that was the reason for the team's early exit, as Thuringwethil was often all alone with a sub-par midfield behind her.

The defense was one of the most fearsome ever put together on the pitch, with 3 Balrogs and the great Ungoliant tending the goal. However, desperately needing some offensive help, Angfauglith appears to be changing the gears ever so-slightly. They said audious to Thuringwethil and also lost one of the Balrog defenders, but still with Ungoliant and 2 Balrogs, the club doesn't expect to lose much when it comes to defense.

The major change was announced recently, and obviously spending 28 million total for two new strikers, owners are expecting much greater success in return. It is an interesting partnership, that much is for sure. Two historic rivals are paired up as the forwards for Angfauglith. To say they've had a confrontational past is putting it lightly! However, this isn't the first time Gothmog and Ecthelion have been signed to play on the same team. They've had good success on separate teams (and also much success when playing against eachother), but when they were partners for Gondolin in 2009, it was seen as a failure for the hidden city, since Gondolin did not make it into the playoffs. And then Gothmog left in a fuss in 2010, only to see Gondolin win the title that year! Will the tale be different in 2013 for the two star-strikers? Their fate seems bound together...in both glory...and death.

[Boromir88]

The Special Edition!

-Boro88

Our final installment of the team previews and offseason moves will cover FC Valinor, Barad-dur, and Gondor. We'll make a quick note that the Tol-in-Gaurhoth roster has been completed and so stay tuned in the coming days for an in-depth report on TIG, once we get the chance to interview their players.

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Let's start with FC Valinor, who seemed to breeze through the friendlies and their group last year. However, they stumbled in the quarter-finals, losing to Erebor in amazing shootout fashion. To most clubs and fans, a quarter-finals appearance would be positive, but for FC Valinor you couldn't help but get the feeling it was the Arda Cup or bust for them. And so last year was a fairly large disappointment. To rub even more salt in the wounds, rivals Real Valinor came away with the title. And in aspects of the sport that don't deal with tactics or on the field performance, but with management and public relations instead...heads start rolling when your rivals finish higher.

So, FC Valinor did scale back their budget slightly, but feeling pressure to keep up with Real Valinor, and energize their own fanbase, they yet again have a pricey salary, in what can only lay the expectations of "Arda Cup or bust" on the club in 2013. The major changes seem likely to be made in the back-field. As Curufin and Celegorm remain together still, and no one expects they will want to leave their positions as the team's strikers.

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Next up, Gondor, who lost in a shooutout in the octo-finals to Shire-Bree United. The higher-ups in the organization felt the team should have handled S-B Utd last year, but since that didn't happen, the Gondor Worker's Union is quite drastically cutting payroll. Interestingly enough, 1/6th of their entire payroll is tied up into one player. Granted, Anarion had a career year in 2012, and he was going to command a hefty price in the free-agent market. It might have even been worse for fans to swallow if ownership let Anarion walk. However, the skeptics will tell you they think Anarion reached his peak last year and to put your money on him having the same (or more) production is money ill-spent.

And here is often times parts of the game fans don't hear about often. With Sauron opening up his pocket-books investing in other clubs, and investing more into his Mordor teams (read more on this below)...there were credible rumors Sauron was making a strong bid for Anarion. Therefor, allowing Anarion to defect to Barad-dur, simply was not going to be an option for Gondor's owners. They had to pay a price to retain their king, and a price he probably deserves based on last year's performance. It means Gondor had to lose some key pieces (GK - Hyarmendacil and MF- Falastur), but formation and tactics are expected to stay the same, so now it's just a matter of seeing if Imrahil and some others can rise to the occassion to support their King.

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Barad-dur: As alluded above Sauron opened up his checkbook and increased the payroll of his Barad-dur club. Last year, Mordorians were perplexed trying to figure out Sauron's plans. Since he clearly had his hand involved in many Arda clubs, why couldn't he just consolidate his influence and focus solely on the Mordor teams for the glory of the Black Land? Both Mordor and Barad-dur were running on a dirt-cheap salary, which did not leave many fans happy, particularly after both Mordor teams failed to qualify in a group with rivals Gondor and Minas Tirith.

Sauron is by no means emptying his piggy-bank but with more money invested in Barad-dur and also with who he's signed, the fanbase is at least more positive with the offseason moves. Whether or not the positive attitude carries into the tournament will of course largely depend on the club's performance. Last year Barad-dur got a bit careless and lax in the back-field and Sauron wanted to address those issues quickly. By replacing the cheap Mumakil in the goal with hopefully the more trustworthy Grishnakh. But the bigger moves happened when Sauron was able to snag Alatar and Pallando away from Wilderland to provide a more stabile and reliable defense.

[the phantom]

MESPN BREAKING NEWS: Official rosters approved by ACC

It's set- the Arda Cup Committee has received and approved the rosters submitted by all 32 teams. Without any commentary or fanfare, here is the official list released by the ACC. (An announcement on groupings will likely be made later in the day.)

Anduin (83)
GK Amroth (4)
DF Minalcar (5)
DF Felarof (5)
DF Celeborn (10)
DF *Fram (10)
MF Lenwe (2)
MF Leod (5)
MF Haldir (8)
MF Boromir II (10)
FW Eorl (14)
FW Grimbeorn (10)

Angband (91)
GK *Carcharoth (9)
DF Ulwarth (4)
DF Umuiyan (5)
DF Balrog #1 (12)
DF *Morgoth (20)
MF Uldor (4)
MF Ulfast (4)
MF Ulfang (5)
MF Oikeroi (5)
FW Telvildo (9)
FW *Ancalagon (14)

Angfauglith (87)
GK *Ungoliant (16)
DF Borlach (3)
DF Gelmir (3)
DF Balrog #2 (12)
DF *Balrog #3 (12)
MF Gorgol (3)
MF Haldir (4)
MF Rian (3)
MF Bor (3)
FW Ecthelion (10)
FW *Gothmog (18)

Armenelos (95)
GK Tar Atanamir (10)
DF Tar Calmacil (7)
DF Tar Palantir (7)
DF Tar Telperien (7)
MF Ar Gimilzor (7)
MF Tar Telemmaite (7)
MF Tar Miriel (7)
MF Tar Ancalimon (7)
MF *Elros (12)
FW Ar Adunakhor (12)
FW Ar Pharazon (12)

Arnor (68)
GK Arvedui (8)
DF Earendur (3)
DF Valandur (3)
DF Malbeth (8)
DF *Elendil (10)
MF Malvegil (3)
MF Argeleb (4)
MF Arassuil (4)
MF Arantar (5)
FW Araphor (7)
FW *Witch King (13)

Barad-Dur (74)
GK Grishnakh (5)
DF Fellbeast #1 (3)
DF Fellbeast #2 (3)
DF Pallando (11)
DF Alatar (11)
MF Sangahyando (3)
MF Herumor (3)
MF Angamaite (3)
MF Beruthiel (5)
FW Castamir (7)
FW *Sauron (20)

AC Beleriand (108)
GK Marach (9)
DF Imlach (4)
DF Rochallor (4)
DF Balrog #4 (12)
DF *Fingolfin (15)
MF Denethor (3)
MF Ulrad (5)
MF Angrod (10)
MF Aegnor (10)
FW Eol (15)
FW **Feanor (21)

Inter Beleriand (81)
GK Turgon (11)
DF Haldad (2)
DF Gorlim (2)
DF Baragund (3)
DF Luthien (13)
MF Forweg (2)
MF Hunthor (2)
MF Haleth (7)
MF *Beren (13)
FW Fingon (13)
FW *Maedhros (13)

Doriath (70)
GK Dior (7)
DF Galathil (2)
DF Nimloth (2)
DF Elwing (6)
DF *Melian (14)
MF Galadhon (2)
MF Nellas (3)
MF Saeros (3)
MF Daeron (7)
MF *Elwe (14)
FW Mablung (10)

Dwarves United (86)
GK Galadriel (14)
DF Azaghal (5)
DF Durin (6)
DF Aule (16)
DF *Celebrimbor (18)
MF Fili (2)
MF Kili (2)
MF Gamil Zirak (4)
MF Telchar (4)
MF Gimli (5)
FW Legolas (10)

Erebor (94)
GK *Beorn (12)
DF Thorin (5)
DF Meneldor (8)
DF Landroval (8)
DF Girion (8)
MF Dain (5)
MF Brand (3)
MF Bolg (9)
FW Bard (8)
FW Nazgul #7 (10)
FW *Smaug (18)

Eriador (103)
GK *Elrond (20)
DF Asfaloth (4)
DF Arwen (10)
DF Aragorn (10)
DF *Gil-galad (13)
MF Araphant (5)
MF Arador (4)
MF NogWight (6)
MF Arveleg (8)
MF *Glorfindel (13)
FW Isildur (10)

Gondolin (84)
GK Rog (8)
DF Penlod (7)
DF Aranwe (3)
DF Galdor (5)
DF Egalmoth (7)
MF Salgant (4)
MF Elemmakil (4)
MF Duilin (8)
MF Idril (10)
FW Tuor (10)
FW *Maeglin (18)

Gondor (70)
GK Imrahil (5)
DF Galadil (4)
DF Earnil I (6)
DF Eldarion (5)
MF Calimehtar (5)
MF Ciryandil (5)
MF Turambar (6)
MF Meneldil (6)
MF Romendacil (7)
MF *Anarion (12)
FW Eldacar (9)

Hithlum (101)
GK Huor (8)
DF Galdor (5)
DF Arroch (2)
DF Gundor (5)
DF Balrog #5 (13)
MF Aradan (3)
MF Morwen (6)
MF Hador (12)
MF *Beleg (13)
FW Hurin (14)
FW **Turin (20)

Imladris (69)
GK Valandil (6)
DF Celebrian (5)
DF Galdor (4)
DF Erestor (9)
DF *Varda (14)
MF Gilraen (2)
MF Figwit (2)
MF Lindir (2)
MF Arahael (5)
FW Elladan (10)
FW Elrohir (10)

Isengard (66)
GK Ugluk (5)
DF Mauhur (3)
DF Beechbone (3)
DF Treebeard (10)
MF Lurtz (3)
MF Wulf (2)
MF Lugdush (3)
MF Nazgul #5 (8)
MF Wormtongue (4)
MF *Saruman (15)
FW Quickbeam (10)

Minas Tirith (76)
GK Denethor II (7)
DF Earnur (7)
DF Ecthelion II (7)
DF Firefoot (3)
DF Cirion (7)
MF Earnil II (7)
MF Tarandor (7)
MF Telumehtar (7)
MF Mardil (7)
MF *Eomer (10)
FW Boromir I (7)

Misty Mts (76)
GK Chief Wolf (3)
DF Caradhras (7)
DF William (4)
DF Watcher (5)
DF *Gwaihir (11)
MF Great Goblin (5)
MF Orophin (6)
MF Rumil (6)
MF Narvi (6)
MF Azog (8)
FW *Durin’s Bane (15)

Mordor (51)
GK Silent Watcher (1)
DF Fellbeast #3 (3)
DF Mumakil (1)
DF Fellbeast #4 (3)
DF Gothmog II (5)
MF Gorbag (3)
MF Shagrat (3)
MF Nazgul #1 (7)
MF Nazgul #2 (7)
MF *Mouth (8)
FW Shelob (10)

Nargothrond (89)
GK Orodreth (10)
DF Guillen (4)
DF Baran (3)
DF Arminas (4)
DF Barahir (7)
MF Beor (7)
MF Nienor (6)
MF Finduilas (9)
FW Gwindor (10)
FW Finrod (14)
FW *Glaurung (15)

Rohan (66)
GK Theoden (7)
DF Windfola (3)
DF Snowmane (3)
DF Hama (3)
DF Erkenbrand (3)
MF Aldor (6)
MF King Dead (10)
MF Eowyn (9)
MF Brytta (5)
MF *Faramir (9)
FW Helm (8)

Shire-Bree United (68)
GK Halbarad (5)
DF Fellbeast (2)
DF Nazgul #4 (8)
DF Gildor (7)
DF *Shadowfax (5)
MF Butterbur (2)
MF Bandobras (4)
MF Ferny (2)
MF Nazgul #6 (8)
MF *Gandalf (14)
FW Khamul (11)

The Havens (79)
GK Amandil (6)
DF Annael (5)
DF Imrazor (5)
DF Ar Zimrathan (8)
DF Olwe (10)
MF Eriol (5)
MF Mithrellas (3)
MF Earwen (3)
MF Falastur (9)
MF Cirdan (10)
FW *Earendil (15)

The Sea (100)
GK Hyarmendacil (8)
DF Osse (9)
DF Salmar (9)
DF Uinen (9)
DF *Ulmo (17)
MF Tar Cirytan (7)
MF Voronwe (7)
MF Tar Meneldur (7)
MF Veantur (7)
MF Tar Aldarion (8)
FW Tar Minastir (12)

Tirion (83)
GK Finarfin (8)
DF Irime (3)
DF Amrod (9)
DF Amras (9)
DF *Caranthir (11)
MF Anaire (3)
MF Eldalote (2)
MF Rumil (4)
MF Mahtan (9)
FW Aredhel (12)
FW Finwe (13)

Valimar (102)
GK *Manwe (14)
DF Amarie (4)
DF Este (8)
DF Vana (8)
DF *Namo (14)
MF Elenwe (3)
MF Ilmare (8)
MF Vaire (8)
MF Irmo (9)
MF Ingwe (11)
FW *Arien (15)

FC Valinor (107)
GK *Huan (15)
DF Thorondor (13)
DF Indis (7)
DF Maglor (10)
DF *Eonwe (12)
MF Elemmire (4)
MF Findis (4)
MF Argon (7)
MF *Yavanna (10)
FW Celegorm (11)
FW *Curufin (14)

Real Valinor (101)
GK *Tulkas (12)
DF Nienna (10)
DF Nahar (5)
DF Ingwion (5)
DF *Tilion (12)
MF Quennar (3)
MF Enerdhil (4)
MF Nessa (10)
FW Nerdanel (12)
FW *Miriel (14)
FW Orome (14)

Wilderland (75)
GK Great Warg (5)
DF Finglas (3)
DF Skinbark (3)
DF Oropher (5)
DF Radagast (11)
MF Fimbrethil (3)
MF Iminye (4)
MF Imin (5)
MF Nazgul #3 (8)
FW Thranduil (14)
FW *Scatha (14)

The Barrow-Downs (50)
GK Alien (2)
DF Lumpkin (2)
DF GwathWight (3)
DF River Woman (3)
DF Barrow-Wight (11)
MF WilWight (3)
MF Lalwende MP (3)
MF Goldberry (3)
MF Hookbill (6)
FW Saucepan Man (6)
FW *Bombadil (8)

Tol In Gaurhoth (84)
GK *ShastaWolf (10)
DF Drauglin (8)
DF GaladriWight (3)
DF BoroWolf (8)
DF *NilpWolf (10)
MF LegateWight (3)
MF SallyWight (4)
MF NerWight (5)
MF *PhantomWolf (10)
FW Thuringwethil (13)
FW *InzilWolf (10)

[the phantom]

MESPN BREAKING NEWS: Groupings released by ACC

With the official rosters released, you can imagine that our writers and prognosticators are typing up a storm. Well, now they have one more huge bit of info to process- the groupings.

The Arda Cup Committee was serious about getting their job done this year, and met in an intensive closed session immediately following the approval of all team rosters. A couple hours later they emerged with the groupings- evidently they already had most of their ideas in mind, and just needed to finalize them.

And without further ado, here they are!
(Note: Primary host site listed first, followed by the secondary site which is used to host one of the third round games so that final round games can be played simultaneously.)

GROUP A at Valimar & Taniquetil
Armenelos
The Barrow-Downs
The Havens
Valimar

GROUP B at Gondolin & Tumladen
AC Beleriand
Inter Beleriand
Dwarves United
Gondolin

GROUP C at Menegroth & Neldoreth
Doriath
Hithlum
Shire-Bree United
Real Valinor

GROUP D at Dol Amroth & Pelargir
Barad-Dur
Gondor
Isengard
FC Valinor

GROUP E at Erebor & Mirkwood
Erebor
Eriador
Misty Mts
Wilderland

GROUP F at Tol Eressea Mobile & Pelargir/Balar/Alqualonde
Minas Tirith
Nargothrond
The Sea
Tirion

GROUP G at Anfauglith & Tol-In-Gaurhoth
Angband
Angfauglith
Imladris
Tol-In-Gaurhoth

GROUP H at Rauros
Anduin
Arnor
Mordor
Rohan

[the phantom]

First Look at the Host Sites
Philip McPhantom, MESPN News

We've been given a lot to process today, so first things first- I'm going to give my initial reactions to the selected host sites.

1) Nicely done, Ulmo and company. We know long ago that the sea-going Ainu used an island to ferry Elves to Valinor, so why not do something similar again? It will be a lot of work and required much preparation obviously, so much applause for that. Ulmo and friends have made Tol Eressea Stadium and the pubs and lodgings immediately around it into a sort of cruise ship. Their plans are to be at Gondor for the first round to share games with Pelargir, at Balar for the second game, and at Alqualonde for the final round. This allows a reasonable trip for fans of every squad in the group- Minas Tirith, Nargothrond, and Tirion (and of course The Sea).

2) The ban on games in Valinor is officially over, as Valimar Coliseum is slated to host five games, Taniquetil will host one, and Seaside Stadium in Alqualonde will host one. Here's hoping that they handle things better this time around. It was a shame not to have any games there last year- there is so much tradition and multiple quality venues.

3) Well done Gondor spreading games around a bit. Instead of opting for the oft-used Minas Tirith or Osgiliath, which obviously have great stadiums (The White Stadium and Osgiliath Royal Arena), they opted to put in a bid for Dol Amroth. Their stadium isn't quite so grand or famous, but it's certainly on level with other past host sites, and the Gondor teams have a lot of supporting fans living in that region.

4) It's nice to see the Dwarves and Elves working together in the Northeast once again, as Erebor will be the primary site and Thranduil's forest stadium will host the second game in the final round.

5) Looks like the finals indeed won't be at Amon Hen Coliseum this year since they are hosting a group. A few might complain that they're getting to host anything this year after hosting the biggest games the past few years, but the thing is- Amon Hen is simply too great not to use every year. The various folks that partnered to make it were very serious about creating football heaven.

6) It's interesting that Anfauglith and Tol-In-Gaurhoth will not be sharing just the final round of group play, but both sites are being used in all three rounds. Will this be the beginning of a trend (since Tol Eressea is also doing it, sort of), or is this a special case?

[the phantom]

MESPN Take on Off-season Losses and Acquisitions
Philip McPhantom, MESPN News

Everyone's heard that they shouldn't second-guess themselves, or that their first instinct is often correct. Well, after seeing the official rosters, this is the first reaction our panel had to each squad and whether or not they improved from last season. (Note: Below each squad next to the dollar signs is how this year's payroll compares to last year.)

Anduin (83)
GK Amroth (4)
DF Minalcar (5)
DF Felarof (5)
DF Celeborn (10)
DF *Fram (10)
MF Lenwe (2)
MF Leod (5)
MF Haldir (8)
MF Boromir II (10)
FW Eorl (14)
FW Grimbeorn (10)

$$: +3
Verdict: They managed to hold onto their more important pieces from last year (Grimbeorn, Fram, Celeborn, Haldir, Boromir), and added Eorl to the front and Felarof to the back, so they’ve definitely taken a step forward on both ends of the pitch.

Angband (91)
GK *Carcharoth (9)
DF Ulwarth (4)
DF Umuiyan (5)
DF Balrog #1 (12)
DF *Morgoth (20)
MF Uldor (4)
MF Ulfast (4)
MF Ulfang (5)
MF Oikeroi (5)
FW Telvildo (9)
FW *Ancalagon (14)

$$$: -10
Verdict: After last year’s disappointment Morgoth skimmed a hair from salaries, but he didn’t lose talent. In fact Angband may be better now after plugging in Umuiyan and Oikeroi at the front and back, as they are a notch quicker and more dexterous than their predecessors.

Angfauglith (87)
GK *Ungoliant (16)
DF Borlach (3)
DF Gelmir (3)
DF Balrog #2 (12)
DF *Balrog #3 (12)
MF Gorgol (3)
MF Haldir (4)
MF Rian (3)
MF Bor (3)
FW Ecthelion (10)
FW *Gothmog (18)

$$$: -6
Verdict: They lost a Balrog at the back and their big-scorer at the front (Thuringwethil), but they replaced her with one of the greatest in the game- Gothmog, and added Ecthelion to compliment him. That means they probably broke even, only with slightly less defensive emphasis and more on offense.

Armenelos (95)
GK Tar Atanamir (10)
DF Tar Calmacil (7)
DF Tar Palantir (7)
DF Tar Telperien (7)
MF Ar Gimilzor (7)
MF Tar Telemmaite (7)
MF Tar Miriel (7)
MF Tar Ancalimon (7)
MF *Elros (12)
FW Ar Adunakhor (12)
FW Ar Pharazon (12)

$$$: -13
Verdict: Last year’s group-of-death resulted in underachievement, so salaries were cut a bit. The only roster difference is the addition of Elros, and he’s obviously high quality, so they’ll be as good as or slightly better than last year, and doubtless in a kinder grouping.

Arnor (68)
GK Arvedui (8)
DF Earendur (3)
DF Valandur (3)
DF Malbeth (8)
DF *Elendil (10)
MF Malvegil (3)
MF Argeleb (4)
MF Arassuil (4)
MF Arantar (5)
FW Araphor (7)
FW *Witch King (13)

$$$: -3
Verdict: They lost Isildur to the highly successful Eriador squad, but they’ve added the Witch King and Malbeth from Eriador (thanks to partnerships with Elrond and Norbury Sport). Thus it seems they’ve managed to step up a bit with talent without having to pay out, which is the ultimate ideal.

Barad-Dur (74)
GK Grishnakh (5)
DF Fellbeast #1 (3)
DF Fellbeast #2 (3)
DF Pallando (11)
DF Alatar (11)
MF Sangahyando (3)
MF Herumor (3)
MF Angamaite (3)
MF Beruthiel (5)
FW Castamir (7)
FW *Sauron (20)

$$$: +8
Verdict: After being one of the few not to overpay last year Sauron was poised to spend more this season rather than less, and he did so by acquiring the Blue Wizards and a second airborne defender, which is an improvement over last year’s defense. Given the offense is identical, the team overall ought to be better.

AC Beleriand (108)
GK Marach (9)
DF Imlach (4)
DF Rochallor (4)
DF Balrog #4 (12)
DF *Fingolfin (15)
MF Denethor (3)
MF Ulrad (5)
MF Angrod (10)
MF Aegnor (10)
FW Eol (15)
FW **Feanor (21)

$$$: +12
Verdict: The success of most AC Beleriand investors allowed them to spend heavier this year. They’ve replaced Ecthelion with a Balrog, so lost and gained quality there. In the midfield they’ve replaced Bregolas & Beren with Angrod & Aegnor. Individually they may not quite match Beren, but in tandem they’re potentially a step up.

Inter Beleriand (81)
GK Turgon (11)
DF Haldad (2)
DF Gorlim (2)
DF Baragund (3)
DF Luthien (13)
MF Forweg (2)
MF Hunthor (2)
MF Haleth (7)
MF *Beren (13)
FW Fingon (13)
FW *Maedhros (13)

$$$: +11
Verdict: At the back they replaced a Balrog and Brandir with Luthien and a shifted Baragund, so possibly a wash there. At the front they’ve added Beren to the Maedhros/Fingon attack, so a step forward there. Overall then, they’ve improved the squad.

Doriath (70)
GK Dior (7)
DF Galathil (2)
DF Nimloth (2)
DF Elwing (6)
DF *Melian (14)
MF Galadhon (2)
MF Nellas (3)
MF Saeros (3)
MF Daeron (7)
MF *Elwe (14)
FW Mablung (10)

$$$: -14
Verdict: Luthien and Beleg are no longer at the front, but Elwing has been added to the defense and Elwe to the offense. This does not look to be an improvement in overall talent, but shifting Daeron and Saeros forward to assist Elwe and Mablung may help maintain scoring somewhat, while the back end is at least on par with last year.

Dwarves United (86)
GK Galadriel (14)
DF Azaghal (5)
DF Durin (6)
DF Aule (16)
DF *Celebrimbor (18)
MF Fili (2)
MF Kili (2)
MF Gamil Zirak (4)
MF Telchar (4)
MF Gimli (5)
FW Legolas (10)

$$$: -3
Verdict: Fili and Kili have stepped in to replace Thorin and Thror, but it remains to be seen whether their youthful quickness can replace the hardiness and experience. The crafty Telchar and Gamil Zirak have been shifted forward, which may help, while Galadriel has a replaced Bombur between the posts- a definite improvement.

Erebor (94)
GK *Beorn (12)
DF Thorin (5)
DF Meneldor (8)
DF Landroval (8)
DF Girion (8)
MF Dain (5)
MF Brand (3)
MF Bolg (9)
FW Bard (8)
FW Nazgul #7 (10)
FW *Smaug (18)

$$$: -9
Verdict: They lost Gwaihir, but they still have two eagles at the back. In front Thranduil is gone, but everyone else is back (Smaug, Bard, etc.). The new faces, Brand and Thorin, aren’t quite an athletic match for Thranduil and Gwaihir, so it appears their lower salary results in a lower ceiling.

Eriador (103)
GK *Elrond (20)
DF Asfaloth (4)
DF Arwen (10)
DF Aragorn (10)
DF *Gil-galad (13)
MF Araphant (5)
MF Arador (4)
MF NogWight (6)
MF Arveleg (8)
MF *Glorfindel (13)
FW Isildur (10)

$$$: +4
Verdict: After a very successful season Eriador has bumped up the payroll. Malbeth is gone to Arnor, but joining the defense is Aragorn and Arwen. The Witch King is gone from the forward position, but Isildur has replaced him and NogWight has signed on to help the attack, so scoring shouldn’t suffer. Overall Eriador looks to have stepped forward.

Gondolin (84)
GK Rog (8)
DF Penlod (7)
DF Aranwe (3)
DF Galdor (5)
DF Egalmoth (7)
MF Salgant (4)
MF Elemmakil (4)
MF Duilin (8)
MF Idril (10)
FW Tuor (10)
FW *Maeglin (18)

$$$: +1
Verdict: Pengolodh has been replaced by Penlod at the rear. Gothmog is gone from the attack and Meleth from the midfield, but Tuor and Idril have both joined the offense so the scoring shouldn’t suffer. Overall it looks like Gondolin took a little step forward.

Gondor (70)
GK Imrahil (5)
DF Galadil (4)
DF Earnil I (6)
DF Eldarion (5)
MF Calimehtar (5)
MF Ciryandil (5)
MF Turambar (6)
MF Meneldil (6)
MF Romendacil (7)
MF *Anarion (12)
FW Eldacar (9)

$$$: -14
Verdict: After a respectable season everyone’s taken a tiny cut to help the team manage its budget. They lost some quality in Hyarmendacil and Falastur, but their replacements, Meneldil and Galadil, aren’t a significant step back. So perhaps a lower ceiling for Gondor, but a smarter budget.

Hithlum (101)
GK Huor (8)
DF Galdor (5)
DF Arroch (2)
DF Gundor (5)
DF Balrog #5 (13)
MF Aradan (3)
MF Morwen (6)
MF Hador (12)
MF *Beleg (13)
FW Hurin (14)
FW **Turin (20)

$$$: +15
Verdict: New investors Feanor & company have bailed out Hador House after last year’s losses, and they’ve really gone for it. Galdor, Gundor, and a Balrog improve the defense, while Turin’s buddy Beleg will improve the offense. A significant salary-bump, but an equally nice talent-bump here.

Imladris (69)
GK Valandil (6)
DF Celebrian (5)
DF Galdor (4)
DF Erestor (9)
DF *Varda (14)
MF Gilraen (2)
MF Figwit (2)
MF Lindir (2)
MF Arahael (5)
FW Elladan (10)
FW Elrohir (10)

$$$: -19
Verdict: After gaining more sway Elrond has made this squad much more economical. Big pieces Elros and Arwen are gone, and replacing them are Valandil, Celebrian, and Arahael. This is a lowering of talent for the squad, but possibly less than the value of the salary they saved.

Isengard (66)
GK Ugluk (5)
DF Mauhur (3)
DF Beechbone (3)
DF Treebeard (10)
MF Lurtz (3)
MF Wulf (2)
MF Lugdush (3)
MF Nazgul #5 (8)
MF Wormtongue (4)
MF *Saruman (15)
FW Quickbeam (10)

$$$: -8
Verdict: Caradhras’s blinding snow and wind has been replaced by the ent Beechbone at the rear, while in the midfield Freca is gone in favor of a Nazgul. It looks like they’ve managed to improve in skill while decreasing payroll.

Minas Tirith (76)
GK Denethor II (7)
DF Earnur (7)
DF Ecthelion II (7)
DF Firefoot (3)
DF Cirion (7)
MF Earnil II (7)
MF Tarandor (7)
MF Telumehtar (7)
MF Mardil (7)
MF *Eomer (10)
FW Boromir I (7)

$$$: -12
Verdict: Everyone took a slight paycut here. Faramir and Ostoher are gone, replaced by Eomer and Firefoot, which is possibly a little bit of an advancement, which is particularly good in light of the lower salary.

Misty Mts (76)
GK Chief Wolf (3)
DF Caradhras (7)
DF William (4)
DF Watcher (5)
DF *Gwaihir (11)
MF Great Goblin (5)
MF Orophin (6)
MF Rumil (6)
MF Narvi (6)
MF Azog (8)
FW *Durin’s Bane (15)

$$$: +9
Verdict: They booted Bert and Tom in favor of Caradhras and Gwaihir, which combined with shifting a couple players to more sensible positions ought to have them improved at least as much as they upped salary.

Mordor (51)
GK Silent Watcher (1)
DF Fellbeast #3 (3)
DF Mumakil (1)
DF Fellbeast #4 (3)
DF Gothmog II (5)
MF Gorbag (3)
MF Shagrat (3)
MF Nazgul #1 (7)
MF Nazgul #2 (7)
MF *Mouth (8)
FW Shelob (10)

$$$: -7
Verdict: Sauron kept Mordor even lower-cost this year, but perhaps they haven’t lost ground competitively. Three Nazgul are gone, but Gothmog II, the Mouth, and a Fellbeast defender are three capable replacements.

Nargothrond (89)
GK Orodreth (10)
DF Guillen (4)
DF Baran (3)
DF Arminas (4)
DF Barahir (7)
MF Beor (7)
MF Nienor (6)
MF Finduilas (9)
FW Gwindor (10)
FW Finrod (14)
FW *Glaurung (15)

$$$: -6
Verdict: Nargothrond had a disappointing year, but did not overhaul their roster. Instead they replaced Mim with Nienor and shifted a few midfielders and defenders around, including moving Orodreth to goal. Perhaps those players will perform better in different positions, but Nienor is an improvement over Mim anyway.

Rohan (66)
GK Theoden (7)
DF Windfola (3)
DF Snowmane (3)
DF Hama (3)
DF Erkenbrand (3)
MF Aldor (6)
MF King Dead (10)
MF Eowyn (9)
MF Brytta (5)
MF *Faramir (9)
FW Helm (8)

$$$: -28
Verdict: After a nice quarterfinal run, Rohan is shockingly low-budget this year, but not by design. Gandalf is notorious for wandering and he left with Shadowfax, while Eorl and his steed were wooed by team Anduin. At the back end they’ve brought in Windfola to fill the horse gap, while on the other end they’ve added Faramir and Eowyn- good replacements, but it doesn’t quite make up for what they lost.

Shire-Bree United (68)
GK Halbarad (5)
DF Fellbeast (2)
DF Nazgul #4 (8)
DF Gildor (7)
DF *Shadowfax (5)
MF Butterbur (2)
MF Bandobras (4)
MF Ferny (2)
MF Nazgul #6 (8)
MF *Gandalf (14)
FW Khamul (11)

$$$: -4
Verdict: Aragorn, Bombadil, and Barrow-Wight are gone from the productive offense, but Gandalf and a Nazgul have been brought in to compliment Khamul, so the drop-off should be blunted. At the back they’ve brought in a Fellbeast and of course Shadowfax, so it seems they’ve lost on offense and gained on defense.

The Havens (79)
GK Amandil (6)
DF Annael (5)
DF Imrazor (5)
DF Ar Zimrathan (8)
DF Olwe (10)
MF Eriol (5)
MF Mithrellas (3)
MF Earwen (3)
MF Falastur (9)
MF Cirdan (10)
FW *Earendil (15)

$$$: -5
Verdict: Angrod, Aegnor, and Tuor are gone, but Cirdan has gone forward to fill the gap along with bringing in Falastur. At the back Lindo and Elwing are gone, but Ar-Zimrathan and Imrazor are quality replacements, and Amandil has filled the goal vacated by Cirdan. In the middle Earwen and Andreth are gone, replace by Mithrellas and Eriol. The Havens probably took a little step back, as their defensive improvement probably does not equal their scoring lost.

The Sea (100)
GK Hyarmendacil (8)
DF Osse (9)
DF Salmar (9)
DF Uinen (9)
DF *Ulmo (17)
MF Tar Cirytan (7)
MF Voronwe (7)
MF Tar Meneldur (7)
MF Veantur (7)
MF Tar Aldarion (8)
FW Tar Minastir (12)

$$$: -8
Verdict: Still an expensive squad, with nearly everyone back from last year. Voronwe has taken the departed Eriol’s position in the midfield, while Hyarmendacil was signed to fill the gap between the posts. Hyarmendacil has more talent than Eriol, thus the squad as a whole is slightly better.

Tirion (83)
GK Finarfin (8)
DF Irime (3)
DF Amrod (9)
DF Amras (9)
DF *Caranthir (11)
MF Anaire (3)
MF Eldalote (2)
MF Rumil (4)
MF Mahtan (9)
FW Aredhel (12)
FW Finwe (13)

$$$: 0
Verdict: They broke dead even in salary despite changes. Elenwe and Thorondor are gone from the defense in favor of Caranthir, Amrod, and Amras. Eonwe and Ingwe are gone from the front end, replaced by Rumil and Eldalote, and with Mahtan moving forward. Their salary seems to have it right- they’re built different, but overall they’re probably even.

Valimar (102)
GK *Manwe (14)
DF Amarie (4)
DF Este (8)
DF Vana (8)
DF *Namo (14)
MF Elenwe (3)
MF Ilmare (8)
MF Vaire (8)
MF Irmo (9)
MF Ingwe (11)
FW *Arien (15)

$$$: -15
Verdict: The inflated payroll is under control now, and they have perhaps improved despite the cuts. Amrod and Amras have been replaced with Este and Amarie at the rear, while Ilmare and the Blue Wizard attack is now Irmo, Ingwe, and Arien. Their level is comparable to last year- probably higher due to improved scoring spark.

FC Valinor (107)
GK *Huan (15)
DF Thorondor (13)
DF Indis (7)
DF Maglor (10)
DF *Eonwe (12)
MF Elemmire (4)
MF Findis (4)
MF Argon (7)
MF *Yavanna (10)
FW Celegorm (11)
FW *Curufin (14)

$$$: -6
Verdict: Their front four is back intact, but there are small changes elsewhere. Idril and Irmo are out of the midfield, replaced by Elemmire and Findis. At the back end Penlod and Nahar are out, replaced by Thorondor and Eonwe. So, it is a weaker middle balanced with a stronger back, thus they probably broke even.

Real Valinor (101)
GK *Tulkas (12)
DF Nienna (10)
DF Nahar (5)
DF Ingwion (5)
DF *Tilion (12)
MF Quennar (3)
MF Enerdhil (4)
MF Nessa (10)
FW Nerdanel (12)
FW *Miriel (14)
FW Orome (14)

$$$: +3
Verdict: The defending champs had to spend a bit more this time, and didn’t retain all their pieces, but they found good replacements. Orome has replaced Arien up front, Quennar has replaced Elemmire in the midfield, and Nahar and Ingwion have replaced Rumil and Caranthir at the rear. Most likely they’ve broken even- stepping back every so slightly up front while improving a bit at the rear.

Wilderland (75)
GK Great Warg (5)
DF Finglas (3)
DF Skinbark (3)
DF Oropher (5)
DF Radagast (11)
MF Fimbrethil (3)
MF Iminye (4)
MF Imin (5)
MF Nazgul #3 (8)
FW Thranduil (14)
FW *Scatha (14)

$$$: -10
Verdict: The ent Beechbone is out in favor of the wizard Radagast, but the major changes are up front, where Orome, Galadriel, and Elwe have all ditched. Imin and Iminye will attempt to bridge the gap in the midfield, while Thranduil and a Nazgul will help Scatha with the attack. They’ve lost scoring power, but they’re better behind them, thus the step back perhaps is perhaps not as large as the payroll drop.

The Barrow-Downs (50)
GK Alien (2)
DF Lumpkin (2)
DF GwathWight (3)
DF River Woman (3)
DF Barrow-Wight (11)
MF WilWight (3)
MF Lalwende MP (3)
MF Goldberry (3)
MF Hookbill (6)
FW Saucepan Man (6)
FW *Bombadil (8)

$$$: +13
Verdict: Thanks to a new league minimum and the “Tolkien mandate”, this squad formerly known as “The Downer” will be much improved. Goldberry, River Woman, WilWight and GwathWight are more dependable than some of the old crowd, while adding Bombadil to the front definitely improves scoring potential.

Tol In Gaurhoth (84)
GK *ShastaWolf (10)
DF Draugluin (8)
DF GaladriWight (3)
DF BoroWolf (8)
DF *NilpWolf (10)
MF LegateWight (3)
MF SallyWight (4)
MF NerWight (5)
MF *PhantomWolf (10)
FW Thuringwethil (13)
FW *InzilWolf (10)

$$$: +16
Verdict: Their payroll has gone up more than any squad, and predictably there’s a rise in talent. InzilWight is rumored to be a quality replacement Werewolf up front, and bringing Thuringwethil in on the attack and Draugluin on the defense certainly raises the bar on expectations.

[Boromir88]

The friendlies are finally underway and the final slate of Round 1 games brought quality entertainment, a couple eye-opening performances, and a few major disappointments.
----

Hands down the lousiest performance of Round 1 is awarded to Doriath. They might as well have just stayed in the locker-room and saved themselves from the embarrassment.

Easily this was the most precise I've ever seen Tol In Gaurhoth play in the early goings. Habitually slow starters who can't be bothered to play inspired during a meaningless friendly, it was not the story for Tol In Gaurhoth today. And often trusting to individual athleticism and sheer intimidation to make up for careless and sloppy tactics, the wolves and wights looked like a team that had been playing together for ages. The mid-fielders were sharp and dominated that game with a combined 1 goal and 3 assists contribution from phantomwolf and the wights Sally and Nerwen.

Doriath can't give up on the season just yet, it's hard to imagine they can look any worse. So, get the crummiest game out of the way early. The wolves seemed just like a terrible match up for this Doriath roster. The wolves stacked up several yellow cards, as they were playing brutally aggressive all game. Only Mablung and Melian are probably equipped to handle the monstrous beasts and they weren't nearly enough when the rest of the team was flat out afraid. But you can't help to get the sense Doriath is desperately missing the likes of Beleg, Beren, and Luthien as they would not have been as easy to intimidate.

Doriath 0-3 Tol In Gaurhoth
on target 1-6
tot shots 6-16
GOALS:
*22, 0-1 PhantomWolf (SallyWight)
*29, 0-2 Thuringwethil (PhantomWolf)
*41, 0-3 InzilWolf (NerWight)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Doriath- Nellas
*TIG- Drauglin, BoroWolf, SallyWight, PhantomWolf

---

Now we go to perhaps one of the lousiest games of Round 1. Where some other low-scoring contests showcased good defense and goal saving, this was more giving no confidence that they can advance in the tournament.

Barad-dur's defense looks improved from last year, but given the fact their offensive weapons are the same as last year, they should have been more intune with eachother to put up a goal against Arnor. Yet they weren't and this fact does not bode well.

Arnor 0-0 Barad-Dur
on target 3-3
tot shots 9-10
GOALS:
*
YELLOW CARDS:
*Arnor- Argeleb, Earendur, Malvegil
*BDur- Fellbeast#2, Castamir, Herumor

----

Especially considering one of Barad-dur's group opponents is Gondor. And the Gondorian side looked as solid as ever against (albeit) lowly Mordor. With Gondor's roster shake-up there were justified questions about if Gondor could repeat or improve from the last tournament.

This match was textbook to the way Gondor likes to play. A tactically sound mid-field that opponents get worn down trying to break down, or build up nice attacks. And once the Gondorian mid-fielders are able to work up field to proven finishers Eldacar and Anarion, it is game over. If Gondor sticks to the gameplay they know best, they will be a tough out in Group D.

Gondor 3-1 Mordor
on target 8-3
tot shots 19-8
GOALS:
*22, 1-0 Anarion (Meneldil)
*41, 2-0 Romendacil (Eldacar)
*59, 2-1 Mouth (Nazgul#2)
*80, 3-1 Eldacar (Romendacil)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Gondor- Eldarion, Meneldil
*Mordor- Gothmog II, Gorbag, Shelob

One of the highlight matches of Round 1 friendlies was Angband vs. Hithlum and it sure did not disappoint. Both sides really went for the attack and the defenses were tested early and often. The defenses and goal keepers did well just limitting the match to 4 combined goals.

In particular, Hithlum's money spent on the Balrog defender seems to be money well spent as its imposing form has stabilized Hithlum's horrid defense from a year ago. Morwen and Hador were the goal-scorers for Hithlum, which also is bright news because we already know the devastation Turin, Beleg, and Hurin can cause playing together.

Angband did get a worthy equalizer in the end, but we're used to Morgoth's teams playing rather comfortably in the friendlies. That is, Morgoth prefers to be the grand architect and let his pawns prove their quality. This time though, Morgoth was clearly angered by the scoreline and just to get a more desirable draw Morgoth had to take the matter upon himself by blasting in a late-goal past the helpless Huor.

Angband 2-2 Hithlum
on target 6-7
tot shots 14-15
GOALS:
*23, 1-0 Ancalagon (Uldor)
*56, 1-1 Morwen (Hurin)
*61, 1-2 Hador (Turin)
*82, 2-2 Morgoth (Oikeroi)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Angband- Ulfang, Morgoth, Ulwarth
*Hithlum- Balrog#5, Hurin, Morwen, Arroch, Galdor

[the phantom]

The second and final round of friendlies offers one final chance for teams to tune up. There are some pretty pleasing matches on the platter, including...

Inter Beleriand vs Doriath- Beren and Luthien against Elwe and Melian- will it be fun and spirited, or a bit awkward?

Gondor vs Minas Tirith- Both of these teams are popular with the citizens of the southern realm. Some root for both, but some have a particular favorite. Who will have the bragging rights, and which fans will have to buy their fellows drinks?

The Sea vs FC Valinor- Ulmo and his Numenorean partners take on Yavanna and her Noldor partners. It's careful precision and stout defense versus unfettered quickness and skill- a reason for any football fan to watch.

Valimar vs Real Valinor- The defending champs take on the Elder King, aka Arien faces her old squad.

Angband vs Tirion- Morgoth and his team of evil versus King Finwe and his subjects, many of whom abandoned the blessed realm of old in order to claim vengeance on Morgoth for the slaying of Finwe.

Gondolin vs Hithlum- Hurin and Huor return to the hidden kingdom, where their son/nephew Tuor and his wife await. It's a recipe for a hard, clean game with great talent on display.

Armenelos vs AC Beleriand- The men of Numenor take on Feanor and friends- perpetual powers collide. Though the teams aren't identical to what they were, some are calling it a rematch of the Arda Cup final of four season ago.

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Elenrod: Today: While FC Valinor supporters cross the sea in Tol Eressëa’s mobile stadium, FC Valinor fail to cross the Sea—or rather, fail to complete their crosses. Elsewhere, AC Beleriand prove that four is greater than three as they put two goals up to Armenelos’s one. So much for that countdown. In Ard-galen, Gwindor puts up a repeat performance of the Nirnaeth, running past people in Anfauglith and reaching the goal way ahead of everyone else. And finally, in Doriath, Maedhros single-handedly saves Inter from embarrassment as Lúthien defies her father once more. All that and more in today’s Matchday. I’m your host, Elenrod, and joining us today is Beleriandic shield-maidens’ favourite pundit, Maikalomion.

Maika: Please don’t bring that up.

Elenrod: Hehe. Self-designated football historian Iorithil, from Quenta Noldorin Sport, is also here.

Iorithil: Hi, Elenrod. And I must say I’m not ‘self-designated’; I do have a diploma from the Unseen University.

Felagundion: I bet’s the diploma’s unseen, though.

Iorithil: There is that.

Elenrod: And that’s the voice of someone paying off damages, Felagundion the blogger.

Felagundion: $5 000 down, $59 995 000 to go, is it?

Elenrod: Somewhere thereabouts.

Felagundion: I’ll be stuck here for 231 years . . . Unless I get a raise.

Iorithil: Going back to ‘self-appointed’, shouldn’t Maika be called a self-appointed tactician, then?

Maika: I don’t call myself a tactician; everyone else does.

Elenrod: That settles that. So, before we start, Iorithil, I heard that you have a book out.

Iorithil: Yes, it’s Battles of Beleriand: Football in the First Age.

Elenrod: Tell us about it. I’m sure that’s the only reason you agreed to come to our show.

Iorithil: Haha. Well, basically, it traces the development of Beleriandic football from the establishment of Doriath to the War of Wrath. It also has my theory on why the current Beleriand team is split into the Inter and the AC side.

Elenrod: Fantastic stuff. But on to the games, eh? Let’s start with FC Valinor vs The Sea at the Tol Eressëa Mobile Stadium.

The Sea 0-0 FC Valinor
on target 2-4
tot shots 8-11
GOALS:
*
YELLOW CARDS:
*SEA- Uinen, Salmar, Vëantur
*FCV- Elemmírë, Thorondor

Elenrod: Was nil-nil a good result for either team?

Maika: It definitely was for the Sea. They just kept it tight at the back, denied Celegorm and Curufin breathing room, checked the runs of Yavanna and Argon. Of course, FC Valinor would still get their shots, even against the best defences, but Hyarmendacil just kept it clean. He looks to be a great signing for Ulmo.

Iorithil: They basically played a desperate rearguard action, fitting for an underdog in a knockout stage, like what Minas Tirith did against Barad-dûr back in the Third Age, when the Black Tower were still considered a powerhouse. I don’t think Ulmo and his lads would have conceded even if they played into extra time. With that said, if I were a fan of the Sea, I’d feel a little worried that my team showed not a hint of ambition in a friendly against a contender. Erebor’s defenders last year were slightly worse, but Smaug and company still went for it—with bigger stakes, too.

Elenrod: A gamble which they won. Now let’s move on to that magnificent match at the Armenelos Stadium: the home team taking on AC Beleriand.

Armenelos 1-2 AC Beleriand
on target 3-6
tot shots 12-14
GOALS:
*40, 0-1 Eöl (Fëanor)
*63, 1-1 Elros (Tar-Ancalimon)
*74, 1-2 Aegnor (Angrod)
YELLOW CARDS:
*ARM- Ar-Gimilzôr, Tar-Míriel
*ACB- Rochallor, Ulrad

Elenrod: This was promoted as the battle between the cream of the First and the Second Age. Well, whoever the marketers were, they got their numbers a little bit mixed up.

Felagundion: The usual suspects for AC Bel on the scoresheet, I see.

Maika: Yeah, they just tore Armenelos’s defence apart with intelligent movement. Fingolfin and the Balrog kept the wingbacks occupied, and Angrod, Eöl, and Aegnor pushed high up against the Númenórean back three. Then Fëanor just popped up out of nowhere and took Aegnor’s back-heel pass, forcing the defence to reorient and giving Eöl space to receive Fëanor’s pass and smash one past Tar-Atanamir.

Iorithil: The midfielders Ar-Gimilzôr and Tar-Míriel weren’t able to keep up with Fëanor. They had to stop him twice illegally. It was basically four-on-three every time AC Bel went for an attack, and their extra player happened to be one of the best strikers in Arda.

Elenrod: But eighteen minutes into the second half, Armenelos get their equaliser against a team who knew how to kill the game by keeping possession.

Iorithil: Well, basically, the Númenóreans are quicker, stronger, have more stamina than, say Shire-Bree players. They kept pressing the AC Beleriand midfield; Elros was especially effective in harrying Ulrad, who wasn’t entirely comfortable in his deeper role.

Maika: To be fair, neither he nor Denethor are still settled in their double pivot role behind the four attackers. At least they’ve started forming some division of labour—Ulrad was the one who moved forward more to link up defence and attack, while Denethor was more comfortable holding position in front of the centre-backs. But it was a coverage mix-up that led to Armenelos’s goal. Fëanor was shadowing Ar-Gimilzôr, while Denethor and Ulrad took turns marking Tar-Míriel while the other one kept an eye on Elros. But when the last Queen charged forward in possession, both of them moved up to stop her, leaving space behind for Elros to charge into. Tar-Míriel played a short lateral pass to Tar-Ancalimon who was already picking up speed. He ran past Fingolfin and crossed for the unmarked Elros, who just poked it in past Marach.

Felagundion: Then, predictably, Armenelos still haven’t solved the problem of being outnumbered at the back, and Aegnor and Angrod play a pretty one-two—well, more like a one-two-three—to retake the lead.

Elenrod: Remarkable. Okay, moving along, let’s cover the events at Ard-galen Arena, where Anfauglith hosted Nargothrond.

Anfauglith 1-2 Nargothrond
on target 4-6
tot shots 10-16
GOALS:
*17, 0-1 Gwindor (Finrod)
*39, 0-2 Gwindor (Nienor)
*66, 1-2 Gothmog (Rían)
YELLOW CARDS:
*ANF- Gelmir, Haldir, Balrog #2
*NGR- Barahir, Arminas

Felagundion: Adam discussed Haleth of Inter last time, but I think the best winger right now is Gwindor. He prefers to start on the right, but he’s genuinely two-footed; he can cross or finish with either foot. He can make byline runs, inside cuts, off-ball direct runs, anything. And he’s burned every left-back he met.

Iorithil: What about Beleg and Lúthien? I think Beleg’s slightly better than him, though he’s not as ambidextrous, and Gwindor’s slightly better than Lúthien going forward, but, basically, those three are in that highest tier.

Maika: Míriel and Nerdanel are both inside forwards, not wingers, so they don’t count. Thranduil, Khamûl, and Argon aren’t as all-round on attack as those three. Of course, the latter two are better defensively than Gwindor.

Elenrod: Well, Gwindor’s ‘defence’, as I put in air quotes, is more about making sure the full-back has no breath to spare going forward, so winded is he chasing the wily Noldo around.

Felagundion: Haha, that’s it.

Maika: Well, if Nargothrond have one of the best wingers, they also have one of the worst holding midfielders I’ve ever seen. I’ve given Salgant of Gondolin a lot of stick, but at least he can run and poke the ball out of people’s feet. But Bëor . . . when Nargothrond tried to defend their lead with half an hour to go, Rían just skipped past Bëor to feed Gothmog. He just couldn’t catch up to her.

Felagundion: It’s generally a bad idea for any Nargothrond squad to defend a lead, despite the slightly improved defence this year. It’s just in our kingdom’s philosophy. I mean, we build a hidden city, but instead of just staying there, both of our rulers wanted to go out and play with visitors.

Elenrod: Just an inexplicable state of affairs. Anyway, we finally move on to Inter Beleriand-Doriath at the Menegroth Stadium.

Inter Beleriand 1-0 Doriath
on target 5-3
tot shots 14-10
GOALS:
*72, 1-0 Maedhros
YELLOW CARDS:
*INB- Hunthor, Haleth, Baragund, Gorlim
*DOR- Galadhon, Elwë, Galathil

Elenrod: This was a far less exciting match than the previous Inter match, or indeed the time they met in a friendly last year, where Lúthien and Maedhros both scored a brace.

Maika: Doriath had more of the ball, mainly because they had more midfielders, but they had no idea what to do with it. Speaking of Beleg and Lúthien, I’m sure Melian sorely miss them. Only Mablung, Thingol, and Daeron offered anything going forward.

Iorithil: Basically, Inter were more purposeful in possession than Doriath. With Beren, Haleth, and Lúthien, they had ways to get the ball up quickly to their forwards. They won more corners and free kicks from dangerous areas.

Elenrod: And it was one of those free kicks that Maedhros converted for the game’s only goal.

Felagundion: There was some simmering tension between some of the players—remember the incident between Saeros and Beren last year? But they managed to keep it clean—most of the bookings were from fouls to stop counter-attacks, just impedance of play and not attempts to injure other players. In the seventy-first minute, off a Doriath corner, Haldad makes a long clearance and Beren takes the ball forward. Galathil was the last defender between him and Dior because Melian was in the Inter box when corner was taken. It was nothing nasty; he just tugged on his shirt, but it was a yellow card and a free kick.

Maika: Maedhros takes that thirty-yard free kick beautifully—it barely goes over the top of the wall, and just barely slips under the crossbar. Dior couldn't get to it because he’d bump his head otherwise.

Elenrod: Magnificent stuff. Now, before we go, I’ve read some scandalous, almost libellous, remarks from a certain print journalist covering the Arda Cup, labelling us a bunch of ‘entertainers’.

Felagundion: That is libellous. I don’t think we’re entertaining enough to be called entertainers.

Elenrod: That’s true. But c’mon, lay off the jealousy. I know that, despite last year being our first year covering the Arda Cup, we almost got more predictions correct than the rest of our fellow broadcasters combined. I mean, sure, it’s hard employing a controversial journalist who won’t shut up, who has to be constantly warned to watch his language, and who probably wouldn’t otherwise get a job anywhere else, but we have one, too, in Adam Smith. Who’s not an economist.

Felagundion: Maybe AK[[[censored: Matchday director]]] wish that, instead of the real experts they have, they can get self-appointed tacticians and football historians like we do. It’s always much more fun to play pretend. Well, if they offer to cover my damages, I can pretend to be one for them. I can even write an article about the history of the hurry-up defence.

Iorithil: It’s ‘hurry-up offense’, mate. And wrong football.

Felagundion: He even knows his gridiron. Somebody give this Elf a medal.

Elenrod: Haha, indeed. And with that, we’ve come to end of our program. Many thanks once again to Maika, to Felagundion, and it was a pleasure having you with us, Iorithil.

Iorithil: Likewise. I hope I can get invited again

Elenrod: I sure hope so, too. Have a great week, everyone. Bye ‘til then.

[the phantom]

Shire-Bree hosted Anduin in the always-comfortable Michel Delving, and the two fought their way to a well-earned draw.

Gandalf gave Anduin fits most of the game, but they did well enough on everyone else that he wasn't able to make them pay until 10 minutes left- to the delight of the home-crowd. At the other end of the field Anduin got their goal in the first half- a long-range boomer by Boromir.

Each side got in a few shots at the keeper, but frankly most of them weren't quality. It wasn't the fault of the offenses, but rather the Ds were just on their game. The Nazgul did a nice job marking Eorl, and Gildor & Shadowfax were solid. Grimbeorn was able to come free often, but only going away from the goal, and if he turned his run was always blocked by the girth of the Fellbeast.

Oddly enough Bandobras nearly got into a fight with Felarof (at least we assume- the horse looked like it wanted to kick him). The refs might've sent them off, but went with yellows and stern warnings so as to preserve the full sides thus allowing it to truly be a warm-up game.

Looking back at the tape it appears Bandobras kept ducking beneath Felarof and then grabbing his two front legs and essentially hitching a ride wherever the horse was heading (usually towards the action), and as fast as Felarof is we can see the advantage. Felarof of course took issue with this, but the refs never seemed to spot it.

Anduin 1-1 Shire-Bree United
on target 6-5
tot shots 14-14
GOALS:
*37, 1-0 Haldir (Boromir)
*80, 1-1 Gandalf (Ferny)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Anduin- Leod, Felarof
*SBUnt- Bandobras, Fellbeast#5

These two met at nearby neutral-site Bree, and the folks there were treated to a fine display by Elrond and his defense. Asfaloth and Arwen were both tasked with Bombadil and Bombadil alone, and the rest of the team filled in the field around them. Using this strategy and then building attacks slowly and carefully suited them just fine, and they looked sharp.

NogWight had an early assist, so perhaps he'll fit there well, and really the BDowns had no answer for Glorfindel. On the bright side Alien had a couple of excellent saves, so perhaps the keeper position is better for him, as he's kept more on-task there and is less likely to pull pranks and get carded.

Finally the Barrow-Downs did figure out how to muster a bit of offense in the second half and earned a couple shots for defenders coming up in support, but that left them wide-open for the counter that Isildur converted at minute 55, and after that they seemed to just want to get the game over with.

An impressive start for last year's runner-up.

Eriador 3-0 The Barrow-Downs
on target 8-3
tot shots 16-9
GOALS:
*14, 1-0 Glorfindel (NogWight)
*32, 2-0 Arveleg (Isildur)
*55, 3-0 Isildur (Glorfindel)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Eriador- NogWight
*BDowns- Lumpkin, Barrow-Wight

Following that contest Arnor and Imladris took the field, and this one was definitely more competitive. It was very good-natured and very clean, but they were definitely giving it effort. Arnor for the most part controlled the pace of things and held possession the longest, but Imladris looked the most flashing, with Lindir working with the Sons of Elrond quite well. Arnor always seemed to stem the tide just long enough to receive some help from the defenders catching up to the play.

Finally in the second half they were caught just a bit too much off guard, except Malbeth, but he couldn't handle Elladan and Lindir both and Imladris had the lead. But 20 minutes later Arnor's constant pressure finally paid dividends and the Witch King put in the equalizer. A surprising number of folks actually cheered for him. Though he once worsted much of the region, his cooperation with Eriador last year seems to have earned him some goodwill.

Arnor 1-1 Imladris
on target 5-3
tot shots 13-12
GOALS:
*57, 0-1 Elladan (Lindir)
*77, 1-1 Witch King (Arassuil)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Arnor- Valandur
*Imlad-

These two played at a stadium in Westfold (the same used by BSK Westfold of the Central League), and though it was officially neutral naturally Rohan dominated the crowd.

But the Dwarves didn't care, and just put on an absolute clinic of suffocating defense. At the offensive end Gamil Zirak and Telchar showed their mastery of the dribble, while Fili, Kili, and Celebrimbor were called upon to support them and facilitate side-switches when Rohan started getting too heavy around one of the craftsdwarves.

Shortly before the end of the 1st half one such side-switch caught Hama and Snowmane up too far and too far right and Celebrimbor led Gimli right into the box with a pintpoint pass and he one-touched it across to Telchar, wrong-footing the frantically recovering defense, and Telchar deftly lifted it to the top corner for the game-winner.

Dwarves United 1-0 Rohan
on target 4-2
tot shots 12-9
GOALS:
*41, 1-0 Telchar (Gimli)
YELLOW CARDS:
*DwUnt- Kili
*Rohan- Brytta, Hama

[Nogrod]

With the actual tournament quickly approaching the teams have had to take every opportunity given to them to glue their teams and tactics together. With such a short time to build up a team in rehersal-fields the friendlies are worth gold to the them allowing teams to see how they play in conditions resembling the competitive matches. And the AFA has clearly been cunning in building up the pairs meeting each other in the friendlies; not only giving the audiences some outright classics to enjoy but also making sure the teams get to play challenging match-ups.

With only two rounds of friendlies this year the results from this second round will then be all the teams as well as Phantasy Game –players have in their hands before it is time to delve into the tournament itself. With the Phantasy players in mind the AKM will make a few general notes on the teams’ we are reporting on this round – and will then provide a fuller analysis of the different groups as a whole before the games really begin.

But now it is time once again to give the electric pen to our Arda Cup chief-correspondent Ugr Nogrendale.

~*~

Valimar vs. Real Valinor

Even if the game between Gondolin and Hithlum is a classic in many senses it must be said that this match must be the queen of the round. The always oddly underperforming team led by Manwë against last year’s champions – and of course Arien the Bright meeting her sisters in glory on the opposing side. And most players in the field out-age the whole of the Middle-Earth. It would be a clash of some venerable spirits of old among whom the Vanyar and Noldor themselves can be considered as the inexperienced youngsters.

Valimar lost to the Sea on the first friendly 0-1 – last year they draw 1-1 in the group-phase in the most even (and deadliest) group there was (which The Sea went to win in the end leaving Valimar the last). No one can deny that Ulmo’s team is a worthy one, one of the very best indeed, only being knocked out of the tournament last year by the champions Real Valinor. And they haven’t exactly weakened since last season.

But what worries anyone following Valimar’s efforts is exactly the effort they seem to need to make for scoring even once in a game. They have always defended well and kept the scores low with any opponent but scoring… the scoring.

It has been widely rumoured that Manwë’s teams only draw with “goodie-teams”, or win with one goal difference the highest, but then they are a bit more tougher against teams of baddies. It may be Manwë has his own ways – or with his closest Mandos he interprets the visions of Ilúvatar also in the football field?

Now buying Arien to his team Manwë looks like he would have been serious in trying to hire some scoring-power into his team. But with them scoring zero on the first friendly, one needs also to take into account a possibility that he just interpreted Ilúvatar’s vision in a way that Real Valinor must be weakened…

As we speculated about things with Real Valinor already in our earlier summary and match report we will not go into any more speculation on them here.


The game: a synopsis

Well it was a butchery. Real owned the field from the very beginning and rolled their attacks as they wished. Nerdanel scored already on the 11th minute and assisted Tilion again after half an hour’s mark for a two to nil goal. After getting a two-goal lead Real pulled back somewhat giving Valimar some chances of counterplay but the numbers didn’t change from there even if the “High King of all the Elves” Ingwë and Lórien made some nice shots in the end of the first period.

Valimar showed some stamina in the beginning of the second half and periodically got Real Valinor into trouble. And twelve minutes into the second half Arien finally scored for her new team from a nice releasing pass by Lórien. An interesting little scene was then wittnessed by a full stadium as Miriel, Nerdanel and Nessa all came to hug their former comrade after Valimar players had congratulated her enough for the goal. It was clearly an emotional moment for all the four and the crowds cheered, quite a many with tears in their eyes.

But Valimar’s drive was also over by that goal as Real Valinor tightened their game and started to take the initiative once again. And Miriel’s beautiful 3-1 goal from just under Manwë’s nose sealed the game fifteen minutes before the end. There was no way Valimar would come even and both teams knew it – so they kicked the ball around the last minutes to avoid any injuries or unnecessary fatigue.

General notions:
Real Valinor continues their strong performances and will most definitively qualify from their group unless miracles happen – and only the Sea would seriously put their going forward into the quarterfinals in question. Don’t read us wrong here: both Tirion and Nargothrond seem to be in top shape this year and it will not be easy for Real to beat them – but easy or not, in the end they should win.

Valimar in turn has some soul-searching to do (unless Manwë and Mandos have already decided everything). Both Armenelos and The Havens are tough teams and it is not at all clear Valimar will qualify – unless of course Arien finds her game, which in turn depends a lot on if there is anyone to feed her in the offence.



Valimar 1-3 Real Valinor
on target 6-8
tot shots 14-18
GOALS:
*11, 0-1 Nerdanel (Miriel)
*35, 0-2 Tilion (Nerdanel)
*57, 1-2 Arien (Irmo)
*75, 1-3 Miriel (Nessa)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Valimar- Irmo
*RealV- Nahar, Quennar



Gondolin vs. Hithlum

The comeback to Gondolin by Húrin and Húor surely was rousing great interest in the hidden city – as well as the company in which they arrived. Many shivered with the comeback of yet another creature, a huge balrog, but the fear was soon overcome by excitement when such great names as Hador, Túrin or Beleg also marched into the city. And there was even the interesting meeting of the namesakes when Galdor of the House of the Tree welcomed Galdor the lord of Dor-lómin into the town.

We have discussed the general news about Hithlum in our earlier article concerning group C so we’ll only comment here shortly on their fist game.

So they drew 2-2 with Angband which is always a great performance, for any team. It is clear the house of Húrin has quite a many grudges with Melkor and would have seriously wished to win the game – and one could read the disappointment from their faces after the final whistle. But there were positive news from that game as it showed their midfield can score if and when the father and son are under special guard by a strong defence (Morgoth naturally guarded Húrin and the Balrog Túrin).

Now Gondolin hasn’t reached its former glory in the Arda Cup in years. They have been good every year but just lacking the last inch of effort or luck to prevail. Last year they ended up playing their first qualifying game against AC Beleriand which ended their story there.

This it year it will be no easier as they will meet both AC and Inter Beleriand already in the group phase – and even if Dwarves United most probably will not qualify – their panzer-defence will make any team sweat for their goals, and may possibly have an impact to the general results if they manage to force some of the other teams into a low-scoring draw.

Now Gondolin has in a sense strengthened from last year: they’ve lost Gothmog but gotten in his stead a tough pair of Tuor and Idril to aid Maeglin in offence. Especially Tuor was convincing last year playing for The Havens – but one needs to remember Idril had a good season at FC Valinor as well. Penlod in turn brings firmness, stamina and air-playing power to the defence of the team.

That said, they lost their first friendly against Tiron in no uncertain terms 0-2, which proved that at least their game isn’t ready yet. Whether there are some more serious problem in the team or it’s tactics will be seen later. Starting this evening.


The game: a synopsis

To the disappointment of the homecrowds Hithlum took the control of the game from the start and left Gondolin doing more or less the thing they were famous about aka. defending their own. But with the constantly raining shots and chances it was almost inevitable the defence would fall at one point or another. And at 25 minutes Beleg scored from a nice through-pass from Túrin.

With the goal Hithlum’s greatest urge and energy seemed to settle a bit and Gondolin managed to do some nice counterplay. But they never got nearer the goal than Idril hitting the post some ten minutes before the halftime.

But Gondolin came to the second half with high spirits and full of determination – and it took Maeglin less than five minutes to equalise. And even better was on it’s way for the homeside fans. A fair ten minutes later Tuor himself sent the crowds into exstacy by giving Gondolin the lead with a power-header from between the brothers Galdor and Gundor trying to deny him.

But if someone thought the game was over, then that one was wrong. Hithlum added the revvs in their engine and started pounding Gondolin defences with a newly found rigor. And it was Hador Lórindol who finally equalised the game from a smart chip from his grand-grandchild Túrin.

Both teams were keen to win the game and the crowds could enjoy (and fear) for all their money’s worth to the very end of the game. And it was a game of some stunning football with two great teams playing for a great audience.

General notions:
Everyone looks forwards to Hithlum to perform miracles – and the huge pile of money they have invested weighs ever more heavily over their shoulders unless they start to produce those results. Two draws most certainly are not “results” in that sense, even if played against quality-sides like Angband and Gondolin.

Every football fan would like to see Gondolin coming back to the center of the footballing world and before the season it has seem like they would be doing just that. And even if a word of caution is always needed, the draw with Hithlum is a great result. The team they need to beat though will be Inter Beleriand.


Gondolin 2-2 Hithlum
on target 6-8
tot shots 14-18
GOALS:
*25, 0-1 Beleg (Turin)
*49, 1-1 Maeglin (Duilin)
*62, 2-1 Tuor (Idril)
*76, 2-2 Hador (Turin)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Gondol- Egalmoth, Galdor
*Hithlum- Gundor, Balrog#5



Erebor vs. Mordor

Mordor is outing a 51 million team to the field this season – which means that even if they are left into the group stage the investors will make a neat 9 million profit (of which Sauron will personally collect around 4 million to himself). What more do you need to know to see that this is a forsaken team? Well, you might get one confirmation from the fact that they lost to Gondor 1-3. Kind of tells the rest.

Like we have reported earlier, Erebor faces an upward struggle to make anew their last year’s success as Thranduil was a key part of their offence and Gwaihir the leader of their defence. Winning Minas Tirith only 2-1 in the first round of the friendlies shows just how much weaker Erebor looks like to be this season. So unless they beat the pathetic Mordor by a convincing numbers it might forebode a bye-bye to them this year. And the irony of course lies in the fact that Thranduil plays for Wilderland and Gwaihir for Misty Mountains – both teams that are in the same group with Erebor…

But the AKM has discussed Erebor enough already earlier, so a few words on Mordor are in order.

Firstly it needs to be noted that they totally rebuilt their defence from last year (no wonder, though). They have sold Fellbeast #1 and Grishnak and moved the two lesser Nazgûls into the midfield. In their stead they have hired two lesser Fellbeasts, a Mumâkil and Gothmog the orc. It doesn’t look like a good deal – but it is a lot cheaper one. On the offencive midfield they have lost both their Nazgûls (especially #4 - scoring 2+1 in three games – will be missed this year). On the positive side they have gotten the Mouth in, who actually scored their only goal against Gondor in the first friendly game.

So Shelob and the Silent Watcher with Gorbag and Shagrat added with a few Nazgûls seem to form the core of the team. None of them flashing or special. Probably only Shelob or the new acquisition Mouth would fit any other team other than as a a last minute cheap fill-in.

All that said the homecrowds at Erebor were bloodthirsty. There was little love shared between the teams.


The game: a synopsis

It was a game of strong feelings but not so strong performances – and it was actually quite surprising only six yellow cards were dealt in the game by the easterling referees. An elven referee would have probably tripled the amount of cards. Like with the odd episode when Bard ran to defend Smaug from the foul tackling by the Fellbeasts! (Just go figure that!) And even if it ended up in a five minutes of pushing around in the field by about half of the players from both teams, no one got carded…

The game itself wasn’t anything to be remembered. Mordor defended way better Erebor had expected and Erebor-players seemed to be so surprised by that they never seemed to get over it. On the other end The Mouth and Shelob were dangerous everytime they got the chances – but with still two eagles keeping their home clean Erebor didn’t give them too many of them.

Especially Bard and Nazgûl #7 were the prodigal sons of the game wasting half a dozen great chances with shots either to the woodworks or just off the goal. Happily – from Erebor’s supporters’ POV – Smaug got up to play just enough to score in the early second half.

Smaug the Golden – like most of the dragons – are great players when they are going for it, but like Bombadill they can be kind of unpredictable, like whether they are interested or not.

Mordor-players seemed to be happy to lose only with one goal but Erebor’s players seemed a lot less happy about the result.

General notions:
In their group Erebor meets a lot tougher teams than Mordor – or Minas Tirith to that matter. They have won both their friendly games but there is no reason for complacency. They need to play better, a lot better, in the group phase to qualify – and they know it.

Even if the other teams in group H are no cup-winners either, Mordor will have a tough ride. But it must be said it played pretty well against Erebor and that must be taken as a good sign. How far that takes them is another matter altogether. For Mordor to qualify from their group would still be a miracle. Not to talk of any team from group H to be able to stand against the teams from group A for a minute.


Erebor 1-0 Mordor
on target 3-2
tot shots 12-9
GOALS:
*54, 1-0 Smaug (Bolg)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Erebor- Meneldor, Brand, Dain
*Mordor- Gorbag, Shagrat, Mumakil



Isengard vs. Wilderland

As one of the teams that do not look forwards into qualifying Isengard has also gotten into some cost-cutting measures, although their budget of 66 million is still going to mean losses to the investors if – and when – they do not qualify. Saruman’s pride needs to be the only explanation to that state of affairs. It seems Gandalf has been right all along and Saruman is a fool.

Isengard plays only “regional” friendlies this year. They lost to Rohan 1-2, which was a lesser than expected loss and for the second friendly they will meet their other neighbours Wilderland. The going should be a lot tougher this time.

As the AKM has noted earlier, Wilderland actually looks a bit sharper a team this year even if it has cut their costs with 10 million. But the problem is that thus far it has only looked sharper – they’d need also to perform sharper. Even if Dwarves United is one of the toughest-defending teams of the tournament it is unexcusable that they didn’t score a single goal against them.


The game: a synopsis

On the first half it looked like there was only one team in the field and Wilderland did more or less anything they wished – fex. two neat goals by Thranduil and Scatha. That was a great relief for all the Wilderland fans: the team still knew how to score.

Whether they were just happy with the scoreline or plain overconfident is debatable, but the start of the second half was almost a mirror-image of the first and Isengard really pressed the game into the Wilderland half of the field. And being under a sudden pressure Wilderland seemed to have no medicine for it but when getting the possession were forced to just kick the ball as far away from their goals as they could.

And Isengard’s pressure did indeed produce results when Quickbeam finally scored from a cunning heel-assist by Saruman a fair twnety minutes into the second half.

With a goal conceded the Wilderland team seemed to wake up from something like a charm spelled on them (by Saruman one asks) and were back in the game – but not anymore with the sovereignity they had on the first half.

Even if the rest of the second half was much more even than the first half, it is fair to say that Wilderland sure was nearer to extend their lead than Isengard was to draw the game. And when the referee blew the final whistle both teams retreated from the field very unhappy with their performance.

General notions:
There were positive things in Wilderland’s game, especially the fact that Thranduil was able to score in his new team, but they will have to be able to keep up the pace for a full ninety minutes in the group matches where they will meet a lot tougher teams.

Despite the AKM’s dissing it, Isengard has shown some promising signs and could challenge Rohan and Barad Dûr for the other place in the qualifiers. Stress on the words “could” and “challenge”.


Isengard 1-2 Wilderland
on target 5-7
tot shots 14-17
GOALS:
*17, 0-1 Thranduil (Imin)
*39, 0-2 Scatha (Nazgul#3)
*67, 1-2 Quickbeam (Saruman)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Isen- Mauhur, Lurtz, Wulf
*Wilder- Iminye, Skinbark

[Boromir88]

Four friendly matches remained before all the media experts and analysts come out offering predictions and guides for the tournament. The stage was set for Arda Cup 2013 as teams got in their final tune up before the big lights were turned on.

---

Some matches even had the feel of a tournament atmosphere, as was the case today between Angband and Tirion. There was little love between the players on these teams. It was a case where the end score doesn't really tell the full story.

Both offenses really went for the attack, as the action was often in the final thirds of the field and near each side's penalty box. But the defenses did a good job snuffing out passes and limitting quality shots, as most went harmlessly off target. The first half ended scoreless as the defenses were playing extremely rough with the opposing forwards. Caranthir was given a yellow for harsh tackle on Telvildo that sent the cat flying. And on the other end, while Morgoth kept his hands clean there was little doubt (in the minds of Tirion fans) that the harrassing and hacking Finwe was taking, was at Morgoth's command.

In the 2nd half, Tirion changed formations to a 4-5-1. In large part, probably fearing Morgoth had a sinister plot to severely injure Finwe just before the tournament. So Finwe dropped to the midfield, leaving Aredhel as the lone striker, but she was also a bit quicker and thus able to avoid Angband's defensive strategy of banging up Tirion's forwards.

This ended up working to Tirion's advantage as Aredhel got in close, after Caranthir led her into the box with a nice pass. Carcharoth decided too late to leave his line to snatch up the ball, and Aredhel had an easy task of sliding it passed the Angband-wolf.

But Angband had the tactics for another late game equalizer. Ancalagon and Morgoth were not easy foes to bang up and so they simply bullied their way through Caranthir and Tirion's defense to end the match 1-1.

Angband 1-1 Tirion
on target 3-4
tot shots 14-13
GOALS:
*59, 0-1 Aredhel (Caranthir)
*81, 1-1 Ancalagon (Morgoth)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Angband- Umuiyan, Uldor, Ulwarth
*Tirion- Amrod, Caranthir

----

After a lackluster first round friendly Barad-Dur came into this with a little more fire, or at least their offense looked more on the same page. It paid off in goals too as Sauron made his presense known assisting Beruthiel on the game opening goal, and then scoring the game winner in the 74th minute.

Misty Mountains showed some good offensive capability as well though and they even out shot Barad-Dur. The Blue Wizards had a difficult time suppressing Durin's Bane, Azog and Narvi. But Sauron seems to have made a wise move by dumping the Mumakil keeper from last year and replacing it with Grishnakh. The long-limbed orc has shown he can swat away shots that threaten his goal.

Barad-Dur 2-1 Misty Mts
on target 6-6
tot shots 14-17
GOALS:
*31, 1-0 Beruthiel (Sauron)
*52, 1-1 Azog (DBane)
*74, 2-1 Sauron (Castamir)
YELLOW CARDS:
*BDur- Pallando, Herumor, Fellbeast#1
*MMts- William, Watcher, Rumil, Caradhras

---

One of the games that truly seemed like a friendly as there is much brotherhood between the two teams on the field. That doesn't mean the crowd saw a boring game by any means. There were four good goals and they got to witness some promising idividuals shine. For Minas Tirith, Mardil scored both goals. This was not so surprising to the all-Gondorian crowd as the Good Steward has been scoring goals playing for his home city for years. More surprising was Meneldil for Gondor, who has always played as a defender or a defending midfielder. This year it seems Meneldil wants to have a larger role in the offense, or it could be Minas Tirith's defenders were too focused on halting the dangerous Eldacar and Anarion they were leaving too much space for Meneldil. But he made the most of that space.

Despite having more goals, the game just did not have the same feel as the Angband-Tirion game. Since those teams seriously did not like eachother, they had battled to the end and the tension never left. In this one, after Gondor brought the game level in 64th minute, both sides seemed to reach a gentlemen's agreement to pull back the offenses and knock the ball around until the final whistle, happy with the fair result and final work out before group rounds.

Gondor 2-2 Minas Tirith
on target 4-6
tot shots 14-13
GOALS:
*24, 0-1 Mardil (Tarandor)
*30, 1-1 Eldacar (Meneldil)
*38, 1-2 Mardil (Eomer)
*64, 2-2 Meneldil (Anarion)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Gondor- Ciryandil
*MTirith- Earnur, Tarandor

----

After coming off a dominating 3-0 win over Doriath, the TIG faithful were more confident than ever, feeling they would devour yet another sissy Elven side, led by Olwe. I mean they made mincemeat of Elwe, and therefore believed Elwe's brother didn't stand a chance.

However, this Elven team also had some proud Numenorean defenders who were not going to be intimidated by this fearsome TIG team. Plus Olwe's teams have a pedigree of being technical masters in the passing game. If TIG was proud with how they controlled possession against Doriath, the Havens showed the wolves and wights what it truly meant to control the ball. The Havens had a string of 22 consecutive passes before Earendil finally hammered the ball in for a 1-0 lead.

The Havens would carry that lead to the half-time. The TIG fans were glad to only be down 1 goal (since it could have definitely been worse) but were perplexed to just how their team was going to be able to score when they couldn't hold posession long enough to even get a sniff at The Havens goal.

TIG was determined to equalise as quickly as possible and they got the goal when not even two full minutes elapsed in the 2nd. Thuringwethil batted in a close range shot off of LegateWight's cross. The Elven team was surprised at the speed and quickness this TIG side could score. But deserved or not, the game was tied.

The Havens went back to their quick passing game to try to reclaim the lead, but Shastawolf made some very nice saves to keep it tied. Spiritted on by Shastawolf's effort (and howling to tighten up) the defense-wolves did a better job shutting down the passing lanes and winning the ball.

Olwe's side was not backing down, but in this half The Havens was getting a good dose of their own medicine, as the TIG midfield began showing their own skill in the passing game. The Havens defenders had a difficult time winning the ball back and thus working it to their proven hammer upfront, Earendil. TIG came in one well calculated wave of attack after another, and finally got what would end up as the game-winner off the paws of Inzilwolf.

After TIG's 2nd half performance it was hard to argue with the result and the Elven side graciously accepted the defeat. In an unusual display of respect for the wolves, Cirdan approached the TIG bench to congratulate them. It appeared he went to scratch Nilpwolf behind the ears, but after the wolf stepped back, snarling, the Elf-lord decided a polite bow would be wiser.

The Havens 1-2 Tol In Gaurhoth
on target 5-6
tot shots 14-15
GOALS:
*31, 1-0 Earendil (Falastur)
*47, 1-1 Thuringwethil (LegateWight)
*69, 1-2 InzilWolf (NerWight)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Havens- Imrazor, ArZimrathan
*TIG- GaladriWight, NerWight, BoroWolf

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Power Rank:



The Power Ranking is based on the aggregate of offensive and defensive ranking--the lower the aggregate, the higher the rank. Ties are broken by a) win-draw-loss-record; b) goal differential; and c) goals scored.

The offensive ranking is based on the goals scored throughout the friendly matches. Ties are broken by a) greater number of shots made on target; and b) greater number of shots made.

The defensive ranking is based on the goals allowed throughout the friendly matches. Ties are broken by a) least number of shots allowed on target; and b) least amount of shots allowed.

Please note that the above ranking is based on the two rounds of friendly matches played by the teams, and does not reflect actual tournament performance.

Top Individual Performers:

GOALS + ASSISTS

3+0
Eärendil (The Havens)
Smaug (Erebor)
Mardil (Minas Tirith)

2+1
Maedhros (Inter Beleriand)
Gandalf (Shire-Bree United)
Eldacar (Gondor)
Glorfindel (Eriador)
Gwindor (Nargothrond)

2+0
Ar-Pharazôn (Armenelos)
Elros (Armenelos)
Aegnor (AC Beleriand)
Hador (Hithlum)
Tilion (Real Valinor)
Azog (Misty Mts)
Aredhel (Tirion)
Ancalagon (Angband)
Gothmog (Anfauglith)
Elladan (Imladris)
Thuringwethil (Tol-in-Gaurhoth)
InzilWolf (Tol-in-Gaurhoth)

1+2
Meneldil (Gondor)
Nienor (Nargothrond)

1+1
Eöl (AC Beleriand)
Angrod (AC Beleriand)
Fingon (Inter Beleriand)
Nerdanel (Real Valinor)
Nessa (Real Valinor)
Sauron (Barad-dûr)
Rómendacil (Gondor)
Saruman (Isengard)
Isildur (Eriador)
Orophin (Misty Mts)
Morgoth (Angband)
PhantomWolf (Tol-in-Gaurhoth)

0+3
Túrin (Hithlum)

GOALKEEPING

1. 6/6 (100.0%) – Hyarmendacil (The Sea)
2. 5/5 (100.0%) – Elrond (Eriador)
3. 5/5 (100.0%) – Galadriel (Dwarves United)
4. 8/9 (88.89%) – Grishnákh (Barad-dûr)
5. 7/8 (87.50%) – Beorn (Erebor)

YELLOW CARDS

2
Ar-Gimilzôr (Armenelos)
Ulrad (AC Beleriand)
Galdor (Gondolin)
Balrog #5 (Hithlum)
Nahar (Real Valinor)

Herumor (Barad-dûr)
Mauhur (Isengard)
Lurtz (Isengard)
Brand (Erebor)
NogWight (Eriador)

Great Goblin (Misty Mts)
William (Misty Mts)
Rúmil (Misty Mts)
Caradhras (Misty Mts)
Tarondor (Minas Tirith)

Arminas (Nargothrond)
Caranthir (Tirion)
Ulwarth (Angband)
Gelmir (Anfauglith)
Haldir (Anfauglith)

Balrog #2 (Anfauglith)
BoroWolf (Tol-in-Gaurhoth)
Gorbag (Mordor)
Brytta (Rohan)

[the phantom]

Handicapping the Groups
A MESPN Football Round Table Report

GROUP A

Armenelos (95)
GK Tar Atanamir (10)
DF Tar Calmacil (7)
DF Tar Palantir (7)
DF Tar Telperien (7)
MF Ar Gimilzor (7)
MF Tar Telemmaite (7)
MF Tar Miriel (7)
MF Tar Ancalimon (7)
MF *Elros (12)
FW Ar Adunakhor (12)
FW Ar Pharazon (12)

MESPN Take: Per usual, the squad from Numenor has no weakness to speak of. While their top talent is not as flashy as others, they’re tall, strong, fast, efficient, and intelligent. The only way the other teams in their group score well on them is if Bombadil, Earendil, or Arien have an epic game, which of course they are capable of. That means Armenelos must be prepared to put up 3 in one of their games if they want to win them all. Their front three are all capable of putting the ball in the net, but in particular the defense of Valimar won’t make it easy.

The Barrow-Downs (50)
GK Alien (2)
DF Lumpkin (2)
DF GwathWight (3)
DF River Woman (3)
DF Barrow-Wight (11)
MF WilWight (3)
MF Lalwende MP (3)
MF Goldberry (3)
MF Hookbill (6)
FW Saucepan Man (6)
FW *Bombadil (8)

MESPN Take: This team is nicely improved from previous years. River Woman and Goldberry have nice touch, and Bombadil is always a threat to beat any defense. BWight will lead the defense, but with some of the attackers featured in this group The Downs will likely need to score 2 to win or more likely draw. SPM and Hookbill have both shown promise, so they need to show up and work with Bombadil (who needs to show up consistently as well).

The Havens (79)
GK Amandil (6)
DF Annael (5)
DF Imrazor (5)
DF Ar Zimrathan (8)
DF Olwe (10)
MF Eriol (5)
MF Mithrellas (3)
MF Earwen (3)
MF Falastur (9)
MF Cirdan (10)
FW *Earendil (15)

MESPN Take: They advanced out of a tough group last year, so they certainly have a shot this year. Their defense is intelligent and solid, but they can’t be asked to entirely contain Arien or Bombadil. Earendil, Cirdan and friends must match goals at their end, and they’re athletic enough to do so in head-to-head matchups with the defenders in this group.

Valimar (102)
GK *Manwe (14)
DF Amarie (4)
DF Este (8)
DF Vana (8)
DF *Namo (14)
MF Elenwe (3)
MF Ilmare (8)
MF Vaire (8)
MF Irmo (9)
MF Ingwe (11)
FW *Arien (15)

MESPN Take: Most football publications will likely list Valimar as the slim favorites in Group A, thanks to a proven scorer arriving to balance out their defensive commitment. If Manwe can use Arien, Ingwe and Irmo intelligently without sacrificing their effective defense then they’ll be tough to beat, though Earendil and Bombadil may require too much attention to turn the offense loose.

The MESPN Forecast: Valimar perhaps has the greatest upside if they can get firing on all cylinders, but singular talents will test their back line, while their middle (Elenwe, Ilmare, Vaire) might get outdone by Armenelos. Armenelos is probably the most dependable squad- they never go down easily, so they might be the safest bet. The Havens gets edged out in overall pedigree most likely, but if they outplay the opposition by a bit, or teams don’t handle their attack with enough care, that could easily flip the scales. The Barrow-Downs remains the longest shot, but with a flashing performance by Bombadil it isn’t outside the realm of possibility that they’ll advance this year.

Armenelos- 70%
Valimar- 60%
Havens- 50%
Barrow-Downs- 20%

GROUP B

AC Beleriand (108)
GK Marach (9)
DF Imlach (4)
DF Rochallor (4)
DF Balrog #4 (12)
DF *Fingolfin (15)
MF Denethor (3)
MF Ulrad (5)
MF Angrod (10)
MF Aegnor (10)
FW Eol (15)
FW **Feanor (21)

MESPN Take: Last year’s semifinalist will likely be the popular pick to advance first. Feanor-led offenses always do well, and working with Eol, Angrod and Aegnor this year should be no different. Perhaps only the athletes and defensive commitment of Dwarves United can slow their offense in this group. AC is very solid at the rear too, but they’ll have to bring their best against Inter and Gondolin, which both feature elite attacks.

Inter Beleriand (81)
GK Turgon (11)
DF Haldad (2)
DF Gorlim (2)
DF Baragund (3)
DF Luthien (13)
MF Forweg (2)
MF Hunthor (2)
MF Haleth (7)
MF *Beren (13)
FW Fingon (13)
FW *Maedhros (13)

MESPN Take: Inter will perpetually be looking to feed it to their dangerous attack, but the athletes on AC and Dwarves United will provide a stiff challenge to the scorers. At the back they have Turgon in goal and Luthien defending, so they can hamstring at least one opposing scorer and save a good shot every game, but AC and Gondolin have enough weapons to demand more of a defense.

Dwarves United (86)
GK Galadriel (14)
DF Azaghal (5)
DF Durin (6)
DF Aule (16)
DF *Celebrimbor (18)
MF Fili (2)
MF Kili (2)
MF Gamil Zirak (4)
MF Telchar (4)
MF Gimli (5)
FW Legolas (10)

MESPN Take: Now with Galadriel behind Aule and Celebrimbor their defense is able to handle nearly anyone so long as they’re committed to it. The crafty Telchar and Zirak will need to create offense, and Legolas will need to be a sharp-shooter when he gets his opportunities. Celebrimbor and Aule are dangerous scorers on set plays and PKs etc. , but if they have to take too big a hand in the offense, the defense will suffer.

Gondolin (84)
GK Rog (8)
DF Penlod (7)
DF Aranwe (3)
DF Galdor (5)
DF Egalmoth (7)
MF Salgant (4)
MF Elemmakil (4)
MF Duilin (8)
MF Idril (10)
FW Tuor (10)
FW *Maeglin (18)

MESPN Take: The “keen-boot” Maeglin has proven himself as a top-scorer, and he has a quality supporting cast this year which means only a complete defensive commitment or multiple elite defenders can keep them off the scoreboard. At the back they’re not elite, but at least they don’t have weak links in front of Rog. Inter and AC can throw multiple high-scorers at them, so they’ll probably have to outscore them.

The MESPN Forecast: AC will be the popular pick to finish first, and if talent alone wins out then they will. But with Maedhros/Fingon/Beren and Maeglin/Tuor/Idril in the group, there’s the potential to get nipped in a high-scoring contest if the breaks don’t go their way. And as Dwarves United proved last year, they can’t be written off, and if they win themselves an early lead they can muddy the game up with the best of them. Between Gondolin and Inter it may just be a toss up, as these two look remarkably similar.

ACBeleriand- 85%
InterBeleriand- 45%
Gondolin- 45%
Dwarves United- 25%

GROUP C

Doriath (70)
GK Dior (7)
DF Galathil (2)
DF Nimloth (2)
DF Elwing (6)
DF *Melian (14)
MF Galadhon (2)
MF Nellas (3)
MF Saeros (3)
MF Daeron (7)
MF *Elwe (14)
FW Mablung (10)

MESPN Take: As always Melian will lead the defense, and her girdle ups everyone’s performance. But with the sheer attacking power of Hithlum and the skill of the defending champs Real, Melian will need some help. Mablung proved himself at the forward last year, and Elwe’s height and power will give defenses a worry, but their ultimate success will depend on the rest of the midfield getting them chances. All three opponents have good athletes at the back.

Hithlum (101)
GK Huor (8)
DF Galdor (5)
DF Arroch (2)
DF Gundor (5)
DF Balrog #5 (13)
MF Aradan (3)
MF Morwen (6)
MF Hador (12)
MF *Beleg (13)
FW Hurin (14)
FW **Turin (20)

MESPN Take: A Balrog and Arroch in front of Huor gives the defense more bite this year, but the focal point remains the offense, with four different players that know how to put the ball in the net. Shire-Bree can try to blunt it somewhat with a Nazgul/Gildor/Fellbeast/Shadowfax, and Real has Nienna/Ingwion/Tilion/Nahar (and even Tulkas behind them), so Hithlum can’t just trample this group with scoring.

Shire-Bree United (68)
GK Halbarad (5)
DF Fellbeast (2)
DF Nazgul #4 (8)
DF Gildor (7)
DF *Shadowfax (5)
MF Butterbur (2)
MF Bandobras (4)
MF Ferny (2)
MF Nazgul #6 (8)
MF *Gandalf (14)
FW Khamul (11)

MESPN Take: They have a solid defense with diverse skill-sets, so they’ll be well equipped to stop scoring when they commit to it. It’ll be tougher to get on the board with BWight, Aragorn and Bombadil gone, but Gandalf adds some threat back. More than likely he’ll see a lot of extra attention from Hithlum’s Balrog, Doriath’s Melian, and Ingwion of Real, so the surrounding Nazgul will have to come through and make defenses respect the whole offense.

Real Valinor (101)
GK *Tulkas (12)
DF Nienna (10)
DF Nahar (5)
DF Ingwion (5)
DF *Tilion (12)
MF Quennar (3)
MF Enerdhil (4)
MF Nessa (10)
FW Nerdanel (12)
FW *Miriel (14)
FW Orome (14)

MESPN Take: The defending champs are hoping Orome is a good swap out with Arien, and he should provide a good target for Miriel and Nerdanel. Their fast-moving precision passing game may work best against the defenses in this group. They’re solid at the rear in all positions, but Hithlum particularly has a plethora at talent to run at them, so they can’t just focus on one or two threats as with Shire-Bree and Doriath.

The MESPN Forecast: It’s difficult not to pick the defending champs- they’re a proven commodity, and they don’t appear to have gotten worse in the offseason (or if they have- not much). They just look solid up and down, accented by excellent individual talents. With the goal-scoring threat that they are Hithlum will likely be the popular pick to finish second, but Shire-Bree advanced last year, and if their defense can pitch a good game and they convert on set plays and the like, they could definitely pull an upset. Doriath advanced last year as well, and though Beleg has gone over to Hithlum, they have Elwe to replace his scoring. So similar to Shire-Bree, they are capable of knocking off a favorite.

Real Valinor- 75%
Hithlum- 65%
Shire-Bree United- 30%
Doriath- 30%

GROUP D

Barad-Dur (74)
GK Grishnakh (5)
DF Fellbeast #1 (3)
DF Fellbeast #2 (3)
DF Pallando (11)
DF Alatar (11)
MF Sangahyando (3)
MF Herumor (3)
MF Angamaite (3)
MF Beruthiel (5)
FW Castamir (7)
FW *Sauron (20)

MESPN Take: Sauron has brought up the defense this year. Against the in-group competition the Blue Wizards should perform well and Fellbeasts can be handy for getting back quickly, but they might be more useful against dragons than an offense like FC. At the front Sauron is enough to make any offense a threat, but FC has Eonwe and Maglor at the back to provide respectable matchups for him, so the rest of the offense must support well and help him gain a mismatch.

Gondor (70)
GK Imrahil (5)
DF Galadil (4)
DF Earnil I (6)
DF Eldarion (5)
MF Calimehtar (5)
MF Ciryandil (5)
MF Turambar (6)
MF Meneldil (6)
MF Romendacil (7)
MF *Anarion (12)
FW Eldacar (9)

MESPN Take: Some refer to Gondor as “Armenelos Lite”, and there is perhaps justification. Similar to their forefathers, their strength lies in their across the board consistency, size, and strength, and sound fundamentals. Anarion was a standout scorer last year, and Eldacar as an athlete is a cut above many of his teammates, so with even support behind them they will threaten Barad-Dur and Isengard. With FC’s defenders however they’ll have to take some risks. At the back their team strategy and soundness may be able to shut down BDur and Isen, as they both feature a singular focus (Sauron and Saruman), but again FC will be problematic.

Isengard (66)
GK Ugluk (5)
DF Mauhur (3)
DF Beechbone (3)
DF Treebeard (10)
MF Lurtz (3)
MF Wulf (2)
MF Lugdush (3)
MF Nazgul #5 (8)
MF Wormtongue (4)
MF *Saruman (15)
FW Quickbeam (10)

MESPN Take: Saruman is a danger both to score and to be crafty and create for others, and he’s got a big target in Quickbeam. The newly added Nazgul will add a solid supporter for the offense, and Wormtongue too is a sneaky distributor. Against Gondor and BDur they won’t be straight up overmatched, but they cannot make mistakes. FC will take a very special effort. At the back their ents will be nice for defending corners and the like, but in the open field they’ll be susceptible to FC, and Sauron. Their midfield will have to get back quick, or just stay back in some situations.

FC Valinor (107)
GK *Huan (15)
DF Thorondor (13)
DF Indis (7)
DF Maglor (10)
DF *Eonwe (12)
MF Elemmire (4)
MF Findis (4)
MF Argon (7)
MF *Yavanna (10)
FW Celegorm (11)
FW *Curufin (14)

MESPN Take: Huan is the best keeper in the group, and the four in front of him is also the most talented, so barring a lapse they will be tough to score on. In some groups shutouts might be easier to come by, but a shutout of Sauron or Saruman can’t be guaranteed. On offense their front four is the same as last year- and we know they can score- but with Irmo and Indis gone from the midfield solid squads like Gondor might have a better chance at denying Curufin and pals possession. On breakaways they’ll be able to straight up outrun most of Isen and Gondor but not BDur.

The MESPN Forecast: Well yes, if FC plays up to potential they’re the favorite here. For the other spot Gondor and BDur have an edge over Isengard, but if Saruman gets hot or if the opposition gets carded they are capable of getting in. Between Gondor and BDur it may be a tossup, and perhaps their margins of victory/loss against the others will be the tiebreaker, in which case BDur has the edge because of Sauron’s scoring touch- plus can he really be eliminated early consecutively?

FC Valinor- 90%
Barad-Dur- 45%
Gondor- 40%
Isengard- 25%

(groups E through H to follow)

[the phantom]

(special report continued...)

GROUP E

Erebor (94)
GK *Beorn (12)
DF Thorin (5)
DF Meneldor (8)
DF Landroval (8)
DF Girion (8)
MF Dain (5)
MF Brand (3)
MF Bolg (9)
FW Bard (8)
FW Nazgul #7 (10)
FW *Smaug (18)

MESPN Take: A winged dragon provides a matchup problem for many teams, but Misty Mts has a natural stopper in Gwaihir. Eriador and Wilderland on the other hand have a couple good tools on defense, but they’ll have to depend more on stopping Smaug’s feeders, which Wilderland might struggle to do without extra defensive commitment. With twin eagles on their defense, defensive teams aren’t going to be able to beat Erebor on a dash forward, but Eriador will be able to build slowly with precise passing, and the Elves and Narvi in the middle for Misty will do that as well. Having Beorn at the back, who has at times looked very good, may make the difference.

Eriador (103)
GK *Elrond (20)
DF Asfaloth (4)
DF Arwen (10)
DF Aragorn (10)
DF *Gil-galad (13)
MF Araphant (5)
MF Arador (4)
MF NogWight (6)
MF Arveleg (8)
MF *Glorfindel (13)
FW Isildur (10)

MESPN Take: With the defenders they have in front of Elrond they threaten to shut out anyone, but they’re in a group where each team has as primary striker a dragon or a balrog, so it’ll be a test without a bona fide beast-stopper (though Asfaloth will be quite helpful in some instances). Eriador will likely control possession more than any of their opponents, and is the least error-prone, and they have the most consistent goal-keeper in the tournament, so the main focus will be keeping the ball off the scales of the dragons (and balrog).

Misty Mts (76)
GK Chief Wolf (3)
DF Caradhras (7)
DF William (4)
DF Watcher (5)
DF *Gwaihir (11)
MF Great Goblin (5)
MF Orophin (6)
MF Rumil (6)
MF Narvi (6)
MF Azog (8)
FW *Durin’s Bane (15)

MESPN Take: Durin’s Bane is a big, fast threat up front, and with the power of Azog also a scoring threat and the Elves and craftsdwarf supporting them it will be difficult to keep them from scoring. At the rear they’ve got some bruisers, one of which (Gwaihir) is lightning fast getting back and forth, but that won’t serve them quite as well against an attack like Eriador.

Wilderland (75)
GK Great Warg (5)
DF Finglas (3)
DF Skinbark (3)
DF Oropher (5)
DF Radagast (11)
MF Fimbrethil (3)
MF Iminye (4)
MF Imin (5)
MF Nazgul #3 (8)
FW Thranduil (14)
FW *Scatha (14)

MESPN Take: A dragon is always useful, but ground-bound as he is Scatha will be more manageable than Smaug for Misty Mts (who have some big bodies to put on Scatha). But he’ll still be a problem at times for Eriador, and maybe for Erebor, as on the ground their eagles can get out-muscled. Against Misty they’ll be dependent upon Thranduil and their Nazgul to outmaneuver the defense. Smaug and Durin’s Bane will give them some trouble, but the presence of two Ents at the back will keep them from being bowled over, while Oropher and Radagast will provide good possession support and help with more standard attackers.

The MESPN Forecast: After their runner-up performance it’s tough to leave Eriador out, and they are solid across the field and accentuated with talents like Glorfindel and Elrond. The other three are somewhat similar, in that they all have a large dangerous attacker to be targeted on crosses and convert free kicks, and they all have somewhat diverse defenses, which perhaps makes them better suited to play one another. It’s tempting to just go with Erebor for the second slot since they made the semifinals last year, but the departure of Thranduil to Wilderland makes their support of Smaug less dominant. Wilderland has the benefit of Radagast spear-heading defensive efforts, while Misty now perhaps has the most solid midfield. But Smaug probably remains the biggest goal-scoring threat, while Glorfindel is the best all-around offensive tool. And then there’s the possibility of Scatha, Smaug, or Durin’s Bane having a dominant game and edging out Eriador. It’s a tough group to call.

Eriador: 65%
Erebor: 50%
Misty Mts: 45%
Wilderland: 40%

GROUP F

Minas Tirith (76)
GK Denethor II (7)
DF Earnur (7)
DF Ecthelion II (7)
DF Firefoot (3)
DF Cirion (7)
MF Earnil II (7)
MF Tarandor (7)
MF Telumehtar (7)
MF Mardil (7)
MF *Eomer (10)
FW Boromir I (7)

MESPN Take: The White City has a solid midfield and defense that excels in working in harmony together and flowing seamlessly from attack to defense, but it won’t be an advantage against The Sea, as they are similar only with a couple of greater talents to punctuate their effectiveness. It will be more of a plus against Tirion, but then Tirion has the speed and precision up front to force Minas Tirith into greater defensive commitment. Firefoot will probably be useful against Glaurung, and MT is good enough on offense to force Nargothrond to give help at the back, whereas if their attackers were turned loose MT might have problems.

Nargothrond (89)
GK Orodreth (10)
DF Guillen (4)
DF Baran (3)
DF Arminas (4)
DF Barahir (7)
MF Beor (7)
MF Nienor (6)
MF Finduilas (9)
FW Gwindor (10)
FW Finrod (14)
FW *Glaurung (15)

MESPN Take: With a solid array of forwards and midfielders Nargothrond has an attack to make anyone feel nervous. Glaurung is a nice weapon to have up front, but The Sea should be well prepared, as Osse and Ulmo both have the size and strength to not be entirely overpowered, and goodness knows they don’t fear fire. And Firefoot of MT will blunt his effectiveness as well, not to mention MT’s team defense denying him touches. Their defense doesn’t exactly scare anyone, so they’ll have to rely on owning the ball, not to mention the other team’s fear of letting Nargothrond loose on a counter. The trio of Finwe-Aredhel-Mahtan will be particularly difficult to contain without help.

The Sea (100)
GK Hyarmendacil (8)
DF Osse (9)
DF Salmar (9)
DF Uinen (9)
DF *Ulmo (17)
MF Tar Cirytan (7)
MF Voronwe (7)
MF Tar Meneldur (7)
MF Veantur (7)
MF Tar Aldarion (8)
FW Tar Minastir (12)

MESPN Take: Similar to team Armenelos (where five of their players hail from), much of the strength of The Sea rests in their lack of weak links, and their habit of offering no tactical or personal mistakes to capitalize on. The quickness and grace of the Nargothrond and Tirion attackers will likely force The Sea to be more conservative. They should be able to hold possession decently against MT and Nargothrond, but the forwards of Tirion pressure the ball a lot, and Feanor’s three sons on defense aren’t exactly passive either, so they’ll need to try a long pass forward more often.

Tirion (83)
GK Finarfin (8)
DF Irime (3)
DF Amrod (9)
DF Amras (9)
DF *Caranthir (11)
MF Anaire (3)
MF Eldalote (2)
MF Rumil (4)
MF Mahtan (9)
FW Aredhel (12)
FW Finwe (13)

MESPN Take: The high talent level and defensive-mindedness of The Sea might frustrate the Tirion offense, but it’s unlikely to be overly shackled against anyone else. Minas Tirith will try to limit them with their own possession and by owning the middle of the field, as will Nargothrond. Tirion’s defenders and Finarfin in goal should be a match for the attack of Minas Tirith, and perhaps The Sea if they’re overly defensive, but Nargothrond has enough weapons that Tirion might have to stay more honest at the back and leave the ball-pressure more to the attackers, though that might slow down the offense.

The MESPN Forecast: If we call it how it is, Minas Tirith appears to be a weaker version of The Sea. Nargothrond perhaps has the most dangerous overall attack, while maybe Tirion’s front three is the most threatening against the specific defenses in this group. Defensively The Sea is probably the most solid overall and can limit Glaurung the most, while Tirion is perhaps best equipped to stop MT and Sea, with the drawback that their midfield can be overcome. Once again, this isn’t an easy group to handicap.

The Sea- 65%
Tirion- 55%
Nargothrond- 50%
Minas Tirith- 30%

GROUP G

Angband (91)
GK *Carcharoth (9)
DF Ulwarth (4)
DF Umuiyan (5)
DF Balrog #1 (12)
DF *Morgoth (20)
MF Uldor (4)
MF Ulfast (4)
MF Ulfang (5)
MF Oikeroi (5)
FW Telvildo (9)
FW *Ancalagon (14)

MESPN Take: Angband is nicely flexible at both ends, with a couple cat-quick attackers supporting the size and power of Ancalagon, who can also get downfield in a hurry. At the back they have another feline, plus the size and power of Morgoth and a Balrog. The only team in the group that on paper looks to pose defensive problems is TIG, as the two Werewolves and Thuringwethil are faster than Ulwarth and Morgoth, perhaps a smidgeon more agile than the Balrog, and stronger than Umuiyan and Ulwarth. As far as teams stopping their attack, Angfauglith has the means to stop Ancalagon with twin Balrogs, and TIG’s Werewolves will give the feline attackers grief, though they can’t do the same to Ancalagon.

Angfauglith (87)
GK *Ungoliant (16)
DF Borlach (3)
DF Gelmir (3)
DF Balrog #2 (12)
DF *Balrog #3 (12)
MF Gorgol (3)
MF Haldir (4)
MF Rian (3)
MF Bor (3)
FW Ecthelion (10)
FW *Gothmog (18)

MESPN Take: Their double Balrogs plus Ungoliant at the back leave them set to handle for the most part any threat thrown at them, while Gothmog-Ecthelion will cause problems at the other end. Imladris doesn’t look likely to stop them, while Angband can throw a Balrog at Gothmog but he won’t best his lord. TIG looks perhaps best equipped on account of Drauglin and the other Werewolves, but individually they can’t match the size and strength, and Gothmog is just as fast. The problem for Angfauglith will be delivering the ball to the forwards, as their midfield is not dominant.

Imladris (69)
GK Valandil (6)
DF Celebrian (5)
DF Galdor (4)
DF Erestor (9)
DF *Varda (14)
MF Gilraen (2)
MF Figwit (2)
MF Lindir (2)
MF Arahael (5)
FW Elladan (10)
FW Elrohir (10)

MESPN Take: The defenses they’ll face in this group will make for tough sledding, but the Elves up front may be able to make some headway against Angband, which only has one defender that can match their quick directional changes and ball movement. Similarly Angfauglith may have a bit of trouble defending them if they keep things moving quickly and accurately, front to back side to side. But holding possession will be key, and the forwards for the opposition are known to be aggressive when on defense. They can’t just pass back and expect the opposition to wait on them. If they choose to play it that way, Varda should be able to take away an attacker from the opposition (though not Ancalagon or Gothmog).

Tol In Gaurhoth (84)
GK *ShastaWolf (10)
DF Drauglin (8)
DF GaladriWight (3)
DF BoroWolf (8)
DF *NilpWolf (10)
MF LegateWight (3)
MF SallyWight (4)
MF NerWight (5)
MF *PhantomWolf (10)
FW Thuringwethil (13)
FW *InzilWolf (10)

MESPN Take: TIG is clearly the fastest squad overall, as only Gothmog and Ancalagon in full flight can beat their Werewolves or Thuringwethil across the field. To match their strength and athleticism Angband has Morgoth, balrog, dragon, and Catbeasts, and Angfauglith has three balrogs, so the Wights might need to make the difference by beating the other squad’s role-players. Against Imladris their priority will be staying in control and tactically sound, as the Elves will aim to frustrate them and wait for mistakes.

The MESPN Forecast: The diverse skill-sets and presence of Morgoth makes Angband the favorite here, and TIG looks to be ahead of Angfauglith in the pecking order for second place, leaving Imladris as the squad gunning for the upset. In other groups a mention of keepers would be more appropriate, as Carcharoth, ShastaWolf, and Ungoliant are all excellent, but here they rather cancel each other out. In the end Ancalagon is the toughest matchup and Morgoth organizes the best defense, so they get the nod over TIG, who has the greatest depth of superior athletes.

Angband- 70%
Tol-In-Gaurhoth- 60%
Angfauglith- 45%
Imladris- 25%

GROUP H

Anduin (83)
GK Amroth (4)
DF Minalcar (5)
DF Felarof (5)
DF Celeborn (10)
DF *Fram (10)
MF Lenwe (2)
MF Leod (5)
MF Haldir (8)
MF Boromir II (10)
FW Eorl (14)
FW Grimbeorn (10)

MESPN Take: A solid and diverse team here, Anduin looks well equipped to please the home fans. Minalcar, Celeborn and Fram can handle most of the athletes they see, and they have the added speed and weight of Felarof to bother Shelob. Grimbeorn is tough up front, but the three in this group have something to throw at him. His three running-mates- Eorl, Boromir and Haldir though will give him room to operate, as no one has four individual athletes that can match what the quad can do- but then no one expects any of these teams to leave their defense out to dry.

Arnor (68)
GK Arvedui (8)
DF Earendur (3)
DF Valandur (3)
DF Malbeth (8)
DF *Elendil (10)
MF Malvegil (3)
MF Argeleb (4)
MF Arassuil (4)
MF Arantar (5)
FW Araphor (7)
FW *Witch King (13)

MESPN Take: Arnor has the best shot at containing the Anduin attack, as they don’t have glaring weak links and have Elendil and Malbeth in front of Arvedui. In addition, Arnor is the most solid through the middle and should own the ball better than anyone. The Witch King won’t be an easy matchup for anyone- he’s too wily and skilled for horses to handle, and men are generally outmatched in size and strength (particularly if they’re suffering from his fear-inducing aura). Celeborn will probably have the best shot at taking him man-to-man (or wraith-to-elf, as it is), but Rohan and Mordor will doubtless give WK extra attention, meaning it will be up to Araphor and others to make them pay.

Mordor (51)
GK Silent Watcher (1)
DF Fellbeast #3 (3)
DF Mumakil (1)
DF Fellbeast #4 (3)
DF Gothmog II (5)
MF Gorbag (3)
MF Shagrat (3)
MF Nazgul #1 (7)
MF Nazgul #2 (7)
MF *Mouth (8)
FW Shelob (10)

MESPN Take: With Fellbeasts and the Mumakil at the rear Mordor is fairly well equipped to face dragons or other large bruisers, but unfortunately they weren’t grouped with many of those (just Grimbeorn really). Given that they will need the offense to score a few. The size of Shelob should bother Arnor, but the steeds of Rohan and Anduin will force The Mouth and his Nazgul buddies to step up. At times the presence of the Nazgul can dishearten mortals, so they’ll need to take advantage of anyone that succumbs.

Rohan (66)
GK Theoden (7)
DF Windfola (3)
DF Snowmane (3)
DF Hama (3)
DF Erkenbrand (3)
MF Aldor (6)
MF King Dead (10)
MF Eowyn (9)
MF Brytta (5)
MF *Faramir (9)
FW Helm (8)

MESPN Take: Rohan will be defense-first, and while double-horses can ensure they don’t get beat on a long-ball, none of the opposition prefers to do that anyway. Arnor might give them some trouble, with their precision positioning and cautious prodding ball-movement. As far as goal-scoring, it will be up to Faramir and friends to beat the opposition with a couple nice passes/moves on the counter, which they hope the more aggressive defenders will be susceptible to in particular.

The MESPN Forecast: Anduin has the most dangerous front four and back four, so it’s difficult not to see them as the favorites. Arnor has the depth up and down and perhaps the greatest chance of upsetting them, hence they have the second-best shot at qualifying. With the Nazgul and Shelob up front Mordor has the best puncher’s chance of scoring past the favorites, while Rohan has the best shot of holding a lead if they grab it early. This could be a very competitive group.

Anduin- 65%
Arnor- 55%
Mordor- 45%
Rohan- 35%

----------------------
----------------------
Round Table Contributors-
Philip McPhantom (MESPN lead football coordinator), Ruharg the Red (Monster Magazine lead sports editor), Ar-Tar-Aradil (Westernesse Weekly sports writer, NAAF president), Adanel (Football wise-woman for Dor-Lomin Athletic Digest), Finwanoro (Football columnist for The Tirion Times and MESPN)

[Boromir88]

By Boro88

After Tol in Gaurhoth's strong showing in the friendlies I was able to sit down with several of the team's werewolves to discuss the approaching tournament. I figured coming off of two victories, now would be about the only chance to speak with the players and make it out alive.

Tol-in-Gaurhoth is trying to put a disappointing 2012 behind them, since it was the only year the team did not make it out of the group round. Although some factors were not in TIG's control, since after taking silver in 2011, the team was hit with some heavy sanctions, which put restrictions on their roster and limitted the kind of game they like playing. But TIG bit the bullet, played by the rules, and adjusted their make-up that even Iluvatar was content and had the sanctions lifted.

Now the wolves, wights, and other beasties are starting to find their form, and at a good time too!

TTN: After being eliminated in the group round last year, how do you think you'll fare this year in a tough Group G?
Many of them are carrying the positive start into their round 1 games...

GaladWight: "We'll kick some butt... I mean ball."

NilpWolf: "We're rolling in the friendlies, winning both games. If we keep this focus, and if Anfauglith continue to struggle, we'd advance from our group this year."

NerWight: "I’m quite hopeful, actually – we’ve got a good line-up this year too, you know."

phantomWolf called last year a "fluke" pointing out they actually played better than their group opponents but by either some rotten luck or having wolves sent off only managed 3 draws: "If you think about it- no one beat us last year, did they? So what we've done is added Thuringwethil and Drauglin to an undefeated team. So long as we don't shoot ourselves in the foot I'm not particularly worried about our prospects."

BoroWolf sounded a bit more cautious: "To be honest, Doriath and The Havens are teams we should beat. Don't get me wrong, it's a nice sign we're winning those games when last year we would have found some way to blow it and only get a point. But, it's fair to say we haven't been tested yet, and the teams in our group bring different challenges over the teams we beat in the friendlies."

TTN: Toughest challenge: Angband, Anfauglith, or Imladris?

We can't set up the teams in Group G much better than phantomWolf:

"Angband.

Despite their tactical and technical proficiency, Imladris just doesn't have the power and athleticism to defend Thuringwethil and two Werewolves on one end and score against Drauglin and a pair of Werewolves at the other.

Angfauglith has three Balrogs, so that negates some of our advantage, but we're better than them all through the middle. Gothmog and Ecthelion can't get themselves the ball and dribble up the entire pitch, nor can two Balrog defenders stop our entire attack when we overmatch everyone else.

Angband though- Ancalagon is always a big challenge, then they have Morgoth and a Balrog at the back, but they supplement that with the quick Catbeasts- two up front and one in back. So athletically they have more to make us stay honest, and to take advantage of positional slip-ups and the like. We'll need to play tough and sharp against them."

And it was pretty much unanimous for Angband, as NilpWolf added Angband should be angry from last year's (like TIG) loss to Minas Tirith. However, it appears the key will be against Anfauglith, and the aura of uncertainty surrounding the team (in large part from an uninspiring friendly performance, but they've got the defense and talent if they can put it all together before the tournament) is a different kind of challenge:

NerWight: "The other two, though, are a bit... thought provoking. I think Angfauglith might look even more sc– I mean thought-provoking than Angband. But then they haven’t done so well in the friendlies, so it’s hard to say."

GaladWight talked to herself in circles (also literally...she was responding while spinning around), but we'll publish her response as well:

""imladris omg elfs omg figwit omg!" is what fangurl43 told me yesterday about the topic (and I did not hear a single capital letter in her sentence). I don't know if she's a fan of our awesome team or a fan of Figwit. I have a feeling that it's the second, because these fans have a hobbit - I mean habit - of adding "OMG" to everything they say. Our team really is awesome, though. So awesome that it should be called Team Awesome. Anyways, as I was saying... Wait, what was the question?"


TTN: Thoughts on Nogrod defecting to play for the 2012 silver-medalist Eriador?

At this NerWight wasn't interested in the past "Nog who?" and GaladWight yelled "Ditcher!"

The striker replacing NogWolf this year believes he will regret the choice...

InzilWolf: "I think it'll bite him. They've got Elrond and Glorfindel too, and that's a couple of prima donnas who don't like sharing the spotlight."

Those who profess to know their former teammate better (but could not foresee his departure) have a slightly different tone.

BoroWolf: "I think we'll miss his height, because the FinnWight was a header-specialist, and he often kept his head for that matter. But then again, with the defenses we're up against this year, their backlines are not dimunitive so I think going with more quickness and agility with InzilWolf and Thuringwethil is good for us. Plus, when clearing out his wolf den I found he had a lifetime subscription to AKM. Inconceivable."

Phantomwolf: "I'm a bit surprised really. Not that he left- I mean, I figured he would. Wights and Werewolves like us are pretty well always restricted to playing on one squad or two, so being granted an opportunity to test the free agent waters is too good to pass up.

But his choice of Eriador surprised me. I figured he'd want to play as a Werewolf for Sauron, or feed the ball to Feanor on AC Beleriand- but I guess not everyone has the same dreams I do. I suppose it makes sense- NogWight has always been a bit more... thoughtful and rational, and less distracted by the superfluous glamor and fame some players seek. So he's probably at home with the talented but humble squad from Eriador. There's enough stars and bright lights there to satisfy most anyone, but Elrond doesn't try to play it up and just wants results."

TTN: And to end this interview on a lighter note...Who would you most want as a teammate? (not including current teammates)

Nilpwolf: "Oh, Finrod, no question. He was once a 'visitor' to our island, and he's an excellent player. He'd fit the 'whole is greater than the sum of its parts' thing that we're proud of."

Phantomwolf: "Ha, well, I sort of gave away my answer in the last question. Sauron, obviously. As the Lord of Werewolves, he really gets me. Specifically, he gets me goals and assists, heh. The guy is just so good at using what he has. He's so flexible with his strategies and even his own playstyle. If you stop him he just comes back in another form. I've played with him before and I know it's a winning recipe, so that's my choice. But as far as a pipe-dream...

...There's Feanor. I'm not sure if I think enough like a First Age Elf for me to thrive in an offense with him- he kind of expects everyone around him to be "where they ought to be" at all times depending upon what he sees from the defense, and then he delivers it perfectly to the spot you should be moving to or takes it himself as he deems appropriate. It isn't necessarily easy to fit into his fast-pace perfection.... But boy would I like to try. Because if Feanor and I could ever get on the same page, the result would be nothing short of the greatest glory and beauty I'd ever experienced. And I dated Kate Beckinsale."

NerWight: "That’s another hard call... maybe Arien."

GaladWight: "Turin. I mean, who wouldn't want such an awesome character for a teammate? I bet every single wight here would agree with me - ouch! Who just elbowed me?"

InzilWolf: "That's a tough one. Maybe GwathWolf. He has a tendency to hang back in the shadows and snatch a victory when you aren't looking."

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

AC Beleriand


(Expected formation)

Last year
Two things were strongly associated with the 2012 AC Beleriand squad: aggressive pressing and a commitment to possession. Fëanor’s squad kept the ball well not only because they fielded four central midfielders (most teams field only two or three, allowing AC Beleriand to pass around them) but also because they went for the ball immediately after losing it. Ulrad and Beren were icons of this high-energy style of play, but even Fëanor, Eöl, and Denethor often harried opposing defenders and defensive midfielders to recover possession.

Playing four central midfielders, however, came at a cost—AC Beleriand lacked width in attack, forcing full-backs Fingolfin and Ecthelion to cover a lot of ground going forward as well as defending. Most teams were unable to exploit this weakness, simply because they couldn’t get the ball long enough to do something with it, but Real Valinor in the semi-finals managed to bypass AC Beleriand’s pressing by sending long balls from the defence straight to Arien, Míriel, and Nerdanel. And even a downgraded Doriath squad managed to stifle their attack by preventing the full-backs from advancing and packing the middle of the pitch, forcing AC Beleriand to beat them on the flanks (which they never did). It’s no coincidence that those two teams who exploited AC Beleriand’s aggressive pressing and lack of width well were the only teams they didn't beat.

Changes
Beren must have been agitating for a move in the offseason, since Fëanor allowed his second-highest goalscorer to walk away too easily. Contract negotiations with holding midfielder Bregolas also fell apart, so two roster spots opened up for AC Beleriand; Fëanor signed Havens wide midfielders Aegnor and Angrod to be their replacements.

Midfield
With Ulrad and Denethor still in the squad, Fëanor retained four ball-playing midfielders who can help keep possession, but his two new signings naturally attack from the wings, giving his side natural width without having to push their full-backs (Fingolfin and Balrog #4, who replaced Ecthelion) forward. In their friendly games the two spent far more time with the back line than with the forwards, making their side more secure against counterattacks. This is particularly helpful when you consider that the ‘2’ in AC Beleriand’s 4-2-3-1, Ulrad and Denethor, were once fielded higher up the field, and are still learning the ropes of the holding midfielder trade. Denethor is more positionally disciplined of the two; Ulrad is a high-energy tackler who would chase opposing midfielders around and harry them in possession.

Attack
The tip of their 4-2-3-1 is, surprisingly, not Fëanor, but Eöl. This has caused opposing defences a ton of problems—the Dark Boot’s tendency is to move from wing to wing, even back to the midfield, to look for space. This often forced a centre-back out of position to mark; otherwise he would be left free to play the ball to AC Beleriand’s other attackers or take a shot himself. Fëanor, on the other hand, is too far away from the line of defenders to be marked by a centre-back, forcing a midfielder to track him. The Fiery Boot can outrun and overpower most midfielders, as Ar-Gimilzôr and Tar-Míriel found out. And Aegnor and Angrod have exploited the focus defences pay on the two forwards by making goalward runs from the wings; Fëanor and Eöl’s passes have often left them with only a defender and the goalkeeper to beat.

Defence
Imlach and Rochallor renew their effective central defensive partnership. Fingolfin remains the leader of their back line, and Balrog #4 is an adequate replacement for Ecthelion, having plied his trade with Anfauglith in the same position last year. The two full-backs would still be required to move forward every now and then, but not as much as they did last year. Marach is a decent goalkeeper who fits well with AC Beleriand’s system; he plays like a sweeper behind the defenders’ high line, clearing crosses and long balls that are played behind the back four.

Quick Guide
CAPTAIN: Fëanor
FORMATION: 4-2-3-1
PLAYING STYLE: possession, pressing
STRENGTH: Attackers, pressing as a unit.
WEAKNESS: Holding midfield duo.
KEY PLAYER: Fëanor
QUESTION: Are Angrod and Aegnor the answer to AC Beleriand’s weaknesses last year?
__________

Inter Beleriand


(Expected formation)

Last year
For a second year in a row, a team led by Maedhros and Fingon failed to advance from their group by the slimmest of margins. Last year, Gondolin’s more convincing 4-0 defeat of Arnor meant that, despite conceding one less goal to Eriador, Inter Beleriand putting just two goals past Arvedui led them to be eliminated on goal difference. And the year before that, Himring were eliminated on goals scored—Tirion scored one more goal against Shire-Bree United than they did.

Maedhros and Fingon were already carrying a huge scoring load, and, while Haleth’s pace is useful on the attack, especially in the counterattacking style Inter prefer, he’s not a goal threat. They need to find goalscorer who will not compromise their defensive solidity.

Changes
Inter Beleriand got what is arguably the coup of the preseason, acquiring all-around midfielder Beren for $13 million. (The only acquisition that could possibly top this is Arien’s transfer to Valimar, although we believe that Caranthir’s move to Tirion is severely underrated.) This signing has improved both their offence and defence—Beren has not only scored five goals and created one for AC Beleriand, he has also often shut down the opposing squad’s most dangerous midfielder.

Inter have also acquired wing player Lúthien, fielding her as a left-back in place of the departing Balrog #5. She is another two-way signing—the former Doriath winger is defensively solid, yet can also contribute to the attack with her pace and well-delivered crosses.

Attack
As a counterattacking side, Inter focus on pace and quick forward delivery of the ball after winning possession. Their specialty is countering off opposition corner kicks—see their second goal against Gondolin last year and their goal vs Doriath in this year’s friendly match.

Beren is fielded as a left-sided midfielder, but he cuts inside whenever Inter is in possession, giving them a third central midfielder and allowing Lúthien to bomb forward. In the impressive AC Beleriand side, he was at his most effective when he was part of dangerous passing triangles with left-back Fingolfin and roaming forward Eöl; Lúthien and Fingon can replicate those roles for Inter. On the right, Haleth is a more traditional wide midfielder, running down the touchline to deliver crosses to the Noldor upfront.

Maedhros and Fingon form a traditional target man/quick man tandem, with Maedhros a target of long balls and a finisher of crosses, while Fingon's pace with the ball allows him to attack defences before they get back into shape. But Maedhros is more than a simple target man—he can hold the ball up while waiting for runners, but he can also turn around and make a run at goal himself.

Midfield and defence
Inter retained their central midfield pairing of Hunthor and Forweg. They’re defensively solid but generally unimaginative with the ball, preferring to play short passes to the wings. Their back four consists of Lúthien and Baragund on the left and the right, respectively (both are converted wide midfielders/wingers) with Haldad and Gorlim as centre-backs. The pair is decent against strong centre forwards, but vulnerable to forwards with pace and technique (which this group is full of). Behind them is Turgon, a fine shotstopper (ninth best save rate last year), a vocal back line leader, and an excellent deliverer of accurate long balls to the forwards.

Quick Guide
CAPTAIN: Maedhros
FORMATION: 4-4-2
PLAYING STYLE: counterattacking
STRENGTH: Attacking trio, pace.
WEAKNESS: Defence.
KEY PLAYER: Beren
QUESTION: Can they score more against Dwarves United than Gondolin? (This is probably the key to their advance—unless they can beat Gondolin.)

[Boromir88]

Our tireless team of statisticians, analysts and experts always attempt to find new ways to break down the stats, analyze and then come up with a projection. For 2013 the new wave hitting TTN is "Wins Above Replacement" (or "WAR" for short).

Over the past several Arda Cups we've looked at total production (position-by-position) in order to come up with the averages at each position. Then we looked at the player production to determine the value of that player.

For example, Ar-Pharazon's WAR is +4.9, which means if we were to theoretically replace an average FW with Ar-Pharazon on the roster, than that team would have won almost 5 more games. Or on the flipside Fatty Lumpkin's -1.7 WAR, means replace an average DF with Fatty Lumpkin and that team would lose almost 2 more games.

Some more important notes: Over the years many players have changed positions, and many others are making either their tournament debut or debut at a new position. So there simply might be less data and history to look at and compare. Ar-Pharazon's WAR is quite high because his entire career he has been a FW (but it also means he's been an extremely good FW). Where someone like Elros has spent years as a GK or MF. Since Elros is a mid-fielder this year, we took his previous tournaments as as a MF and didn't factor in the years he was a GK.

GROUP A

Armenelos
FRIENDLIES:
-Nargothrond (D3-3)
-AC Beleriand (L1-2)

Probably not the friendly results Armenelos was hoping to have but nothing to be alarmed or discouraged about. A draw with a playoff quality team and 1-goal loss to a serious title contender this year.

Tar-Atanamir is a quality keeper and while his best year was clearly when Armenelos won the title in 2009, and there was a drop in his numbers after 2009, the drop wasn't too severe and it has levelled off. Manwe is definitely the best GK in the group, but the other pair of safe hands is Tar-Atanamir.

The most troublesome part for Armenelos is their defense. Tar Telperien has a high WAR (+3.9) but most of that comes from excellent 2008 and 2009 campaigns. Her drop in production coincided with the departures of Ar-Zimrathon and Tar-Cirytan from the defense, which I think just goes to prove Armenelos defensive strength comes from the combined team effort and cohesion, not individual stars. When paired with an average and relatively inexperienced defender, Tar Palantir (+0.2) and a very poor Tar-Calmacil (-0.8), the defense will struggle. On the positive side the other teams in this group only have 1 legitimate scoring threat each, and so the team defense should be good enough against the teams in this group. But when facing a team with multiple weapons, I think you'll see the same results as the friendlies...Armenelos vulnerable to giving up goals.

Armenelos' greatest advantage comes in the FWs and attacking MFs. I've already discussed Ar Pharazon in the opening, but it's worth mentioning even when he's handicapped on a roster that is defensively oriented he produced goals and won games. The king is a pro and he has won many games off his golden boots for his homeland. Then not to mention Ar Adunakhor who is a consisten complimentary player and Elros who is historically a better goalie, but is also a proven field commander in making sure his scorers upfront get quality passes. It's worth mentioning Tar Ancalimon and Tar Miriel as well. Because as primary scorers they are completely outclassed, but they fit nicely into the supportive role and 4th and 5th scoring threat on Armenelos.

Barrow-Downs
FRIENDLIES:
-Shire Bree Utd (L1-2)
-Eriador (L0-3)

Low budget aside, the team is trying out way too many players in new positions, leaving way too many question marks before the tournament. It's risky just to have 1 unknown going into group play. Don't get me wrong there is talent on the team. GwathWight's numbers as a defender (albeit is only based on 2 years) are solid (+0.9). But with the unknowns at the back (Alien and the Barrow-wight) plus the rest which is quite frankly garbage, (Lumpkin's -1.7, River Woman -0.6) I don't see how their defense can hold up.

At the front Bombadil is always capable of going off on a highlight performance but his focus is way too fleeting to be relied upon from match-to-match.

The Havens
FRIENDLIES:
-Inter Beleriand (D3-3)
-Tol In Gaurhoth (L1-2)

The other team that might have hoped for better results in the friendlies, but nothing to be alarmed about. They played good competition and statistically came out similar to Armenelos.

Their defense is conventional, they'll play you straight up but ultimately it is beatable. Ar Zimrathon is their best defender (+0.7) but that is exclusively from 2009 as Ar Zimrathon's numbers have evened out over the other seasons. Their defense relies more on their possession game (which they are definitely very good at).

The trouble with The Haven's midfield is, yes they are experts in the quick passing game and controlling possession. But they struggle turning that possession advantage into goals. Their midfielders all have a negative WAR (excluding Falastur...but he's basically the epitome of average with a +0.1) because they just don't produce goals. Cirdan's height is an advantage when going up against orcs...but he will get no such advantage with the defenses he'll be facing in this group. It should be relatively easy for Armenelos and Valimar to neutralize Cirdan.

I guess that's why they have Earendil, because he is the lad that will produce goals. And with the Havens passing game he'll definitely get a lot of opportunities, but he's just not enough. Earendil's best position is in the MF and when he players like Tilion and Eonwe around him in 2008, or Gil Galad and Glorfindel in 2009. As an attacking mid-fielder his WAR is great (2 years as MF, +1.8)...as a FW it's good, but not anything outstanding (3 years as a FW, +1.1).

Valimar
FRIENDLIES:
-The Sea (L0-1)
-Real Valinor (L1-3)

Even if Valinor played a more rigorous friendly schedule than the rest of the teams in the group, there is some reason for concern. To be fair, The Sea and Real Valinor are legit title contenders this year, but I think the friendly results just goes to show that Valimar is not. Question is, are they still good enough to make it out of this group? Yes.

Defensively they've got the talent to win it. Also, defensively they're all in their proper positions. Ever since Manwe swapped positions with Namo it was a most wise decision by the Valar. With the entire field in front of him, Manwe is much better at setting up his defensive alignments, while Namo is better at noticing where a team is planning to build their attack seconds before they're actually able to do it. But not just those two, the other defenders are in their most natural and comfortable positions which only helps them succeed more.

Similar to The Havens, the real problems come in the mid-field. Another team that loves to control possession (and are experts at doing so) in the mid-field, but again it's a mid-field that just doesn't produce the goals. Ingwe's bounced around from being a DF, to a GK, to a MF. He'll now have to be the elf who tries to get some pressure off Arien, but it's unknown whether he's capable of that. And as much as I praised Manwe for positioning his defenders for success...everyone in the MF just seems out of position. Irmo and Ilmare should be swapped. Statistics show Ilmare is better at feeding balls to the FWs than Irmo.

So, it will come down to how effective Arien can be in this situation. It won't be so much Manwe's conservative style that hold's Arien back. I think it will be lack of another viable threat. I mean you're going to excel when you're with the likes of Miriel and Nerdanel. But even in 2010 Arien had Varda and Eonwe as a supporting cast...Who does she have here...Ingwe? Irmo?

With that being said, since The Havens and Valimar appear very similar, and they appear to have the same strengths and weaknesses, I'll give the slight favor to Valimar based on a tougher defense.

Projected Standings:
1. Armenelos
2. Valimar
3. The Havens
4. Barrow-Downs

[Boromir88]

GROUP C

Doriath
FRIENDLIES:
-Tol In Gaurhoth (L0-3)
-Inter Beleriand (L0-1)

Doriath is in for a cruel awakening this year. It's not that they don't have good talent, but they just lack the depth and stamina in too many positions. And the fact they didn't score a goal in the friendlies (while surrending 4) says all you need to know about Doriath this year.

Dior is a capable GK (+0.8)...even behind a weak defense. Melian will definitely help keep pressure off Dior, but the other 3 defenders are bad (combined -3.1).

The MF is also weak...Thingol is an ok passer but not much of a goal-scorer. Then the rest of the MF...Daeron? Saeros? They've done virtually nothing and it's far too easy for opponents to get under Saeros' skin.

Then Mablung, who is also just..."eh." He's nothing that will catch your attention with how dazzling the attacks of Hithlum and Real Valinor will be. Sure he got a hat-trick last year against Nargothrond, but he did absolutely nothing else in all the rest of Doriath's games (including friendlies) last year.

Hithlum
FRIENDLIES:
-Angband (D2-2)
-Gondolin (D2-2)

They were probably hoping (and if they are expected to contend for the cup) to beat Gondolin. But scoring 2 goals against Angband is a positive. And both of them are definitely playoff caliber teams.

Huor is needing this year to bounce back after a horrid 2011. From 2008-2010, he was a dependable, championship GK (silver-medalist, quarter finalist, and champion in that 3 year span)...then 2011 just a nightmare, and it might have been he didn't feel comfortable in Anfauglith in that year. Returning in 2013 and playing with family might just be what Huor needs to have a bounceback year.

A lot of problems still with the defense, but the Balrog is in his natural position. Galdor and Gundor are not shut-down defenders, but whatever the case they have experience as defenders and history shows they are an improvement over Gethron and Grithnir. It's one of those defenses that is just good enough to get some key stops and move the ball quickly upfront to their amazing talent of scorers.

I don't need to say much about the quality of the quartet of attackers other than: Turin (+9.1), Hurin (+7.8) Beleg (+4.5) and Hador (+1.4). TTN will call it the most prolific offense in 2013. If Real Valinor still had Arien, it would be debatable.

Shire-Bree United
FRIENDLIES:
-Barrow Downs (W2-1)
-Anduin (D1-1)

Their friendly opponents don't compare in strength when looking at the other teams in the group. But you can't say anything bad about the results of winning the Barrow-Downs and drawing Anduin.

Shire-Bree has moved from a strong attacking team to a defensively oriented one. Their defense is under-rated because they've got some legs at their downstairs. What we mean is, Shadowfax, Gildor, and a Nazgul they can all run and won't tire out. Which they'll certainly need in this group, as their defenders will have to do a lot of chasing because...

Shire-Bree's midfield is quite poor. Gandalf and another Nazgul are going to be more focused on the offense, and it leaves Ferny, Bandobras, and Butterbur to try to get the ball away from Turin, Hurin, Beleg and Miriel, Nerdanel, Orome? Heh...riiight.

Their offense isn't too bad (we'll certainly put it more dangerous than Doriath's), but it is a few steps backwards from where they were at last year. Gandalf is better suited as a defender, but seeing as they needed a lot of help revamping their offense, he's needed most in the mid-field. Also, if Gandalf ever really had a place he could call "home," it would be here, in the Shire. Khamul's skills are better suited for a MF because he is very good from set pieces and delivering crosses to past teammates like the Witch-King or Sauron. As the lone striker he could be out of position, but with Nazgul #6 in the MF they should be intune to eachother's minds.

Real Valinor
FRIENDLIES:
-FC Valinor (D2-2)
-Valimar (W3-1)

A tough friendly schedule that they handled quite well this looks like a team ready for the playoffs already. In all groups you would put them as one of the favorites to advance, but they won't repeat as champions. They've simply lost too much on defense with Caranthir leaving, and then on offense with Arien.

Tulkas had quite an awful performance in last year's group play (allowing 5 goals in 3 games), but then he just shut it down in the playoffs (allowing only 2 in 4 games, and those 2 were against AC Beleriand). So, we'll have to see if he can be inspired to give the same effort in the group round.

Tilion is better when he's in the MF. A lot usually depends on his mood, but when he's in the right one he can put together an impressive string of games scoring several goals. Then he's prone to disappearing for a few games when he's in a bad mood. As a defender you can't afford to be off your game, I mean this is the Arda Cup! It's why Real Valinor will miss Caranthir the most. We hate to keep beating on this point, because Caranthir isn't the best defender, but he's a strong one, aggressive, and what you like most is he gives max effort all the time. Tilion's effort tends to come and go.

The MF is the weakest part of the team, their job isn't going to be much more than get the ball, and don't keep it for long, pass it up to the FWs as quickly as possible. Which they should be able to do, at least in this group and their FWs are extremely good at holding the ball in the attacking third and putting opposing defenses under constant stress.

As mentioned, Nerdanel, Miriel, and Orome are not only great goal-scorers, but they're very good at holding onto the ball, constantly makes the defenses work. Defenses will need a lot of stamina when facing this team. The issue is it looks like a team that is vulnerable on the counter...because when a defenses can finally steal the ball away, with the small 3-person midfield and moodiness of Tilion it's a recipe for quick counter attacks.

Projected Standings
1. Hithlum
2. Real Valinor
3. Shire-Bree
4. Doriath

GROUP D

Barad-Dur
FRIENDLIES:
-Arnor (D0-0)
-Misty Mountains (W2-1)

It's interesting how Barad-Dur's 2 friendly opponents are actually quite similar (in terms of gameplay) to 2 of their group opponents...Gondor and Isengard. Like Arnor, Gondor is not going to make mistakes and Isengard relies on a mix of cunning and brute strength. We were rather disappointed with Barad-Dur's friendly performance. I beating the Misty Mts is not bad, but neither Arnor nor Misty Mts look like teams that can go on a deep run in the playoffs.

Grishnakh is making his debut at goalie and so far he has performed well as his long limbs gives the orc good goal coverage. Alatar and Pallando are good improvements to their weak defense last year (the Blue Wizards with a +1.6 WAR...each).

The MF is very crafty with a Numenorean, some pirates, and the agile Beruthiel. The Queen of Cats history shows that she knows well the tactics and secrets of breaking down Gondor, which Sauron will most surely use to his advantage.

Sauron is not a pure "goal-scorer," that is he's not a FW like Turin, Feanor, Miriel, Ar Pharazon...etc their jobs are to score goals and they all do it well. Sauron is more a premiere passer who can put it in goal on occassion. History reveals in 5 Arda Cups (and total of 25 games played) Sauron only has 15 goals, but he's got 19 assists. Sauron loves drawing up set pieces and deceiving defenses on free kicks...so he'll probably try to target the tall form of Castamir in those situations.

Gondor
FRIENDLIES:
-Mordor (W3-1)
-Minas Tirith (D2-2)

Like Barad-Dur dind't have a difficult friendly schedule, but also there were no alarming losses.

Gondor is more vulnerable at the back than Barad-Dur, and maybe even more vulnerable than Isengard. Imrahil is coming in as an unknown factor making his debut at GK. And the three defenders don't offer much to get you excited about their ability to shut down a team. I mean, they surrendered 3 goals to Mordor and Minas Tirith, which means they'll likely give up goals to Barad-Dur and Isengard, not to even mention FC Valinor.

The key to the team will be the mid-field, they are very good at holding possession, but unlike other teams we mentioned in our guides, they're also good at turning that possession into goals. Eldacar is not flashing, but he is consistant and it's difficult for any team to keep him off the stat sheet. And Anarion, well he's just seemed to hit a new vigor and life to to his game after not really doing much from '08-'11.

Isengard
FRIENDLIES:
-Rohan (L1-2)
-Wilderland (L1-2)

Not embarrassing defeats, but defeats nonetheless, and to teams who don't seem like favorites to make the playoffs, and if they do, are probably going out in the 1st round anyways. So, that should really tell you the quality of Isengard this year. They could rattle the cages of Barad-Dur and Gondor for sure, and play spoiler their chances of going through are very small.

The Ent defenders are deadly when they're worked up in a rage (which they might get to when playing Barad-Dur). And it's not that they're slow, but they really don't change direction well. Against Gondor it shouldn't be a problem, because their attack is more methodical and through the center. But crikey, Celegrom and Curufin are going to be able to run circles around this team...with Treebeards WAR at -1.5, and it only gets worse from there...

Saruman's bounceback began in 2010 then he had an even better 2011 season. With support from Wormtongue and a Nazgul, their MF has some bite to it and should be able to hold their own against Barad-Dur's and Gondor's midfield. Their deeper midfielders (Lurtz, Wulf and Lugdush) are seriously going to have to help out the defense though.

Then we get to Quickbeam, who played FW in 2009 (went goalless in 3 games) and last year (1 goal in 3 games). If we combine his two years as an attacking MF...in a ground total of 12 games...Quickbeam's production is 2+2. That's atrocious. The Ent's only threat is on set pieces when Isengard can target him for a header, he's got absolutely no close-control or ability to hold the ball upfront. And considering FC Valinor has an eagle, and Barad-Dur has two fellbeasts, those defenses should be able to contain Quickbeam when Isengard tries to target him for a header.

FC Valinor
FRIENDLIES:
-Real Valinor (D2-2)
-The Sea (D0-0)

If they don't confidantly clear this group, then there is some serious unforeseen flaw in this team...I'm not going to go into too much detail, but here is the deal...

The best GK in the group, easily is Huan.

The best defense in the group, FC Valinor...easily. Eonwe is unknown but joined by Maglor, Indis, and Thorondor it's no question. Thorondor is in a more suitable position this year, he's not meant to be a leader on defense. Even if Eonwe is an unknown factor, what is not questionable is his leadership ability.

Best MF is slightly closer/more debatable but Yavanna and Argon excelled last year. Gondor's might be better as a unit and they don't make mistakes, but athletically FC Valinor's is superior.

Best FWs...no question Celegorm and Curufin.

The only question is whether this team will care to give a full effort, but even just going half-heartedly going through the motions there's no reason they shouldn't dominate this group.

Projected Standings
1. FC Valinor
2. Barad-Dur
3. Gondor
4. Isengard

[Boromir88]

Round 1 Matches
-Boro88

We wouldn't be TTN if we didn't have our match predictions. Here's the Round 1 games, with our predictions:

GROUP A

1. Armenelos vs The Havens -

This is looking like a very even back-and-forth affair. The Havens likes to control the midfield, but that's a tough bill against this Numenorean squad which likes to do the same. The Havens still has enough weapons to trouble Armenelos, in the end though, the defense is not strong enough to stop them. *Armenelos wins 3-2


2. The Barrow-Downs vs Valimar -

Valimar will have an easy time with this one. After last year's ban on games being played in Valinor was lifted, Valimar will want to prove they are wise and gracious hosts, but also give their home fans some exciting football many couldn't witness last year. *Valimar wins 2-0.

GROUP B

1. Inter Beleriand vs Dwarves United -

This one is setting up to be a draw. Dwarves Utd's defense is too good to give up more than one goal, while Inter Beleriand has a lot of questionmarks on the defensive side of the ball (Luthien aside). The only question is willl this game be 0-0 or 1-1? We'll say *Draw 1-1.

2. AC Beleriand vs Gondolin -

AC Beleriand should be able to get whatever they want with Rog and Gondolin's defense. Will this be a blowout, or does Gondolin show some offensive spirit too? *AC Beleriand wins 3-1.

GROUP C

1. Hithlum vs Real Valinor -

A high-scoring slugfest for the ages (and a defensive nightmare if you're the coaches). This could be a semi final battle of these teams weren't in the same group, but it's also great having a matchup like this early on. *Draw 3-3.

2. Shire-Bree United vs Doriath -

If the first match ends in a tie than the Halflings will at least enjoy a few days at the top of the group..befre Hithlum and Real Valinor come to put them in their proper place. *Shire-Bree wins 1-0.

GROUP D

1. Isengard vs FC Valinor -

Saruman would not have been happy with FC Valinor in their group, but at least they get the hardest one out of the way early and then have the last 2 rounds with better chances against Barad-Dur and Gondor. *FC Valinor wins 3-0

2. Barad-Dur vs Gondor -

This will more than likely end in a draw. We don't like picking draws in rivalry games, since usually there is extra inspiration to eliminate your rivals. But with both teams looking evenly matched, and with it being a game in round 1, neither will want to play too risky and start with a loss. *Draw 2-2.

GROUP E

1. Eriador vs Misty Mts -

We'll see if the Misty Mountains can keep this one close. Eriador won't score many goals, but their defense will allow even less. If this is a 1-goal loss, then we really start liking the risk in taking Misty Mts to advance...if anything more than well it becomes a tough climb. *Eriador wins 1-0.

2. Erebor vs Wilderland -

Even with dragon slayers on their team, Wilderland's going to be tough for this Erebor defense to keep off the board. With that being said Erebor's trio of forwards should also have their way with Wilderland's defense. Beorn will be the bigger reason Erebor wins though. *Erebor wins 2-1.

GROUP F

1. Nargothrond vs Minas Tirith -

Closer than the experts think. As our Group F preview explained, Minas Tirith plays a game that can give Nargothrond's defense fits. Especially since statistically, you'll see Nargothrond dominating possession, total shots, shots on target, but the scoreline won't reflect Nargothrond's dominance. *Nargothrond wins 3-2.

2. Tirion vs The Sea -

This is one of the marquee games of round 1. It's hard to see Tirion being kept off the scoreboard, but if any defense is capable of that it's Ulmo's. They already kept Arien scoreless in the friendlies, then Celegorm and Curufin as well. But Tirion's got just enough for a late equalizer. *Draw 1-1.

GROUP G

1. Angfauglith vs Imladris -

Angfauglith had a disappointing performance in the friendlies, but holding AC Beleriand and Nargothrond to 2 goals each is still pretty impressive. Imladris won't score...it'll be up to Gothmog and Ecthelion though to work some flashing teamwork and get a goal against Varda's Imladris. *Angfauglith wins 1-0.

2. Angband vs Tol-In-Gaurhoth -

Another marquee match. Angband usually has a difficult time being ready to go in round 1. So has TIG, for that matter, but they look to be in much sharper form already. The wolves will be playing aggressive and hard to show off in front of Morgoth...but Carcharoth will also be wanting to show off to old wolf buddies playing for TIG. We almost called this a 2-2 draw, but will say...*Angband wins 2-1.

GROUP H

1. Mordor vs Rohan -

This will be another game I'm interested in seeing. Now it may not suit the fancy and attraction of majestic Valar, or powerful Noldor, or the regal Numenoreans but I feel Mordor's low payroll will grab some attention from fans. *Mordor wins 2-1.

2. Anduin vs Arnor -

It comes down to whether the best team on paper can beat the grizzled team of veterans from the North. Anduin's got some better players, but the better and now re-unified kingdom of men will play better as a unit. *Draw 2-2.

[Boromir88]

GROUP D @ Dol Amroth

The 2013 Arda Cup was finally ready to kick off. Up first was the Group D matchup between FC Valinor and Isengard. FC Valinor come in as strong favorites to contend for the cup this year, and were expected to sweep their group without breaking a sweat, against 3 low budget Middle-earth squads. Although, expectations are quite different from performance when the real games begin.

In the pre-game conference, Saruman was in confident spirits despite what many in the media were calling Isengard as the first sacrificial lamb to FC Valinor's sublime skill. Saruman feels the side he put together this year is a strong one, and will be able to handle the "weak and idle" team from the West. Several even left convinced Isengard would not only win their group but could win the whole tournament.

---

But when the game began under the sweltering afternoon sun, the spell Saruman placed on the media during the pre-game conference was broken. And even though it took over 30 minutes before FC Valinor scored the opening goal, the mirage had lifted.

FC Valinor opened the game with their testing phase, working the ball in Isengard's half and around the penalty area. Isengard did well defending at the opening, but they simply couldn't win the ball and when they did cut off one of FC Valinor's passes, it wasn't long before Curufin easily stole it back from the treeish Isengard defenders.

In the 31st minute what felt like a long over-due occurance, Yavanna scored the opening goal. After that, the flood gates opened and Isengard unravelled. 3 minutes after Yavanna's goal, Maglor boomed a pass from mid-circle, and Curufin easily won the ball from Mauhur, sprinted by the Ents and scored. Then 5 minutes after that FC Valinor had a free kick and Curufin put hit such a wicked curve that his father would be proud of, it was 3-0 FC Valinor within a span of 10 minutes.

Isengard's spirits were broken and the 2nd half seemed more like a formality, as Isengard still couldn't win possession, but FC Valinor wasn't trying to push for more goals and they kicked it around the mid-field. Despite the slow pace there was still time for another FC Valinor score. Curufin was pushing for a hat-trick and rocketed a shot but it hit off the top post and Argon cleaned up the rebound.

Isengard began the game actually with a crowd advantage, not only because their fans outnumbered FC Valinor's, but the neutral Gondorians in attendance, even if awed by the great Elves, Valar, and hound Huan didn't feel any real connection towards those players. Where they knew the Isengard team and whatever happened in the past, Saruman had been regarded as a friend. But by the 2nd half, most Isengarders left humiliated, and the neutrals remained in the stands now partying with FC Valinor's fans for the sheer greatness they witnessed today.

Isengard 0-4 FC Valinor
on target 1-7
tot shots 7-14
GOALS:
*31, 0-1 Yavanna (Elemmire)
*34, 0-2 Curufin (Maglor)
*39, 0-3 Curufin
*61, 0-4 Argon (Curufin)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Isengard- Wulf, Lugdush, Wormtongue, Lurtz
*FCVal-

----

Seaside Financial Field was packed to the brim for the 2nd match between Barad-Dur and Gondor. FC Valinor had dismantled Isengard so both felt if they could get a win today they could be in control of their own fates. A draw would be most unfortunate because then they'd have to rely on outside factors like goal differential and not trying to lose as badly to FC Valinor as Isengard did. And of course, you always want to defeat your bitter rivals. The crowd was split pretty much evenly, most Gondorians came to Dol Amroth to cheer for their home team, because the other Gondorian team, Minas Tirith, were playing over seas in the Group F of death. However, Sauron bought up thousands of tickets (then re-sold them at a bargain price in Mordor) as soon as sales opened, to assure a large party loyal to Barad-Dur would be in attendance. Hundreds of Isengarders returned to cheer for Barad-dur and hoping to see a much better team than their own). There were very few neutrals in the crowd, and they were likely only Curufin, Eonwe, Huan and Celegorm who came to the game to scout their future opponents.

For as excited and tense as the emotions were in the stadium, the game began rather flat. Everything from the passing to the players running appeared in slow-motion and of lesser quality after many had just witnessed FC Valinor's performance. But that didn't stop the crowd from exploding in the 25th minute. Anarion has become a difficult player to pin down. Meneldil sent a cross into the box, Alatar was challenging Anarion, but Anarion managed to win the header, heading it backwards to the open Turambar, who was running in towards goal and rifled it to the top of the net.

Gondor switched to their defensive plan of bogging down the mid-field and halting any Barad-dur's attacks before they could seriously threaten the defense. Still Barad-dur was pushing hard for an equalizer before the halftime whistle, but Gondor's lead held.

Crowd emotions were amping up now, after brewing up during the break (and the crowd could stop to get pints refilled). Gondorians were hoping for some more breathing room and therefor Anarion would get slightly more aggressive to push for the 2-goal lead. But the Orcs, Easterlings, Pirates and other baddies were beating their drums and stomping their feet hoping to spirit their team into an equalizer.

To the dissatisfaction of the Gondorians, it was Barad-dur who came out more aggressively. Sauron was working ever harder for an equalizer and as you often see when teams turn conservative to protect 1-goal leads, the lead will fail eventually. The problem playing to protect a lead is you can't afford making a mistake, you have to play nearly flawless defense. While Barad-dur was finding it exceptionally difficult to get through Gondor's mid-field, Castamir managed to provoke Earnil, and the ref decided to award Barad-dur a free-kick (plus book Earnil) after Earnil pushed Castamir in the back.

Sauron wanting to seize the opportunity commanded Alatar to come up and take the kick and get more bodies in the box. Alatar expertly hooked the ball over Gondor's defensive wall, and how Sauron managed to slip past Eldarion for an open header, in front of the keeper, Imrahil, no one knows. But it happened and the game was tied. You could hear groans and curses come out of half the stadium, but they were soon drowned out by the other half which began cheering wildly.

If the game started rather flat, it picked up in the middle, but the end fell even flatter than it began. The crowd was wanting to see great performances from their heroes. Performances worthy of the record books that would win it for their team, as well as break the back of their rivals. Yet, sadly, the crowd did not get what they yearned. Both teams desired to start with a win and 3 points, but appeared more afraid of losing than desiring a victory. Barad-dur and Gondor would play the remainder completely unrisky, and rather uninventive football. Thus Group D ends their round 1 games in a 1-1 draw.

Barad-Dur 1-1 Gondor
on target 6-4
tot shots 14-13
GOALS:
*25, 0-1 Turambar (Anarion)
*72, 1-1 Sauron (Alatar)
YELLOW CARDS:
*BDur- Alatar, Fellbeast#1
*Gondor- Earnil I, Eldarion

Standings (after Round 1):
FC Valinor, 3 pts, +4
Barad-dur, 1 pts, 0
Gondor, 1 pts, 0
Isengard, 0 pts, -4

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Nargothrond vs Minas Tirith, Pelargir Park

Minas Tirith supporters comprised barely more than half the stadium. With the proximity of another Arda Cup host site, some of the locals have chosen to watch Gondor in Dol Amroth (some of them believe that Gondor have a better chance of qualifying for the bracket stage). Of those who chose to go to Pelargir, some ten thousand Gondorians bought tickets for the game between Tirion and the Sea instead. While it was possible to watch both matches live (Minas Tirith vs Nargothrond ended twenty to thirty minutes before the kick-off of the Sea vs Tirion), it would be a tricky proposition, considering the distance between the two stadiums and the traffic jams that came with an Arda Cup matchday. Besides, the price of a ticket for Tol Eressëa’s mobile stadium almost was twice the cost of a ticket of the same class for Pelargir Park, and only a few could afford tickets to both games.

The other half of the stadium was composed of various Nargothrond fan groups. There were the Noldor from the House of Finarfin, who either travelled by land or aboard the floating isle (aside from the stadium, Tol Eressëa Mobile also carried lodgings for guests as well as restaurants and tourist shops.) A small band from Angband who made the journey to Pelargir to cheer Glaurung on were looked upon with suspicion, while a larger party of Bëorians who were there to support Barahir, Baran, and their founder, were treated with much respect by the Third Age Edain.

On the pitch, the players of Minas Tirith showed similar respect to their forefathers. Bëor’s hand was heartily shaken by all eleven players, and Telumehtar Umbardacil managed to secure Barahir’s promise to exchange shirts with him once the game was over.



Now, the game: the first twenty minutes was a midfield battle for possession, with the two teams hardly creating any scoring chance. With Glaurung dropping deeper to become a fourth central midfielder, Nargothrond outnumbered the Stewards in the centre of the pitch; they saw more of the ball and kept it for longer periods of time. After twenty minutes of chasing after the ball in vain, Minas Tirith conceded the midfield and formed two banks of four in front of their penalty area. They hoped to use Nargothrond’s high defensive line to their advantage, playing long passes behind the defence that Boromir I could run on to.

But Nargothrond were successful with pressing from the front, recovering the ball quickly after conceding possession. Minas Tirith gained just a few chances to test Nargothrond’s high line. Whenever Minas Tirith got a ball behind Baran and Arminas, Orodreth rushed out of his box to claim most of them. The best Minas Tirith chance of the half came during the thirty-third minute, when Boromir I got a foot in a long ball from Ecthelion II, but hit his shot directly at Orodreth’s face.

As for Nargothrond’s chances, the right flank looked promising. Cirion, like all Men of pure-blooded Númenórean descent, was athletically fit, beyond that of normal Men, but Gwindor made him look like a turtle, driving past him at will and forcing Ecthelion II to cover for him. This left Eärnur all alone to deal with Finrod and the threat of Glaurung, Nienor, and Finduilas running past him. Thankfully, the midfield protection offered by Tarondor and Eärnil II held fast.

Shortly before half time, Gwindor went on another flank run, easily beating Cirion again and forcing Tarondor to get between him and the goal. Gwindor played a short pass to Glaurung, who turned on Eärnil II. Tarondor recovered too late, and he was booked for tugging at the dragon’s tail to stop his charge. Glaurung laughed mightily at the Man’s cheek and shared a fist bump with him as the half-time whistle was blown.

During the second half, with Tarondor more reserved due to fear of a second yellow card, Glaurung became a bigger threat on the attack. His turn and tailer barely a minute after restart was blocked by Eärnur and kicked clear by his father. The clearance fell only as far as Finduilas, who fired a lateral pass to Barahir, charging from Nargothrond’s back line. With Finrod at the near post, Gwindor at the far post, and Glaurung romping through the middle, the Minas Tirith defenders were unsure who to guard. Who will he cross for? A simple shoulder turn by Glaurung caught the eye of the defence—was he angling for a piledriving tailer? But Barahir’s low cross only went as far as Finrod—the King of Nargothrond stabbed it in past a distracted Denethor II.

A goal down, Minas Tirith could no longer afford to sit deep and wait for counterattacking opportunities. They were forced to go forward, giving Glaurung even more space between the lines. He became the focal point of Nargothrond’s offence, the way it was meant to be last year. He snouted in a Gwindor cross around the hour mark, then pounded in a Finduilas through ball in the seventy-third minute. Half of Pelargir Park were silenced by the dragon’s rampage, and Nargothrond played keep ball the rest of the way. Minas Tirith no longer had the energy to chase after the ball, and contented themselves with taking it easy in preparation for their next two games. Their remaining opponents didn’t feature a speedster and a ferocious beast, after all, and they might have a better chance against them. At least, that’s what they believed that day.

Minas Tirith 0-3 Nargothrond
GOALS:
52, 0-1 Finrod (Barahir)
59, 0-2 Glaurung (Gwindor)
73, 0-3 Glaurung (Finduilas)

Total Shots
12-25
Shots On Target
4-10

YELLOW CARDS:
1-0
MTI: Tarondor
NGR: -

Tirion vs The Sea, Tol Eressëa Mobile Stadium

And now all eyes were on the River Anduin. The silhouette of the moving island was illuminated by fireworks and the light of buildings of Avallónë. Those who stood upon the shores of the river could hear a roar from the stadium, a scream of celebration, a cry of awe. No one who saw the mobile stadium remained unmoved by it.

Inside the arena, the ten thousand Gondorians who bought tickets for the game were praising Eru that they did. Tol Eressëa didn’t have the affluence of Menegroth, nor the grandness of Armenelos, but . . . the history. The grass that covered the pitch has been the same one upon which the first international game of football was played. It never grew too tall, nor did it wither even during the darkest hour of the Blessed Realm. The soil beneath it never got chipped; it never got too dry, or too muddy. It was just right for football. Football was meant to be played upon it.

Then the players of Tirion and the Sea walked into the pitch, and even the most callous Gondorian was moved to reverence. There was the Vala Ulmo, one of the Powers of the World, and with him were his Maiar and some of the greatest among the Men of the West. And on the other side, Finwë, High-King of the Noldor, and with him were some of the most famous names of the Eldar. Football was meant to be played here, and they were meant to play football here. At least, that’s what they thought.



The game, of course, was meant to start. Tirion moved forward with intent, and the Sea defended resolutely. The ball moved quickly, from Rúmil to Aredhel to Mahtan, testing, probing the defence of Ulmo and looking for a foothold, a patch of space from which to start things. But the two holding midfielders, Voronwë and Tar-Ciryatan, were smart to occupy those spaces. Time and time again, Tirion’s advance was rebuffed, and the ball went back to their midfielders, and the dance began anew.

Mahtan, Tirion’s left midfielder, preferred to play through the centre, so to offset this loss of width the left-back Caranthir moved forward to provide attacking options. But in one sequence of play, he was caught too high up the pitch when Mahtan misplaced a pass to Aredhel. Voronwë took possession, scanned the pitch, and found Tar-Minastir making a run behind Caranthir. The Elf from Gondolin sent a long diagonal towards him. Caranthir tried to run back, and Amras closed in on Tar-Minastir. But with his first touch Tar-Minastir sent a cross-field pass to a running Tar-Aldarion on the opposite wing. Easily beating Irimë to the byline, he sent a cross into the box; his grandfather Vëantur, charging from the midfield, beat Amrod and met it with a thundering header for the opener.

The Tirion faithful groaned, while the supporters of the Sea let out a thunderous cheer. Ulmo’s defence was enough to keep even FC Valinor scoreless; surely, a one-goal lead would be enough for them to win.

Finwë, however, was not fazed. He whispered a few words to Aredhel and dropped back closer to the midfield; Tirion returned to the formation they used against Angband.

There were doubts as to the efficacy of Finwë’s strategy among the more tactically astute sections of the crowd. Tirion were already enjoying a considerable possession advantage over the Sea (54-46), so what was he improving by being further away from goal?

It was space. Football was a battle for space: which part of the pitch would you give your opponents? Which part of the pitch is the opposition giving you? Can you create chances from that space?

Aredhel was left alone to battle with Ulmo and Ossë, but now Finwë had a little more space to win headers and play penetrative passes to Aredhel and Mahtan from the midfield. Neither Voronwë nor Tar-Ciryatan could do anything, as he simply outleaped them to headers and outmuscled them on the turn. After Mahtan came close to bagging the equaliser with a stunning volley of a Finwë flick-on (requiring a superb reaction save from Hyarmendacil), Ulmo himself stepped up from the defence to mark Finwë. This turned out to be a mistake—Finwë flicked on another Rúmil cross for Aredhel. The White Lady of the Noldor had too much space to pick her shot, and she sent a peach of a curler past Hyarmendacil. The Sea’s defences were finally breached, and Tirion got their equaliser with a little over half the game left to play.

But Tirion did not press their advantage. After the break, both teams played more conservatively: Caranthir no longer moved forward to join in on the attack, and concentrated on his defensive duties, and Ulmo left Finwë alone in the midfield, concentrating on shutting down Aredhel and Mahtan’s runs from the midfield. Both teams still managed to create chances, but they were long prayers or tame shots easily snuffed by the goalkeepers. Neither team changed gears, seemingly happy with a draw at this point.

The Sea 1-1 Tirion
GOALS:
24, 1-0 Vëantur (Tar-Aldarion)
42, 1-1 Aredhel (Finwë)

Total Shots
12-13
Shots On Target
4-4

YELLOW CARDS:
1-1
SEA: Tar Meneldur
TIR: Amras

------------ W-D-L Pts GD
Nargothrond  1-0-0  3  +3
The Sea      0-1-0  1  0
Tirion       0-1-0  1  0
Minas Tirith 0-0-1  0  -3

W-D-L: win-draw-loss
GD: goal difference