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WC2014 Day 32 Argentina 0 Germany 1 (aet)

Peter Goulding

Monday, July 14th, 2014

1 Leave a comment on verse 1 0 The World Cup Final – for both teams the goal
of years of work. We hoped it would be played
in good spirits. Would Messi have a role?
Could the continental hoodoo be laid
to rest? In front of Brazil and the whole
world, the choice of champions would be made.

2 Leave a comment on verse 2 0 We were surprised that Argentina made
early forays, looking for a quick goal,
our fears of a dour, cagey game allayed.
Neither side, though, could wrest supreme control,
the world’s eyes on Messi as he displayed
glimpses of his best, playing in the hole.

3 Leave a comment on verse 3 0 The Germans looked hesitant, as a whole,
and Argentina’s fans were most dismayed
when Higuain dragged wide when through on goal.
For millions of punters who had laid
bets on the Mannschaft (who’d been on a roll)
they were worrying times, the chance replayed

4 Leave a comment on verse 4 0 a hundred times. The second half was played
in the same manner, both teams probing whole-
heartedly but the breach could not be made.
Hümmels’ header hit the post with the goal
gaping; Messi screwed wide, then later laid
on Palacio – Neuer played his role

5 Leave a comment on verse 5 0 well. Extra time – both teams out on parole,
Mascherano immense, Schweinsteiger played
out of his skin, yet still no route to goal
could be found, though quarter chances were made
and missed, the tension palpable, the whole
crowd urging on a goal long delayed.

6 Leave a comment on verse 6 0 And then, as penalties loomed, it came, laid
on by Schürrle, playing a left-wing role.
His burst of speed and inch perfect cross played
in Götze, who for once found a large hole
in the box. His chest and crisp volley made
hist’ry – the match won by a stunning goal.

7 Leave a comment on verse 7 0 And with that goal, Europe’s hoodoo was laid
to rest. Each player played a hero’s role,
masters of the whole world, history made.

© Peter Goulding 14th July 2014

Notes

After Euro 2012, I vowed I would never again attempt another rhyming sestina. This is it.

Source: http://footballpoets.org/poems/wc2014-day-32-argentina-0-germany-1-aet/