Sports 8 -The Football Arabian Nights Poem by Geeta Radhakrishna Menon

The haunting tales of Arabian nights
Unfolds in the buzzing Doha in Qatar,
With intriguing Football matches -
World Cup - FIFA 2022.
As the winning teams reach the finals,
With emotions running to extremes,
Joy to ecstasy - heartbreak to sorrow,
All eyes wait eagerly for the winning champions.

Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal's most popular player,
All-time top scorer, was defeated in the quarter final
Match against Morocco, who shocked their opponent
With a winner goal that qualified
Morocco players as Semi-finalists.
The Portugal legend was inconsolable,
As he departed in tears from the stadium. Alas!
Winning a world cup was his biggest dream in life!

Super star Lionel Messi of Argentina has topped in the list
Of greatest players after reaching the Finals of World Cup.
However, Messi's ‘taunt' during the match
With the Dutch player Wout Weghorst -
'What are you looking at, fool? Get lost! '
Has come under scrutiny and criticism from FIFA.
But the Argentinians are delighted with his phrase
And have drawn comparisons with Diego Maradona,
A troubled genius, known for fiery moments both on and off field.

Morocco has been the surprising element of World Cup 2022.
They are the first Arab team to qualify for the quarter finals,
And amazingly into the semi-finals now!
All eyes are glued on the Morrocons to see whether
They can defeat the strong team of France in a wonder game.
Will the Morocconstake the most sought after cup home -
To the fantasy land of Arabian nights?
Let us wait and watch tonight!