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Messi misses penalty as Iceland earn first World Cup point (Lead)

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Moscow, June 16 (IANS) Argentina’s Lionel Messi missed a second-half penalty as Iceland claimed their first ever World Cup point in a 1-1 draw here on Saturday.

Messi had a weak 64th-minute shot easily saved by Iceland goalkeeper Hannes Halldorrson after Sergio Aguero of Argentina and Alfred Finnbogason of Iceland struck first half goals during a hard fought Group D match at the Spartak Stadium, reports Xinhua news agency.

It was an encouraging display for Heimir Hallgrimsson’s men, who showed surprising attacking intent early before weathering an Argentina onslaught in the second half.

Argentina, meanwhile, will be rueing a raft of missed opportunities, especially in the final half hour. Their next match against Croatia on June 21 is suddenly a must-win affair as the two-time champions seek to avoid an early tournament exit.

Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli began the match with Aguero just in front of Messi in attack, leaving Gonzalo Higuain on the bench.

The South Americans threatened in the opening minutes with two Messi free-kicks that floated perilously into the penalty area.

But Iceland soon settled and Birkir Bjarnason should have done better when he flayed a shot wide from 12 yards after a counter-attack.

As expected, Messi was heavily marked by Iceland’s defence and the Barcelona forward was often forced deep to get involved. He twice had long-range efforts punched clear by Halldorrson.

Argentina took the lead when Aguero deftly controlled a bullet pass from Marcos Rojo before turning and unleashing a wicked left-footed shot that barely allowed Halldorrson to react as it cannoned into the top left corner.

The equaliser came four minutes later after Gylfi Sigurdsson’s rasping effort forced a lunging save from Caballero. The rebound fell to Finnbogason, who hammered in from close range.

Despite Argentina’s control of possession, Iceland looked more likely to score.

Sigurdsson twice had chances to give his side the lead just before halftime — first with a 15-yard strike that again tested Caballero and then by flashing a volley narrowly wide.

Sevilla midfielder Ever Banega replaced Lucas Biglia in the 54th minute and the change made an immediate impact as Iceland were pushed deeper.

Messi also became more influential. It was his inviting cross into the area that led a disorientated Hordur Magnusson to clatter into Maximiliano Meza. Polish referee Szymon Marciniak pointed to the spot and the scene seemed set for another Messi rescue story for his country.

But the five-time Ballon d’Or winner appeared to hesitate before prodding a tame spot-kick that was parried away by Halldorsson.

Messi had further chances to score as Argentina pressed relentlessly in the final minutes. The No. 10 sent a free-kick over the bar and lashed long range attempts with either foot just wide of the target.

–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma

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World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.

Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.

During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.

On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”

Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.

It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.

Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.

Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”

On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”

The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.

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