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Matuidi hails France coach Deschamps
Moscow, July 13 (IANS) France midfielder Blaise Matuidi has praised French coach Didier Deschamps for moulding a team “in his own image” as the former world and European champions prepare for Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final against Croatia.
France are the bookmakers’ favorites to win the clash at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium after they showed impressive defensive discipline under their 1998 World Cup-winning coach, who was himself renowned as a no-nonsense midfielder, reports Xinhua news agency.
“He has created a team in his own image and I think that’s important,” Matuidi told a press conference on Friday.
“He’s trying to recreate his glorious past as a player and so far everything is working. It (France’s progress to the final) hasn’t happened by accident.”
France advanced to their third World Cup decider in 20 years by taking top spot in Group C before winning their knockout stage matches against Argentina, Uruguay and Belgium, each without needing extra time.
Croatia, meanwhile, have had a grueling path to the final, with all of their three knockout matches — against Denmark, Russia and England — going to extra time. On top of that, Zlatko Dalic’s men also have one less day to recover from their semi-final.
But Matuidi said he did not expect fatigue to be a contributing factor as Croatia strive to win football’s most coveted trophy for the first time.
“We will be facing a very good team, with players that have a very high level and a lot of experience so we need to be focused,” the 31-year-old Juventus star said.
“It’s the game of our lives and there will be pressure. But we have to be positive and not let that inhibit us.”
Matuidi had words of support for Les Bleus striker Olivier Giroud, who has yet to score in this tournament.
“Olivier has done a lot for the team. He is a great player for us and we are happy with the way he is playing. He has been a little bit frustrated not to score, but it doesn’t matter when we win. His work rate has been very important, both offensively and defensively,” Matuidi said.
–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
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.