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2018 Hockey WC: Germany thrash Netherlands to top Pool D (Lead)
Bhubaneswar, Dec 5 (IANS) Germany thrashed fellow European heavyweights Netherlands 4-1 in a completely one-sided Pool D affair to confirm a quarter-final spot at the ongoing 2018 Hockey World Cup at the Kalinga Stadium here on Wednesday.
After this thumping win, Germany topped Pool D charts with two wins from as many games and six points in their kitty, while Netherlands are placed second with three points, followed by Pakistan and Malaysia.
The two-time champions thus became the first team in this edition to earn direct qualification into the quarter-finals.
Mirco Pruijser drew first blood for the Dutch in the 13th minute. However, they failed to extend their lead as the Germans gradually started to dominate the proceedings from the second quarter onwards.
Germany’s Mathias Muller found the back of the net to bring his team back on level terms in the 30th minute.
After a goalless third quarter, the fourth and final period saw Germany completely dominating their opponents as Lukas Windfeder’s powerful dragflick into the bottom right corner made the issue 2-1 in the 52nd minute.
Two minutes later, Marco Miltkau extended Germany’s lead before Christopher Ruhr converted a penalty stroke in the 58th.
In the other Pool D match later in the evening, Malaysia scored a late equaliser to hold Pakistan 1-1.
Both teams thus opened their accounts in the pool table as they now have one point each after two matches. Malaysia had suffered a 0-7 humiliation to Holland in their campaign opener while Pakistan had fought hard before going down 0-1 to a sluggish Germany.
The result leaves both needing to win their respective last pool matches and hope for a favourable result in the other game.
While Malaysia will face title contenders Germany in their last match, Pakistan are expected to face an uphill battle against formidable Netherlands. However, a superior goal difference gives Pakistan an advantage over Malaysia.
Pakistan dominated possession but the well-organised Malaysian defence did well to hold them at bay and create occasional scoring chances with fast counter-attacks.
Atiq Arshad gave Pakistan the lead when he scored a field goal off an excellent pass from Mohadmmed Rizwan (senior) in the 51st minute.
The experienced Faisal Saari restored parity for Malaysia in the 55th minute when he powered home a well-placed penalty corner.
Pakistan continued to put pressure on the rival defence in the dying minutes but the Malaysians did well to defend sturdily and hold on to earn a point.
–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.