No way past Super Eagles for Dutch

TIANJIN // Nigeria held gold medal favourites the Netherlands to a 0-0 draw, competing evenly with the reigning two-time European under-21 champions. Bolstered by the Liverpool forward Ryan Babel and the veteran senior national team striker Roy Makaay, the Dutch were picked in many pre-Olympic predictions to challenge Argentina and Brazil for the title. Using three forwards, the Nigerians created several quality chances, but were lacking a final touch. The Dutch were also dangerous, mostly through Jonathan de Guzman in midfield. The Netherlands finished the match with 10 men following Evander Sno's stoppage time foul on the substitute Emmanuel Ekpo. The Dutch created the better chances early in the game, most notably when Makaay side-volleyed a shot off the crossbar in the ninth minute despite the linesman raising his offside flag. The crowd of 53,980 at Tianjin Olympic Sports Center Stadium also reacted when de Guzman's free-kick from outside the penalty area had to be tipped over the bar by the Nigerian goalkeeper Ambruse Vanzekin. Victor Obinna looked to be Nigeria's most potent attacking threat after he put a first-half header just wide for the Super Eagles, touched a cross past the near post in the 33rd minute and unleashed a powerful right-footed drive just before half-time that Dutch keeper Kenneth Vermeer had to push around the post. Both sides exchanged chances in the second half as well. De Guzman forced a save from Vanzekin with a free kick and shot wide in the 58th minute, while Peter Odemwingie was just inches short from reaching Olubayo Adefemi's low cross across the goalmouth on the hour-mark. The Dutch are making their first Olympic appearance since 1952.

*AP