My Naija News - Dream Team IV Held to Draw

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Beijing 2008

Dream Team IV Held to Draw

Written by Adeleke Afolayan

Thursday, 07 August 2008

Nigeria's Dream Team IV began the 2008 Beijing Olympics on a fair note with a goalless draw against the Oranje Boys of Holland.

Both sides began bright though the Dutch created more goal opportunities and constantly produced fine saves from Ambrose Vanzekin and came closest wtih a free kick which the goalkeeper kept out acrobatically.

Italy based striker Obinna Nsofor had Nigeria's best goal chances in the closing stages of the first half, first finding the sidenetting before forcing the Dutch keeper Piet Velthuizen to a full stretch save with a curler.

The second half however saw Samson Siasia's men take almost total control of the match with Osaze Odemwingie and Nsofor constant threats in front of the Dutch goal but it was not until Chinedu Ogbuke Obasi came in that the threat gained potency as he twice tested the keeper with stinging left foot shots.

There was late drama in the match with Holland's Evander Sno getting a straight red card after catching the chin of Ogbuke Obasi. The referee then strangely ended the match seconds afterwards when the game had been held up for a minute in added time.

Notwithstanding, Nigeria and Holland shared the points and are two behind the United States who earlier pipped Japan 1-0 through midfielder Stuart Holden.

Nigeria next plays Japan on Sunday August 10 from 10a.m Nigerian time and a win would put the Dream Team IV in good stead for a quarterfinal berth while Holland and the US play later at 12:45 Nigerian time.

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