Title favorites Netherlands and Nigeria drew 0-0 in their Group B match of the Olympic men's soccer tournament here on Thursday.

Netherlands started with its traditional 4-4-2 formation. Coach Foppe de Haan sent on two over-aged players -- striker Roy Makaay and defender Kew Jaliens.

Veteran Makaay had a fantastic volley shot in the box just nine minutes after start, which was blocked by the crossbar.

Just before the end of the first half, Dutch goalkeeper Kenneth Vermeer pushed away Nigerian striker Victor Obinna's powerful long shot with an excellent save.

Dutch midfielder Jonathan De Guzman displayed his skill on free kicks, but his two kicks in each half were saved by Nigerian goalkeeper Ambruse Vanzekin.

Nigeria dominated in the last 20 minutes and created a few scoring chances. Substitute striker Chinedu Ogbuke had two powerful long-range shots saved by Dutch goalkeeper Kenneth Vermeer in injury time.

The Netherlands' starting lineup included some young talents, who are already competing at the top level in Europe, such as Liverpool's Ryan Babel and Valencia's Hedwiges Maduro.

On the Nigeria side, striker Peter Odemwingie, playing with Russian club Lokomotiv Moscow, is the only over-aged player in the squad.

Nigeria, who famously claimed gold in 1996, aims to repeat this remarkable feat while the Dutch, three-time Olympic bronze medalists, have made clear their ambition to enter uncharted territory.

In the second round of Group B, Netherlands will take on the United States on Aug. 10 and Nigeria will face Japan. The United States beat Japan 1-0 earlier on Thursday.

(Xinhua News Agency August 8, 2008)