Striker Gerald Sibon scored an injury-time goal to help the Netherlands draw 2-2 with the United States in a Group B second rounder at the Olympic men's soccer tournament?in Beijing?on Sunday.
Liverpool winger Ryan Babel put the Netherlands ahead in the 16th minute when he volleyed home a bounced ball after his header off a cross was stopped by goalkeeper Brad Guzan.
The U.S. side equalized in the 64th minute. Midfielder Sacha Kljestan dribbled past center back Dirk Marcellis in the box before steering the ball into the net.
Only eight minutes later, the North Americans added the second goal when substitute forward Jozy Altidore poked home a cross from defender Michael Orozco.
The Dutch refused to give up and substitute forward Gerald Sibon scored a free-kick in injury-time after he was tackled down at the edge of the box.
The last-minute goal also helped the Dutch staying in the tournament with two points. They drew 0-0 with Nigeria in their opener on Wednesday.
The U.S. and Nigeria, with four points each, currently top the group while Japan was eliminated with no points.
In Sunday's thrilling game, the Netherlands started without veteran striker Roy Makaay, who injured his foot in the game against Nigeria.
Real Madrid's versatile forward Royston Drenthe formed attacking partnership with Liverpool winger Ryan Babel and Valencia's Hedwiges Maduro.
The U.S. started with its traditional 4-4-2 formation, with three-time World Cup veteran Brian McBride forming a striking partnership with the young talent Freddy Adu. English club Aston Villa's goalkeeper Brad Guzan and defender Michael Parkhurst also played as overage players.
The crowd of 53,000 cheered wildly from the moment the teams emerged from the dressing rooms.
The Dutch controlled the situation in the first 20 minutes but the North Americans came back after the opponents scored.
The 19-year-old Adu dribbled past three defenders in the 27th minute but shot over.
Midfielder Holden Stuart had a chance to score his second goal of the tournament in the 40th minute but the powerful shot from the edge of the box was pushed away by goalkeeper Kenneth Vermeer with an excellent save.
Vermeer also tipped over McBride's header from Stuart's free-kick at the start of the second half.
In next round of Group B on Aug. 13, the Netherlands will meet Japan while the U.S. will face Nigeria.
(Xinhua News Agency August 10, 2008)