Defending champions Brazil were held to a goalless draw by a formidable Nigerian side in the heavyweight Group F clash of FIFA Word Youth Championship Netherlands 2005 on Sunday.

"We played to win the match, and created a lot of good opportunities, but unfortunately my players missed all of them. We really have to improve our forward position for the next match," lamented an unsatisfied Weber Rene, head coach of Brazil.

The game began with a high tempo as both teams fought fiercely in the midfield. The champions of 2003 UAE World Youth Championship looked a little bit nervous in the first half, and it was Nigeria who had the say to control the game with a string of swift and accurate interchanges and passing moves.

Brazil nearly opened the scoring on 24 minutes when defender Gladstone headed home after a flicker from his teammate from a fine corner, but it was disallowed by the referee for a suspect foul. Nigeria replied with several chances from corners, with a powerful header over the bar and a nice volley just wide of the post.

Brazil recovered after the break, carving open their rival's defence several times. Diego got at least three clean chances when he faced Nigerian goalkeeper Vanzekin Ambruse on virtually a one to one situation. But the striker squandered all of them after wonderful saves from Ambruse.

Nigeria tried hard to break the deadlock. Okoronkwo Solomon fired a mid-range shot at the edge of the area in the 81st minute, which slipped past the far post. Finally the even-sided match ended with 0-0, a result fair for both teams.

"We are satisfied with the result, and our aim for the tournament is to win the title. We do some fine work at the midfield, and we have some good chance to score. We should be cautious during the next two group matches for we have got five yellow cards in this game," said Nigerian boss Siasia Samson.

Source: Xinhua