Dutch take ING Cup in Beijing warm-up

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2008

HONG KONG (AFP) — The Netherlands boosted their Olympic hopes by taking the ING Cup here on Saturday after a 1-1 draw with Ivory Coast, but the African footballers showed they could be a team to fear in Beijing.

The Dutch -- who are one of the favourites in the Olympic tournament -- were tipped to take home the prize in Hong Kong after beating Cameroon 2-0 on Wednesday, but Ivory Coast impressed with some electrifying attacks.

The Netherlands went up 1-0 in the 14th minute thanks to a brilliant free-kick by Ajax midfielder Urby Emanuelson, who was named Most Valuable Player of the tournament.

But Ivory Coast captain Gervinho scored the equaliser after stabbing home from close range following a 47th-minute corner. He set up a glorious late chance for Abraham...