Younghusbands to settle rivalry in last Dream Match
James Younghusband (left) and his brother Phil will face off anew in the third and final Clear Dream Match set on June 7. MARK GIONGCO
MANILA, Philippines — After two lopsided results, brothers Phil and James Younghusband expect a tight match as both look to settle their rivalry in the third and final edition of the Clear Dream Match.
Team Phil won the first installment with a 5-1 romp before Team James rebounded last year with a 4-1 whipping.
And with each squad taking a victory over the other, their third meeting promises to be the best one yet.
“The first year was amazing, the second was also amazing and I expect this one to be bigger. With the players coming in globally and the standard of players have gone higher and higher,” said Phil during the match’s presser held at URBN Bar & Kitchen at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig Monday afternoon.
“It’s going to be close this year. The competition is going to be tough,” said James.
The match, in partnership with Manchester United and United Football League, is slated on June 7 with the venue to be announced in the coming weeks.
“Clear Dream Match 3 will be the most competitive game yet, as only the best football players in the Philippines will get to participate,” said Clear Brand Manager Drew Copuyoc.
Fans will get to select 32 among the top 50 players of the UFL who will be part of the All-Star affair via voting through event’s official website www.cleardreammatch.com.ph. Voting runs from March 10 to May 6.
The chosen 32 players will then be drafted on May 10 by James and Phil to play for their respective teams.
National tryouts, conducted by the UFL, will also be held in Cebu, Davao, Iloilo and Metro Manila as up to six amateur players will get the chance to play alongside their idols.
Last year, football legends Fabio Cannavaro and Dennis Wise saw action with both icons playing on opposite sides.
This time, two more legends in Andy Cole and Paul Scholes were invited to beef up the two teams.
Cole is the second highest goal scorer in Premier league history while Scholes is regarded as one of the best midfielders of his generation.
“Two legends and to have these two players is just unbelievable. I’m sure we’ll learn a lot from them,” said Phil.
A donated percentage of ticket sales from the match will be given to the children of the Tuloy Sa Don Bosco Foundation.
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