Sibling rivalry, love for competition fuel deciding Clear Dream Match
Video by INQUIRER.net’s Ryan Leagogo
MANILA, Philippines—A chance to settle the rivalry once and for all fuels both James and Phil Younghusband heading into the deciding Clear Dream Match on Saturday.
With the first installment of the biggest football exhibition match in the country going to Phil, 5-1, then James exacting revenge, 4-1, last year—Saturday’s game is the only way to put a period to what has been an entertaining match-up.
“Beating my brother,” Phil quickly answered when asked about his motivation on Friday’s press conference at Fairmont Hotel in Makati.
“This is bragging rights for life. If he wins, I’ll never hear the end of it, if I win, he’ll never hear the end of it,” Phil added.
Photo by RYAN LEAGOGO/INQUIRER.net
For the older Younghusband, who scored two goals to stir his team to victory last year, the bitter taste of defeat is enough to get him going.
“I hate losing,” James said with a smile. “It felt so good last year to win. I’m sure we’re gonna win this year.”
James will be backed by the legendary Manchester United striker Andy Cole, the second highest goal scorer in the English Premier League history.
“I’ll try to make him look good, I’ll be playing behind him and watch him bang it in the back of the net,” James said. “Hopefully he’ll score more than Phil does.”
Cole, who laced up his sneakers in 2008 after a storied career, is excited to get back on action on the pitch once again.
“I’m really looking forward to the game. My game face will be on. It hasn’t been on in 6 years,” the 42-year-old Cole, who gamely answered questions, said.
While he couldn’t relate to the sibling rivalry, Paul Scholes, one of best midfielder’s of his time, expects to get on with the intensity as he teams up with Phil, one of the national team’s most prolific scorers.
“You look at [these games] as friendlies, but once the game starts, you want to win. I’m sure once the game starts I’ll try to do everything to win,” Scholes, who made over 700 appearances for ManU, said.
Phil, who won the online votes, said that his choice to side with Scholes was a perfect match.
“I’m a striker, he’s a midfielder. It’s a perfect match,” he said. “I’m a big fan. We watched ManU growing up and we tried to model our games to their style. Playing with them tomorrow will let us learn.”
The grand conclusion of the Clear Dream Match series is set at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday at the University of Makati football grounds. Tickets are available at all SM Tickets outlets.
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