Team Phil routs James' squad in CLEAR duel

MANILA, Philippines -  Striker Phil Younghusband scored a hat-trick to power Team Phl to a 5-1 rout of Team James in the CLEAR Dream Match before a big crowd at the University of Makati Football pit last weekend.

Delivered a performance that made clear that he is indeed one of the best football players the country has right now.

Ranged against his older brother James and other top players from the collegiate rank, some celebrities and the national team, the 25-year-old Phil delivered a performance that underscored his claim as one of the best football players in the country.

Close to 3,000 spectators showed up to support the charity event made possible by CLEAR Philippines for Tuloy sa Don Bosco Foundation, beneficiary of the event which pitted the two brothers against each other.

“Our global endorser is Cristiano Ronaldo and we thought it would be fitting to find here players in the mold of Ronaldo, and they are Phil and James. From here, we conceptualized this unique game where people from all walks of life will have run,” said CLEAR brand manager John Imperial.

Indeed, the fans were treated to a spectacular night of football with Phil leading the show.

Phil made his presence felt after only 18 minutes of action as he outmaneuvered Team James goal-keeper Ref Cuaresma for the ice-breaker.

Four minutes later, Phil again mesmerized the crowd with a magical 70-foot looper that soared just a few centimeters over the fingertips of Cuaresma.

The former Chelsea player Phil Younghusband capped his impressive performance with a roller in injury time.

Ossenyou Diop scored a goal in the 42nd minute while Yannick Tuason added another in the 71st minute for Team Phil.

James didn’t go out without entertaining his fans as he accounted for his team’s lone goal in the 62nd minute.

“This is my first game since July but I’ve been doing my own training and was confident in this match. I want to thank the organizers for hosting this fantastic game,” Phil said.

Individual awards went to Park Min Ho (MVP), Diop (Best Striker), Saba Garmaroudi (Best Goalkeeper), Ynes Ashimi (Best Defender), Mikko Mabanag (Best Midfielder) and Eric Tai (People’s Choice Award).

Phil and James were not allowed to win any individual award.

Imperial later was later joined in by Federico Pricolo, managing director of Hari and Home Care; and Gina Lorenzana, Vice President personal care of Unilever, Philippines, in awarding medals to all the players who joined the event.

“I’m quite surprised with the turnout. We really made this event for the fans who patronize our products because we won’t be here without their support. With their support and the result of the match, I think this deserve a rematch. So we hope to stage a bigger CLEAR Dream Game next year,” added Imperial.

James welcome the rematch with open arms.

“I have to be careful now because Phil has the bragging rights. They started strong in the first half but we did better in the second half. So I’m looking forward to  next year’s game,” said the 26-year old midfielder.

Singer-dance-multi-instrumentalist Rico Blanco also provided entertainment at haftime while children from the Tuloy sa Don Bosco Foundation performed a dance number to the delight of the crowd.