Team James wins rubber; Cole, Scholes just as happy

MANILA, Philippines - James Younghusband got the better of brother Phil in their sibling rivalry as his crew ruled the deciding Clear Dream Match, 1-0, Saturday night before a full house at University of Makati field.

Joaquin Cañas struck for Team James in the 72nd minute, knocking in a header off a corner kick from Chieffy Caligdong to provide what turned out to be the winning goal for the all-star squad of the elder Younghusband and his reinforcement, Manchester United legend Andy Cole.

James thus prevailed in the celebrated three-game series over Phil, who had to be stretchered off in the 85th minute after a head collision with defender Reynald Villareal, with a 2-1 score. Phil took the inaugural edition, 5-1, but James got back with a 4-1 verdict last year to level it and make Round 3 an epic battle for the finish.

“I’m really happy we won but I hope my brother is okay,” James said after the match.

Phil spent the night at the hospital for tests.

James himself gave an update on Phil’s condition in a twit yesterday: “Just to let everyone know, my brother is fine and will be back home today.”

The Younghusbands’ final battle was graced by Cole and fellow Man U legend Paul Scholes, who beefed up Team Phil.

Cole,  the second highest league scorer in the English Premier League history, almost scored but was denied by Team Phil’s third-string keeper Baba Sampana at the last minute. Scholes, an 11-time Premier League winner, made some nifty passes, including a pinpoint delivery that set up Phil near the top of the box.

“I really enjoyed my stint here, the people are fantastic, very welcoming and I enjoyed the game, that’s the most important thing,” Cole said in the post-match TV interview. “The rivalry (between the brothers) was crazy, I mean, it’s a bit too intense for me.”

“We wanted to win but we didn’t do that,” Scholes said for his part. “James’ team played really well, especially in the second half, and probably deserved to win the game.”

Like Cole, Scholes had a blast playing with the Pinoy booters.

“It was good. (There were) some really good young players, really talented bunch of players and I really enjoyed playing with them,” he said.