As a late substitute, Wayne Rooney did a phenomenal job: scoring two goals to lead Manchester United to a victory against Gamba Osaka in a 5-3 semifinal match in Yokohama. The win secures a Club World Cup final meeting between United and Liga de Quito.

During the first half, United imposed their will against Gamba behind two headers from Nemanja Vidic and Cristiano Ronaldo. However, the entry of Rooney led to a frenetic action in the form of six goals in 18 minutes. Aside from scoring two goals, the English striker inspired the red men to pacify a relentless Gamba squad.

Upon Rooney’s entry to the field, Gamba scored through Masato Yamazaki. But it proved to be futile, because what followed were a series of unstoppable attacks from Rooney, Sota Nakazawa, and Giggs.

Just before the final whistle, Hideo Hashimoto scored a goal, but it was already too late.

In a post-game statement, United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has good things to say about Osaka. “The people got their money's worth, that's for sure. Their movement on the ball was very good and it shows you much Japanese football has improved.”