© Bronek Kaminski / Barcroft Media
England and Brazil may be in different groups for this year’s World Cup, but in Thailand the teams have already clashed.
For full story and pictures:
As these incredible pictures show, the game was not between 22 men on a grass pitch in South Africa but two giant elephants at the Maesa Elephant Camp 700km north of Bangkok.
As supporters cheered from the sidelines the female elephants dribbled, dodged and kicked the ball between two goalposts during the 20 minute game.
© Bronek Kaminski / Barcroft Media
Mahout Wasan Khumdeang said: “We train every day, but they are very powerful and it can be difficult to teach them to control their kicks.
“The elephants love football as it keeps them stimulated and exercises them at the same time.”
© Bronek Kaminski / Barcroft Media
Twelve-year-old ‘Rooney’ Duanpen was painted with the England strip while 13-year-old ‘Kaka’ Thongsri represented the Brazilian team.
And should the two teams meet in South Africa then this match could prove to be a good omen with England defeating the Samba boys 3-2 in an end to end game.
© Bronek Kaminski / Barcroft Media
Jobless after forestry was banned in Thailand, these jumbo sized players entertain tourists to earn money.
An official said: “They had become lazy and we wanted to keep them occupied and active. Besides the money they earn is used to feed and look after them.”
© Bronek Kaminski / Barcroft Media
Most of the elephants employed in the logging industry were put out of work after forestry was banned in Thailand in 1989.
Maesa is one of the several elephant camps in Northern Thailand where elephants are trained to entertain tourists.
One tourist said: “It is so funny to see the elephant holding a ball in his trunk and kicking it across the pitch. The other was quite a good goalie too.”
Besides playing football, the elephants are trained to paint, play musical instruments and give massages.
Words by Lucy Tatchell
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