BUENOS AIRES, Argentina: The players of the Thai junior football team who were rescued after being trapped in the Tham Luang cave for more than two weeks were invited to the Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires and played at River Plate on Sunday.
The Wild Boars team, aged between 11 and 16, arrived in the city on Friday and attended the opening ceremony of the Games the following day.
On Sunday, they played for an hour with the youth team of Argentinian giants River Plate.
Dressed in violet jerseys with the team logo of the record Argentine champions, they faced River's under-13 team, entering the pitch to loud applause from their opponents.
The friendly, informal match was played at the Estadio Monumental, which hosted the 1978 World Cup final, and finished in a 3-3 draw.
Known in Spanish as Jabalies Salvajes, the Wild Boars lined up for the tradition pre-game photo. (Photo provided)
The Thai youngsters, accompanied by the coach who took them on their trip to the Tham Luang cave complex on June 23, were given a guard of honour by their Argentinian counterparts as they took to the pitch.
"It's really a spectacular moment because these boys have lived really terrible moments," said River Plate president Rodolfo D'Onofrio.
"This is the power of football and sport, we can make the people more happy. "We offered them the complete equipment... today they were players of River Plate".
"The kids are very happy to be here, very excited," said the head of the Thai delegation, deputy government spokesman Lt Gen Werachon Sukondhapatipak.
"During the rescue operation many people from around the world came to Thailand to collaborate in order to save them ... They feel they owe everyone around the world," he said.
During and immediately after the cave ordeal, the Wild Boars have been showered with invitations and offers, including this one to fly to the Argentine capital and attend the Youth Olympic Games.
Later this week they are to fly to the United States for TV interviews by the NBC network.
