FIFA chief invites Thai cave boys to World Cup final
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has invited the Thai boys' football team trapped in a cave to the World Cup final, as messages of support poured in from top players. The Thai footballers, aged 11-16, have been stuck in darkness deep underground after setting off to explore the cave with their 25-year-old coach after training on June 23.
Infantino hopes the boys get rescued soon to witness finals
"If, as we all hope, they are reunited with their families soon and their health allows them to travel, FIFA would be delighted to invite them to attend the 2018 World Cup final," he wrote to the head of the Football Association of Thailand. He hoped that they will be able to witness the final, which will be a wonderful moment of communion.
Cave diving rescuers on spot, but boys still stuck
The players remain trapped despite being reached this week by cave-diving rescuers, who released footage of them looking emaciated but calm, some wearing football shirts. Their harrowing ordeal coincides with the World Cup in Russia and it has not escaped the attention of players. "I've been speaking about it with a few of the boys," said England defender John Stones.
'Stay strong and know that we are with you'
Croatia 'awed' by the strength of the boys under pressure
Meanwhile the Croatian Football Federation said it was "awed" by the team's calm under pressure. "We are awed by the bravery and strength that these young boys and their coach have shown amidst such frightening circumstances," it said. Many fans on social media said the boys deserved the World Cup trophy for the way they have handled their ordeal.
