A team of elephants played football against local schoolboys to mark the 2018 Russia World Cup - and beat the humans 2-1, with England even missing a penalty.

Nine elephants were painted with flags of competing countries at the pitch in Ayutthaya, Thailand, this afternoon (June 12).

They took part in a 15-minute match against students from a local school before finishing with a penalty shootout.

In a scene reminiscent of Chris Waddle's shoot-out miss against West Germany in the semi-final at Italia 90, an elephant painted with a St George's flag blasts a spot kick over the bar (seen here at 2mins 32secs into the edit).

Mahout Chackchai Muangsuk said: ''The elephants had a lot of fun. I think the school team was afraid to tackle them.''

Organisers said the event was to celebrate the Russia World Cup, which starts on Thursday, to boost tourism to the region and encourage locals to enjoy the game without betting, as gambling is illegal in Thailand.

Reangthongbaht Meephan, deputy chief of the Ayutthaya Elephant Palace, said: "The elephants are here to bring colour and joy and create awareness that we can enjoy the World Cup without gambling and just cheer the soccer players.''

The event started with a parade of elephants and football fans into the Ayutthaya Wittayalai School stadium. The well-trained pachyderms then had a game against the school's youth team.

Gambling is widespread in Thailand despite it being illegal. Penalties start at 1,000 baht (25gbp) for anyone caught.

Local teachers also used the event to encourage students to enjoy the football tournament but to remember to do their coursework.