Emotional scenes after Thailand score first Women's World Cup goal
Sweden secured their place in the last 16 of the Women's World Cup after beating Thailand 5-1 in Nice but it was a touching moment on the sidelines that had everyone talking.
The Swedes followed up their opening win over Chile with a comfortable victory over Thailand, with Linda Sembrant, Kosovare Asllani and Fridolina Rolfo scoring before halftime and Lina Hurtig heading in a fourth, followed by Elin Rubensson converting a stoppage-time penalty.
However Thai skipper Kanjana Sung-Ngoen struck a late consolation, their first goal at the tournament which led to some emotional scenes on the sideline.
Thailand celebrate their goal against Sweden AAP
After being thrashed 13-0 by the USA in their first Group F match, Sung-Ngoen's consolation goal delighted teammates and staff, some of whom shed tears of joy.
That included billionaire Nualphan Lamsam, the head of an insurance company which finances the team, who was seen embracing Thailand's manager. Lamsam's family's banking fortune is estimated to be worth $1.1 billion.
The coach said after the match that the rare goal made them smile again after a humiliating defeat to USA earlier in the tournament.
"To be able to score a goal against one of the best team in the world proved that our dedication and commitment has been accomplished. It brought back our smiles," Nuengrutai Srathongvian said.
Equally proud was their captain.
"I am very happy that we have recovered and improved our performance in this game," Kanjana Sung-Ngoen said.
"I’m especially happy that I was able to score the first goal for myself and the Thai team in this World Cup.
"Personally, I am very thankful for all the Thai fans for supporting us regardless of our results throughout this World Cup journey.
"We will now do our best for them in the next game again Chile."
- with AAP
