Thai inmates battle for World Cup Behind Bars

Prison inmates in Thailand are competing in an alternative football tournament. The competition, known as the World Cup Behind Bars 2010, is being held at the same time as the official FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

In a quarter final clash, inmates representing Nigeria inmates defeated their South African cellmates on penalties.

During the match, Nigeria went one up with a looping effort that defeated a goalkeeper who looked like he'd trained at the Robert Green school of shot-stopping. South Africa pulled level later on in the tie.

Inmates watched the match from behind bars, while prison guards stood by to enforce security during the tournament. The game past without any crowd trouble with both prisoners and officials seeming to enjoy the spectacle.

One Nigerian inmate said the event brought excitement into his otherwise mundane life.

Authorities hoped the event could ease the inmates' stress after being in congested cells all day. The Klong Plem prison is notorious for its conditions and is known locally as the 'Bangkok Hilton'.

Correction Department Director General Chartchai Suthikamon "We try to make them feel relaxed due to their stressful conditions We don't have many activities for them to do, so we provided the World Cup tournament, that is a good activity."

The final will be played on July 10, when the FIFA match for third place in South Africa takes place.