OSLO, July 13 (Xinhua) -- Tens of thousands of fans gathered outside Norway's Royal Palace on Monday to welcome the national team players who returned home from their historic run to the World Cup quarterfinals.
An estimated 90,000 supporters filled the palace square, giving the team a rousing welcome despite their 2-1 extra-time defeat to England in Miami on Saturday. The result marked Norway's best-ever performance at a FIFA World Cup.
As the squad appeared on stage, players and fans joined together in the now-iconic "Viking Row" celebration that became a symbol of Norway's memorable tournament.
According to Norwegian broadcaster NRK, the team's top scorer Erling Haaland was unable to attend the public celebration because he had another flight to catch. ■
