Oslo Erupt In Celebration As Norway Receive Hero's Welcome After WC Exit

Oslo erupt in celebration as Norway receive heros welcome after WC exit (Image Source: IANS)

FIFA World Cup: Tens of thousands of fans gathered outside Norway's Royal Palace to welcome the national team players who returned home from their historic run to the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals.

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, shaking hands with the king and rowing with the rest of the royal family and what is said to have been around 88,000 attendees, was followed by an almost two-hour long bus parade down Karl Johans gate. The next stop was another round of rowing at Radhusplassen, before the bus continued into the late night hours of central Oslo.

"I don't think anyone could have imagined this. The support we've received has been beyond all expectations, both in the US and here at home in Norway. It's been absolutely incredible to see, said Martin Odegaard.

According to Norwegian broadcaster NRK, shaking hands with the king and rowing with the rest of the royal family and what is said to have been around 88,000 attendees, was followed by an almost two-hour long bus parade down Karl Johans gate. The next stop was another round of rowing at Radhusplassen, before the bus continued into the late night hours of central Oslo.

However, the team's top scorer Erling Haaland was unable to attend the public celebration because he had another flight to catch to Italy.

Article Source: IANS