Oslo, Jul 14 (V7N)- Despite being eliminated from the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals, Norway's national football team received a grand hero's welcome upon their return home, with more than 100,000 fans gathering on the streets of Oslo to celebrate the team's historic campaign.

The disappointment of missing out on a semi-final spot quickly turned into a national celebration as supporters gathered near the Royal Palace from Monday noon (July 13) to honor the players.

Norway's World Cup journey came to an end after they suffered a 2-1 defeat against England in extra time in the quarter-final on Sunday (July 12). However, the team's performance created renewed excitement among Norwegian football fans.

After arriving back home, the players were welcomed at the airport with a traditional "water cannon salute." A victory parade then began through the streets of the capital.

Thousands of supporters lined Carl Johans Gate, with the crowd extending all the way to the Royal Palace. Before joining the celebration, the Norwegian players paid a courtesy visit to King Harald V of Norway.

Later, the team appeared on the palace steps to greet the supporters, while the Royal Guard stood behind them in a ceremonial formation.

However, star striker Erling Haaland was absent from the final part of the celebration as he left the venue early to catch a scheduled flight.

As a result, Haaland missed the traditional "Viking Row" celebration with his teammates and fans, an iconic Norwegian celebration led during the event by Crown Prince Haakon, Crown Prince of Norway, who joined thousands of supporters in the festivities.

Norway head coach Ståle Solbakken explained that Haaland and teammate Sander Berge had to leave early because the team's return flight from the United States was delayed by four hours.

Following the palace ceremony, the Norwegian squad continued the celebration with an open-top bus parade through Oslo.

Although Norway could not lift the World Cup trophy, millions of supporters praised the team for their memorable performance and for bringing renewed hope to Norwegian football.

END/SMA/AJ