90,000 Fans Welcome Norway's World Cup Heroes After Historic Quarter-final Run

'It's simply incredible to see all the support we receive and to see how much the country is behind us,' Captain Martin Odegaard told Norwegian public broadcaster NRK.

The Scandinavian nation returned home on Monday to a hero's welcome despite seeing their remarkable campaign come to an end with a 2-1 extra-time defeat to England in the quarter-finals in Miami.

With 90,000 fans gathering outside the Royal Palace, the team's arrival was met with cheers and applause, as they delighted the crowd by performing the now-famous 'Viking Row' celebration.

Haakon, Crown Prince of Norway and heir to the throne of the nation of 5.6 million people, joined the festivities, leading the celebrations with a drum. He had also travelled to Miami to support the team during their quarter-final clash against England.

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, who finished Norway's World Cup campaign with seven goals, arrived back in the country earlier on Monday. However, he was unable to attend the official celebrations in Oslo due to another flight to catch.

Norway's World Cup dream ended in heartbreaking fashion against England, but their memorable run to the last eight has secured its place as the country's greatest achievement at the tournament, with fans turning out in record numbers to salute a squad that captured the nation's imagination.

Captain Odegaard expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming reception, highlighting the support from fans as 'unforgettable'. 'We appreciate the passion and enthusiasm shown by our fans, it really means a lot to us,' he said.

The team's historic run has not only brought pride to the nation but also attracted international attention, with millions watching their games worldwide. Despite the setback, the team's spirit remains high, with many fans already looking forward to the next World Cup.

The Norwegian national team's impressive performance has also sparked a national debate on the importance of football in the country. With many praising the team's dedication and teamwork, others have argued that more investment is needed to support the team and develop the sport.

As Norway continues to celebrate its World Cup heroes, fans are eagerly waiting for the team's next move, with many calling for the players to extend their stay in the sport. The team's future plans, however, remain uncertain, with no official announcements made yet.