Haaland's Norway receive heroes' welcome in Oslo after World Cup exit
Over 100,000 fans lined the streets of Oslo to greet the Norwegian football team after their World Cup quarterfinal exit. The squad had an open-top bus parade and a royal reception.
More than 100,000 fans flooded the streets of the Norwegian capital, Oslo, on Monday afternoon to give their football team a heroes' welcome after their FIFA World Cup exit. Norway lost 2-1 to England in extra time on Saturday in the quarterfinals, ending their historic run.
The squad arrived to a traditional water cannon salute before starting a homecoming parade in the city. Supporters quickly filled the Royal Palace square and stretched down the main street, Karl Johans gate. The team first had an audience with King Harald, then stepped out to greet the fans.
Striker Erling Haaland was noticeably absent from the final stage of the celebrations, having left early. He missed joining his teammates on the palace steps for a "Viking row" led by Crown Prince Haakon on the drums. Coach Stale Solbakken said Haaland and Sander Berge had to catch their plane because their trip from the US was delayed by four hours.
Afterwards, the squad continued the celebrations in an open-top bus parade around Oslo.
