SOCCER: Norway turn World Cup heartbreak into celebration as huge crowds pack capital

OSLO — More than 100,000 fans filled the streets of the Norwegian capital on Monday to welcome their national soccer team home, transforming the disappointment of their World Cup exit into a historic celebration.

Norway's impressive tournament run ended with a 2-1 extra-time loss to England in the quarterfinals on Saturday, ending their hopes of reaching the final four. Despite the defeat, supporters gathered to honor the players for their memorable campaign.

Large crowds gathered under the Norwegian summer sun at the grounds of the Royal Palace early Monday afternoon, with unofficial estimates placing attendance at more than 100,000 people.

The Norway squad received a traditional water cannon salute upon arrival before beginning their homecoming parade through Oslo. Supporters quickly filled the palace square and stretched along the city's main street, Karl Johans gate, as the team first met with King Harald.

The players later stepped out to greet the crowd, with the Royal Guard standing behind them in formation. The celebration continued as fans joined the team in a traditional "Viking row," led by Crown Prince Haakon on drums, creating a memorable scene outside the palace.

Striker Erling Haaland was absent from the final celebrations after leaving early. Coach Stale Solbakken explained that Haaland and midfielder Sander Berge had to depart because the team's flight from the United States was delayed by four hours.

The celebrations continued with an open-top bus parade around Oslo, where thousands of fans lined the streets. Crowds slowed the bus through the city center, at one point forcing it to reverse as police struggled to clear a path. The players waved to supporters and celebrated with beer as the festivities continued into the night.

Parade Delayed by Overhead Cables

The parade faced an unusual interruption when low-hanging overhead cables blocked the route. Players who had been standing on the top deck of the bus had to sit down to allow the vehicle to pass safely.

The incident came after Solbakken previously claimed that a ball may have struck a camera cable above the pitch shortly before Jude Bellingham scored England's equalizer in the first half of their quarterfinal match. Soccer's global governing body FIFA has repeatedly denied that the ball made contact with any cable before the goal.

After several hours, the parade reached its 1.3-kilometer destination at City Hall Square, where tens of thousands of supporters remained to welcome the team.

"I don't think anyone had imagined this," Norway captain Martin Odegaard told Norwegian broadcaster NRK. "The support we have received in the USA and here at home in Norway has been beyond all expectations. It has been absolutely incredible to see."

Norway's World Cup journey may have ended before the semifinals, but the overwhelming reception from fans showed the team's historic performance had created a moment of national pride.

-Reporting by Tommy Lund in Gdansk, Editing by Ken Ferris/Reuters