Soccer-Norway turn World Cup heartbreak to a celebration

More than 100,000 fans flooded the streets of the Norwegian capital Oslo on Monday to give their soccer team a heroes' welcome, turning the heartbreak of their World Cup exit into a massive national celebration.



A 2-1 extra-time defeat by England on Saturday brought Norway's historic run to an end in the quarter-finals, shattering the Nordics' dreams of a semi-final berth.



However, it did not stop the country celebrating their heroes.



Massive crowds under the Norwegian summer sun filled the grounds of the Royal Palace early on Monday afternoon, with an unofficial turnout estimated at more than 100,000 people.



The Norway squad touched down to a traditional water cannon salute before commencing their homecoming parade in the capital.



The line of supporters quickly packed the palace square before stretching far down the main street, Karl Johans gate, as the squad first attended an audience with King Harald.



The team then stepped out to greet the fans with the Royal Guard standing at attention behind them.



Striker Erling Haaland was noticeably absent from the final stage of the celebrations, having left early.