Colombia's national soccer welcomed home as heroes after elimination during World Cup

by  Associated Press Colombia WCup team welcomed home as heroes by Associated Press, Associated Press - 6 July 2014 12:20-04:00

BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — Members of Colombia's national soccer team have been welcomed home from the World Cup in Brazil with shouts of thanks from grateful compatriots.

Thousands of fans turned out for the Sunday homecoming of superstar James Rodriguez, his teammates and coach Jose Pekerman following their 2-1 loss to Brazil in the quarterfinals on Friday. Colombia won the previous four games, against Greece, Ivory Coast, Japan and Uruguay.

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos sent a message thanking the team "for so much joy and for teaching us how to dream."

It was soccer-crazy Colombia's best-ever World Cup performance, as it reached the quarterfinals for the first time. Its earlier success in the tournament delighted Colombians who hope unity can help end a half-century of conflict that has claimed more than 220,000 lives.

News Topics: General news, Sports, 2014 FIFA World Cup, FIFA World Cup, International soccer, Men's soccer, Soccer, Events, Men's sports

People, Places and Companies: Jose Pekerman, Juan Manuel Santos, Colombia, South America, Latin America and Caribbean

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