Thousands welcome home Iceland soccer team following remarkable Euro 2016 run

The Iceland soccer team that captured global attention over the past few weeks arrived back home in Reykjavik to a hero’s welcome following their Cinderella run at the Euro 2016.

The small Nordic nation surprised the world with their run to the quarter-finals at the European soccer championships, knocking out England in the process before falling to host France 5-2 on Sunday. For a nation not known for its soccer prowess and appearing in its first major soccer championship, their performance was considered one of the greatest underdog stories in recent sports history.

When the team returned home, it seemed as if the entire population of the island — which is only 330,000 — came out to greet them. Droves of fans lined the streets as the team rode through the country’s capital on a double-decker bus. People gathered in Arnarholl Park, a hill in the city and there, the thousands took part in a traditional Viking chant, mimicking the one performed by the team and fans while they participated in the Euros.

The scene that unfolded was remarkable.