Champions Germany and other top World Cup sides returned home to a heroes' welcome

Germany: The first European side to claim the World Cup in South America received a rapturous welcome from supporters.

Thousands gathered at Berlin’s Tegel airport on Tuesday, when the players arrived from Rio de Janeiro on a specially designed aircraft.

After landing, the four-time World Champions gathered at Brandenburg gate and rode in a bus parade to display the trophy.




Argentina: Supporters of the Albiceleste put aside their disappointment of the final loss to receive Messi and boys despite cold weather in Buenos Aires.

President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner also held a reception for the players.



Netherlands: Louis van Gaal’s Dutch team reached the semifinal and Robin Van Persie provided the tournament with one of its glorious goals.

Thousands of fans were waiting for the team as the players strutted out of Rotterdam airport in matching blue cardigans.



Colombia: impressed everyone with their brand of football and striker James Rodriguez became a global star with six goals that made him the World Cup's highest scorer.

In an open top bus parade through the streets of Bogota, the players obliged screaming fans with a few moves of their now-famous goal celebration.