Uruguay's World Cup team received a hero's welcome home on Tuesday as tens of thousands of cheering flag-waving fans lined the streets of Montevideo.
Uruguayans waited for hours in cold winter temperatures to see the bus transporting the players pass by, and President Jose Mujica offered a tribute in front of fans gathered in the centre of the capital.
"We are moved, but mostly thankful, very thankful. These boys deserve recognition, but this has surpassed all that could be imagined," Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez told the crowd.
Uruguay's run to fourth place in the tournament was one of the surprises of the World Cup, giving the small South American nation its best showing in four decades.
