Fans waving Germany's black-red-and-gold flag packed Frankfurt's main square on Monday to welcome home the Women's World Cup champions.
The German team returned home a day after they defended their title with a 2-0 win over Brazil in Shanghai, ending a stellar performance in which they did not give up a goal.
The players led the crowd in rousing cheers and traditional German soccer chants before wrapping up the evening with a loud and off-key rendition of We Are the Champions. Then they disappeared inside for an official welcome ceremony by the city's mayor and other officials.
PHOTO: AFP
"I'm thrilled that so many fans have turned out and that so many had their fingers crossed for us," Germany coach Silvia Neid told the crowd of 15,000 that packed the square beneath the balcony of Frankfurt's Roemer city hall -- the traditional welcoming point for victorious teams.
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