(DPA, AFP )

Norway and Switzerland were received back home as heroes following their respective World Cup exits during the quarterfinal round.

Around 88,000 supporters gathered in Oslo on Monday to welcome the team, while cheering Swiss fans gave their football squad a heroes' welcome in Zurich. 

Norway were competing at a World Cup for the first time since 1998 and by reaching the quarter-finals they achieved the national team's best-ever result. They failed to reach the semi-finals after a 2-1 defeat to England after extra-time. Their journey in North America included an epic victory against record winners Brazil in the last 16.

The massive crowd of fans flooded the streets of Oslo, filling Royal Palace grounds and stretching down the main street.

During the festivities, Crown Prince Haakon was banging on a drum to lead the "Viking Row," which became a popular way for the fans to show their support during the World Cup. Other members of the Royal Family, including King Harald, were also present.

"He welcomed us home and congratulated us," captain Martin Ødegaard said of King Harald.

The players paraded through the streets of Oslo in an open-top bus while thanking the fans.

Superstar Erling Haaland and midfielder Sander Berge travelled with the team, but didn't participate in the parade as they made their way to Sicily for vacation. At first, the duo didn't want to travel to Norway at all, but they were eventually persuaded to do so. Because the team's flight from Miami was delayed, Haaland and Berge had to leave the reception early.

In Zurich
Meanwhile, Switzerland's squad returned home on Tuesday after reaching the quarter-finals for the first time in 72 years. Supporters gathered in the Turbinenplatz square in Zurich to greet the "Nati" following their exploits in the United States and Canada, full of pride at what a team from a small country, ranked 19th in the world, had achieved on the biggest stage.

The players and manager Murat Yakin, wearing red t-shirts that said "History", were welcomed onto a stage in in front of a backdrop reading "We are Switzerland", in the country's four official languages: German, French, Italian and Romansh.

Switzerland were beaten 3-1 by Argentina after extra time in Kansas City on Saturday, equalising in the second half shortly before striker Breel Embolo was sent off in tears after simulating a foul with a theatrical dive.

The Swiss had Lionel Messi's defending champions on the back foot for much of the match -- then had to defend valiantly once reduced to 10 men.

"We would have loved to stay for another week," Yakin told the crowd. "But of course it's also lovely to be able to return home to our own fans like this. "We're extremely proud of what the entire staff and all the players have achieved."

Fans joined in with the players as they danced about on the stage, with many supporters dressed in red shirts and baseball caps with the Swiss cross.

"It's a bit hard to fully grasp what we've achieved," said captain Granit Xhaka. "Overall, it was a good tournament. We can be really proud of what we accomplished. Unfortunately, it wasn't quite enough in the end. With a bit of luck, we might have gone even further. But that's part of the game, and we accept it."

There was plenty of support for Embolo at the Zurich homecoming party, with one youngster holding up a placard asking for his signature. Another home-made sign read: "Dear Breel Embolo, you're innocent."

Goalkeeper Gregor Kobel said the team's defining characteristic was "the resilience everyone showed" throughout the tournament.