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Iceland players returned from Euro 2016 to a hero's welcome
33,000 fans turned up to Reykjavik to see the players return
Around 10% of the country's entire population
What does it sound like when 10% of a country’s entire population claps in unison?
It is estimated around 33,000 people turned up in the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik to give the players a hero’s welcome on their return from Euro 2016.
The small island nation stunned the football world by progressing to the quarterfinals, beating England on the way to cause one of the biggest upsets in the sport’s history.
Co-managed by experienced coach Lars Lagerback and part-time dentist Heimir Hallgrímsson, the team eventually fell short against France, succumbing to a humbling 5-2 defeat.
It was the smallest nation to ever qualify for a European Championship and the first time in the country’s history it had qualified for a major tournament.
Fans and players alike won the hearts and minds of Europe with their now famous “Viking thunder clap.”
Above you can watch the players’ spine-tingling welcome home.
