Colombia national team returns home to open arms

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Colombia might have lost to Brazil on Friday, but the team was given a reception worthy of champions as a grateful nation applauded the tenacity and strength (and great dance moves) that caught the world's attention during its historic run to the quarterfinals.

With strong performances and great wins throughout all its group stage matches, Colombia proved to be a powerful force. Players like James Rodriguez and Juan Cuardado stood out during the tournament, making themselves household names.

[Related: Neymar couldn't feel his legs following Colombia tackle]

Rodriguez scored two brilliant goals against Uruguay to advance to the quarterfinal, but that was the end of the road. The team fell short against Brazil after allowing goals from Thiago Silva and David Luiz.

Regardless, Colombia's reputation has already been improved and will most likely stay that way, especially considering the warm welcome the players received from thousands of fans when they returned home early Sunday morning.

Fans from all over the country lined the streets of Bogotá Sunday to welcome home their new national heroes as the team bus attempted to navigate the streets of the capital. Rodriguez sent out a tweet about how proud he is to be part of the Colombian team.

His teammates quickly followed suit.

Colombia has begun to feel the love and it doesn’t seem like it will stop anytime soon.

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