Brazilian world soccer champions feted as returning heroes BRASILIA, July 2, 2002 (AFP) Brazil's soccer team, winners of an unprecedented fifth World Cup, were feted as returning heroes here Tuesday, honoured by President Fernando Henrique Cardoso and half a million cheering fans. The plane bringing them home from Japan was escorted to the tarmac by four Brazilian Air Force jets for the start of a victory tour that will take the world champions to other Brazilian cities. Team captain Cafu was the first player to disembark from the plane, and hoisted the World Cup in the air for the waiting fans to relish. Above him, written by sky-writing planes, were the words "The Fifth." Close behind him came World Cup hero Ronaldo, who said as he set foot on Brazilian soil: "I am happy and so are the Brazilian people." Authorities said 500,000 people crowded along the 15 kilometer (nine mile) route to the presidential palace, where Cardoso decorated the team and coach Luiz Felipe Scolari with the National Order of Merit. Euphoric fans swathed in the green and yellow colors of the Brazilian flag screamed for their heroes, such as game-winning striker Ronaldo as he and his teammates rode in a fire-truck towards the city. Schools were closed for the morning to allow children to share in the national joy. The crowd had been assembling hours before dawn to catch a glimpse of their heroes, some arriving before 3:00 a.m. "We are tired, but the joy is stronger than the fatigue," said bank official Maria de Fatima Nunes, who arrived early enough to get a close up of the players as passed by. The imposing public buildings of the Brazialian capital were decked out in festive national colours as the team went on a victory parade around the town. Star Ronaldo, who is giving away his 180,000 dollars World Cup winners to charity and other causes, completed a fairy tale comeback Sunday by scoring both goals as Brazil defeated Germany 2-0 to clinch the victory and reclaim their place as the kings of world soccer. The injury-plagued two-time world footballer of the year netted in the 67th and 79th minutes, sparkling wild celebrations at the Yokohama International Stadium, in Brazil and in Brazilian communities around the world. Ronaldo's eight goals in seven matches took his World Cup tally to 12, equalling that of his hero and legendary player Pele. Following the tour of the capital, the World Cup-winning team boarded the same plane which carried them from Japan and headed on for another raucus reception in Rio de Janerio. The team will also visit Sao Paulo. |
Red carpet laid out for Turkey's homecoming ISTANBUL, June 30, 2002 (AFP) Tens of thousands of grateful fans feted World Cup third Turkey on their triumphant arrival back home here on Sunday after beating South Korea to win 3rd place in the World Cup. Umit Davala and his teammates touched down in a speically chartered Turkish Airlines flight which had been accompanied as a mark of honour by F-16 planes the minute it entered Turkish airspace. Istanbul's Ataturk airport was transformed into a sea of people in red and white - many waving flags and banners, one had on it "Welcome home to the heroes", another "You are the best in the world". The homecoming was shown live on national television and radio. The team made there way in an open top bus to the city centre hotly pursued by hundreds of cars with klaxons blowing to celebrate their side's heroic and historic exploit in Asia. Traffic came to a standstill in many sections of the city. The 25 kilometre route from the airport to Taksim square was lined by thousands of supporters, come to pay hommage to the side in scenes reminiscent of the night Galatasaray brought the UEFA Cup back in 2000. After a two hour trip the bus finally entered Taksim square where an expectant crowd had begun gathering many hours earlier for a concert that was due to last well into the night. Despite the vast numbers there were no reports of trouble. Turkey's exploit has injected a much needed dose of optimism into a people at a time of dire economic crisis and political uncertainty. "We needed this victory," said one fan, draped in a large Turkish flag. |
