More than one million supporters flooded the streets of Madrid to greet the Spanish national football team as they returned home following their World Cup triumph in the United States. The squad toured the capital in an open-top bus emblazoned with “Kings of the World,” traveling through dense crowds of red-clad fans singing, waving flags, and blowing vuvuzelas en route to Plaza de Cibeles.
A massive stage was set up at Cibeles, where players addressed the enthusiastic crowd, many of whom endured temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius during a hours-long wait. Local authorities confirmed the record attendance across the parade route and central square as the nation celebrated its second world title, sixteen years after its initial victory in South Africa in 2010.
Read more about this topic: World Cup: Spain secures 2nd title by defeating Argentina in the final (with video)
Spain secured the trophy on Sunday with a 1-0 victory over defending champions Argentina at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, courtesy of an extra-time goal from Ferran Torres in the 106th minute. Major national newspapers highlighted the widespread euphoria and collective unity brought by the victory, noting a rare moment of shared celebration across the country.
