Spain stars lap up adulation of estimated two million on World Cup parade

MADRID: New World Cup champions Spain enjoyed a vibrant night of celebrations after an open-top bus parade through the streets of Madrid on Monday in front of a jubilant crowd of an estimated two million people.
The players enjoyed drinks on their procession under a blazing sun, along the main arteries in the city center where a sea of fans in red and yellow were waiting, before arriving at Cibeles square where they took to the stage and partied into the night.
The squad and coach Luis de la Fuente were introduced one by one to the fans, each with their own choice of music that they sung along to, wearing “We are champions” shirts.
“(Spain) showed the world what it is to work together, with one mind and one heart,” said pop superstar Shakira in a video message played to the team and crowd.
De la Fuente offered a similar message, hailing his players as the “best in the world” and telling fans not to forget that “together we are stronger.”
The players and staff posed for a photo before Rodri raised the trophy again, just as he had done on Sunday night after Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in extra-time in New Jersey to be crowned champions.
After flying back from the United States to Madrid, the players were received by King Felipe VI and the royal family earlier Monday, and then Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, before kicking off the parade.
Players passed around the gleaming World Cup trophy and waved to their adoring supporters, some lining balconies, others on top of bus stops.
Ferran Torres’s strike in extra-time was enough to bring Spain their second World Cup, following a first victory in 2010.
“You have shown your grit, your resilience and your courage… combining head and heart,” the king told La Roja’s stars, who