Thousands of Ecuadoreans put their team's World Cup disappointment behind them to fill the streets of Quito in a rousing celebration to welcome home their soccer team on Tuesday.

A commercial airliner bringing the squad back from Germany after their 1-0 defeat by England was accompanied by two Mirage F-1 fighter jets in a rare honour usually reserved for high-ranking foreign dignitaries.

Coach Luis Fernando Suarez, a Colombian, joined players in a caravan around the city which has enjoyed a festive atmosphere after the team reached the second round of the tournament for the first time.

"There are no words to express what we are feeling. With all the power and positive feeling they have given us we were able to to represent our country with dignity," team captain Ivan Hurtado said.

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