Brazil fans greet team after WC knockout

RIO DE JANEIRO, July 09 (Reuters): Members of Brazil's national team, which was knocked out of the 2018 World Cup, were applauded by fans greeting their arrival at Rio de Janeiro's international airport on Sunday.

Five-time champion Brazil lost to Belgium 2-1 on Friday in Kazan, Russia.

Supporters chanted and cheered the players on as they got off the airplane and appeared in the airport lounge. Players Casemiro and Philippe Coutinho stopped to greet some of the supporters and take pictures with them.

Neymar, regarded as one of the most talented players on the Brazilian side, was not seen in the disembarkation area.

Brazil's coach, Tite, who was invited to keep managing the Brazilian team even after its World Cup defeat, thanked the fans for their warm welcome.

"I would like to reciprocate this warmth by saying thank you from my heart," the coach said in brief comments after arriving.