( CNN ) -- Colombia may have exited the World Cup at the quarterfinal stage but it did not stop a massive crowd from welcoming home their heroes in the capital Bogota Sunday . Hosts Brazil put paid to the team 's hopes with a narrow 2-1 victory in Fortaleza Friday , although the win came at a heavy price with Neymar ruled out for the rest of the World Cup . Arriving at El Dorado airport after an Avianca flight , the squad were met by a frenzied welcome with thousands lining the streets as their open top bus negotiated its way through the streets . Colombia , coached by Argentina 's Jose Pekerman , won its group and impressed with its flowing football , led by World Cup sensation James Rodriguez . He scored his sixth and tournament-leading goal , a late penalty , in the defeat to Brazil . `` Thanks for always being there , thanks for the support , we love you , '' Rodriguez said as he addressed the crowd . They had gathered early , most wearing the team 's yellow shirt , to catch a glimpse of the players who were given red carpet treatment at the airport , before going on a tour in the bus , which inched its way through the throngs . The Colombian players were then presented on a stage at the Simon Bolivar park and showed off their footwork by dancing to the music . Meanwhile , the Brazil squad has been training in Teresopolis ahead of its semifinal clash with Germany in Belo Horizonte Tuesday . Chelsea 's Willian , who could come in for Neymar , admitted his loss was a blow to Brazil 's hopes of winning the World Cup on home soil . `` Neymar sets the standard for us . He is capable of deciding any game , so playing without him will be difficult , '' he said . But the midfielder added : `` We know the quality that we have . We are all very sad at losing him but we are now even stronger after what happened and we can continue to pursue our dream . '' Willian suffered an injury scare in training Saturday after a clash with Hernanes but said it would not prevent him playing in the last four clash . Coach Luis Felipe Scolari 's other possible replacement for Neymar , who has fractured a vertabra in his back , could be winger Bernard , who plays for Shakhtar Donetsk .
Colombia team returns home to massive welcome in Bogota . Colombia went out in quarterfinals to hosts Brazil . WC top scorer James Rodriguez center of attention . Brazil comes to terms with loss of star player Neymar .