France’s sweet return

THE World Cup-winning French team returned home to a heroes’ welcome yesterday, parading down the Champs Elysees as hundreds of thousands of cheering fans gave a raucous welcome to the country’s newest idols.

After overcoming a determined Croatia to win 4-2 in Sunday’s final in Russia, the team came back to euphoric crowds in Paris hoping to catch a glimpse of the players that have captured the country’s imagination.

They did not disappoint, passing the golden World Cup trophy from player to player as they danced on an open-air bus with “World Champions” emblazoned on its side.

The parade was under heavy police guard.