RIO DE JANEIRO (REUTERS) - Members of Brazil's national team, which was knocked out of the World Cup, were applauded by fans greeting their arrival at Rio de Janeiro's international airport on Sunday (July 8).

Five-time champions Brazil lost to Belgium 2-1 on Friday (July 6) in Kazan, Russia.

Supporters chanted and cheered the players on as they got off the airplane and appeared in the airport lounge.

Midfielders Casemiro and Philippe Coutinho stopped to greet some of the supporters and take pictures with them.

Star forward Neymar was, however, not seen in the disembarkation area.

Brazil's coach, Tite, who was invited to stay on to helm the Selecao despite their Finals failure, thanked the fans for their warm welcome.

"I would like to reciprocate this warmth by saying thank you from my heart," Tite said after arriving home.

He added he felt terrible bitterness after they were dumped out by the Red Devils on Friday. The defeat was Tite's first in a competitive match since he took over in mid-2016 and only his second defeat overall.

It was also the first time his side had allowed two goals in a game after conceding only six in their previous 25 matches.