The South Korean national football team has returned home after a stunning victory over Germany during its final group match at the FIFA World Cup in Russia.

The 23-member squad, with the exception of captain Ki Sung-yueng, who flew to England for personal reasons, arrived at Incheon International Airport Friday afternoon. 

Although the national team missed out on the chance to move on to the knockout stage, they received a warm welcome from many fans and Korea Football Association officials for pulling off the historic upset over the European powerhouse.

Head coach Shin Tae-yong thanked the country's football fans, saying their support helped carry team through the ups and downs of the World Cup. 

With one win and two losses in the group stage, South Korea was eliminated ranking third in Group F.