TORONTO: Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo described his side’s dramatic FIFA World Cup Round of 16 qualification as a poignant tribute to former teammate Diogo Jota, saying it was an “unbelievable coincidence” that the victory came almost exactly one year after the Liverpool forward’s death.
Portugal defeated Croatia 2-1 on Thursday with a stoppage-time winner from Goncalo Ramos to advance to the knockout stage. Following the match, Ronaldo and his teammates held up Jota’s number 21 jersey in tribute to the late forward.
Speaking after the victory, Ronaldo said the squad had discussed the significance of the date before kick-off.
“The coincidence of life, it’s unbelievable,” Ronaldo said. “We knew it before the game. It was a so special moment. We spoke today, our group, about that, the coincidence of life. It’s unbelievable.”
Ronaldo also wore a number 21 jersey during his post-match television interviews in honour of his former international teammate.
How did Portugal honour Diogo Jota?
Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez said the victory carried added emotional significance for both the team and the country’s supporters.
He said Portugal’s progression to the Round of 16 made the occasion especially meaningful because it coincided with a year in which the national team continued to honour Jota’s memory.
“For Portuguese fans this is a very happy day and also because of the meaning of the game,” Martinez said. “We’ve moved to the next phase, to the Round of 16, in a year where we honoured Diogo Jota.”
The team’s tribute followed an emotional post-match ceremony in which players gathered with Jota’s jersey after securing qualification.
What happened to Diogo Jota?
Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, were killed in a car crash in Spain on July 3 last year while the Portugal international was travelling back to England to join Liverpool for pre-season training.
The tragedy prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the football world, with teammates, clubs and supporters remembering the forward for his contributions to both club and country.
Earlier in this World Cup, Portugal also paid tribute to Jota before its opening match against the Democratic Republic of Congo, when a black-and-white image of the late forward was displayed on the stadium’s giant screen in Houston.
Portugal will now face Spain in the Round of 16 as they continue their campaign with the memory of Jota remaining a source of inspiration for the squad.