Portugal FIFA World Cup campaign enters its knockout stage with emotions running high as Roberto Martinez’s side prepare to face Croatia in the Round of 16 on Thursday in Toronto.As well as aiming for a place in the last 16, Portugal will have an added sense of purpose. By the time the kick-off arrives in Canada, it will already be July 3rd in Portugal, marking one year since then Diogo Jota and his younger brother André Silva tragically lost their lives in a car accident in western Spain.The anniversary brought back memories of the defeat that stunned the football world. Jota was 28 when he died and Silva was 25. Although both were recognized for their football careers, those closest to them often spoke of their influence outside the game.Silva played as an attacking midfielder for Portuguese second division club Penafiel and graduated in business management in 2025. Meanwhile, Jota established himself as one of Portugal’s key strikers and celebrated winning the Premier League with Liverpool. Just 11 days before the accident, he married his childhood sweetheart, Ruta Cardoso. He also left behind three children.Jota was part of the Portugal squad that lifted the UEFA Nations League title in June 2025 and his next ambition was to help the national team challenge for the World Cup. Although he never got the chance to fulfill that dream, Martinez says his memory continues to inspire the entire team.“I think we have to pay tribute to Diogo Jota,” Martinez said after Portugal’s goalless draw with Colombia on Saturday.“I think it’s a moment to appreciate that everything we started in this team started with him. We won the Nations League with him. He’s probably the sign and light of the greatest stimulation we have. We want to win the World Cup for him.”Portugal’s path to the knockout stage was not easy. After opening their campaign with a win over Uzbekistan, Roberto Martinez’s side went goalless against DR Congo before another 0-0 draw against Colombia. Those results were enough to see Cristiano Ronaldo‘s team enters the round of 16, where they will now face each other Luka ModricCroatia at the stadium in Toronto.A win would keep Portugal’s World Cup hopes alive, but it would also have a deeper meaning. On the first anniversary of Jota’s death, progressing in the tournament would be another step towards fulfilling a dream the former Liverpool striker never had the chance to achieve, and the team decided to honor his memory on football’s biggest stage.
