Cristiano Ronaldo and the Portuguese national team paid an emotional tribute to their former teammate Diogo Jota after their dramatic 2-1 victory over Croatia in the round of 16 of the World Cup on Thursday in Toronto.After the final whistle, Ronaldo put on Jota’s Portuguese jersey with the number 21 and looked visibly emotional at the sky while standing with his teammates. The tribute had added meaning as Friday marks one year since Jota and his brother André Silva were killed in a car accident in western Spain. During his international career, Jota made 49 appearances for Portugal and scored 14 goals.“We knew it before the game, it was a special moment,” Ronaldo told Fox. “Today, our group, we talk about the randomness of life, it’s incredible.“I was surprised because today’s situation means a lot to us, not only because we won the game but also the way.” Croatia took the lead through Ivan Perišić, but Ronaldo equalized in the 68th minute from the penalty spot. The goal was significant for the Portuguese captain, as it was his first goal in a World Cup knockout match. At 41 years and 147 days, Ronaldo also became the oldest player to score in a Men’s World Cup knockout match. Ronaldo later told Portugal’s Sport TV: “We know he is present with us and it only made sense to win today to honor him in the best possible way.”Portugal sealed victory deep into stoppage time when Gonçalo Ramos scored in the fourth added minute. Moments later, Croatia believed they had equalized, but VAR ruled out Marijo Pašalić’s goal for offside. Portugal will now face Spain in the Round of 16 on Monday in Arlington, Texas.
