Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal’s national team paid tribute to former teammate Diogo Jota after a stunning 2-1 win over Croatia in the World Cup round of 32 in Toronto on Thursday.After the final whistle, Ronaldo donned Jota’s number 21 Portugal jersey and, understandably, looked up at the sky as he stood with his teammates. The tribute had added meaning because Friday marks one year since Jota and his brother, André Silva, died in a car accident in western Spain. During his international career, Jota made 49 appearances for Portugal and scored 14 goals.“We knew before the game, it was a special moment,” Ronaldo told Fox. “We’re talking today, our group, about life events, it’s not surprising.“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 Perisic, but Ronaldo equalized in the 68th minute with a penalty. The goal was significant for the Portugal captain, as it was his first knock-out goal at the World Cup. At the age of 41 years and 147 days, Ronaldo also became the oldest player to score a knockout match at the men’s World Cup. Ronaldo later told Portugal’s Sport TV: “We know he is with us and it made sense to win today to honor him.”Portugal sealed victory in stoppage time when Gonçalo Ramos scored in the fourth minute of extra time. Croatia believed they had equalized in the second half, but Mario Pasalic’s goal was ruled out for offside by VAR. Portugal will now face Spain in the Round of 16 on Monday in Arlington, Texas.
