'We know he is present with us': Ronaldo, Portugal pay tribute to Jota after win over Croatia

Cristiano Ronaldo and the Portugal national team paid an emotional tribute to their former teammate Diogo Jota after securing a dramatic 2-1 victory over Croatia in the World Cup round of 32 in Toronto on Thursday.After the final whistle, Ronaldo wore Jota's No. 21 Portugal jersey and, visibly emotional, looked to the sky while standing with his teammates. The tribute carried extra 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 it before the game, it was a special moment," Ronaldo told Fox. "We speak today, our group, about the coincidence of life, it's unbelievable."I was amazed because the situation of today 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 equalised in the 68th minute with a penalty. The goal was significant for the Portugal captain, as it marked his first-ever goal in a World Cup knockout match. At 41 years and 147 days old, Ronaldo also became the oldest player to score in a men's World Cup knockout game. Ronaldo later told Portugal's Sport TV: "We know he is present with us and it only made sense to win today to honour him in the best way."Portugal sealed the win deep into stoppage time when Gonçalo Ramos scored in the fourth added minute. Croatia believed they had equalised moments later, but VAR ruled out Mario Pasalic's goal for offside. Portugal will now face Spain in the round of 16 on Monday in Arlington, Texas.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.