Ronaldo Emotional Tribute to Former Teammate Diogo Jota After World Cup Win

Toronto. Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal paid an emotional tribute to former teammate Diogo Jota after their 2-1 World Cup victory over Croatia in Toronto on Thursday. Ronaldo, who scored Portugal's first goal from the penalty spot in the Round of 32 match, wore Portugal's jersey number 21, which belonged to Jota, after the final whistle. With tears in his eyes, he remembered Jota, pointing towards the sky with his teammates.

Friday marks exactly one year since Jota and his brother Andre Silva died in a car accident in the western region of Spain. Diogo Jota had played 49 matches for Portugal, scoring 14 goals.

Speaking to Fox after the match, Ronaldo said, 'We knew the importance of this day before the match. It was a very special moment. Today we were talking about the coincidences of life within the team. It's truly incredible. Today's situation meant a lot to all of us. Not just because we won the game, but the way we won was also special.'

He added to Portugal's Sport TV, 'We know he is with us. So winning today was the best way to honor him.'

Ivan Perisic had given Croatia an early lead in the match. Then, in the 68th minute, Ronaldo equalized from the penalty spot. This was his first goal in the knockout stage of the World Cup. At 41 years and 147 days old, he also became the oldest player to score in a men's World Cup knockout stage.

Then, in the fourth minute of injury time, Goncalo Ramos scored the decisive goal, giving Portugal the victory. Ramos said, 'Every day is special because we talk about him (Jota) every day. He gives us strength. Winning today and reaching one of the most important stages of the tournament is truly a special experience.'

The end of the match, however, was controversial. Mario Pasalic seemed to have brought Croatia level at 2-2 with a goal in the final moments. But the goal was disallowed after VAR ruled it offside.

Portugal forward Rafael Leao said, 'Emotionally, we believed from the start. There was an additional important aspect – Diogo Jota. He is always with us and he supported us today too.'

Portugal will now compete against Spain in the Round of 16 match in Arlington, Texas on Monday.