‘We know he is with us’: Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal team-mates pay emotional tribute to Diogo Jota after 2-1 win over Croatia

Cristiano Ronaldo with Portugal teammate Bernardo Silva (AP Photo) Cristiano Ronaldo and the Portugal national team paid an emotional tribute to their former team-mate Diogo Jota after securing a dramatic 2-1 win over Croatia in the last 16 of the World Cup in Toronto on Thursday.After the final whistle, Ronaldo donned Jota Portugal’s number 21 shirt and looked to the sky visibly emotional as he stood with his team-mates. The tribute had particular significance as Friday marks one year since Jota and his brother André Silva died in a car crash 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’re talking about the serendipity of life, it’s unbelievable.“I was amazed because the situation 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 equalized from the penalty spot in the 68th minute. The goal was significant for the Portugal captain as it marked his first ever goal in a World Cup knockout match. At the age of 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 with us and it made sense to win today just to honor him in the best way.”Portugal sealed the win deep into stoppage time when Gonçalo Ramos struck in the fourth minute of stoppage time. Croatia believed they had equalized moments later, but Mario Pasalić’s goal was ruled out for offside by VAR. Portugal will now face Spain in the Round of 16 on Monday in Arlington, Texas.