In the FIFA World Cup 2026 match against Croatia, Portugal secured a stunning victory by 2-1 at the BC Place Vancouver in Canada.
Following the win, Portugal’s skipper Cristiano Ronaldo dedicated it to his late teammate Diogo Jota. The 41-year-old superstar also shared a post on his official social media handle. Portugal’s entire squad, along with the management, was seen expressing joy, with Ronaldo posing with Jota’s No. 21 jersey.
“We won for ourselves, for Diogo, and for Portugal!!! LET’S GO!!!!,” read the post’s caption.
Vencemos por nós, pelo Diogo e por Portugal!!! VAMOS!!!! pic.twitter.com/pOOm7XRlCY
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) July 3, 2026
The win came on Jota’s first death anniversary. Before posing for the photo, Ronaldo was emotional when the squad paid homage to their late teammate.
Throughout the tournament, the Portuguese squad has carried Jota’s memory, with manager Roberto Martinez naming him an honorary member of the World Cup squad and several players dedicating the campaign to him.
In the previous year, Jota, along with his brother Andre Silva, lost their lives in a car crash on July 3. Their Lamborghini left the road and caught fire.
FIFA World Cup 2026: Cristiano Ronaldo achieves new feat
During the match, Ronaldo scored a crucial goal in the 68th minute of the game through a penalty.
With this, the 41-year-old footballer entered history books by becoming the oldest goalscorer in a World Cup’s knockout match. He achieved the feat at the age of 41 years and 147 days. Additionally, this was also Ronaldo’s first-ever goal in a knockout match, who is featuring in his sixth FIFA World Cup.
Later, Goncalo Ramos showcased a perfect header in the fourth minute of stoppage time to help Portugal cruise to a dominant victory. With this, Roberto Martinez’s side has advanced to the round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Roberto Martinez’s team will now lock horns with Spain in the round of 16. The clash is scheduled to be played on July 7 at the Dallas Stadium in Texas.
The title clash of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be played on July 20 at the New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford.
(With ANI Inputs)
