FIFA World Cup

Cristiano Ronaldo Hails Emotional Victory After Jota Tribute

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epa13082017 Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal (C), wearing the shirt of his late teammate Diogo Jota, and his teammates greet supporters after winning the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match Portugal against Croatia, in Toronto, Canada, 02 July 2026. EPA/MIGUEL A. LOPES

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo hailed his side’s resilience after their victory, admitting the emotional tribute to the late Diogo Jota made the occasion even more special.

The Portuguese side advanced to the World Cup last 16 after they came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory over Croatia at the BMO Field in Toronto.

Goals from Ronaldo and Gonçalo Ramos cancelled out Ivan Perisic’s opening goal, which proved to be enough to send them to the next round.

Ronaldo said the team’s pre-match discussions about Jota added extra meaning to the result, praising Portugal’s determination and composure in overcoming a difficult challenge.

“We knew it before the game. It was a so special moment. We speak today, our group, about that, the coincidence of life, it’s unbelievable,” Ronaldo said afterwards of the tribute to Jota.

“I was amazed because the situation of today. It means a lot to us, not only because we won the game, but also the way we won the game. It was a difficult game, we knew it.”