'It has special meaning' - Ronaldo hails emotional Portugal victory in Diogo Jota tribute

Portugal secured their place in the last 16 after edging Croatia on Thursday, and the players marked the occasion by posing with Jota's number 21 shirt after the final whistle. Ronaldo also wore the number 21 jersey during his post-match television interviews as a tribute.

The Portugal captain admitted the timing of the victory made the moment even more memorable.

"It was a coincidence of life, it's unbelievable," Ronaldo said.

"We knew it before the game. It was a very special moment. We spoke about it today as a group, about the coincidence of life. It's unbelievable."

Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez said advancing to the knockout stage was a proud achievement, but added that the anniversary of Jota's death gave the result even greater significance for the players and supporters.

"For Portuguese fans this is a very happy day," Martinez said.

"It also has special meaning because we've moved to the next phase, to the round of 16, in a year where we honoured Diogo Jota."

Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, died in a car accident in Spain on July 3 last year while the Liverpool forward was travelling back to England for pre-season training.

Portugal have remembered Jota throughout the tournament. Before their opening World Cup match against the Democratic Republic of Congo in Houston, a black-and-white image of the late forward was displayed on the stadium's giant screen as players and fans paid their respects.

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