Cristiano Ronaldo and the Portugal national team paid an emotional tribute to their former teammate Diogo Jota after securing a dramatic 2-1 victory over Croatia in the World Cup round of 32 in Toronto on Thursday. The tribute has added significance as Friday marks a year since Jota and his brother, André Silva, died in a car accident 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. “We’re talking now, our group, about the coincidence of life, it’s unbelievable.“I’m surprised because today’s situation means a lot to us, not only because we won the game but also in the way.” Croatia took the lead through Ivan Perisic, but Ronaldo equalized in the 68th minute with a penalty. The goal was significant for the Portugal captain, as it marked his first ever goal in a World Cup knockout match. At 41 years and 147 days, Ronaldo also became the oldest player to score in a men’s World Cup knockout game. Ronaldo then told Portugal’s Sport TV. “We know he’s with us and it makes sense to win today to honor him in the best possible way.”Portugal sealed the victory until stoppage time when Gonçalo Ramos scored in the fourth extra minute. Croatia thought they had leveled late on, but VAR ruled out Mario Pasalic’s goal for offside. Portugal will now face Spain in the round of 16 this Monday in Arlington, Texas.