Cristiano Ronaldo dedicated Portugal’s 2-1 World Cup victory over Croatia to the late Diogo Jota, almost one year after Jota died in a car accident. Ronaldo finally scored in a World Cup knockout match, helping Portugal overturn a deficit and secure a place in the last 16, where Spain await.

The forward held up Jota’s shirt on the pitch after the final whistle, a powerful image for Portugal supporters. Jota had been symbolically named in Portugal’s 27-player World Cup squad, and the group had spoken about honouring Jota before facing Croatia at Toronto Stadium.

Portugal’s win now sets up a last-16 tie with European champions Spain at Los Angeles Stadium. Spain beat Austria 3-0 to progress, and remain unbeaten under Luis de la Fuente at major tournaments, with 10 wins and one draw from 11 matches. Portugal head into that clash after a physically and emotionally demanding comeback.

Spain’s record under Luis de la Fuente puts the coach alongside respected European names. Only Aime Jacquet and Louis van Gaal have managed more combined World Cup and EURO matches without defeat, with 12 games each. Portugal face a team showing strong form and consistency at the highest level.

Ronaldo’s equaliser came from the penalty spot after Croatia had controlled long spells. Ivan Perisic sent Croatia ahead in the second half, and Portugal struggled for rhythm until the late stages. Ronaldo then converted confidently, before substitute Goncalo Ramos struck in the 94th minute with a decisive header.

Croatia thought the match was level again deep into stoppage time when Josko Gvardiol scored. However, the goal was ruled out because Mario Pasalic had collected Igor Matanovic’s flick from an offside position. Earlier, Nikola Vlasic also had an effort disallowed, underlining Croatia’s frustration with the officials.

Portugal also saw a potential goal ruled out when Ronaldo lifted a delicate chip over Dominik Livakovic after an excellent first touch. VAR confirmed an offside in the build-up. Petar Sucic had previously seen an 80th-minute finish cancelled for Croatia as well, following a sharp pass from Mateo Kovacic.

Those swings added to the sense of history for Portugal. This was the 16th World Cup match where Portugal trailed at any stage. It became only the second such game they eventually won, the other comeback coming against DPR Korea in 1966. The team had drawn two and lost 12 of the previous 15.

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Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic criticised what Dalic viewed as poor officiating, but Roberto Martinez disagreed and praised the decisions. “There were no bad decisions. Today we were fortunate, said Martinez when asked if Croatia had been robbed of a second goal by VAR. The chip ball showed that it was offside, the penalty was also clear. I understand the work of Dalic in this team, and it is a shame that there was only one winner today.”

Portugal Croatia World Cup emotions and tributes to Diogo Jota

The emotional focus for Portugal remained Jota, whose memory had been central within the squad during the tournament. Ronaldo spoke openly about Jota’s influence and the timing of the victory. “We knew it before the game, it was a so special moment, Ronaldo told Fox. We speak today, our group, about the coincidence of life. It’s unbelievable. I was amazed because the situation of today means a lot to us, not only because we won the game, but alsothe way. We know he is present with us, and it only made sense to win today to honour him in the best way.”

Matchwinner Ramos described how often Jota was mentioned within the team environment. “Every day it’s special because we talk about [Jota] every day, Ramos told reporters. He gives us strength, and it’s very special to have won today and to have reached one of the most important phases of this competition.” Ramos’ header was the second-latest goal Portugal have ever scored at a World Cup.

Martinez looked ahead to facing Spain while acknowledging the stress of the Croatia match. “We respect the quality of Spain. I think it is going to be a fantastic match, it is going to be the European game of this World Cup, Martinez added. I have lost my hair through this, but I think it is worth it.” Portugal now prepare for that contest after a night shaped by late drama and a shared tribute to Jota.