Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal paid special tribute to late Diogo Jota after their 2-1 round of 32 win against Croatia in Toronto on Thursday. Ronaldo, the Portugal’s skipper, put on Jota’s No. 21 Portugal jersey after the final whistle and with tears in his eyes pointed to the sky as he remembered his former teammate, who died in a car crash last year.

After a goalless first half, Ivan Perišić broke the deadlock as he scored in the 53rd minute to put Croatia in front. However, Ronaldo was able to equalise for Portugal as he scored from a spot kick. The veteran was substituted by Roberto Martinez in the 80th minute.

Substitute Gonçalo Ramos then scored in the 94th minute with a header to seal the deal for Portugal and help them qualify for the round of 16.

“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 it means a lot to us, not only because we won the game but also the way.”

He added to Portugal’s Sport TV: “We know he is present with us and it only made sense to win today to honor him in the best way.”

Ronaldo scored his first knockout stage goal at the World Cup and, aged 41 years and 147 days, he is also the oldest player to score in a men’s World Cup knockout game.

“Every day it’s special because we talk about [Jota] every day,” Ramos, who scored the winner, told reporters. “He gives us strength and it’s very special to have won today and to have reached one the most important phases of this competition.”

“Regarding the emotions, we always believed, we believed from the very beginning,” Portugal forward Rafael Leão, who hit the post for Portugal, added. “And there was an additional, crucial factor: Diogo Jota, who is always with us and helped us as well.”

Portugal will next face Spain the round of 16 in Arlington, Texas, on Monday.