FIFA World Cup 2026: Portugal "motivated in plenty" to win R32 clash for late Diogo Jota on his death anniversary
Toronto, July 2
Ahead of his side's FIFA World Cup round of 32 clash against Croatia, Portugal and Paris Saint-Germain star Vitinha expressed that the side has "plenty of motivation" to win the star-studded clash for the late striker Diogo Jota, with the match happening on the day of his death anniversary.
After two goalless draws against DR Congo and Colombia, Portugal, who managed to scrape past all odds to the round of 32, will take on Luka Modric-led Croatia. The Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal has a lot of emotional weight attached to this match, with Jota, 28, passing away in a road accident last year on July 3, the day of the match.
Remembering the former Liverpool and Portugal star during the pre-match presser, Vitinha said, "Like I said before, we have plenty of motivation to win this game and reach the next round. Moreover, there is that factor, that special day (Jota's death anniversary). We have all the motivation and much more to want to win tomorrow. For us. For our families. For Diogo Jota. For the whole country. For Portugal. So we are going to give everything we have to win against Croatia tomorrow."
Earlier, Portugal paid tribute to Jota in their campaign opener against DR Congo by wearing special commemorative wristbands
According to Reuters, the wristbands, presented to the squad by Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro, feature the names of all current players along with that of Jota, who died alongside his brother in a car accident in northwestern Spain last year.
Jota, who earned 49 caps and scored 14 goals for Portugal, remains a cherished figure within the national team, and his teammates have chosen to carry his memory onto the pitch during the tournament.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Emotional match this will be. India doesn't have such deep football traditions, but we understand playing for someone who is no more. The whole Portugal squad seems united. Hope Ronaldo and Vitinha deliver a fitting performance!
Two goalless draws is concerning though. Emotional motivation is fine, but they need better tactics. Croatia with Modric will be tough. Hope Portugal doesn't get over-romantic and forget the game plan. Jota would want them to win smartly, not just emotionally.
The Portuguese PM handing out wristbands shows the entire nation is behind this team. Jota's 14 goals for Portugal is a fantastic record. May his soul rest in peace. In India, we know the pain of losing family members too—stay strong, Portugal! 🕊️
As someone who watched Jota at Liverpool, this is incredibly sad. 28 is way too young. But football moves on, and this Portuguese team has a golden chance to honor his memory. Croatia's midfield is aging too—time for Portugal to step up!
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