The match Portugal couldn't lose: Victory for Diogo and Andre

Despite standing just 1.78 metres tall, Diogo Jota's heading abilities were exceptional. It's hard to say whether he scored more goals with his head or his feet, but either way, whenever he rose into the air, even much taller defenders knew they were in trouble.

Last night, Portugal defeated Croatia 2-1 in a dramatic encounter and advanced to the World Cup Round of 16 thanks to Goncalo Ramos' fantastic 94th-minute winner.

Watching the replay of the new AC Milan striker's goal, one couldn't help but wonder how on Earth he managed to outjump two Croatian defenders, Josko Gvardiol and Marin Pongracic, and head the ball into the net.

It was as if Jota's spirit lifted him into the air to help Portugal when it mattered most on the day this country will never forget.

July 3, 2026, marked the anniversary of the tragic deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who died in a car accident in Spain.

Portugal remembers: Ronaldo and Co. carry Jota's name on their wrists

Yesterday, Portugal couldn't lose. Not with Diogo watching over them.

After the final whistle, Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. paid a touching tribute to their former teammate, as the Navigators' captain wore a jersey with Jota's number, 21, and pointed to the sky. Afterward, the squad took a photo with the shirt, as if their friend Diogo was there.

And make no mistake - he was there!

Because his team needed help. Because somehow, Ramos found a way to fly, rising above two defenders no one expected him to beat. Because Portugal couldn't lose. Not on July 3.

WORLD CUP - KNOCKOUT STAGE

Round of 32

Sunday

South Africa - Canada 0-1 (0-0)

/Eustaquio 90+2/

Monday

Brazil - Japan 2-1 (0-1)

/Casemiro 56, Martinelli 90+5 - Sano 29/

Germany - Paraguay 3-4 on penalties (1-1)

/Havertz 54 - Enciso 42/

Tuesday

Netherlands - Morocco 2-3 on penalties (1-1)

/Gakpo 72 - Diop 90+1/

Ivory Coast - Norway 1-2 (0-1)

/Diallo 74 - Nusa 39, Haaland 86/

France - Sweden 3-0 (1-0)

/Mbappe 45, 74 Barcola 53/

Wednesday

Mexico - Ecuador 2-0 (2-0)

/Quinones 22, Jimenez 31/

England - DR Congo 2-1 (0-1)

/Kane 75, 86 - Cipenga 7/

Belgium - Senegal 3-2 a.e.t. (2-2)

/Lukaku 86, Tielemans 89, 120+5 pen - Diarra 25, Sarr I. 51/

Thursday

USA - B&H 2-0 (1-0)

/Balogun 45, Tillman 82/

Spain - Austria 3-0 (1-0)

/Oyarzabal 36, 89, Porro 66/

Friday

Portugal - Croatia 2-1 (0-0)

/Ronaldo 68 pen, Ramos 90+4 - Perisic 53/

Switzerland - Algeria 2-0 (1-0)

/Embolo 10, Ndoye 46/

21.00: (3.15) Australia (2.95) Egypt (2.55)

Saturday

01.00: (1.17) Argentina (7.50) Cape Verde (16.0)

04.30: (1.70) Colombia (3.60) Ghana (5.50)

***odds are subject to change***