<\/p>\n
Cristiano Ronaldo addressed reports of his impending retirement from international football as Portugal’s players celebrated a dramatic 2-1 victory against Croatia<\/a> in their World Cup Round of 32 clash in Toronto.<\/p>\n There were emotional scenes for both sides after the final whistle with Croatian legend Luka Modric and his teammates left shattered as VAR denied them a 103rd minute equaliser, ruling out Josko Gvardiol\u2019s goal for offside.<\/p>\n UFC 329: McGregor v Holloway 2 | SUN 12 JULY 11AM AEST | Conor McGregor is back. The Irish superstar takes on the always dangerous Max Holloway in a rematch 13 years in the making. | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports<\/a>.<\/b><\/i><\/p>\n On the flip side for Portugal, the victory, which sets up a Round of 16 date with neighbours Spain, came almost a year to the day since the death of Diogo Jota.<\/p>\n The late Liverpool and Portugal forward and his brother Andre Silva were killed in a car crash in Spain on July 3, 2025 at age 28.<\/p>\n Earlier in the tournament, a black and white picture of Jota was shown on the giant screen at the stadium in Houston before Portugal\u2019s first game against the Democratic Republic of Congo.<\/p>\n As they celebrated victory, Ronaldo and his teammates posed with Jota\u2019s number 21 jersey.<\/p>\n \u201cThe coincidence of life, it\u2019s unbelievable,\u201d Ronaldo said. \u201cWe knew it before the game. It was a so special moment. We speak today, our group, about that, the coincidence of life. It\u2019s unbelievable.\u201d<\/p>\n Ronaldo also pulled on a number 21 jersey at the end of the game to conduct interviews.<\/p>\n Portugal coach Roberto Martinez said the victory had special meaning. <\/p>\n \u201cFor Portuguese fans this is a very happy day and also because of the meaning of the game, we\u2019ve moved to the next phase, to the round of 16. In a year where we honoured Diogo Jota.\u201d <\/p>\n READ MORE<\/b><\/p>\n \u2018Deliver now\u2019: Popa\u2019s message to Socceroos as WC history beckons; Aussie star\u2019s PL bid rejected <\/a><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n TALKING PTS \u2014 Why shock axe could fall as Popa faces huge dilemma; mystery over PL icon deepens<\/a><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n