When steps on to the pitch at Toronto’s for his or her matchup in opposition to , they’ll accomplish that with an additional man of their presence.
On the time of kick off, the date might be July 3 in Portugal, which can mark one 12 months for the reason that tragic deaths of and his brother André Silva, who have been went off the street in northern .
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“So many [motivations to win the match], and there is but this extra issue, this special occasion, we’ve all of the motivation, for our households, for Diogo Jota, for the entire nation, for the entire of Portugal,” mentioned defender .
Jota made 49 appearances for Portugal and scored 14 targets. He was a valued member of the squad, serving to his nation to UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025 — the final coming weeks earlier than his demise. He solely missed out on the 2022 World Cup as a result of an damage.
There have been tributes at Liverpool, Jota’s membership staff, . Luís Montenegro, Portugal’s Prime Minister, gifted the gamers wristbands that function Jota’s identify. Supervisor Roberto Martínez named him as an honorary member of the squad.
An in depth view of the bracelet on the wrist of Portugal’s , which is a tribute to former Portuguese teammate Diogo Jota and was introduced to him by the Portuguese Royal Household. (Maja Hitij – FIFA by way of Getty Photos)
Earlier than their opening match in Houston in opposition to DR Congo, a tribute passed off with Jota and Silva’s mother and father, Isabel and Joaquim Silva, in attendance.
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Midfielder Rúben Neves informed that the squad’s WhatsApp group nonetheless accommodates Jota and his spouse, Rute Cardoso. It is a means for and his teammates to proceed chatting with their fallen teammate.
“I nonetheless speak to him,” Neves mentioned. “Every time one thing particular occurs, I’ve the conversations archived on my WhatsApp so I can proceed to ship him messages.”
As Portugal begins knockout spherical play, Jota may have his reminiscence carried by his teammates.
“I feel we have to honor Diogo Jota,” Martinez mentioned on Saturday. “I feel it is a second to cherish that every thing we began on this staff began with him. We received the Nations League with him. He is most likely the signal and the sunshine of the largest stimulation that we’ve. We wish to win the World Cup for him.”