SOCCER: Portugal carry Jota's memory into World Cup clash on anniversary of his death

Portugal will take the field against Croatia in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 on Thursday carrying extra motivation as the match coincides with the first anniversary of the death of forward Diogo Jota in Portugal.

Although it will still be July 2 in Canada, the date will already be July 3 in Portugal, marking one year since Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, were killed in a car crash in northwestern Spain. Jota was 28.

The anniversary has added emotional significance to Portugal's World Cup campaign, with players, coaches, and supporters honoring the late forward throughout the tournament.

Portugal manager Roberto Martinez, who has described Jota as "our light," named him an honorary member of the World Cup squad. Midfielder Ruben Neves, one of Jota's closest friends, has worn Jota's No. 21 jersey during the tournament, while Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro presented the team with wristbands bearing Jota's name.

Jota's parents, Isabel and Joaquim Silva, were honored before Portugal's opening match against DR Congo in Houston, where they were visibly emotional during the tribute.

Defender Vitinha said the anniversary provides the team with even greater motivation.

"We have all the motivation—for our families, for Diogo Jota, for the whole country, for the whole of Portugal," Vitinha said on Wednesday.

Jota's passing has also been deeply felt beyond Portugal. Scotland captain Andy Robertson, Jota's former Liverpool teammate and close friend, reflected on him after Scotland secured its place in the World Cup last November.

Before the tournament began, Jota's widow, Rute Cardoso, sent Robertson a heartfelt message, thanking him for keeping her husband's memory alive throughout the competition.

As Thursday's match kicks off in Toronto, it will already be past midnight in Portugal, marking the exact anniversary of Jota's death.

Jota earned 49 caps for Portugal and scored 14 international goals. After missing the 2018 World Cup because of injury, he was widely expected to play a key role for Portugal at this year's tournament.

Despite the grief that remains, Portugal hopes to channel Jota's memory into inspiration as it seeks a place in the World Cup quarterfinals.

"I think it's going to be something else that he's going to give to the Portuguese players," said Miguel De Silva, owner of Amigos da Dundas Sports Bar in Toronto's Little Portugal neighborhood. "One more reason for them to win the game." -Reporting by Lori Ewing; additional reporting by Nicole Fernandes, Bhargav Acharya, Divya Acharya, editing by Ed Osmond/Reuters