Portugal ready to win for 'extra man' Diogo Jota on first anniversary of Liverpool star's tragic death

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Liverpool star Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva were killed in Spain when their Lamborghini veered off the road and burst into flames one year ago, in 2025Portugal will take to the pitch aiming to honour their “extra man” Diogo Jota - on the first anniversary of his tragic death.When Christiano Ronaldo and his teammates kick off in their World Cup game against Croatia in Toronto, the date will still be July 2 in Canada. Work is underway on a permanent memorial for Jota and his brother - titled 'Forever 20' - outside the stadium.Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez said the last 32 tie is an opportunity to honour Jota - describing him as “our light” and naming him an honorary member of his World Cup squad.

After Portugal's 0-0 draw with Colombia at the weekend, Martinez said: “I think we need to honour Diogo Jota. We want to win the World Cup for him.”Jota scored 14 goals in 49 appearances for his country and would almost certainly have been in the squad in North America this year.

Ahead of the game, midfielder Vitinha said: “So many (motivations to win the match), and there's yet this additional factor, this special day, we have all the motivation, for our families, for Diogo Jota, for the whole country, for the whole of Portugal.”Portugal’s players are also wearing wristbands bearing Jota’s name throughout the tournament.Coach Martinez also said this week: “Obviously, every day is difficult. Speaking before he signed for Spurs, Jota’s Liverpool teammate Andy Robertson spoke of the impact his death had on the squad.He said: “We can't hide away from it, and it is not an excuse, but what we went through in the summer, no team will ever go through; no member of staff will go through.“I hope they never go through it because the devastation we went through, football didn't matter.