Why did Cristiano Ronaldo call Portugal’s last-16 win over Croatia a “coincidence of life”?

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Cristiano Ronaldo Cited "Coincidence of Life" for Portugal's World Cup Win Due to Teammate's Anniversary

Cristiano Ronaldo described Portugal's World Cup last-16 victory over Croatia as a "coincidence of life" because the win occurred almost exactly one year after the tragic death of his former teammate, Diogo Jota. The Portuguese team marked the occasion by honouring Jota, with Ronaldo himself wearing Jota's number 21 jersey after the match.
Commemoration of Diogo Jota

The poignant timing of the 2-1 win against Croatia, which secured Portugal's passage to the next round, resonated deeply with the team. Ronaldo stated that the "coincidence of life" was "unbelievable" and that the team had discussed this significant connection before the game. Coach Roberto Martinez echoed these sentiments, highlighting the special meaning of the victory in a year dedicated to honouring Diogo Jota.
Display of Support for Jota

Following their hard-fought win, Ronaldo and his teammates were photographed posing with Diogo Jota's number 21 jersey. Ronaldo further demonstrated his personal connection to the tribute by wearing the same jersey when conducting post-match interviews. This visible display underscored the team's collective remembrance and respect for their fallen colleague.
Tragic Loss of Diogo Jota

The "coincidence of life" referred to by Ronaldo marks the anniversary of a devastating event for the Portuguese football community. Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva lost their lives in a car crash on July 3 of the previous year. Jota was driving in Spain on his way back to England for pre-season training with Liverpool when the accident occurred.
Pre-Tournament Tribute

The memory of Diogo Jota was also acknowledged earlier in the tournament. A black and white photograph of Jota was displayed on the stadium's giant screen prior to Portugal's opening game against the Democratic Republic of Congo, indicating a sustained recognition of his presence and impact.

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Why did Cristiano Ronaldo call Portugal’s last-16 win over Croatia a “coincidence of life”?

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