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

July 1 : When Portugal walk on to the pitch to face Croatia in the World Cup round of 32 on Thursday in Toronto, the date will still be July 2 in Canada.

Back home, however, it will already be July 3, a day that carries a weight beyond football.

Exactly a year will have passed since the death of Diogo Jota, the Portugal and Liverpool forward whose skill, eye for goal and devotion to the national team made him one of their most beloved players. Jota, 28, and his brother Andre Silva were killed in a car crash in northwestern Spain when their Lamborghini veered off the road and burst into flames. 

The anniversary is certain to stir emotions among teammates, supporters and staff who have spent the past month ensuring his memory has remained a visible part of their campaign with commemorations woven into their World Cup journey.

Portugal manager Roberto Martinez, who has described Jota as "our light", named him an honorary member of his World Cup squad.

Jota's close friend Ruben Neves, the Portugal midfielder, wears Jota's number 21. The country's Prime Minister Luís Montenegro gifted the players wristbands bearing Jota's name.

His parents Isabel and Joaquim Silva wiped away tears in the stands during an emotional tribute ahead of Portugal's opening World Cup match against DR Congo in Houston.

"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," defender Vitinha said on Wednesday. 

EMOTIONAL ROBERTSON

Jota's loss was also felt in Scotland's World Cup squad, after an emotional captain Andy Robertson's thoughts had immediately gone to his late Liverpool teammate and good friend