Roberto Martinez is adamant Portugal can handle the emotions thrown up by the anniversary of Diogo Jota’s death – which falls the day after their clash against Croatia.
The nations will meet in Toronto on July 2, 364 days on from the devastating passing of their forward in a car accident.
It would be entirely understandable for the squad to feel the impact of the date, but Martinez is confident they will draw only inspiration rather than sadness from the occasion.
Speaking after his side finished second in Group K via a fortuitous 0-0 draw with Colombia, Martinez said: ‘I think every day is difficult. You are training and there are always moments when Diogo Jota comes into our memory. I wouldn’t say the anniversary is especially difficult – it is a little bit of a celebration.
‘We need to honour Diogo. It is a moment to cherish.’
Martinez added: ‘We won the Nations League with him, he is probably the sign and the light of the biggest stimulation we have. We want to win the World Cup for him.
‘The anniversary means the game needs to be Diogo Jota’s game. It is not a difficult moment. When he is with us we are a stronger team. When we don’t win a game, like tonight, we reference that his desire and his belief is always in our presence.’
Diogo Jota tragically passed away last year – leaving the whole of Portugal in mourning
Cristiano Ronaldo and Co will face Croatia at the round of 32 stage in Toronto on Thursday
Meanwhile, Martinez has defended his decision to persist with Cristiano Ronaldo after another ineffective performance.
This latest protest concerned his refusal to substitute the striker, who has played 90 minutes in each of Portugal’s three games, with only a two-goal contribution against minnows Uzbekistan to show for it.
While it would be harsh to single out the 41-year-old from a largely woeful team effort against Colombia, his struggles against a better defence will only strengthen the view that he has been over-indulged by his manager.
Asked about his decisions to keep the striker on the pitch at all times, Martinez said: ‘Cristiano is used to being in the right place at the right time. That is a question of mentally being strong and always being disciplined in his position and opening space for our attacking patterns.
‘It is not an issue physically or mentally for Cristiano in today’s game to play 90.
‘Maybe next game we need to make a change (to Ronaldo’s minutes on the pitch) but it is like any other player.’
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