Inspiration for World Cup Campaign
Martinez emphasized that Jota's memory serves as a primary inspiration for the squad during their North American campaign.
"Diogo is our sun and our light. We want to win the World Cup for him," Martinez said.
Following a scoreless draw against Colombia in the group stage, Martinez reiterated: "I think we need to honor Diogo Jota.
I think it's a moment to cherish that everything we started in this team started with him. We won the Nations League with him.
He's probably the sign and the light of the biggest stimulation that we have. We want to win the World Cup for him."
Jota scored 14 goals in 49 appearances for Portugal and celebrated a Nations League victory over Spain shortly before his passing.
Midfielder Vitinha highlighted the significance of the upcoming anniversary ahead of the knockout match.
"The story of the wristband is, when we went to meet with the prime minister, he offered us this wristband," Vitinha said.
"They made sure that it was a wristband that we could wear on the pitch.
It has all the specifics for us to be able to enter the pitch with it, with the name of all the players plus the special name of Diogo Jota."
Vitinha confirmed the squad's collective focus during a pre-match press conference in Canada.
"Like I said before, we have plenty of motivation to win this game and reach the next round.
Moreover, there is that factor, that special day (Jota's death anniversary). We have all the motivation and much more to want to win tomorrow.
