Boss says 'Jota with us' as Portugal stay perfect

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez believes the spirit of the late Diogo Jota is with the team, as Ruben Neves scored a stoppage-time goal to snatch a 1-0 win over Ireland on Oct 11 that preserved their 100 per cent record in World Cup qualifying Group F and consolidated top spot.

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Portugal moved to nine points at the halfway stage of the campaign with a five-point lead over second-placed Hungary, whom they host on Oct 14 when they could secure qualification.

Defensive midfielder Neves headed home a minute into added time at the Estadio Jose Alvalade for his first international goal in 60 appearances. It was a poignant tribute to close friend Jota, who died in a car accident in July and whose No. 21 jersey Neves wore in Portugal’s first home game since the Liverpool player’s death.

“They are signs of happiness. We already had that during the September training camp,” said Martinez.