The GOAT Strikes Again – Ronaldo Scores Brace vs Ireland. PHOTO : Cristiano Ronaldo
In Summary:
- Cristiano Ronaldo underlined his readiness for Euro 2024 with a brace as Portugal secured a 3-0 friendly victory over the Republic of Ireland.
- The 39-year-old captain marked his 207th international cap by scoring his 129th and 130th goals for Portugal, while Joao Felix netted the opener.
Cristiano Ronaldo sent a resounding message ahead of Euro 2024, scoring twice as Portugal concluded their preparations with an authoritative 3-0 friendly win against the Republic of Ireland in Aveiro.
The talismanic 39-year-old, who had earlier struck the woodwork with a deflected free-kick, celebrated his 207th senior cap by taking his international tally to 130 goals, netting in the 50th and 60th minutes to compound Ireland’s misery.
Skipper Ronaldo’s clinical finishes, coupled with Joao Felix’s first-half strike, underscored Portugal’s superiority against an Ireland side who struggled to contain the relentless attacking quality of Roberto Martinez’s sixth-ranked team.
For interim boss John O’Shea, whose audition for the permanent role continued, it proved a sobering occasion as his exhortations for Ireland to be “horrible” opponents went unheeded.
Portugal seized control after Felix drilled home following a well-worked corner routine, and despite Ireland’s early competence, the gulf in class became increasingly apparent.
Ronaldo was denied by the upright before breaking the deadlock with a precise left-footed finish into the top corner.
His second came from close range as he emphatically swept home Diogo Jota’s cross.
While Ireland may have entered the contest as underdogs against a Portugal team 54 places above them in the FIFA rankings, O’Shea will have been disappointed by his side’s inability to replicate the organization and resilience that had earned a creditable draw against Hungary in their previous outing.