Cristiano Ronaldo announced his readiness for Euro 2024 with a stunning double as Portugal completed their preparations with a 3-0 friendly victory over the Republic of Ireland.
The 39-year-old, who earlier hit the post with a deflected free-kick, marked his 207th senior cap with his 129th and 130th international goals just a week before Roberto Martinez’s men launch their Group F campaign against the Czech Republic in Leipzig.
Skipper Ronaldo’s sweet 50th and 60th-minute strikes, coupled with Joao Felix’s first-half opener, handed the hosts a comfortable win in Aveiro. This match also marked the second phase of John O’Shea’s audition for the job of Ireland head coach, which ended in sobering fashion.
Ireland may not have been expected to beat a side ranked sixth by FIFA, but O’Shea’s exhortations to be “horrible” to play against fell flat. The organization that helped them frustrate and ultimately beat Hungary a week earlier deserted them under relentless pressure from Portugal.
The match started with promise for Ireland, as Jake O’Brien, making his first start, managed to clear Bruno Fernandes’ 13th-minute cross. However, the respite proved temporary. Joao Felix’s 18th-minute shot was blocked by keeper Caoimhin Kelleher after a slick move involving Fernandes, Ronaldo, and Dalot.
Portugal’s pressure paid off when Felix drilled a low drive into the bottom corner following a short corner routine with Cancelo and Fernandes. Ronaldo, who had sat out last week’s friendlies, came close to scoring from a 25-yard free-kick, hitting the post.
Fernandes continued to probe, and Portugal’s dominance was clear as Ireland struggled to push forward. A brief foray by Adam Idah before the break saw his shot blocked, but the half ended with Portugal firmly in control.
After the break, Ronaldo’s brilliance shone through. He scored a stunning left-foot shot from Ruben Neves’ long ball and then emphatically converted Diogo Jota’s cross to seal the win. Despite Kelleher’s efforts to keep the score down, Ireland could not withstand the pressure.
