On the night of June 11, 2024, Portugal completed its preparation for Euro 2024 by defeating Ireland 3-0.
Cristiano Ronaldo, scoring a brace, showed great form after missing the previous Seleção tests.
By scoring two superb goals after Joao Felix’s opener in the 18th minute, the 39-year-old five-time Ballon d’Or winner announced his intention to shine this summer in Germany, for his eleventh major international tournament.
CR7’s first goal harked back to his glory days at Manchester United and Real Madrid.
He first evaded a defender with a dribble followed by a sumptuous curling shot into the opposite top corner of the Irish goalkeeper (50th minute).
The second, a crisp strike again with his left foot in response to a good run by Diogo Jota, showed that he remains a formidable finisher despite his move away from Europe to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr in January 2023 (60th minute). Portugal, which had won all of its qualifying matches as the top scorer (36 goals scored) and the best defense (2 goals conceded), this week prioritized managing the playing time of the players, as well as tactical trials by Spanish coach Roberto Martinez.
Without their captain, who only joined the Euro preparation camp on June 7, 2024, the Seleção had passed their first test, with a victory against Finland (4-2) on June 4, 2024, but had lost on June 8, 2024, against Luka Modric’s Croatia (2-1).
Beyond Tuesday’s result, Cristiano Ronaldo’s appearance, playing the entire game, confirmed his added value to the Portuguese attack and provided reassurance of his unending ambition.
At the Euros, Portugal will kick off their campaign on June 18, 2024, against the Czech Republic, before facing Turkey and Georgia in Group F.
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