As Roberto Martinez’s team wrapped up its Euro 2024 preparations in style on Tuesday in Aveiro, defeating the Republic of Ireland 3-0, Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 129th and 130th goals of his international career. Joao Felix had given the home team the lead earlier, and Ronaldo scored twice more as it was always comfortable.
In their last match before Euro 2024, Portugal thumped the Republic of Ireland 3-0, with two goals from Cristiano Ronaldo.
Portugal, who controlled possession and the opportunities from the start, had a triumphant send-off thanks to the 39-year-old’s 129th and 130th goals for his country.
After Ireland was caught napping at a corner, Joao Felix scored the opening goal. Five half-time substitutions, three of whom were defenders, did nothing but widen the gap between the two teams.
Ronaldo, who played the entire match, finished off a chance that Diogo Jota’s persistence and vision generated to make it 3-0 ten minutes after he had doubled Portugal’s advantage with a spectacular strike that arrowed into the top corner.
Portugal will play the Czech Republic in their opening European Championship match on Tuesday before traveling to Germany on a high note. The season is over for Ireland, but the hunt for a new permanent manager is still ongoing.
Talking Point: Ronaldo fits right in
Can a 39-year-old Ronaldo, who is currently playing club football in Saudi Arabia and has never been recognized for his defensive abilities, be integrated into a cohesive team? Roberto Martinez, the manager of Portugal, must answer that question. Prior to this match, he openly supported Ronaldo and his defensive efforts, and Ronaldo’s ninety minutes on the field provided further support for his claims.
It surely did not hurt that Ireland asked Portugal no questions at all. Prior to the two goals, which were both scored excellently, Ronaldo’s playmaking with his teammates had been particularly impressive. Ireland was suffering greatly from his combo play on the right with Fernandes and Diogo Dalot.
Even if Ronaldo had a fantastic night, the debate is likely to go on, particularly when Portugal plays better opposition and has a more aggressive plan to expose any inadequacies in tracking back from Ronaldo and the Portuguese attackers as a whole.
