Cristiano Ronaldo hit a stunning brace as Portugal beat the Republic of Ireland in their final game before Euro 2024.
The Selecao superstar, at the ripe old age of 39, rolled back the years with two excellent strikes ahead of his fifth European Championship with the Selecao.
Joao Felix was also on target in a dominant display against John O’Shea’s men at Estádio Municipal de Aveiro as the 2016 European Champions bid for more glory in Germany this summer.
Ronaldo rolls back the years
Portugal went ahead through Joao Felix’s opener, the Barcelona forward punishing the Irish with a low left-footed drive after being afforded acres of space in the box.
Ireland were fortunate their deficit was just one goal at break despite glimpses of threatening opposing goalkeeper Diogo Jota after some questionable defending from the Portuguese.
But Ronaldo was in ruthless mood in the second half, netting his first in sensational style.
The former Real Madrid icon was picked out Ruben Neves, before cutting inside with a few stepovers and curling a beautiful strike in to the top corner.
Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro 🐐#sporttvportugal #FUTEBOLnaSPORTTV #portugal #irlanda pic.twitter.com/UReLgvnQkl
— sport tv (@sporttvportugal) June 11, 2024
Ten minutes later, he took his international tally to 130 goals, sumptuously finishing past Caoimhin Kelleher after being teed up by Diogo Jota.
Ronaldo missed a handful of chances to bag his hat-trick but Roberto Martinez will be satisfied by the evening’s work as crunch time fast approaches.
Portugal begin their Euro 2024 campaign in just seven days’ time against Czechia before facing Turkiye and Georgia in Group F.
For Ireland, focus will turn to a Nations League encounter with England in September, when they will hope to have a new manager installed.
