CRISTIANO RONALDO scored twice including a sensational curling strike as Portugal beat Republic of Ireland 3-0 in their final friendly before Euro 2024.
Roberto Martinez’s side are tipped as one of the sides that could go all the way in Germany alongside the likes of England and France.
The 2016 European champions, who are in Group F with Czech Republic, Turkey and Georgia, have won 13 out of 15 games since the World Cup when they were eliminated by Morocco in the quarter-finals.
And they said farewell to the Portuguese fans in style with a comfortable victory over an Ireland team led by caretaker boss John O’Shea.
Once again, it was Ronaldo front and centre for his country as he took his international tally to 130 goals in 207 matches.
The first was particularly stunning as he cut inside and rifled a left-footed shot into the top corner after Joao Felix had given the hosts the lead.
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And 10 minutes later, on the hour mark, Ronaldo made it three with another accomplished finish from inside the area passed Liverpool keeper Caoimhin Kelleher.
The Real Madrid and Manchester United legend, 39, heads to a sixth Euros having already scored 14 goals in the tournament, five more than any other player ever.
It remains unclear whether he will start the opening game as he fights with Paris Saint-Germain forward Goncalo Ramos to lead the line.
But that has not stopped fans from believing he will still top the goalscoring charts for a second successive Euros, having shared last tournament’s Golden Boot with Patrik Schick.
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One said: “Fairs, he’s winning another Euros golden boot isn’t he?”
Another added: “CRISTIANO RONALDO WHAT A GOAL! 🤯”
While a third replied: “No way he’s 39 😭😭😭.”
And a fourth responded: “Nah he’s actually gonna be playing in the 2026 World Cup 😭😭❤️❤️.”
Portugal Euro 2024 guide
CRISTIANO RONALDO remains the face of Portuguese football as the national team looks to win a second European Championship.
But the days when Portugal’s hopes would hang on Ronaldo, 39, alone are over as they have a squad packed with talent across the pitch.
MANAGER: Roberto Martinez
Former Everton, Wigan and Belgium boss is trying to put a more attacking stamp on a team that became increasingly dull under Euro 2016-winning predecessor Fernando Santos.
STAR MAN: Cristiano Ronaldo
Al-Nassr star remains an ever-present but PSG’s Goncalo Ramos and Liverpool’s Diogo Jota are both world class backups.
How Portugal attack
Ruben Dias, Goncalo Inacio and Joao Palhinha are all capable of building attacks from the back, given Portugal a unique dimension to their attack.
Attacking midfielders Bruno Fernandes and Joao Felix can cause any defence problems as they look to feed Ronaldo and/or Ramos.
How Portugal defend
In contrast to the approach under Santos, Portugal will play with a medium-to-high block and look to win possession up the field.
Players will press aggressively to provide support for Ronaldo, who clearly tends to do less work defensively.
Read the full Portugal Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
