Cristiano Ronaldo scored a brace in Portugal’s last game before Euro 2024 in a comfortable win 3-0 against Republic of Ireland at Aveiro.
Joao Felix put the hosts in front in the 18th minute with a drilling shot after the visitors were caught from a short corner. Ronaldo then put on a show in the second half as he fired a shot in the top corner immediately after the restart after doing a double step over to get past Ireland defender Scales.
The five-time Ballon d‘Or winner then put Portugal three-nil ahead at the 60-minute mark after a neat pass by Diogo Jota. This was also Ronaldo’s 130th goal in International football further increasing his lead at the top.
It was a perfect end to warm-up matches before their opening Euro clash against the Czechia on 18 June.
“The Portuguese expect a lot from Portugal, there’s no margin for error, none, they always want Portugal to win because of the generation, the talent there is,” Ronaldo said after the game.
Portugal At Euro 2024
Portugal has been drawn in Group F at the Euro 2024 alongside Turkiye, Czechia, and Georgia. They will play their first game against Czechia on June 18. Their second game will be against Turkiye on 22 June and their final match will be against Georgia on 26 June. Roberto Martinez’s team will be favorites to win the group.
“Playing for the Portuguese national team, it doesn’t get better than this. For the Euros we have to think positively, this team has to dream and has been working hard, because just having talent is no use if there’s no hard work.” Ronaldo said after being asked about their Euro 2024 expectations.
“We have to have our feet on the ground and our thoughts in the sky, dreaming of the Euros. Going back to 2004… my thoughts and my pride remain the same,” he added.
Portugal will go into Euro 2024 full of optimism given their recent form and are already considered one of the favorites to go all the way in Germany.
Cristiano Ronaldo will be the man in the spotlight again at the Euros as Portugal will look to reclaim the Euros. Along with Ronaldo, Rafael Leão will have the task of finding the back of the net for Roberto Martinez’s side. Bruno Fernandez will be at the heart of the midfield with veteran Pepe alongside Ruben Diaz in the defense.
Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
