Portugal’s final friendly match before Euro 2024 ended in a convincing 3-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland. The Portuguese team, under the guidance of manager Roberto Martinez, is regarded as one of the favorites to win the tournament, alongside England and France.
The star of the match was none other than Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored two goals, including a sensational curling strike that left Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher rooted to the spot. This impressive display brought Ronaldo’s international goal tally to 130 goals in 207 matches for Portugal.
As the European champions from 2016, Portugal has been in great form since the World Cup, winning 13 out of their last 15 games. Their only elimination in that period came at the hands of Morocco in the quarter-finals. With a strong squad and recent successes, Portugal bid farewell to their fans with a comfortable victory over Ireland.
Ronaldo’s first goal was a thing of beauty as he skillfully cut inside and unleashed a left-footed shot into the top corner of the net. Joao Felix had previously given Portugal the lead. Just ten minutes later, Ronaldo struck again with another well-executed finish from inside the area, this time beating Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.
Ronaldo’s impressive goal-scoring record in international tournaments is unmatched. Heading into his sixth Euros, the Real Madrid and Manchester United legend has already scored 14 goals in the competition, five more than any other player in history. Despite his age, there is still speculation about whether he will start the opening game. He faces competition from Paris Saint-Germain forward Goncalo Ramos for the leading striker role.
Fans have high expectations for Ronaldo’s performance in Euro 2024. Many believe he will secure another Golden Boot award, having shared the honor with Patrik Schick in the previous tournament. Social media was abuzz with praise for Ronaldo, with fans expressing their disbelief at his age and predicting his presence in the 2026 World Cup.
Portugal’s success in Euro 2016 was largely attributed to Ronaldo’s individual brilliance. However, this time around, the team has a wealth of talent across the pitch. Manager Roberto Martinez, known for his attacking style of play, aims to build a more dynamic and exciting team compared to his predecessor Fernando Santos.
While Ronaldo remains the star player, Portugal’s squad boasts world-class backups in the form of PSG’s Goncalo Ramos and Liverpool’s Diogo Jota. The team’s attacking prowess is further enhanced by defenders Ruben Dias, Goncalo Inacio, and Joao Palhinha, who contribute to building attacks from the back.
In terms of defensive strategy, Portugal has shifted from a more defensive approach under Santos to playing with a medium-to-high block. The players press aggressively and provide support for Ronaldo, who focuses more on his offensive contributions.
Overall, Portugal enters Euro 2024 as a strong contender for the title. With an exceptional player like Cristiano Ronaldo leading the way and a talented supporting cast, the team is well-equipped to make a deep run in the tournament. Fans eagerly anticipate Ronaldo’s performances and hope that he can add another Golden Boot to his impressive collection of accolades.