Ronaldo brace helps Portugal to 3-0 friendly win over Ireland
In Portugal's final Euro 2024 warm-up match on Tuesday, Cristiano Ronaldo netted two goals in the second half, potentially marking his last time playing on home turf for the national team as they defeated Ireland 3-0.
- Sports
- Reuters
- Published Date: 12:04 | 12 June 2024
- Modified Date: 12:04 | 12 June 2024
Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice in the second half in what might have been his last international appearance on home soil as Portugal beat Ireland 3-0 in their final Euro 2024 warm-up on Tuesday.
The home side took the lead in the 18th minute when Joao Felix drilled the ball into the net following a well-worked short corner, and four minutes later Ronaldo gave notice of his intent by thumping a deflected free kick off the far post.
The 39-year-old was not to be denied and he curled home a brilliant goal with his left foot early in the second half before adding another on the hour mark to take him to 130 international goals in 207 appearances for his country.
There has been speculation that Ronaldo, who played at his first Euros in 2004 and won the tournament in 2016, may call time on his international career or possibly even quit football altogether after this year's tournament in Germany.
Portugal kick off their Euro 2024 Group F campaign against the Czech Republic in Leipzig in a week's time before facing Turkey and Georgia.