Portugal defeated the Republic of Ireland 3-0 in their last game prior to the Euro 2024 campaign on Tuesday. Cristiano Ronaldo scored two goals to help Portugal win easily.
After losing to Croatia the week before, Roberto Martinez’s team needed a goal to turn things around and feel more optimistic about the event in Germany.
Although he did not participate in that game, 39-year-old Ronaldo did play against Ireland in Aveiro. He almost scored in the first half, but the home team took control in the second half.

Veteran defender Pepe, 41, also had a strong start. He will be the oldest player ever when he competes in the Euros.

The 2016 European Champions Portugal had a perfect record going into the tournament, but some of their earlier performances had cast doubt on them.

He said, “There is no room for error at all; the Portuguese have high expectations for Portugal.” Because of their talent and generation, they constantly want Portugal to win.

“We have to have our feet firmly planted in the ground and dream of the Euros.” 

Ronaldo will compete in a record-breaking sixth event. He took part in his first one in 2004.

“My pride and thoughts remain the same when I think back to 2004,” he said.

“Playing for the Portuguese national team is the greatest feeling in the world.”

“This squad needs to dream big and work hard. Without hard work, skill is meaningless. To succeed in the Euros, we must have an optimistic outlook.

Eighteen minutes in, Felix broke the deadlock with a well-placed goal following a quick corner.

Ronaldo had a chance to double the lead, but his free kick hit the post and was blocked.

The Al-Nassr striker tripped under pressure, called for a penalty, and then, with the first half almost up, he struck cleanly at Caoimhin Kelleher. Following the interval, Ronaldo scored immediately with a stunning shot that curved into the upper corner. He had to wait for very little time.

After Diogo Jota put the former Real Madrid striker in a terrific position, he scored another goal shortly after.

Ronaldo broke the previous record with a superb finish to score his 130th goal for his country.  Ireland, under new manager John O’Shea, was growing weary, but Portugal was unable to extend their lead. The striker narrowly missed an opportunity to score his third goal.

“It is about following this line; the game against Croatia served to bring us down a peg and today we did a great job,” he remarked.

“We are fully confident that we will arrive in Germany.”

Portugal’s opening match in Euro 2024 is against the Czech Republic on June 18, with play commencing on Friday. In Group F, they then play Georgia and Turkey.