Cristiano Ronaldo netted a brilliant double as a polished Portugal team confidently defeated the Republic of Ireland in Aveiro, wrapping up their preparations before Euro 2024.
Joao Felix initiated the scoring for a heavily rotated Portugal squad in the first half, curling the ball home after a clever short corner caught the Irish defense off guard.
Ronaldo then unleashed an unstoppable shot into the top corner early in the second half and secured his second goal with a precise finish at the hour mark.
This victory served as an ideal send-off for Roberto Martinez’s side in their final warm-up match before their Euro 2024 opener against the Czech Republic on 18 June.
For the Republic of Ireland, it was a challenging evening, marking their second defeat under interim manager John O’Shea.
Frantic start in Aveiro
The Republic of Ireland aimed to build on their recent 2-1 friendly victory against Hungary at Aviva Stadium, their first win under O’Shea.
However, the challenge was much greater in Aveiro, as Portugal looked threatening from the outset.
In the ninth minute, Joao Cancelo created an opportunity from the left wing-back position, finding Rafael Leao, who set up Joao Felix, though his shot was blocked by Liam Scales.
Leao then assisted Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, who dribbled past a diving Caoimhin Kelleher, only for his tight-angle shot to be blocked by Jake O’Brien.
At the 17-minute mark, Kelleher was tested again following a slick Portugal move initiated and concluded by Fernandes. Fernandes passed to Ronaldo, who found Diogo Dalot in a promising position, but Dalot chose to pull it back to Felix, whose low first-time strike was turned behind by Kelleher’s foot.
Portugal punish sloppy Republic of Ireland
Although Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher performed well when called upon early, he was powerless to prevent Portugal’s opening goal in the 18th minute as his teammates lost focus.
Joao Cancelo took a quick corner to Bruno Fernandes, who found Joao Felix unmarked in the box. The Atletico Madrid forward curled a shot into the far corner.
A trademark free-kick from Cristiano Ronaldo deflected off Adam Idah in the wall and struck the far post as Portugal continued to press for a second goal.
The visitors eventually enjoyed a period of sustained possession in the Portugal half, with Idah firing the ball into the side netting from a sharp angle.
At the other end, Rafael Leao cut inside from the left and sent a shot wide of the far post.
Ronaldo was furious when his penalty appeal was dismissed after Robbie Brady clumsily pushed him over in the box, but the referee was unmoved.
In first-half injury time, Goncalo Inacio missed a golden opportunity to double Portugal’s lead, heading wide from a fine Fernandes cross.
Rocket from Ronaldo
The Republic of Ireland were likely relieved to reach halftime only trailing 1-0, but a more punishing second half awaited as Portugal maintained their intensity despite numerous changes at the break.
Five minutes after the restart, Ronaldo delivered a moment of brilliance. Substitute Ruben Neves passed the ball to the 39-year-old, who performed a double step-over to bypass Liam Scales before firing a shot into the top corner.
On the hour mark, Ronaldo curled in Portugal’s third goal, taking advantage of a fatigued Republic side. Diogo Jota set up Ronaldo inside the box, and he swept the ball into the top corner for his 130th international goal.
In a rare forward push for O’Shea’s team, substitute Tom Cannon nearly scored on his debut but shot wide after breaking through.
Kelleher then denied Fernandes, whose dipping strike was turned behind, and Ronaldo uncharacteristically missed from close range while seeking a hat-trick.
As Portugal head into the Euros with optimism, the Republic of Ireland will hope to have a permanent manager in place for their next game against England in the Nations League in September, with O’Shea a contender for the role.