Portugal’s captain Cristiano Ronaldo inspired a 3-0 win against Ireland in an international friendly match, scoring a brace that showcased his enduring talent and readiness for upcoming major competitions.
Playing in Aveiro, Ronaldo, who had been benched during the match against Croatia, started against Ireland and made a significant impact. Joao Felix opened the scoring for Portugal in the first half, setting the stage for Ronaldo’s dominant performance.
In the second half, Ronaldo nearly scored earlier but then dismantled the Irish defense with two impressive goals. His first goal was particularly stunning, a strike into the far corner that looked wonderful in real-time and even more impressive in alternate footage from the crowd. This performance highlighted Ronaldo’s ongoing prowess and importance to the Portuguese national team as they prepare for future challenges.
‘F*ck it, I’m Cristiano Ronaldo.’ pic.twitter.com/6uYv0xjXOc
— TC (@totalcristiano) June 11, 2024
Cristiano Ronaldo, the former Real Madrid star, added another goal to his tally after Diogo Jota set him up in the area, confidently finishing to extend his international record to an astounding 130 goals. This puts him 22 goals ahead of second-placed Ali Daei and 24 ahead of his archrival Lionel Messi.
Many critics had written Ronaldo off after his move to the Saudi Pro League in early 2023, but he has continued to excel in the Middle Eastern division, demonstrating his enduring talent and determination. His performance against Ireland is a testament to his resilience and skill, silencing doubters once again.
Looking ahead, Euro 2024 is likely to be the final time Ronaldo competes in the continental tournament, and it could mark the end of his international career. By the time the World Cup comes around in the summer of 2026, Ronaldo will be 41, making it a significant challenge for him to participate. However, given his track record and tenacity, football fans worldwide know better than to rule out any possibilities when it comes to one of the greatest players of all time.
