Portugal head for Euro 2024 with purpose and ambition after confidence-boosting victory.
David Sneyd TWO MOMENTS SUM up how Portugal’s attitude – or at least that of Cristiano Ronaldo – changed dramatically during this comfortable 3-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland.
He looked primed to connect with a header off the shoulder of Liam Scales before Robbie Brady appeared out of nowhere with a lunge into his back.Ronaldo, showing respect for the English referee’s mother tongue, made it clear what he thought of the decision.His mood would not have been helped by the sitter he missed right on the stroke of half-time after Bruno Fernandes teed him on the centre of the 18-yard box.
He could afford to by that point given the game was won and he was the one to seal victory before heading to his sixth European Championships. Ronaldo’s sharp stepover created the yard of space to get his shot away and his left-footed curler ended up in the top corner.He had his second on the hour mark when Jota was a nuisance once again, stealing possession from a prone Seamus Coleman down the right and passing for Ronaldo to sweep home his 130th international goal.
Had Ireland somehow managed to grind out a result in the “horrible” fashion interim boss John O’Shea wished then maybe it wouldn’t have felt like that.
Easy Does It Republic Of Ireland
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Ireland eye rare win against Portugal side likely to be distracted by Euro 2024John O’Shea lauds brilliant Manchester United team-mate Ronaldo because of superstar’s ‘outstanding character’
Read more »
Ireland job favourite Willy Sagnol's post Euro 2024 visionThe FAI say they will have a new permanent manager in place in time for the September Nations League clash with England.
Read more »
Ireland's Sammie Szmodics to show Hungary what they'll be missing at Euro 2024“I only spoke to Sammie in the sense of – in this window in particular – there being lots of talk about where he could be going or not going (to move clubs), and if he needed any help, that wouldn’t be an issue'
Read more »
Ireland elections recap as polling stations close for 2024 Local and European electionsFollow live updates as people across the country go to the polls to determine the identity of local and European representatives, while the people of Limerick vote for the county's first directly-elected mayor
Read more »
Ireland elections LIVE updates as people vote in 2024 Local and European electionsFollow live updates as people across the country go to the polls to determine the identity of local and European representatives, while the people of Limerick vote for the county's first directly-elected mayor
Read more »
European Elections 2024 - Full list of Ireland South candidatesThe European constituency of Ireland South is made up of all six counties in Munster and four in Leinster
Read more »