 |
|
June 13, 2024
Following a disappointing loss against Croatia, Roberto Martinez' men bounced back just in time for the EURO 2024 kickoff, after winning 3-0 against Ireland. Ronaldo, as expected, confirmed he is ready to take this summer's tournament by storm...
Cristiano Ronaldo concluded Portugal's Euro 2024 preparations with a dazzling performance, netting two sensational goals against the Republic of Ireland. This match, a routine 3-0 victory for Portugal in Aveiro on Monday night, served as their final warm-up before heading to Germany. It was the perfect send-off for Roberto Martinez's squad, setting the stage for their Euro 2024 opener against the Czech Republic on June 18.
Cristiano Ronaldo - Road to the EURO 2024:
In his 207th appearance for Portugal, the 39-year-old captain showcased his enduring brilliance. Ronaldo supplemented João Felix’s first-half goal with two exquisite left-footed strikes in the second half. His first goal was a powerful shot that found the top corner, unstoppable in its execution. Just ten minutes later, he added a neat finish for his second. Martinez praised Ronaldo's leadership and dedication, emphasizing not only his exceptional goals but also his team-oriented mindset, a crucial aspect for success in the upcoming Euros.
The game highlighted Portugal's dominance and was a challenging watch for Ireland supporters. Ronaldo's comforting gesture towards Josh Cullen in the first half epitomized the disparity between the two sides. Ireland struggled with defensive lapses, making it difficult for them to contend with Portugal's relentless pressure.
For interim manager John O'Shea, this loss marked the end of his temporary tenure, during which he managed one victory, suffered two defeats, and drew one friendly match. Speaking after the game, O'Shea expressed uncertainty about his future with the team, stating he will "wait and see" what unfolds regarding a permanent role.
Despite the challenging circumstances, O'Shea remains optimistic. He believes there's a foundation for improvement within the squad. O'Shea acknowledged the invaluable learning experiences gained from facing formidable opponents like Portugal, Hungary, Belgium, and Switzerland. He expressed a keen desire for further challenges and growth.
Looking ahead, O'Shea highlighted the return of key players and emphasized the importance of competition within the squad to elevate performance levels. He stressed the need for players to maintain their form at club level, recognizing the rapid pace of upcoming fixtures and the significance of winning competitive matches to propel the team forward.
Ronaldo's stunning performance not only delighted fans but also caught the attention of those assessing the odds for the upcoming tournament. His display likely influenced EURO 2024 betting trends, bolstering Portugal's chances in the eyes of bettors.
Conversely, Ireland's disappointing outing further complicated matters for bettors assessing their potential in the tournament. As Euro 2024 approaches, the betting markets are buzzing with excitement. Fans and analysts alike are scrutinizing each team's form and prospects, seeking potential betting opportunities amidst the uncertainty.
Portugal's commanding victory over Ireland, spearheaded by Ronaldo's brilliance, has set the stage for an intriguing Euro 2024. With their preparations complete, Roberto Martinez's side heads to Germany with confidence and high expectations. Meanwhile, Ireland reflects on the lessons learned and looks to the future with cautious optimism. As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on the performances that shape the path to glory.
Cristiano Ronaldo next game for Portugal is on June 18, against Czech Republic for the EURO 2024. You can watch Portugal vs Czech Republic, Italy vs Albania, Spain vs Croatia, USA vs Brazil, Hungary vs Switzerland and Germany vs Scotland, all matches provided from our soccer live game pages.
Portugal next game:
Portugal vs Czech Republic kick-off time (18-06-2024):
Beijing (China) | UTC/GMT+8: 03:00
India (New Delhi) | UTC/GMT+5.30: 00:30
Saudi Arabia (Riyadh) | UTC/GMT+3: 22:00
Spain (Madrid) | UTC/GMT+2: 21:00
Portugal and England (Lisbon/London) | UTC/GMT+1: 20:00
Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) | UTC/GMT-3: 16:00
New York (United States) | UTC/GMT-3: 16:00
Los Angeles (United States) | UTC/GMT-6: 13:00
Sources: ronaldo7.net / fae.ie / apnews.com
