FOOTBALL legend Cristiano Ronaldo bagged a stunning double against Ireland tonight.
His brace helped them earn a 3-0 win in their final game ahead of EURO 2024 in Aveiro.
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The former Real Madrid and Man Utd star belted in his 129 and 130th international goals ahead of Portugal jetting off to Germany next week.
Despite the three nil loss for John O’Shea’s Ireland side, Liverpool keeper Kelleher kept the score down at the Aveiro Municipal Stadium.
CAOIMHÍN KELLEHER: 7
Fine save with foot to deny Bruno Fernandes, could do nothing about the goal and relieved to see deflected Ronaldo free-kick hit the post.
DARA O’SHEA: 5
Moved from the left side of defence – where he played against Hungary – to the right and not unexpectedly had a much tougher evening.
JAKE O’BRIEN: 7
Followed up an encouraging debut as a substitute last week with an assured display on his first start for his country. Strong and comfortable on ball.
LIAM SCALES: 5
Got his wish of sharing a pitch with Cristiano Ronaldo but after playing him onside for his first goal he may conclude that you have to be careful what you wish for.
SÉAMUS COLEMAN: 6
His burst into the opposition box showed there is nothing wrong with his engine at the age of 35 but Rafael Leao caused him problems defensively.
JOSH CULLEN: 5
The Burnley man could have no complaints about handball awarded against him as arm was up. Tough day at the office against a talented midfield.
WILL SMALLBONE: 5
He was involved in Ireland’s best attacking moment here but it was rare moment of finding himself in an advanced position as he found himself on the back foot.
ROBBIE BRADY: 5
Stopped Ronaldo from scoring by whatever means necessary just before half-time but mix-up between himself and Szmodics for the opening goal.
TROY PARROT: 5
Rewarded for his fine club form and last-minute winner against Hungary with a start but very hard for him to impact the game when he could not get on the ball.
SAMMIE SZMODICS: 5
Suffered a painful injury early on but soldiered on. Had a half-chance to score his first goal for Ireland but at fault for Joao Felix’s opener.
ADAM IDAH: 6
Made a nuisance of himself in the first half but Danilo twice got the better of him soon after the break and the second time led to Ronaldo’s goal.
SUBSTITUTES:
MIKEY JOHNSTON (for Parrott, 53): 4
TOM CANNON (for Idah, 53): 5
CALLUM O’DOWDA (for Brady, 53): 4
JASON KNIGHT (for Coleman, 70): 5
MATT DOHERTY (for Szmodics, 70: 5
MARK SYKES (for Smallbone, 83): 5