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5 months ago
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Cristiano Ronaldo rolled back the years after producing a stunning brace against Ireland in Portugal's final Euro 2024 warm-up clash on Tuesday night.
The Al-Nassr star has been the centre of debate for his national side heading into the tournament, as many argue the side are better without the 39-year-old.
However, Ronaldo may have put an end to those debates after bagging two goals - including a sensational long-range strike - in the second-half of their warm-up game.
Barcelona's Joao Felix put the hosts ahead in the 18th minute before veteran Ronaldo opened his account for the night after the interval.
In the 50th minute, the 39-year-old collected the ball on the right side before cutting in, throwing in some stepovers and unleashing an unstoppable effort into the top-left corner of the Ireland goal.
Cristiano Ronaldo rolled back the years after producing a stunning brace against Ireland
The first goal saw Ronaldo cut in from the right-hand side and curl an effort into the top corner
The Al-Nassr star wheeled away in celebration after bagging a brace in their final warm-up tie
It was a goal reminiscent of the long-range strikes Ronaldo produced earlier in his career, as the veteran proved that he's still just as lethal in-front of goal.
He then doubled his tally for the evening by scoring another left-footed effort, which sailed into the top-right corner after the 39-year-old was picked out inside the box.
A fluid counter-attack from Portugal saw the ball land at Ronaldo's feet and he made no mistake in smashing his effort into the back of the Ireland net.
Earlier in the game, Ronaldo had struck the post with a long-range free-kick that had looked destined to nestle in the back of the net.
His two strikes against Ireland see Ronaldo take his international goal tally up to 131 and his overall career tally up to a staggering 896 goals.
Prior to kick-off, cameras caught the heartwarming moment when Ronaldo helped a disabled child onto the pitch.
In a clip posted onto X, Ronaldo was seen helping a disabled mascot - who was in a wheelchair - onto the pitch for the game at the Estadio Municipal de Aveiro.
Then, in a separate clip posted onto the social media platform, Ronaldo was seen holding her hand throughout Portugal's national anthem.
In recent days, some have questioned whether Ronaldo should be included in Portugal's opening group games in Germany this summer - with Arsenal legend Paul Merson stating that he would bench the five-time Champions League winner for the group stages.
But, speaking ahead of their clash against Ireland, Portugal boss Roberto Martinez insisted the veteran forward remains in his plans.
There have been debates as to whether Ronaldo should feature in Portugal's starting line-up
'Tomorrow we have Rúben [Dias], Pepe and Cristiano. It's a perfect game to give minutes to the starters, but they will have minutes,' the Portugal boss said during a press conference on Monday.
Ronaldo has also been in fine form for his club side this season, scoring 44 goals in 45 appearances in all competitions for Al-Nassr and Martinez emphasised his experience and leadership qualities are integral to this team.
'It is important for us to attack and defend with eleven. Cristiano has brutal experience. There is no other with this experience. He is a player who knows very well how to use space in the area and is a special finisher, a special player.
'Cristiano's focus, reaction to loss and defensive positions were perfect during the games we played, the last eleven games. So for me, there are no doubts, there are no worries.'
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