During a run-up to their potential second victory in the European Championship this summer in Germany, Portugal made a convincing performance against the Republic of Ireland, claiming a 3-0 victory. Ireland was already behind by one goal at half-time, a relatively moderate outcome considering Portugal’s dominant play.
There were speculations that Ireland could gain from the five changes made by Portugal’s coach, Roberto Martínez, at half-time. However, this optimistic view was quickly shattered within five minutes into the second half when Rúben Neves set up Cristiano Ronaldo for an unforgettable goal. Watching the magic that unfolded between Ronaldo and Ireland’s defender, Liam Scales, is worth a slow-motion replay. Scales attempted to guard Ronaldo, only to be left standing as Ronaldo’s skilful touch and a crossover allowed him to unleash a powerful left-footed strike that left goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher helpless.
Ronaldo is no stranger to breaking records, with 129 goals in 207 appearances, and he quickly added to this tally by scoring his 130th just before 60 minutes. It became increasingly clear that the Portuguese maestro would not be rested and was targeting a hat-trick.
The massive defeat against Croatia, influenced by Luka Modrić, in Lisbon the previous Saturday led Martínez to field the experienced pairing of Pepe and Cristiano Ronaldo in this final preparation game. The two former Real Madrid stalwarts have represented their country in an impressive 444 matches since 2003, a whopping 163 more than Ireland’s entire starting lineup.
Despite the age factor, the young Portuguese winger, Rafael Leão of AC Milan, did not hesitate to challenge the seasoned Irish captain, Seámus Coleman. This resulted in Coleman being granted a free-kick in a clever move. However, Portugal soon found another route to attack. Bruno Fernandes, the Manchester United midfielder, quickly latched onto Leão’s ball, but was forced wide by Kelleher with O’Brien making a timely interception.
From the onset, Portugal was displaying a ruthlessly dominant performance. The audience was sent into a frenzy when João Felix appeared to have scored, much to their disappointment, it was deemed offside. But having control of 64 per cent of the ball was a clear hint of things to come.
In another move, Fernandes cleverly drew O’Brien and Liam Scales out of position, and Ronaldo swiftly exploited the gap. He signalled for the ball and smoothly passed it off to Diogo Dalot, who ensured Felix received it. The Barcelona player’s attempt was on target but thwarted by Kelleher’s quick reflexes.
A lack of concentration cost Ireland dearly during a short corner. João Cancelo switched play to Fernandes, who took advantage of Sammie Szmodics’ defensive lapses, easily providing an unimpeded Felix with the opportunity to score. Kelleher was left to pick up the pieces.
As if on cue, Ronaldo won a free-kick from an armball by Josh Cullen. This was prime Ronaldo territory; 22 meters from goal, slightly to the left. His powerful shot brushed past Adam Idah’s head and hit the post. Coleman was forced to clear the rebound before Leão could pounce.
Ireland was facing an onslaught.
O’Shea had previously expressed his desire to make his side tough to conquer. His brief tenure as head coach was being put to the stiffest test against an impressive Portuguese side featuring the leadership of Martinez, the finesse of Fernandes, and the boldness of Felix.
Idah seemed to heed O’Shea’s message, although his two opportunities were unfortunately wasted as Portugal further tightened their grip. Towards the end of the first half, Ronaldo was appealing for a penalty following a challenge from Robbie Brady, only to have his shot saved by Kelleher.
The Irish keeper trudged off the pitch at half-time, his face speaking volumes of the impending onslaught waiting in the second half.
In the wake of Portugal’s second goal, celebrated by a chorus from the crowd for Ronaldo, O’Shea had no choice but to utilise his substitutes. Although the situation seemed bleak for Ireland, Tom Cannon’s near-miss on his debut was a silver lining.
As Ronaldo netted his second goal, Portugal’s third, all O’Shea could do was watch in awe. He was well aware of the prowess of his fellow former Manchester United teammate, who has truly made a name for himself.
In another display of skill from a substitute, Diogo Jota set up a chance that Ronald seized upon to score from six yards out. If this is to be his last international game on home ground, it was worth the price of admission. While others switched off, Kelleher remained vigilant.
The next challenge for Ireland, currently without a manager, is a match against England in Dublin on the 7th of September.
The teams were as follows:
Portugal consisted of Costa, Silva and Pepe (who was replaced by Danilo at half time), with Inácio, Dalot (Semedo came on at half time) and Fernandes. Neves was substituted by Nunes at the 77th minute, and Leão made way for Jota at half time. Cancelo, who was replaced by Mendes at half time, was in the lineup, as were Felix (Neves replaced him at half time) and Ronaldo.
For Ireland, we had Kelleher in the squad alongside Coleman (Doherty replaced him at the 70th minute) and O’Shea. O’Brien, Scales, and Brady (who was replaced by O’Dowda in the 53rd minute) were also present. Cullen and Smallbone (who was replaced by Sykes in the 83rd minute) served in midfield, with Szmodics (who was replaced by Knight in the 70th minute) and Parrott (Johnston came on in the 53rd minute). They were led by Idah (replaced by Cannon in the 53rd minute).
The referee was Chris Kavanagh from England.