WATCH: ‘Gutsy’ Cristiano Ronaldo scores a banger from left foot against Ireland as he becomes the first player to bag 130 international goals

The 39-year old Portuguese skipper silenced critics by scoring two goals within a space of just ten minutes against Ireland, ahead of the 2024 Euros.

WATCH: ‘Gutsy’ Cristiano Ronaldo scores a banger from left foot against Ireland as he becomes the first player to bag 130 international goals

Cristiano Ronaldo scored a brilliant left-footed brace against Ireland. (via IMAGO)

Cristiano Ronaldo scored two stunning left-footed strikes, as he bagged two goals in a thumping 3-0 win for Portugal against Ireland. The goals marked his 129th and 130th international goals, becoming the first player ever to achieve such a feat.

The 39-year old Portuguese skipper silenced critics by scoring two goals within a space of just ten minutes against Ireland, ahead of the 2024 Euros. This victory was crucial for Roberto Martinez’s team, which had lost a friendly against Croatia the previous week. The impressive brace extended Ronaldo’s international goals tally to 130 goals, the first player to do so. This places him ahead of his Argentine rival Lionel Messi, who has 106 goals from 181 appearances.

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Both the goals were remarkable, as the Al-Nassr player used his weaker foot to score them. His first goal, scored in the 50th minute of the match, saw him expertly control Ruben Neves’ long pass. He performed a few quick step-overs to create shooting space, and then launched a remarkable left-footed shot past Scotland’s Caoimhin Kelleher into the top corner. The second goal was equally impressive, a spectacular one-touch finish from a Diogo Jota assist.

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The other goal of the match was scored by Joao Felix, as Portugal ended their pre-tournament practice matches on a winning note. Moreover, Ronaldo’s brilliant performance and interplay with his team-mates stood out, relieving him of doubters.

Cristiano Ronaldo to lead Portugal’s 26-man squad to the Euros in hopes of replicating 2016 European glory

Ex-Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo will lead Portugal for his sixth consecutive European championship outing, in hopes of replicating their 2016 performance. The 39-year old forward will be leading a team that combines a generous mix of both young and experienced players.

Ronaldo and Portugal national team
Cristiano Ronaldo will lead the Portugal national team at 2024 Euros. (via IMAGO)

The key players to watch out for will be Ronaldo, Man United midfielder Bruno Fernandes, Man City duo Bernardo Silva and Ruben Dias, and Milan’s Rafael Leao. Bruno and Bernardo are expected to form the core of the creative Portuguese midfield. Additionally, the youngsters to keep an eye on are Joao Neves, Goncalo Inacio, Antonio Silva, and Francisco Conceicao.

The tournament will also be the final one for the ex-Real Madrid legend, Pepe. Managed by Roberto Martinez, Portugal kick start their campaign against Czech Republic in Group F of the Euros. The other two teams in the group are Turkey and Georgia.

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