Cristiano Ronaldo Nearly Scores Puskas-Worthy Free Kick vs Ireland, Scores Brace Moments Later

• Cristiano Ronaldo was in the starting XI for Portugal in their final friendly before the Euro 2024, which might be the forwards last
• The veteran Portuguese star who's known to convert freekicks was unlucky to see his thunderous free-kick cannon off the post
• Portugal secured a 3-0 win in their final warm-up match before they kick off their Euro 2024 campaign

Cristiano Ronaldo nearly scored one of the best free kicks of his career with a wonderful but unlucky effort against Ireland on Tuesday, June 11.

The Portugal star was in the starting XI for Roberto Martinez's side as Seleção featured in their final friendly match before the start of the Euro 2024.

Despite being 39, Ronaldo is showing no signs of slowing down in his football career and is likely to play a key part for his nation in what will be his sixth participation in a European Championship.

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He gave fans glimpses of what was to come in Germany with a trademark free kick, which agonizingly hit the post.

Ronaldo’s unlucky free-kick

As expected, Portugal were dominant against Ireland in the opening exchanges. They deservedly took the lead through Joao Felix, who took Bruno Fernandes’ pass on his stride before cutting into his left foot to fire home a fierce shot in the 18th minute.

Three minutes later, Ronaldo stood over a free kick from at least 35 yards, with fans in the stadium typically expecting him to attempt the audacious.

As seen in a video shared by Sport, Ronaldo fired a menacing shot which went over the wall but unluckily hit the upright. Ireland’s goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher was well beaten as he knew little about what had just transpired.

The powerful attempt was reminiscent of the tens of occasions Ronaldo beat goalkeepers with free-kicks which looked a fair distance away from goal.

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Ronaldo scores twice for Portugal

It was only a matter of time before Ronaldo found the net against Ireland, and he did so in style.

In the 50th minute, the Al-Nassr star expertly beat a defender at the edge of the box with a quick step-over before curling in a shot to make it 2-0.

As reported by BBC, Ronaldo struck again 10 minutes later to take the game away from Portugal’s opponents.

Expectedly, the forward's brace was the biggest talking point of the encounter as he continued to defy age with another flawless performance.

Portugal’s squad depth

Sports Brief also reported on Portugal’s frightening squad depth which makes it one of the favourites to win the Euros.

Portugal’s squad is a mix of promising young talent, players in their prime and veteran superstars like Ronaldo.

Unlike many of the squads in the Euro 2024, Portugal hardly has any player who can be considered ‘second choice’, a dynamic that will make it difficult for Roberto Martinez to pick a consistent starting XI.