Ronaldo bags brace Portugal power past Ireland

Cristiano Ronaldo scored a fine double as a classy Portugal side signed off before Euro 2024 by comfortably beating the Republic of Ireland in Aveiro. Joao Felix opened the scoring for a much-changed Portugal side in the first half, curling home after the hosts caught the Republic out with a short corner. Ronaldo then fired an unstoppable effort into the top corner early in the second half and doubled his tally with a sweeping finish on the hour mark.

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Parrott strikes late as Ireland beat Hungary

John O’Shea boosted his cause to become Republic of Ireland manager on a permanent basis after a 2-1 win over Euro 2024-bound Hungary. Troy Parrott scored a last-minute winner to earn O’Shea his first win as interim manager in a low-key affair at the Aviva Stadium. Adam Idah headed home the opener in the 36th minute before Adam Lang equalised four minutes later when he converted from close range.

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Olympiacos strike late to pip Fiorentina to Conference League crown

Ayoub El Kaabi struck four minutes from the end of extra time as Olympiakos beat Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League final to become the first Greek side to win a European trophy. The Moroccan striker, hero of Olympiakos’ run to the final, stooped low to head in Santiago Hezze’s cross and spark pandemonium in the AEK Arena in Athens. A lengthy video assistant referee check confirmed El Kaabi’s 11th goal of the competition and their place in Greek footballing history.

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Shaqiri free kick hands Swiss victory over Ireland

The Republic of Ireland fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat by Euro 2024-bound Switzerland in a low-key friendly in Dublin. Xherdan Shaqiri struck the winner in the 23rd minute when he curled a free-kick into the bottom corner. Granit Xhaka hit the post from 40 yards as he almost capitalised on a poor clearance by Gavin Bazunu.

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Ferguson sees penalty saved as Ireland draw with Belgium

Evan Ferguson missed an early penalty for the Republic as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Belgium in a friendly at the Aviva Stadium. In John O’Shea’s first game as interim manager, Ferguson saw his tame spot-kick saved by Belgium goalkeeper Matz Sels. The Boys in Green more than impressed albeit against a much changed Belgian side that was without the likes of Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne.

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