Portugal vs Republic of Ireland

Estádio Municipal de Aveiro sets the stage for Portugal’s last friendly ahead of Euro 2024 as they square off against the Republic of Ireland.

After masterminding an unprecedented perfect European Championship qualifying campaign at the start of his managerial tenure at Portugal (W10), Roberto Martinez seems to be running out of steam. Perhaps it’s due to squad rotations in recent friendlies, yet two defeats across their last three outings (W1) paint a bleak picture for the Euro 2016 winners ahead of their Euros participation. A 2-1 loss to Croatia in the build-up to their final warm-up fixture leaves the Selecao exposed to the risk of losing two successive exhibition matches for the first time since 2015. Ominously for Martinez’s side, their porous backline has capitulated precisely two times per game across their last four internationals. Ireland’s upcoming visit to Aveiro offers relief, not least because of Portugal’s dominant H2H record (W8, D3, L4).

In the meantime, Ireland’s second straight failed attempt to advance into the Euro finals spelled the end of Stephen Kenny’s reign, with ex-Manchester United defender John O’Shea taking over the reins in February. O’Shea’s interim charge was off to a sluggish start, with Ireland going winless in both March friendlies against Belgium and Switzerland without scoring (D1, L1). However, the Boys in Green are back to winning ways, with a 2-1 triumph against Hungary last week marking only their second triumph in nine internationals since September 2023 (W2, D2, L5). O’Shea’s next assignment is to help Ireland find their footing on foreign soil following a woeful run of three defeats across their last four travels (W1).