Ronaldo returns as Portugal overwhelm Ireland

Portugal will travel to Brazil in high spirits after rounding off their FIFA World Cup preparations with an emphatic 5-1 triumph over the Republic of Ireland in New Jersey, United States.

The tone was set inside two minutes when Hugo Almeida headed in the first of his two first-half goals, either side of a Richard Keogh own goal. James McClean made it 3-1 soon after the restart and substitutions took some of the sting out of Portugal's play, though there was a fine cameo from Nani. The winger set up late strikes for fellow replacement Vieirinha and Fábio Coentrão.

A successful night for Paulo Bento's team was all the more enjoyable for the sight of Cristiano Ronaldo, who played 65 minutes. The Real Madrid CF forward showed no signs of the injury and fatigue that has sidelined him since the UEFA Champions League final as he hit the post with a first-half free-kick. Ronaldo was also heavily involved in Keogh's own goal and Hugo Almeida's second eight minutes before the interval.

Portugal kick off their World Cup campaign against Germany on Monday. They also face the United States and Ghana in Group G.