Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos ended Ireland’s hopes of European glory yesterday with a hat-trick - as Portugal marched on to Saturday’s decider in Yerevan.
The talented youngster scored three times after skipper Vitor Ferreira opened the scoring from the penalty spot just after the half-hour.
Estonian referee Kristo Tohver pointed to the spot after Joe Hodge brought down Joao Mario inside the Irish area, and Ferreira calmly stroked the ball home.
Ireland had two great opportunities to draw level - both inside the 34th minute.
Barry Coffey’s effort was blocked on the line by Costinha and seconds later Mark McGuinness struck the crossbar after he connected with Matt Everitt’s low centre.
Ramos doubled Portugal’s advantage in first-half stoppage time when he headed the ball home from close range at the back post.
He was unmarked and able to take advantage when goalkeeper Brian Maher tipped a deep delivery onto his crossbar.
And he all but ended any prospect of an Irish comeback on 59 minutes when he slammed the ball home after Mario pulled the ball back from the end-line.
With Ireland pushing forward, Ramos scored again in injury-time, cutting inside from the left and drilling the ball low inside the near post.
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