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.
It was a perfect send-off for Roberto Martinez’s side in their last warm-up game before their Euro 2024 opener against the Czech Republic on 18 June.
It was a difficult evening for the Irish, who fell to a second defeat under interim manager John O’Shea.
The Republic were looking to build upon their first win under O’Shea, a 2-1 friendly victory against Hungary at Aviva Stadium last week.
It was a much tougher ask for O’Shea’s side in Aveiro, however, with Portugal looking dangerous during the early exchanges.
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.
It was a perfect send-off for Roberto Martinez’s side in their last warm-up game before their Euro 2024 opener against the Czech Republic on 18 June.
It was a difficult evening for the Irish, who fell to a second defeat under interim manager John O’Shea.
While Portugal head into the Euros with optimism, the Republic of Ireland will hope to have a permanent manager in place for their next game against England in the Nations League in September, with O’Shea in contention to land the job.
