AVEIRO: 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.

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.

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