Cristiano Ronaldo netted the decisive goal as Portugal came from behind to defeat Germany 2-1 on Wednesday, securing their place in the Nations League final. The 40-year-old forward notched his 137th international goal in the process.
This victory marked Portugal’s first win over Germany since 2000 and earned them a spot in their second Nations League final, having previously won the tournament’s inaugural edition in 2019.
The other finalist will be decided on Thursday when Spain takes on France in the second semi-final, with the final set for Sunday.
Germany controlled the first half, but failed to score due to the outstanding performance of Portugal’s goalkeeper Diogo Costa. He made a crucial save just four minutes in, denying Leon Goretzka’s low drive, and later stopped close-range efforts from Nick Woltemade and Goretzka again with quick reflexes.
Germany finally broke the deadlock in the 48th minute when Florian Wirtz headed in after a precise lofted pass from Joshua Kimmich.
Portugal responded strongly. Substitute Francisco Conceição levelled the score in the 63rd minute, and just five minutes later, Ronaldo finished from close range after being set up by Nuno Mendes.
The win held special meaning for Conceição, whose father, Sérgio, scored a hat-trick in Portugal’s last victory over Germany back in Euro 2000.
Germany nearly equalised when Karim Adeyemi’s powerful left-footed shot struck the outside of the post. Portugal had a late chance to extend their lead, but Marc-André ter Stegen kept Germany in it with a superb double save.
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