Ronaldo’s Decisive Goal Secures Portugal’s Spot in Nations League Final
Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 137th international goal to seal a dramatic comeback victory for Portugal as they beat Germany 2-1 to book a place in the UEFA Nations League final.
The 40-year-old legend netted the winner in the 68th minute, calmly slotting home Nuno Mendes’ low cross to complete the turnaround and set up a final clash against either France or Spain.
The goal came just five minutes after substitute Francisco Conceição drew Portugal level with a brilliant solo effort.
Germany had taken the lead early in the second half through Florian Wirtz, who headed in a clever lofted pass from Joshua Kimmich on his 100th international appearance.
The goal sparked controversy as Portuguese players protested that debutant Nick Woltemade had obstructed Ruben Dias in the build-up. Despite VAR reviewing the incident, the referee allowed the goal to stand.
Portugal, however, responded impressively. Conceição, just minutes after coming on, picked up the ball near the right touchline, drove at the German defence, and curled a superb shot past Marc-André ter Stegen in the 63rd minute.
The momentum shifted, and it didn’t take long before Ronaldo, left unmarked, tapped in from close range to give Portugal the lead.
Germany nearly forced extra time when Karim Adeyemi struck the post in the final moments, but Portugal held on for a memorable win—their first competitive victory over Germany since Euro 2000, when Conceição’s father, Sérgio Conceição, famously scored a hat-trick.
The match had a dramatic start, delayed by 10 minutes due to hailstorms in Munich. Germany controlled the first half, with Diogo Costa making key saves to keep Portugal in the game.
But the tide turned after the break, and Roberto Martínez’s men grew into the match, creating multiple chances and forcing excellent stops from Ter Stegen to keep the scoreline tight.
This win puts Portugal in their second Nations League final, having won the inaugural edition in 2019.
With France and Spain set to meet in the second semi-final, the stage is set for an exciting showdown in Munich on Sunday.
Ronaldo’s Decisive Goal Secures Portugal’s Spot in Nations League Final