Cristiano Ronaldo made history once again as Portugal defeated Germany 2-1 in the UEFA Nations League semifinal on Wednesday night. The 40-year-old captain scored the winning goal just five minutes after Francisco Conceição’s stunning equaliser, securing a dramatic comeback win for Portugal in Munich.
Germany had taken the lead early in the second half, with young star Florian Wirtz heading in a precise goal in the 48th minute. It looked like Portugal might struggle, especially given Ronaldo’s record against Germany; he had lost all five previous matches.
Portugal coach Roberto Martínez made substitutions that changed the game. He brought on Conceição and Vitinha, both of whom made an immediate impact. Conceição levelled the score in the 63rd minute. Just five minutes later, Nuno Mendes delivered a perfect pass to Ronaldo, who tapped it in for his 137th international goal.
Ronaldo also became the oldest player to score against Germany. “It could have been more,” Mendes said, reflecting Portugal’s dominant second-half performance.
Vitinha, who recently won the Champions League with PSG, controlled the midfield. His composure and vision helped Portugal keep the pressure on, forcing German goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen to make several key saves to keep the scoreline respectable.
Portugal started PSG wing-backs Joao Neves and Nuno Mendes, while Germany handed a debut to Stuttgart’s Nick Woltemade.
The match was delayed by 10 minutes due to a storm that brought heavy rain and hailstones to northern Munich. UEFA had earlier warned fans of possible thunderstorms, and the storm hit just before the original 9 PM kick-off. Players had begun their warm-ups when the weather forced them back inside.
With this win, Portugal has progressed to the Nations League final, while Germany is left to reflect on missed chances and Ronaldo’s timeless brilliance.
