Cristiano Ronaldo struck his 137th international goal to propel Portugal into the Nations League final, overcoming a resilient Germany side in a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory in Munich last night.
The 40-year-old superstar tapped in a precise low cross from Nuno Mendes in the 68th minute, securing the decisive goal that sets up a final showdown against either France or Spain on Sunday. Ronaldo’s strike came just five minutes after substitute Francisco Conceicao leveled the score, canceling out Florian Wirtz’s 48th-minute opener for Germany.
Portugal, champions of the inaugural Nations League in 2019, faced an uphill battle after Wirtz, the Bayer Leverkusen forward nearing a £109m move to Liverpool, headed Germany in front. The goal, assisted by a clever lofted pass from Joshua Kimmich on his 100th cap, sparked controversy as Portugal protested a potential foul by German debutant Nick Woltemade on defender Ruben Dias. Despite a VAR review, referee Slavko Vincic upheld the goal, leaving Portugal fuming.
Undeterred, Portugal fought back. Conceicao, introduced in the 58th minute, ignited the comeback with a stunning 63rd-minute equalizer. Collecting the ball near the right touchline, the substitute charged at Germany’s defense before curling a brilliant shot past goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen.
Ronaldo then delivered the winning moment, latching onto Mendes’ pass to score from close range. Germany nearly forced extra time when Karim Adeyemi’s late effort struck the post, but Portugal held firm to secure their place in the final.
France and Spain will contest the second semi-final in Stuttgart tonight, with the winner facing Portugal in Munich’s showpiece final on Sunday.