Cristiano Ronaldo delivered yet again for Portugal, scoring the decisive goal to seal a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over Germany and secure a place in the UEFA Nations League final. His 137th international goal came at a crucial moment and ended Portugal’s five-match losing streak against Die Mannschaft in emphatic style.
The highly anticipated semifinal clash, played at the Allianz Arena in Munich, kicked off 10 minutes late due to a sudden storm, but both teams wasted no time showing their intent once the game got underway.
Early Chances and Solid Goalkeeping
Germany started brightly, looking to impose themselves on home turf. Joshua Kimmich crafted an early opening with a clever cut-back to Leon Goretzka, who forced a low save from Portuguese goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
At the other end, Portugal’s talisman Cristiano Ronaldo tested Marc-André ter Stegen with a sharp strike, but the Barcelona keeper was equal to it. Germany kept up the pressure, and Costa was again called into action, denying both Nick Woltemade and Goretzka with superb reflex saves in quick succession.
Portugal, meanwhile, appeared cautious in attack. Roberto Martínez’s side had failed to win any of their last three away games (two draws, one loss), and their lack of cutting edge in the final third was evident throughout the first half, which ended goalless.
Wirtz Gives Germany the Lead
The hosts came out flying in the second half, and their early pressure paid off just three minutes in. Kimmich floated a beautiful cross into the box that found Florian Wirtz, who rose to nod home past Costa with precision. The young midfielder, widely expected to join Liverpool in the summer, showed his class with a calm and composed header into the bottom corner.
It looked like Germany had the momentum, but Portugal had other ideas.
Conceição Sparks the Comeback
Portugal’s response came through substitute Francisco Conceição, who injected much-needed energy into the side. In the 63rd minute, the youngster skipped past Robin Gosens on the right flank, glided to the edge of the box, and curled a stunning left-footed strike into the top corner. It was a goal worthy of the occasion and flipped the mood in the stadium instantly.
The equaliser breathed life into Portugal, who had looked second-best for much of the game. And they didn’t stop there.
A Goal of the Tournament contender from Francisco Conceição #UNLGOTR | @AlipayPlus pic.twitter.com/cR8K0kvQne
— UEFA EURO (@UEFAEURO) June 4, 2025
Ronaldo Delivers the Knockout Blow
Just five minutes after the equaliser, Portugal struck again. Left-back Nuno Mendes charged through the German defense with a surging run and squared the ball across goal to Ronaldo, who was perfectly positioned for a simple tap-in.
It was Ronaldo’s 137th goal for Portugal, adding yet another clutch moment to his already glittering international career. The 39-year-old continues to prove that age is just a number as he powered his team into the Nations League final with yet another decisive contribution.
Goal number 137 in 220 international games for Cristiano Ronaldo#NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/2kJLiXjN2V
— UEFA EURO (@UEFAEURO) June 4, 2025
Germany Left Searching
Germany tried to respond in the closing stages, with Julian Nagelsmann throwing on more attacking players in hopes of turning the tide. But the Portuguese defense stayed strong. Karim Adeyemi came closest to salvaging something for the hosts, but his long-range effort hit the outside of the post.
It was only Germany’s second defeat in their last 13 matches, and it came on home soil in a game that slipped from their control within minutes.
Portugal March into the Final
Portugal’s victory not only ended their losing streak against Germany but also showed the resilience and character within Roberto Martínez’s squad. From Wirtz’s opener to Conceição’s brilliance and Ronaldo’s winner, the Selecao showed why they remain one of Europe’s most dangerous teams.
The win sends Portugal into the UEFA Nations League final, where they will compete for their second title in the competition’s short history. With veterans like Ronaldo still leading the way and young stars like Conceição stepping up, the Selecao look well-equipped to go all the way once again.
READ NEXT:
