Cristiano Ronaldo scored the winner as Portugal defeated Germany 2-1 in the UEFA Nations League semifinal. With goals from Conceicao and Ronaldo, Portugal came from behind to sink the hosts, ending Germany’s dream of reaching their first Nations League final.
In a dramatic UEFA Nations League semifinal clash, Portugal came from behind to defeat host nation Germany 2-1, thanks to a decisive goal from Cristiano Ronaldo. The win not only knocked Germany out of contention for their first Nations League final appearance but also marked Portugal’s first victory over Germany in 25 years.
The semifinal, played in front of a capacity crowd in Berlin, was seen as a heavyweight showdown. Germany, playing on home soil, entered the match with high expectations under coach Julian Nagelsmann, while Portugal, managed by Roberto Martinez, came with a mission to prove their championship mettle.
The kickoff was delayed by 10 minutes due to a sudden hailstorm, adding a dramatic tone to the night. Once play began, Germany settled into the game quicker. Midfielder Leon Goretzka forced an early save from Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa. Young striker Nick Woltemade, making his international debut, linked impressively with Aleksandar Pavlovic to fashion another opportunity, but Portugal held firm.
Despite Germany’s early control, Portugal slowly began asserting themselves. Pedro Neto’s blistering pace was a constant threat on the wings, and Cristiano Ronaldo tested Marc-Andre ter Stegen twice. The German goalkeeper, making his first appearance after a long injury layoff, was sharp and alert.
Germany finally broke the deadlock shortly after halftime. Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz made a well-timed run to meet a lofted ball from Joshua Kimmich, nodding it past Costa to put the hosts 1-0 up. The goal sent the home fans into a frenzy—but the joy was short-lived.
Portugal responded with composure and precision. Francisco Conceicao, introduced as a substitute moments earlier, produced a brilliant solo effort. Cutting inside from the wing, he curled a beautiful strike into the far corner, leveling the match at 1-1.
Just minutes later, Portugal struck again with surgical efficiency. Bruno Fernandes and Nuno Mendes combined beautifully on the left flank, with Mendes delivering a pinpoint low cross. Ronaldo was there to convert, putting Portugal ahead 2-1. At 40 years and 119 days old, Ronaldo became the oldest player ever to score against Germany, further cementing his legacy as a legend of the game.
Nagelsmann’s side threw everything forward in the closing minutes, introducing attacking options like Karim Adeyemi and Niclas Füllkrug. Adeyemi came agonizingly close to equalizing in the 82nd minute when his effort struck the post. However, Portugal remained disciplined and resilient. Ter Stegen was kept busy at the other end, making key saves to deny Conceicao and Diogo Jota.
Ultimately, Germany ran out of time and ideas. Their dream of reaching a Nations League final on home soil was dashed, while Portugal celebrated a hard-fought, historic victory.
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German head coach Julian Nagelsmann was candid in his assessment:
“It was certainly one of our weakest performances in recent times. We didn’t always attack with enough conviction. We started well and took a deserved lead but then did far too little. Against a team like Portugal, if you’re too slow in transition, you get punished.”
In contrast, Portugal’s Roberto Martinez was full of praise for his side:
“I’m very happy. This was an important game against a top-quality Germany side, and we played away from home. To beat Germany for the first time in 25 years means a lot. Turning a 1-0 deficit into a 2-1 win shows what this team is capable of.”
Portugal now advances to the Nations League final, where they will aim to add another international title to their growing trophy cabinet. Germany will look to salvage pride in Sunday’s third-place playoff.
