Munich, Germany – Cristiano Ronaldo proved age is just a number, scoring the decisive goal at 40 to lead Portugal to a 2-1 comeback victory over Germany in a thrilling UEFA Nations League semifinal on Wednesday. The win secured Portugal’s place in the final, ending Ronaldo’s personal losing streak against Germany in style.
The match, delayed by 10 minutes due to a fierce thunderstorm that blanketed Munich’s stadium with hailstones, saw Germany take the lead early in the second half. Liverpool target Florian Wirtz opened the scoring in the 48th minute with a perfectly placed header past Portugal’s defense. However, Portugal’s coach Roberto Martínez turned the tide with inspired substitutions, bringing on Francisco Conceição and Champions League winner Vitinha.
Conceição wasted no time, leveling the score in the 63rd minute with a stunning long-range strike that flew past Germany’s Robin Gosens and inside the far post. Five minutes later, Nuno Mendes set up Ronaldo for a simple finish, marking the captain’s 137th international goal and making him the oldest player to score against Germany. The strike ended Ronaldo’s run of five consecutive losses against the Germans.
Vitinha, fresh off his Champions League triumph with Paris Saint-Germain in the same stadium four days earlier, dictated play as Portugal dominated the closing stages. Germany’s goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen was forced into several crucial saves to keep the scoreline close, with PSG wing-backs Joao Neves and Nuno Mendes also shining for Portugal. Germany debuted Stuttgart forward Nick Woltemade, but the hosts struggled to regain control after Portugal’s quickfire goals.
“It could have been more,” Mendes remarked post-match, reflecting Portugal’s late dominance.
The match was briefly disrupted by adverse weather, with UEFA warning of possible thunderstorms in Munich. A storm hit an hour before the scheduled 9pm kickoff, leaving the pitch covered in hailstones as goalkeepers warmed up.
Portugal now awaits the winner of Thursday’s semifinal between France and Spain in Stuttgart, as they aim to claim the Nations League title.