Portugal wins an exciting 2-1 match against Germany in UEFA Nations League Semifinal thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo's heroics, setting up an exciting final against France or Spain.
Notable Moments from the Match
- Cristiano Ronaldo becomes oldest scorer against Germany
- Portugal ends 25-year winless streak against Germany
- Francisco Conceição ties game after Germany’s early lead
- Nuno Mendes delivers an assist
- Germany dominates in first half but has missed opportunities
- Portugal advances to UEFA Nations League final
Germany Dominates Early but Misses on Opportunities
Germany comes out firing in the first half, having most of the possession and scoring chances.
Leon Goretzka tries his luck with a fierce shot early on, but Portuguese goalkeeper Diogo Costa denies it with an incredible dive to his left. Costa comes into his own with successive saves off Niklas Völltemade and Goretzka once more—remaining goalless against Germany despite their dominance.
Florian Wirtz Scores Germany’s First
Only a minute into halftime, in the 48th minute, Germany breaks the deadlock.
A great lobbed pass into the box by Joshua Kimmich is met with Florian Wirtz slipping through defenders to score the opener. It appears Germany’s continuous assault is finally in the balance.
Portugal’s Comeback: Conceição Changes the Game
Portugal counters Rodriguez’s substitutions and swings the momentum the other way.
Francisco Conceição comes on as a substitute and makes an immediate impact for Portugal in the 63rd minute when he takes a chance from distance and hits a screamer past the German goalkeeper. The equalizer gives Portugal a boost and jars Germany.
Cristiano Ronaldo Makes History, Again
Only five minutes after Conceição’s goal, Cristiano Ronaldo scores his 137th international goal.
Nuno Mendes sets it up with an incredible cross from the left, which Ronaldo calmly taps in. At 40, he has now become the oldest player to score against Germany and has become the symbol of Portugal’s revival.
Diogo Costa’s Defensive Masterclass
Diogo Costa is Portugal’s unsung hero.
His goalkeeping today, particularly in the first half, was outstanding and kept the team in the game.
He denies Karim Adeyemi’s powerful shot late in the second half, protecting Portugal’s lead and ensuring the victory.
Tactical Excellence from Roberto Martínez
Portugal head coach Roberto Martínez is singing the praises of the team’s organization and discipline.
He points to the tactical switch in the second half that freed up space for Portugal’s attacking players and stifled Germany’s midfield.
Substitutions Ignite Portugal’s Comeback
Pedro Neto and Francisco Conceição enter at just the right time.
Neto doesn’t score, but his ability to run at a defense forces Germany to react.
Conceição scores one and indirectly assists the second with his constant man high pressing.
Germany Guillotine Momentum
Even after scoring first, Germany lost their rhythm after Portugal scored to equalize.
Long range shots and a flurry of substitutions fail in trying to recover the pulsating tempo.
Kimmich said after the match team “Just didn’t do enough after first goal”.
Portugal Ends 25-Year Drought Over German Beating
The victory is Portugal’s first against Germany since 2000.
The last five meetings all ended in losses.
Ronaldo’s redemption arc completes the cycle, ending his own individual losing streak against Germany.
Stats Summary
| Team | Goals | Possession | Shots on Target | Saves |
| Portugal | 2 | 42% | 5 | 6 |
| Germany | 1 | 58% | 6 | 3 |
What Comes Next for Portugal?
Portugal advances to the UEFA Nations League final to face the winner of Spain versus France, to be held on Sunday.
Roberto Martínez hopes there can be a continuation of masterful performance.
Germany Now Has The Third-Place Playoff to Fight For
Germany now fights for third place.
Although more promise at the start of the match, seemed so.
Inconsistency remains their Achilles heel, so they face tough times ahead for coach Julian Nagelsmann.
Portugal’s Key Players Come to the Forefront in Tough Situations
- Cristiano Ronaldo: Inspires the comeback with the match-winner
- Diogo Costa: Crucial saves throughout the first half allow Portugal to survive
- Nuno Mendes: Plays Ronaldo through for the match-winner, dominates the left flank
- Francisco Conceição: Equalizer is a game-changer, leads the attacking charge
Match Result
Portugal provides a true second-half comeback led by youth and experience.
Ronaldo’s record-breaking goal of two total takes Portugal to 2-1.
Diogo Costa’s dazzling performance puts Portugal over the edge.
Having years of disappointment against Germany behind them, Portugal gets revenge and is closer to an international championship.