Cristiano Ronaldo proved decisive once again, netting the winning goal in Portugal’s 2-1 triumph over Germany in Munich on Wednesday. The result sent Portugal into the UEFA Nations League final and marked Ronaldo’s first victory over Germany after five unsuccessful attempts.
The iconic striker’s 68th-minute finish — a simple tap-in from close range — was his 137th international goal, further extending his all-time scoring record and sealing a long-awaited win against a national side that had consistently eluded him.
Germany had taken the lead shortly after the break through a moment of brilliance from Florian Wirtz. The midfielder carved open Portugal’s defence with a slick dribble, then rose to meet Joshua Kimmich’s chip and headed the ball into the net just three minutes into the second half.
Portugal equalised through Francisco Conceicao, who lit up the match with a dazzling solo run. Covering 35 metres and leaving his marker behind, the winger slotted home a beautiful curling effort with half an hour left to play.
Ronaldo, who had earlier squandered two clear chances, made no mistake the third time, slotting home Nuno Mendes’ low cross from close range to complete the comeback.
With the win, Portugal, who lifted the inaugural Nations League trophy in 2019, will now meet either Spain or France in the final, scheduled for Sunday at the same venue.
The loss marked a rare stumble for Julian Nagelsmann’s Germany, who had been on a strong run with just one defeat in their previous 17 outings.
Despite Germany being considered the fresher side, it was Portugal — who had four players fresh off Champions League celebrations — that settled quicker in the early exchanges. The kickoff was delayed by 10 minutes due to a severe storm that left hailstones scattered across the pitch.
Aleksandar Pavlovic appeared unsettled, misplacing multiple passes, while Portugal’s aggressive pressing rattled Germany’s Jonathan Tah, who struggled to maintain possession.
Ronaldo, cheered by the Portuguese faithful and booed by the German crowd, nearly opened the scoring six minutes in, only for Marc-Andre ter Stegen — playing his first game for Germany since September 2024 — to save smartly.
Germany’s best opportunity of the opening half came when debutant Nick Woltemade found space in the box after 18 minutes, but Diogo Costa was equal to the task, stopping the low effort with ease.
Right after halftime, Ronaldo had another golden opportunity, failing to connect with Mendes’ pinpoint cross with the goal wide open.
Germany responded immediately. Wirtz, darting down the left, played a one-two with Kimmich, who lofted the ball back over the defence. Wirtz met it with a deft header into the bottom corner, giving Germany a 1-0 lead.
The hour mark saw both managers make triple substitutions, but it was Portugal coach Roberto Martinez whose changes proved pivotal. Just five minutes after entering the fray, Conceicao beat Robin Gosens with a slick move near the halfway line and burst forward, curling a sublime shot beyond Ter Stegen to level the score.
Ronaldo then struck the final blow in the 68th minute, coolly slotting home after another incisive run and cross from Mendes. It was his 219th cap for Portugal — a match that ended his long wait for a win over Germany.
Germany nearly rescued a draw when Munich-born Karim Adeyemi crashed a shot off the crossbar with just eight minutes remaining, but Portugal held firm. The Germans will now compete in Sunday’s third-place playoff in Stuttgart.
