Portugal Rally in Munich to Reach UEFA Nations League Final
Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 137th international goal on Wednesday night as Portugal came from behind to defeat Germany 2-1 in Munich, booking their spot in the UEFA Nations League final.The victory marked Portugal’s first win on German soil in 24 years — their last coming in 2000 — and sets up a showdown in Sunday’s final against either France or Spain.At 40 years old, Ronaldo once again proved decisive, finishing off a low cross from Nuno Mendes in the 68th minute to seal the comeback. The goal came just five minutes after Francisco Conceição had equalised, turning the match on its head.Conceição’s goal carried historical significance — it came exactly 25 years after his father, Sérgio Conceição, scored a memorable hat-trick against Germany at Euro 2000. The younger Conceição’s strike was pivotal in sending Portugal to their second Nations League final, following their triumph in the tournament’s inaugural edition in 2019.The match began cautiously, with neither side able to break the deadlock in the first half.Germany opened the scoring early in the second half when Florian Wirtz nodded in a lofted assist from Joshua Kimmich in the 48th minute. It was a milestone night for Kimmich, who was making his 100th international appearance, while Wirtz continues to make headlines amid speculation of a €130 million move to Liverpool.Portugal responded swiftly and with purpose. Conceição, introduced as a substitute, struck just five minutes after entering the game — curling a left-footed shot past Marc-André ter Stegen after cutting in from the right. Though Portugal briefly protested the goal, citing obstruction by Nick Woltemade on Rúben Dias, VAR upheld the decision.Moments later, Mendes delivered a perfect cross into the box, where an unmarked Ronaldo calmly tapped it in to complete the comeback.Germany pressed hard for an equaliser, with their best chance falling to Karim Adeyemi, whose shot struck the post late in the match. But Portugal held their ground, securing a significant win and their first competitive victory over Germany since Euro 2000.The game was the second major fixture hosted at Munich’s Allianz Arena in less than a week, following the UEFA Champions League final won by PSG.France and Spain will battle in Thursday’s second semi-final in Stuttgart. The winner will face Portugal in the final on Sunday, June 8, back in Munich.
