Portugal Stuns Germany 2-1 in UEFA Nations League Semi-Final

Portugal secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Germany in the UEFA Nations League semi-final at the Allianz Arena, booking their place in Sunday’s final against either Spain or France. Cristiano Ronaldo, at 40, proved decisive, scoring the winning goal to mark his 137th international strike and end Portugal’s 25-year drought against Germany.

• Cristiano Ronaldo scored the winner at 40, netting his 137th international goal to seal Portugal’s first win over Germany since 2000
• Francisco Conceição’s equalizer and Nuno Mendes’ assist were game-changers, turning the match around after Germany’s early second-half lead
• Portugal’s smart substitutions outshone Germany’s, with coach Roberto Martinez praising the squad’s “heart and hustle” in a gritty comeback

The match kicked off with a bit of drama after a brief hailstorm delay. Germany came out swinging, dominating early on, but Portugal’s goalkeeper Diogo Costa was on fire, blocking shots from Leon Goretzka and Niclas Woltemade. Both sides had their moments, with Ronaldo and Germany’s Florian Wirtz forcing great saves, but neither team scored before halftime.

The second half exploded into action. Germany struck first when Wirtz headed in a pinpoint pass from Joshua Kimmich in the 48th minute, sending the home crowd wild. Portugal didn’t flinch, though. Substitute Francisco Conceição, whose dad Sergio scored against Germany in 2000, weaved through defenders for a stunning equalizer in the 65th minute. Just five minutes later, Nuno Mendes charged down the left and crossed for Ronaldo to tap in, flipping the game and hushing the Munich fans.

Germany pushed hard for a tie, with substitute Karim Adeyemi rattling the post late in the game, but Portugal’s defense stood tall. Portugal’s clever substitutions and gritty play outshone Germany, whose late swaps didn’t click. Coach Roberto Martinez was all smiles, praising his team’s “heart and hustle,” while Germany’s Julian Nagelsmann admitted his bench moves fell short.

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This victory, Portugal’s first over Germany since Euro 2000, sets up an exciting final. Germany now faces the loser of Spain vs. France in the third-place match. Ronaldo, brushing off a pre-game pitch invader, showed he’s still got it, proving he’s Portugal’s go-to guy no matter his age.