Cristiano Ronaldo scored the winner as Portugal entered the UEFA Nations League final with a 2-1 comeback win over Germany on Wednesday, June 4. It was Portugal’s first win over Germany since 2000 as they look to lift the Nations League title for the first time since winning the inaugural edition in 2019. It was also Ronaldo’s 137th international goal.
Germany were dominant in the first half but the scoreline was kept at 0-0 thanks to the brilliance of Diogo Costa in goal for Portugal. He made a save from Leon Goretzka’s low shot in the fourth minute and followed it up with an incredible save from Nick Woltemade’s close-range effort. Two minutes later, he came to the rescue once again for the 2016 Euro Champions by denying Goretzka.
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However, Germany took the lead in the 48th minute as Florian Writz headed in from a fine pass from Joshua Kimmich. But, Portugal bounced back, first equalising through Francisco Conceicao in the 63rd minute with a stunning shot from outside the box after a fine run. For Conceicao, the match held significance, as his father Sergio scored a hat-trick when Portugal last beat Germany in 2000.
Five minutes later, Nuno Mendes helped Ronaldo grab the winner as he teed up the Portuguese superstar with a fine pass.
Germany were looking to shift the momentum after Portugal took the lead with Karim Adeyami unleashed a powerful shot, that hit the post. Portugal could have scored a third goal but Marc Ter-Stegen made a double save to keep the scoreline at 2-1.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez said it was a team victory and said they want another such performance in the final now.
“We need to enjoy the victory – we won for the first time in a while against Germany. Tactically we were exceptional and our commitment helped… it was a team victory,” Portugal coach Roberto Martinez said.
“Now we can recover and evaluate,” he added. “We want another performance with personality in this shirt.”
Portugal will now face Spain or France in the final on Sunday June 8.
