Germany 1-2 Portugal: Ronaldo scores the winner in Munich as Portugal reach Nations League final | OneFootball

Cristiano Ronaldo’s 137th international goal proved to be the difference as Portugal came from behind to defeat Germany 2–1 in a closely contested UEFA Nations League semi-final in Munich. The hosts had taken a deserved lead shortly after half-time through Florian Wirtz, but goals from Francisco Conceição and Ronaldo turned the game on its head and sent Portugal through to their second Nations League final.

Germany, full of confidence and roared on by a packed home crowd, began brightly and looked in control for much of the first half. But Portugal’s experience and efficiency told in the crucial moments. The result is a bitter blow for Julian Nagelsmann’s side, who had high hopes of lifting silverware on home soil, but it’s another reminder that Portugal—led by a blend of youthful energy and Ronaldo’s enduring quality—remain a formidable tournament side.

As it happened

The game began with intensity, but also caution. Both teams looked organised and composed in possession, with Germany shading the early exchanges. Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala linked up smartly in the final third, and Joshua Kimmich provided control from deep. Portugal were content to sit slightly deeper, with João Neves doing an impressive job dictating the tempo under pressure.

Despite Germany’s dominance in possession, clear chances were few and far between in the first half. Kai Havertz saw a close-range effort saved by Diogo Costa, and Ronaldo—quiet in the opening stages—had one snapshot blocked inside the box. The match had a simmering tension, but no breakthrough.

That changed just minutes after the restart. In the 48th minute, Germany took a deserved lead when Kimmich whipped in a teasing cross from the right. Wirtz peeled off his marker and flicked a header low past Costa. The goal was well worked and well taken, and it seemed to be the moment that would ignite the home side.

But Portugal responded with composure. Neves and Bruno Fernandes began to assert more influence in midfield, and the pressure began to shift. Their equaliser came in the 62nd minute, and it was a moment of individual brilliance. Conceição, who had been lively since kick-off, picked up the ball just outside the area and fired a stunning strike into the top corner. Marc-André ter Stegen had no chance.

Suddenly, it was Germany who looked rattled. Just seven minutes later, Portugal struck again. This time it was classic Ronaldo. Nuno Mendes delivered a lofted cross into the box and Ronaldo, rising between two defenders, nodded home with vintage power and precision. The 39-year-old wheeled away to the corner flag, arms wide, as if time had stood still for a moment.

Germany pushed forward in the final 20 minutes, introducing Niclas Füllkrug and Leroy Sané to find a way back. Wirtz rattled the post in the 87th minute, and Antonio Rüdiger had a header cleared off the line during a frantic stoppage-time scramble. But Portugal held firm, with Rúben Dias and Pepe marshalling the defence superbly.

The final whistle brought a mix of agony and ecstasy—Germany slumped to the turf, while Portugal’s bench emptied to embrace their players. They now head to the final brimming with belief, and perhaps one last trophy in reach for their legendary number seven.

The lineups

GER: Ter Stegen; Tah, Rüdiger, Schlotterbeck; Kimmich, Andrich, Gündoğan, Raum; Musiala, Wirtz, Havertz.