Cristiano Ronaldo netted his 137th international goal to lead Portugal to a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Germany on Wednesday, securing a place in the Nations League final.
The 40-year-old legend struck in the 68th minute, just five minutes after Francisco Conceicao leveled the match, turning the tide after Germany had gone ahead early in the second half through Florian Wirtz.
Despite dominating the first half, Germany was kept at bay by Portugal’s goalkeeper Diogo Costa, who produced a series of crucial saves to deny Leon Goretzka and Nick Woltemade.
Germany finally broke through in the 48th minute, but Portugal responded with grit and clinical finishing. The equalizer came courtesy of Conceicao, son of former Portuguese star Sergio Conceicao—who famously scored a hat-trick against Germany in 2000. Ronaldo then sealed the win after being set up by Nuno Mendes.
Germany pushed for a late equalizer, with Karim Adeyemi striking the post and Marc-Andre ter Stegen denying Portugal a third with a superb double save.
This marks Portugal’s first win over Germany in 24 years and books their place in their second Nations League final, following their 2019 triumph. They will face either Spain or France in Sunday’s showdown.
