Germans beaten at home, Cristiano Ronaldo into another final at age 40
Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 137th international goal Wednesday night as Portugal defeated Germany 2-1 in Munich to reach the UEFA Nations League final, set to be played on Sunday.
Ronaldo’s goal proved decisive as Portugal came from behind to beat the Germans on home soil for the first time since 2000.
At age 40, Ronaldo tapped in Nuno Mendes' low cross in the 68th minute, capping a five-minute turnaround that began with Francisco Conceição’s equaliser.
Cristiano Ronaldo goal vs Germany ๐ pic.twitter.com/DtWvYE9YQV
Conceição’s goal came 25 years after his father, Sérgio Conceição, scored a hat-trick against Germany at Euro 2000.
The younger Conceição’s contribution ensured Portugal a place in their second Nations League final, having won the inaugural edition in 2019.
Portugal will now face the winner of France vs Spain on June 8th's final, also in Munich.
๐จ๐ช๐บ GOAL | Germany 1-1 Portugal | Francisco Conceicao
WHAT A BEAUTIFUL GOAL FROM FRANCISCO CONCEICAO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!pic.twitter.com/9Lxooeab3bThe match opened with a cautious first half, ending 0-0.
Germany broke the deadlock shortly after the restart when Florian Wirtz headed in Joshua Kimmich’s lofted pass on 48 minutes.
Kimmich was making his 100th appearance, while Wirtz, reportedly close to a $139 million move to Liverpool, gave the hosts an early advantage.
Roberto Martínez’s side responded with intensity.
Portugal have won a competitive match vs Germany for the first time since 2000. pic.twitter.com/MfQERzO5zj
Substitute Conceição levelled in the 63rd minute, five minutes after coming on, cutting inside from the right and curling past Marc-André ter Stegen.
Portugal contested the goal, claiming Nick Woltemade had obstructed Rúben Dias in the build-up, but referee Slavko Vinฤiฤ allowed it to stand after a VAR review.
Just moments later, Mendes found Ronaldo unmarked in front of goal to complete the comeback.
EM FRENTE, PORTUGAL!! pic.twitter.com/KKuCip7yt8
Germany pushed for an equaliser and came closest when Karim Adeyemi struck the post late on, but Portugal held firm to record their first competitive victory over Germany since UEFA Euro 2000.
It marked the second major fixture at the Allianz Arena in a week, following PSG's victory in the UEFA Champions League final last Saturday.
France and Spain contest the second semi-final on Thursday in Stuttgart. The final is set for Sunday June 8th in Munich.