Cristiano Ronaldo scored the winner as Portugal came from a goal down to defeat Germany 2-1 in the UEFA Nations League semi-finals on Wednesday, Afrosport reports.
The game at the Allianz Arena, home of German champions Bayern Munich, was delayed by 10 minutes due to a storm in the city.
It was quiet from the eventual kick off until the 48th minute when Bayer Leverkusen forward Florian Wirtz sent in a glancing header past goalkeeper Diogo Costa from a Joshua Kimmich lobbed pass.
The goal was reviewed by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) and referee Slavko Vincic allowed it to stand despite clamours from the Portuguese players about a foul on Ruben Dias by German striker Nick Woltemade.
Die Mannschaft remained in the lead until the 63rd minute when substitute Francisco Conceicao drew Portugal level. He received a pass from Dias before curling in a beautiful effort into the far corner, beating goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen from the edge of the penalty area.
It did not take Portugal too long to hit the target once again as Paris Saint-Germain left-back Nuno Mendes found Ronaldo, who finished off from close range for his record-extending 137th international goal in his 220th cap.
Cristiano Ronaldo puts Portugal into the final!#NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/TACSEobxZW
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The victory sent Portugal into their second Nations League final after reaching the maiden edition in 2019 when they defeated the Netherlands on home soil.
It was also the Selecao’s first win over Germany in 25 years, since a 3-0 victory in the 2000 European Championship, while the result marked a first defeat for Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann on home soil since taking charge in September 2023.
Roberto Martinez’s men will face the winner of Thursday’s other semi-final between France and reigning European champions and Nations League holders Spain in the final on Sunday while the Germans will slug it out with the loser for the third/fourth place playoff on the same day.
