Ronaldo Sends Portugal to Nations League Final

Cristiano Ronaldo scored the winning goal for Portugal, who came back from a goal down to beat Germany 2-1 at Allianz Arena on Wednesday. This result put Portugal in the UEFA Nations League final.

Portugal beat Germany for the first time since 2000 thanks to Ronaldo’s 137th international goal. Portugal will play in their second Nations League final, having won the first one in 2019.

Germany controlled the first half, which ended without a goal, thanks to some great saves by Portugal’s Diogo Costa. Florian Wirtz scored the first goal for Germany in the 48th minute, heading a ball from Joshua Kimmich into the right corner.

But replacement Francisco Conceicao scored a stunning goal in the 63rd minute to tie the game for Portugal. Five minutes later, Ronaldo tapped in a goal after Nuno Mendes made a wonderful cross.

For Conceicao, the triumph meant a lot more because his father Sergio scored three goals the last time Portugal beat Germany, which was at the European Championship in 2000. Roberto Martinez, the coach of Portugal, lauded his team’s effort, adding that they played very well tactically.

“We should savor the win; it’s been a long since we beat Germany. Martinez remarked, “We were great tactically, and our dedication helped. It was a team win.”

“Now we may rest and think about what we’ve done. He went on to say, “We want another performance with personality in this shirt.”

Spain will play France in the second semi-final on Thursday. The winner will play Portugal in the final on Sunday.