The match saw Portugal overcome Germany 2–1 in a closely fought Nations League encounter, with Cristiano Ronaldo emerging as the catalyst for change. In a dramatic turn of events, Ronaldo netted the decisive goal to secure a victory that had eluded his record against the German team. At 40 years old, he made history by becoming the oldest player to score against Germany, ending a long stretch of unfavorable results. Prior to this game, every one of his five previous outings versus Germany had ended in defeat, and Portugal had not managed a win against the 2014 World Cup champions since 2000.
Germany set the early tone in the contest, controlling significant portions of the opening half. In the process, Portugal’s goalkeeper Diogo Costa delivered a series of impressive saves that kept the score level. Within the first few minutes, Costa parried a low shot from Leon Goretzka, and shortly after, he stopped a close-range effort by Nick Woltemade. His swift reactions throughout the early exchanges proved to be a crucial factor in keeping Germany at bay until the break.
Shortly after the interval, Germany was awarded a breakthrough opportunity. In the 48th minute, Florian Wirtz capitalized on an unmarked situation in the box by heading in a well-timed cross from Joshua Kimmich. That goal gave Germany the lead and temporarily placed Portugal on the back foot. Yet, the Portuguese side responded with renewed determination and belief.
A strategic change made all the difference in the second half when substitute Francisco Conceição stepped up in the 63rd minute. His equalizer, arriving just minutes after Florian Wirtz’s opener, reignited Portugal’s hopes of turning the match on its head. Only five minutes later, Ronaldo produced a moment of brilliance by converting his team’s pressure into a winning goal—marking his 137th international tally and signaling an end to a long-running personal setback against the German side.
Legendary figures in the sport, including Jürgen Klinsmann and Jan Age Fjortoft, expressed their admiration for Ronaldo’s efforts. Their praise underscored the significance of his contribution, which overcame a notorious record against Germany and sparked an occasion filled with historical resonance for the Portuguese team.
German efforts to regain control continued as substitute Karim Adeyemi fired a powerful rising strike with his left foot; the effort, however, met the post near Costa’s right-hand side. While Germany sought to wrest momentum back, Portugal maintained command of the contest. Midfielder Vitinha played a prominent role as he helped his team sustain the advantage, further building on the momentum generated by Ronaldo and Conceição.
On the flank, defenders João Neves and Nuno Mendes provided reliable support from their positions, while Stuttgart’s Nick Woltemade made his debut in the German squad under challenging conditions. Conceição further impressed by displaying skillful movement past defender Robin Gosens, sending a well-placed long-range shot into the net. Minutes later, Mendes assisted Ronaldo with an uncomplicated finish that affirmed Portugal’s lead.
In his 100th appearance for Germany, captain Joshua Kimmich expressed regret over the loss, admitting that the team’s performance had faltered after an early advantage. With Spain and France set to meet in a semifinal in Stuttgart on Thursday, the victor from that tie will soon face the resilient Portuguese side, which first claimed a Nations League title in 2019. All eyes now turn to the final on Sunday, where Portugal aims to cap their spirited performance with a memorable triumph.
