- Ronaldo Breaks German Curse As Portugal Reach Nations League Final.
- Francisco Conceicao nets superb solo goal to equalise.
- Portugal advance to UEFA Nations League final on Sunday.
Cristiano Ronaldo delivered a clutch performance on Wednesday night in Munich, scoring the decisive goal in Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Germany to send his country into the UEFA Nations League final.
EDITOR’S PICKS
- Natasha Speaks On Her Relationship With Tinubu’s Govt
- Chelsea Sign Portuguese Midfielder Dario Essugo in €22.3m Deal
- Mother of Six Resists Leaving Home After Divorce Ruling
EKO HOT BLOG reports that the 39-year-old striker struck in the 68th minute, turning in a low cross from Nuno Mendes to score his record-extending 137th international goal.
It marked Portugal’s first-ever win over Germany in his career, breaking a five-game losing streak against the four-time world champions — his longest drought against any national team.
The tense semi-final, played at the Allianz Arena, began 10 minutes late due to a violent hailstorm that scattered ice across the pitch.
Both sides struggled for rhythm early, with Portugal pressing aggressively and Germany failing to settle despite their home support.
After a goalless but spirited first half, Florian Wirtz opened the scoring for Germany in the 48th minute with a brilliant one-two involving Joshua Kimmich.
The 21-year-old midfielder tiptoed through defenders before heading home the return pass to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.
But Portugal responded swiftly. Just before the hour mark, substitute Francisco Conceicao stunned the German defence with a 35-metre solo run, dancing past Robin Gosens and curling a sublime shot beyond Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
With momentum swinging in Portugal’s favour, Ronaldo stepped up moments later. After missing two earlier chances — including a near tap-in just after halftime — the five-time Ballon d’Or winner made no mistake this time, calmly slotting home the winner from close range.
Germany nearly levelled late through Karim Adeyemi, whose thunderous effort smacked the crossbar in the 82nd minute, but Portugal held on.
Portugal, winners of the inaugural Nations League in 2019, will now face either Spain or France in Sunday’s final at the same venue. Germany, meanwhile, will play in the third-place playoff in Stuttgart.
