Portugal Stuns Hosts with Second-Half Comeback: Cristiano Ronaldo and Francisco Conceição scored in the second half to help Portugal rally from a goal down and beat Germany 2–1 in the UEFA Nations League semi-final on Wednesday night. Portugal marches into the final, aiming to clinch their second UEFA Nations League crown.
Key Moments
- 19’ – Portugal keeper Diogo Costa denies Nick Woltemade’s close-range shot
- 21’ – Costa saves Goretzka’s long-range strike
- 48’ – Florian Wirtz heads in Joshua Kimmich’s pinpoint cross (1–0 Germany)
- 63’ – Francisco Conceição levels the score with a dazzling solo strike from the edge of the box (1–1)
- 68’ – Cristiano Ronaldo taps in Nuno Mendes’ low cross (2–1 Portugal)
- 82’ – Karim Adeyemi hits the post for Germany
- 89’ – Marc-André ter Stegen makes double save to keep Germany alive
Match Report
Germany made a confident start on home soil in Munich, taking control early on. Florian Wirtz, in the form of his career, opened the scoring in the 48th minute with a clinical header off Joshua Kimmich’s pinpoint cross, as the German captain marked his 100th cap.
However, Portugal responded with determination. Introduced as a substitute, Francisco Conceição son of Portugal icon Sérgio Conceição made an instant impact by equalizing with a brilliant solo move shortly after the 60th minute. Minutes later, a clever buildup saw Nuno Mendes find Cristiano Ronaldo, who coolly netted his 137th international goal the most by any player in history.
Germany pressed late, but Portugal’s defense held firm. Keeper Diogo Costa stood tall, and luck favored Portugal when Adeyemi’s shot clattered off the post.
Player of the Match: Francisco Conceição – “Conceição’s flair, confidence, and that stunning equalizer turned the game on its head.”
Quick Stats Recap
- Portugal has suffered only one defeat in their past nine UEFA Nations League fixtures
- Cristiano Ronaldo’s international tally now stands at an unmatched 137 goals
- Joshua Kimmich celebrated his 100th appearance for Germany, while Serge Gnabry reached 50 caps
- The Portuguese defense has not allowed a first-half goal in their last seven Nations League outings
- Germany continues the hunt for their elusive first UEFA Nations League championship
Starting Lineups
Germany (Coach: Julian Nagelsmann):
Germany started with Marc-André ter Stegen between the posts, protected by a defensive trio of Waldemar Anton, Jonathan Tah, and Robin Koch. In midfield, Joshua Kimmich, Aleksandar Pavlović, and Leon Goretzka controlled the tempo, while the attacking roles were filled by Maximilian Mittelstädt, Leroy Sané, Florian Wirtz, and Nick Woltemade.
Substitutes used: Lukas Nmecha, Karim Adeyemi, Robin Gosens, Serge Gnabry, and Niclas Füllkrug came off the bench in the second half to inject pace and power.
Portugal (Coach: Roberto Martínez):
Portugal’s starting XI featured Diogo Costa in goal, with João Neves, Rúben Dias, Gonçalo Inácio, and Nuno Mendes forming a strong defensive line. The midfield duo of Rúben Neves and Bernardo Silva provided control and creativity, while Trincão, Bruno Fernandes, and Pedro Neto supported veteran striker Cristiano Ronaldo up front.
To shift the momentum, Martínez introduced Francisco Conceição, Vitinha, Nélson Semedo, Diogo Jota, and João Palhinha, whose impact helped secure the comeback win.
What’s Next?
- Portugal will face Spain or France in the UEFA Nations League Final on Sunday, June 8, 2025, in Munich (9 PM CET)
- Germany plays the third-place match earlier that day in Stuttgart (3 PM CET)
- Portugal now eyes history aiming to become the first team to win two UEFA Nations League titles. Can Ronaldo and company finish the job?
Written by RITESH SINGH
