Ronaldo fires Portugal past Germany and into Nations League final

MUNICH: Cristiano Ronaldo proved decisive once again as Portugal came from behind to beat Germany 2-1 on Wednesday, earning a spot in the UEFA Nations League final. The 40-year-old forward scored his 137th international goal — the match-winner — as Portugal recorded their first victory over Germany since 2000.

Despite Germany dominating the first half, they were denied repeatedly by the brilliance of Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa. The Porto shot-stopper produced a string of saves, including crucial stops from Leon Goretzka and Nick Woltemade, to keep the scores level at the break.

Germany finally broke through in the 48th minute, when Florian Wirtz headed in Joshua Kimmich’s lofted pass. But Portugal hit back strongly, equalising through Francisco Conceicao in the 63rd minute. The young winger’s goal held historical resonance — his father, Sergio, scored a hat-trick in Portugal’s last win over Germany at Euro 2000.

Just five minutes later, Nuno Mendes set up Ronaldo for a simple finish, completing the comeback and sending Portugal into their second Nations League final, after winning the inaugural edition in 2019.

Spain and France will battle on Thursday for the right to face Portugal in Sunday’s decider.