Cristiano Ronaldo was the difference once again as Portugal defeated Germany 2–1 in a thrilling UEFA Nations League semi-final clash on Wednesday night.
Played under dramatic conditions after a violent hailstorm delayed kick-off by 10 minutes, both teams struggled to find early rhythm. But the second half exploded into life.
Florian Wirtz gave Germany the lead in the 48th minute with a well-taken header after a slick exchange with captain Joshua Kimmich.
The home crowd erupted—but Portugal had other plans.
In the 63rd minute, substitute Francisco Conceicao brought Portugal level with a brilliant solo effort, cutting past Robin Gosens before curling a shot past Marc-Andre ter Stegen. The momentum shifted instantly.
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Just five minutes later, the legendary Ronaldo stepped up. Making up for missed chances earlier in the match, he calmly tapped in a Nuno Mendes pass to score the winner—his 137th goal for Portugal in his 219th appearance.
Germany pushed for an equaliser, with Karim Adeyemi striking the crossbar late on, but Portugal held firm to book their place in the final.
Germany will now face the loser of the second semi-final in Sunday’s third-place playoff in Stuttgart.