Cristiano Ronaldo’s decisive goal helps Portugal beat Germany as they pulled off a thrilling 2-1 win over Germany in Munich to secure a spot in the Nations League final. Despite a bizarre pre-match encounter where Ronaldo had to deal with a fan invading the pitch for a selfie, the 40-year-old remained composed and played hero once again, netting the match-winner and his 137th international goal. Germany had taken the lead early in the second half, but Portugal quickly turned things around with two goals in just five minutes.
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Ronaldo Stays Focused Despite Pitch Invasion
Just before kick-off, an enthusiastic fan ran onto the pitch during warm-ups to approach Ronaldo, hoping for a quick selfie. Stewards quickly intervened and removed the pitch invader, but the brief disruption didn’t shake Ronaldo’s focus. As if that wasn’t enough, an electrical storm rolled in, causing a 10-minute delay to the match’s start time.
Germany Strike First, But Portugal Responds Fast
Once the game got underway, Germany came out with intensity. Portugal’s goalkeeper Diogo Costa had to make two early saves, denying debutant Nick Woltemade and then reacting quickly to stop Leon Goretzka’s shot. Ronaldo nearly opened the scoring for Portugal early in the second half but missed Nuno Mendes’ cross by inches. Moments later, Germany broke through. Joshua Kimmich, celebrating his 100th cap, floated a precise ball over the defense that Florian Wirtz met perfectly to score.
Conceicao and Ronaldo Flip the Script
Portugal responded with urgency. Bruno Fernandes almost equalized with a powerful shot that curled just wide. But it was Francisco Conceicao, coming off the bench, who changed the game. In the 65th minute, he picked up the ball on the right wing, cut inside, and curled in a stunning equalizer from 25 yards out. Just five minutes later, a flowing move involving Mendes and Fernandes left Ronaldo with a simple tap-in to put Portugal ahead.
Portugal Hold On to Reach Final
Germany nearly pulled one back when Karim Adeyemi’s shot struck the outside of the post, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen had to produce two heroic saves to deny Diogo Jota and Conceicao late in the match. But the damage was done. Portugal held firm and now wait to face either France or Spain in the final this Sunday.
