With a goal from Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal beats Germany and reaches the UEFA Nations League final
40-year-old striker scores comeback goal against Germany in Munich semi-final; Francisco Conceição, scorer of the first goal, is the other standout player in the match
Summary
A talented generation, with options on the bench, and a tireless goalscorer. This was the formula for Portugal to beat Germany 2-1 in Munich and reach the UEFA Nations League final. The name of the game? The usual when it comes to the Portuguese national team: Cristiano Ronaldo, 40, scored the winning goal in the 22nd minute of the second half. The other Portuguese standout was Francisco Conceição: he came on the field right after Florian Wirtz opened the scoring for the Germans, transformed the Portuguese team and started the comeback with a great goal in the 17th minute.
LEAGUE OF NATIONS WILL HAVE ITS FIRST TWO-TIME CHAMPION
The first Nations League champion in 2019, Portugal returns to the final to seek its second title. Whoever the other finalist is, UEFA already knows that the tournament will have a two-time champion in its fourth edition. The other semi-final, this Thursday in Stuttgart, will be between the current champion, Spain, and France, winners in 2021.
FIRST HALF OF FEW CHANCES
Germany and Portugal’s attacking momentum lasted only 20 minutes in the first half. Coming out quickly on the left, Pedro Neto was responsible for Portugal’s good plays at the beginning. At six minutes, he crossed for Cristiano Ronaldo to hit without much force, with his left foot. Soon after, Neto himself tried to finish, over the top. Germany woke up and had two good chances, but goalkeeper Diogo Costa was well placed to stop dangerous shots from Woltemade, at 18 minutes, and Goretzka, at 20 minutes. Little by little, the two teams slowed down and did not create any more danger until half-time.
EMOTION IN THE SECOND HALF
Germany opened the scoring just three minutes into the second half: Florian Wirtz stole the ball in attack, exchanged passes with Kimmich and scored with a header. Spanish coach Roberto Martínez wasted no time in making his move and made three changes for Portugal, bringing on Francisco Conceição, Semedo and Vitinha. The visiting team gained momentum on the right, and in his first attack Conceição tied the game with a beautiful cross-shot after a run down the right. Five minutes later, Nuno Mendes exchanged passes on the left and crossed for Cristiano Ronaldo, who was free in the area, to turn the score around. With Germany lost on the pitch, Portugal only failed to extend their lead thanks to at least three great saves by Ter Stegen.
