Ronaldo Ends German Curse, Fires Portugal to Nations League Final

News Desk

Islamabad: Cristiano Ronaldo scored the decisive goal in Portugal’s 2-1 win over Germany in Munich on Wednesday, securing their place in the Nations League final and finally ending his winless run against the Germans.

Ronaldo’s 68th-minute close-range finish — his record-extending 137th international goal — earned Portugal their first-ever victory over Germany after five previous defeats, the longest such streak in his international career.

After a sluggish first half, Germany struck first just three minutes into the second period. Florian Wirtz sparked and finished a brilliant move, weaving through midfield before heading in a chipped return pass from Joshua Kimmich.

But Portugal hit back just before the hour mark. Francisco Conceicao raced 35 metres on a solo run, leaving Robin Gosens behind before curling a sensational shot past Marc-André ter Stegen to level the score.

Ronaldo, who had missed two earlier chances, capitalised moments later. He calmly converted a low cross from Nuno Mendes, sealing the win and silencing the German crowd that had jeered him throughout.

Portugal, who won the inaugural Nations League in 2019, now await the winner of the Spain vs. France semifinal in Sunday’s final, also in Munich.

Germany, under coach Julian Nagelsmann, suffered just their second defeat in 18 games. Despite Portugal fielding four players fresh off Saturday’s Champions League triumph, it was Germany who struggled early to find their rhythm.

The match was delayed by 10 minutes due to a violent storm that left hail scattered across the pitch.

Aleksandar Pavlovic misplaced several passes, and Portugal’s press on Jonathan Tah nearly led to an early goal. Ronaldo came close in the sixth minute, but Ter Stegen — in his first Germany appearance since September 2024 — denied him.

Germany’s best first-half chance came through debutant Nick Woltemade, but his low shot was saved by Diogo Costa.

Ronaldo had another golden opportunity early in the second half, narrowly missing a Mendes cross with the goal gaping. Germany struck back immediately through Wirtz’s clever interplay with Kimmich.

At the hour mark, both teams made three substitutions, but it was Portugal manager Roberto Martínez whose changes made the difference. Conceicao’s solo goal turned the game, and Ronaldo’s poise completed the comeback.

Germany nearly forced extra time when Munich native Karim Adeyemi smashed a shot off the crossbar with eight minutes left, but Portugal held firm. Germany will now play for third place in Stuttgart on Sunday.