Munich : Portugal defeated Germany 2-1 in UEFA Nation’s League 2024-25 semi final, courtesy to goals from Fransisco Conceição and Cristiano Ronaldo. Portugal came from behind after 1-0 trail, with second-half goals from Francisco Conceição and Cristiano Ronaldo to end host Germany’s dream at the Munich Football Arena.
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Both goalkeepers were called into action early on as Diogo Costa denied Leon Goretzka and Marc-André ter Stegen saved Cristiano Ronaldo’s effort inside seven minutes but Germany, making their first appearance at the Nations League Finals, then gained the upper hand.
Diogo Costa was all that separated them from a first-half lead as he made instinctive saves from both debutant Nick Woltemade and Goretzka, then a more routine stop from Florian Wirtz as the Germany creator attempted to pick out the top corner.
The Leverkusen forward would have a more decisive say in the 48th minute as he headed in the opener. Wirtz slipped a pass to Joshua Kimmich, making his 100th international appearance, on the edge of the area then darted into the box to guide a delicate header across Diogo Costa from his team-mate’s delicious clipped pass.
But two goals in six scintillating minutes tipped the balance in Portugal’s favour. First substitute Francisco Conceição surged inside from the right touchline before bending a wonderful shot around Ter Stegen from the edge of the area, then Nuno Mendes exchanged passes with Bruno Fernandes before sliding a low ball across for Cristiano Ronaldo to score his 137th international goal.
Germany toiled in response, coming closest to an equaliser when substitute Karim Adeyemi rattled a post while Ter Stegen made a remarkable double save from Diogo Jota and Francisco Conceição to keep the Mannschaft in the contest until the finish. But 2019 winners Portugal progressed and will now look to become the first side to win this competition twice in Sunday’s final against either Spain or France.
Germany miss out on a chance at a first title since the 2017 Confederations Cup after letting a narrow lead slip in the space of six second-half minutes against Portugal. Kimmich crowned his 100th cap with a trademark assist, but missed chances and a certain Cristiano Ronaldo ultimately came back to haunt Julian Nagelsmann’s side.
Francisco Conceição, Portugal goalscorer said,“I’m very proud, especially because I helped the team get to the final, which was our main goal. My father scored a hat-trick 25 years ago and it was the last time Portugal beat Germany [at EURO 2000]. I’m proud of what my father did and what we did today.”
