MUNICH – Cristiano Ronaldo scored the winner to end his and Portugal’s curse against Germany with a 2-1 comeback victory on Wednesday for a place in the Nations League final, German Press Agency (dpa) reported.
Francisco Conceicao with a superb curling shot in the 63rd and Ronaldo’s tap-in five minutes later reversed Germany’s 48th-minute lead from a header by Liverpool target Florian Wirtz.
It was the 137th national team goal for Ronaldo in his 220th cap, both figures being world records.
Portugal last beat Germany 25 years ago at Euro 2000 before losing five times in a row. The 40-year-old Ronaldo featured in all five defeats.
Portugal, which won the inaugural Nations League in 2019, advanced into Sunday’s final in Munich to face either 2021 winners France or 2023 champions Spain. All three nations are gunning for a second title.
Germany will play for third place the same day in Stuttgart as their dream of a first title since the 2017 Confederations Cup ended. This was Germany’s first defeat since the Euro 2024 quarterfinals against eventual champions Spain. – June 5, 2025