Portugal booked their place in the UEFA Nations League final with a 2-1 comeback win over Germany. Despite trailing at halftime following a stunning goal from Florian Wirtz, the momentum shifted in the second half. Cristiano Ronaldo and Francisco Conceição found the net, while goalkeeper Diogo Costa made several crucial saves to keep Portugal in the contest and help secure the win.
Portugal will now aim to become the first nation to claim the UEFA Nations League title twice, having first won it in 2019. They will meet either France or Spain in the final, set to take place on June 8. Meanwhile, Germany will compete for third place against the losing side from the second semifinal.
Francisco Conceição, coming off the bench, made an immediate and powerful impact for Portugal. The young winger turned the game around shortly after stepping onto the pitch in the second half. Although Bruno Fernandes earned a free kick and set up Cristiano Ronaldo for a potential equalizer, Ronaldo’s attempt didn’t find the net.
Soon after, Conceição seized his moment. Picking up the ball on the right wing, he swiftly cut inside and fired a brilliant curling shot from outside the box. The ball soared past Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen and landed in the far left corner. His sensational goal brought Portugal level in the 63rd minute and shifted the game’s momentum in their favour.
Just three minutes after Portugal’s equalizer, Cristiano Ronaldo put his team ahead with a decisive goal. The move began with Nuno Mendes, who executed a sharp one-two with Bruno Fernandes before sprinting down the left flank and driving into the box. Rather than going for goal himself, Mendes unselfishly passed the ball to Ronaldo, who calmly slotted it into the net. This marked Ronaldo’s 137th international goal and gave Portugal a 2-1 lead.
Germany opened the scoring with a brilliant goal in the first half against Portugal. The play began when Trincao lost possession near the box, allowing Florian Wirtz to take control. Wirtz quickly laid the ball off to Joshua Kimmich and sprinted into the penalty area. Kimmich delivered a pinpoint pass back to Wirtz, who was left unmarked. Wirtz then headed the ball past goalkeeper Diogo Costa, netting a superb goal in the 48th minute.
The referee consulted VAR to determine whether Wirtz was offside. After a brief review, the goal was upheld, sparking celebrations among the German players. Meanwhile, Portugal’s coach, Roberto Martinez, expressed his frustration over the decision and was shown a yellow card for protesting.