Nations League semifinal thriller: Portugal defeats Germany
Munich’s stadium hosted a thrilling Nations League semifinal between Germany and Portugal just days after the Champions League final. Despite a delayed kickoff due to heavy rain and hail, Germany started strong, with Woltemade and Goretzka coming close, but Portugal’s Diogo Costa kept them at bay.
After a goalless first half, Germany broke the deadlock early in the second, as Florian Wirtz headed in Joshua Kimmich’s precise cross (48’).
Portugal responded quickly, with substitute Francisco Conceição leveling with a stunning strike (65’).
Moments later, Cristiano Ronaldo, 40, delivered the winner, capitalizing on Nuno Mendes’ assist (68’).
Despite late heroics from Marc-André ter Stegen to deny Portugal a third, Germany couldn’t recover.
Portugal advances to the final, awaiting the winner of Spain vs. France. Roberto Martinez’s tactical changes proved decisive, while Julian Nagelsmann’s experimental attack fell short.
