In a thrilling UEFA Nations League semi-final on June 4, 2025, at Munich’s Allianz Arena, Portugal pulled off a historic 2-1 victory over Germany, ending a 25-year drought against their formidable rivals. The match, delayed briefly by a passing storm, was a showcase of resilience, tactical brilliance, and the enduring magic of Cristiano Ronaldo, who sealed the win with his 137th international goal. This triumph marked Portugal’s first victory over Germany since Euro 2000 and their first in German territory since a 1985 World Cup qualifier, propelling them into the Nations League final.
A Tough Start
The first half was slow, with both teams playing carefully. Germany, playing at home, used their strong teamwork, led by Joshua Kimmich, who was playing his 100th game for Germany. Portugal’s stars, like Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes, found it hard to create chances. Fernandes also got hurt after a tackle from Germany’s Florian Wirtz, making fans worry about his condition.
Germany Takes the Lead
After the break, Germany scored first. Just three minutes into the second half, Florian Wirtz headed in a perfect pass from Kimmich, making the score 1-0. The German fans cheered loudly, thinking their team would keep control, as Germany had beaten Portugal in their last five meetings.
Portugal Fights Back
Portugal’s coach, Roberto Martinez, made smart changes to turn the game around. At the 60th minute, he brought on Francisco Conceição and Vitinha. Conceição, whose dad scored three goals against Germany in 2000, made a big impact. In the 63rd minute, he ran past a German defender and scored a beautiful long shot to make it 1-1. The crowd was shocked!
Five minutes later, Portugal took the lead. Nuno Mendes, a fast left-back, sent a low pass to Ronaldo, who scored an easy goal from close range. At 40 years old, Ronaldo became the oldest player to score against Germany, showing he’s still a superstar. Portugal’s new energy and smart play overwhelmed Germany, who relied on their goalkeeper, Marc-André ter Stegen, to stop more goals.
A Big Moment in History
This win was huge for Portugal. They hadn’t beaten Germany since Euro 2000, and fans called it the end of a “25-year jinx.” On X, people posted about Ronaldo’s “amazing” goal and Portugal’s “historic” victory. Francisco Conceição was proud, saying, “My dad beat Germany 25 years ago, and now I helped our team do it again.”
Germany’s coach, Julian Nagelsmann, said his team made mistakes, especially when defending Ronaldo’s goal. Germany missed some key players, like Jamal Musiala, which made it harder for them. Despite the loss, Wirtz and Kimmich played well, showing Germany’s young talent.
What’s Next for Portugal?
Portugal will now play in the Nations League final on June 8, 2025, in Munich against either France or Spain. With players like Ronaldo, Vitinha, and unused stars like Rafael Leão, Portugal has a strong team. Ronaldo, playing his 220th game for Portugal, keeps proving he’s one of the best. Martinez’s smart coaching and players like Nuno Mendes make Portugal a tough team to beat.
Why This Win Matters
This match wasn’t just about advancing to the final; it was about rewriting history. For Portugal, breaking a 25-year losing streak against a football powerhouse like Germany signals their readiness to compete at the highest level. For Ronaldo, it was a personal triumph, silencing critics who questioned his relevance at 40. For fans, it was a night of celebration, with the Allianz Arena witnessing a new chapter in this storied rivalry.
As Portugal prepares for the final, the football world watches eagerly. Can they carry this momentum forward? Will Ronaldo add another trophy to his glittering career? One thing is certain: Portugal’s stunning win over Germany will be remembered as a night when history was made, and a jinx was finally broken.
Last Updated on: Tuesday, June 10, 2025 3:08 pm by Aagya Agarwal | Published by: Aagya Agarwal on Thursday, June 5, 2025 6:18 pm | News Categories: Sports News
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