Portugal secured a historic 2-1 victory against Germany in the UEFA Nations League semi-final held at Munich’s Allianz Arena on June 4, 2025. This win marks Portugal’s first triumph over Germany in 25 years, propelling them into the tournament’s final. talksport.com+1theguardian.com+1
Match Overview
The first half concluded without goals, with both teams displaying aggressive play but failing to convert opportunities. Germany broke the deadlock in the 48th minute when Florian Wirtz headed in a cross from Joshua Kimmich, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead.
Portugal responded with strategic substitutions by coach Roberto Martínez, introducing Vitinha, Francisco Conceição, and Nélson Semedo. These changes paid off when Conceição scored a remarkable curling shot in the 63rd minute to level the score. Shortly after, Cristiano Ronaldo netted his 137th international goal, capitalizing on a precise assist from Nuno Mendes, to secure the lead for Portugal.
Key Performances
- Cristiano Ronaldo: Demonstrated his enduring prowess by scoring the decisive goal, marking his first victory over Germany in his international career. talksport.com
- Francisco Conceição: Made a significant impact off the bench with a stunning equalizer that shifted the game’s momentum.
- Florian Wirtz: Continued to impress with his opening goal, showcasing his potential on the international stage. bavarianfootballworks.com+7talksport.com+7bavarianfootballworks.com+7
- Marc-André ter Stegen: Despite the loss, the German goalkeeper made crucial saves that kept his team in contention. talksport.com+2bavarianfootballworks.com+2talksport.com+2
Looking Ahead
Portugal advances to the UEFA Nations League final, where they will face the winner of the Spain vs. France semi-final. Germany, meanwhile, will compete in the third-place playoff. talksport.com
For a visual recap of the match, you can watch the extended highlights here: youtube.com
This match underscores Portugal’s resilience and strategic depth, setting the stage for an exciting final.
