Munich - Cristiano Ronaldo rolled back the years once more as Portugal fought from behind to defeat Germany 2-1 and book a place in the UEFA Nations League final.

At 40 years old, the iconic forward scored his 137th international goal, calmly finishing a low cross from Nuno Mendes in the 68th minute to complete a spirited comeback. The victory sends Portugal into Sunday’s final in Munich, where they will face the winner of France vs Spain.

Germany had taken the lead early in the second half through Florian Wirtz, who nodded home a well-placed lofted ball from Joshua Kimmich – a fitting moment in the Bayern midfielder’s 100th international cap. The goal, however, stirred controversy. Portugal insisted debutant Nick Woltemade obstructed Ruben Dias in the build-up, but after a quick VAR review, referee Slavko Vincic allowed the goal to stand.

Despite the setback, Portugal responded swiftly. Substitute Francisco Conceição, just five minutes after coming on, made an instant impact. The 21-year-old winger danced past defenders down the right flank and curled a stunning effort past Marc-André ter Stegen to level in the 63rd minute – a goal that not only lifted Portugal, but echoed a legacy: his father, Sérgio Conceição, famously bagged a hat-trick against Germany in Euro 2000.

Portugal, who won the inaugural edition of the Nations League in 2019, were second-best in the first half. Germany created the better chances, with Diogo Costa making crucial saves to deny Leon Goretzka and Woltemade. Ronaldo, meanwhile, had only a tame shot on target before the break.

But the game turned after Conceição’s introduction. Portugal suddenly took control, and moments after the equaliser, Ronaldo delivered the winner – ghosting into space to convert Mendes’ cross from close range.

Germany nearly forced extra time when Karim Adeyemi’s late strike crashed off the post, but Portugal held firm to claim a historic win – their first competitive triumph over Germany in 25 years.

The match was delayed by 10 minutes due to a hailstorm that swept through Munich, marking a wild start to the evening at Allianz Arena – the same venue where PSG thrashed Inter Milan 5-0 in the Champions League final just days earlier.

Roberto Martínez’s men are now one win away from a second Nations League title. As the fourth edition of the tournament nears its end, Portugal remains the only side with a chance to repeat history – France were champions in 2021, Spain in 2023, and now Ronaldo and company are eyeing 2025 glory.

Stay tuned as France face Spain in Stuttgart on Thursday to determine who will stand in Portugal’s way on Sunday night.

By wafricNews sport desk