At 40, Cristiano Ronaldo remains decisive, scoring Portugal’s second goal in a comeback against Germany in the Nations League semifinal, held at the Allianz Arena in Munich on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. The match, which started at 4:10 PM after a ten-minute delay due to a hailstorm, is in the second half, with Portugal leading 2-1 as of the 26th minute. Francisco Conceição also found the net, while Wirtz scored the opener for Germany. The game, marked by tactical substitutions and yellow cards, maintains a high tempo, with both teams vying for a spot in the final.
The Allianz Arena, the stage for the clash, witnessed a balanced first half with few clear chances. Pedro Neto, on the left, was Portugal’s early standout, while Diogo Costa shone with crucial saves. Germany, meanwhile, pushed with crosses and mid-range shots but struggled against Portugal’s solid defense.
- Key moments of the match so far:
- Wirtz’s goal at the 3rd minute of the second half, opening the score for Germany.
- Francisco Conceição equalized at the 17th minute with a cross-shot.
- Cristiano Ronaldo turned the game at the 22nd minute, finishing a cross from Nuno Mendes.
The contest remains open, with Portugal exploiting the speed of their forwards and Germany relying on wing play.
First half of tactical balance
The game began with Portugal setting the pace early on. Pedro Neto, exploiting the left flank, created the first opportunities. At the 6th minute, he crossed for Cristiano Ronaldo, who shot weakly, making it easy for Ter Stegen. Germany responded with Goretzka, who, at the 3rd minute, fired straight at Diogo Costa. The Portuguese goalkeeper was pivotal, with key saves at the 18th and 20th minutes, stopping shots from Woltemade and Goretzka.
The match cooled off after the opening 20 minutes. Both teams slowed their tempo, and goal-scoring chances became scarce. A clash between Bruno Fernandes and Wirtz at the 39th minute sparked complaints from Portugal, but the game continued without major incidents until halftime, which ended goalless.
Wirtz’s goal opens the scoring
The second half started with action. At the 3rd minute, Wirtz scored for Germany. The attacking midfielder capitalized on a mistake by Trincão, received a pass from Kimmich, and headed the ball into the bottom left corner of Diogo Costa’s net. Portugal protested a possible offside by Woltemade, who was involved in the play, but VAR upheld the referee’s call.
Germany, boosted by the goal, tried to maintain pressure. Tactical substitutions, such as Gnabry and Füllkrug entering at the 14th minute, bolstered their attack. However, Portugal responded quickly, balancing the game and creating dangerous chances.
Portugal’s comeback with Conceição and Ronaldo
Portugal didn’t take long to react. At the 17th minute, Francisco Conceição, who had replaced Trincão, leveled the score. The Juventus forward started from the right, cut inside, and struck a precise cross-shot into Ter Stegen’s bottom right corner. The move showcased the young player’s speed and accuracy, making him a standout in the match.
Five minutes later, at the 22nd minute, Cristiano Ronaldo sealed the comeback. Nuno Mendes linked up with Bruno Fernandes on the left and delivered a low cross for CR7 to finish. VAR reviewed Ronaldo’s position, but the goal was confirmed. At 40, the Portuguese star continues to display his goal-scoring instinct and impeccable positioning.
Timeline of key moments
- 3’ (2H): Wirtz heads in for Germany after a Kimmich pass.
- 17’ (2H): Francisco Conceição equalizes with a cross-shot from the right.
- 22’ (2H): Cristiano Ronaldo turns the game, finishing a Nuno Mendes cross.
- 20’ (1H): Diogo Costa makes a great save on Goretzka’s shot.
- 6’ (1H): Pedro Neto crosses, and Ronaldo shoots weakly, saved by Ter Stegen.
These moments reflect the match’s intensity, with shifts in dominance and decisive plays.
Substitutions shift the dynamics
Both teams made tactical changes in the second half. Portugal brought on Francisco Conceição, Semedo, and Vitinha at the 12th minute, strengthening their midfield and attack. Germany countered with Gnabry, Füllkrug, and Gosens, aiming for more offensive firepower. The changes paid off, particularly for Portugal, who gained speed with Conceição and solidity with Vitinha.
Rúben Neves, who received a yellow card for dissent at the 12th minute, was substituted shortly after. Portugal’s coach, Roberto Martínez, was also cautioned at the 5th minute of the second half, during a tense moment with the referee.
Portugal’s attacking pressure
Before the comeback, Portugal showed signs they could change the scoreline. At the 11th minute, Bruno Fernandes nearly scored with a cross-shot that skimmed past Germany’s post. Three minutes later, Cristiano Ronaldo headed dangerously from a corner, but the ball went over. The pressure culminated in the goals by Conceição and Ronaldo, who exploited gaps in Germany’s defense.
Germany, meanwhile, tried to respond with crosses from the wings. Gnabry, who came on in the second half, created a good chance at the 21st minute, but Diogo Costa neutralized the threat with a precise intervention.
Diogo Costa’s role in defense
Diogo Costa has been one of Portugal’s standout performers. The goalkeeper made at least three crucial saves, including one on a cross-shot from Woltemade at the 18th minute of the first half and another on Goretzka’s effort at the 20th. In the second half, his composure continued, providing stability to Portugal’s defense even after Wirtz’s goal.
Costa’s ability to anticipate plays and come off his line has been vital. His performance allowed Portugal to stay calm after conceding and organize the comeback.
Match remains open
As of the 26th minute of the second half, the game is still evenly poised. Portugal, with the lead, relies on Conceição’s speed and Ronaldo’s experience to hold the scoreline. Germany, seeking an equalizer, pushes with wing play and mid-range shots. The introduction of players like Gnabry and Füllkrug suggests the Germans still have the firepower to turn things around.
The Allianz Arena continues to buzz with the match’s intensity. The hailstorm that delayed the start is no longer an issue, and the pitch remains in good condition for the rest of the game.
Coaches’ strategic focus
Roberto Martínez, Portugal’s coach, has leaned on a system that exploits the flanks, with Nuno Mendes and Pedro Neto being key in the first half. In the second half, his substitutions showed an intent to bolster the midfield with Vitinha and maintain attacking speed with Conceição. His yellow card reflects the match’s pressure, but his strategy has paid dividends so far.
On the German side, the second-half changes signal a more attacking approach. Füllkrug’s entry, a traditional target man, suggests Germany will rely more on aerial plays. Gnabry’s speed could also be a weapon for counter-attacks.
