Ronaldo sinks Germany: Portugal stage stunning comeback to reach Nations League final

Cristiano Ronaldo scored the winner as Portugal came from behind to beat Germany 2-1 and book a place in the Nations League final.

The 40-year-old tapped in from close range midway through the second half to send Portugal through to Sunday’s showpiece in Munich, where they will face either France or Spain.

It was Ronaldo’s 137th international goal, and capped a quickfire turnaround. Portugal struck twice in five minutes after falling behind early in the second half.

Germany took in the 48th minute when Joshua Kimmich marked his 100th cap with a floated ball over the top, which Florian Wirtz headed past Diogo Costa to give the hosts a deserved advantage.

Wirtz was a threat throughout, but Portugal were furious the goal stood despite appeals for a block by debutant Nick Woltemade on Ruben Dias in the buildup.

Referee Slavko Vincic reviewed the incident on the pitchside monitor but allowed the goal to stand.

The setback jolted Portugal into action, and they finally found their rhythm with the introduction of Francisco Conceicao.

The Porto winger levelled in the 63rd minute, just five minutes after coming on, curling a brilliant finish beyond Marc-Andre ter Stegen after driving at the German defence.

Portugal quickly completed the turnaround. Nuno Mendes broke down the left and squared for Ronaldo, who had peeled away unmarked to convert the simplest of finishes.

Germany came close to an equaliser when Karim Adeyemi struck the post late on, but Portugal held firm to record their first competitive win over Germany since 2000.

It was a night to remember for Conceicao, who followed in the footsteps of his father Sergio, the scorer of a famous hat-trick in that 3-0 win 25 years ago.

The match had started 10 minutes late due to hail in Munich, but the tempo was high from the outset.

Germany dominated the first half, with Costa making key saves to deny Goretzka and Woltemade, while Ronaldo’s only effort was a tame strike.