Nations League: Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal come from behind to defeat Germany

Portugal pulled off a stunning comeback against Germany (2-1) on Wednesday night in the Nations League semi-final at the Allianz Arena. Trailing early in the second half after a goal from Florian Wirtz, Roberto Martinez's men showed real character in their response.

Coming off the bench, Francisco Conceição first leveled the score with a powerful strike from the edge of the box. A symbolic goal, 25 years after his father Sergio's hat-trick against this same German side. Then, the ever-clutch Cristiano Ronaldo struck again, netting his 137th international goal to send Portugal through to the final.

The match started off cautiously, with few clear-cut chances before the break despite plenty of intensity. After the restart, Wirtz broke the deadlock with a header following a pinpoint cross from Kimmich.

But Roberto Martinez's inspired substitutions quickly turned the tide. Portugal dominated the closing stages and, if not for a brilliant Ter Stegen, the scoreline could have been even heavier. Resolute and organized, Portugal will contest their second Nations League final after being crowned champions in 2019. Next opponent? It'll be either France or Spain, who face off this Thursday in Munich.

Aliou Toundé |

Editorfr