Cristiano Ronaldo scores the winning goal against Germany
Portugal sealed their spot in the UEFA Nations League (UNL) final after Cristiano Ronaldo’s 137th international goal secured a 2-1 comeback victory over Germany, ending a run of five consecutive defeats in the match-up for the Selecao.
With kick-off delayed by 10 minutes due to a storm in Munich, both sides looked determined to stamp their authority on proceedings early on.
Leon Goretzka directed a low effort straight at Diogo Costa after a clever cut-back by Joshua Kimmich while at the other end, Ronaldo saw a sharp strike comfortably held by Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
The hosts continued to provide a threat as the first half progressed, but Costa stood firm in the Portugal goal, denying Nick Woltemade and Goretzka in quick succession with a pair of superb saves.
Having gone three consecutive away games without victory (D2, L1), Roberto MartDnez’s side lacked confidence and struggled to create anything of note in the final third, as the scores remained level at the break.
0Die Mannschaft duly upped the ante at the start of the second period, and their pressure was duly rewarded with a breakthrough in the 48th minute. Kimmich’s lofted delivery into the box fell perfectly for Wirtz, and the seemingly Liverpool-bound playmaker held his nerve to direct a clinical header into the bottom corner.
Undeterred, Portugal quickly regrouped and found an equaliser shortly after the hour mark, with substitute Francisco Conceicao skipping away from Robin Gosens before advancing to the edge of the box and curling a stunning strike into the top corner.
That goal completely shifted the momentum inside the Allianz Arena, and the Selecao completed their turnaround just five minutes later as Nuno Mendes broke through the German backline and set up Ronaldo for a simple close-range finish.
Stunned by the visitors’ quickfire double, Germany went in pursuit of a response with time ticking into the final quarter-hour. However, Karim Adeyemi could only hit the outside of the post from range as the Portuguese rearguard held firm, inflicting just a second defeat in 13 matches for Julian Nagelsmann’s side on German soil.
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The key stats
[(Vissel Kobe) Strength]: 1. Taisei Miyashiro has scored 7 goals for Vissel Kobe in the J1 League this season, making him the team's top scorer.2. Daiju Sasaki has contributed 6 assists for Vissel Kobe this season and is the team's assist leader.3. Vissel Kobe have achieved a record of 7 wins and 2 draws in their last 9 official matches, demonstrating an outstanding form.4. Vissel Kobe have achiev...
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[(FC Tokyo) Strength]: 1. FC Tokyo forward Motoki Nagakura scored a goal in the last Emperor's Cup game, helping the team take the lead. So far, he scored in both the Emperor's Cup matches, showing stable performances in this tournament.2. FC Tokyo won 3-2 over Urawa Red Diamonds in the last league game, securing a winning streak of two competitive games, which revealed fit form.3. FC Tokyo scored...
[(Columbus Crew) Strength]: 1. Columbus Crew currently ranked fifth in Group B of the Leagues Cup. Facing Club Leon who are in 13th place in Group A, Columbus Crew are aiming for the three points and are full of fighting spirit.2. Columbus Crew striker Diego Rossi has scored two goals in the last two Leagues Cup matches, with high goal-scoring efficiency.3. Columbus Crew have remained unbeaten in ...
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[(Mazatlan F.C.) Strength]: 1. Mazatlan F.C. are 2nd with 5 points in the table and still need points to secure a qualification spot, indicating strong motivation in this game.2. Nicolas Benedetti made 2 assists in a row in the last game, helping his teammates score.3. Mazatlan F.C. won 2-0 over Houston Dynamo in the last game. They received 2 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss in the last 5 games, showing...
[(Hamrun Spartans F.C.) Strength]: 1. Hamrun Spartans F.C. were eliminated by FC Dynamo Kyiv in the previous stage of the Champions League qualifiers and can only compete for a Europa League spot at present. Facing Israeli giants Maccabi Tel Aviv F.C., Hamrun Spartans F.C. hope to strive for a win to lay a solid foundation for the second leg and are highly motivated.[(Hamrun Spartans F.C.) Weaknes...
[(Houston Dynamo) Strength]: 1. Starting forward Ezequiel Ponce scored 9 goals across all competitions this season, the top scorer of the team.[(Houston Dynamo) Neutral]: 1. The two teams met only once in the last 10 years, where Houston Dynamo drew 0-0 with Pachuca in the 2023 Leagues Cup.[(Houston Dynamo) Weakness]: 1. Houston Dynamo lost two games in the Leagues Cup, ranking at the bottom of th...
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[(PFC Ludogorets Razgrad) Strength]: 1. PFC Ludogorets Razgrad striker Ivaylo Chochev has scored in the last two matches. The player is in good form and is expected to start in this game.2. PFC Ludogorets Razgrad defeated FC Dobrudzha 2-1 in the last First Professional Football League (Bulgaria) match and have remained unbeaten in regular time in the last five games, with a commendable performance...
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