Julius OkoriePortugal Captain and Al Nassr forward, Cristiano Ronaldo, continued his making exploits as he scored a decisive goal Wednesday night to send Portugal into UEFA Nations League Final.
Ronaldo who is hoping to lead Portugal to at least two more World Cup outings, 2026 in United States, Mexico and Canada, and 2030 edition on home soil, scored a 68th minute goal seal victory for his countrymen.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelHosts Germany had shot into the lead as early in the 48th minute in the semi-final tie at the Allianz Arena, but the jubilation was short-lived after Francisco Conceicao grabbed an equaliser in the 62rd minute.
The icing on the cake then came five minutes later when Ronaldo delivered the killer strike completing a rapid Portuguese turnaround that saw them rally from a goal down to book a place in Sunday’s final against either France or Spain.
The duo of France and Spain will slug it out later today (Thursday) to determine who confronts Portugal in the final showdown.
Ronaldo’s goal was not just one of the goals but also carried with it element of history at it became the 137th international goal for the 40 year old former Real Madrid and Manchester United talisman.
Germany looked in control early in the second half after Florian Wirtz, reportedly close to a £109 million move to Liverpool, opened scoring.
The Bayer Leverkusen forward headed home a lofted pass from Joshua Kimmich, who marked his 100th cap for the national team.
Portugal protested the goal, claiming debutant Nick Woltemade had obstructed Ruben Dias in the buildup, but the goal nonetheless stood after video review.
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Portugal have effort of 21-year-old Francisco Conceição that thank as it sparked Portugal’s resurgence with a brilliant solo effort collecting the ball near the right touchline, dancing past defenders, and curling a shot past Marc-André ter Stegen to make it 1–1.
While Francisco Conceição sent his compatriots into a frenzy following the equaliser, that jubilation was no match to the raptures that took place after five-time Ballon’d Or winner, Ronaldo tapped home unmarked from close range.
Portugal held their breath during moment of panic, when Nigeria born German international, Karim Adeyemi, came close to spoiling their party.
Adeyemi born in Munich, Germany, to a Nigerian father and Romanian mother, had stepped in as late substitute and immediately fired thunderbolt that would have pushed the game into extra time but struck the post.
Jolted Portugal however held firm to seal victory. Recall that Adeyemi made his debut for the Germany senior team in a 6–0 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification win over Armenia on 5 September 2021, coming on as a late substitute and scoring his side’s sixth goal in the first minute of second-half injury time.
He was on the verge of re-enacting that scenario at the Allianz Arena Wednesday night. Little wonder he was named in the Germany’s squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar where he did not feature in any match as Germany crashed out in the group stage.
A funny scenario however played out during Wednesday’s encounter as German fans attempted to rattle Ronaldo, by chanting the name of his perennial rival and Argentina international Lionel Messi.
In a moment that caught social media by storm, German fans were heard chanting “Messi! Messi! Messi!” during the match — a clear attempt to taunt the Portuguese captain.
Ronaldo responded with a calm smile, wave, and applause, demonstrating his characteristic composure and showmanship.
Portugal, the inaugural Nations League champions in 2019, now have a chance to reclaim the title as they prepare for a showdown with either France or Spain in the final set to be held in Munich on Sunday, June 8, 2025.
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
