By Samindra Kunti in Munich
June 4 – With a second-half strike, Cristiano Ronaldo led Portugal to a 2-1 victory against hosts Germany and a spot in the final of the Nations League.
Even at 40, Ronaldo can still deliver. Often pedestrian and little involved in the game, his place in Portugal’s starting XI has often been contentious, but those concerns counted for little when he buried Portugal’s second goal with a simple 68th-minute tap-in to complete Portugal’s comeback after Florian Wirtz’s strike. Ronaldo settled the semi-final, but Portugal also weaponised their bench, illustrated by Francisco Conceiçao’s man-of-the-match performance.
The Portuguese had been the better side on a night that began with an intense hailstorm, a ten-minute delay and a commemoration of Joshua Kimmich’s 100th cap.
The number six had a busy evening. Ahead of kickoff, he had projected calm and confidence, but playing on the right in a 5-3-2 formation, he often found himself chasing his direct opponent Pedro Neto or covering space. Germany were disjointed against Portugal. Ronaldo, the other veteran on the pitch, had a sniff at goal, but did not show enough conviction to make it count.
Spurred on by an agitated Julian Nagelsmann, Kimmich poured forward as the hosts briefly flourished. Debutant Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart found Portuguese keeper Diogo Costa in his way before Germany claimed a penalty, but the referee waved the appeals away. Costa then had to adjust his body weight to produce an excellent save from Leon Goretzka’s attempt. The game settled down with Portugal controlling play.
At the break, it was all square in an even contest. The Portuguese came flying out of the dressing room with Nuno Mendes picking out Ronaldo at the far post, but the 40-year-old, with his leg outstretched, could not connect with the ball. Ronaldo and Portugal were left to lament the profligacy.
The opening goal fell at the other end. Wirtz recovered possession deep in Portuguese territory and set up a one-two with Kimmich, running on to the latter’s delicate chip to plant a perfect header into the far corner, 1-0. There was much to admire about the 48th-minute goal: Kimmich’s ingenious assist delivered in trademark fashion and Wirtz’s link-up play and finishing touch. The 22-year-old Leverkusen star has been heavily linked with a move to Premier League club Liverpool.
Portugal manager Roberto Martinez responded by bringing on fresh legs – Vitinha, Conceiçao and Nelson Semedo. His side was getting closer to Ter Stegen’s goal and it was Conceiçao who equalised. He raced past Robin Gosens and surged into a more central position to deliver a sweet curler that nestled into the far corner. A joy to watch, Conceiçao simply overwhelmed his opponents.
Germany’s joy had been short-lived and, firmly on the back foot, things were about to get worse. On the left, Mendes powered forward to square a simple assist for Portugal’s lodestar, who duly obliged and scored his 137th national team goal.
The simple finish prompted wild scenes in the stands. Portugal’s fans still revel in their hero’s attacking prowess and everlasting presence. Ronaldo had yet again delivered. His supporters all applauded his last-minute substitution.
On Sunday, the number seven and his side can win the Nations League for a second time when they play Spain or France in the final.
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