#NationsLeage: Portugal Ends 25-Year German Curse
- Romy Kraus
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
An iconic father-son moment, a Ronaldo classic, and a tactical masterclass put Portugal into the Nations League final
The Lowdown:
Portugal beat Germany 2–1 in the Nations League semi-final, their first win over them since Euro 2000
Florian Wirtz opened scoring for Germany in the 48th minute– Francisco Conceição equalized with a curling strike in the 63rd minute
Cristiano Ronaldo sealed the win five minutes later with his 137th international goal
Roberto Martínez praised tactical discipline and team unity
Francisco Conceição connected past and present, referencing his father’s 2000 hat-trick– Germany’s Nagelsmann admitted Portugal were the better side– Portugal will face either Spain or France in the final on June 8
"My Father Scored a Hat-Trick 25 Years Ago"
Portugal broke a quarter-century drought against Germany—and Francisco Conceição made sure it wasn’t just a stat. The 21-year-old sub not only brought Portugal level with a curling beauty, he added emotional weight by linking it back to his dad’s legendary hat-trick against Germany in Euro 2000.
Francisco came off the bench in the 63rd minute and shifted the game. He curled one in from the edge of the box—eerily similar to one of his father Sérgio's goals.
"I'm proud of what my father did and what we did today." – Francisco Conceição
"It Was a Team Victory"
Portugal’s comeback didn’t happen by chance. Roberto Martínez dialed up a strategy that neutralized Germany’s early momentum and let his big names shine when it counted. Tactical changes and precise substitutions gave Portugal control after halftime.
Martínez highlighted the group's unity and adaptability, especially after going down early.
"Tactically we were exceptional... it was a team victory." – Roberto Martínez
"We Cannot Compete If We're Not at 100 Percent"
Germany's first-half fire fizzled. Wirtz's goal from Kimmich's 100th-cap cross gave them hope, but their second-half fade exposed gaps. Julian Nagelsmann admitted his side was simply outclassed when it mattered most.
No excuses, no sugarcoating—just respect for the better team.
"They were better than us... If we are not at 100 percent, we cannot compete." – Julian Nagelsmann
"Goal No. 137 and Still No Signs of Slowing Down"
Cristiano Ronaldo doesn't just show up—he shifts history. His 137th international goal came off a Nuno Mendes assist just five minutes after Portugal equalized. It was the kind of strike that flips momentum, ignites legacy talk, and keeps Portugal's trophy hopes alive.
Ronaldo keeps rewriting records, and the timing couldn't be sweeter.
What’s Next
Final Countdown: Portugal face the winner of Spain vs. France on Sunday, June 8 in the UEFA Nations League final.
Third-Place Match: Germany will try to salvage a podium finish against the loser of that semifinal.
