An electrifying soccer match between Portugal’s national soccer team and Germany’s national soccer team took place on June 4, 2025, as organized by the UEFA Nations League. This event took place at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, where Portugal secured the win with a 2-1 score. With this, Portugal is going to the finals to face Spain on June 8th.
Roberto Martínez, Portugal’s captain, said, “I think Germany is a team that really tests you, especially when playing at home. But the real focus is the psychological aspect. Coming to Germany, away from home, in front of a full stadium, and knowing that the last time we beat them was 25 years ago, this was a real test of character.”
In the past 25 years, this match was the first win of Portugal against Germany. Thanks to Francisco Conceição from the Portugal team, who tied the game in the 63rd minute with an amazing long-range strike goal. Francisco Conceição said, “It was a great goal but I’m happier to have helped the team reach the final. I could have scored a second but the goalkeeper made a great save.” Ronaldo scored the final winning goal in the 68th minute, leaving only 22 minutes left in the match and securing the win.
Francisco Conceição, “The coach told me to just be myself. I think I came on to help the team with my qualities, with what I know how to do. I think that all of us substitutes who came on, we all did really well. It was a moment of inspiration, I did what I had to do at the time.”
Florian Wirtz, who is a midfielder from Germany’s soccer team, scored in the 48th minute, putting pressure on Portugal’s team. Germany had been winning the last 5 matches in a row against Portugal until now; the last time they lost was in the 2000s at the European Championship. In all, Germany has won 11 matches and drawn 5 matches out of 20.
Ronaldo not being able to score against Germany had been a topic of discussion for some time. This goal ended that discussion, making it an important moment. He also became the oldest player in history to score against Germany. Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 137th international goal in this match.
From Germany’s team, Yann Bisseck and Jonathan Burkardt were ruled out due to injuries. Bisseck sustained a muscular injury in his right thigh, while Burkardt suffered an ankle injury. Jamal Musiala, Kai Havertz, Nico Schlotterbeck, Tim Kleindienst, and Antonio Rüdiger were all missing from the starting lineup. From Portugal’s team, João Cancelo was also missing from the starting lineup due to a muscle injury.
After this match, there was another semi-final match of Spain vs France that ended with a score of 5-4, leading Spain to the finals. After this, the final match of Portugal vs Spain happened on June 8th, and Portugal defeated Spain 5-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw. With this, Portugal won the finals, earning the UEFA Nations League trophy.
Roberto Martínez said, “We knew Germany usually starts very well. For us, it was a case of starting well but finishing even stronger.”
