Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo set a remarkable record by scoring in the team’s 2-1 victory over Germany in the Nations League semi-final on Wednesday. With this goal, Ronaldo notched his 137th international strike, leading his country into the final on Sunday.
The match began with Germany taking the lead when Florian Wirtz scored a stunning header from a Joshua Kimmich pass just three minutes into the second half. However, a strategic triple substitution by Portugal coach Roberto Martinez changed the dynamics of the game.
Francisco Conceição equalized for Portugal with a beautifully curled effort past German goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen. Just five minutes later, Ronaldo capitalized on Nuno Mendes’ low cross, tapping it in to secure the lead for his team.
JOSHUA KIMMICH 100TH INTERNATIONAL APPEARANCE
Joshua Kimmich, the Bayern Munich midfielder, has made a significant mark in German football by reaching his 100th international cap during the UEFA Nations League semi-final against Portugal at the Allianz Arena in Munich. This milestone places Kimmich among an elite group, making him the 14th player in the history of the German national team to achieve 100 appearances.
EM FRENTE, PORTUGAL!! pic.twitter.com/KKuCip7yt8
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) June 4, 2025
This goal not only clinched the match but also marked a significant achievement for Ronaldo, as he broke the record for the most goals in a single Nations League A campaign, reaching seven goals. This surpasses the previous record held by Romelu Lukaku and Ferran Torres, who each scored six in the 2021/2022 season.
Ronaldo’s performance continues to solidify his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time, demonstrating his enduring talent and ability to perform on the biggest stages. Portugal now looks forward to the final with their captain leading the charge.