Portugal managed to win their first game against Germany since the year 2000, winning 2-1 after going 1-0 down in the 48th minute, booking their place in the UEFA Nations League final.
Florian Wirtz who could be on his to Liverpool this summer gave Germany the lead, heading it home from a lovely clipped pass over the top from Joshua Kimmich.
But Portugal ramped things up after conceding, bringing Nelson Semedo, Francisco Conceicao and Vitinha from the bench.
These changes gave Portugal a different energy, squeezing Germany back inside their own half, counter pressing to brilliant effect when they lost possession and connecting passes in the final third with much more quality.
Whilst the fullback dynamics changed the game for Portugal, it was Cristiano Ronaldo who scored the winner once more, providing the goods for his side.
Cristiano Ronaldo made his 220th international appearance in Portugal’s 2-1 victory against Germany, scoring his 137th goal and sending his country to the UEFA Nations League final.
The 40-year-old striker only had 28 touches in the match, completing 13 of his 15 passes, creating one “big chance” and taking seven shots (two on target).
Whilst Ronaldo wasn’t dictating the flow of the game with plenty of touches, Roberto Martinez clearly was looking to use the forward more in build up when possible, dropping into pockets to receive the ball to feet.
But as he always has, Ronaldo did his most devastating work inside the box, tapping in a cutback from Nuno Mendes, who was superb on the night.
Many will know from watching PSG in the Champions League this season that Mendes has the quality to play in a variety of positions, often making his way into advanced areas on the ball.
For Portugal, Mendes often found himself between the lines infield, with both wingers holding the width and the midfielders dropping deep to progress play.
This saw the 22-year-old fullback picking up the ball in advantageous positions, providing three key passes in the match and creating two “big chances” to go with his assist.
Semedo’s introduction saw a similar dynamic on the right with the fullback and Conceicao, which often gave Portugal a good chance in the counter press, having both of their athletic fullbacks positioned more centrally ready to pounce.
In the first half, Portugal held just 41% possession, taking four shots with only one of them on target. In comparison, Germany held 59% of the ball, taking seven shots with four shots on target.
The increase in tempo and tenacity second half massively favoured Portugal, holding 50% of the ball, taking 13 more shots, creating four “big chances” and scoring two goals.
Portugal won 11/24 ground duels in the first half (46%), but won 18/36 in the second half (50%), showing their intent to get stuck in, press with more aggression and take control in the game.
Roberto Martinez’s side now await the winners of Spain vs France, who will play Portugal in the final on Sunday 8th June.