Cristiano Ronaldo's coach and teammates praised his leadership after Sunday's Nations League final win over Spain in Munich.

Portugal twice fell behind, but twice came back, with Ronaldo scoring the second equaliser.

"A captain with the type of experience he has is essential, to show the necessary values and personality," said Portugal coach Roberto Martinez.

"Spain was ahead on the scoreboard twice, but the captain has a lot of experience and we used his experience to show we are ready to win."

The 40-year-old forward was subbed off with what looked like cramp, but Portugal fought through extra time after the match finished 2-2 and then triumphed 5-3 on penalties.

On the sidelines, Ronaldo could not watch the final penalty, burying his face in a teammate's back. Once Ruben Neves converted, the Portugal veteran fell to his knees and was embraced by players and staff.

Ronaldo scored the winner in Portugal's semifinal victory over Germany and the crucial equaliser against Spain.

Nuno Mendes, who scored Portugal's first, set up Ronaldo's goal and converted a penalty in the shootout, praised the veteran's impact.

"He deserves everything. He helps us a lot on the pitch and off it," Mendes said.

"He's got a winner mentality. He's a role model. We're happy we've got him."

Mendes, who won the Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain on the same ground eight days ago, was named man of the match by Uefa after the game.

Ronaldo made his debut in the national team in 2003 and has gone on to score 138 goals while picking up 219 caps for his national side.

Ruben Neves scored the decisive spot kick after Alvaro Morata missed as Portugal beat Spain 5-3 on penalties following a 2-2 draw in Munich on Sunday to claim their second Nations League title.

Portugal twice went behind in regulation time but twice fought back to level the scores.

Martin Zubimendi took advantage of some sleepy Portugal defence to put Spain in front after 21 minutes.

The brilliant Nuno Mendes levelled things up five minutes later.

Mikel Oyarzabal, Spain's goalscorer in the Euro 2024 final and the 2023 Nations League final, put La Roja back in front just before the break.

Cristiano Ronaldo, quiet as he had been before scoring the winner against Germany in the semis, equalised with 61 minutes gone, adjusting quickly after a Mendes cross was deflected into the air, muscling past Marc Cucurella and volleying the dropping ball home.

Ronaldo was subbed off before fulltime with cramp. Even though Portugal had the better of extra time, the match went to penalties.

Both sides converted their first three spot kicks. Mendes buried Portugal's fourth, before Morata stepped up and shot straight at Diogo Costa.

Neves nervelessly converted in front of the red and green of the Portugal fans. The victory was just Portugal's second competitive win over Iberian rival Spain in their long history.

Portugal are the first team to win the #NationsLeague twice 🇵🇹

Cristiano Ronaldo has the pleasure of lifting the trophy once again 🏆 pic.twitter.com/gkGsSw53w3

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) June 8, 2025

Portugal's only other win over Spain in a competitive fixture was a 1-0 victory which booted the Spaniards out of Euro 2004, with a 19-year-old Ronaldo on the left wing.

Portugal became the first two-time winner of the Nations League, launched in 2018. It was Portugal's third major title, along with Euro 2016.

Nuno Mendes gets rewarded for his brilliant performances by receiving the #NationsLeague Player of the Tournament award 🥇 pic.twitter.com/lA20r8s3lw

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) June 8, 2025

PORTUGAL EQUALISE TWICE

While Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal's fluid movement troubled the Portugese defence early in the match, La Roja's opener was scrappy.

Yamal chipped from outside the box and the Portugal defence froze, botching a clearance which fell to Zubimendi, who leathered the ball into the net.

The goal was just rewards for Spain's early dominance, but Portugal hit back almost immediately.

Mendes, put through by Pedro Neto, drilled a low shot across the goal and in.

Just before halftime, Spain picked Portugal's pocket in their own half before advancing. Pedri linked with Oyarzabal, who threaded the ball past Diogo Costa.

Mikel Oyarzabal loves scoring in big games 👀

He becomes the first player to score in two #NationsLeague finals and puts Spain ahead at the break 🇪🇸

📺 Stream on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/cOlsYs8ORR

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) June 8, 2025

Oyarzabal's goal meant he has scored in three international finals – against England at Euro 2024, which Spain won, and the 2023 and 2025 Nations Leagues, which Spain lost.

Ronaldo had done little other than encourage the heavily Portuguese crowd until that point but would pick his moment to strike.

With 61 minutes gone, Mendes shed a defender and whipped in a cross. The ball took a deflection and Ronaldo outmuscled Cucurella before lashing a volley home.

Cristiano Ronaldo scores and the stadium erupts 🔊

For the second time in the game, Portugal draw level.

Nuno Mendes at the heart of the attack again 🇵🇹

📺 Stream #NationsLeague on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/umgTrpD4Ro

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) June 8, 2025

The goal was Ronaldo's fourth in 10 matches against Spain. The previous three all coming in a wild 3-3 draw at the 2018 World Cup.

Limping in the dying stages of regulation time, Ronaldo fell to the turf with three minutes left and signalled to the bench that his night was over.

Spain may have been confident when the match went to extra time, having won on penalties in 2023, but Portugal were faultless, Neves stepping up and converting to send his teammates, including a hobbled Ronaldo, streaming onto the pitch.

🇵🇹: 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
🇪🇸: 🟩🟩🟩🟥

Portugal are the 2024-25 #NationsLeague champions 🏆

The tears of joy are flowing for Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates 🥺 pic.twitter.com/z372QRpkDY

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) June 8, 2025

Kylian Mbappe bagged a goal and an assist as France beat Germany 2-0 in the Nations League bronze-medal match in Stuttgart on Sunday.

Mbappe wove his magic in a heavily changed France squad.

Germany dominated the opening half but Mbappe provided the breakthrough just before halftime, carving a shot through a crowded penalty box to bring up his 50th goal in France colours.

Late in the second, with the hosts desperately looking for an equaliser, Mbappe snatched a poor Germany pass on the half-way line and rampaged forward, before setting up Michael Olise.

Mbappe had not scored in open play for France for more than a year.

Mbappe and Oliseh secure third spot for France in the #NationsLeague 🇫🇷🥉

Portugal and Spain will battle it out later tonight for the trophy 🏆 pic.twitter.com/nV6BOkead9

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) June 8, 2025

After the match, the France captain hit back at criticism levelled against him, telling DAZN "since I arrived in the international team, everyone always talks about me.... when they have an opportunity to talk bad, they talk bad.

"They did it with all the great players in history in France and I'm the next. But I'm OK with that. I just try and do my job."

France and Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni praised his club and international teammate Mbappe, saying "everyone in the team loves him.

"He's a very important player for us and when he plays like he did today, it's just amazing."

For Germany, who lost two straight straight matches for the first time since 2023, questions remain over how much they have truly improved under Julian Nagelsmann.

Striker Niclas Fuellkrug lamented his side's wastefulness, telling DAZN: "if we had taken our first chance and scored, it could have been three or four nil for us."

A WEALTH OF CHANCES

In the lead-up to Sunday's encounter, France coach Didier Deschamps admitted the Nations League clash with old rivals Germany "isn't the most important game for us," with a clear focus on next year's World Cup.

Deschamps made eight changes from the semifinal loss to Spain, with only captain Mbappe, goalie Mike Maignan and midfield veteran Adrien Rabiot keeping their starting spots.

Nagelsmann also rotated heavily, making four changes including bringing Fuellkrug back into the starting XI.

The Germans had a wealth of chances in the opening half. Karim Adeyemi won a penalty but it was overturned by VAR for diving. Florian Wirtz hit the post.

Mbappe struck just before halftime. The Real Madrid man collected a pass which floated over Joshua Kimmich's head, took a touch and hammered a shot home with his preferred right foot.

Kylian Mbappé scores his 50th goal for France 👏

He puts his team ahead against Germany in the third-place play-off.

📺 Stream #NationsLeague on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/YhmadwfVJw

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) June 8, 2025

Nagelsmann replaced rookie striker Nick Woltemade with Deniz Undav at halftime.

The move seemed to have paid immediate dividends Undav had the ball in the net, but his effort was chalked off for a foul in the build-up.

Germany dominated possession and field position, but that left them vulnerable on the break to France's lightning-fast forwards, led by Mbappe.

Marcus Thuram hit the post on 58 minutes. Then Mbappe and substitute Olise, who plays in Germany for Bayern Munich, combined to seal the match for France.

The French captain pounced on a poor Robin Koch clearance on the half-way line and ran goalwards, squaring for the onrushing Olise to tap home with six minutes remaining.

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo acknowledged he was "another generation" to Spain starlet Lamine Yamal but said Sunday's Nations League final was more than just a battle between the duo.

The final in Munich has been framed as a showdown between veteran Ronaldo, 40, one of the game's biggest names, and 17-year-old Yamal, the most exciting young talent in world football.

Ronaldo scored the winner to send Portugal past Germany into the final and Yamal was named man-of-the-match after bagging a brace in Spain's wild 5-4 semifinal win over France.

Ronaldo however said the focus on the two individuals was overblown, calling Spain "maybe the best national team in the world".

"There are different generations, one is coming in and another is exiting the stage. If you want to see me as another generation, then that's OK.

"When you talk about a clash between Cristiano and someone else, that's not how it works. The media always try to hype things up, which is a normal thing, but it's one team versus another team."

"You've been talking about Lamine a lot and you're right to do so because he's very good," Ronaldo told journalists, adding "but I'd like to talk about the team.

"They've got Nico Williams, great midfielders like Pedri and their coach (Luis) de la Fuente is very good, very strong, very disciplined."

Portugal last beat their Iberian neighbours in a competitive fixture 21 years ago, in a match which Ronaldo started.

Like Yamal, Ronaldo burst onto the scene at a young age.

Aged just 18, Ronaldo impressed so much for boyhood side Sporting in a 3-1 win over Manchester United in a friendly in Lisbon that the English club decided to buy him, bringing him to Old Trafford less than a week later.

'RELAXED AND IN CONTROL'

Like a young Ronaldo, Yamal has consistently impressed since bursting onto the scene, winning a league and cup double with Barcelona this season after lifting the Euro 2024 title in Germany last summer.

The Portuguese veteran asked media to allow the teenager to grow and improve without pressure, reminding them the Spanish star "with funny hair" was just "three years older than my son".

"The kid has been doing very well, but what I ask is for you to let him grow, not put him under pressure. For the good of football, we need to let him grow in his own way and enjoy the talent he has."

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said Yamal was "only 17, but very mature for his age. Well-prepared, intelligent – he lives life as if it's all normal, and that's what we want for him".

De la Fuente said the national side were "trying to walk alongside (Yamal) in his education," but added "you'd be surprised, shocked, how calm he is.

"He's special. For some people, this would be a situation of maximum stress. But for him, he's relaxed, he's in control – he masters the situation."

The coach also took time to praise Ronaldo, calling him "a legend in football and an example of the values I like: effort, work rate, sacrifice, getting better every day and never letting your guard down.

"Portugal are led by a footballer who will go down in history with an indelible legacy."

Both Spain and Portugal have already won the Nations League. Spain are the current champions from their win in 2023, while Portugal won the inaugural tournament back in 2019.

Spain have won 16 and drawn two of their past 18 fixtures – and have not lost a competitive match since March 2023.

Spain forward Mikel Oyarzabal told reporters his side "do not think we are better than anyone," but "we trust ourselves 100 per cent and know we can compete in every game.

"We've shown that over the years. Our level is very high."

Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed he would not play in the upcoming Club World Cup on Saturday, dismissing rumours he was set to transfer to one of the participating clubs.

Speaking ahead of Sunday's Nations League final against Spain in Munich, the Portugal captain said suggestions he was set to take part in the newly expanded competition were wide of the mark.

"I will not be at the Club World Cup," the Portugal veteran said, but added he had "been contacted" by several participating teams.

Ronaldo came into Nations League in Germany amid swirling doubts about his future at club level, with the veteran's contract at Saudi side Al-Nassr set to expire at the end of June.

In May, the Portuguese posted on social media "the chapter is over" as reports emerged he could switch to another club, potentially Saudi side Al Hilal, one of the teams who will be at the tournament in the United States in June.

Ronaldo said he was not interested in making a short-term decision which would allow him to play in the competition.

"Some teams reached out to me. Some made sense and others did not, but you can't try and do everything, you can't catch every ball."

The forward said the decision on his future was "almost final".

BALLON D'OR 'SHOULD GO TO CHAMPIONS LEAGUE WINNER'

Five-time Ballon d'Or winner said the individual honour should be awarded to a player who won the Champions League.

Speaking ahead of Sunday's Nations League final in Munich between Portugal and Spain, the veteran said "trophies" should determine who wins the Ballon d'Or.

"In my opinion, whoever wins it should be on a team that has won trophies. The Ballon d'Or winner should be in a team that has won the Champions League," the 40-year-old forward told reporters.

First awarded in 1956 by French magazine France Football, the Ballon d'Or is awarded to the player considered the best over the previous season.

Paris Saint-Germain's 5-0 thumping of Inter Milan in the Champions League final last Saturday led to growing calls for Ousmane Dembele to win this season's gong.

Spain starlet Lamine Yamal's superb display in Thursday's 5-4 Nations League semifinal win over France however had some arguing the teenager should be awarded the Ballon d'Or, which would make the 17-year-old the youngest winner in its history.

France coach Didier Deschamps backed Dembele for the award, saying "considering the season Ousmane is having, he deserves it and that's all I wish for him".

At a press conference in Stuttgart on Saturday, France captain Kylian Mbappe told reporters he backed Dembele.

"Does anyone really need me to explain? Right now we're talking about Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembele, but I'm voting for Dembele."

Ronaldo said he "cannot tell you who deserves it" this season.

Ronaldo's five wins is bettered only by Argentinian Lionel Messi, who has won the award eight times.

The duo had a monopoly on the award for a decade from Ronaldo's first win in 2008 to his last in 2017.

The current holder is Spain and Manchester City midfielder Rodri.

Strikers Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola will be unavailable for France's Nations League third-place clash against Germany on Sunday, the French Football Federation said.

Dembele had to be substituted late in Thursday's 5-4 loss to Spain, and a medical examination later revealed a lesion while Barcola is struggling with a knee injury.

Neither of the Paris St Germain players will be replaced.

Portugal and Spain will contest the Nations League final on Sunday after the third-place match.

Lamine Yamal's match-winning performance against France in the semifinals of the Nations League on Thursday has underlined his Ballon d'Or credentials, said Spain manager Luis de la Fuente.

The 17-year-old Barcelona sensation lifted Spain to a thrilling 5-4 win over France by scoring twice, which sent the holders through to their third successive Nations League final, where they will face Iberian neighbours Portugal.

The contest to lift the prestigious golden ball trophy in September is widely seen as one between Yamal and France forward Ousmane Dembele, with both playing crucial roles for their clubs and countries this season.

"Yamal has made a statement tonight and shown that he should win the Ballon d'Or," De la Fuente told broadcaster RTVE.

"He's the best player in the world and, in my opinion, of course, he deserves to win the Ballon d'Or."

The 28-year-old Dembele, a former Barcelona man, can boast of the Champions League, Ligue 1, French Cup and French Super Cup titles this campaign, while Yamal has LaLiga, Spanish Cup and Spanish Super Cup to his name.

 

Portugal v Spain in the Nations League final 🤤

🇵🇹🆚🇪🇸 Sunday 8 June#NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/SgkFCfQkih

— Uefa EURO (@UEFAEURO) June 5, 2025

 

"I always say the same thing to mum, that I try to give my all," Yamal said.

"That is what motivates me and what gets me up in the morning. It is why I play football. It's always best to speak on the pitch.

"Dembele is a great player, we saw that in the Champions League, but I am happy that we're the ones in the final."

The nominees for the 2025 edition of the Ballon d'Or award, which covers 1 August - 31 July, will be announced at the start of August, with the ceremony taking place on 22 September.

 

The 6️⃣9️⃣th ceremony of the Ballon d’Or

📍 Paris, Théâtre du Châtelet

📅 September, 22nd 2025@Uefa #ballondor pic.twitter.com/6fkV7BhUNT

— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) May 19, 2025

 

Spain's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal inspired his country to a thrilling 5-4 win over France on Thursday to send the holders through to their third successive Nations League final where they will face Iberian neighbours Portugal.

The European champions dazzled in the first half of the semifinal at the MHP Arena and raced into a 2-0 lead with fine goals by Nico Williams and Mikel Merino inside 25 minutes.

Spain's 17-year-old starlet Yamal then got in on the act to coolly add a third from the penalty spot nine minutes into the second half before his Barcelona teammate Pedri clipped a sublime fourth into the net less than a minute later.

The goals continued to flow as France striker Kylian Mbappe also slotted home from the penalty spot near the hour mark before Yamal added Spain's fifth after 67 minutes to cap an exhilarating individual performance.

France then mounted an extraordinary comeback as a stunning strike from Rayan Cherki, Dani Vivian's own goal and a Randal Kolo Muani finish caused Spain some late jitters but they held on to book a clash with their Portuguese rivals on Sunday.

🇪🇸 𝐒𝐏𝐀𝐈𝐍 𝟓-𝟒 𝐅𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 🇫🇷

We will have an Iberian Derby in the #NationsLeague final on Sunday 🏆⚽#SSUNL | #UNL pic.twitter.com/3CEkr1li5h

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) June 5, 2025

"I always say it to my mother, I try to give it all," Yamal told Teledeporte.

"It is what motivates me to play football, why I wake up in the mornings.

"France have world class players. The scoreline after 60 minutes was very big, but they have players who make you suffer.

"We (Spain and Portugal) are two very good teams with world-class players. The best will win. I hope to bring the cup to Spain."

Spain have been nearly imperious under coach Luis de la Fuente, losing just once in over two years, a run that helped them take home the European Championship title last year with victory over England in the final.

Key to De la Fuente's system is his lively wide men Nico Williams and Yamal, and after Mbappe had wasted a golden early chance in Stuttgart and Theo Hernandez crashed an effort against the crossbar, Williams' emphatic finish edged Spain in front.

Nico Williams smashes Spain in front 🇪🇸🚀

📺 Stream #NationsLeague on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/UEGXgx0d2Y

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) June 5, 2025

Another fine, flowing move three minutes later resulted in Merino slotting home the second having been picked out by a pinpoint Mikel Oyarzabal pass.

Spain go bang, bang 💥💥

Mikel Merino doubles the European Champions' lead ⚽

📺 Stream #NationsLeague on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/Jw57nSfKea

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) June 5, 2025

It was only the second time France had conceded twice inside the opening half hour of a match during coach Didier Deschamps's 13-year tenure.

France continued to create openings but could not make their moments count, with their profligacy proving costly as one of the favourites to win the Ballon d'Or award, Yamal, fired in from the penalty spot after the teenager had been fouled.

𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐀𝐋𝐓𝐘 𝐒𝐏𝐀𝐈𝐍 🚨

Nobody is going to win in a sprint against Lamine Yamal 🤯⚡

📺 Stream #NationsLeague on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/CBYUUZKXa7

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) June 5, 2025

Yamal, who already has over 100 appearances for Barcelona across all competitions before he has even turned 18, was equally calm for his second, after Pedro's fine fourth and Mbappe's penalty, poking the ball past France goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

Pedri makes football look easy 👏👏

📺 Stream #NationsLeague on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/5NFLpuw9oW

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) June 5, 2025

The strike from Olympique Lyonnais' Cherki deserved to be more meaningful, before Vivian's intervention gave Spanish supporters some cause for concern.

A goal on debut 🇫🇷⭐

There's a reason Rayan Cherki is a man in demand 🚀🚀

📺 Stream #NationsLeague on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/egFnfjdOWh

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) June 5, 2025

Substitute Kolo Muani almost took the encounter to extra time in astonishing fashion but it was too little, too late.

The striker, however, ensured the enthralling semifinal became the first-ever Nations League match to feature nine goals.

It was also the first time France had conceded five times in a match since 1969.

"We had some bursts of play we haven't had for a long time," France skipper Mbappe said.

"But in just 10 minutes of the first half, we conceded two goals -- and the same thing happened in the second half.

"We weren't consistent throughout the 90 minutes, but we did improve. When you don't win, there are always negative points that come out. But it's not all negative."

Portugal midfielder Bernardo Silva praised Cristiano Ronaldo's "hunger" after the 40-year-old striker continued to defy the years with a 68th-minute winner which booked a spot in Sunday's Nations League final.

Ronaldo came into the tournament amid swirling doubts about his future at club level, with the veteran's contract at Saudi side Al-Nassr set to expire at the end of June.

In May, the Portuguese posted on social media "the chapter is over" as reports emerged he could switch to another club, potentially Saudi side Al Hilal, in order to play the Club World Cup in the United States in June.

But he left behind all the speculation as he knocked in his 137th international goal, extending his own record in his 220th game for Portugal.

Ronaldo had missed a few half chances but after Francisco Conceicao had levelled after Florian Wirtz had put Germany ahead early in the second half, he was on the spot to tap in a Nuno Mendes pass which put Portugal on track for victory.

"It's his ambition to keep going," Silva said of his long-time teammate.

"It's never easy – I don't know how old he is, I think he's like 40 – to still be hungry to go every day.

"He's been doing this for more than 20 years. It's tough, but he's here with us and we're happy he scored again."

The victory was Ronaldo's first against Germany, after five straight losses. Portugal last won against Germany in 2000.

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez echoed Silva's statements, saying his "hunger" and desire to improve made him a unique figure in the sport.

"It's difficult to put into words. He takes each day as an opportunity to get better," Martinez said.

"As a human, when you have success, you wake up and you have less hunger. But not Cristiano."

The former Real Madrid and Manchester United forward also won praise from opposing coach Julian Nagelsmann, who singled out the veteran's professionalism as the reason for his longevity.

"He is investing everything in his body, from sleep to nutrition, to the intensity of his training, so that everything doesn't hurt as much as it should at 40."

Cristiano Ronaldo scored the winner in a 2-1 victory over Germany in Munich on Wednesday, sending Portugal through to the Nations League final and breaking his run of bad fortune against the Germans.

Ronaldo's 68th-minute tap in, a record-extending 137th international goal, sealed a first win over Germany after five losses, the 40-year-old's longest streak against any national side without tasting victory.

The Portuguese are victorious over the Germans and seal their spot in the #NationsLeague final 🔥⚽

🇩🇪 Germany 1 - 2 Portugal 🇵🇹#SSNationsLeague pic.twitter.com/h3uO8RSfJ2

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) June 4, 2025

After a stuttering first half, Florian Wirtz produced a moment of magic to give Germany the lead three minutes after halftime, starting and finishing a clever burst through the middle and heading in the opener.

Portugal's Francisco Conceicao ran 35 metres to score a brilliant solo goal, levelling things up with half an hour remaining.

Conceicao's goal was a fitting tribute to his father Sergio, who scored a hat-trick the last time Portugal beat Germany in a 3-0 win in 2000.

The stage was then set for Ronaldo, who had missed two solid chances earlier, to land the telling blow, turning in a Nuno Mendes pass from close range.

"Cristiano Ronaldo keeps scoring the goals" 😤🇵🇹

📺 Stream #NationsLeague on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/4otwkFqNBP

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) June 4, 2025

Portugal, winners of the inaugural Nations League in 2019, will now face either European champions Spain or France in Sunday's final at the same venue.

Portugal midfielder Bernardo Silva celebrated Ronaldo's relentless desire to play and win.

"It's never easy – I don't know how old he is, I think he's like 40 – to still be hungry to go on every day," said Silva. "We're very happy to have him with us."

The loss is a setback for Julian Nagelsmann's Germany, who had lost just one of their previous 17 games.

"It was a deserved defeat," Nagelsmann told DAZN.

"We gave the game away in the first half. Defensively we lacked the ruthlessness that we've had in recent games."

Portugal had four players backing up from winning Saturday's Champions League final – and the ensuing celebrations – but it was Germany who struggled to find rhythm early.

The match started 10 minutes late due to a violent storm which left hailstones scattered across the turf.

Aleksandar Pavlovic mislaid several passes while Portugal's approach of pressing Jonathan Tah almost paid dividends, with the defender insecure in possession.

Ronaldo, greeted by Portuguese cheers and German boos every time he came near the ball, almost scored the opener six minutes in, but his shot was claimed by old LaLiga sparring partner Marc-Andre ter Stegen, playing his first match for Germany since September 2024.

WIRTZ OPENER

Germany's best chance of the opening half fell to debutant Nick Woltemade with 18 minutes gone, but the 1.98-metre-tall striker's low shot was well saved by Diogo Costa.

Ronaldo was inches away from giving Portugal the lead when the visitors broke immediately after halftime, but he was unable to get enough of his boot on a clever Nuno Mendes cross with an open goal beckoning.

Germany took less than a minute to punish the miss. Wirtz tiptoed down the left side, attracting three defenders before laying off for Joshua Kimmich.

The German captain chipped it over the Portugal defence and back to Wirtz, who expertly guided a low header into the bottom right corner.

Florian Wirtz. Certified baller. 💯#DFB #GermanFootball #GermanMNT #GERPOR

📸 DFB/ Philipp Reinhard pic.twitter.com/JBoYv3qKUU

— German Football (@DFB_Team_EN) June 4, 2025

Both sides made three changes on the 60-minute mark but it was Roberto Martinez whose substitutions had the telling impact.

Five minutes after coming on, Conceicao shed Robin Gosens with a shimmy near the half-way line and advanced goalwards before unleashing a superb curling shot past the desperate fingers of Ter Stegen.

Ronaldo then put Portugal in front, nervelessly tapping in a Nuno Mendes pass to make up for his previous misses - his 137th goal for Portugal in his 219th international.

Orgulho! ❤️‍🔥🇵🇹 #FazHistória | #GERPOR #NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/FB0Vtd3BAC

— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) June 4, 2025

Munich-born Karim Adeyemi rattled the crossbar with eight minutes remaining but Germany could not find an equaliser and will need to be content with a third-placed match in Stuttgart on Sunday.

France coach Didier Deschamps said his injury-hit side had the quality to trouble defending Nations League champions Spain in Thursday's semifinal, with Germany or Portugal awaiting the winner in the title match on Sunday.

France will face the Euro 2024 winners Spain in Stuttgart missing first-choice defenders William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano and Jules Kounde who have 100 international caps between them.

But Deschamps has a history of pragmatism in such matters, leading France to triumph at the 2018 World Cup, and to the final in 2022, after campaigns that were also hit by selection worries.

Speaking to reporters in Stuttgart on Wednesday, the 56-year-old said he remained confident.

"When it comes to a match against Spain, with their attacking potential, it's not ideal but I wouldn't say we are weakened," he said.

"I'm counting on the guys who play on Thursday."

In attack France will be looking to Kylian Mbappe and freshly-minted Champions League winners Desire Doue and Ousmane Dembele of Paris Saint-Germain.

Deschamps praised Dembele, saying the forward "deserves the Ballon d'Or" for his dazzling season with PSG.

"Over an entire season, and with the one Ousmane is having, he deserves it and that's all I wish him."

The coach said Dembele was ahead of Spain's teenage talent Lamine Yamal, but the pair will share the spotlight on Thursday.

"The Nations League can provide some answers, as can the Club World Cup," said Deschamps.

After Saturday's Champions League final, PSG coach Luis Enrique also backed Dembele for Ballon d'Or honours. Defender Ibrahima Konate joined the chorus on Wednesday.

"What Ousmane has done this season is simply incredible," said Konate. "Ousmane deserves the Ballon d'Or, period."

The wave of injuries leaves Liverpool centre-back Konate as the likely leader of France's defence.

"We are the French national team, and we have an exceptional talent pool," Konate said.

He will be joined in defence by either Benjamin Pavard, Lucas Hernandez, Clement Lenglet or two debutants, Loic Bade and Pierre Kalulu.

The winner take on either Germany or Portugal, who face off on Wednesday in Munich, in the final on Sunday.

France won the Nations League in 2021, with Portugal winning in 2019 and Spain in 2023, while Germany are through to the semifinals of the fledgling competition for the first time.

The Nations League semifinal between Germany and Portugal in Munich on Wednesday was delayed by 10 minutes due to "adverse weather conditions" in Munich.

The match will now start at 9:10pm local time (1910 GMT).

Earlier in the day, Uefa warned match goers of possible thunderstorms in the Bavarian capital forecast for kick-off time.

Around an hour before the originally scheduled kick-off time of 9pm, a storm swept across northern Munich, lashing the stadium with rain and leaving the arena grass carpeted in hailstones.

Goalkepeers from both sides had begun their warm-up when the storm hit.

Spain are aiming to become the first side to defend the Nations League trophy, with Luis de la Fuente's side going from strength to strength on the international stage ahead of next year's World Cup.

The coach enjoys recalling La Roja's triumph at the 2023 tournament, which was an early sign that a young Spain side were heading back to the top.

It proved the springboard to Euro 2024 glory and De la Fuente wants to continue Spain's resurgence by retaining it this summer in Germany.

It would bode well ahead of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada next summer where Spain will be among the favourites.

They face France in the Nations League semifinals in Stuttgart before a potential final against Germany or Portugal.

"We attach enormous importance to it – it's almost more difficult than a European Championship, and we want to be the first team to win it twice," De la Fuente told reporters last week.

"We want to continue competing at the highest level with these teams."

After European Championship wins in 2008 and 2012, sandwiching their World Cup 2010 triumph in South Africa, the Spanish national team slumped.

Poor outings at the Russia and Qatar World Cups started to fade from memory, though, as De la Fuente's side beat Italy and Croatia to win the Nations League.

It helped him on a personal level too, with many doubting his credentials and blaming him for an embarrassing defeat by Scotland in Euro 2024 qualifying.

The Scots beat De la Fuente's Spain in March 2023 in what was their last competitive defeat, 23 matches ago.

Spain beat Italy, Germany and France on the way to the Euro 2024 final, where they got the better of England to claim their first major trophy for 12 years.

The worrying thing for the rest of the world is that De la Fuente's Spain team remains hungry, with many players yet to reach their peak.

The side is led by Barcelona's teenage winger Lamine Yamal, who turned 17 on the eve of the Euro final, and on the opposite flank Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams, 22, also has his best years ahead of him.

Barcelona midfield maestro Pedri, 22 as well, pulls the strings, while there are emerging talents in other areas including Porto striker Samu Aghehowa and new Real Madrid signing Dean Huijsen.

ISCO'S RETURN

Despite a focus on younger players, De la Fuente showed he is not stubborn by turning to Real Betis midfielder Isco.

After a superb season in which the former Real Madrid playmaker took the Andalusians to the Conference League final, the 33-year-old finally got the call he craved.

Some said De la Fuente should have given Isco a chance last summer but the coach was proven right as his team went on to win the Euros.

"He's going to add a lot – if we had any doubts, he wouldn't have been here," said De la Fuente.

"He could have been at the Euros, or not, but those who had to be there, were there."

Isco's presence gives Spain even more depth in a midfield packed with quality, and one which is still without Manchester City's Rodri Hernandez who has yet to return to action after missing most of the season injured.

"In Spain, we are privileged to have many very good footballers," De la Fuente said during the Euros.

"I think they are the best players in the world for many reasons."

In almost every position the coach is blessed with multiple strong options, with the team perhaps only short of one elite striker – although it has not held them back.

Aghehowa, 21, could develop into that player, although De la Fuente ran through all of his possible options there, including veteran Alvaro Morata, Dani Olmo as a false nine, or Mikel Oyarzabal, who scored the winner against England.

"This is a team, and in that team, everyone contributes their bit to make a stronger, more solid group," said De la Fuente.

"Samu is fantastic, Alvaro, Mikel, Dani... we can play in many ways with different players and that is exactly what our strength is."

Spain's Claudia Pina came off the bench and scored twice as the reigning Nations League champions came back from a goal down to beat England 2-1 on Tuesday and claim victory in Group 3, booking their spot in the last four of this year's competition.

With Germany and France having already secured victory in Groups 1 and 2 respectively and Euro 2025 only a month away, world champions Spain and European champions England met to decide their group in an intriguing clash of styles.

Spain piled the pressure on from kickoff, striker Esther Gonzalez forcing England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton into a superb one-handed reflex save early on, and the England defence struggled to deal with the slick passing and movement of the hosts.

However, Alessia Russo gave the visitors the lead against the run of play in the 22nd minute.

With the Spaniards pleading for a free kick for what they saw as a foul on Salma Paralluelo, Keira Walsh played the ball in behind for Russo, and she scored with a well-taken finish.

Rocked by the goal, the hosts had plenty of possession but created little in the way of dangerous chances until Pina entered the fray in the 58th minute. 

She equalised less than two minutes later by flashing a shot across Hampton and into the net as England were punished for losing possession when trying to play out from the back.

With Euro 2025 due to start in a month's time, the 23-year-old Pina staked her claim for a starting spot by getting the winner 10 minutes later, curling home a brilliant dipping effort that left Hampton helpless.

The win moved Spain to 15 points from six games, five ahead of England.

England captain Leah Williamson was disappointed with the result and noted that there was work for her side to do ahead of the Euros.

"We didn't have any real threat. Under that much pressure against the top sides, that's what happens. We just have to be better on the ball and find solutions quicker. A great lesson," she said.

"We know what we are capable of. The game changes constantly, we have to adapt a bit quicker. We have time to build and time to push ourselves before the start of the tournament."

In the evening's other decisive game, Sweden raced out to a 3-0 lead after 11 minutes against Scandinavian neighbours Denmark, eventually winning 6-1 to book the remaining spot in the Nations League semifinals by winning Group 4 with 12 points, two ahead Italy, who thrashed bottom side Wales 4-0.

Hosts Germany insisted that playing the Nations League finals at home was a "privilege", dismissing suggestions of additional pressure ahead of Wednesday's semifinal against Portugal in Munich.

The winners at Munich's Allianz Arena will face either holders Spain or France in the final on Sunday at the same venue.

Last year's Euros hosts beat Italy in the quarterfinals, winning the right to hold the remainder of the tournament on home soil as well as progression to the final four.

Germany's hopes of winning Euro 2024 at home were dashed with a quarterfinal loss in extra time to eventual champions Spain in July last year.

Midfielder Leon Goretzka, recalled into the Germany fold after being dropped for Euro 2024 on form grounds, knocked back the idea his side were under pressure to make short work of underdogs Portugal.

"I don't see it like that," Goretzka said on Tuesday, adding: "I see it as a privilege to play in front of your home fans."

Portugal have not beaten Germany since 2000 and have lost their past five games against the Germans.

Of the remaining teams, Germany is the only one yet to win the Nations League, with Portugal, France and Spain winning in 2019, 2021 and 2023 respectively.

Calling the tournament "a mini-Euros", Goretzka said "it's a chance to gift our country a title, even if it's a small one".

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has repeatedly said Germany's Nations League campaign is a crucial component of their preparation for the 2026 World Cup.

"It's a small title, but for us as a group it's very important," the coach added.

Four Portugal players won the Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain in Munich on Saturday. Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, Joao Neves all started the match, with Goncalo Ramos coming off the bench.

Nagelsmann said facing Portugal's PSG stars so soon "had advantages and disadvantages".

"Recently they've had a bit more to do than other players," Nagelsmann said, adding that "the game wasn't that long ago".

"They might have celebrated a bit, too. I don't know how well they're doing now, but they probably had a beer or two."

The Nations League semifinals start on Wednesday with Germany, Spain, France and Portugal seeking to fine tune their sides with the World Cup just one year away. Catch the action live on SuperSport.

Tournament hosts Germany face Portugal in Munich on Wednesday and title holders Spain face France in Stuttgart a day later.

The winners will face off in the Bavarian capital on Sunday.

Created in 2018, the Nations League lacks the history and esteem of football's major international tournaments and has been criticised for adding to an already crowded calendar.

But as Spain and France have shown in recent years, the competition can be a perfect launchpad to reach greater heights.

France's Nations League triumph in 2021 came just over a year before their run to the World Cup final in Qatar, where they lost on penalties to a Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina.

Spain, runners-up against France in 2021, beat Croatia on penalties to win the 2023 Nations League; a year later, the Spanish were crowned Euro 2024 champions.

While some of the larger nations have fielded experimental line-ups, recent winners have used the tournament to develop and improve.

THE 'BIG TITLES'

Of the final four, only Germany are yet to win a Nations League title, with Portugal's success coming in the opening tournament in 2019.

Germany captain Joshua Kimmich will be handed his 100th international cap on Wednesday.

The Bayern Munich midfielder is the 14th Germany player to reach the milestone, but will become the only member of the 100 club not to have won a World Cup.

Kimmich said Monday he "had a couple more chances" to correct the stat and said the Nations League would show how much progress Germany had made, after a disappointing decade.

"If it's enough for the really big titles, we don't know, it depends on a lot of factors."

World Cup winners in 2014, Germany crashed out of the following two World Cups at the group stage.

Their best result since a Euros semifinal in 2016 was going out in the quarters to eventual champions Spain at Euro 2024.

"We want to go into the (World Cup) well prepared. We've said a few times that the preparation doesn't start two weeks before, rather it's already started," Kimmich said.

"When we now compete in two internationals successfully, we can show we're still on a good path."

Kimmich's sentiment was echoed by coach Julian Nagelsmann on Friday, who said "we would love to win titles and keep feeding our self-confidence.

"Even if it's only a small title, for us as a group it's very important... Confidence and trust are fragile elements that require constant nourishment."

'TIREDNESS TAKES A BACK SEAT'

Coming at the end of a long club season, each of the final four are nursing injuries.

Already without Jamal Musiala, Antonio Rudiger and Nico Schlotterbeck, Germany lost Jonathan Burkardt, Nadiem Amiri and Yann Bisseck to injury over the weekend.

France are missing first choice defenders Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba and Jules Kounde, along with Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, while six players will be involved after Saturday's Champions League final.

Opponents Spain elected not to name Rodri in their Nations League squad, wanting not to rush the reigning Ballon d'Or winner as he returns from his cruciate injury.

Veteran Portugal talisman Cristiano Ronaldo, 40, has been named despite missing three of his past six club matches for Al Nassr with muscle complaints.

Four players will join the Portuguese squad after lifting the Champions League title with Paris Saint-Germain: Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, Joao Neves and Goncalo Ramos.

Portugal midfielder Rubin Neves acknowledged the strain on top players, but told the Portuguese FA on Sunday "when we reach this type of competition, at this level, tiredness takes a back seat.

"Tiredness is left behind and our main focus is to win the two games and win the Nations League.

"We have all the tools available to be at our best."

Spain defender Robin Le Normand bears "no resentment" towards France, he explained before a Nations League semifinal clash against the country of his birth on Thursday.

The 28-year-old Atletico Madrid centre-back, born in the Brittany region of France, obtained Spanish nationality in May 2023 and has gone on to become a regular for La Roja.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente brought the defender into the fold during the last Nations League final four, and they won it before triumphing at Euro 2024 last summer, where he started in the final against England.

"There was no resentment or (thinking) 'I made the right choice'... I never felt that way," Le Normand told AFP at Spain's training centre Las Rozas.

"I give my all and try to repay the trust, striving to give my full potential and my best version on the pitch."

Le Normand, who played at youth level for French side Brest, joined Basque country club Real Sociedad in 2016.

France coach Didier Deschamps told Le Normand he liked his football but did not call up for national team duty and Spain pounced, just as they did for Aymeric Laporte in 2021 and Diego Costa back in 2013.

Spain beat France in the Euro 2024 semifinals but Le Normand was suspended and could not face Les Bleus.

On Thursday in Stuttgart he is in line to start but does not feel he is under the microscope because of his origins more than any of his teammates.

"It's a match with a special kind of pressure because it's still a semifinal, with the importance of representing a country, wanting to do things right, and trying to repay the trust they've always placed in me," said Le Normand.

"That's where the pressure mainly comes from."

ROAD TO RECOVERY

This season was not the easiest for Le Normand on a personal level after clashing heads with Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni in a derby clash in October.

It left Le Normand with a traumatic brain injury, which took him nearly three months to recover from.

"I've taken several hits before, so initially I didn't really take it seriously... (then) the symptoms remind you that it's serious," said Le Normand.

"When you want to get back on the bike, when you just want to go up the stairs, your brain ultimately tells you no, you can't.

"Well, you can – but you're tired, you're out of breath, it spins. It's quite striking."

Le Normand was out for nearly three months, and it took him longer to get back to his best, which he managed in the final weeks of the season.

"Wearing the helmet during recovery wasn't easy, but, it was necessary," he explained.

"I think now it's been 15 to 20 matches where we've tried to get back into the rhythm. Now, I feel really good.

"I've felt good for the past 10 matches. We're trying to continue along this path."

The reward for that could come against France as Spain try to become the first team to defend the Nations League trophy.

Spain's triumph against France last summer was inspired by a sensational goal from Barcelona's teenage winger Lamine Yamal.

Le Normand is grateful every time he can avoid facing the 17-year-old star in training.

"I prefer having him on my team rather than going up one-on-one against him... we've had a few games this year against Barca, and we sometimes feel a bit powerless," said the centre-back.

"He is 17 years old and has already played an incredible number of matches at an extraordinary level."

Spain's Barcelona striker Lamine Yamal has said the Ballon d'Or award won't be decided by performances on Thursday when he and France's Paris St Germain forward Ousmane Dembele take part in the Nations League Final Four.

Spain and France meet in Stuttgart for a place in the final, with the winners facing either Germany or Portugal who play in the other semifinal on Wednesday.

Yamal and Dembele have been crucial for club and country this season and the prestigious golden ball trophy could end up with one of them in September during the ceremony in Paris.

But the Barca striker challenged a journalist who asked whether Thursday's clash would be decisive for the voting.

"If you had to give the Ballon d'Or, who would you give it to - the best player of the year or the one who wins on Thursday?" Yamal told Spanish broadcaster Cadena COPE on Monday.

"I'm confident we'll win on Thursday, but whether we win or not, I'd vote for the player of the year because if something happens to me or Dembele on Thursday, who do you vote for? One who plays on Sunday?

"I would give it to the best player of the year, and I'd keep it for myself."

The competition is tough between the duo, with Dembele winning a Ligue 1, French Cup and Champions League treble, while the 17-year-old Yamal won LaLiga, the Spanish Cup and Spanish Super Cup.

Dembele has scored 35 goals in all competitions for club and country this season, while Yamal has netted 19.

The nominees for the 2025 edition of the Ballon d'Or award, which covers 1 August - 31 July, will be announced at the start of August, with the ceremony taking place on 22 September.

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann on Tuesday called up striker Jonathan Burkardt to replace the injured midfielder Angelo Stiller for the upcoming Nations League semifinals.

The German FA (DFB) said Stiller's injured ankle "had not completely recovered" and he would not take part in the June fixtures.

Stuttgart's Stiller, 24, was injured earlier May and missed one game but returned to play a leading role in Saturday's 4-2 German Cup final triumph over Arminia Bielefeld.

Burkardt scored 18 goals in 29 league games for club side Mainz this season but was surprisingly left out of Nagelsmann's initial 26-man squad.

The 24-year-old forward has three international caps since making his Germany debut in October 2024.

Host nation Germany face Portugal in the Nations League semifinals on June 4 in Munich, with the winner to face off against either France or Spain in the final three days later.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente called up Real Betis midfielder Isco on Monday for the Nations League final four, six years after his last appearance for La Roja.

The 33-year-old has enjoyed a superb season with Betis, helping them reach the Conference League final where they will face Chelsea on Wednesday.

Euro 2024 winners Spain face France in the semifinal in Stuttgart on 5 June before a potential final against Germany or Portugal.

Real Madrid's new defensive signing from Bournemouth, Dean Huijsen, who impressed in the quarterfinal win over the Netherlands, returns to the squad, while Barcelona midfielders Gavi and Fermin Lopez also make the cut.

Five world champions and a call-up to perpetuate our European throne.

ℹ️ All the information: https://t.co/7a8SQuPrzr#VamosEspaña | #NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/XRsu4C3jV3

— Spanish Football (@SpainIsFootball) May 26, 2025

Teenage winger Lamine Yamal and playmaker Pedri are the key figures, along with Athletic Bilbao attacker Nico Williams.

Manchester City holding midfielder Rodri was not included despite his recent return to fitness, with Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi set to start at the base of midfield.

Full Spain squad for Nations League final four:

Goalkeepers: Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao), David Raya (Arsenal), Alex Remiro (Real Sociedad)

Defenders: Oscar Mingueza (Celta Vigo), Pedro Porro (Tottenham), Dani Vivian (Athletic Bilbao), Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona), Robin Le Normand (Atletico Madrid), Dean Huijsen (Real Madrid), Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen), Marc Cucurella (Chelsea)

Midfielders: Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad), Gavi, Fermin Lopez, Pedri Gonzalez, Dani Olmo (all Barcelona), Isco (Real Betis), Mikel Merino (Arsenal), Fabian Ruiz (PSG), Alex Baena (Villarreal)

Forwards: Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Yeremy Pino (Villarreal), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Samu Omorodion (Porto), Alvaro Morata (Galatasaray)