Cristiano Ronaldo and the Portuguese national team will face Germany in a key duel for a ticket to the grand final of the UEFA Nations League 2024/25. The match, which will be played at the Munich Football Arena, could represent the last great opportunity for the 'Bicho' to change its history against the Teutonic team and lead his country towards a new era in European football.

The commander has not yet conquered the 'Mannschaft'

With more than 130 goals scored with the Lusitano team, Cristiano is considered the best footballer in the history of Portugal. However, the former Real Madrid player has not managed to beat Germany in any of his official presentations. The 'Mannschaft' has been a constant nightmare in the international career of the Portuguese star.

The first defeat came at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, in the match for third place. In Euro 2008, Cristiano fell again to the Germans in the quarterfinals. Four years later, at Euro 2012, Germany won again in the group stage with a tight 1-0.

The hardest blow came in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, when the Bavarians beat Portugal 4-0 in their debut. The last confrontation between both teams was in the Euro 2020 (disputed in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic), where Germany won 4-2, despite a goal from Cristiano. In total, the Portuguese striker has only scored one in five official matches against Germany, all with a negative balance.

Portugal, with adverse history

History also favors the Germans. In the general history, Portugal records only 3 wins, 5 draws and 11 defeats against Germany. The last Portuguese victory was in Euro 2000, with a resounding 3-0 victory in the group stage.

In view of the semifinal in Munich, midfielder Vitinha - recent Champions League champion with PSG - said that the group is focused and motivated to win a new title, although he recognized the difficulty of the challenge.

“It would be very important. The desire to win and reach the final four against Denmark reflect our desires and objectives. We want to give Portugal one more trophy, not only the young generation, but also the veterans. They also have that illusion. Facing the host at home is always complicated, and it will undoubtedly be a very difficult match," he said in an interview for UEFA.

Will this be Cristiano redemption?

This Wednesday, Cristiano Ronaldo will look for what has so far been an outstanding debt in his brilliant career: beating Germany. A triumph in the semifinals would not only put him in the prelude to a new title, but could also mark the beginning of a new glorious chapter for Portuguese football.