The Al-Nassr superstar tapped in the winner but it was Mendes who was the standout player as Portugal won in Munich to reach the Nations League final.
Portugal came from behind to beat Germany 2-1 in Munich on Wednesday night, earning a place in the UEFA Nations League final where they will play either France or Spain. Two goals in the space of five second-half minutes turned the game on its head, as veteran Cristiano Ronaldo tapped in the winner.
Germany came closest in the first 20 minutes, forcing Diogo Costa into two excellent saves, including a stunning stop down low to his left to tip Leon Goretzka's driven effort around the post.
Just a minute after half-time, Ronaldo stretched to reach Nuno Mendes' superb cross, but he could only divert the ball wide. Germany went up the other end, seconds later, to take the lead through Liverpool target Florian Wirtz, who met a clever ball from Joshua Kimmich with a smart header. VAR recommended a review, but the referee stood by his original decision.
After the hour, Francisco Conceicao came off the bench and equalised with a stunning, curling drive from range. And five minutes later, Ronaldo was on hand to give his nation the lead after excellent work from Nuno Mendes down the left.
Try as they might, Germany didn't create any clear-cut chances to equalise, although substitute Karim Adeyemi did strike the woodwork with an audacious effort. It is the first time in 25 years that Portugal have beaten their German counterparts.
GOAL rates Portugal's players from the Allianz Arena…
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Diogo Costa (7/10):
Good save to deny Pavlovic in the first half and followed it up with a world-class stop to deny Goretzka. Rarely troubled thereafter.
Joao Neves (6/10):
Played at right-back and did okay, pushing up when he could and showing his strength in the tackle. Subbed.
Ruben Dias (6/10):
Wirtz ghosted in behind him to score. He was perhaps distracted by an offside player, but the VAR review disagreed. Technically earned an assist as he passed the ball to Conceicao before his jinking dribble and long-range strike.
Goncalo Inacio (7/10):
Dominant in the air. Good distribution from centre-back, too, in a strong showing.
Nuno Mendes (8/10):
Exceptional on the ball at times, setting Neto away more than once. A brilliant cross for Ronaldo but he missed at the back post. Did set him up eventually after a surging run. Portugal's best player.
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Bernardo Silva (6/10):
More reserved than usual but was tasked with mucking in defensively and did so well. Not quite as slippery on the ball as at club level, but he barely gives it away.
Ruben Neves (6/10):
Picked up a booking. Took care of the ball well but didn't have a great deal of thrust to his game. Subbed.
Bruno Fernandes (7/10):
Took a knock in the first half. Shook it off well and was heavily involved throughout, both on and off the ball. He works so hard.
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Francisco Trinaco (4/10):
Struggled to get into the game. Didn't complete a dribble, and got absolutely no change out of Max Mittelstadt.
Cristiano Ronaldo (7/10):
Stretched every sinew to reach Mendes' cross but could only divert the ball wide. Scored on 68 minutes, tapping in his 137th international goal to give Portugal the lead. Even when he doesn't play brilliantly, he is inevitable.
Pedro Neto (6/10):
Ready to run at his full-back whenever he could but his end product was lacking. Subbed in the second half.
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Nelson Semedo (6/10):
On for Joao Neves. Barely noticeable, which is a compliment.
Francisco Conceicao (8/10):
Replaced Trincao and had an immediate impact, scoring a stunning long-range goal to bring Portugal level.
Vitinha (6/10):
On for Ruben Neves. Slotted well into midfield and shuttled up and down.
Diogo Jota (6/10):
Replaced Neto. Denied superbly by Marc-Andre ter Stegen in injury time.
Joao Palhinha (N/A):
On for Ronaldo late.
Roberto Martinez (7/10):
His subs changed the game. Conceicao came on to bring Portugal level, and from there, they looked like the only team capable of winning this tie. So it proved. A very strong night's work from the Portugal head coach.
