Who said Ronaldo is old? He won the final victory in Portugal and won the first victory over Germany in 25 years. He will rely on him next World Cup

Before the game, Germany was the most favored side. They played at home, and this game was played at Bayern's Allianz Stadium.

The record of past confrontations is also Germany's crushing advantage. From the third and fourth place finals of the 2006 World Cup to the group stage of the 2020 European Cup, Germany has maintained a five-game winning streak against Portugal in nearly 25 years, which can be said to have gone through the entire career of Ronaldo.

The last time Portugal defeated Germany was the 3-0 victory in the 2000 European Cup group stage.

In this battle, Martinez let Ronaldo start playing as the center. In the 2022 World Cup, Ronaldo, who was expelled by Tenhamhe at Manchester United, has become a substitute in the Portuguese national team. It is not that he has never tried to start the game, but the effect is really not good.

The 2022 World Cup ended, the old coach Santos left office, and former Belgian national team coach Martinez took over. Not only did he re-activate Ronaldo, he also allowed him to start and act as the core of the offensive. The effect is not good, and the 2024 European Cup is a proof of that, with 5 games, starting every game, and Ronaldo scored 0 goals in the first match.

After being expelled by Manchester United, Ronaldo went to Saudi United and received the first salary in football history. He scored a lot of goals, but he had never touched a single championship trophy. No matter how well you train your muscles, you are already 40 years old. Can you still start in the official national team competition?

Munich on a rainy night: The ultimate showdown between 40-year-old Ronaldo and the 25-year curse

In the heavy rain at the Allianz Stadium in Munich, the raid of the German tank in the 48th minute almost made history repeat - Werz's header forced Portugal into a desperate situation.

In the 63rd minute, Kohn Sesan received a pass from Ruben Dias, drove straight into the penalty area and shot with his left foot. Portugal tied the score.

In the 68th minute, Nuno Mendes tore the defense line from the left and made a cross. Ronaldo got rid of Jule's blockade like a cheetah and pushed the empty door in front of the goal! 2-1! He rushed to the corner flag area and roared with fists. The blue veins rising from his neck were intertwined with the rain dripping from his jersey, as if he was about to pour out the anger that had been accumulated for 25 years.

This is a winning goal! With this goal, Portugal reversed and defeated Germany 2-1 and entered the European League final.

Curse Crusher: Behind this 25-year-old goal is a bitter memory that lasts for a quarter of a century. From 2006 to 2021, Germany was defeated in five games. In the 2014 World Cup 0-4 tragedy, he witnessed Muller's back scored twice; in the 2021 European Cup 2-4, although he made a pass and shot, he could not stop the defense from collapsing.

June 5, 2025: When the ball rolled across the goal line, 40-year-old and 4-month-old Ronaldo finally buried his inner demons with his own hands, becoming the oldest goal scorer in the history of the European League, and allowing Portugal to defeat Germany for the first time since the 2000 European Cup. Before the game, the German media joked that "Royce's wrinkles have more than he won against Germany", and he completed the sharpest counterattack with this of 937 professional goals.

The 40-year-old body and 20-year-old soul, what is even more shocking is his spiritual radiation: after scoring the goal, he did not have the iconic "Siuu", but ran 50 meters to embrace the assister Mendes - at this moment, he transformed from a lone hero to a team totem.

In the 2026 World Cup, 41-year-old Ronaldo should have a place in the Portuguese national team! As for starting or substitute, it depends on the situation. It is better to bring it with you than not. Ronaldo is currently Portugal's deputy, and Portugal has maintained a complete victory in his last 18 games of goals.