Völler double for West Germany downs Romania in EURO 1984 Group 2

Holders West Germany rediscovered their winning formula by beating Romania 2-1 in Lens.

Held 0-0 by Portugal in their Group 2 opener, the Germans looked bereft of the verve with which they triumphed in Italy four years previously. Helped in large by the performance of Rudi Völler, who scored both goals, but also by the introduction of the all-purpose Lothar Matthäus, this was a performance which made it clear that Jupp Derwall's team could not yet be written off.

Norbert Meier also made an impact, prompting claims for a penalty when he was brought down, shooting just over the bar and crossing for Völler to head the first goal on 25 minutes. Romania goalkeeper Silviu Lung kept his side in the game with saves from Andreas Brehme and Klaus Allofs and was duly rewarded just after interval.

Only 20 seconds into the second half, Romania were level. Michael Klein played the subtlest but most important of roles in the goal, dummying László Bölöni's pass to allow Marcel Coraş to run through and finish with minimal fuss.

West Germany were not to be denied, however, the tireless Allofs providing the cross, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge the clever flick and Völler the controlled finish. Harald Schumacher subsequently made a superb save from Bölöni's long shot to ensure that the champions were back on track.

Lineups

Romania line up for the West Germany gameIcon Sport via Getty Images

West Germany: Schumacher; Briegel, Stielike, Karlheinz Förster (Buchwald 80), Bernd Förster; Brehme, Meier (Littbarski 65), Matthäus; Allofs, Völler, Rummenigge (c)
Substitutes: none listed
Coach: Jupp Derwall

Romania: Lung; Ungureanu, Ştefănescu (c), Andone, Rednic; Dragnea (Ţicleanu 62), Klein, Bölöni, Coraş; Hagi (Zare 46), Cămătaru
Substitutes: none listed
Coach: Mircea Lucescu

Referee: Jan Keizer (Netherlands)