völler double downs romania published: saturday 4 october 2003, 11.41cet
held by portugal in their first outing, the holders got back on track thanks to two goals from predatory striker rudi völler.
holders west germany rediscovered their winning formula by beating romania 2-1 in lens.
held 0-0 against 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 laszlo 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.
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