Portugal force West Germany stalemate in EURO 1984 Group 2

Portugal smothered holders West Germany to force a goalless draw in their Group 2 opener.

While in the other section France were using a five-man midfield as a springboard for sustained attack, it was the means for an altogether more defensive approach here. With Bernd Schuster absent through injury and Hans Müller out of favour, Jupp Derwall pulled Karl-Heinz Rummenigge back into a congested midfield. Portugal were more than content to put up with the traffic and hope for the chance to break.

Such counterattacking opportunities were few and far between, however. West Germany goalkeeper Harald Schumacher denied Jaime Pacheco and João Pinto, but that was as good as it got for Portugal. Once Rummenigge was sent back up front, Derwall's team made the better chances, Rudi Völler spurning their clearest openings.

It was a satisfactory result for Portugal, who could draw on the added positive of Chalana, who showed great promise on the right on his return from injury. For West Germany, the outcome would ultimately prove to be more than a mere irritation.

Lineups

Portugal line up ahead of the West Germany gameIcon Sport via Getty Images

West Germany: Schumacher; Briegel, Stielike, Karlheinz Förster, Bernd Förster; Brehme, Rolff (Bommer 46), Rummenigge (c), Buchwald (Matthäus 46); Allofs, Völler
Substitutes: none listed
Coach: Jupp Derwall

Portugal: Manuel Bento (c); Álvaro, Eurico, Lima Pereira, João Pinto; Sousa, Jaime Pacheco, Frasco (Veloso 79), Carlos Manuel; Jordão (Fernando Gomes 85), Chalana
Substitutes: none listed
Coach: Fernando Cabrita

Referee: Romualdas Juška (USSR)