Völler strikes against Spain put West Germany in EURO 1988 semi-finals
Sunday, October 5, 2003
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West Germany 2-0 Spain
Rudi Völler scored both goals as Franz Beckenbauer's team won Group 1.
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West Germany went through to the EURO '88 semi-finals as Group 1 winners courtesy of a comfortable 2-0 victory against Spain.
Spain trailed Franz Beckenbauer's team by a solitary point heading into their final fixture of the group stage. They ended up three adrift, though, having been outplayed by a team starting to approach top gear for the first time at the finals.
With Míchel still suffering from a knee injury, the hugely influential Lothar Matthäus was free to drive through the middle. One such surge, followed by a delightful back-heel, made Rudi Völler's second goal, with the clinical striker applying an intelligent finish into the bottom corner.
The first was similarly vintage Völler: Jürgen Klinsmann played the pass and the West German No9 darted past Genaro Andrinúa to shoot beyond Andoni Zubizarreta and end a goal drought that had lasted more than seven internationals. Spain threatened in fits and spurts thereafter but could have few complaints having once again been beaten by the better side.
Lineups
West Germany: Immel; Borowka, Herget, Kohler; Brehme, Littbarski (Wuttke 62), Matthäus (c), Thon, Rolff; Völler, Klinsmann (Mill 83)
Substitutes: Illgner, Berthold, Pflügler
Coach: Franz Beckenbauer
Spain: Zubizarreta; Camacho (c), Andrinúa, Sanchís, Tomás; Gordillo, Víctor, Martín Vázquez, Míchel; Bakero, Butragueño (Salinas 51)
Substitutes: Eloy, Diego, Buyo
Coach: Miguel Muñoz
Referee: Michel Vautrot (France)