£75m Romania squad promise to defeat former World Champions with £1bn squad and 12-0 record

Europeans Minnows, Romania went into the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Germany with the mindset of creating an upset against the former World Champions. The team led by coach M. Radoi fancied their chances against Hansi Flick's side who were just getting to know their manager. 

Romania, with a squad value of no more than £70m and whose major stars are Vlad Chicheres, Nicolae Stanciu and youngster Ianis Hagi, went up against the almighty German side worth over £1bn and with multi-million-star players such as Leroy Sane, Timo Werner, Kai Havertz and Thomas Muller. 

The Eastern European country did keep to their words by going all out against their hosts from the blast of the whistle in front of a mostly German 25,000 packed Volksparkstadion. Their bravery bore fruit for the Romanians as they took an early lead in just the 9th minute of the game through Ianis Hagi. 

Their resolve would however be broken by the relentless German side in the 52nd minute when Serge Gnabry converted a Marco Reus assist. The 2014 World Champions would win the match in the 81st minute through substitute, Thomas Muller.