And the ascent of Steaua to greatness was confirmed in the Cup final – they prevailed over Univeristatea (Craiova) 2-1 and won a double.
Universitatea was still strong and tough, but it was already yesterday’s news – beatable, losing ground. They were not to fade away, but leading position moved to Bucharest and Universitatea was settling for secondary place in the peck order. Not a big difference, but… they lost the Cup final and finished 4th in the championship.
Some names were already noted, because of wonderful Romanian performance at the 1984 European Championship finals, but they were not yet great and familiar stars – thus, the Bulgarian publication of the team leaves some uncertainty who was who. First row, from left: Petcu, Barbulescu, Lacatus, Eduard, Laurentiu, Radu II, Boloni (? – may be, the name given with the photo is Duckadam), Stoica, Puscas.
Standing: Jenei – coach, Piturca, Bumbescu, Iordake (?), Duchadam, Stingaciu (? – the given name is Stanescu), Tataran, Iovan, Belodedici, Majearu, Iordanescu – assistant coach.
Wrongs will be righted soon – the double won this year was perhaps very important for this squad, giving them the opportunity to reach their rich potential. Very soon they will climb to the very top of world’s football ladder and there will be no uncertainty about names – here are players, who will be in everybody’s mouth for the next ten years. And Hagi was coming…