87 GTI no start

i have a 87 GTI, when i tried to start it this morning, it sounded like the starter was trying to turn over, but it just kept sputtering, finally i got it to start but immediatly the car dies unless i push the gas and hold it. i tried charging the battery, checked the alternator, wires, and connections and everything seems to be good. any ideas on what the problem may be and how to fix it?