Belgium’s Christian Benteke found the net thrice as he scored the fastest ever World Cup qualifying goal after 8.1 seconds against Gibraltar.
FIFA has confirmed the goal broke the previous fastest mark of 8.3 seconds set by San Marino’s Davide Gualtieri against England in another World Cup qualifier in 1993.
Benteke’s feat was even more impressive because Gibraltar started with the ball in the centre circle.teke
The Crystal Palace striker netted a hat-trick in a 6-0 Group H win, the first of which was also the quickest in his country’s history.
Benteke beat the previous record of 8.3 seconds, set by San Marino’s Davide Gualtieri against England in 1993.
At Estadio Algarve in Portugal, Benteke pounced on a loose ball after the home side had kicked off and dribbled into the box before scoring with a left-footed shot.
Chelsea’s Eden Hazard was also on the scoresheet, along with Axel Witsel and Dries Mertens, as Roberto Martinez’s side won their third 2018 World Cup qualifier to maintain a 100% start.