Crystal Palace Striker Christian Benteke netted a hat-trick in Belgium’s 6-0 mauling of Gibraltar in the World Cup qualifiers on Monday evening.
However, it was the ex-Liverpool star’s first goal which made history, coming in at an incredible seven seconds from kick-off.
From the kick-off, Benteke pounced on a wayward pass from the Gibraltar side before racing into the box and firing home, all within a quickfire seven seconds…
WATCH: @chrisbenteke scored the fastest goal in World Cup Qualifying history. More on SS1/RB https://t.co/KV9c0a7BOu https://t.co/lMUdw8cBts
— Sky Sports News HQ (@SkySportsNewsHQ) October 10, 2016
That incredible goal beat the previous fastest World Cup qualifying goal, held by San Marino’s Davide Gualtieri who scored against England in 1993 after just eight seconds. Here’s that infamous goal just for old time’s sake (hang your head in shame, Stuart Pearce)…
In Monday night’s game at the Estadio Algarve in Portugal, Roberto Martinez’s Belgian side would go on to win 6-0, courtesy of two more goals from Benteke and one each from Axel Witsel, Dries Mertens and Eden Hazard.
Palace forward Benteke has now netted five goals in his last four games for club and country and looks to be finally back on track after a disappointing time at Anfield.