Striker Christian Benteke has fired home a goal for Belgium in just 8.1 seconds to set a new mark for the fastest goal in competitive international history.
Playing against lowly Gibraltar on Tuesday (NZT), Benteke intercepted a loose pass ball from kick-off, beat one defender and blasted a low shot into the back of the net to break a 23-year-old record.
The forward, who stars for Crystal Palace in the English Premier League, was almost bemused by the accomplishment.
“My intention was to go and enjoy the game and get three points,” admitted Benteke.
“We play for each other, and the aim was to get an early goal and set ourselves up for the win. And, well, that’s what I did.”
The previous record was held by San Marino’s David Gualtieri, who scored in 8.3 seconds in a World Cup qualifier against England in November 1993.
The goal proved to be quite the omen, the Belgium powerhouse ultimately coasting to a 6-0 win.
Newshub.