Christian Benteke scored against Gibraltar after just seven seconds on Monday night, and in doing so netted the quickest World Cup Qualifying goal of all time. The record breaker then went on to score a hat-trick, as his Belgium side beat Gibraltar 6-0.
The Crystal Palace striker was understandably pleased after the match, and has been quoted by Belgium newspaper Het Belang van Limburg as saying: “This is fantastic for the team, for Belgium and for me.
“The coach had asked for from the kick-off to put on high pressure. That worked well and we could finish it right away. The record is not so important, I was just glad we scored quickly.
“Not my most beautiful goal, you say? Yeah, but it went in the net and that was important because it made the rest of the game easier.”
Benteke had a difficult period at Liverpool, but has settled into life quickly at Crystal Palace. Scoring three goals in his first five Premier League games, Benteke is on a good goalscoring run at the moment and will hope to keep it up.
Being surrounded by good publicity about his performances is a refreshing change after the Liverpool difficulties, and Palace should benefit.
Crystal Palace face West ham on Saturday, and a goal after seven seconds would be very welcome indeed.
