Some of the nicest aspects of a football game are quick goals. The watchers will undoubtedly get an adrenaline boost from an explosive counter-attack, a long punt over the goalie, or Gareth Bale leaving Marc Batra in the dust. Some goals occur even before the spectators have taken their seats, therefore here, we examine the goals that occurred in the international arena fewer than 15 seconds after kickoff. Find the list of the Top 10 fastest goals in international football below.
10. Neymar (14 seconds), Brazil vs Honduras, 2016 Rio Olympics
When he raced at Johnny Palacios and snatched the ball from the center-back before bundling it in, Honduras attempted to play out from the back. The striker assisted in the second half as Brazil cruised to a 6-0 victory and tallied his team’s third goal in the 35th minute.
9. Yan Naing Oo (13 seconds), India vs Myanmar, 2017 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers
Despite making 23 appearances for Myanmar, Yan Niang oo has only ever scored one international goal, a historic one. In the first minutes of their match against India in Goa for the AFC Asian Cup qualification, left-back Si Thu Aung and winger Thein Than Win exchanged passes before the latter crossed the ball into the box. Naing Oo, who was waiting near the goalmouth, timed his jump well to score early. Sunil Chhetri, India’s captain, gave his team the lead back with a goal, but Kyaw Ko Ko gave Myanmar the lead again. With a goal in the 69th minute, Jeje Lalpekhlua gave the home team a 2-2 tie.
8. I.M. Vijayan (12 seconds), India vs Bhutan, 1999 SAF Games
In the second game against Bhutan, the striker displayed even greater skill by scoring just 12 seconds into the game. All three goals in India’s 3-0 victory that night were scored by Vijayan. It is still the quickest goal scored by an Indian player in the annals of world football. India won the gold medal in the competition because to Vijayan’s seven goals overall.
7. Alex Morgan (12 seconds), USA vs Costa Rica, 2016 Olympics Qualifiers
Full-back Carli Lloyd received a long ball from Ali Krieger in the back, and she flicked it on to Morgan, who converted with a volley to give the USA the lead. As the United States thrashed Costa Rica 5-0, Morgan scored one more in the second half.
6. Diego Souza (12 seconds), Australia vs Brazil, 2017 International Friendly
Ange Postecoglou, the coach of Australia, selected an untested starting lineup for the friendly match against Brazil at the Melbourne Cricket Ground as anticipation for the FIFA Confederations Cup grew. Diego Souza’s first goal for his country came from a tight angle in the right corner of the box after winger Guiliano capitalised on an errant ball from Mike Milligan twelve seconds into the first half. Along with goals from Thiago Silva and Taison, the striker added another goal in stoppage time to help the Selecao win the game 4-0.
5. Hakan Sukur (10.8 seconds), South Korea vs Turkey, 2002 World Cup
During the opening exchanges between Korea and Turkey, Korean captain Hong Myung-Bo made a mistake by running straight and passing the ball to Hakan Sukur. Sukur took a touch, finished past the advancing goalkeeper quickly, and left the home fans speechless. Korea responded with goals from Lee Eul Young and Song Chong Gug, but Turkey ultimately prevailed 3-2 thanks to a first-half brace from Mansiz.
4. Paul Onuachu (9 seconds), Nigeria vs Egypt, 2019 International Friendly
In 29 years, Nigeria has failed to pass Egypt. The FC Midtjylland striker Paul Onuachu broke the deadlock nine seconds later when he dashed out with the ball on the right flank, cut in, and finished beyond the goalie. With a single goal from Onuachu, the Super Eagles defeated Egypt 1-0.
3. Davide Gualtieri (8.3 seconds), England vs San Marino, 1993 World Cup Qualifiers
To qualify for the 1994 FIFA World Cup, England needed to defeat San Marino by a score of seven goals or more. Head coach Graham Taylor was optimistic that this would happen. Davide Gualtieri, a striker, needed just 8.33 seconds to put an end to England’s hopes when he pounced on Stuart Pearce’s errant backpass and slid the ball past David Seaman. Gualtieri’s opening goal cost the Three Lions dearly as Netherlands qualified for the World Cup in the United States. England responded with a barrage of goals and won the game 7-1. Gualtieri said that he continues to get requests for autographs from those who remember him for the decisive goal in a 2012 interview with the Guardian.
2. Christian Benteke (8.1 seconds), Belgium vs Gibraltar, 2016 World Cup Qualifiers
Christian Benteke of Belgium scored against Gibraltar in a World Cup qualifier in just 8.1 seconds, breaking the previous record for the quickest goal in the annals of competitive international football. According to FIFA, the goal beat the previous record of 8.3 seconds established by Davide Gualtieri of San Marino against England in a different World Cup qualifier in 1993. Given that Gibraltar’s possession of the ball began in the center circle, Benteke’s accomplishment was even more remarkable. The ball was passed back from the kickoff by the hosts, who are competing in Portugal since their stadium does not fulfill FIFA requirements, to Jamie Bosio, who then attempted to pass to a teammate.
“The initial 20 minutes were intended for [Belgium] to go quickly. The defender predicts incorrectly since I passed him and did not enquire. In recent weeks, I’ve felt great. I wish to continue forward motion,” Benteke said. “If I had scored a hat-trick against a strong side, things could have turned out a bit differently. However, I won’t spit in the soup. Take the hat trick, please. I’ll make an effort to maintain and extend my current form with my club. I don’t believe I’m the game’s protagonist. The most crucial factor was to enjoy yourself.”
1. Lukas Podolski (6 seconds), Germany vs Ecuador, 2013 International Friendly
Lukas Podolski, a German attacker, set the record for the quickest international goal on May 29, 2013, when he scored against Ecuador. Six seconds after the start of the international friendly in Florida, Germany took the lead with a goal from Podolski, who grabbed the ball from center-back Gabriel Achilier outside the area. In the second half, the former Arsenal striker added another goal, and Lars Bender added two more as Germany prevailed 4-2. Podolski tops the list of the Top 10 fastest goals in international football.
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