Christoph Baumgartner of Austria made history on Saturday by scoring the quickest international goal ever, finding the back of the net in just six seconds during his team's 2-0 win against Slovakia.
Right from the kickoff, Baumgartner skillfully maneuvered through the Slovakian defense and unleashed a powerful shot from a considerable distance, sending the ball into the net. This incredible feat sparked jubilant celebrations both on the field, as his teammates swarmed around him, and in the stands, where Austrian fans cheered wildly.
The 24-year-old scored a goal even quicker than Lukas Podolski's 7-second strike for Germany against Ecuador in 2013, which was the previous record.
Austria had to wait over 80 minutes for their second goal, scored by Andreas Weinmann, securing a 2-0 victory.
It wasn't the only very early goal of the day.
Later that evening, Florian Wirtz scored Germany's quickest ever international goal. His team defeated France 2-0 in Lyon, taking only a second longer than Baumgartner to score.
Florian Wirtz scored after just seven seconds against France.
Florian Wirtz scored after just seven seconds against France.
His impressive move was slightly faster than Poldoski's in 2013. This was a well-thought-out strategy after receiving a long pass from Toni Kroos. He made his way down the field without any opposition and scored a goal from outside the box.
"We had a great start and the kickoff went just as we planned," said Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann after the game, according to Reuters.
"It was crucial to maintain our lead and in the second half, we stepped up our game and created more opportunities. I am really pleased with the effort and determination shown by the team. Our goal is always to give our best in every match."
France never managed to bounce back from the early setback they faced. Adding to their woes, Kai Havertz scored Germany's second goal shortly after the break. This two-goal cushion was enough for Germany to secure the win over the 2022 World Cup runners-up.
Editor's P/S:
The article highlights two remarkable achievements in international football: Christoph Baumgartner's record-breaking goal for Austria in just six seconds and Florian Wirtz's lightning-fast score for Germany in seven seconds. These astonishing feats showcase the exceptional skill and tactical prowess of these players and their teams. The fact that both goals came within hours of each other underscores the competitive and high-stakes nature of international football.
The article also provides insights into the strategies behind these goals. Baumgartner's goal was the result of his quick thinking and skillful maneuvering through the Slovakian defense, while Wirtz's goal was a well-executed plan involving a long pass from Toni Kroos. These goals serve as reminders of the importance of preparation, teamwork, and seizing opportunities in football. They also highlight the impact that quick starts can have on the outcome of matches, as both Austria and Germany went on to secure victories after scoring early goals.