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FIFA times Benteke at 8.1 seconds for fastest World Cup goal

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ZURICH (AP) FIFA says Belgium forward Christian Benteke took 8.1 seconds to score the fastest goal in World Cup history.

The official timing confirmed Tuesday means Benteke's goal in a qualifying match against Gibraltar was 0.2 seconds quicker than Davide Gualtieri for San Marino in 1993. Gualtieri needed 8.3 to score in a qualifier against England.

While Benteke went on to score three in Belgium's 6-0 win on Monday, San Marino eventually lost 7-1 after its record start.

Benteke scored despite Gibraltar kicking off. The Crystal Palace forward robbed the ball after two touches by the defense, drove forward and scored with a clipped shot over the goalkeeper.

Gibraltar helped write a chapter of World Cup history in just its third qualifying match after joining FIFA in May.

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