Gibraltar 0-6 Belgium: Christian Benteke bags record and a hat-trick against minnows

Eden Hazard joined the shoresheet late on after goals also from Axel Witsel and Dries Mertens

Christian Benteke scored Belgium's opener in a World Cup qualifying record as his side comfortably maintained their Group H lead on goal difference.

The Crystal Palace striker held up six fingers in his muted celebration but was one second out with the official time standing at seven seconds.

Still, it set a new mark and his side were on their way to a rout.

To be fair, it was a gift for Benteke, who stole the ball after a defensive blunder from Gibraltar's defence at the kick-off before waltzing through for a simple finish.

REUTERS

Christian Benteke holds up six fingers but it was seven seconds that it took him to break the fastest goal record

REUTERS

Crystal Palace's Benteke plays it cool after scoring his second goal against Gibraltar

Beteke's speedy strike overtook the goal by San Marino's Davide Gualtieri scored after just 8.3 seconds against England in November 1993.

Axel Witsel then struck from 25 metres inside 20 minutes before Benteke soon added his second, turning in a Thomas Meunier pass from close range just before thebreak.Axel Witsel found the net on 20 minutes and Dries Mertens made it 3-0 six minutes into the second half before the Crystal Palace striker bagged his hat-trick for 5-0.

AFP/Getty

Belgium players gather with Eden Hazard as their six goal rout was completed

AFP/Getty

Belgium players acknowledge their fans at the end of the match in Faro

Dries Martens scored the fourth after 51 minute before Benteke completed his hat-trick with a backheel set up by Eden Hazard.

Hazard then put himself on the scoresheet in the 78th minute with Belgium well and truly in cruise control.

Belgium now sit at the top of Group H on nine points ahead of Greece, who also have a perfect record after their win over 2-0 in Estonia.