The intensity of a FIFA World Cup game cannot be simply put into words as there is so much pressure that is involved in the game. Scoring goals itself is a huge task on such a stage and it is often the result of extraordinary pressure or moments of brilliance from the attackers. However some of the goals have been scored in a matter of just seconds from the kick-off, giving the opposition very little time to settle in and it catches them off guard. To score within 30 seconds from the kick-off is absolutely terrific and that gives the side plenty of confidence. Here are the 7 fastest goals in the FIFA World Cup history:
1)Hakan Şükür (Türkiye) — 11 Seconds
In the game between South Korea and Turkey in the 2002 FIFA World Cup, the fastest goal in the World Cup was scored off a costly defensive mistake. South Korea started off the proceedings by just playing the ball in their own defensive area. However, they were subject to immense pressure and they eventually lost the ball, leading to a composed finish by Hakan Şükür to give Turkiye the lead. The goal was scored in just 11 seconds and it was an unbelievable moment for South Korea.
2)Václav Mašek (Czechoslovakia) — 15 Seconds
Václav Mašek holds the record for the second fastest goal in the FIFA World Cup history and it was indeed a special one. Czechoslovakia launched an insane counter attack right from the kick-off and the Mexican side was caught completely off guard. Václav Mašek slotted the ball perfectly into the net to give the side the lead, but they eventually lost the game as Mexico scored two goals in a thrilling comeback.
3)Ernst Lehner (Germany) — 25 Seconds
In the 1934 edition of the FIFA World Cup, Germany took on Austria and it was a fierce battle between the sides. Ernst Lehner caught the side on the counter and dismantled the defensive setup of the Austrian side. Lehner scored the first goal in just 25 seconds to give Germany the lead and he scored another late goal to seal the victory for the side. The record was an extraordinary one as it was unbroken for nearly three decades.
4)Bryan Robson (England) — 28 Seconds
In the 1982 FIFA World Cup, England started off their campaign with a game against France and they had a dominant start in the match. With just 28 seconds into the game, Steve Coppell executed a powerful throw-in from the touchline and Terry Butcher played it on to Bryan Robson. He scored a perfect volley to give England the side and they won the game 3-1 in fine fashion. Robson was later famously gifted a gold watch by a sponsor for his quick goal in the game.
5)Clint Dempsey (United States) — 30 Seconds
In the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, the United States of America got off to a quickfire start in the game against Ghana. They had two agonizing defeats in the last two World Cups against Ghana and they were determined to have a different result this time out. Clint Dempsey scored a fine low shot with just 30 seconds into the game and that gave USA the perfect start. USA went on to win the game by 2-1 against their formidable rivals, Ghana.
6)Bernard Lacombe (France) — 31 Seconds
France started off their campaign in the 1978 FIFA World Cup against Argentina and a quick goal came off the counter from France. The initial play was focussed on the left flank and Didier Six delivered an absolute beauty of a cross into the box and it was well finished by Bernard Lacombe with a towering header. Italy eventually fought back to win the game 2-1, but Lacombe's strike remains an integral part of French football history.
7)Arne Nyberg (Sweden) & Émile Veinante (France) — 35 Seconds
The number 7 spot is on a tie that came in the 1938 FIFA World Cup by players from both Sweden and France. Émile Veinante scored a lightning quick goal for the hosts, putting France ahead against Belgium in 35 seconds during a 3-1 victory. Later on in the tournament, Swedish winger Arne Nyberg scored a goal in the exact same time of 35 seconds against Hungary. Sweden won the game against Hungary by a dominant scoreline of 5-1 and the goal by Arne Nyberg set the foundation perfectly well.
