Benteke set a record for the fastest goal in a World Cup match

Belgium’s Christian Benteke set a record for the fastest goal in a World Cup match — either qualifying or the finals — when he scored after 7 seconds against Gibraltar on Monday.

The goal broke the previous fastest mark of 8.3 seconds set by San Marino’s Davide Gualtieri against England in a qualifier in 1993.

Benteke’s feat was even more impressive because Gibraltar started with the ball in the centre circle.

The hosts, playing in Portugal because their stadium does not meet FIFA standards, played the ball backward from the kickoff to Jamie Bosio, who then tried to pass across to a teammate.

But Benteke, the Crystal Palace striker, intercepted the pass and ran into the box before putting a shot past goalkeeper Deren Ibrahim.

FIFA only changed the rule allowing the kickoff to go backward earlier this year, beginning at the European Championship.

Benteke added two more goals in the game as Belgium went on to win 6-0.