NEWS
OTHER SPORTS
DIARY
PEOPLE
MATCH REPORTS
SLIDE SHOW
ARCHIVES

Vijayan scores within 12 seconds

Star striker I M Vijayan created a record of sorts by scoring in the 12th second of the match on his way to his second hat-trick, as India whipped Bhutan 3-0 to enhance their chances of a semi-final berth in the football event of the eighth SAF Games at the floodlit Dasrath Stadium in Kathmandu today.

Even before most spectators could settle down in their seats, Vijayan scored in the 12th second of the match with a superb goal. As per statistics, the quickest goal scored is by Bryan Robson of England. He scored in the 27th second, in a World Cup match against France in 1982. England won that match 3-1.

Making mincemeat of a demoralised Bhutan, who were thrashed 7-0 by Nepal, India, despite the absence of Bruno Continho, Prabhjot Singh and Deepak Mondal (all injured), rode on the crest of Vijayan's magic to win by a comfortable margin.

After his 12th second goal, Vijayan, who scored the first hat-trick of the SAF Games during India's 5-2 drubbing of Pakistan, stretched the lead in the seventh minute and completed his 'trick' three minutes after resumption.

India play hosts Nepal on Thrusday in their last league match.

UNI