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Memorable hat-tricks in FIFA World Cup

Memorable hat-tricks in FIFA World Cup

Jun 17, 2018
12:45 am

What's the story

Portugal's striker Cristiano Ronaldo is a serial record breaker. The Portuguese ace set a new record this term as he became the oldest player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup fixture. His heroics helped Portugal to a 3-3 draw against tournament favorites Spain. Here we take a look at some of the most memorable hat-tricks in the FIFA World Cup.

1982 World Cup

Paolo Rossi for Italy against Brazil

Paolo Rossi's hat-trick is one of the most memorable ones since he went into 1982 World Cup without playing any professional football for 2 years. Rossi was banned for 2 years for his alleged involvement in a match-fixing scandal. But he silenced his critics with a stunning hat-trick against the dominating Brazilians to hand Italy a win (3-2).

1966 WC final

Geoff Hurst for England against West Germany

England's only World Cup title came because of this crucial hat-trick by Geoff Hurst in the 1966 World Cup final against West Germany. Hurst's controversial extra-time 120th minute goal guided England to a 4-2 victory at the Wembley Stadium in London. Hurst is still the only player, till date, to score a hat-trick in the final of a World Cup.

1998 World Cup

Gabriel Batistuta for Argentina against Jamaica

Gabriel Batistuta scored his first World Cup hat-trick in 1994 but it is his second hat-trick which holds a place in the record book. His performance against Jamaica in 1998 World Cup made him the only player to score hat-tricks in successive World Cups. The most amazing part is that his hat-tricks came exactly four years apart as both were scored on June 21.

1958 World Cup

Pele for Brazil against France

Pele might be a three-time World Cup winner, but his only hat-trick came in 1958 World Cup when a 17-year old Pele set the grand stage on fire. He was not only the youngest footballer to play in a World Cup but also the youngest to score a hat-trick. It came in a crucial semi-final fixture against France to hand Brazil a 5-2 win.