Hat-trick hero Theo Walcott was the main star for England in a 4-1 demolition over 10-man Croatia in the 2010 World Cup qualifier in Zagreb.
The 19-year-old Walcott, who only made his full debut against Andorra, became the first England player to score three goals in one match since Peter Crouch in an exhibition against Jamaica two years ago.
The astonishing result avenged England's two losses to Croatia in Euro 2008 qualifying which meant the Three Lions missed the European Championship finals.
Whizzkid Walcott scored his first goal in the 26th minute, taking advantage after a messy clearance from Danijel Pranjič which hit teammate Robert Kovač before falling to the youngster, who squeezed home from a tight angle.
It was an awful night for Kovač as he was sent off in the 54th minute for elbowing Joe Cole in an aerial challenge, which caused the Chelsea man forced off the pitch with his head bleeding.
And just moments after Kovač's dismissal, Walcott added his second after a superb passing move involving Frank Lampard, Emile Heskey and Wayne Rooney.
Four minutes later, Rooney scored his first England goal since last October after slotting home a neat cross from substitute Jermaine Jenas.
Lampard thought he had packed a fourth in the 75th minute, only to see his fine strike ruled out after Heskey was penalised for a shove on Josip Simiunič.
Substitute Mario Mandzukič scored for the Croats on a counterattack in 78 minutes to pull Croatia back to 3-1 before Walcott completed his treble with eight minutes remaining.
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The 19-year-old Walcott, who only made his full debut against Andorra, became the first England player to score three goals in one match since Peter Crouch in an exhibition against Jamaica two years ago.
The astonishing result avenged England's two losses to Croatia in Euro 2008 qualifying which meant the Three Lions missed the European Championship finals.
Whizzkid Walcott scored his first goal in the 26th minute, taking advantage after a messy clearance from Danijel Pranjič which hit teammate Robert Kovač before falling to the youngster, who squeezed home from a tight angle.
It was an awful night for Kovač as he was sent off in the 54th minute for elbowing Joe Cole in an aerial challenge, which caused the Chelsea man forced off the pitch with his head bleeding.
And just moments after Kovač's dismissal, Walcott added his second after a superb passing move involving Frank Lampard, Emile Heskey and Wayne Rooney.
Four minutes later, Rooney scored his first England goal since last October after slotting home a neat cross from substitute Jermaine Jenas.
Lampard thought he had packed a fourth in the 75th minute, only to see his fine strike ruled out after Heskey was penalised for a shove on Josip Simiunič.
Substitute Mario Mandzukič scored for the Croats on a counterattack in 78 minutes to pull Croatia back to 3-1 before Walcott completed his treble with eight minutes remaining.
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Related links:
Team
Personal
Also see:
