New Delhi, June 4: Scoring a hat-trick in a FIFA World Cup match is a remarkable achievement for any footballer. When this feat is accomplished at an advanced age, its significance increases even more. Here are five veteran players who have managed to score hat-tricks in the grand tournament of football.
Cristiano Ronaldo: The Portuguese superstar is the oldest player to score a hat-trick in the FIFA World Cup. He achieved this at the age of 33 years and 130 days during the 2018 tournament against Spain. Ronaldo netted three goals in a group stage match, helping Portugal secure a dramatic 3-3 draw against Spain.
In the fourth minute, Ronaldo converted a penalty into a goal. In the 44th minute, he outsmarted Spanish goalkeeper David de Gea to give Portugal a 2-1 lead. After Spain scored two goals to take a 3-2 advantage, Ronaldo equalized with a stunning free-kick from 25 yards in the 88th minute.
Rob Rensenbrink: At 30 years and 335 days old, Rensenbrink scored a hat-trick during the 1978 FIFA World Cup. His outstanding performance helped the Netherlands secure a 3-0 victory against Iran in the group stage.
Rensenbrink converted a penalty in the 40th minute and doubled the team’s lead in the 62nd minute. He completed his hat-trick by scoring another penalty in the 79th minute.
Pedro Cea: At 29 years and 329 days, Pedro scored a hat-trick for Uruguay against Yugoslavia in the 1930 FIFA World Cup semi-final. Uruguay won the match 6-1.
Pedro equalized in the 19th minute and then scored again in the 66th and 72nd minutes to ensure the team’s victory.
Gabriel Batistuta: The Argentine player scored a hat-trick against Jamaica during the group stage of the 1998 FIFA World Cup, leading Argentina to a 5-0 win. The first two goals were scored by Ariel Ortega in the 32nd and 55th minutes, followed by Batistuta’s goals in the 73rd, 78th, and 83rd minutes.
Teófilo Cubillas: At 29 years and 95 days, this Peruvian legend scored a hat-trick in the group stage match of the 1978 FIFA World Cup, helping Peru defeat Iran 4-1.
Cubillas converted two penalties in the 36th and 39th minutes to make it 3-0. After Hassan Rowshan scored for Iran in the 41st minute, Cubillas completed his hat-trick in the 79th minute.
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