The priority of teams in a soccer match is to score as many goals as possible and emerge victoriously. Therefore, the attackers in the team would put in the effort to score the goals that would ensure that their team comes out tops.
In this case, you may find a player scoring three goals in a single game before the full 90 minutes plus added time elapses.
When this happens in a game, there is a term for it and it is called a hat-trick in soccer. In this article, we will throw more light on the concept of a hat-trick in soccer.
In soccer, a hat-trick is defined as the player scoring 3 goals in a single match. It is a very rare feat, but it does happen from time to time. A hat-trick is more common among professional players.
However, a hat trick in soccer is not as complicated as it may sound. Here’s everything you need to know about why a player scores a hat-trick, the different scenarios where this can happen and so much more.
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Hat-Trick In Soccer Definition
When a player scores three goals in a single game, it is referred to as a hat-trick. There is no specified time where the three goals should be scored as they can be scored at any time, but by one player, via any means such as from open play, a free-kick, or a penalty.
However, this must be done in a single game, and goals scored in a penalty shootout do not qualify to be described as hat-tricks.
A Hat Trick in soccer is defined as three goals scored in succession.
It is possible to score a hat trick without scoring all three goals in the same game at the same time. Goals can be scored during regular time, during a penalty kick, or even during the extra time if necessary.
What Is A Perfect Hat-Trick In Soccer?
In soccer, a perfect hat trick is an extension of the traditional hat trick in the game. It entails scoring three goals in a single game with one being a header and the other two goals by the left foot and the right foot.
Regardless, a perfect hat trick is one of the most difficult feats to accomplish in soccer as it is not an easy feat.
We all know how difficult it is to score goals in a single game, not to mention scoring five. Therefore, scoring a hat-trick, and a perfect one at that, is a feat that is reserved for exceptional players.
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Presently, only 35 players have scored a hat-trick in the Premier League. This becomes even more remarkable when you consider that only 2 players out of the 34 that participated had done it more than once.
Robbie Fowler scored 3 hat-tricks in his time at Liverpool while Yakubu Aiyegbeni scored 2 in his time at Everton and this is a story of Merseyside strikers.
Meanwhile, as the Qatar 2022 World Cup approaches, with teams decided and draws made, let’s take a look at the first official hat trick.
In 1878, during an international competition, John McDougall became the first person to score a hat trick. He was a member of the Scottish Parliament and achieved this against the English.
On July 17, 1930, Bert Patenaude became the first Paraguayan player to score a hat trick in a World Cup match. the feat resulted in debates but FIFA certified them officially in 2006.
Who Has The Most Hat Tricks In Soccer History?
Soccer legend Pelé holds the record for the most hat tricks in soccer history with a total of 141.
Cristiano Ronaldo is the greatest active hat trick player in soccer with 60 to his name, the most current being in a Premier League game against Norwich City at Old Trafford in April 2022. The Portuguese star also owns the record for the most international hat tricks, with ten to his credit.
Lionel Messi is now in second place on the list of active hat trick players with 54 to his name based on a report by Goal.
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What Is The Significance Of The Term “Hat Trick”?
The term “hat trick” was first used in cricket in 1858, when bowler H.H. Stephenson took three wickets in a row in a match against the English team. The supporters and his teammates were so amazed by what he had done that they surprised him with a new hat.
As time went on, more sports began to use this remark during games, and the term became more popular.
The history of acknowledging a hat trick by a single player in soccer matches follows in the footsteps of cricket and other sports in which this has been done.
What Is The Award For Scoring A Hat Trick?
When a soccer player scores a hat trick at the end of a game, he or she is awarded the match ball. Getting their hands on the soccer ball represents what they did during the game.
If more than one player scores a hat trick throughout the course of the soccer game, both players will be awarded a match ball at the end of the game.
What is a Double Hat Trick?
When a player scores six goals in a single soccer game, they are said to have scored a double hat trick. Getting six goals in a single game is extremely rare, as it has only happened four times in the history of the sport.
This near-impossible feat has been accomplished by Andy Scott, Johnnie Mullington, Syd Carter, and Albert Valentine, who all scored goals for their respective teams.
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What is a Flawless Hat Trick?
This hat trick is awarded to a player who scores three goals in the first half without any other players scoring and before the half is over.
What is a Super Hat-trick in Soccer?
There is also what is called a Super Hat-trick in soccer and this is the case when a player scores 4 goals in a single game. This was the case when Lionel Messi scored 4 goals in the UEFA Champions League against Arsenal.
The Fastest Hat-trick In Soccer
Rawson Springs player Alex Torr is the player with the fastest hat-trick in soccer history in a game against Winn Gardens. His feat was recognized by the Guinness Book of Records and it is yet to be replicated or beaten by another player. This feat took place on April 28, 2013, in a match that ended by 7 goals to 1.
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Summary
In soccer, a hat-trick is defined as the player scoring 3 goals in a single match. It is possible to score a hat trick without scoring all three goals at the same time.
A perfect hat trick is one of the most difficult feats to accomplish in soccer. The first official hat trick was scored by John McDougall in 1878.
Pelé holds the record for the most hat tricks in soccer history with a total of 141.
Cristiano Ronaldo is the greatest active hat trick player in soccer with 60 to his name. The term “hat trick” was first used in cricket in 1858.
In soccer, a player who scores three goals in the first half is said to have scored a hat trick. If a player scores six goals in a single soccer match, they have achieved a Double Hat Trick.
Kenneth is a an avid soccer follower, fan and writer. He is a consistent follower of the sport and is a fan of Chelsea FC.