Aussie footballers smash world record

Salapu: I'll get my coat

Fifa 2002 Oceania World Cup qualifier
Group One

Australia 31-0 American Samoa
(official score yet to be confirmed)

Archie Thompson grabbed 13 goals to help the Socceroos to a new football score world record at the expense of unfortunate American Samoa.

The result is still a matter of debate after the intial scoreline of 32-0 was changed.

"According to media sources, Archie Thompson is reported to have scored 14 goals and David Zdrilic 8 goals. Both of them would set new records as well," said Fifa's official website.

World football's governing body said it would not officially confirm the result of the match until the reports from the referee and the match commissioner have been received and checked.

Thompson, who plies his trade for Marconi Stallions in the Australia National League, set his own world record by scoring the most number of international goals by an individual.

Australia plundered 22 goals past Tonga in their previous World Cup qualifier, and with the Samoans ranked below Tonga, the omens looked bad for the Pacific islanders from the start.

Thompson made only his third apperance for Australia

Frank Farina's side, amazingly, took eight minutes before they scored their first, when Con Boutsianis cross-cum-shot crept in.

Thompson scored his first three minutes later and from then on the shots and goals rained in on poor Samoan 'keeper Nicky Salapu.

The 22-year-old Thompson, who has only made two other appearances for the Socceroos - scoring one goal, claimed his first hat-trick after 27 minutes, his second after 37, and third and fourth coming at 56 and 75 minutes.

  Archie Thompson factfile

DOB: 23/08/78

Position: Striker

Club: Marconi Stallions

International goals: 14

Club goals: 31

The momentous moment came with 65 minutes gone, when Thompson broke the individual record with his 11th and the team world record, by grabbing Australia's 23rd.

David Zdrilic helped himself to eight goals while Boutsianis scored a hat-trick.

Samoa's one and only attack in the match came after 86 minutes when they forced Australia 'keeper Michael Petkovic to make a save.

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Australia: Michael Petkovic, Kevin Muscat, Craig Moore, Tony Popovic, Tony Vidmar, Simon Colosimo, Aurelio Vidmar, Steve Horvat, Con Boutsianis, Archie Thompson, David Zdrilic.

American Samoa: Nicky Salapu, Mexico Lisi Leututu, Soe Falimaua, Levaula Fatu, Sulifou Faaloua, Travis Pita Sinapati, Baby Mulipola, Pati Feagiai, Ben Falaniko, Tiaoali'l Savea, Young Im Min.