Marko Arnautović has broken a major record!
Austria’s convincing 10:0 victory over San Marino entered history for several reasons, but one moment outshone them all – Marko Arnautović became the top scorer in the history of the Austrian national team!
In front of around 37,000 fans, the stadium echoed with chants of “Marko, Marko” as the experienced striker celebrated his hat-trick and his 44th and 45th goals in the national jersey. With this, he surpassed the legendary Toni Polster, who had held the record for years with 44 goals.
Immediately after the match, an emotional Arnautović ran to the stands and hugged his father Tomislav, while, according to Austrian media, tears overcame him.
“Unfortunately, my children and wife are not here, and neither is my mother – she is at home. But my father and brother are here, and I dedicate this victory and record to my family. Without them, I wouldn’t be here. Thanks to all Austrians and fans who have supported me, not just because of this record. After so many years, the emotions are incredible.”
He also sent a message to the great Toni Polster:
“Many thanks and respect to Toni. It was an honor to be part of the same story with you for years. Toni, I wish you all the best and hope we’ll have a drink together soon.”
Polster himself soon spoke out, harshly criticizing San Marino.
“That’s not a national team, that’s a team of pizza makers. They have no place on the international stage. In my time, there was no team this weak,” Polster told Austria’s Kronen Zeitung.
Still, Polster didn’t forget to congratulate Arnautović on his great achievement:
“Congratulations to Marko, I wish him all the best and many more goals. He has played many more matches than I did, he was always ready for the national team, took care of himself, trained hard… well-deserved!”
Austria currently leads the group with a maximum of 15 points from five matches, while San Marino sits at the bottom with zero points, one goal scored, and as many as 28 conceded in six games.
San Marino is, incidentally, the lowest-ranked national team in the world, currently sitting in 210th place on the FIFA ranking list.
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Source: Novosti, Foto: EPA / GINTARE KARPAVICIUTE