Gnabry scores Germany´s first debut hat-trick for 40 years

Serge Gnabry is the first Germany international to score a hat-trick on their debut for 40 years after his goals helped the world champions crush minnows San Marino 8-0. 

The last German to grab three goals on their first international appearance was Dieter Muller in the 1976 European Championship semi-final after he came on as substitute for West Germany against Yugoslavia to take his country to the final.

The 21-year-old Werder Bremen winger’s hat-trick came in less crucial circumstances in an easy win over minnows San Marino – ranked 201st in the world rankings.

The win extends Germany’s perfect record in World Cup qualification Group C ahead of their fifth qualifier, a trip to Azerbaijan in March.

“Naturally, I did not expect to score three goals on debut – that pleases me very much,” Gnabry said to the DFB website after the game. 

“The coach told me to simply play my game and show my self-confidence. The last two years were very hard for me.

“Self-awareness grows with games. I have a run and I hope this will continue.”

3 – @SergeGnabry becomes the 1st player since Dieter Müller in 1976 to score a hattrick in his debut for @DFB_Team_EN . Firestarter. #smrger pic.twitter.com/fcN6TixSUE

— OptaFranz (@OptaFranz) November 11, 2016