Archie Thompson (born October 23, 1978) is an Australian football (soccer) player, who holds the world record for goals scored in an international match with 13.

Thompson's big day came on April 11, 2001, as Australia played American Samoa in Coffs Harbour in a qualifier for the 2002 World Cup. Australia won 31-0 (the score was originally reported as 32-0 as the scorekeepers lost count). Thompson, who was not even close to being Australia's first choice striker, scored 13 of the 31. David Zdrilic added eight himself.

The 13 goals broke the record of 10 shared by Denmark's Sophus "Krølben" Nielsen in a 17-1 win against France at the 1908 Olympics and Germany's Gottfried Fuchs in a 16-0 win against Russia in the 1912 Olympics.

Thompson's record game did not do much to help his prowess. As of 2005, he has only scored four other goals for his country. After bouncing around Australia's National Soccer League, he signed with Belgium's Lierse SK in 2001.

External links

Soccernet's recap of Australia vs American Samoa