Tomáš Souček took his fine form to the international stage by scoring a hat-trick in Czech Republic's 6-2 win over Estonia on Wednesday night.
Fresh from being named Czech Footballer of the Year for a second year running, Souček was lethal in front of goal as his country got their qualifying campaign for next summer's FIFA World Cup finals in Qatar off to the perfect start.
In a match played in Lublin, Poland due to COVID-19 regulations, Czech Republic were already 2-0 up before Souček opened his account for the evening with 32 minutes on the clock.
A second goal for the West Ham United midfielder followed eleven minutes later, while the 28-year-old added his third - and his team's fifth - three minutes after the break.
Sampdoria's Jakub Jankto soon scored a sixth, and although Estonia would later pull two goals back, it wouldn't take the gloss off a landmark night for Souček.
His treble takes him to seven goals for Czech Republic, in 30 caps. His West Ham United teammate, Vladimír Coufal, was an unused substitute in Lublin.
Czech Republic's Group E campaign continues on Saturday when they host Belgium, who defeated Wales 3-1 on Wednesday, in Prague.
Elsewhere on Wednesday night, neither Andriy Yarmolenko nor Conor Coventry played in Ukraine's 1-1 draw with France and Republic of Ireland's 3-2 defeat in Serbia respectively.
Click here for the lowdown on all West Ham United's March internationals.
