Socceroos striker Mohamed Toure has continued his magnificent build-up to the World Cup, netting a second-half hat-trick to steer Norwich to a 4-2 Championship victory over Bristol City in England.
The 22-year-old Aussie helped Norwich come from behind to beat Roy Hodgson's side at Ashton Gate on Saturday (Sunday AEST).
The home side were ahead inside two minutes after Sam Morsy moved unchallenged on to a square pass from Jason Knight and hit a sweet right-footed shot past Vladan Kovacevic from just outside the box.
Norwich equalised after 51 minutes when Toure had a glancing header brilliantly saved by Radek Vitek, but recovered to stab home the rebound in a crowded six-yard box.
A quick break out of defence saw Oscar Schwartau outpace Bristol's back-line in the 70th minute to set up a simple tap-in for Toure, who completed his treble five minutes later by deflecting in Paris Maghoma's 25-yard strike.
It was the Australian's second hat-trick for the Canaries, after scoring a remarkable treble on his starting debut for Norwich against Oxford United in February.
Jose Cordoba made it 4-1 after 78 minutes with a far-post header from Kenny McLean's cross.
Substitute Sam Bell fired an stoppage-time consolation for the home side, but could not prevent Hodgson's first defeat in his fourth game as interim head coach.
The Robins made the faster start on an afternoon of bright sunshine, and after Morsy's early opener Kovacevic had to dive to keep out an Emil Riis shot after 14 minutes.
Bristol City looked certain to double their advantage after 21 minutes when the ball broke to Scott Twine in front of goal only eight yards out, but he delayed his shot slightly and allowed a defender to block.
The home side had the ball in the net again after Adam Randell's shot had been parried by Kovacevic, but a linesman was flagging for offside.
Norwich could consider themselves unfortunate to be behind at the break, but they continued to press at the start of the second half and McLean sent a long-range chip over the bar with Vitek caught out of his area.
Toure's equaliser came as no surprise, but moments later he was cautioned for simulation, going down inside the box under challenge from the advancing Vitek.
Bristol City fell apart in the closing stages as Norwich and Toure ran riot.
- with PA
