By Karolos Grohmann
WOLFSBURG, Germany, Sept 15 - Brazilian striker
Grafite made a dream Champions League debut with a hat-trick in
his team's 3-1 win over CSKA Moscow on Tuesday.
The Brazilian is desperate to shine on Europe's biggest
stage as he seeks another international call-up to add to his
solitary cap, with nine months to go before the 2010 World Cup.
"It was a special night, an unforgettable night," Grafite
told reporters. "I just asked the referee if I can have the
match ball."
"I am very happy I got three goals and it is a fantastic
feeling. But we must keep our feet on the ground."
Grafite, who scored 28 goals last season to help his team
win the German title, netted his first in the 35th minute when
he picked up a Zvjezdan Misimovic pass to slot the ball through
the legs of keeper Igor Akinfeyev.
The 30-year-old, a constant source of danger for the
Russians, was pulled down in the box for no apparent reason as
the ball was flying high over his head and converted the
resulting penalty in the 40th.
Grafite then showed his ability in the box when he turned
quickly to net his third three minutes from time.
"It was difficult this season for him so far," said
Wolfsburg coach Armin Veh. "(Opponents) are marking him more
closely but when you score three goals on your Champions League
debut then that is superb."
(Editing by Ed Osmond, To query or comment on this story
email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)