South America (CONMEBOL) - World Cup qualifiers:
Diego Maradona was truly elated and no doubt thankful for divine help when substitute Martin Palermo grabbed a stoppage-time goal to give Argentina a badly-needed 2-1 win against bottom-place Peru on Saturday in Buenos Aires.
The beleaguered Argentina coach flattened himself on the rain-soaked field with great joy when the whistle blew. And he called the crucial victory that put Argentina into fourth position in the South America standing the "Miracle of St Palermo."
Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain had put Argentina in the lead in the 48th minute, but Peru's Hernan Rengifo equalized with only about 20 seconds left in regulation time.
Palermo was sent in as the clock ticked away with Maradona's World Cup dream fading away. But then came Palermo's "Miracle" and what a relief for Maradona. Another act of God?
Argentina now have 25 points, one more than Uruguay whom they meet in Montevideo on Wednesday in their last qualifying match which will probably decide who get into the finals automatically. The top four teams qualify for the FIFA World Cup finals in South Africa.
A draw would be good enough for Argentina but if they lose, then they will have to negotiate a playoff with a CONCACAF team, either Honduras or Costa Rica.
Uruguay, who beat Ecuador 2-1 in Quito on Saturday, are an in-form side and will be no push-over for Maradona's side on home ground.
Ecuador still have a slim chance of squeezing in for a playoff date if they beat Chile in their last qualifier, and with the proviso that Argentina lose. If there is a draw in Montevideo, then Uruguay will be out unless Ecuador get beaten by third-place Chile who already qualified for the finals.
Brazil and Paraguay are already safe and sound, standing at No. 1 and No. 2 respectively.
With qualification assured, Brazil coach Dunga fielded a below-strength side against Bolivia on Sunday and lost 2-1 in La Paz. The Brazilians will face Venezuela in Campo Grande in their final qualifying match next week which is just academic by now.
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