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BUENOS AIRES: "Saint Palermo" came to the rescue of Diego Maradona's Argentina in a dramatic World Cup qualifier on Saturday.

Palermo was at the far post two minutes into stoppage time to turn in a shot by fellow substitute Federico Insua that took a deflection off a Peruvian boot to hand Maradona's Argentina a 2-1 victory over Peru. Maradona celebrated as if he had scored the winner himself, diving on the sodden turf at pitchside and gliding several meters on his chest.

"Yes, I thought we were out of the World Cup but I'd forgotten about Palermo, Saint Palermo," Maradona said.

The victory lifted Argentina into fourth place in the South American group, the lowest of the automatic qualifying spots behind Brazil, Paraguay and Chile who have booked their berths in the 2010 finals.

Palermo, who won his eighth under Maradona in the 1-0 defeat away to Paraguay last month, had had a chequered career full of highs and lows that has included a broken leg and knee ligament damage.

"This is incomparable, in the Argentina shirt," a tearful Palermo said. "It's destiny, the one above marked me (for this)."

"He gives me that strength and thank God we got the triumph. I was taught never to give up, to learn from the bad moments."

（英语点津 Helen 编辑）

About the broadcaster:

Chantal Anderson is a multimedia journalist at the China Daily Web site. Originally from Seattle, Washington she has found her way around the world doing photo essays in Greece, Mexico and Thailand. She is currently completing a double degree in Journalism and International Studies from the University of Washington.