Argentine fans still divided over Maradona

By Luis Andres Henao

BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - Argentina's fans remained unconvinced by Diego Maradona as coach after their last-gasp victory over Peru in their World Cup qualifier on Saturday.

Striker Martin Palermo scored two minutes into stoppage time in torrential rain giving Argentina a 2-1 win and reviving hopes of qualifying for the 2010 finals.

They have climbed into fourth place in the South American group before their last qualifier away to Uruguay on Wednesday.

The top four go through automatically with Uruguay, a point behind Argentina, perched in the fifth-place playoff spot.

An emotional Maradona celebrated his team's first victory after three consecutive losses with a belly-flop on the rain- soaked field. Later he told reporters a miracle by 'Saint Palermo' had granted the team another life.

Maradona is adored in Argentina. He rose from a slum to lead the team to two World Cup finals as a player. After his retirement, he fought drug addiction, alcohol abuse and obesity. In an improbable comeback he was named national coach last year.

But fans are tired of relying on divine providence.

They say Maradona's deficiencies as a coach have placed top players too close to failure in what could be Argentina's first elimination from the finals since 1970.