DIEGO MARADONA hailed Martin Palermo as a “miracle maker” after the veteran striker’s last-gasp goal against Peru on Saturday gave Argentina renewed hope of qualifying directly for next year’s World Cup finals.

Mexico and the USA have secured World Cup qualification thanks to wins over El Salvador and Honduras respectively, in the penultimate round of North American qualifying.

Chicago Fire 1 Celtic 1

James Whelan recalls the footballing year that was and comes up with some glorious and gory memories.

An 85th-minute goal from substitute Alessandro del Piero rescued Italy from defeat against Mexico and secured their passage to the second round of the World Cup.

Mexico left 10-man Croatia with it all to do to get out of Group G as Cuauhtemoc Blanco’s second-half penalty sealed a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the France 98 semi-finalists in their opening World Cup match in Niigata.

Mexico 1 Croatia 0

Mexico coach Javier Aguirre declared himself ‘‘not satisfied’’ with his side’s winning start to their World Cup campaign.

Mexico left 10-man Croatia with it all to do to get out of Group G as Cuauhtemoc Blanco’s second-half penalty sealed a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the France 98 semi-finalists in their opening World Cup match in Niigata.

Cuauhtemoc Blanco gave Mexico a dream start to their World Cup campaign this morning, scoring the game's winning goal from the penalty spot to deny Croatia.