The Weekend Hero #1 - Martin Palermo

An exciting new feature on The Savage Rabbit - the Weekend Hero: the stand-out performer from the weekends sports fixtures.

The first recipient of this award is Argentine footballer Martin Palermo. Palermo scored a 93rd minute winner for his country in his country's penultimate World Cup qualifying fixture against Peru, a match played in Buenes Aires.

What makes the story all the more remarkable is that Palermo had been recalled to the national team after a 10-year absence - quite incredible.

Argentina's qualifying campaign has so far been notable for coach Diego Maradona's unusual team selections, his teams poor performances and even poorer results. Anything less than a win last night to South America's bottom side would have almost certainly have consigned Maradona's team to a last-chance play-off fixture. As it is, if Argentina can now avoid defeat against Uruguay in their final fixture on Wednesday night they will qualify for the finals in South Africa automatically.

Having taken the lead last night through a Gonzalo Higuain strike shortly after half time Argentina looked to have blown their chances as the game entered injury time, when they conceded a Hernan Rengifo headed equalizer.

Incredibly, 3 minutes later, Argentina reclaimed the lead courtesy of Palermo's tap-in at the far post, sending the crowd - and the Argentine bench - into wild celebrations. Remarkably, Maradona's men so nearly through away their win as Peru's Rainer Torres hit a shot straight from the kick-off which crashed against Argentina's crossbar.

Martin Palermo has enjoyed a magnificent career at both club and international level although, before this weekend, he comes to my mind as the player who missed 3 penalties in the same match - a Copa America fixture against Columbia in 1999.

Assuming Argentina make the finals I don't think anyone would begrudge Palermo his place in the squad. Whether it's a squad managed by Diego Maradona remains to be seen.

[Click here to see Martin Palermo's winning goal]