Embattled Argentina coach Diego Maradona sought out some divine intervention Tuesday as he pondered his country’s chances of reaching the World Cup finals next year following a string of recent loses.

“The bearded one saved me many times before — and I hope he will do so this time,” Maradona said, referring to God, FIFA.com reported on its Web site.

The 1986 World Cup champion famously dubbed his first goal in that year’s tournament as the “Hand of God” after he punched the ball past goalkeeper Peter Shilton and into the England goal.

His second goal, just minutes later, settled the quarterfinal and Argentina went on to win the World Cup.

As the team’s coach, however, Maradona has struggled to keep Argentina on the winning track after losses to Brazil and Paraguay this past summer.

Argentina are currently in fifth place in CONMEBOL — one spot below the final qualifying berth. They take on Peru at home next month, before a final make-or-break game on the road against rivals Uruguay.