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Now England seeks help from hand of God

David Beckham: In the eyes of many England fans, as close as you get to a living god

LONDON, England (Reuters) -- Still smarting at Diego Maradona's infamous "Hand of God" goal against them for Argentina in 1986, England fans are now praying for divine intervention of the right sort against Brazil.

A Church of England vicar, Rev. Jeremy Fletcher, has written a special prayer beseeching God to annul the talent of Brazil's feared trio of Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho for the World Cup quarter-final showdown on Friday.

"Arise, O Lord, and let not Brazil prevail over us. Put them in fear O Lord," the prayer starts.

"Confound the might of Ronaldo and Rivaldo and put Ronaldinho to confusion."

The football-loving vicar, who works in the central English diocese of Southwell and supports northern club Bradford City, was unabashed about seeking divine bias.

"O God, if nothing else, award us a dubiously offside goal in the last minute," the prayer adds.

QUOTE "O God, if nothing else, award us a dubiously offside goal in the last minute" - Prayer for England

If the match goes to penalties, Fletcher has a special litany or chanted prayer ready to help England goalkeeper David Seaman prevail. "O Seaman make speed to save us," it starts.

"May their goal be unto us like an aircraft hangar, And their keeper be as an ant."

Fletcher told Reuters the prayer was originally a joke for friends but then took on a life of its own.

"Somehow, it's got out everywhere. Of course it's entirely humorous, but if it gets people asking serious and complex questions like 'does prayer work?' or 'whose side is God on?', that has to be positive," he said.

Although intended in jest, Fletcher's prayers have a good track record -- his last footballing petition was for England captain David Beckham's foot to heal in time for the World Cup.

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