Argentina midfielder Javier Mascherano has accepted the blame for the late Christian Cueva equaliser that earned Peru a 2-2 home draw in their World Cup qualifier on Thursday.
With the visitors leading 2-1 and six minutes remaining, Mascherano's backpass was intercepted by Peru captain Paolo Guerrero, who was brought down inside the area by Ramiro Funes Mori. Cueva converted the penalty.
The 32-year-old Barcelona star accepted the blame and told TyC Sports: "The team had given a lot of effort and we had the advantage. Unfortunately, because of my mistake we don't take home three points.
#EliminatoriasEnTyC Penal para Perú... https://t.co/dIWlq8bIpL
- TyC Sports (@TyCSports) October 7, 2016
"I leave angry and disappointed with the mistake that I made."
Guerrero cancelled out Funi Mori's opener before Gonzalo Higuain put Argentina, without injured captain Lionel Messi, back in front in the 78th minute.
The draw leaves Argentina fifth in the South American qualifying zone standings, level on 16 points with third-placed Ecuador and fourth-placed Colombia.
The three teams are three points behind leaders Uruguay after nine games.
Argentina defender Nicolas Otamendi urged the players to put their disappointment behind them and focus on taking three points against Paraguay in Cordoba on Tuesday.
The Manchester City defender told TyC Sports: "We are sad and angry with the draw, but we cannot dwell on it.
"There is no time to feel sorry for ourselves. We need to focus on Tuesday."