Peru vs. Argentina: Score and Reaction for World Cup 2018 Qualifying

Peru nearly pulled off a huge shock by drawing 2-2 with Argentina at the Estadio Nacional in Lima in a 2018 World Cup qualifier on Thursday night. 

Gonzalo Higuain scored what appeared to be the game-winner in the 77th minute, but Christian Cueva delivered from the penalty spot seven minutes later to knot the score and net his side a crucial point. 

By virtue of the draw, Argentina is now tied for third in the CONMEBOL table and is three points back of first-place Uruguay. Peru, meanwhile, is in solo sixth place with eight points through nine matches:  

Team	W	D	L	+/-	Points
Uruguay	6	1	2	14	19
Brazil	5	3	1	12	18
Ecuador	5	1	3	4	16
Colombia	5	1	3	3	16
Argentina	4	4	1	3	16
Paraguay	3	3	3	-3	12
Chile	3	2	4	-2	11
Peru	2	2	5	-7	8
Bolivia	2	1	6	-9	7
Venezuela	0	2	7	-15	2

Argentina boasted far more firepower than Peru on the ball, and that much was evident early. 

Sergio Aguero fired a free kick on goal that looked destined for the back of the net, but Peru goalkeeper Pedro Gallese impressively turned it aside. 

And while Argentina wasn't able to seize an edge over the game's first few minutes, it didn't take long for Edgardo Bauza's side to break through. 

Ramiro Funes Mori opened the scoring for Argentina with a calm finish after Peru was unable to clear a corner kick, but the home side responded with several impressive attacking waves against the 2014 World Cup finalists. 

That persistence didn't pay off in the first half, but Peru remained determined in the attacking third and moved level with Argentina through Paolo Guerrero's 58th-minute tally. 

The Peruvians continued to look sharp throughout the second half, and the Argentinians' tremendous level of talent never seemed to overwhelm Peru. In fact, Peru finished the game with a 19-11 edge in total shots. 

Higuain's go-ahead goal late in proceedings easily could have derailed Peru's quest for a draw, but the home team's ability to push forward into the penalty area late on set up Cueva for a calm right-footed finish into the top corner of the net. 

According to OptaJavier on Twitter, Cueva became the first Peruvian player in World Cup qualifying history to score two goals from the penalty spot. His other came against Ecuador on Sept. 6. 

Thanks to Cueva's cool, calm and collected demeanor in the clutch, Peru can take pride in a hard-fought battle against one of South America's most acclaimed sides. 

Next up for Argentina is a clash with Paraguay on Oct. 11, while Peru will travel to Chile on the same day when World Cup qualifying rolls on.