Argentina midfielder Javier Mascherano has expressed his belief that his side's lack of efficiency in front of goal was the reason for their World Cup final loss to Germany.

Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain and Rodrigo Palacio all had excellent chances during the 120 minutes to put Alejandro Sabella's side ahead, but the trio all failed to hit the target.

This proved to be costly when Mario Gotze fired the winner in extra time for Die Mannschaft to guide them to their fourth World Cup title.

"We had the best chances but we didn't take them," Mascherano told reporters.

"And we only had to last another five minutes at the end. We just didn't have that little bit of luck that you need in a final."

Argentina's last World Cup success came in 1986.