Uruguay fight back to draw with Japan at Copa America

PORTO ALEGRE, BRAZIL– Uruguay twice came from behind to rescue a 2-2 draw with Japan in an entertaining contest at the 2019 Copa America on Friday.

Japan broke the deadlock in the 25th minute when Koji Miyoshi scored from a tight angle. However, Uruguay drew level seven minutes later after Edinson Cavani earned a controversial penalty for the Celeste which striker partner Luis Suarez converted.

Cavani nearly put Uruguay ahead later in the first half but his shot from outside the area hit the crossbar. Japan took advantage of goalkeeper Fernando Muslera's mishandling of a cross and Miyoshi fired home his second of the match from the close range in the 59th minute, but Jose Gimenez's header from a corner seven minutes later leveled the game again.

Both sides created several chances across the remainder of the second half but neither was able to find a winner. Uruguay lead Group C with four points and face Chile on Monday in their final group match. Japan's last match of Group C is against Ecuador, who first take on Chile in their second group game later on Friday.