Gimenez Header Helps Uruguay Draw Japan in Copa America

Jose Gimenez's header in the 66th minute helped Uruguay earn a draw against Japan and move atop Group C at Copa America.

PORTO ALEGRE, Brazil — Uruguay drew 2-2 with Japan and delayed until the last round of the group stage its likely qualification to Copa America's knockout stage.

Koji Miyoshi opened the score at 25 minutes, hitting the ball hard to the left of goalkeeper Fernando Muslera. Luis Suarez leveled at 32 after a penalty kick awarded by video review following a foul by a Japanese defender.

#CA2019Telemundo ¡Sorpresa en Arena do Grêmio! Koji Miyoshi en una gran definición abre el marcador para Japón

Uruguay 0 - 1 Japón pic.twitter.com/VHeAEXC4XI

— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) June 20, 2019

Miyoshi added Japan's second at 59 in a rebound after Muslera tried to block a cross from the left.

#CA2019Telemundo ¡Partidazo en Arena do Grêmio! doblete del japonés Koji Miyoshi
Uruguay 1 - 2 Japón pic.twitter.com/YpETSXxohu

— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) June 21, 2019

At 66 minutes, Uruguay drew with a header by Jose Gimenez after a corner kick.

#CA2019Telemundo ¡Remate de cabeza de lujo! lo hizo @JoseMaGimenez13 y @Uruguay lo empata de nuevo
Uruguay 2-2 Japón pic.twitter.com/Rhz60RIPMW

— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) June 21, 2019

Uruguay has four points in two matches and leads Group C.

Defending Copa America champion Chile can reach six points with a win over Ecuador on Friday.

Japan has one point, and Ecuador has none.

Uruguay and Chile play on Monday, the same day that Japan plays against Ecuador.