Uruguay 2-2 Japan: Inexperienced Japan side pick up first point

Uruguay had to fight back twice to earn a point against a very inexperienced Japan side at the 2019 Copa America on Wednesday.

Koji Miyoshi opened the scoring for the invitees on 25 minutes only for Barcelona’s Luis Suarez to equalise from the penalty spot seven minutes later.

Miyoshi restored Japan’s lead just before the hour mark after Fernando Muslera palmed the ball into his path, before Atletico Madrid defender Jose Gimenez rescued a point for the South Americas.

Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu selected a 23-man squad before the tournament that included 16 uncapped players, included Real Madrid summer signing Takefusa Kubo. The Asian side are appearing in the Copa America for only the second time, following their debut in 1999. This point is a marked improvement on their 4-0 thrashing by Chile in their opener.

Uruguay are top of Group C with four points but second-placed Chile would overtake them with victory against Ecuador on Friday. Uruguay then meet Chile on Monday, while Japan face Ecuador on Tuesday.