ANKARA

Uruguay drew with Japan 2-2 in Copa America 2019 Group C match on Thursday. 

Japan -- one of two nations invited to the tournament to create a workable fixture -- struck first with Koji Miyoshi in the 25th minute to lead the match 1-0.

Uruguay responded only seven minutes after -- when a VAR decision awarded a penalty to the tournament favorites -- with Luis Suarez equalizing the match at 1-1.

22-year-old attacking midfielder Miyoshi scored another goal in the 59th minute, to give his team the lead again.

Again, only seven minutes after, Uruguay tied the match at 2-2, this time with a header by Atletico Madrid defender Jose Gimenez.

No team could able to break the deadlock in the remaining minutes, as Uruguay continued to top the Group C with 4 points.

Japan, after the result, earned their first point in the tournament, while Ecuador will battle with Chile on Friday to get their first point or points in the group.

Two-time champions Chile are in the second place in Group C with 3 points.

Uruguay will face Chile, while Japan will take on Ecuador on Monday to wrap up the group.