Venezuela claimed what could prove to be a vital point when they came from behind to draw 1-1 with Uruguay.
Uruguay held at home after Carini error
Venezuela claimed what could prove to be a vital point when they came from behind to hold Uruguay to a 1-1 draw in Saturday's World Cup qualifier.
Uruguay took an early lead through captain Diego Lugano only for midfielder Ronald Vargas, who was also on target in the recent friendly win over Brazil, to take advantage of an error by goalkeeper Fabian Carini to equalise.
Venezuela now have seven points from five games in the South American group while Uruguay, held by Chile in their previous home game, have five.
Uruguay fielded an attacking three-man forward line nearly scored when Maximiliano Pereira's deflected shot was well saved by Renny Vega.
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The hosts were not to be denied and went ahead from the resulting corner when Sebastian Abreu rose at the far post and his header was turned in from close range by Fenerbahce defender Lugano in the 12th minute.
On a poor pitch, Uruguay continued to press but were denied by Vega who stopped a Martin Caceres shot and Abreu header before half-time.
The visitors equalised in the 55th minute from their first real chance when Carini failed to hold Juan Arango's long-range free-kick and Vargas followed up to fire home the rebound.
Uruguay ran out of ideas and nearly conceded a second when Caceres turned Arango's pass just wide of his own goal.
But they came with inches of snatching a late winner when substitute Vicente Sanchez fired against the crossbar after Venezuela failed to clear a looping Diego Perez cross.
