Barranquilla (Colombia), Oct 12 (IANS): Colombian defender Yerry Mina scored a last-minute header, salvaging a 2-2 tie for his team against Uruguay in the World Cup football qualifier match at the Metropolitano Stadium here.

Jose Pekerman's squad opened the scoring in the 15th minute on Tuesday with a header by midfielder Abel Aguilar, but the Uruguayans evened things up in the 27th minute with a header of their own by Cristian "Cebolla" Rodriguez, reports Efe.

The first period ended at 1-1 but in the 73rd minute, Luis Suarez took advantage of an error by Oscar Murillo and fired in a right-footer to put the visitors ahead.

However, Colombia didn't lose heart and in the 84th minute it was Mina, after a superb pass by Cuadrato, who secured the tie on another header that Uruguayan goaltender Muslera couldn't counter.

Colombia will next host Chile and Uruguay will take on Ecuador as they vie for a berth at the 2018 World Cup, to be played in Russia.