Costa Rica leave it late against Turkey

Turkey's World Cup future was left hanging by a thread after they could only manage a 1-1 draw with Costa Rica in their Group…

Turkey's World Cup future was left hanging by a thread after they could only manage a 1-1 draw with Costa Rica in their Group C clash today.

The draw booked Brazil's place in the next round but Turkey with only one point to Costa Rica's four must win against China in their final group match.

Costa Rica finish playing Brazil and a draw would send Turkey crashing out. It was a heartbreak result for the Turks.

Victory looked to be theirs when thanks to the tenacity of Inter Milan midfielder Emre Belozoglu they took the lead in the 56th minute. The 22-year-old saw his shot from just inside the area blocked by Luis Marin but the ball came free and given a second chance Emre made no mistake - driving the ball hard and low past a helpless Erick Lonnis.

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The relief on the Turkish players faces as the ball crossed the goalline was obvious.

But their relief quickly turned to consternation as Costa Rica threw everything into attack.

And with only four minutes left substitute Winston Parks found himself all alone in front of the goal. He made no mistake and blasted the ball past Rustu Recber.

Two minutes later Parks had a chance to seal victory but somehow managed to blast high over the bar with the goal at his mercy.