Parks Saves Costa Rica

With one shot, Winston Parks set off celebrations in two countries Sunday as his goal for Costa Rica four minutes from the end of its game against Turkey earned the Central Americans a 1-1 tie and, at the same time, secured Brazil its place in the second round.

The Turks, who had lost their opener controversially to Brazil on a late penalty kick, appeared headed for victory in the Group C game played in front of 42,299 in Incheon, South Korea.

Midfielder Emre Belozoglu gave Turkey the lead in the 56th minute, taking a pass from Hasas Sas and, with his second attempt after the first shot was blocked, beat Costa Rica goalkeeper Erick Lonnis.

Costa Rica Coach Alexandre Guimaraes, whose team had defeated China in its opener, sent Park into the game for Wilmer Lopez in the 77th minute and the substitution paid dividends nine minutes later.

Paolo Wanchope rose to win a head ball and in the scramble that followed Parks hammered a shot past Turkish keeper Rustu Recber to earn Costa Rica a precious point.

A tie against Brazil on Thursday or failure by Turkey to win its finale against China will push Costa Rica into the round of 16.

“My team played a beautiful game tonight, with so much power and aggression,” Guimaraes said. “Every player wants to play Brazil at a World Cup, and now that we have four points and are in a good position, we are going to do our best to get another point and reach the next round.”

Turkey’s chances are very much alive, however. It is a stronger team than China and if it can score enough goals it can overtake Costa Rica and grab second place on goal difference, assuming Costa Rica loses to Brazil.

“We are confident we are going to beat China and wait for the right result [from the other game] and we can go through,” said Turkey Coach Senol Gunes.