INCHEON, South Korea -- A late goal by Costa Rica substitute Winston Parks salvaged a 1-1 draw against Turkey at the Incheon Munhak Stadium on Sunday, a result that leaves Costa Rica in the driver's seat in the race for second place in Group C behind Brazil.
For such an important game, the first half was a dire disappointment. But, perhaps, the problem was with the previous day's 4-0 victory for Brazil over China, which guaranteed the South American side one of the top two spots in the group. It meant that this game took on a whole new significance and maybe there was just too much at stake for a display of free-flowing football.
Costa Rica now has four points, while Turkey -- who can consider itself unlucky to not have held on for the win -- has a single point from their first two matches.