FIFA World Cup 2002 Group C
Brazil finished with maximum points after overcoming a spirited Turkish team in their opener. Turkey finished second, equal on points with Costa Rica but with a superior goal difference. The Chinese team, in their first appearance in the finals, finished last with no goals and no points.
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Brazil
Turkey
Brazil 2 Turkey 1
Munsu Cup Stadium, Ulsan (33,842)
3 June 2002
Brazil had to work hard against a Turkish side that refused to be overawed by their illustrious opponents. After surviving several spells of pressure, it was Turkey that scored first with a goal from Hasan Şaş in time added on at the end of the first half. Ronaldo, having an impressive game, equalised five minutes after the break as Brazil turned on a sparkling display of attacking football. The match ended with high drama when Alpay was sent off for bringing down Luizão in the closing minutes: although the offence had occurred outside the box, the referee awarded Brazil a penalty which Rivaldo converted.
Costa Rica
China PR
Costa Rica 2 China PR 0
Gwangju World Cup Stadium, Gwangju (27,217)
4 June 2002
Naive defending and inexperience cost China the match as Costa Rica scored twice in four minutes in the second half.
Brazil
China PR
Brazil 4 China PR 0
Jeju World Cup Stadium, Seogwipo (36,750)
8 June 2002
After a positive start, China fell behind when Roberto Carlos hammered home a free-kick in the 15th minute. From then on it was one-way traffic as the Chinese were swamped by Brazil's skilful attack.
Costa Rica
Turkey
Costa Rica 1 Turkey 1
Incheon Munhak Stadium, Incheon
9 June 2002
A spirited display from Costa Rica was rewarded when Parks scored a late equaliser which kept them in contention for the next round.
Brazil
Costa Rica
Brazil 5 Costa Rica 2
Suwon World Cup Stadium, Suwon (38,524)
13 June 2002
Both teams were committed to the attack in this thrilling match, Costa Rica needing a point or at least a narrow defeat to keep them in contention. Ronaldo scored twice in the opening stages and Edmilson made it 3-0 in the 38th minute. Immediately Wanchope reduced the deficit and in the 56th minute Rónald Gómez scored again for Costa Rica. The Central American team surged forward in search of the equaliser but Brazil were content to pick them off when the opportunities presented themselves, Rivaldo and Júnior scoring within two minutes of each other to make the game safe.
Turkey
China PR
Turkey 3 China PR 0
Seoul World Cup Stadium, Seoul (43,605)
13 June 2002
Early goals from Hasan Şaş and Bülent put Turkey firmly in control and when China's Shao Jiayi was sent off in the second half the game ended as a spectacle. Ümit Davala scored Turkey's third in the 85th minute.