Turkey booked their place amongst the world's football elite today after a 3-0 win over China and events in Suwon went their way.

Hasan Sas shone in a generally unconvincing team performance against arguably the weakest side in the World Cup.

The Galatasaray player, who drew many admiring glances for his display against Brazil, scored the first and created goals for Bulent Korkmaz and Umit Ozat as Turkey did just enough to oust Costa Rica from the runners-up spot in Group C.

Turkey took the lead after six minutes when Hasan Sas seized on mistake by Li Weifeng and hammered a rising shot past Jiang Jin into the net despite the Chinese keeper getting a hand to the ball.

Three minutes later and it was 2-0, Hasan Sas again involved with a penetrating cross from the left which his Galatasaray clubmate Bulent met with a looping header which dropped over Jiang Jin.

China desperately sought their first ever World Cup goal, but it remained elusive.

Yang Chen came the closest but the striker's sweet half-volley crashed back off the post after strike-partner Haidong Hao's accurate centre.

Four minutes into the second half, Hasan Sas threatened again, forcing Jiang Jin into a sprawling save down to his left.

China's predicament was made worse when substitute Shao Jiayi caught Emre Belozoglu with his studs from behind and was red-carded by Colombian referee Oscar Ruiz.

From Hasan Sas' free-kick, Umit had a clear header but could only direct it straight at the Chinese keeper.

With goals flying in in the Brazil Coast Rica match, Turkish nerves were calmed with five minutes to go when Umit struck a lovely volley in-off the post from Hasan Sas' deep cross.

Turkey's Emre Asik and Emre Belozoglu will be missing from their second round tie with the winners of Group H after picking up bookings for the second time in the group games.