Gunes - worried about inexperience (Allsport)

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Turkey coach Senol Gunes believes his side's inexperience may have scuppered their chances of reaching the second round of the World Cup.

The Turks, who had two men sent off in the 2-1 defeat to Brazil in their World Cup opener, were held to a 1-1 draw against a battling Costa Rica side on Sunday after conceding a late goal.

That has left Gunes' men, who are back in the finals for the first time in 48 years, needing a win from their final Group C game against China in Seoul on Thursday to prevent an early exit.

"Some people want to carry us to better places, but we are not prepared for that. We have to commit fewer mistakes and gain more experience," said Gunes.

Turkey were impressive against the Brazilians in their opening match and Gunes believes the huge effort put in by his players in that game took it's toll in the closing stages of Sunday's encounter when Winston Parks struck four minutes from time to deny the Turks a crucial victory.

"The team showed the effects of the Brazil game in the Costa Rica match," added Gunes. "That caused physical tiredness, lack of concentration, and loss of attention.

"We were the much better team but ended up with a draw because of an unlucky goal."

The impressive Emre Belozoglu gave the Turks a deserved second-half lead when he prodded the ball home after his initial shot was blocked.

Gunes was quick to praise Emre's display but the Turkey boss admitted he is looking for an improved performance from Galatasaray winger Hasan Sas and Bayer Leverkusen schemer Yidiray Basturk, who were disappointing against the Costa Ricans.

He said: "Emre was especially good yesterday, but Hasan Sas and Yildiray Basturk were not as good as they were in the Brazil game.

"It would make us very sad to not reach our goal of qualifying for the next round.

"We had four points won but then lost them. Costa Rica have the advantage now. If we had won, everything would be in our hands.

"Now, their game has become important too."

As Group C stands Brazil are top and Turkey trail second-placed Costa Rica by three points and three goals going into the final matches.