ISTANBUL, June 13: Soccer fans across Turkey split fevered attention between two TV screens on Thursday, cheering their team’s victory over China while watching Brazil thrash Costa Rica to assure the Turks their first ever place in the World Cup second round.

Turkey’s 3-0 victory over China lifted a deep gloom that had descended after defeat by Brazil and a glum 1-1 draw against Costa Rica. The final whistle in South Korea sent thousands out on to the streets in Istanbul and Ankara waving national flags and chanting “Turkiye! Turkiye!”.

Business and trading on financial markets ground to a near halt as Turkey pinned their World Cup hopes on the two matches playing simultaneously on state television.

“I was always hopeful, I knew it wasn’t over,” said Ercan Duran, a hairdresser. “I am so happy right now to be a Turk.”

In banking houses, not places of cheer over recent weeks as markets have slid, the “split-screens” were widely in evidence as things began to go Turkey’s way and spirits rose.

Pockets of fans roared with each goal Brazil put away to defeat Costa Rica 5-2 as their own team made sure of second place in group B by beating China 3-0.

“Bravo Brazil! I want to see them become champions,” a banker in Istanbul shouted after the South Americans scored two goals within two minutes to knock out Costa Rica.

Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, ill for the last month and the focus of market speculation his government could disintegrate, telephoned sports minister Fikret Unlu in South Korea and told him: “We feel pride as a nation over this success.

“Please send our best wishes to the footballers.”

The Turks ended level on points with Costa Rica and needed the goal difference to advance in their first World Cup finals appearance in 48 years. They failed to get to the second round in the 1954 finals.

“I thought Brazil would just lie down and be content with a draw. But Brazil showed just what it means to be a true Brazilian — that they are the giants of football,” said Yildaray Efil, a lawyer.

The biggest crowds gathered in Istanbul’s Taksim Square, a rallying point at all times of national sporting triumph. Revellers danced in circles, waved Turkish flags and hammered drums as motorists toured the streets honking their horns.

Even in the more staid capital, Ankara, thousands celebrated around the central Kizilay district.—Reuters