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ULSAN, South Korea (Reuters) -- As Turkey's first World Cup match in 48 years loomed, coach Senol Gunes on Sunday tried to play down the importance of Monday's group C clash with Brazil. "For us the match of the most vital importance is Costa Rica," Gunes told reporters, saying that Turkey could still qualify from the group even if they lose to Brazil. Gunes refused to take heart from Senegal's giant-killing 1-0 win over champions France on the opening day and warned that progress from their group was not built on such results alone. "That is (also) true of Senegal," he said. "The points they won against (against France) may not guarantee their qualification." The Turkish camp is determined to build on two successive European Championships appearances, including a quarter-final place in 2000, by reaching the last 16 teams in Japan and South Korea. That would probably demand wins over Costa Rica and China. "Of course, failing to qualify would be a failure for us but this is a new experience for us after 48 years," Gunes said. "If you remember us in the 1996 European championships, we didn't score a goal or win a point but it was a valuable experience." Gunes might be deprived of the attacking graft of midfielder Okan Buruk for the Brazil game after a thigh muscle strain. He refused to discuss his selection plans but Okan's place on the right of midfield could be filled by an off-form Umit Davala or by the inexperienced Nihat Kahveci.
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