Japan have moved to the top of Group H after they beat Russia 1-0 in Yokohama.
The co-hosts leapfrogged their opponants thanks to Junichi Inamoto's goal in the 51st minute.
The Arsenal midfielder turned in Atsushi Yanagisawa's cross from close range.
The result leaves Phillipe Troussier's side needing just one point from their final group game against Tunisia to progress to the second round.
In Group C substitute Winston Parks rescued a point for Costa Rica after Emre Belozoglu had given Turkey a 56th minute lead.
Costa Rica face leaders Brazil in their penultimate group game needing a draw to assure a place in the next round. Third placed Turkey face China in their final group match.
Belozoglu became Turkey's first scorer of the tournament when he poked the ball past Erick Lonnis at the second time of asking 11 minutes into the second half.
With time running out Costa Rica threw everthing into their attacks and they were rewarded when Parks equalised with four minutes remaining.
After a scramble in the Turkey box the ball eventually fell to Parks, who lashed the ball home to earn a point for Los Ticos.
Mexico booked their place in the last 16 after they came from behind to beat Ecuador 2-1 in Miyagi.
Southampton striker Agustin Delgado opened the scoring after just five minutes when he headed home Ulises De la Cruz's cross.
Mexico were level after 28 minutes. Jared Borgetti volleying home from close range from Ramon Morales' cross.
Gerardo Torrado rounded off a fine individual performance when we was on target for Mexico's second.
The midfielder recieved a pass from Johan Rodriguez before beating goalkeeper Jose Cevallos from 20 yards out.
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