- Eloy Room produced a record-breaking goalkeeping performance as Curacao held Ecuador to a 0-0 draw
- The goalkeeper made 15 saves to deny Ecuador, who dominated possession and created numerous chances
Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room produced a remarkable performance on Saturday as the Caribbean nation secured a historic 0-0 draw against Ecuador, earning its first-ever point at the FIFA World Cup and keeping alive hopes of reaching the knockout stage.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that Room was the standout performer in Kansas City, denying Ecuador with a string of outstanding saves as the South Americans dominated the contest but failed to find a breakthrough.
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Ecuador, runners-up in the South American qualifiers, attempted 28 shots, with 15 on target, but were repeatedly frustrated by the Curacao shot-stopper.
His 15 saves set a World Cup record for the most by a goalkeeper in a match without extra time since statistics began being tracked in 1966.
The result marked a major turnaround for World Cup debutants Curacao, who had suffered a heavy 7-1 defeat to Germany in their opening Group match.
Despite being heavily outnumbered by Ecuadorian supporters at Arrowhead Stadium, home of the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs, Curacao held firm to claim a memorable result.
Among those watching the match were Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima, reflecting Curacao’s status as an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The team, coached by veteran Dutch manager Dick Advocaat, features 25 players born in the Netherlands in its 26-man squad.
Ecuador nearly took the lead just three minutes into the game when veteran striker Enner Valencia broke through on goal, but Room produced an excellent save to push the ball behind.
Curacao also threatened on the counterattack, with Sherel Floranus firing over the crossbar after a swift move.
Valencia and Jordy Alcivar both tested Room again before halftime, but the goalkeeper remained unbeatable as Ecuador enjoyed 65 per cent possession without finding the net.
The pressure continued after the break, with Gonzalo Plata’s header brilliantly denied by Room before Curacao created a few promising chances of their own.
As the clock wound down, Ecuador continued to attack, but Curacao’s defence, inspired by their goalkeeper, held firm.
Substitute Angelo Preciado came close late in the game when his mishit cross struck the top of the crossbar, but Curacao survived to secure a famous point.
The final whistle sparked jubilant celebrations among the Curacao players, who surrounded Room after his match-winning display.
Earlier in the day, Germany came from behind to defeat Ivory Coast 2-1 in Toronto, sealing qualification for the Round of 32 and guaranteeing top spot in the group following Curacao’s draw.
Ecuador will face Germany in their final group match on Thursday, while Curacao will take on Ivory Coast in a bid to reach the knockout stage.
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