Goalkeeper Eloy Room delivered a record-breaking display to help Curacao secure their first-ever FIFA World Cup point with a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Ecuador in Kansas City.
The veteran shot-stopper produced an astonishing 15 saves, the highest number recorded by a goalkeeper in a 90-minute World Cup match since records began in 1966, as Curacao bounced back impressively from their heavy 7-1 defeat to Germany in their opening Group E fixture.
Facing relentless pressure throughout the contest, Dick Advocaat’s side relied heavily on Room, who was called into action within the opening minutes to deny Ecuador captain Enner Valencia.
The Curacao goalkeeper continued his heroics by thwarting Gonzalo Plata and making another excellent stop to keep out Valencia.
Despite spending long periods on the defensive, Curacao created opportunities of their own.
Tahith Chong squandered a promising three-on-two counterattack, while Juninho Bacuna saw a dangerous effort blocked inside the penalty area.
The Caribbean nation came closest to breaking the deadlock shortly after the hour mark.
Ecuador goalkeeper Hernan Galindez produced back-to-back saves to deny Leandro Bacuna and Livano Comenencia before Moises Caicedo intervened to block Jurgen Locadia’s follow-up attempt.
Ecuador pushed relentlessly for a winner, but Room remained unbeatable. He made further crucial saves from Valencia and Kevin Rodriguez, while Piero Hincapie headed over from close range and Plata missed another golden opportunity.
Rodriguez later struck the crossbar as Ecuador’s frustration grew, but Curacao held firm to claim a historic point.
The result keeps Curacao’s slim hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive. A victory over Ivory Coast in their final group match would send the tournament minnows into the last 32 in what would be one of the biggest surprises of the competition.
