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Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room produced a remarkable performance on Saturday as they earned their first-ever World Cup point with a goalless draw against Ecuador.
Ecuador, who finished second in South American qualifying, registered 28 shots, including 15 on target, in Kansas City, but Room delivered an outstanding display to deny them throughout the match.
The result keeps Curacao’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive in their maiden World Cup appearance.
The Caribbean nation, the smallest country by population ever to compete at the World Cup, owed much of the result to Room, who plays for Miami FC.
His 15 saves are the highest recorded by any goalkeeper in a World Cup match since 1966 that did not go to extra time.
The draw also restored pride after Curacao’s 7-1 defeat to Germany in their opening Group E fixture.
“History! Our first ever point at the @fifaworldcup,” Curacao posted on X.
Ecuador’s supporters dominated the crowd at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, but Curacao had royal backing from Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima. The island is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Of Curacao’s 26-man squad, 25 players were born in the Netherlands, while veteran Dutch coach Dick Advocaat leads the team.
Ecuador nearly took the lead in the third minute when former West Ham striker Enner Valencia broke through, but Room pushed his effort around the post.
Curacao also threatened on the counter-attack, with Sherel Floranus firing over the crossbar.
Valencia and Jordy Alcivar both tested Room as Ecuador dominated possession, finishing the first half with 65 per cent of the ball but without a goal.
Room continued his heroics after the break, keeping out Gonzalo Plata’s header before Curacao enjoyed a brief spell of attacking pressure.
Ranked more than 50 places above Curacao in the FIFA rankings, Ecuador became increasingly frustrated as they failed to find a breakthrough.
Substitute Angelo Preciado came closest late on when his mishit cross struck the top of the crossbar.
At the final whistle, Curacao’s players rushed to celebrate with Room after securing a memorable point.
Ecuador have now failed to score in their opening two World Cup matches after managing only 14 goals in 18 qualifying games.
“There are things you cannot explain in football,” Ecuador coach Sebastian Beccacece said.
“We wanted to win, we didn’t do it. I am the one who is responsible and I’ve told my team, if I see that you are giving it all competing, I have no complaints. No one wants to miss out on scoring.”
Earlier on Saturday, Germany came from behind to beat Côte d’Ivoire 2-1 in Toronto and secure qualification for the Round of 32. Curacao’s draw also confirmed Germany as Group E winners.
Ecuador will face Germany in their final group match, while Curacao take on Côte d’Ivoire.
