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Curacao secured the first World Cup point in their history after holding Ecuador to a goalless draw in Group E, thanks to a remarkable goalkeeping display from veteran shot-stopper Eloy Room.
The 37-year-old produced 15 saves at Kansas City Stadium to frustrate Ecuador and equal the World Cup record for the most saves in a single match.
Room repeatedly denied Ecuador’s attackers, including Enner Valencia, Moises Caicedo, Gonzalo Plata and Kevin Rodriguez, as the South Americans failed to convert any of their 27 attempts on goal.
Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, Ecuador lacked a clinical edge in front of goal. The result leaves them without a goal after two group matches, having also lost 1-0 to Ivory Coast in their opening fixture.
Curacao, who suffered a heavy 7-1 defeat to Germany in their tournament debut, showed tremendous resilience to claim a historic point and keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive.
The Caribbean side also created opportunities of their own, with Leandro Bacuna and Liviana Comenencia forcing saves from Ecuador goalkeeper Hernan Galindez.
The draw leaves Ecuador facing a must-win final group match against Germany to stand any chance of advancing to the last 32. Curacao, meanwhile, can still qualify if they defeat Ivory Coast in their final Group E encounter.
For Ecuador, the inability to convert chances remains a growing concern. For Curacao, however, the night belonged to Room, whose record-equalling performance delivered a memorable milestone in the nation’s World Cup history.
