FIFA World Cup
Eloy Room earned his side a point [Getty Images]
Curacao marked their first-ever World Cup point with a stellar performance by goalkeeper Eloy Room, who held off a dominant Ecuador team.
Room, currently with Miami FC, matched a World Cup record by making 15 saves, thwarting Ecuador’s efforts in Group E.
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The 37-year-old goalkeeper’s performance equaled the record set by USA’s Tim Howard for the most saves in a World Cup match.
Howard made 15 saves during a game against Belgium in 2014 while conceding twice, but Room’s clean sheet secured a significant draw for coach Dick Advocaat’s team.
Room’s first remarkable save occurred just three minutes into the match, denying Enner Valencia from close range.
John Yeboah was also denied by Room, who produced six first-half saves, including another crucial stop from Valencia.
After halftime, Room’s workload intensified, as he obstructed efforts from Moises Caicedo,
Pedro Vite,
Kevin Rodriguez,
Nilson Angulo, and
Gonzalo Plata.
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Curacao also had a chance on the hour mark, but Leandro Bacuna‘s shot was saved before Liviana Comenencia’s effort was turned away.
Ecuador will regret their missed opportunities, having made 27 attempts in total, and needs to defeat group leaders Germany in their final game to progress to the knockout stage after losing to Ivory Coast in their opener.
Curacao, who faced a heavy 7-1 defeat to Germany in their first match, could also qualify for the Round of 32 if they manage to beat Ivory Coast in their concluding match.
What’s next for these teams?
Ecuador will play Germany in New Jersey on Thursday, June 25 (21:00 BST), while Curacao takes on Ivory Coast at the same time in Philadelphia.