Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room produced a record-equalling performance to help the World Cup debutants secure a historic 0-0 draw against Ecuador and claim their first-ever point at the FIFA World Cup.
The 37-year-old goalkeeper made 15 saves in Kansas City as Curacao frustrated a wasteful Ecuador side and kept alive their hopes of reaching the knockout stage.
Ecuador dominated large periods of the Group E encounter and created numerous chances, but Room delivered one of the finest goalkeeping performances in World Cup history to deny the South Americans.
Goalkeeper sets the tone early
The match could have taken a very different direction within the opening minutes when Ecuador captain Enner Valencia broke through on goal.
However, Room reacted brilliantly to turn the striker’s effort around the post and prevent an early breakthrough.
That save proved to be a sign of things to come as the Curacao goalkeeper repeatedly denied Ecuador throughout the contest.
The Caribbean nation had suffered a heavy 7-1 defeat to Germany in their opening match and entered the game as clear underdogs against an Ecuador side desperate to respond after losing to Ivory Coast.
Despite facing 27 shots and an expected goals figure of 3.05, Curacao refused to buckle under pressure.
Historic night for Curacao
Room’s 15 saves matched the highest total recorded by a goalkeeper in a World Cup match since records began in 1966.
After the game, the veteran goalkeeper reflected on the achievement.
“I still have to process myself,” Room said.
“The match is full of emotions. I knew it was going to be a tough match.
“The first save, the tone was put in place, also for the team. It gave me confidence and I grew, we all grew, this was a team effort.
“We’ve been fighting, fighting up to the last minute. Earning a point this way for Curacao is absolutely great.”
The draw represents one of the biggest results in the history of the tiny Caribbean nation, which has a population of about 156,000 and is the smallest country ever to compete at a World Cup.
Curacao now head into their final group match against Ivory Coast knowing a victory could remarkably send them into the round of 32.
Regardless of what happens next, Room’s extraordinary performance has already secured his place in World Cup folklore.
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