Curacao earned its first World Cup point with a hard‑earned 0‑0 draw against Ecuador, thanks largely to goalkeeper Eloy Room. The veteran stopper recorded 15 saves in regulation time, leaving him just one stop short of Tim Howard’s all‑time World Cup record.
Unlike Howard, who needed 120 minutes to reach 16 saves during the 2014 Round of 16, Room amassed his 15‑save tally within the standard 90 minutes.
Room set the tone early, denying Ecuador’s star Enner Valencia in a one‑on‑one challenge just two minutes into the match. The Netherlands‑born keeper dominated at Kansas City Stadium and was rightfully named Man of the Match.
Ecuador fired 27 shots, with 15 on target, all of which were turned away by Room. He made six saves in the first half and added nine more after the break.
Room continues to headline Curacao’s historic milestones
The night will be remembered as a defining moment for both Room and the island nation, adding to a series of historic achievements for the 37‑year‑old goalkeeper.
In 2019, Curacao stunned Honduras with a 1‑0 victory to claim its first Gold Cup win, a match in which Room also recorded 15 saves.
