Room makes record for most saves as Curacao earn first-ever FIFA WC point
Ecuador's Enner Valencia (13) shoots at goal as Curaçao goalkeeper Eloy Room defends during the World Cup Group E football match between Ecuador and Curacao
Ecuador's Enner Valencia (13) shoots at goal as Curaçao goalkeeper Eloy Room defends during the World Cup Group E football match between Ecuador and Curacao in Kansas City, Mo., Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP) Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room produced a performance to remember as his side held Ecuador to a 0-0 draw in their FIFA World Cup Group E match on Saturday (local time), earning the island nation its first-ever point at the tournament.The result also confirmed Germany's place in the knockout stage after their 2-1 win over Ivory Coast earlier in the day.Room, 37, made 15 saves against Ecuador and was named FIFA Man of the Match. His tally is the highest ever recorded in a 90-minute World Cup match and just one short of the overall World Cup record of 16 saves, set by United States goalkeeper Tim Howard against Belgium on July 1, 2014, since saves became an official statistic in 1966.The Curacao goalkeeper had helped his country qualify for its first World Cup by keeping a clean sheet against Jamaica last November.
After conceding seven goals in a 7-1 defeat to Germany earlier in the tournament, he responded with one of the most memorable goalkeeping displays seen on the World Cup stage.The draw keeps both teams in contention for a place in the knockout rounds, but it leaves Ecuador under pressure heading into the final group match.On Thursday, Curacao will face Ivory Coast in Philadelphia, while Ecuador will take on Germany in New York.Ecuador enjoyed strong support in the stands at the home of the Kansas City Chiefs. Fans wearing yellow filled most of the stadium, while only a few sections were occupied by Curacao supporters, news agency AP reported.Ecuador entered the game knowing defeat could seriously damage their hopes after Germany's late win over Ivory Coast.
Curacao ensured that pressure remained throughout the contest.In the first half, Curacao repeatedly found space through the middle of Ecuador's defence and created openings, but poor final passes and off-target finishing prevented them from taking the lead.Ecuador's best chance of the opening period fell to veteran striker Enner Valencia. With only the goalkeeper to beat, he looked set to score, but Room guessed correctly, dived to his left and pushed the effort away.Ecuador increased the pressure after the break, but Room continued to deny them.Moises Caicedo forced the
goalkeeper into a save early in the second half. Valencia then came close with a header, but Room pushed it wide. From the resulting corner, the Curacao goalkeeper made two more saves before his defence cleared the danger.It was a frustrating night for Ecuador, who could not find a way past Room despite creating numerous chances.For Curacao, however, the draw delivered a historic moment, with the team securing its first point at a FIFA World Cup and keeping its hopes of progressing alive heading into the final group game.
The BriefWire