Goalkeeper Eloy Room produced a stunning display with 15 saves as debutants Curaçao held Ecuador to a goalless draw at Arrowhead Stadium, claiming their first-ever point at a FIFA World Cup
The 37-year-old, who plays for Miami FC, frustrated Ecuador throughout the Group E encounter, denying Enner Valencia, Moisés Caicedo and several others in a heroic effort watched by King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands.
Room came within one save of breaking Tim Howard’s single-game World Cup record. “I still have to process it myself,” he said afterwards. “I’m a bit annoyed that I didn’t get the record in the end but I think Tim Howard was sweating on it a bit.”
Curaçao coach Dick Advocaat, the oldest manager at the tournament, was emotional at the final whistle. “I’m so proud. We have come from nothing and they fought like lions. It will be a big party on the island tonight and they deserve it,” he said.
Ecuador dominated possession and created numerous chances but failed to score despite 27 shots. Coach Sebastián Beccacece admitted: “There are things you cannot explain in football – we’ve had 27 shots on goal but we couldn’t score. It is normal to feel this pain but we still have a chance to put things right.”
The result gives Curaçao renewed hope after a heavy opening defeat to Germany, while Ecuador must beat Germany in their final group game to keep knockout-stage hopes alive.
