Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room produced a heroic display on Saturday to secure a goalless draw against Ecuador, earning the tiny Caribbean island their first point in World Cup history.
Ecuador, who finished second in South America’s qualifying campaign, dominated proceedings in Kansas City with 28 shots—15 on target—but Room stood immovable, producing a remarkable 15 saves, the most on record (since 1966) by any goalkeeper in a World Cup match without extra-time.
The result keeps Curacao’s knockout-stage hopes alive and restores pride after their opening 7-1 thrashing by Germany. The island nation, the smallest by population ever to compete at a World Cup, celebrated the milestone with a post on X: “History! Our first ever point at the @fifaworldcup.”
Despite being vastly outnumbered by Ecuador’s yellow-clad fans at Arrowhead Stadium, Curacao enjoyed royal backing from Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima, as the island is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Their 26-man squad, managed by experienced Dutch coach Dick Advocaat, features 25 players born in the Netherlands.
The match began at a frantic pace. Ecuador’s Enner Valencia nearly opened the scoring in the third minute, but Room tipped his effort around the post. Curacao responded with a Sherel Floranus shot over the bar, showcasing their threat on the counter. Valencia again failed to beat Room from close range, and Jordy Alcivar also tested the keeper as Ecuador dominated possession with 65% in the first half but couldn’t convert.
After the break, Room denied Gonzalo Plata’s header, and Curacao created several chances of their own. Ecuador, ranked more than 50 places higher than their opponents, grew increasingly frustrated as they pressed forward relentlessly. Angelo Preciado’s late mishit cross bounced off the top of the crossbar, but the breakthrough never came.
At the final whistle, Curacao’s players mobbed their heroic goalkeeper, celebrating an extraordinary point. Ecuador have now failed to score in both their World Cup matches, having netted only 14 goals in 18 qualifiers.
Ecuador coach Sebastian Beccacece took responsibility, saying: “There are things you cannot explain in football. We wanted to win, we didn’t do it. I am the one responsible. No one wants to miss out on scoring.”
Earlier, Germany beat Ivory Coast 2-1 in Toronto to seal their place in the round of 32, while Curacao’s draw ensures Germany will top the group. Ecuador face Germany on Thursday, while Curacao take on Ivory Coast.