Curacao earned the first World Cup point in its history after holding Ecuador to a 0-0 draw in a hard fought Group E match in Kansas City on Sunday.
The result was built on a record breaking performance from goalkeeper Eloy Room. The Curacao captain made 15 saves, the most by a goalkeeper in a single FIFA World Cup match.
Ecuador dominated large parts of the contest and created chance after chance. However, Room stood in the way throughout the night and frustrated the South American side.
The first big opportunity came in the second minute. Moises Caicedo sent Enner Valencia through on goal, but Room reacted quickly and made an excellent save in a one on one situation.
Ecuador continued to attack through Gonzalo Plata, John Yeboah and Pedro Vite. Room produced several more saves before the break to keep the scores level.
Curacao spent much of the match defending but remained dangerous on the counter attack. Livano Comenencia and Juninho Bacuna both threatened the Ecuador goal during the first half.
The pressure increased after half time. Ecuador pushed forward in search of a winner and forced Room into even more action.
Valencia, Kevin Rodriguez, Willian Pacho, Nilson Angulo and Pedro Vite all tested the goalkeeper. Room answered every question. He made saves from close range, dealt with crosses and stayed calm under constant pressure.
Curacao also had moments of promise. Hernan Galindez was called into action to stop efforts from Comenencia and Leandro Bacuna as the Caribbean side looked for a surprise goal.
Ecuador threw everything forward in the final stages. Valencia went close with a header and Vite forced another strong save from distance. Late corners and crosses followed, but Curacao refused to break.
When the final whistle arrived, Curacao celebrated a historic result. The draw secured the nation’s first point at a FIFA World Cup and kept its hopes alive in Group E.
Ecuador will feel disappointed after failing to turn its dominance into goals. Curacao, meanwhile, left Kansas City with a piece of World Cup history thanks to Room’s record setting display between the posts.
