Curacao made history on Sunday as they held Ecuador to a 0-0 draw and earned their first ever point at the FIFA World Cup.
Just six days after a heavy 7-1 loss to Germany in their first World Cup match, the Caribbean side produced a strong response. Curacao defended with discipline and determination to keep their hopes alive in Group E.
The star of the night was goalkeeper Eloy Room. The 37 year old delivered one of the greatest goalkeeping displays in World Cup history. He made 15 saves during the 90 minutes, the most ever recorded in a World Cup match without extra time.
Former United States goalkeeper Tim Howard made 16 saves against Belgium in 2014, but that match went into extra time. Room’s achievement came entirely during normal time.
Ecuador started brightly and nearly scored in the third minute. Enner Valencia broke through on goal, but Room produced a brilliant one handed save to push the ball wide. It was the first of many important stops.
Room continued to frustrate Ecuador throughout the match. Time and again he denied their attackers and helped Curacao survive long periods of pressure.
“I still have to process myself,” Room said.
“The match is full of emotions. I knew it was going to be a tough match. The first save, the tone was put in place, also for the team.
“It gave me confidence and I grew, we all grew, this was a team effort. We’ve been fighting, fighting up to the last minute. Earning a point this way for Curaçao is absolutely great.”
Ecuador came into the match on a 19 match unbeaten run and were playing in their fifth World Cup. They controlled much of the game but could not find a way past Room.
Their supporters filled the stadium and repeatedly chanted “Si se puede!” throughout the contest. However, they were left disappointed at the final whistle as Curacao celebrated a famous result.
The match in Kansas City saw Ecuador register 26 shots compared to Curacao’s 10. Angelo Preciado came closest to scoring late in the game when his long range strike crashed against the top of the crossbar.
Ecuador coach Sebastián Beccacece admitted his side were frustrated after failing to score.
“The team is looking for every path forward. Of course, not being able to score tonight is something that creates awkwardness. We are not able to create joy for the team, nor for our fans.
“But life has taught me you have to always continue to work, always learn, and challenges can become opportunities. It is normal now to feel this pain, this disappointment, but this is not over yet.”
The draw secured Germany’s place at the top of Group E. For Curacao, it was a night they will never forget. Their first World Cup point and Room’s record breaking display created one of the biggest stories of the tournament so far.
