Curaçao the gatekeeper Room Eloy produced a record-tying performance to help the World Cup debutants secure a historic 0-0 draw against Ecuador and score their first point in FIFA World Cup history.
The 37-year-old goalkeeper made 15 saves in Kansas City as Curacao frustrated a scrappy Ecuador side and kept alive their hopes of reaching the knockout stages.
Ecuador dominated large periods of the Group E encounter and created numerous chances, but Room produced one of the best goalkeeping performances in World Cup history to keep out the South Americans.
The goalie sets the tone early
The game could have gone in a completely different direction in the first minutes when Ecuador’s captain Enner Valencia scored.
But Room reacted brilliantly to turn the attacker’s attack around the post and prevent an early breakthrough.
That save proved to be a sign of things to come as the Curacao goalkeeper repeatedly denied Ecuador throughout the contest.
The Caribbean nation suffered a heavy 7-1 defeat at the hands of Germany in their opening game and went into the game as clear underdogs against an Ecuadorian side desperate to respond after their loss to Ivory Coast.
Despite facing 27 shots and an expected goal number of 3.05, Curacao refused to buckle under the pressure.
A historic night for Curacao
Room’s 15 saves match the highest total by a goalkeeper in a World Cup game since the record was recorded in 1966.
After the game, the veteran goalkeeper reflected on what he had achieved.
“I still need to process,” Room said.
“The match is full of emotions. I knew it would be a difficult match.
“The first save, the tone was set, also for the team. It gave me confidence and I grew, we all grew, this was a team effort.
“We fought, fought until the last minute. To earn a point like this for Curacao is absolutely great.”
The draw represents one of the biggest results in the history of the tiny Caribbean nation, which has a population of around 156,000 and is the smallest country to ever compete in the World Cup.
Curacao now head into their final group game against Ivory Coast knowing that a win could improbably send them into the round of 16.
Regardless of what happens next, Room’s outstanding performance has already secured his place in World Cup folklore.
