Goalkeeper Eloy Room makes a record 15 saves to help underdog Curaçao hold Ecuador to a historic 0-0 draw in the World Cup group stage.
Curaçao goalkeeper Eloy Room produced an unforgettable masterclass in Kansas City, registering a record-breaking 15 saves to frustrate Ecuador in a memorable 0-0 draw.
The 37-year-old veteran single-handedly subdued an elite South American frontline, producing spectacular stops to deny veteran talisman Enner Valencia and winger Gonzalo Plata. Ecuador threw everything forward and even rattled the woodwork three times, but they simply could not find a way past the unbeatable shot-stopper, who took home the Player of the Match honors.
The hard-fought shutout marks a monumental milestone for the Caribbean nation, securing both their first-ever clean sheet and inaugural point at a World Cup finals tournament.
Although this draw damaged Ecuador’s hopes of easily qualifying for the knockout stage, Dick Advocaat’s side can now dream of an unprecedented path forward. If Curaçao can pull off another giant-killing victory against Ivory Coast on the final matchday, they will firmly secure a historic spot in the round of 32.