FIFA WC 2026: Room's 15-save masterclass earns Curacao historic first World Cup point
Kansas City, June 21
Eloy Room's incredible saves helped Curacao to secure their first World Cup point after playing out a goalless draw with Ecuador in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E encounter here at the Kansas City Stadium on Sunday.
Curacao, the smallest country to ever compete at the global finals, scripted an otherworldly story as Goalkeeper Room was the 15-save hero as they drew 0-0 with Ecuador.
This is just the third goalless draw in 33 World Cup encounters between CONMEBOL and Concacaf nations. The other two were Uruguay 0-0 Mexico - 1966 group stage and Brazil 0-0 Mexico in the 2014 group stage.
With the draw, Curacao, Ecuador and Cote d'Ivoire enter the final matchday with the opportunity to progress to the knockout phase. Germany are already through as group winners, with one game to spare.
Ecuador started brightly as Moises Caicedo unleashed Enner Valencia with a brilliant ball over the top. Valencia was left one on one with Room, but failed to find a way past the Caribbean keeper, setting the tone for the night.
Early on, the Blue Wave were able to take advantage of the space Ecuador left as they pushed for an opener. Bacuna and Locadia made good runs into space and created chances for their midfielders, but they were also unable to find the back of the net.
As the half went on, Ecuador attacked in waves, but no one could find a way past the imperious Room.
As time wound down, Ecuador pressed even harder for a goal and Valencia nearly scored a strong header from a whipped in cross, only to be denied by Room.
Ecuador hit the woodwork three times and had nearly 30 attempts, but were unable to find a way through the Caribbean side's defence.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Finally some World Cup magic from underdogs! Curacao showing why football is the people's game. That 15 saves stat is outrageous. Respect to South American teams too - Ecuador unlucky but this is why we love the World Cup!
As an Indian football fan, this gives me hope. If Curacao can do this with proper planning, why can't we? But honestly, Room's positioning and reflexes were world-class. Ecuador must be kicking themselves - 30 shots, three woodwork hits, and still no goal!
Credit to Curacao's defense too - they threw their bodies on the line. That goalless draw stat with CONMEBOL vs Concacaf is fascinating. Only Uruguay-Mexico (1966) and Brazil-Mexico (2014) before this. History made! And now Group E is wide open - exciting stuff!
This is football's version of David vs Goliath. Everyone loves an underdog story. But I feel for Ecuador - they dominated but just couldn't finish. Enner Valencia would be having nightmares about Room tonight. What a performance under pressure!
Eloy Room - naam hi kaafi hai! 🧤 This is why I love international football. Small nations, huge hearts. Curacao's World Cup debut and they've already made their mark. Ecuador need to finish better - one point from here is dangerous for their qualification hopes.
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