Curaçao earns first World Cup point as Eloy Room makes record 15 saves against Ecuador
Goalkeeper Eloy Room made 15 saves, the most in a World Cup 90-minute match since records began in 1966, to earn Curaçao its first point at the tournament with a 0-0 draw against Ecuador at Arrowhead Stadium.
Curaçao secured its first World Cup point with a 0-0 draw against Ecuador on 20 June at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. The Caribbean island, the smallest nation by population ever to appear at the tournament, repelled a relentless Ecuadorian attack behind goalkeeper Eloy Room.
Goalkeeper heroics
Room, a 37-year-old born in the Netherlands but representing Curaçao since 2015, produced 15 saves in the 90 minutes, setting a regular‑time record since comprehensive stats began in 1966. The all‑time World Cup mark of 16 saves belongs to Tim Howard, who needed 120 minutes in the United States’ round‑of‑16 loss to Belgium in 2014. Room was named player of the match and later joked he expects a statue on the island.
For us this is like a victory, the first point at the World Cup. It’s incredible when you think about the path we’ve taken and how we got here. We have shown we have a true team heart, it’s an incredible feeling.
I gave everything I had. And like me, the team. It’s incredible that the smallest nation ever managed to get a result like this. I expect, though, that they build a statue for me in Curaçao.
Ecuador’s frustration
Ecuador arrived as the second‑placed South American qualifier but failed to convert overwhelming dominance. Possession stood at 75 percent, shots totalled 28, and expected goals reached 2.84. Yet the woodwork also aided Curaçao when Ángelo Preciado’s cross deflected off the bar late on. Ecuador coach Sebastián Beccacece took responsibility.
There are things you cannot explain in football. We wanted to win, but we didn’t manage. The responsibility is mine. The players gave their all.
Royal presence and celebrations
King Willem‑Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands watched from the stands and later visited the Curaçao dressing room, where they danced with players to Caribbean music. Video of the scene spread widely online. Curaçao is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and 25 of its 26 squad members were born in the Netherlands; the team is coached by veteran Dick Advocaat.
Curaçao’s World Cup journey
The point came after a 7‑1 opening defeat by Germany. Room dedicated the performance to his father, who died in November. Curaçao, with under 200,000 inhabitants, now sits with hope of advancing from Group E, though it still faces Ivory Coast in the third group match.
- 3rd minute: Valencia’s shot forces first save from Room.
- Second half: Room blocks a close‑range header from Plata.
- Late second half: Preciado’s cross hits the crossbar, sparing Curaçao.
- Full time: 0‑0 draw; Room records 15 saves, a World Cup regular‑time record.
