Room's record 15 saves earn Curacao first-ever World Cup point against Ecuador

KANSAS CITY: Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room produced a record-setting display as the Caribbean side held Ecuador to a 0-0 draw on Saturday and claimed the first World Cup point in the country's history.

Ecuador, who came into the match after finishing second in South American qualifying, dominated for long periods and registered 28 shots, including 15 on target, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. But Room repeatedly denied them in an astonishing performance. His 15 saves were the most recorded by any goalkeeper in a World Cup match without extra time since such data began being tracked in 1966.

The result kept Curacao in contention for a place in the knockout phase after the tournament debutants had suffered a 7-1 defeat to Germany in their opening Group E match. Curacao as the smallest nation by population ever to qualify for the World Cup.

Ecuador had strong backing inside the stadium, with their supporters turning the venue yellow and heavily outnumbering Curacao fans. Curacao, however, had high-profile support in the stands from Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima. Curacao is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Ecuador press, but Curacao hold firm

The game began at high intensity and Ecuador nearly went ahead in the third minute when former West Ham forward Enner Valencia surged through the middle, only for Room to push the ball around the post.

Curacao also showed pace on the counterattack, with Sherel Floranus firing over, but Ecuador continued to control possession. Valencia was denied again from close range, while Jordy Alcivar also had an attempt as the South Americans kept up the pressure. By halftime, Ecuador had 65% of possession but had not found a way through.

Just before the hour mark, Room made another important stop to keep out a Gonzalo Plata header. Curacao then fashioned a brief spell of chances of their own, while Ecuador, ranked more than 50 places above Curacao in the FIFA standings, grew increasingly unsettled as they searched for a breakthrough.

The opportunities kept coming late in the match. Ecuador substitute Angelo Preciado nearly created the winner when he mishit a cross that struck the top of the crossbar and went behind, but Room and the Curacao defence held out.

Group situation

At the final whistle, Curacao's players gathered around Room to celebrate a point that revived their campaign. The team is coached by veteran Dutch manager Dick Advocaat, and 25 of the 26 players in Curacao's squad were born in the Netherlands, with most playing their club football there.

Earlier on Saturday, Germany came from behind to beat Ivory Coast 2-1 in Toronto and secure qualification for the round of 32. Curacao's draw means Germany will finish top of the group. Ecuador are due to face Germany on Thursday, while Curacao will take on Ivory Coast.