KANSAS, United States – Behind a sensational goalkeeping performance by Elroy Room, underdogs Curacao held Ecuador to a goalless draw to earn their first-ever point at a FIFA World Cup here on Saturday.
Eloy Room pulling off one of his record 15 saves against Ecuador.The 37-year-old Room pulled off a record-equalling 15 saves to match USA goalkeeper Tim Howard’s record set back in 2014 for the most saves in a World Cup game.
The result also kept Curacao’s hopes of advancing to the knockout round alive. Victory in their last match against Ivory Coast would send them through to the round of 32.
Room’s first save came after just three minutes and was arguably the best of the night as he kept out Enner Valencia from close range.
John Yeboah was next to be denied before Room saved again from Valencia among six first-half stops.
Room was even busier after the break as he denied Moises Caicedo, Pedro Vite, Kevin Rodriguez, Nilson Angulo, Gonzalo Plata and others.
Curacao did have a great opportunity of their own on the hour mark, but Leandro Bacuna’s strike was saved before Liviana Comenencia had an effort turned away.
