No way across the room: Curacao goalkeeper Eloy makes record saves in 90 minutes as Curacao earns first-ever FIFA World Cup point

Ecuador’s Enner Valencia (13) shoots on goal as Curaçao goalkeeper Eloy Room makes a save during the World Cup Group E soccer match between Ecuador and Curacao in Kansas City, Mo., Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP) Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room put in a memorable performance as his side held Ecuador to a 0-0 draw in their FIFA World Cup Group E match on Saturday (local time), earning the island nation their first ever point of the tournament.The result also confirmed Germany’s place in the knockout stages following their 2-1 win over Ivory Coast earlier in the day.Room, 37, made 15 saves against Ecuador and was named FIFA Man of the Match. His tally is the most ever recorded in a 90-minute World Cup game and is just one short of the World Cup total of 16 saves set by United States goalkeeper Tim Howard against Belgium on July 1, 2014, since saves became an official statistic in 1966.The Curacao goalkeeper helped his country qualify for its first World Cup by keeping a clean sheet against Jamaica last November. After conceding seven goals in a 7-1 defeat of Germany earlier in the tournament, he responded with one of the most memorable goalkeeping displays we’ve seen on the World Cup stage.The draw keeps both teams in contention for a place in the knockout stages, but leaves Ecuador under pressure heading into the final group game. On Thursday, Curacao will face Ivory Coast in Philadelphia, while Ecuador will face Germany in New York.Ecuador enjoyed strong support in the stands at the Kansas City Chiefs ground. Fans in yellow filled most of the stadium, while only a few sections were occupied by Curacao supporters, the AP reported. Ecuador went into the game knowing defeat could seriously damage their hopes after Germany’s late win over Ivory Coast. Curacao ensured that the pressure remained throughout the contest.Curacao repeatedly found space through the middle of Ecuador’s defense in the first half and created openings, but poor final passes and off-target finishing prevented them from taking the lead.Experienced forward Enner Valencia had Ecuador’s best chance in the opening third. With only the keeper to beat, he looked set to score, but Room guessed right, diving to his left and pushing the effort away.Ecuador increased the pressure after the break but Room continued to deny them.Moises Caicedo forced the goalkeeper into a save early in the second half. Valencia then headed in from close range, but Room pushed wide. From the resulting corner, the Curacao keeper made two more saves before his defense cleared the danger.It was a frustrating night for Ecuador who couldn’t find a way past Room despite creating many chances.However, for Curacao, the draw brought about a historic moment, with the team securing their first FIFA World Cup point and keeping their hopes of advancing to the final group stage alive.