Eloy Room's 15-save masterclass earns Curacao historic draw against Ecuador at World Cup

Eloy Room produced one of the World Cup’s most extraordinary individual goalkeeping performances on Tuesday, making 15 saves to earn Curacao a 0-0 draw against Ecuador — a result that keeps the Caribbean nation’s knockout-stage hopes alive.

Just days after a 7-1 hammering by Germany, Curacao — a Caribbean island of just over 158,000 people — defied the odds against a side that had been widely expected to win comfortably. Room, the 37-year-old Miami FC goalkeeper, was the central figure, denying Enner Valencia five times and also keeping out efforts from Moises Caicedo and John Yeboah.

Former Manchester United winger Tahith Chong was Curacao’s most dangerous attacking outlet, his direct running and footwork repeatedly helping his side escape their own half. After Chong was substituted in the 76th minute, however, the match became a rearguard action, with Curacao defending resolutely under the management of Dick Advocaat — the former Sunderland head coach — to see out the final 20 minutes.

At the final whistle, Room dropped to his knees and was immediately surrounded by teammates, while Advocaat was visibly emotional on the touchline. The result leaves Curacao with a genuine, if narrow, path to the knockout rounds.

Curacao’s next group fixture is against Ivory Coast later this month. Ecuador, meanwhile, must beat already-confirmed group winners Germany to have any chance of advancing from the group stage.