World Cup 2026: Eloy Room excelled with 15 saves to help Curaçao draw 0-0 with Ecuador
Eloy Room had an impressive performance with 15 saves, helping Curaçao to a 0-0 draw against Ecuador at the World Cup, marking a historic moment for the team participating in the tournament for the first time.
In a dramatic goalless match, Curaçao, the smallest country to ever participate in the World Cup, held Ecuador to a 0-0 draw thanks to the outstanding performance of goalkeeper Eloy Room. This is the second time in this tournament that a 0-0 draw has been considered a great victory. Room, who conceded seven goals against Germany, had a legendary afternoon on Saturday with 15 saves, just one short of setting the World Cup record for saves in a single match. This record currently belongs to Tim Howard of the United States with 16 saves in a round of 16 match in 2014 against Belgium. However, unlike Howard, Room kept a clean sheet under extreme pressure. Even though Ecuador had 28 shots, Room and Curaçao stood firm, earning the first points in their World Cup history. The majority of Room's saves were not difficult, as many of Ecuador's shots went straight into his hands. Some shots were more technical, with a third of La Tri's shots being big chances. However, given the huge number of chances, Ecuador should have scored, possibly more than once. But Room still stood firm, remaining absolutely calm throughout the match. Besides the disappointment in attack, this draw also puts Ecuador in a difficult position in the group stage. La Tri suffered a defeat against Ivory Coast with a last-minute goal last week. This single score means Ecuador needs to beat Germany to have any chance of progressing further.
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