# Curacao Stun Ecuador 0-0 as Goalkeeper Room Equals World Cup Record
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The 2026 FIFA World Cup delivered one of its most dramatic moments as **Curacao earned their first-ever World Cup point** in a historic 0-0 draw against Ecuador. The hero of the night? **37-year-old goalkeeper Eloy Room**, who pulled off a jaw-dropping **15 saves** — equaling the legendary Tim Howard”’s record for the most saves in a single World Cup match.
## A Performance for the Ages
Playing at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami — fittingly Room”’s home turf, where he plays for Miami FC in the USL Championship — the veteran shot-stopper was simply unbeatable.
Room”’s first save came just **three minutes** into the match, denying Ecuador”’s all-time top scorer Enner Valencia from close range. It was a sign of things to come.
> “The 37-year-old was in stunning form to match USA goalkeeper Tim Howard”’s record for the most saves in a World Cup game,” BBC Sport reported. “Howard made 15 saves against Belgium in 2014 in a match that went to extra time (also conceding twice in a 2-1 defeat) — but Room”’s clean sheet earned Dick Advocaat”’s side a historic draw.”
**First-half dominance:** Room made **six saves** before the break, denying John Yeboah, Moises Caicedo, and Valencia twice. Ecuador piled on the pressure but simply couldn”’t find a way past the Curacao captain.
**Second-half onslaught:** After the break, Ecuador turned up the heat even more. Room denied Moises Caicedo, Pedro Vite, Kevin Rodriguez, Nilson Angulo, Gonzalo Plata, and more. In total, Ecuador registered **27 attempts** at goal — and still came away with nothing.
## Group E — Wide Open
The result throws Group E into chaos:
| Team | Pld | GD | Pts |
|——|—–|—-|—–|
| Germany | 2 | +9 | 6 |
| Ivory Coast | 2 | +1 | 3 |
| Curacao | 2 | -7 | 1 |
| Ecuador | 2 | -3 | 1 |
Both Curacao (vs Ivory Coast) and Ecuador (vs Germany) still have a shot at reaching the **Round of 32**. Curacao — who lost 7-1 to Germany in their opening match — now have genuine hope of progressing.
## Curacao”’s Golden Moment
For a nation of just **155,000 people**, this result is nothing short of extraordinary. Curacao, an autonomous constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, has been on a remarkable footballing journey. Managed by Dutch legend **Dick Advocaat**, this World Cup campaign is already exceeding all expectations.
Leandro Bacuna came closest for Curacao on the hour mark, but his strike was well saved. Liviana Comenencia also had an effort turned away as Curacao showed they weren”’t just there to defend.
## What”’s Next
**Final Group E fixtures (June 22):**
– **Germany vs Ecuador** — Ecuador must win to advance
– **Curacao vs Ivory Coast** — A win would send Curacao through to the knockout stage
## FAQ
**Q: Who is Eloy Room?**
**A:** Eloy Room is a 37-year-old goalkeeper from Curacao who plays for Miami FC in the USL Championship. He”’s the captain of the Curacao national team and has been playing professionally since 2008, including stints at Vitesse and Columbus Crew.
**Q: What was Tim Howard”’s record?**
**A:** Tim Howard made 15 saves for the USA against Belgium in the 2014 World Cup Round of 16. However, Belgium scored twice in extra time to win 2-1. Room”’s achievement is arguably greater since he kept a clean sheet.
**Q: Can Curacao qualify for the knockout stage?**
**A:** Yes! If Curacao beats Ivory Coast in their final group match on June 22, they will advance to the Round of 32 — an incredible achievement for a debutant nation.
**Q: How big is the 2026 World Cup?**
**A:** The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the first to feature **48 teams** (expanded from 32), with the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. 104 matches will be played across 16 venues.
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