Curacao earned their first World Cup point after goalkeeper Eloy Room made 15 saves in a 0-0 draw with Ecuador in Kansas City on Saturday.
Ecuador had 28 shots, including 15 on target, but Room kept them out at Arrowhead Stadium. His 15 saves were the most on record since 1966 by a goalkeeper in a World Cup match without extra time.
The result kept alive Curacao’s hopes of reaching the knockout phase. The debutants had lost 7-1 to Germany in their opening match.
Ecuador, who finished second in South American qualifying, dominated possession in the first half. Enner Valencia went close in the third minute, but Room tipped his effort around the post.
Valencia later failed to beat Room from close range. Jordy Alcivar also tested Curacao as Ecuador ended the first half with 65% possession.
Room denied Gonzalo Plata’s header before Curacao created chances of their own. Ecuador substitute Angelo Preciado later mishit a cross that bounced off the top of the crossbar.
Curacao are the smallest nation by population to qualify for the World Cup. Dutch coach Dick Advocaat manages the squad, and 25 of its 26 players were born in the Netherlands.
Read: Germany Ivory Coast 2-1: Undav Sends Germans Through
Germany’s 2-1 win over Ivory Coast earlier ensured Germany would top the group. Ecuador face Germany on Thursday, while Curacao play Ivory Coast.
