The champion’s room where little Curacao scored the first point in the World Cup against Ecuador | World Cup 2026 news

Eloy Room’s incredible scoring helped Curacao make a record in the Group E match in Kansas City.

Goalkeeper Eloy Room was the hero for Curacao against Ecuador, making several saves to help the young Caribbean nation earn their first World Cup point in a goalless game that has left their hopes of a knock-out.

Ecuador, who finished second in the South American tournament, had 28 shots, including 15 on target, but Room stood up in a stunning performance in Kansas City on Saturday.

His 15 saves were the most recorded since 1966, by any goalkeeper in a World Cup game that did not feature in overtime.

World Cup participants Curacao, the smallest nation in the tournament, lost 7-1 against Germany in their opening game but restored pride in the American Midwest.

Ecuadorian fans turned Arrowhead Stadium, home of the NFL team Kansas City Chiefs, yellow, more than Curacao fans.

But Curacao had kings on their side in the form of Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima. The island is a self-governing country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Out of their 26-strong squad, led by experienced Dutch coach Dick Advocaat, 25 were born in the Netherlands, and most played their football there.

The game started at a fast pace.

Ecuador looked set to open the scoring in the third minute when former West Ham midfielder Enner Valencia burst through the middle, but Room hit the ball around the post.

Sherel Floranus shot at the other end as Curacao showed their speed on the break.

Valencia failed to beat Room close to Jordy Alcivar as Ecuador continued to dominate.

The South American team finished the first half with 65 percent of possession but nothing to show for their dominance.

They almost broke the deadlock before the break, but the Chamber saved Gonzalo Plata’s header, before Curacao’s chance was over.

Ecuador, more than 50 places higher than Curacao in the FIFA rankings, looked unmoved as they pressed for a goal.

As the match drew to a close, chances continued to pile up, but the Room settled down.

Ecuador substitute Angelo Preciado hit a cross that bounced off the crossbar and into the back of the net.

Curacao players surrounded Malo at the end of the game, celebrating the incredible point.

Earlier, four-time champions Germany came from behind to defeat the Ivory Coast 2-1 in Toronto, ensuring they will qualify for the Round of 32. Curacao’s draw ensures that Germany will lead the group.

Ecuador will face Germany on Thursday, while Curacao will face the Ivory Coast.