Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room put in a performance to remember as his side hero Ecuador drew 0-0 in their FIFA World Cup Group E match on Saturday (local time), handing the island nation their first point of the tournament.The result also confirmed Germany’s place in the knockout stages following their 2-1 win over Ivory Coast earlier in the day.Room, 37, made 15 saves against Ecuador and was named FIFA man of the match. His total is the most ever recorded in a 90-minute World Cup match and just one short of the World Cup total record of 16 saves, set by United States goalkeeper Tim Howard against Belgium on July 1, 2014, since saves became an official statistic in 1966.The Curacao goalkeeper helped his country qualify for their first World Cup by keeping a clean sheet against Jamaica last November. After conceding seven goals in a 7-1 loss to Germany earlier in the tournament, he responded with one of the most impressive goalkeeping displays seen on the World Cup stage.The draw keeps both teams in contention for a place in the knockout rounds, but leaves Ecuador under pressure heading into the final group game. On Thursday, Curacao will face Ivory Coast in Philadelphia, while Ecuador will play Germany in New York.Ecuador enjoyed strong support in the Kansas City Chiefs home stands. Yellow-clad fans filled most of the stadium, while only a few sections were occupied by Curacao fans, the AP news agency reported. Ecuador went into the game knowing defeat could seriously dent their hopes after Germany’s late win over Ivory Coast. Curacao ensured that the pressure remained throughout the contest.In the first half, Curacao repeatedly found space through the middle of Ecuador’s defense and created openings, but poor finishing passes and finishing outside the goal prevented them from taking the lead.Ecuador’s best chance in the first period was in the hands of veteran Enner Valencia. With only the keeper to beat, it looked like he was going to score but Room got it right, dived to his left and pushed the effort away.Ecuador increased the pressure after the break, but Room continued to deny them.Moises Caicedo forced the goalkeeper into a save early in the second half. Valencia then went close with a header, but Room pushed over the bar. From the resulting corner, the Curacao keeper made two more saves before his defense cleared the danger.It was a frustrating night for Ecuador, who could not find a way past Rome despite numerous chances.For Curacao, however, the draw brought about a historic moment, with the team securing their first FIFA World Cup point and keeping their hopes of progression alive in their final group game.
