Curacao earns first World Cup point with a 0-0 draw against Ecuador

Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room was the standout performer on Saturday as the small Caribbean nation earned its first World Cup point in a 0‑0 draw against Ecuador.

Ecuador, who finished second in South American qualifying, created 28 chances, 15 of which were on target, in Kansas City, but Room made a remarkable number of saves to keep the scoreline unchanged.

The result keeps Curacao’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive, extending their fairy‑tale run in their debut World Cup.

The tiny country, the smallest by population to ever compete at football’s biggest tournament, owed its point to Room, who made 15 saves – the most by any goalkeeper in a World Cup match without extra time since 1966.

The draw restored pride after a 7‑1 defeat to Germany in their opening match.

“History! Our first ever point at the World Cup,” Curacao posted on X.

Room reflected, “I still have to process it myself. The match was full of emotions. I knew it was going to be a tough match. There were lots of saves, but I think after the first save, the tone was put in place, also for the team. It gave me confidence, and I grew. We all grew, and this was a team effort. We were fighting up to the last minute. Earning a point this way for Curacao is absolutely great.”

– Royal backing –

Ecuador supporters filled Arrowhead Stadium, the home of the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs, turning it yellow and outnumbering Curacao fans.

Curacao also had the support of Dutch King Willem‑Alexander and Queen Maxima, as the island is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Of the 26‑player squad, managed by experienced Dutch coach Dick Advocaat, 25 were born in the Netherlands and many play their club football there.

The match opened with a lively pace.

Ecuador appeared set to score in the third minute when former West Ham forward Enner Valencia burst through the middle, but Room tipped the ball around the post.

Sherel Floranus fired over the bar as Curacao displayed their speed on the counter‑attack.

Ecuador captain Valencia failed to beat Room from close range before Jordy Alcivar had a shot as Ecuador continued to dominate.

The South American side ended the first half with 65 % possession but failed to convert any chances.

They came close to breaking the deadlock just before the hour mark, but Room denied a Gonzalo Plata header, before Curacao produced a flurry of chances.

Ecuador, ranked more than 50 places above Curacao, grew increasingly frustrated as they pressed for an opener.

They continued to press forward and rain shots on Room’s goal, but he remained resolute.

Ecuador substitute Angelo Preciado mistimed a cross that bounced off the top of the crossbar and went wide in the final minutes.

At the end of the match, Curacao players swarmed Room in celebration of the remarkable point.

Ecuador have yet to score in two World Cup games, having netted only 14 goals in 18 qualifying matches.

“There are things you cannot explain in football,” said Ecuador coach Sebastian Beccacece. “We wanted to win, we didn’t do it. I am the one who is responsible and I’ve told my team, if I see that you are giving it all competing, I have no complaints. No one wants to miss out on scoring.”

Earlier, four‑time champions Germany beat Ivory Coast 2‑1 in Toronto, securing their place in the round of 32. Curacao’s draw ensures Germany will top Group E.

Ecuador will face Germany on Thursday while Curacao will take on Ivory Coast, with all teams in Group E still in contention.

Vanguard News

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