Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room was the hero on Saturday as the tiny Caribbean island claimed its first-ever World Cup point in a goalless draw against toothless Ecuador.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Ecuador, who finished second in South American qualifying, had 28 shots, including 15 on target, in Kansas City but Room stood firm in an astonishing display.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The 0-0 draw in Group E keeps alive Curacao's hopes of reaching the knockout phase, extending their fairytale journey at their first World Cup.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The tiny country -- the smallest by population ever to play on football's biggest stage -- have Miami FC goalkeeper Room to thank for their point against Ecuador.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Room's 15 saves are the most on record -- since 1966 -- by any goalkeeper at a World Cup match that did not feature extra-time.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The draw in the American Midwest restored pride after a 7-1 mauling by Germany in their opening match.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"History! Our first ever point at the @fifaworldcup," Curacao posted on X.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"I still have to process it myself," said Room. "The match was full of emotions. I knew it was going to be a tough match.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"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.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"We were fighting up to the last minute. Earning a point this way for Curacao is absolutely great."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
- Royal backing -<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Ecuador fans turned the Arrowhead Stadium, the home of NFL team Kansas City Chiefs, yellow, hugely outnumbering supporters of Curacao.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
But Curacao had royalty on their side in the form of Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima. The island is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Out of their 26-strong squad, managed by vastly experienced Dutch coach Dick Advocaat, 25 were born in the Netherlands, and many play their football there.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The match started at a fizzing pace.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Ecuador seemed certain to open the scoring in the third minute when former West Ham forward Enner Valencia burst through the middle but Room tipped the ball around the post.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Sherel Floranus fired over at the other end as Curacao showed their pace on the break.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Ecuador captain Valencia failed to beat Room from close range before Jordy Alcivar had an effort as Ecuador continued to dominate.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The South American team ended the first half with 65 percent of possession but nothing to show for their dominance.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
They went close to breaking the deadlock just before the hour mark but Room kept out a Gonzalo Plata header, before a flurry of Curacao chances.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Ecuador, more than 50 places higher than their opponents in the FIFA rankings, looked increasingly frazzled as they pressed for an opener.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
They continued to pour forward and rained shots on Room's goal but he stood firm.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Ecuador substitute Angelo Preciado mishit a cross that bounced off the top of the crossbar and went behind in the final minutes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Curacao players swarmed around goalkeeper Room at the end of the match, celebrating an extraordinary point.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Ecuador have yet to score in two games at the World Cup after netting just 14 goals in 18 qualifying matches.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"There are things you cannot explain in football," said Ecuador coach Sebastian Beccacece.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"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."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Earlier, four-time champions Germany came from behind to beat Ivory Coast 2-1 in Toronto, sealing their qualification for the round of 32. Curacao's draw ensures Germany will top the group.<\/p>\r\n\r\n