No way through Room: Curacao goalkeeper Eloy makes record for most saves in a 90-minute match as Curacao earns first FIFA World Cup point | Football news
Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room put in a performance to remember as his side held Ecuador to a 0-0 draw in their FIFA World Cup Group E match on Saturday (local time), earning 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 tally is the highest ever recorded in a 90-minute World Cup match and just shy of the overall World Cup 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 Curaçao 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 rout of Germany earlier in the tournament, he responded with one of the most memorable 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 going into the final group game. On Thursday, Curaçao will face Ivory Coast in Philadelphia, while Ecuador will face Germany in New York.Ecuador had strong support in the stands at the home of the Kansas City Chiefs. Fans wearing yellow filled most of the stadium, while only a few sections were occupied by Curacao supporters, the AP news agency reported.Ecuador went into the game knowing defeat could seriously damage their hopes after Germany’s late win over Ivory Coast. Curacao ensured that the pressure remained throughout the contest.In the first half, Curaçao repeatedly found space in the middle of Ecuador’s defense and created openings, but poor final passes and off-target finishing prevented them from taking the lead.Ecuador’s best chance of the opening period fell to veteran striker Enner Valencia. With only the goalkeeper to beat, he looked poised to score, but Room guessed correctly, diving to his left and putting the effort away.Ecuador increased the pressure after the break, but Room continued to deny.Moises Caicedo forced the goalkeeper into a save before the second half. Valencia then went close with a header, but Room pushed it wide. From the resulting corner, the Curaçao goalkeeper made two more saves before his defense cleared the danger.It was a frustrating night for Ecuador, who couldn’t find a way past Room despite creating numerous chances.For Curaçao, however, the draw brought a historic moment, with the team securing their first point at a FIFA World Cup and keeping their hopes of advancing alive in the final group game.
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