Lower-league goalkeeper breaks record to keep the amazing World Cup dream alive for underdog team
All four teams in Group E still have a chance to make it to the World Cup round of 32, thanks to an amazing and record-setting performance in the tournament’s second goalless draw.
The first 0-0 in World Cup 2026 was when debutants Cape Verde earned their very first World Cup point by drawing with Spain, who won in 2010. Ecuador and Curacao played the second goalless game in Kansas City, right after Germany’s last-minute win against Ivory Coast sent Julian Nagelsmann’s team through to the knockout stage.
Like Cape Verde, Curacao is new to the World Cup and now has its first famous point too. Dick Advocaat’s team lost 7-1 to the Germans in their first match, and their goal difference might make it harder for them to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams. But if they want to stay in the race, they need more than just a draw in their last game against Ivory Coast. Two points wouldn’t be enough anyway.
A win against Ivory Coast in their final group game in Philadelphia could push Curacao above them. And if Ecuador doesn’t beat Germany at the same time, Curacao could move up to second place and qualify automatically.
Making that slim hope real took a huge team effort, but one player stood out above the rest. Curacao’s goalkeeper, Eloy Room, was incredible, stopping a flood of shots from Ecuador.
According to Opta, the 37-year-old goalkeeper made history: “Curacao’s Eloy Room made 15 saves against Ecuador, the most recorded by any goalkeeper in a FIFA World Cup match (without extra time) since 1966.”
Room, who plays for Miami FC in the US second division, showed great skill and determination with his unusual but effective saves, keeping Ecuador’s attackers at bay. He has also played for Vitesse, PSV, and Columbus Crew, and he shares Curacao’s record for most international matches with former Aston Villa midfielder Leandro Bacuna.
Data from Fotmob shows Room faced 15 shots on target with an expected goals value over three. Two more shots were blocked before reaching him and 10 missed the goal. Six shots came before halftime, nine in the second half. His amazing saves included stopping a header from Kevin Rodriguez and a late save against Pedro Vite. Ecuador players like Enner Valencia, Nilson Angulo, Willian Pacho, Gonzalo Plata, John Yeboah, and Moises Caicedo all found their shots stopped by Curacao’s miracle man.