Curacao, the smallest nation ever to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, have recorded their first point in the tournament with a stunning 0-0 draw against Ecuador in Kansas City on Sunday (AEST).
Heroic Goalkeeping Performance
Veteran goalkeeper Eloy Room was the star, making 15 saves — just one shy of the record 16 set by American Tim Howard in an extra-time loss to Belgium in 2014, since saves became an official World Cup stat in 1966. Room's performance was a one-man barrier, bouncing back from Curacao's 7-1 thrashing by Germany in their opening game.
"A boulder in the sea has a point at the World Cup!" Mike Watts said on commentary for SBS. "Curacao has shocked Ecuador. A nil-nil draw in Kansas City. An extraordinary point for Dick Advocaat. A historic performance for Eloy Room."
Historic Result for Tiny Nation
The point is a historic result for Curacao, a tiny island nation with just 158,000 people. It keeps their unlikely hopes of advancing through Group E alive. They will progress to the knockout stages if they can beat Ivory Coast in their final match. Room was in action early, denying Enner Valencia in the third minute with a brilliant save. He continued his one-man mission, keeping out Gonzalo Plata's effort and again denying Valencia with an impressive low stop.
Curacao's Chances
Curacao had their moments, with former Manchester United midfielder Tahith Chong wasting a three-on-two situation, while Juninho Bacuna had a shot blocked in the penalty area. Advocaat's men had a triple chance to take the lead on the hour as Ecuador goalkeeper Hernan Galindez made a good double stop to deny Leandro Bacuna and Livano Comenencia before Moises Caicedo blocked Jurgen Locadia's follow-up effort.
But Room continued to keep his side in it, denying Valencia and Kevin Rodriguez before Piero Hincapie sent a free header over and Plata somehow missed after bursting into the area. Rodriguez then hit the crossbar with a cross-shot, but Room was the hero as the Caribbean nation held on for a historic result.
