Curacao achieved a 0-0 draw against Ecuador in Group E of the 2026 World Cup, largely thanks to goalkeeper Eloy Room's performance. Room's 15 saves in the 90-minute match set a record for the most saves by a goalkeeper in a 90-minute World Cup game. He trails American goalkeeper Tim Howard's record of 16 saves, made over 120 minutes during the 2014 World Cup round of 16 match against Belgium, by just one save.

Goalkeeper Room during the match against Ecuador, in the second group stage game of Group E at the 2026 World Cup, held at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri, USA on 21/6. *Photo: Reuters*

Considering the save-to-minute ratio, Room's performance is impressive, as he nearly matched Howard's 120-minute tally in significantly less time. The significance of the draw was evident as the final whistle blew. Room and his teammates were overcome with emotion, shedding tears of joy and relief. Even 78-year-old Dutch coach Dick Advocaat was visibly moved, shedding tears as he witnessed his team's historic achievement in their inaugural World Cup appearance.

Vy Anh