2 min readJun 21, 2026 08:18 AM IST
Just days after Curacao’s horrific initiation with a 1-7 drubbing at the hands of Germany in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the smallest country to ever qualify for the quadrennial tournament redeemed themselves through their goalkeeper, Eloy Room.
The 37-year-old brickwall as at the heart of Curacao’s inspired second Group E appearance in a goalless draw against Ecuador at the Kansas City Stadium on Saturday night. The Netherlands-born goalkeeper remained unflinching as Ecuador launched an avalanche of attempts at the target and a whopping 27 shots in all, taking away a World Cup record in only his second appearance for the most shots saved in regulation time. Room’s display also marked the second-highest ever saves in a World Cup appearance by a goalkeeper in the record books.
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Saving 15 shots through the night, the Miami FC goalkeeper’s performance handed Curacao their first World Cup point in only their second appearance in the finals. A win over Ivory Coast during the final league stage round next Friday will earn them shot at a magical knockouts berth.
World record in second game
Room’s 15 saves edged out Peruvian goalkeeper Ramón Quiroga, who had secured 13 saves against the Netherlands in the 1978 World Cup. The tally is only bettered by former USA goalkeeper Tim Howard who had made 16 saves during the Round of 16 match against Belgium in the 2014 World Cup, 12 of which had come in regulation time.
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