Curacao goalkeeper shines in draw with Ecuador

Curacao's goalkeeper Eloy Room was the star against Ecuador on Saturday. He saved many shots and helped Curacao earn their first World Cup point in a goalless draw. This result keeps their hopes alive for reaching the knockout stage.

Ecuador, who came second in South American qualifying, fired off 28 shots, with 15 on target. But Room was amazing with his saves in Kansas City.

His 15 saves are the most recorded for any goalkeeper in a World Cup match without extra time since 1966.

Curacao, the smallest nation by population to qualify for the World Cup, had lost 7-1 to Germany in their first match. But they showed pride this time in the American Midwest.

Ecuador fans filled Arrowhead Stadium, home to the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs. They greatly outnumbered Curacao's supporters.

Curacao had support from Dutch royalty, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima. The island is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Of their 26-man squad, 25 players were born in the Netherlands. Most of them play their football there under the guidance of experienced Dutch coach Dick Advocaat.

The match started quickly. Ecuador looked ready to score in the third minute when former West Ham player Enner Valencia got through. Room made a great save, tipping the ball around the post.

At the other end, Sherel Floranus shot over the bar as Curacao tried to counterattack. Valencia had another chance but could not beat Room from close range. Jordy Alcivar also tried to score as Ecuador kept dominating the game.

Ecuador ended the first half with 65 percent of possession but could not convert that into goals.

They nearly scored just before the hour mark. But Room saved a header from Gonzalo Plata, followed by a few chances for Curacao.

Ecuador, ranked more than 50 places above Curacao in FIFA rankings, started to look unsettled as they pushed for a goal.

As the match went on, chances kept coming but Room remained strong. Ecuador's substitute Angelo Preciado mishit a cross that hit the crossbar and went out of play.

Curacao players rushed to Room at the end to celebrate this remarkable point.

Earlier, four-time champions Germany came back to beat Ivory Coast 2-1 in Toronto. This win secured Germany's spot in the round of 32. Curacao’s draw means Germany will top the group.

Ecuador will face Germany on Thursday while Curacao will play against Ivory Coast.