Room Matches World Cup Save Record as Curaçao Earn Historic Draw Against Ecuador

Curacao earned their first ever World Cup point on Sunday morning, holding Ecuador to a scoreless draw thanks to a stunning display from goalkeeper Eloy Room.

Room made 15 saves to keep Ecuador off the scoresheet, matching the record for most saves in a single World Cup game. The mark was previously set by Tim Howard for the United States against Belgium in 2014, though that game went to extra time and the US still lost 2-1. Room's effort earned Curacao a clean sheet and a historic point.

Room was tested early, making his first big save just three minutes in to deny Enner Valencia from close range, a stop that may have been his best of the night. He kept out John Yeboah soon after and then denied Valencia again, racking up six saves before halftime alone.

The second half brought even more work. Room turned away efforts from Moises Caicedo, Pedro Vite, Kevin Rodriguez, Nilson Angulo, Gonzalo Plata and others as Ecuador piled on the pressure.

Curacao had their own chance to win it around the hour mark, but Leandro Bacuna's shot was saved, and a follow-up effort from Liviana Comenencia was also turned away.

Ecuador will be frustrated with the result after managing 27 attempts on goal without finding a way through. Following their opening loss to Ivory Coast, they now must beat group winners Germany in their final game to reach the knockout stage.

Curacao, who lost their opener 7-1 to Germany, are still alive too. A win over Ivory Coast in their last group game would be enough to send them through to the last 32.

Ecuador face Germany in New Jersey on Thursday, June 25. Curacao play Ivory Coast at the same time in Philadelphia.