2026 World Cup: Eloy Room’s 15-save masterclass helps Curaçao stun Ecuador in 0-0 draw

For the second time this World Cup, a 0-0 draw is a monumental win. Curaçao, the smallest nation to ever compete at the tournament, forced a scoreless tie against Ecuador in a generational performance from goalkeeper Eloy Room.

Room, the same keeper who allowed seven goals against Germany, put up the performance of a lifetime Saturday: The goalie had 15 saves, just one short of the single-game saves record at a World Cup, keeping Ecuador scoreless despite a never-ending onslaught of shots from La Tri.

The performance puts Room in line with other legendary World Cup keepers. The single-game record of 16 saves was set by the United States' Tim Howard in 2014, during a Round of 16 matchup against Belgium. Howard, however, was not able to keep the U.S. from losing that game 2-1; Room was able to hold the scoreline under extraordinary pressure.

Despite 28 total shots from Ecuador, Room and Curaçao held on for the draw, earning the debutante country its first-ever point at the World Cup.

It should be noted that most of Room's saves were not particularly difficult: Many of Ecuador's shots went straight into Room's arms. Others required more finesse, with a third of La Tri's on-frame shots serving as big chances, per Fotmob.

Regardless, the sheer volume of chances should have been enough for Ecuador to score, potentially more than once. But Room never yielded, remaining completely calm while yielding the ball.

Beyond just the offensive frustration, the grueling draw also puts Ecuador into a difficult position going forward in the group stage. La Tri already has a loss, after getting upset by Ivory Coast on a last-gasp goal last week; the single point means that Ecuador would need to beat Germany in order to comfortably advance.