Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room makes history with 15 saves in World Cup draw
Curacao's 37-year-old goalkeeper Eloy Room delivered a record-tying 16-save performance (15 in 90 minutes, matching Tim Howard's single-match record) to secure a historic 0-0 World Cup draw against Ecuador. Playing days after a 7-1 loss to Germany, the Caribbean nation of 158,000 earned its first-ever World Cup point. Room denied Enner Valencia five times. The result leaves Curacao needing a result against Ivory Coast to advance, while Ecuador must beat Germany. Coach Dick Advocaat wept at full time.
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Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room stars in historic World Cup draw against Ecuador
Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room delivered a legendary performance in a 0-0 World Cup group stage draw against Ecuador, securing the nation's first-ever World Cup point. The 37-year-old made 16 saves, tying Tim Howard's World Cup record and setting a new mark for saves in a 90-minute match. Room, who committed to Curacao in 2015 under coach Patrick Kluivert, was the cornerstone of the island nation's qualification project. His early save on Enner Valencia set the tone, and he described the performance as the best of his career, surpassing his 15-save Gold Cup match in 2019. Room's teammates and even Ecuador's goalkeeper praised his performance. After the match, an emotional Room paid tribute to deceased teammate Jairzinho Piet, expressing belief that his spirit was present. Coach Dick Advocaat and captain Leandro Bacuna hailed the achievement as historic for Curacao football.
虎扑 - 足球Eloy Room spent last year training alone. Now he’s Curacao’s World Cup hero.
The Athletic reports on Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room's record-equalling performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Room made 15 saves in Curacao's 0-0 draw against Ecuador at Arrowhead Stadium, matching Tim Howard's World Cup record. The 37-year-old, who spent much of 2025 training alone without a club, was the hero for the smallest nation ever to qualify for the tournament (population ~150,000). Room switched allegiance from the Netherlands to Curacao in 2015. After the match, he joked he needed a statue and celebrated in the dressing room with King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands. Room described the match as 'almost the perfect game' and the greatest night of his career.
Soccer - The AthleticGoalkeeper Room's Great Save Denies Ecuador Early Lead in Curaçao Match
During a 2026 World Cup match, Curaçao goalkeeper Room made a crucial save in the opening minutes against Ecuador. A deep ball created danger near Curaçao's goal, allowing an Ecuadorian player to take a shot after a strong running move, but he narrowly missed the lead by just centimeters. The save prevented an early goal and kept the score level.
Nachrichten - WELTHeart-stopping moment: Great save by goalkeeper Room rescues Curaçao
During the 2026 FIFA World Cup match, an early deep ball created significant danger in front of Curaçao's goal within the first few minutes. Ecuador's attack produced a strong run and a finish that missed the lead by just centimeters. However, Curaçao's goalkeeper Room made a great save to prevent Ecuador from scoring. The moment is described as heart-stopping and nearly a perfect start for Ecuador, but Curaçao's defense held.
Nachrichten - WELTGoalkeeper Eloy Room’s 15 saves makes World Cup history for Curaçao
Curaçaoan goalkeeper Eloy Room, aged 37, set a World Cup record for the most saves in a 90-minute match during a 0-0 draw against Ecuador. Just a week after conceding seven goals against Germany, Room made 15 saves, one shy of the all-time record of 16 set by American goalkeeper Tim Howard in 2014. Room's performance kept Curaçao alive in the tournament, with key saves starting in the third minute against Enner Valencia. The result leaves Curaçao needing a win or draw against Ivory Coast in their final group stage match, combined with an Ecuador loss to Germany, to advance. The record-setting performance was widely highlighted on social media and by sports outlets.
Yardbarker: SoccerEloy Room Ties Tim Howard's Disputed World Cup Saves Record in Curacao Draw
Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room made 15 saves in a 0-0 World Cup draw against Ecuador, potentially tying the record for most saves in a World Cup game set by Tim Howard in 2014. FIFA credited Howard with 16 saves, but data provider OPTA recorded 15, making the record disputed. Room's performance helped Curacao, ranked 81st, earn their first World Cup point. The 37-year-old, who plays for Miami FC in the USL Championship, previously won an Eredivisie title with PSV Eindhoven and the MLS Cup with Columbus Crew. His saves total came from 29 Ecuadorian shots. The match puts Ecuador at risk of elimination ahead of their final group game against Germany.
Soccer - The AthleticEloy Room Ties Tim Howard's Disputed World Cup Saves Record in Curacao's Draw with Ecuador
Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room made 15 saves in a 1-1 draw against Ecuador at the 2026 World Cup, potentially tying the disputed record set by US 'Secretary of Defense' Tim Howard in 2014. FIFA credits Howard with 16 saves against Belgium, but data provider OPTA recorded 15. Room's performance came from 29 shots, giving Curacao their first World Cup point. The 37-year-old, who played for PSV Eindhoven and Columbus Crew, now plays for second-tier Miami FC. His Instagram followers surged from 100,000 to over 500,000 after the match. Ecuador, ranked 30th, now face elimination as they must beat Germany to advance.
Soccer - The AthleticCuracao goalkeeper Eloy Room makes history with 15 saves in World Cup draw against Ecuador
Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room made a staggering 15 saves to help his nation secure a historic 0-0 draw against Ecuador at the 2026 World Cup. Playing just days after a 7-1 loss to Germany, the Caribbean island nation with a population of just 158,000 fought defiantly. Former Manchester United winger Tahith Chong was Curacao's attacking threat before being substituted in the 76th minute. Ecuador's Enner Valencia had five shots on target but was denied each time by the 37-year-old Miami FC goalkeeper. Room's performance ranks as the second-most saves in a single World Cup game ever. Coach Dick Advocaat was seen in tears at full time. Curacao now faces Ivory Coast, while Ecuador must beat group winners Germany to advance.
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