Meet the record-equalling keeper who helped Curacao make history

In their debut match at World Cup 2026, Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room equalized the saves record, contributing significantly to the team's historic performance as they achieved their first-ever World Cup point with a 0-0 draw against Ecuador. This milestone came only days after Curacao’s unfortunate 7-1 loss to Germany, underscoring the importance of Room’s performance.

During the match, Ecuador's forward Enner Valencia had a prime opportunity to score just three minutes into the game, but Room made an improbable save, diving low to his left to deflect the shot around the post. This save set a tone that remained throughout the game, with Room, 37, whose experience shined brightly amidst the pressure of World Cup football.

BBC Sport analyst Martin Keown humorously suggested that observers may have needed calculators to tally the numerous times Room prevented Ecuador from scoring. Ultimately, it was the Ecuadorian side that faced the consequences of missed chances, while Curacao rejoiced in their defensive triumph, securing a goalless draw.

Room’s remarkable feat of 15 saves matched the record for the most saves made by any goalkeeper in a World Cup match since the records began in 1966, according to Opta. Although Tim Howard managed 15 saves in a single game in 2014, he conceded two late goals against Belgium, failing to keep a clean sheet.

Reflecting on the match, Room humorously remarked that Howard would have been “sweating at home” watching his performance, suggesting that he deserved to have a statue in Curacao for his achievement. Keown echoed this sentiment, praising Room's breathtaking reflexes and positioning throughout the match.

Room, who had previously been a crucial player in securing Curacao’s qualification for the World Cup with his performances in the qualifiers, is the oldest member of the team and has a rich football history. After a decade in the Eredivisie and a successful tenure in Major League Soccer (MLS) with the Columbus Crew, where he won the MLS Cup and received the Save of the Season award, he currently plays for Miami FC.

Despite his World Cup heroics, Room noted that his efforts in the domestic league did not match the frantic pace at the international level, as he only made five saves in any league game this season, with the highest being during a 4-3 win over Louisville City.

With a record-setting performance in front of nearly 70,000 fans at Kansas City Stadium, Room made history for both himself and Curacao, who have a notably small population of just 156,000. Their historical achievement of earning a point against a higher-ranked Ecuador, amid critiques of their previous performance against Germany, marks an astonishing moment for the tiny Caribbean nation. Looking ahead, Curacao faces Ivory Coast in their next match, hopeful to secure a place in the knockout stages. This moment has solidified Curacao's standing in the world of football, giving them a foothold in this global sport.