Eloy Room has written his identify into World Cup historical past, successful FIFA Man of the Match after producing probably the most saves ever recorded in 90 minutes at a World Cup match. This extraordinary efficiency got here in Curaçao’s 0–0 draw with Ecuador, a outcome that retains their hopes of qualification alive.
Softfootball understands it is a historic second for Curaçao, who’re competing of their first-ever World Cup, representing a nation of simply 156,000 folks.
Room set the tone early, making his first save simply three minutes in in opposition to Enner Valencia. From that second, he delivered a masterclass in goalkeeping, denying John Yeboah, Moisés Caicedo, Pedro Vite, Kevin Rodriguez, Nilson Angulo, Gonzalo Plata and amongst many others, irritating Ecuador’s 27 complete makes an attempt.
Curaçao weren’t with out menace themselves. On the hour mark, Leandro Bacuna pressured a save, whereas Livano Comenencia additionally examined Hernán Galíndez, displaying the island nation weren’t content material to easily defend.
Ecuador, wasteful in entrance of aim, now face a should‑win state of affairs in opposition to group leaders Germany. Curaçao, who misplaced 7–1 to Germany of their opening match, may nonetheless qualify for the knockout stage in the event that they defeat Ivory Coast of their closing group sport.
