Curacao Stopper Makes World Cup History

Curacao picked up their first-ever FIFA World Cup point, holding Ecuador to a goalless draw in Kansas City.

However, one player stood out above the crowd, as Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room made history with a 15-save Man of the Match performance at Arrowhead Stadium.

Stunning Personal Performance

There was not much hope for Curacao after their opening World Cup result. The Blue Wave were outclassed by four-time winners Germany at NRG Stadium, crashing to a heavy defeat.

In his first-ever World Cup game in front of 70,000 fans in attendance and millions watching from home, Room conceded seven goals and had a miserable time in Houston.

However, he bounced back in the best possible way, putting on one of the best displays by a goalkeeper in World Cup history. He was a one-man blocking machine, literally stopping everything that Ecuador had to throw at him.

His 15 saves were the most by any World Cup goalkeeper in a match that did not go to extra time since 1966.

Can Curacao End Group E with a Bang?

They have only played two games so far, but Curacao’s World Cup has been packed with memorable moments and crazy stats. Dick Advocaat’s men conceded seven but scored their first-ever World Cup goal against Germany.

They followed that up by picking up their maiden World Cup point, with Room inspiring his nation to a goalless draw with Ecuador, many people’s dark horse to go all the way this summer.

The Caribbean side have one group game left. Incredibly, they could still qualify for the Round of 32. Advocaat’s troops take on Ivory Coast at Lincoln Financial Field on matchday three in Group E.

Germany are already through on six points, leaving one automatic place up for grabs. A victory for Curacao would almost certainly put them through as one of the best third-place teams if they do not finish second.

They are the big underdogs in Philadelphia, but anything seems possible with this plucky Curacao team.