Eloy Room’s 15-save masterclass earns Curaçao historic World Cup point against Ecuador | OneFootball

Eloy Room, 37, delivered a historic goalkeeping performance to hold Ecuador 0-0 and claim Curaçao’s first World Cup point.

According to Superdeporte, Room's display has already entered World Cup history. He made 15 saves in regulation, 10 from inside the box. No goalkeeper had reached that mark while keeping a clean sheet, while Tim Howard’s 16 for the United States against Belgium in 2014 came across 120 minutes and in defeat.

Ecuador controlled the contest and carved out enough chances to win with ease, yet found an almost immovable barrier. Room smothered one-on-ones, blocked point-blank efforts and tipped away long-range strikes to frustrate the forwards.

Afterwards, Hugo Galíndez, the Ecuador goalkeeper, acknowledged that the opposing keeper was the standout and that he had enjoyed a dream night.

Born in Nijmegen in the Netherlands, Room chose to represent Curaçao in 2015 after Patrick Kluivert, then national coach, persuaded him to play for the country of his father, Lesley Room.

The story was shaped by context too. Curaçao had conceded seven against Germany in their tournament debut, then, only days later, Room produced the performance that resonated worldwide and changed his career.

Source: Superdeporte