7M - Ecuador 0-0 Curacao: Goalkeeper Eloy Room makes fifteen saves as tournament debutants secure historic World Cup point with heroic draw

A masterclass performance from goalkeeper Eloy Room inspired World Cup debutants Curacao to a historic first ever tournament point by holding Ecuador to a 0-0 draw at the Kansas City Stadium.

Room made an incredible 15 saves to keep a relentless Ecuador attack at bay, a feat that equaled Tim Howard's 2014 record for the most saves in a single World Cup match. The result in Group E also ensured that Germany clinched the top spot in the group following their victory over Ivory Coast earlier in the day.

Ecuador launched a ferocious start and nearly broke the deadlock in the third minute. Moises Caicedo delivered a deep pass to release Enner Valencia, who managed to get past defender Armando Obispo, but his subsequent shot was tipped wide by a brilliant reflex stop from Room.

The Curacao goalkeeper continued to frustrate Sebastian Beccacece's side throughout the first half. He comfortably held a low drive from John Yeboah before turning away another close-range effort from Valencia, who had connected with a dangerous cross from Piero Hincapie. Just before the interval, Yeboah tested Room once more with a powerful strike in the 42nd minute, but the veteran keeper stood firm.

Ecuador increased their pressure after halftime, with Caicedo launching a long-range effort that Room successfully parried. Moments later, Room denied a header from Gonzalo Plata, which sparked a rare counterattack for Curacao. Ecuador goalkeeper Hernan Galindez had to react quickly to make two vital saves in quick succession from Leandro Bacuna and Livano Comenencia.

Room's extraordinary afternoon continued after the hour mark when he dropped low to push away another goalbound header from Valencia. The ensuing corner kick saw a heroic defensive block from Sherel Floranus before Willian Pacho had his rebound saved by the unstoppable keeper.

The final stages of the match saw both teams push for a winner. Galindez produced a sharp reflex save to deny a deflected attempt from Juninho Bacuna, while Room matched his counterpart by tipping a fierce, drilled shot from Pedro Vite over the crossbar.

Ecuador's luck completely ran out in the 90th minute when a cross from Angelo Preciado struck the woodwork, allowing Curacao to survive the late scare and trigger massive celebrations among their traveling fans.