DistantNews
Support us
Curaçao's keeper makes history with record saves in World Cup draw
🇳🇴 Norway /Sports

Curaçao's keeper makes history with record saves in World Cup draw

From Aftenposten · () Norwegian

Translated from Norwegian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • Curaçao's goalkeeper Eloy Room set a new record with 15 saves in a 90-minute World Cup match against Ecuador.
  • The 0-0 draw earned the small island nation its first-ever World Cup point, making it the smallest nation to achieve this.
  • Room's performance surpassed the previous record of 13 saves set by Peru's Ramón Quiroga in 1978.

Eloy Room etched his name in the history books during Curaçao's World Cup match against Ecuador, making a remarkable 15 saves to secure a 0-0 draw. This performance not only earned the small Caribbean island nation its first-ever World Cup point but also marked them as the smallest nation to achieve such a feat.

Room's incredible display thwarted the constant attacks from tournament favorite Ecuador. His 15 saves shattered the previous record for most saves in a 90-minute World Cup match, held by Peru's Ramón Quiroga since 1978 with 13 saves. While Tim Howard of the USA holds the record for most saves including extra time, Room's achievement in regulation time was extraordinary.

Despite relentless pressure from Ecuador, including a shot that hit the crossbar late in the game, Curaçao's defense, anchored by Room, held firm. The match, which saw Ecuador's Enner Valencia miss a prime early chance, ultimately ended in a historic stalemate, celebrating Room's individual brilliance and Curaçao's monumental achievement.

What a game from Room! The number of saves he delivered was absolutely incredible. All credit to them – this is a huge result.

— Martin KeownFormer England defender Martin Keown commented on Eloy Room's record-breaking performance to BBC One.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Aftenposten in Norwegian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.