Eloy Room became an overnight World Cup hero after producing a record-equalling goalkeeping display to help Curaçao secure a historic 0-0 draw against Ecuador.
The 37-year-old goalkeeper was in inspired form as he made 15 saves, the joint-highest number recorded by a goalkeeper in a World Cup match since records began in 1966.
Room’s incredible night started just three minutes into the game when Ecuador captain Enner Valencia broke through on goal. With only the goalkeeper to beat, Valencia looked certain to score. However, Room reacted brilliantly, diving low to push the ball around the post and deny Ecuador an early lead.
That save set the tone for the rest of the match.
Time and again, Ecuador attacked, but Room stood firm. By the final whistle, the veteran goalkeeper had frustrated the South Americans with a string of outstanding stops, helping Curaçao claim their first-ever point at a FIFA World Cup.
Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown was full of praise for the goalkeeper after the match.
“Take a bow, Room. Absolutely magnificent,” Keown said.
“The number of saves, you were almost getting a calculator out at the end of the game to count them up. His reactions were first class.”
Room’s 15 saves matched the World Cup record set by former United States goalkeeper Tim Howard against Belgium in 2014. However, unlike Howard, Room kept a clean sheet as Curaçao held Ecuador scoreless despite facing 27 shots.
The achievement was another special chapter in the career of the Dutch-born goalkeeper.
Born in Nijmegen, the Netherlands, Room represented the Dutch youth teams before switching his international allegiance to Curaçao, the homeland of his father. Former Netherlands striker Patrick Kluivert, who managed Curaçao in 2015, convinced him to join the national team.
Room enjoyed a successful club career in the Netherlands, making more than 200 Eredivisie appearances. During that period, he won the league title with PSV Eindhoven and lifted the Dutch Cup with Vitesse.
He later moved to the United States, where he joined Columbus Crew and helped the club win the MLS Cup in 2020. He also received the league’s Save of the Season award before eventually joining Miami FC.
The experienced goalkeeper has also played a key role in Curaçao’s rise on the international stage. In November, he made a crucial save in a goalless draw against Jamaica, a result that secured the nation’s place at the World Cup.
Away from football, Room enjoys playing padel and believes the fast-growing racket sport helps sharpen his reflexes. Those reflexes were certainly on display against Ecuador as he repeatedly denied the South American side.
Playing in front of 68,598 fans at Kansas City Stadium, Room delivered the performance of his life and etched his name into World Cup history.
“I still have to process it myself,” Room said after the match.
“The first save gave me confidence and we all grew into the game. This was a team effort.
“We kept fighting until the last minute. Earning a point this way for Curaçao is absolutely great.”
Thanks to Room’s heroics, Curaçao celebrated one of the greatest results in their football history, while their goalkeeper earned a place among the legends of the World Cup.
