Curacao earns historic point against Ecuador.

The Curacao national team created one of the most notable surprises at the 2026 World Cup by drawing 0-0 with Ecuador in their second match of Group E. Goalkeeper Eloy Room became the hero with a series of outstanding saves, helping the Caribbean representative earn their first point in history at the biggest football event on the planet.

Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room performed excellently, making numerous saves. (Photo: FIFA)

Starting lineup
Ecuador (3-4-3): Galindez; France (Preciado 83'), Pacho, Hincapie, Estupinan (Angulo 70'); Minda, Caicedo, Alcivar (Rodriguez 46'), Vite; Plata, Valencia, Yeboah (J. Caicedo 89').

Curacao (4-2-3-1): Room; Brenet, Gaari, Obispo, Fonville (Eijma 76'); L. Bacuna, Chong (Margaritha 76'); Floranus, Comenencia (Roemeratoe 84'), J. Bacuna (Gore 75'); Locadia (Kastaneer 83').

On the morning of June 21st (Vietnam time), after a heavy 1-7 defeat against Germany in their opening match, Curacao entered the clash with Ecuador with high determination. However, the South American team completely dominated the game from the very first minutes at Kansas City Stadium.

Ecuador's first notable opportunity came when Moises Caicedo delivered a precise through pass to captain Enner Valencia, who broke free to face goalkeeper Eloy Room. However, the Curacao custodian made an excellent save, setting the stage for an inspiring day of play.

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Besides defending in numbers, Curacao also created some notable counter-attacks. Leandro Bacuna and Jurgen Locadia repeatedly exploited the gaps behind Ecuador's defense, but the CONCACAF representatives' opportunities lacked the sharpness to be converted into goals.

For most of the remaining time, Ecuador continuously increased the pressure. Coach Sebastian Beccacece's players dominated possession, launched numerous relentless attacks, and created nearly 30 shots on goal. However, Eloy Room had an outstanding performance, repeatedly denying dangerous opportunities from Enner Valencia and his teammates.

In the final minutes, Ecuador intensified their pressure in search of a decisive goal. Valencia once again found the net with a dangerous header inside the penalty area, but Room made another excellent save. In addition, the South American side hit the post three times but were unable to break through Curacao's defense.

The 0-0 draw gave Curacao their first ever point in World Cup history, keeping their hopes alive of qualifying for the next round before the final matchday. Goalkeeper Eloy Room was awarded the Man of the Match award by FIFA for his outstanding performance.

After two matches, Germany leads Group E with a perfect 6 points and has already secured first place and a spot in the Round of 32. Ivory Coast is second with 3 points, while Ecuador and Curacao both have 1 point. This means that the three teams behind them still have a chance to compete for the remaining qualifying spot when they enter the final matchday.

This draw also marks the third time in World Cup history that a match between a South American (CONMEBOL) and a North, Central American and Caribbean (CONCACAF) team has ended goalless. Previously, there were only two 0-0 draws: Uruguay and Mexico in 1966, and Brazil and Mexico at the 2014 World Cup.

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Source: https://nhandan.vn/curacao-gianh-diem-lich-su-truc-ecuador-post970479.html