Curaçao and Ecuador Play to 0-0 Draw in World Cup Match

Curaçao goalkeeper Eloy Room made 15 saves in a 0-0 draw against Ecuador on Saturday in Kansas City, Missouri. The result gave the island nation its first point in World Cup history. Room, 37, who plays for Miami FC in the United States, matched the men's World Cup record for saves in a single match since the statistic became official in 1966.

Tim Howard of the United States recorded 15 saves against Belgium in 2014, according to ESPN Research. FIFA lists Howard's total at 16 saves, while StatsPerform counts one of those as coming from an off-target shot. Room's 15 saves are the most recorded by a goalkeeper who kept a shutout and the most in a match that did not reach extra time.

One week earlier, Room had conceded seven goals to Germany. Curaçao is the smallest nation by population and size ever to qualify for a World Cup. "It's going to be an insane memory," Room said. "A little bit annoyed that I don't have the record from Tim Howard, but I think he was sweating in front of the TV because I was close," he added.

"I did it with the team and my defenders and the midfielders, strikers," Room said. He said he now expects recognition at home. "I think I need a statue in Curaçao now," he said. King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands attended the match after watching the Netherlands play Sweden earlier the same day.

Curaçao is a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. "They were even dancing in the locker room to our music," Room said of the king and queen.