Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room was the hero against Ecuador on Saturday, avoiding a series of shots to help the small Caribbean nation claim its first World Cup point in a goalless draw that keeps its hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive.
Ecuador, which finished second in the South American standings, took 28 shots, including 15 on target, but Room held firm in a stunning display in Kansas City.
His 15 saves are the most recorded, since 1966, by any goalkeeper in a World Cup match that did not feature overtime.
World Cup debutant Curacao, the smallest nation by population to qualify for the tournaments, lost 7-1 to Germany in its opener but restored pride to the American Midwest.
Fans from Ecuador turned Arrowhead Stadium, home of the NFL team Kansas City Chiefs, yellow, vastly outnumbering fans from Curacao.
But Curaçao had royalty on its side: Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima. The island is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Of their squad of 26 players, led by experienced Dutch coach Dick Advocaat, 25 were born in Holland and the majority play football there.
The match started at a dizzying pace.
Ecuador looked certain to open the scoring in the third minute when former West Ham striker Enner Valencia burst through the middle, but Room deflected the ball around the post.
Sherel Floranus fired at the other end as Curacao showed their pace on the break.
Valencia were unable to beat Room from close range before Jordy Alcivar made an effort as Ecuador continued to dominate possession.
The South American team finished the first half with 65% possession, but nothing that demonstrated its dominance.
They came close to breaking the deadlock just before the hour mark, but Room avoided a Gonzala Plata header, before a flurry of chances from Curacao.
Ecuador, more than 50 places above Curacao in the FIFA rankings, looked increasingly exhausted as it pressed for a goal.
As the match neared its end, opportunities continued to come quickly, but Room held firm.
Ecuadorian substitute Angelo Preciado missed a cross that bounced off the top of the crossbar and went behind.
Curaçao’s players milled around the Room at the end of the match, celebrating an extraordinary point.
Earlier, four-time champions Germany came from behind to beat Ivory Coast 2-1 in Toronto, securing their place in the round of 32. Curaçao’s draw ensures that Germany will top the group.
Ecuador will play Germany on Thursday, while Curacao will face Ivory Coast.
