Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room was the hero against Ecuador on Saturday, repelling a barrage of shots to help the small Caribbean nation claim their first-ever World Cup point in a goalless draw that keeps their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive.
Ecuador, who finished second in the South American qualifiers, had 28 shots, including 15 on target, but Room held firm in a stunning display in Kansas City.
His 15 saves are the most ever recorded, since 1966, by a goalkeeper in a World Cup match without extra time.
Curacao, making its World Cup debut and the smallest country by population to ever qualify for the tournaments, collapsed to a 7-1 loss to Germany in its opening match but restored pride to the American Midwest.
Ecuadorian fans turned Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Kansas City Chiefs NFL team, yellow, far outnumbering fans from Curacao.
But Curacao had royalty on its side, in the form of Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima. The island is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Of the 26 team members, led by highly experienced Dutch coach Dick Advocaat, 25 were born in the Netherlands and most play football there.
The match started at a frantic 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 tipped the ball around the post.
Sherel Floranus shot at the other end as Curaçao showed their pace on the break.
Valencia failed 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 there was nothing to show their domination.
They almost broke the deadlock just before the hour mark, but Room pushed away a Gonzala Plata header, before a flurry of Curaçao chances.
Ecuador, more than 50 places above Curacao in the Fifa rankings, looked increasingly exhausted as they pressed for a goal.
As the match drew to a close, the chances continued to pile up, but Room held firm.
Ecuador substitute Angelo Preciado missed a cross that bounced off the top of the crossbar and went behind.
Curaçao players gathered around 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 qualification for the round of 16. Curaçao’s draw ensures Germany lead the group.
Ecuador will face Germany on Thursday while Curaçao will face Ivory Coast.
