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Room's 15 Saves Earn Curaçao First World Cup Point

6/22/2026

Summary

Room Secures Point

Eloy Room made 15 saves, securing a 0-0 draw and giving Curaçao its first World Cup point.
His 15 saves fell one short of Tim Howard’s record of 16 set against Belgium on July 1, 2014.
Ecuador shot 27 times while Curaçao managed 10, with ten of Room’s saves inside the penalty box.
Ecuador coach Sebastián Beccacece accepted responsibility for the loss and said his team will keep fighting.

Summary

Room Gets Kiss

Queen Maxima gave Eloy Room a brief kiss after his historic performance in the stadium.
His Instagram followers surged to about 700,000, up from fewer than 100,000 before the game.
Several Curaçao players, including Jurgen Locadia, said they joined the national side because of Room’s influence.
He joined Miami FC as goalkeeper after two MLS Cups with Columbus Crew and opted for Curaçao in 2015 after Patrick Kluivert’s contact.

Summary

Room Saves

Ecuador drew after 15 shots on target missed, leaving a win needed in the final group match.
Captain Enner Valencia’s early three-minute attack was saved by goalkeeper Eloy Room.
Gonzalo Plata had five attempts, three on target.
John Yeboah’s close-range header was denied by goalkeeper Eloy Room.
The draw, Ecuador’s first loss of points, raised questions about coach Sebastián Beccacece’s tactics.

Summary

Royals Cheer

Royals stars Bobby Witt Jr., Salvador Perez and Starling Marte cheered from the stands during the Curaçao-Ecuador match.
The near-full arena could hold about half of Curaçao’s population.
Ecuador fans wore bright yellow shirts, leading commentators to call the crowd a “Minions convention.”
Only small pockets of blue-clad Curaçao supporters were seen.
Dutch royalty and MLB personalities attended, highlighting the event’s international, cross-sport appeal.

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Room Secures Point

Eloy Room made 15 saves, securing a 0-0 draw and giving Curaçao its first World Cup point.
His 15 saves fell one short of Tim Howard’s record of 16 set against Belgium on July 1, 2014.
Ecuador shot 27 times while Curaçao managed 10, with ten of Room’s saves inside the penalty box.
Ecuador coach Sebastián Beccacece accepted responsibility for the loss and said his team will keep fighting.

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