Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room was the hero against Ecuador on Saturday, keeping out a flurry of shots to help the tiny Caribbean nation claim their first ever World Cup point in a goalless draw that keeps alive their hopes of reaching the knockout stages.
Ecuador, who finished second in South American qualifying, had 28 shots, including 15 on target, but Room stood firm in a stunning performance in Kansas City.
His 15 saves are the most recorded by any goalkeeper since 1966, a World Cup match that did not feature extra time.
World Cup debutants Curacao, the smallest nation by population to ever qualify for the tournaments, slumped to a 7-1 defeat against Germany in their opening match but restored pride in the American Midwest.
Ecuador fans turned Arrowhead Stadium, the home field of the NFL team Kansas City Chiefs, yellow, huge number of supporters of Curacao.
But Curacao had royalty on their side in the form of Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima. The island is a self-governing country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Out of their 26-man squad, led by highly experienced Dutch coach Dick Advocaat, 25 were born in the Netherlands and most play their football there.
The match started at a blistering pace.
Ecuador looked set 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 fired over at the other end as Curacao showed their pace on the break.
Valencia failed to beat Room from close range before Jordy Alcivar had an effort as Ecuador continued to dominate possession.
The South American side finished the first half with 65% possession, but nothing to show for their dominance.
They came close to breaking the deadlock just before the hour, but Room kept out a Gonzala Plata header before a flurry of Curacao chances.
Ecuador, more than 50 places higher than Curacao in the Fifa rankings, looked increasingly fragile as they pushed for a goal.
As the match drew to a close, chances continued to come thick and fast, but Room stood firm.
Ecuador’s substitute Angelo Preciado miscued a cross that bounced off the top of the crossbar and went behind.
The Curacao players crowded around the Room at the end of the match and celebrated an extraordinary point.
Earlier, four-time champions Germany came from behind to beat Ivory Coast 2-1 in Toronto, securing their qualification for the last 16. Curacao’s draw ensures Germany top the group.
Ecuador faces Germany on Thursday, while Curacao takes on Ivory Coast.
