WILLEMSTAD (DA) — Curaçao goalkeeper Eloy Room was honored Saturday for his Guinness World Records mark of 15 saves in regulation time in a single FIFA World Cup match.
The recognition ceremony took place Oct. 10 at Plasa Brion in Willemstad, following a performance that earned Curaçao its first World Cup point in a 0-0 draw with Ecuador in Kansas City.
Ecuador put 15 shots on target without beating Room. He finished with a clean sheet and FIFA’s Man of the Match award, turning sustained pressure into a result that kept Curaçao in contention heading into its final group game.
Room was called into action almost immediately. In the third minute, Enner Valencia broke through the defense, but the goalkeeper turned his shot around the post. Room denied Valencia again from close range and stopped John Yeboah’s effort from outside the penalty area shortly before halftime. He had already made six saves by the break.
The second half brought more tests in the air and from distance. Room kept out headers from Valencia and Kevin Rodríguez, then tipped Pedro Vite’s powerful late attempt over the crossbar to preserve the scoreless draw.
The clean sheet followed Curaçao’s 7-1 opening defeat against Germany. In its next match, Room’s record performance helped the World Cup newcomer leave the field with a point.