Curaçao stand firm and claim historic first World Cup point against Ecuador

The Guardian UK Sunday 21 June 2026, 02:35 UTC By Ed Aarons at Kansas City Stadium 1 min read

Key Points

It’s doubtful whether many Ecuador supporters – or many others for that matter – had ever heard the name Eloy Room before this match. They will never forget it now. Watched by King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands in the stands, the Curaçao goalkeeper etched his name into the pantheon of World Cup legends with what must rank as one of the most heroic performances in the long history of the competition.

It’s doubtful whether many Ecuador supporters – or many others for that matter – had ever heard the name Eloy Room before this match. They will never forget it now.

Watched by King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands in the stands, the Curaçao goalkeeper etched his name into the pantheon of World Cup legends with what must rank as one of the most heroic performances in the long history of the competition.

Curaçao (ORG) World Cup (EVENT) Ecuador (LOCATION) Eloy Room (PERSON) Willem-Alexander (PERSON) Queen Máxima (PERSON) Netherlands (LOCATION)

Originally published by The Guardian UK Read original →

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