Curaçao scratch out draw vs Ecuador for first ever World Cup point

The good times kept rolling at the Kansas City Stadium as Curaçao were able to fight their way to a 0-0 draw against Ecuador to earn the tiny nation their first ever point at a World Cup. Keeper Eloy Room had a massive performance with 15 saves, just one shy of Tim Howard’s World Cup record.

Saturday saw the second of six World Cup matches to be played here in KC as the stadium traded the White and Sky Blue of Argentina for a sea of yellow. The Ecuador fans came out in droves hoping to see their team get back on track after conceding a 90th minute winner against Ivory Coast in their opener.

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And they were LOUD.

They were loud at Fan Fest downtown on Friday night. They were loud in the parking lot, concourses, and stands hours before gametime!

Not to be forgotten, however, were several pockets of blue in support of Curaçao. It’s the smallest nation to ever qualify for the World Cup, with a population of about 158,000. Their first match against Germany was a dose of reality with a 7-1 pounding, but scoring their first goal in a World Cup is something on which they can build.

Hungry for all three points, Ecuador jumped out of the gates and should have had a goal before the two minute mark. Enner Valencia got behind the defense but could only force a save out of Curaçao keeper Eloy Room. That was only the beginning of the heroics for the Miami FC man between the sticks.

This was not a clean match for Ecuador. While dominant, bad passes, poor decision making, and heavy touches were plaguing them all match. Curaçao did have a few looks in the final third, but could only muster three off-target shots in the first half. Ecuador was in complete control with about 75% possession, but frustration was growing as halftime drew closer with the match still scoreless.

Only Ecuador made a change at halftime with Kevin Rodriguez replaced Jordy Alcivar, swapping a defensive midfielder for an attacker.

In the 59th minute, the match hit a new gear. On one end, Ecuador nearly scored off a corner kick before Curaçao were finally able to clear out the mess. Then just seconds later Curaçao themselves had Ecuador on their heels. Galindez went into a full stretch to make an initial save and then scrambled to block a rebound shot at point blank range.

With excitement reaching new heights it was, of course, time for a hydration ad break to calm everything back down.

Eloy Room continued to stand tall throughout the second half with Ecuador still in control. They had five Big Chances Missed on the evening. But the cracks continued to open up and Curaçao were starting to believe they’d get an opportunity to steal a late winner.

Valencia had yet another golden opportunity in front of goal in the 82nd minute, but some desperate defending was able to break up his attempt.

Curaçao parked the bus for the last five minutes and an onslaught began for Ecuador. One off the crossbar. One off the fists of Room. Cross after cross was pouring into the box. Every time it was deflected away by a blue shirt. In the 95th, one of those deflections nearly went into his own net.

Just to build the tension even more, the final whistle had to wait for one last penalty check. But time finally expired and the smallest country at the World Cup had secured their first result on the biggest stage.

Another historic night in Kansas City.

The draw leaves Ecuador sitting in third place with just one point in Group F. They will need to beat Germany in their final match AND need help from the Ivory Coast if they want to reach the next round.

Incredibly, Curaçao could still advance out of the group. They will be playing for their World Cup lives against the Ivory Coast on Thursday.