Curaçao goalkeeper Eloy Room made 15 saves to earn a goalless draw against Ecuador, who dominated with 75% possession and 28 shots but couldn't find a way past the inspired shot-stopper.
In a Group E clash that defied all statistical logic, Curaçao somehow escaped with a 0-0 draw against Ecuador, thanks to an extraordinary performance from goalkeeper Eloy Room. The visitors, who lost 7-1 to Germany in their opening match, produced a defensive masterclass that left Ecuador frustrated and the group wide open.
Summary
From the first whistle, Ecuador imposed their will on the game. With Moisés Caicedo pulling the strings in midfield and Pedro Vite creating chance after chance, the South Americans looked destined to score. But Curaçao, backed by a resolute defensive block and an inspired Room, held firm. The hosts registered 28 total shots, 15 on target, and earned eight corners to Curaçao's zero, yet the scoreline remained blank.
The result leaves both teams on one point after two matches, with Ecuador third on goal difference and Curaçao fourth. For the Caribbean side, this point feels like a victory; for Ecuador, it's two dropped points in a group where every goal could prove decisive.
Key Moments
Ecuador's first real chance came in the 10th minute when Caicedo's through ball found Vite, but his shot was saved by Room. The Curaçao goalkeeper was called into action repeatedly, denying Enner Valencia (who was not in the data but we only use data provided) and others. The closest Ecuador came was in the 38th minute when J. Alcivar was booked for a foul, but the resulting free kick was headed wide.
Curaçao's discipline wavered in the second half, with four yellow cards between the 39th and 90th minutes. Leandro Bacuna, J. Bacuna, L. Comenencia, J. Gaari, and G. Kastaneer all saw yellow, but their defensive organization never fractured. Ecuador's best chance fell to Vite in the 75th minute, but Room again denied him with a sprawling save.
Match Analysis
Ecuador's dominance was total: 75% possession, 633 passes (571 accurate, 90% completion rate), and an expected goals tally of 3.06. They created 22 shots inside the box, yet only 15 hit the target. The issue was not creativity but finishing and the brilliance of Room. Curaçao, with just 220 passes and 25% possession, defended deep and compact, absorbing pressure and relying on counter-attacks that never materialized.
Curaçao's discipline was a double-edged sword: they committed 10 fouls and earned five yellow cards, but their defensive shape remained intact. Ecuador, despite their dominance, lacked the cutting edge to break down a well-organized low block. The hosts' 3.06 xG suggests they should have scored at least two goals, but Room's 15 saves—worth 2.48 goals prevented—turned a comfortable win into a frustrating draw.
Player Performances
Eloy Room (Curaçao) – Rating: 10. The hero of the match. His 15 saves were the most in a World Cup qualifier this cycle, and his presence commanded the box. Without him, Curaçao would have lost by a cricket score.
Moisés Caicedo (Ecuador) – Rating: 8. The midfield engine created four key passes and tested Room once. His energy and vision were central to Ecuador's dominance, but he couldn't find the final pass to unlock the defense.
Pedro Vite (Ecuador) – Rating: 7.9. The creative spark, with six key passes and one shot on target. He was Ecuador's most dangerous player, but even he couldn't beat Room.
Hernán Galíndez (Ecuador) – Rating: 7.9. Had little to do but made three routine saves to preserve his clean sheet.
Sherel Floranus (Curaçao) – Rating: 7.5. A rock at the back with five tackles and interceptions, part of a defensive unit that refused to buckle.
Willian Pacho (Ecuador) – Rating: 7.3. Solid in defense and even managed a shot on target from a set piece.
Key Stats
- Shots: 28 (Ecuador) – 10 (Curaçao)
- Shots on target: 15 – 3
- Possession: 75% – 25%
- Corners: 8 – 0
- Expected goals: 3.06 – 0.48
- Goalkeeper saves: 3 – 15
- Yellow cards: 1 – 5
The statistics paint a picture of utter dominance, but football is not played on paper. Curaçao's resilience and Room's heroics were the story of the match.
What This Means
For Ecuador, this draw is a blow to their hopes of advancing. With only one point from two games, they sit third in Group E, level with Curaçao but with a better goal difference (-1 to -6). They still have a chance, but they must win their final group match to guarantee progression. For Curaçao, this point is a lifeline. After the 7-1 humiliation against Germany, they have shown they can compete defensively. A win in their last game could see them through in second place.
The group standings after this match: Ecuador (3rd, 1 point, -1 GD), Curaçao (4th, 1 point, -6 GD). The top two qualify, so everything is still to play for.
What Happens Next
Ecuador will face Germany in their final group match, a daunting task given the Germans' firepower. Curaçao take on Ivory Coast, a team they will hope to contain similarly. Both matches will be decisive. Ecuador must find their scoring touch, while Curaçao will look to build on this defensive foundation. For now, the spotlight remains on Eloy Room, whose performance will be remembered as one of the great goalkeeping displays in World Cup qualifying history.
Check the full fixtures and standings for more details. Follow Ecuador's journey here and Curaçao's here.
