Video of Eloy Room's Saves vs. Ecuador Leaves Fans in Awe: 'There Is No "Room" For Goal'
Curacao came into this World Cup as the smallest nation by population ever to qualify, and after a brutal 7-1 opening loss to Germany, not many expected them to make much noise. Eloy Room indeed had other plans.
The veteran goalkeeper turned in a performance against Ecuador that's still getting replayed online, stonewalling a relentless Ecuador attack and securing a 0-0 draw that keeps Curacao's knockout hopes breathing.
Ecuador piled on the pressure all match, finishing with 28 shots and 15 on target, but Room kept finding a way to say no. His 15 saves left him just one shy of tying Tim Howard's tournament record, made even more impressive given Howard needed 120 minutes to get his 16 while Room did it in regulation.
Room's Performance Had Fans Buzzing
Fox Soccer posted a compilation of the saves afterward, and the reactions came fast.
"There is no 'Room' for goal," one fan wrote.
"He has the record though because he made all of his in 90 minutes. Howard did his in 120," Another pointed to the record chase directly.
Curaçao goalkeeper @EloyRoom was one save short of tying Tim Howard's FIFA World Cup save record
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 21, 2026
Take a closer look at all 15 saves pic.twitter.com/2GTFfVQQAN
"He was immensely good in the game and what a collection of saves he had, no matter the angle the shot wasn't going in," one fan said, while another called the workload "physically and mentally draining" given everything Room faced.
"One save short of history and he did it all in regulation. Different breed." One more fan added.
Ecuador had chances to settle things early. Former West Ham forward Enner Valencia nearly broke through in the third minute, but Room got across in time for a big save to keep things level.
Curacao had a look of their own when Sherel Floranus broke free on the counter, though his shot sailed over the bar. Ecuador held most of the possession through the first half but couldn't turn it into goals.
Valencia and Jordy Alcivar both tested Room without success, and the closest call came just before the hour mark when Gonzalo Plata's header looked like a certain goal until Room got a hand on it.
Ecuador kept pushing late, and substitute Angelo Preciado came agonizingly close when his mishit cross clipped the crossbar and bounced away.
Curacao will need more of the same from their goalkeeper if they want to keep this World Cup run alive heading into the final group stage matches.
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This story was originally published June 21, 2026 at 6:01 AM.