United News of Bangladesh

Goalkeeper Eloy Room produced a remarkable display, making 15 saves as Curacao held Ecuador to a goalless draw on Saturday to secure the Caribbean nation's first-ever point at a FIFA World Cup. The result also confirmed Germany's place in the knockout stage after the four-time champions defeated Ivory Coast 2-1 earlier in the day. The 37-year-old Room, who helped Curacao qualify for its maiden World Cup with a clean sheet against Jamaica last November, bounced back impressively from his side's 7-1 defeat to Germany with one of the most memorable goalkeeping performances in World Cup history. His tally of 15 saves fell just one short of the World Cup record of 16, set by American goalkeeper Tim Howard against Belgium in 2014. The draw leaves both Curacao and Ecuador still in contention for a place in the knockout rounds, although Ecuador now face a difficult task heading into their final Group E match. The final group fixtures will be played on Thursday, with Curacao taking on Ivory Coast in Philadelphia and Ecuador facing Germany in New York. Ecuador enjoyed overwhelming support at the home of the Kansas City Chiefs, with thousands of fans in yellow filling the stadium, while only a small contingent of Curacao supporters were present. Among the spectators were Kansas City Royals players Bobby Witt Jr., Salvador Perez and Starling Marte. Ecuador came into the match under pressure after Germany's late victory over Ivory Coast earlier on Saturday meant defeat would have left La Tri on the brink of elimination. However, Curacao frustrated the South Americans from the outset. Coach Dick Advocaat's side repeatedly found openings through the middle of Ecuador's defence during the first half but failed to capitalise due to poor finishing and misplaced final passes. Ecuador's best opportunity in the opening stages fell to veteran striker Enner Valencia, who found himself one-on-one with Room, only for the Curacao goalkeeper to dive to his left and keep out the effort. The pressure from Ecuador intensified after the break, but Room continued to deny them. He made an outstanding save from Moises Caicedo before tipping away a well-directed header from Valencia. From the resulting corner, Room produced two more excellent saves before Curacao finally cleared the danger. The result marked a historic night for Curacao and a frustrating one for Ecuador, whose hopes of progressing now rest on their final group match against Germany.