Curaçao’s goalkeeper, Eloy Roommade World Cup history by starring in a memorable performance in the goalless draw against Ecuador, on Saturday (20), in Kansas City.
The archer made 15 saves and was decisive in securing Curaçao’s first point in World Cup history.
The performance brought Eloy Room very close to equaling one of the most notable World Cup records. Former United States goalkeeper Tim Howard holds the record of 16 saves in a single World Cup match, recorded in the 2-1 defeat to Belgium, in the round of 16 of the 2014 World Cup, played in Brazil.
After the match, Room joked about the possibility of threatening the all-time record.
“I was a little upset about not reaching Tim Howard’s record, but I think he was sweating in front of the television because I came close,” said the goalkeeper at the press conference.
Even without surpassing the official brand recognized by FIFA, Room achieved important achievements. The 15 saves represent the most ever recorded by a goalkeeper who finished a World Cup match without conceding a goal.
Furthermore, this is a record for games played only in the regulation 90 minutes, as Howard’s performance took place in a match that had extra time and lasted 120 minutes.
The feat is even more impressive because it happened just one game after . In the 7-1 defeat to Germany in Houston, Room had made just four saves in 12 shots on goal.
In a good mood, the goalkeeper stated that he deserves a tribute in his country.
“I think I need a statue in Curaçao now.”
Some websites specialized in statistics point out that Room, in fact, equaled Howard’s record. The number of 16 saves attributed to the North American by FIFA is not a consensus among all statistics platforms.
Regardless of the divergence, the moment in your career.
“It’s going to be an incredible memory. You don’t think about it while it’s happening, but it will certainly be something to remember in the future. For me, as a goalkeeper, it was almost a perfect match.”
The player also made a point of sharing the merits with the entire team.
“It’s unbelievable. And I couldn’t do it alone. We did it as a team, with the defenders, the midfielders and the attackers. It was a collective effort.”
Unlike Howard, who defended Everton when he played his historic role, Room has never played for an elite European football club.
Born in the Netherlands, the 37-year-old goalkeeper played for youth teams and Dutch teams before moving to Columbus Crew, the club with which he won the 2020 MLS Cup.
He currently plays for Miami FC, a team that competes in the USL Championship, the second division of football in the United States.
Now, Room will have the opportunity to help Curaçao achieve another unprecedented feat. The territory to qualify for a World Cup can guarantee a place in the round of 16 if they beat Ivory Coast, in a match scheduled for June 25, in Philadelphia.
