Curacao stun Ecuador at World Cup as former Premier League boss holds back tears

Curacao boss Dick Advocaat was holding back tears following his side's superb draw at the World Cup against Ecuador. Just days after a humiliating 7-1 thrashing at the hands of Germany, the tiny Caribbean island nation, home to just over 158,000 people, dug deep to claim a hard-fought goalless draw.

Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room produced a breath-taking display of 15 saves to earn his nation a remarkable point against Ecuador. Enner Valencia unleashed five shots on target for the South Americans, yet was thwarted by Room on every single occasion.

Moises Caicedo and John Yeboah also saw their efforts brilliantly kept out by the 37-year-old Miami FC goalkeeper. Former Manchester United man Tahith Chong was Curacao's standout performer - his tireless running and trickery proving instrumental in driving his side forward.

However, following his substitution in the 76th minute, Curacao were firmly under the cosh. Under the stewardship of ex-Sunderland manager Advocaat, they held their nerve throughout the remaining 20 minutes, giving themselves a genuine shot at reaching the knockout stages.

At the final whistle, jubilant roars rang out from the Blue Wave supporters as Room sank to his knees, mobbed by his delighted teammates, having recorded the second highest number of saves in a single World Cup match in history. Advocaat was visibly emotional on the touchline, with his eyes red before embracing his coaching staff.

Curacao players celebrate

Players of Curacao after the World Cup draw with Ecuador (Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)

Curacao face Ivory Coast later this month, while Ecuador must defeat already-confirmed group winners Germany to stand any chance of progressing. As for Ecuador reactions, striker Gonzalo Plata appeared close to tears, while Arsenal star Piero Hincapie looked utterly shell-shocked by the scoreline.

Curacao's Room has subsequently joined Cape Verde's Vozinha in earning global recognition at the World Cup, with the latter having kept a clean sheet against Spain.

Cape Verde are due to face Uruguay on Sunday, with the 40-year-old's mother expected to be in the stands after visa complications prevented her from watching him play against the European champions.

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