Ecuador v Curaçao

The full-time whistle at Kansas City Stadium brings with it the most famous result in Curacao football history, as the Blue Wave hold firm for 90 minutes to secure a World Cup point, following a 0-0 draw with Ecuador. Beccacece’s side, who created an incredible 3.05 xG (compared to Curacao’s 0.48) without scoring, were witness to a goalkeeping masterclass tonight, as Room equalled Tim Howard’s tournament record with 15 saves - without requiring extra-time to do so. Valencia had the best pair of chances in the game, both in the first half, but the captain could not force the ball over the line from close range, leaving La Tricolor to toil in vain as they looked for a way through. Despite seeing just 25% of the ball and managing a third as many passes as their opponents (642 to 224), the CONCACAF side built on their impressive opening 20 minutes against Germany last time out with a complete and resolute display defensively - while fashioning the odd shot from distance at the other end to keep Galindez honest. Curacao keep their hopes of qualification alive and head to the final day needing a win against Ivory Coast in Philadelphia Stadium on June 25. Ecuador are also not out of contention, but the shock result leaves their fate hanging in the balance ahead of a game against Germany at New York/New Jersey Stadium on the same day. That concludes our commentary of the World Cup Group E match between Ecuador and Curacao - we hope you’ve enjoyed it!

FULL-TIME: ECUADOR 0-0 CURACAO

The fourth official indicates five minutes will be added to the end of the match for stoppages.

90'+1'

Yellow Card

Kastaneer charges through the back of Preciado rather unnecessarily, deep in midfield, which earns the substitute striker a yellow card eight minutes after his introduction.

Preciado takes up a position just outside the penalty area on the right side and is seemingly caught between two minds as he scoops a high delivery towards the top corner that fails to give his team-mates a chance to get on the end of it, before the ball smacks off the crossbar and bounces behind.

89'

Substitution

Jordy Caicedo makes a late entrance, on in place of Yeboah.

With just 120 seconds left to go before we learn how much time will be added on, Ecuador’s chances of winning the match according to the Opta super computer have dropped from 76% at half-time, to just 33% now. Given the score, a draw is the likeliest outcome with over 60%, while Curacao’s chances of taking the three points sit at just over five per cent.

Preciado flashes a dangerous cross across the face of goal with Rodriguez in the area, but the substitute doesn’t gamble on the delivery and halts his run short, giving Obispo the chance to put in his fourth clearance of the contest.

84'

Substitution

Comenencia won’t get the chance to see out the remainder of the game and add to the goal he scored against Germany, with Roemeratoe filling the void.

83'

Substitution

Kastaneer is on to lead the line for Curacao with just seven minutes to go before added time, giving Locadia an early rest.

83'

Substitution

Ecuador’s third substitution of the contest sees Franco make way for Preciado in a forward-thinking move for Beccacece’s team.

In their opening game against Germany, Curacao became just the second side to concede seven or more goals in their first ever World Cup match, after South Korea lost 0-9 to Hungary in 1954. The only sides to ship 10 or more goals in their first two matches at the finals are Haiti (10 in 1974), Congo DR (11 in 1974), and South Korea (16 in 1954).

With 15 saves in this match, Curacao’s Room has equalled the World Cup record, set in 2014 by the United States’ Tim Howard. The former Everton goalkeeper, who set the mark in a 2-1 loss to Belgium in the round of 16, required 120 minutes to do so, while Room has 10 minutes left to surpass that total.

Valencia leaps highest on the penalty spot to reach Vite’s cross from the left flank, but it’s an easy catch for Room just ahead of his goal-line.

76'

Substitution

Chong is recalled to the bench with 12 minutes to go before full-time, as Margaritha is given a chance to contribute.

76'

Substitution

Another change for Curacao sees Van Eijma replace Fonville at wing-back.

75'

Substitution

Forcing Galindez into a save is Juninho Bacuna’s last involvement in the game, as Gorre is sent on in his place with a quarter-hour to go.

75'

Yellow Card

Looking to stop Rodriguez in full flow, Gaari throws himself in the way in midfield with little attempt at a disguise and receives a yellow card from the referee.

Juninho Bacuna receives the ball after a backheel flick from his brother and changes direction unexpectedly ahead of Pacho before drilling a powerful left-footed shot that Galindez throws an arm at to block unorthodoxly.

Yeboah’s latest inswinging corner-kick once again finds a free man, as Hincapie is allowed to get his head to it ahead of the falling Gaari eight yards from goal, but the Arsenal player fails to keep his effort down as the ball pops up and over the crossbar.

Angulo tries to be the first to get past Room with a shot from distance after cutting inside from the left, but the goalkeeper is able to prevent it from crossing the line, despite a poor touch with his left hand that prevents him from making a catch.

Curacao have not kept a clean sheet in any of their last four matches, last preventing their opponent from scoring in a 0-0 draw against Jamaica in CONCACAF World Cup qualifying on November 18, 2025.

70'

Substitution

Ecuador continue to shuffle their deck on the other side of the second-half hydration break, as Estupinan is recalled to the bench for Angulo.

The hydration break could not have come at a better time for Curacao - and especially Room, who will certainly need a minute to gather himself after making four stops in as many minutes. Ecuador are really knocking on the door now and they’ll be hoping the stoppage in play won’t ruin their momentum, with just over 20 minutes to go before full-time.

Again Ecuador are left stunned in the face of Room, as Rodriguez meets Moises Caicedo’s inswinging corner-kick with a firm header that forces the Curacao goalkeeper into his first stop, before it’s gathered in by Valencia, whose scuffed effort towards the target is also parried by Room. Not out of the woods yet, Pacho throws himself at the loose ball and powers a nodded effort that somehow fails to take a touch on its way through, providing the shot-stopper with a straightforward catch.