A 'Small Miracle' for Curacao: A Nation of 150,000 Celebrates Historic World Cup Point

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Curacao, the smallest nation ever to compete in the World Cup with a population of just 150,000, has achieved a "small miracle." Led by a dazzling performance from goalkeeper Eloy Room, who set a record for the most saves in a single match, the team held Ecuador to a draw to secure their first-ever World Cup point.

Reporter Jung Sung-jin has the story.

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After suffering a 7-1 defeat to Germany in their opening match, Curacao faced another one-sided battle against Ecuador.

They trailed 75 to 25 in possession and allowed a staggering 27 shots, including 15 on target.

However, 37-year-old veteran goalkeeper Eloy Room put on an unbelievable display of goalkeeping.

He threw his body in front of the sharp shots from Ecuadorian attackers throughout the match, denying them every time.

He recorded 15 saves during the match, the highest number ever recorded in a 90-minute World Cup game.

With a stroke of luck in the final moments when an opponent's cross hit the goalpost, Curacao managed to hold on for a 0-0 draw.

As the nation with the smallest population ever to reach the World Cup finals, Curacao secured their first point in just their second match. Dick Advocaat, the 78-year-old head coach of Curacao and the oldest manager in World Cup history, applauded his players with an emotional expression.

[Interview: Dick Advocaat / Head Coach of Curacao National Football Team : Today, our team did what they had to do and fought like lions. We showed what we are capable of against a top-level team with outstanding individual talent.]

Following the match, the King and Queen of the Netherlands visited the locker room of Curacao, a Dutch autonomous territory, to celebrate the joy by dancing with the players.

Reported by Jung Sung-jin | Video by So Ji-hye
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.