Curacao keeper sets world record by stopping 15 shots

Sports Desk

Caribbean island nation Curacao made history by holding Ecuador to a goalless draw. The hero of the draw was 37-year-old goalkeeper Eloy Rum. He saved a record 15 shots in the scheduled 90 minutes to give Curacao its first point at the World Cup.

The previous record set by American Tim Howard against Belgium in the 2014 World Cup was 16 shots saved, but that was in extra time. This feat of making 15 saves in the stipulated 90 minutes is a unique world record.

In just the third minute of the match, Rum single-handedly blocked a sure goal opportunity from Ecuador’s Ener Valencia. Despite 26 shots throughout the match, Ecuador were unable to score due to Rum’s heroics.

“I knew it would be a tough match,” said Rum after the match. “The first save gave us confidence. We fought until the last minute. It’s really great for Curacao to get this point.”

Curacao, who lost 7-1 to Germany in their first match, kept their hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive after the draw. Germany, on the other hand, secured top spot in Group E with six points from two matches.