2026 FIFA World Cup Group E Recaps: The Legend of Eloy Room and Germany Escapes the Elephants

For the second time this World Cup, a small island nation proved once again that age is just a number when it comes to goalkeeper.

Eloy Room and Curacao joined the ranks of countries with a World Cup point as his record setting performance secured the first point in Blue Wave history and put his name next to a USMNT goalkeeping legend.

Oh, and Germany scored a last gasp winner against Ivory Coast who had scored a last gasp winner in their first game and that wasn't the coolest thing that happened in this group today.

CURACAO 0, ECUADOR 0

Eloy Room made a full extension save on Enner Valencia in the second minute and then turned away fourteen more shots as Ecuador was unable to find a breakthrough and are still goalless through two games in group play.

Valencia was a team best 5-for-7 shooting and generated 1.50 xG by himself which was the bulk of Ecuador's 2.84 total on the night. Despite 27 total shots, 21 inside the area and 15 on target, they could not find a way past the former MLS Columbus Crew and current USL Miami FC keeper.

Room's heroics rivaled that of Tim Howard from the 2014 USA-Belgium Ro16 matchup and set a record for the most saves in a regulation (90) minute game.

GERMANY 2, IVORY COAST 1

Ivory Coast were fantastic in the first half, but had to survive a couple of early chances and having Aleksandar Pavlovic's 23rd minute header waved off for a foul on keeper Yahia Fofana. That didn't stop the bright start from the Elephants who thoroughly deserved their opener on the half hour mark.

Yan Diomande's centering pass from the left wing got caught in the feet of Amad Diallo who still managed to get a shot off and force a save from Manuel Neuer at close range. But the rebound went straight to captain Franck Kessie who made no mistake and slotted home past a stranded and still recovering Neuer.

Germany's hero would have to wait until the hour mark to be summoned from the bench but only ten minutes after that to make his impact. Deniz Undav, the super sub who scored and assisted twice in the opener against Curacao, was at it again in the 68th when Nadiem Amiri crossed in from the right looking for the head of Kai Havertz. The Arsenal man missed by inches, but Undav made no mistake from point blank range with his volley to level the scores.

Deep into stoppage time, he would break hearts once again. Moments after Ivory Coast failed to get a shot off from a wide open position in the German box, Felix Nmecha would find Undav at the top of the box, and with a quick turn and release the Stuttgart man stunned BMO Field in Toronto with the game winner.

GROUP OVERVIEW

The win seals the Group E crown and secures Germany their first knockout round match since 2014, which is just an absurd statement.

Ivory Coast still controls their own destiny for second place assuming they can get any result over Curacao as they hold the head to head tiebreaker over Ecuador who can't overtake them.

Ecuador and Curacao are still alive for third with very different scenarios. Ivory Coast still have a result to play for while Germany does not, so Ecuador might benefit from a rotated side. The Elephants should just avoid any doubt and just find a way to score against the Blue Wave.